NationStates Jolt Archive

This is for the national and international incidents of all nations EXCEPT Sparta and Athens.

Sparta and Athens MUST only post declassified information in here.

The Rules

Players DO NOT know of most national (within another country's borders) incidents in other countries, unless they have a spy, hear a rumor (which could be false), or it is announced by the country.
Sparta and Athens have permission to post their national (NOT INTERNATIONAL) incidents in a seperate forum.
Please remember that this is 431 BCE! Guns, ICBMS, and even cannons are not invented. Ships consist entirely of Trimes, Brimes, Boarding Ships, and other cheap wooden ships that do not use gunpowder.
Messages to other people CAN be robbed, stolen, intercepted, destroyed by The Gods (AKA: Weather), or even modified by mercenaries.

To: Thrace
From: Echemi Family of Sparta

We Request:

Alliance

Name your price to our reasonable demands...

[OOC: Never done any Earth RP, so I assume that this goes in this thread. It is, after all, an incident inside of Persia that can become international. Also, I see you play Rome:Total War. "Name your price to our reasonable demands... " Just be sure your allies don't stab you in the back in five turns for no reason...]

King Artaxerxes decided that he would be remembered as the Persian who took back Ionia and conquered Greece, the Persian who would restore the superpower status of Persia. In order to become a second great Persian king, Artaxerxes would have to overcome the mighty Athenian navy, and the great Spartan land forces. He would also have to fight many smaller city-states.

With a great general, he could best the Spartans with his large Persian army. But with his navy, he would be hard pressed to even get his army across the Hellespont. With a greater navy than that of Athens, he could land at will in Greece and wreak havoc. Mainly against Athens, but all who resisted would be killed.

It was decided. The Persian king ordered the great shipyards of Phoenicia to begin construction of a new fleet, one to rival that of the Greeks. He had to raise taxes to do so, and he decided to grant the people of his empire a few more basic freedoms to avoid more revolts. Except for Egypt. The Egyptians would have lesser taxes because they tettered on the brink of revolt.

King Karakinos of Crete announces to the people of Crete his intentions of once again making Crete a Greek military and trading power in the region once again, with this he also requested the building of further fleets,both merchant and military,and the training of a 2000 man army.

~Spartan Incidents are on the Spartan Forums. Everytime us Spartans "make a move", I post this reminder in this thread.~

King Arimandanes of Thebes gazed out of his Boetian Palace. He ruled much land, but not too much. The time was coming for conquest. The time was coming for a war with Athens. The times was coming.....

King Arimandanes of Thebes gazed out of his Boetian Palace. He ruled much land, but not too much. The time was coming for conquest. The time was coming for a war with Athens. The times was coming.....

OOC: Your going to have to RP military buildups until more people sign-up as Athenian delegates. We cannot have any settlement fall if it is empty...

Besides... Your friends in the Pelopessonsian (sp) League will want to help.

OOC:He's just thinking....I researched a bit and Arimandanes was reputed for acting before thinking. Thought I might utilize that information. BTW, this is my 300th post. Go me.

OOC:He's just thinking....I researched a bit and Arimandanes was reputed for acting before thinking. Thought I might utilize that information. BTW, this is my 300th post. Go me.

Just want to be carfeful. Once somebody on Earth V posted a 1,000 word essay describing the invasion of a country, and I had to say it was invalid because it did not follow the rules.

Just want to be carfeful. Once somebody on Earth V posted a 1,000 word essay describing the invasion of a country, and I had to say it was invalid because it did not follow the rules.

OOC:I can imagine that. Not angry at all. Good to be careful. Kudos to you!

King Artaxerxes had learned from one of his diplomats that the Cretans were building a fleet and amassing an army, and he was not very happy. If those Cretans aid the Greeks when it is time to strike, I will face an even greater enemy navy. He shuddered at the thought. His new navy would be larger than that of Athens's Delian League, but he had not anticipated the creation of another maritime power.

But what really worried him was if the Cretans allied themselves with the other Greeks when the Persian inevitally invaded again. His large army was obselete; though it had plenty of men they could not win a one-on-one fight with the Greeks. Even the feared Immortals were inferior. The addition of two thousand swords to his enemies, so he thought, forced him to raise taxes even further and add some more freedoms. He was going to create a new Persian army to match the ships he was building, and to match the Greeks. Now his Empire's large numbers and tactics on the battlefield would play an even greater role.

The new Persian army being trained was to match the Greeks in training and equipment. This new Persian army replaced the obselete wicker shields, light clothing, and light armor. The new standard Persian soldier was being trained to fight in a phalanx, with heavy armor, a Greek hoplon shield, greaves, a helmet, and, most importantly of all, a phalanx formation. Greek mercenaries were hired to help in the training. The Immortals were the only non-phalanx or non-archer infantry units left. They were being trained to fight as light infantry, being given a short sword, hoplon, and light armor. The archers and cavalry were being retrained, and the entire army was to fight as a unit.

The most important reforms came in the cavalry. The cavalry was being organzied into heavy cavalry, with heavy armor and spears, for rushing into the enemy with a powerful charge. Before, the Persian cavalry were light horsemen who used hit-and-run tactics with the bow. Now, the heavy cavalry are organized into diamond-shaped blocks of 16x8 men.

This new, proffessional army was being trained to fight the main external enemy of Persia: Greeks. The new phalanx infantry would form the backbone of the new Persian army, and the cavalry would take an offensive role. The archers would shoot the enemy before the Persian advance, or before the enemy advance, if defending. The immortals would flank the sides of the enemy, their lighter armor and weapons allowing them to move faster. Their elite skills would more than make up for the disadvantage in armor, and their ferocity would unnerve even a Thracian.

All told, the Persian army numbered at 180,000 Infantry, with 20,000 Immortals. Another 60,000 men made up the cavalry forces. The navy was to be made of 500 triremes.

(OOC:This is the entire army, for the entire empire. I am basing this on of historical records, but the army is much smaller. The added expenses of training and giving the infantry, cavalry, etc., better weapons and armor would be enormous, and I must make room somehow. Plus, I have a new fleet to build. You're lucky I am not using Greek sources, otherwise I'd have troops in the millions :P)

Message to King Artaxerxes of the mighty Persian Empire:

We Cretans have no allies on the mainland and feel we have no obligation to the city-states of the mainland. Therefore we propose an alliances between our two great nations and we can affirm to you that the other Greek states in the South will cause you no naval problems. Also we can affirm you of our alliegence in the event of another invasion of Greece under your command if you enter into this alliance with us. We can also grant you trade routes in the South to Cretan ports and other states further south.

Should for any reason you refuse this proposition, we will make an offer to ally with the Delian League making your sea domination come under serious question.

King Artaxerxes was delighted at the news from Crete, but he did not completely trust the Cretan king. He would test his allegience later.

He sent out an ambassador to the Cretan. A runner traveled down the long highways of Persia until he could travel no further that day. He passed a message to another runner, and in this way was the message finally delivered to the Persian Ambassador to Crete, Xeraxtes.

Xeraxtes delivered the message to King Karakinos. His booming voice and tall stature made it seem as if the Persian king himself was delivering the message. He bowed diplomatically before delivering it.

King Artaxerxes, king of Persia, has decided in his great wisdom that Persia will ally itself with Crete. He has already opened up ports for Cretan ships, and requests that the King of Crete, Karakinos, also open up his ports for Persian trade. King Artaxerxes, in a gesture of friendship, wishes the Cretan king to name this new League.

"Send out a runner, NOW!" were the words of Echemus.

He handed the runner a piece of paper.

The runner run down a paved road to Helos, switching with another runner halfway down. At Helos he used one of the Echemi Family ships to sail to Crete. The runner then ran to Knossos (?), the Crete capital.

"Message to King Karakinos from Sparta!"

"Sparta wishs to ally with Crete. We offer protection from the Delian League, and assistance in any offenses against Delian League members. Also... Beware of the Persians... Beware of the Persians. They are not trustworthy in the long-term. Remember your obligations to Greece!

Signed,
Echemus of Sparta."

Philostratus was the official messenger of Thebes. He was used to transport official business, not this wishy-washy stuff. That was why he was surprised that King Arimandanes had called him. The king rarely had THAT important business.

"Go to Sparta. Tell them about our plans. Now."

"But sir???"

"GO!!" Philostratus was confused. He didn't know the plans he was supposed to send to Sparta. So he never left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

They paraded up and down, groups and groups of them. There were many, possibly 400. Many other groups of them were scattered around Boetia, in Thbesian controlled territory. The cmmander on the hill watched them training.

Rows and rows of spear, with gleaming metal points. Large circular shields with the rising sun of Thebes glinting in the true sun, which was just setting. A huge box-like formation, a phalanx. Steel swords for hacking and cutting. A strong fighting force if used properly.

The Commander looked to the north. There, Thebesian light cavalry were training, ridin quickly in circles with the grace of born riders. Thebes had one of the few light cavalry forces in Greece and by far the best, excluding mercenaries, of course. The commander grinned. Thebes' forces were born fighters.

King Karakinos reciving word from Sparta and Persia, both for alliances. Facing this tough decision he summoned two messangers. One to be sent to Sparta the other to Persia.

The messange sent with the messanger to Sparta read:
Our obligations to Greece? Where has the rest of Greece been while we sat idoly and fell into obscurity? And how has Persia showed untrustworthyness to Crete? They have never sent military force upon our island. And Persia can protect us from the Delian League as well our combined fleets would be many more times that of the Delian League, wereas Sparta has much fewer ships. Therefore we must decline your offer of alliance if you plan to take action against the Great Empire of Persia.


The Message to Persia read:

King Artaxerxes our ports are open to the ships of your Great Empire. And we are honored for you to allow us to name our league, we came upon calling it The Aegean League for the sea that borders both of our states.

To: All nations in the GREECE (thingy)
From: GREAT ELVES UNITED


WE WANT
an alliance.

Please reply and tell me if you would like to have an alliance with me.

To: All nations in the GREECE (thingy)
From: GREAT ELVES UNITED


WE WANT
an alliance.

Please reply and tell me if you would like to have an alliance with me.
OOC: you need to have some role playing in your post and state who you represent and from what nation

OOC: you need to have some role playing in your post and state who you represent and from what nation


sorry.

ok..

I, king of Thessaly would like to have an alliance with any nation that wants an ally.

A vessel from Crete and a long train of runners delivered the message to King Artaxerxes, and the king smiled to himself as it was read to him. He still didn't fully trust the Cretans, but their siding with him against the rest of Greece greatly aided his cause. He intended to control the Aegean with the Cretan navy at his side. If the Cretans proved to be reliable, he would probably let them expand their kingdom into southern Greece. All the pieces are falling into place. Excellent.

"Runner, deliver a message to Xeraxtes. Inform him to tell the Cretans that they have chosen a great name, that if we go to war with Greece they get some land, and the usual diplomatic garbage. Also, inform the fleet that the Cretans have sided with us, and that they are not to engage the Cretans. That is all."

The runner bowed and went off on his task. He sent out two runners after him. One of them went to Phoenicia and stayed. The other passed his message on, and it went into a ship and then to Xeraxtes in Crete.

Xeraxtes passed on the message to the Cretan King:

Wise king of Crete, Karakinos, the Persian king has heard the name of the alliance, and judges it to be fitting. He also gives you his personal gratitude for founding the Aegean League, and for opening up trade. For your cooperation, wise king, you have earned a favor that the King intends to repay when he exacts retribution on the mainland. I have learned that after he exacts his vengeance, he may allow some of the city-states to fall under Cretan, and not Persian, rule.

The Persian fleet was nearly completed, and the army's retraining was progressing well. The Persians had at first shown a hostility to the new training in Greek ways, but they were taught that one can learn even from his enemies. And those who didn't learn were dismissed, and a new recruit that was better at learning was taken in. That added another incentive to learning.

FluffyWuffy if you are going to war may i help you.I am a reliable friend too.

Upon recieving the message from the Persian King, King Karakinos calls in a fresh messanger giving him this message:

King Artaxerxes of the Great Persian Empire,

The Cretan people give you our gratitude for your part in the Aegean League and opening up trade to Cretan merchants. I suggest that we extend,to other islands in the Aegean, membership to our League so that it may be many time more stronger than the mainland Greeks when the time comes for invasion.We also advise your empire agaisnt alliances on the mainland, as most of them are more than willing to switch sides to Athens or Sparta.

FluffyWuffy if you are going to war may i help you.I am a reliable friend too.
OOC: he is RPing a Persia and as King Artaxerxes, also you only speculate war as all Greeks city-states do and any alliances should be in formal messages that others act as if they do not see,as they are hand delivered messages between city-states

o ok.

The small city-states of Rhodes has been isolated from the rest of the world and has begun building a Military Force.

However the Rhodesians figure the Military will be out of date unless they break isolation and see the other Militaries of Greece. With that a Rhodesian Diplomat has been sent out to other parts of Greece in an Attempt to break Rhodesian Isolation.

The Tessalyian King Achilles got a messenger to send a message to King Xeraxtes of Persia.It said: We the Thessalyians want to make an alliance with you the Persians.Also to make a trade route with you so that were each supplied with pretty much everything. The messanger left.King Xeraxtes I would like you to send a messanger to me with a reply.

King Karakinos, hearing from merchants of a Rhodesian military build-up sends a messanger with the following message:

We greet you on your stride to attain a strong military as the rest of Greece, and I would like to extend your people membership into the Aegean League, if you accept Crete and Persia will meet on your membership. We also wish to assist you in your military moderization. Please send word of your ideas to Crete as soon as possible

OOC: (named the King Alexander, not because im pretending to rule the world, but because i like that name)
IC:

A reply was dispatched from King Alexander

The Rhodesians humbly accept your offer. As we strive to break isolation and build a Military to defend our homes, we see your offer most fit for our dreams.

Alexander

King Achilles just heard about the military build-up in Rhodes.He sent a messanger with this message:

Good thing you'r fixing your military because if you were attacked you would probably die in a matter of minutes.Anyways we want to have an alliance with you because your a good nation.Also a trade route would be good too!

We want to welcome you to a new military era,we will help build up you'r military too.

please respond King Alexander.

[OOC:The King's name is Artaxerxes. Xeraxtes is the ambassador to Crete]

The message worked its way down the message chain until it reached King Artaxerxes in Persia. Again he smiled at the message, and again he sent a reply. He had placed Xeraxtes in charge of managing relations in the East Aegean League, and now he sent another man, Bisaltes, to Crete to coordinate the naval forces of the two maritme powers.

Again, Ambassador Xeraxtes came before King Karakinos.

Great King Karakinos, the King of Persia agrees with you, and he has sent another man to join me here in Crete. Bisaltes is his name, and he has been charged with helping to coordinate the naval actions of our two great navies. He also agrees that we must extend the League, and recommends that we send diplomats to the isle of Rhodes.[OOC: Only claimed Aegean island that I can see]

Bisaltes arrived in Crete, and stayed with Xeraxtes before going out and meeting the Cretan commanders. He had already begun to refer to the Aegean as "our sea."

Meanwhile, the King received word of Thessaly. He sent another runner to Phoenicia, and a ship left for Thessaly. Out stepped Zoaraphon, the newly assigned ambassador to Thessaly.

The King of Persia will open up trade with Thessaly, and would like to improve relations with Thessaly. However, the King doubts the sincerity of a Greek kingdom on the mainland. Athens and Sparta rule the land, and joining one or the other is a fact of life. Until the King of Thessaly can prove that he has not chosen either, but has chosen Persia, there is to be no more discussion.

Thank you King Artaxerxes.
What shall i do to persuade you that i am not a spartan of Athensian (however you spell it)?

King Achilles,

Your message was short an unconving. However we will take it under consideration but we hope more thought is put into your message, and hope you do not joke about our defenses.

Respectfully,
King Alexander

[OOC:The King's name is Artaxerxes. Xeraxtes is the ambassador to Crete]

The message worked its way down the message chain until it reached King Artaxerxes in Persia. Again he smiled at the message, and again he sent a reply. He had placed Xeraxtes in charge of managing relations in the East Aegean League, and now he sent another man, Bisaltes, to Crete to coordinate the naval forces of the two maritme powers.

Again, Ambassador Xeraxtes came before King Karakinos.

Great King Karakinos, the King of Persia agrees with you, and he has sent another man to join me here in Crete. Bisaltes is his name, and he has been charged with helping to coordinate the naval actions of our two great navies. He also agrees that we must extend the League, and recommends that we send diplomats to the isle of Rhodes.[OOC: Only claimed Aegean island that I can see]

Bisaltes arrived in Crete, and stayed with Xeraxtes before going out and meeting the Cretan commanders. He had already begun to refer to the Aegean as "our sea."

Meanwhile, the King received word of Thessaly. He sent another runner to Phoenicia, and a ship left for Thessaly. Out stepped Zoaraphon, the newly assigned ambassador to Thessaly.

The King of Persia will open up trade with Thessaly, and would like to improve relations with Thessaly. However, the King doubts the sincerity of a Greek kingdom on the mainland. Athens and Sparta rule the land, and joining one or the other is a fact of life. Until the King of Thessaly can prove that he has not chosen either, but has chosen Persia, there is to be no more discussion.


Message to King Artaxerxes(ooc:sorry for the mix up):

We Cretans appreciate your sending of Bisaltes to coordinate our fleets. Also we have extended an invitation to Rhodes to enter into our league, King Alexander accepted and we ask your opinion on this Artaxerxes.

King Artaxerxes now thought that he was exceeding the neccesary requirements for the invasion of Greece, but thought that every little bit helped.

He had his runners instruct Xeraxtes on what he was supposed to say, and another set of runners did the same for Zoaraphon. The King now had a busier schedule than usual, and more and more domestic ruling was being carried out by the satraps. It would all end when the war with Greece ended.

Zoaraphon entered the court of the King of Thessaly. He bowed courtiously, and spoke.
To prove you are not a Spartan or Athenian, you will need to listen to the King of Persia for the time being. As it stands, the Athenians and Spartans contend for power in Greece, with the restored power of Persia seeking to defeat them both. At the moment, Persia and her allies have a near monopoly at sea, one which we wish to expand. Construct a fleet of one hundred vessels, and have it sail off the coast of Athens with a Persian observer onboard. Then set sail around the Pelepponessos (sp?), and finally return to Thessaly. If you do this, it will show that you are willing to work with the King of Persia.

Xeraxtes entered the court of the King of Crete in a similar fashion.

King Karakinos, the King of Persia allows the Rhodesians to enter into the League, and we welcome them with open arms. We wish for you to continue to work for the expansion of our League, and the King sends his gratitude. The King also wishes to personally meet with you and King Alexander of Rhodes. He requests that you and King Alexander agree on a meeting place and time, and inform him after a decision is reached. He wishes to discuss matters of extreme importance.

Upon recieving the message from King Artaxerxes, King Karakinos sent a message to King Alexander in Rhodes the message read:


King Alexander, we congradulate you on you acceptance into the Aegean League. But we have more pressing issues with the military build-up of Rhodes and the preparation for a possible war with mainland Greece. King Artaxerxes of Persia has requested that we set up a meeting place and time for this alliance I suggest we meet in one week in Rhodes if you accept this I will set word to Artaxerxes and then set off for Rhodes.

Reply:

We are willing to meet you at anytime that suits you both, also we hope you will be able to attend the public showing of our first military training. the Slaves were given weapons and a chance to defend themselves, if they win they'll be free if not, we need more practice.

Again we are glad to be accpeted,
King Alexander.

OOC: I saved the replay of a battle, that im calling training. A few tactical errors but on purpose. So here ill post it up so anyone who owns RTW can watch it. Other than that ill put some pics up for those who dont have it.

After recieving the reply from King Alexander, King Karakinos sent word to Persia:

King Artaxerxes Persia,Crete and Rhodes will be meeting in 1 week on the island of Rhodes. We hope for you to attend. I will be leaving for Rhodes soon after this message is sent so you will be able to contact me there.


Soon after this was sent with a messanger, King Karakinos borded a ship for Rhodes.

The King ordered his advisors to prepare the first training excersize to suit 3 Kings.

He wanted them to see the progress as well as talk about the matters needed. He hoped they would enjoy their time.

OOC: How long until you guys are here in RL time

The King ordered his advisors to prepare the first training excersize to suit 3 Kings.

He wanted them to see the progress as well as talk about the matters needed. He hoped they would enjoy their time.

OOC: How long until you guys are here in RL time


OOC: the king of Crete will arrive in 1 RL hour(using a 1hr=1 day time conversion) from the time I posted my leaving

After receiving the message, the Persian king left Persepolis, the glittering Persian capital city, and set out on the long journey to Rhodes. He raced with all haste to Phoenicia, where he finally set sail to Rhodes.

Artaxerxes was a real Persian king, and was son of Xerxes, a man who had tried to conquer Greece but failed. He was known for his right hand, which was longer than his left, and for his gentle and noble spirit. But this Artaxerxes was determined to be known for conquering Greece and making Persia great again. He would make not peace with the Spartans or the Athenians. He would not let the Athenians cause a revolt in Egypt (which happened in our time), and he would not let a Spartan army march into Mesopotamia (which also happened).

He met with the other kings and half bowed to each. He was anxious to see the Rhodesian training.

King Achilles,

Your message was short an unconving. However we will take it under consideration but we hope more thought is put into your message, and hope you do not joke about our defenses.

Respectfully,
King Alexander

King Achilles sent another messanger and it said:

Sorry King Alexander we ment to say that we want you to have a strong military force as the rest of Greece.We will help you attain this goal of yours.We would even pay for you'r military upgrades.We also want to be allies with you and also to make a trade route with you.

Thank you King Alexander from King Achilles

King Alexadner wrote back:

It pains me to say that you wont make it in time for the Training Demonstration but we hope we can open the waves of trade as soon as possible.

Alexander.

OOC: Fluffywuffy do you have RTW, or not?

Thanks.Here is my Trading Site (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391527)

OOC: Yes, I do have RTW. It's a great game.

Thanks.Here is my Trading Site (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391527)
OOC: this list is irrelivant to Earth Greece as most of the resources are unknown to the Greeks of this time and mostly usless to them....

Sorry 'bout that.

but i have lots of Poultry,Grain,Wood, and Stone.

King Karakinos, newly arriving in Rhodes proceded to the palace of King Alexander where he joined the other Kings in the meeting.

King Achilles sent yet another messanger to the Persian King, King Artaxerxes.
It said:

King Artaxerxes you have my word that i am attacking a city-state that shall not be named except that it is located near you and on the mainland.You shall be able to pass through by next week.Please send a messanger back.Thank you King Artaxerxes....from King Achillies.

"I hope you dont mind if we kick things off early?" said Alexander. "As soon as the Persian Kings arrive i plan to start the exercise."

Alexander looked over awaiting to see his response.

"I hope you dont mind if we kick things off early?" said Alexander. "As soon as the Persian Kings arrive i plan to start the exercise."

Alexander looked over awaiting to see his response.

"I see no problem with starting as soon as the Persians arrive"

King Artaxerxes arrived at the Rhodesian king's palace, and met his fellow kings with a half bow. "Greetings, my fellow kings. I hope I have not kept you waiting." The king had just arrived.

Back in Persia, a local satrap sent a message back to Thessaly.

King Artaxerxes is out traveling, visiting a few allies. But from what he has instructed me, you have disobeyed the King's command to construct a fleet and sail it around Athens, and then to circumnavigate Greece. The King demands obedience in these matters, for you may interupt his designs.

"Of course you havent!" King Alexander said, now if you will please folow me the demonstration is about to begin.

Alexander directed them to a Blacony where they could see Troops lined up in preperation for a battle.

"Now the ones farthest from us are the Slaves which we've given weapons. The closest are our first trained troops."

Alexander called an aide. "Tell them to begin please?"
"Yes sir."

"OK This is what we've accomplished so far."

A horn sounds and troops begin to march.

OOC:
Im about to post pics for those of you without RTW.

If you have an unmodded RTW patched 1.1 then heres the file you can download to watch the battle. You have to put it in your Replays file and then load it like you would a game. If you need further help im available.

Session (http://union.beheadedstraw.net/site/New%20Folder/Replay2.zip)

"It is time we break our isolation," King Antiochus dictated to his council, "a be sure our future is secured. Runners must be dispatched.
To Thessaly:
"Too long have our great nations been ignored in the faces of diplomacy, but relied upon to save Greece in battle. You know as well as I that the future runs through Thessaly and Macedonia, not Sparta and Athens. I propose an alliance, in knowledge of great things our nations could accomplish."

To Persia:
"Let it be known that Macedonia is not going to tolerate another Persian Empire. Whatever has happened between our two nations is in the past shall stay in the past. We will not launch war, but are watchful for Persian aggressions and ambitions. With that in mind, we stress that Persia should cede all colonies west of Byzantium."

To The Greek Cities:
We all know that Persia cannot be trusted. Sparta and Athens cannot fight amongst themselves while the eastern enemy lurks, while Thebes and Crete cannot turn their backs on their fellow Greeks. Persia is the enemy!"

Upon recieving word of this from a distant messanger King Karakinos, interrupted from the viewing of the Rhodesian training battles, sends the messanger back with these words:

King Antiochus, Persia is no enemy of Crete, no Cretan has ever died at the hands of a Persian in warfare, instead Persia is a great ally of Crete and Rhodes and an outstanding member in the Aegean Alliance. But as I have recieved word from an un-named source that you my friend should watch your southern border the state there might be planning something...and beware of the Greeks in Athens and Sparta they are not to be trusted.


-King Karakinos

"Can they be trusted?" King Antiochus asked.
"It is questionable sire." An aide replied." A Threat to the south would mean taking troops from the Persian front."
"We must!" Prince Phillip demanded. "Why should Persia be so much more dangerous than a errent Greek? Move south!"
"Very well. Troops will be moved south. But there is another needed response."
To Crete and Rhodes:
The lack of Persian attacks in the past means nothing. A Philosopher once said 'The past is no means to predict the future. The same outcome can be found a thousand times, but the next is entirely and always unpredictable.' No previous Persian ambitions against Crete or Rhodes only sets your nations up for those later. You are Greek. Your destiny is Greece. Do not be fooled by sweet-talking men of the east. Their ambitions are to take the world as an empire, and that includes you. Macedonia has no such ambitions. for that matter, when was the last time a Cretian of Rhodesian was harmed by a Macedonian? We hope you consider who your true allies are.

"Can they be trusted?" King Antiochus asked.
"It is questionable sire." An aide replied." A Threat to the south would mean taking troops from the Persian front."
"We must!" Prince Phillip demanded. "Why should Persia be so much more dangerous than a errent Greek? Move south!"
"Very well. Troops will be moved south. But there is another needed response."
To Crete and Rhodes:
The lack of Persian attacks in the past means nothing. A Philosopher once said 'The past is no means to predict the future. The same outcome can be found a thousand times, but the next is entirely and always unpredictable.' No previous Persian ambitions against Crete or Rhodes only sets your nations up for those later. You are Greek. Your destiny is Greece. Do not be fooled by sweet-talking men of the east. Their ambitions are to take the world as an empire, and that includes you. Macedonia has no such ambitions. for that matter, when was the last time a Cretian of Rhodesian was harmed by a Macedonian? We hope you consider who your true allies are.

Still in the Rhodesian training fight, King Karakinos recieved the latest messager from Macedonia and sent a reply:

This may be true that the past cannot predict the future but at present the Persians are great allies of Rhodes and Crete and standing members of the Aegean League.This is also true that no Macedonia has harmed a Cretan in war but all this is because of the forgetfulness of the mainland Greeks towards the Cretans and Rhodesians. And as it stands if Persia were to betray Crete we would still maintain our best defence of being an island state with a strong navy. And even if we did join with the mainland Greeks to protect against a Persian invasion that may not even happen, which side would we be on? The Delian League? The Peleponesian League? enter into alliances with you northern Greeks? see the mainland Greeks only care of fighting each other with the exception of a few of your northern states who would take the brunt of any Persian assult, which if did happen your people would be spared if you just allow the Persians to pass through your lands and allow them to fight Athens and Sparta. Further more if Persia does take up arms against mainland Greece Crete and Rhodes will side with them, though I might suggest that you Greeks in the north do something to end the fighting in the South or your Greece will have a future in the Persian empire...

King Karakinos reciving word from Sparta and Persia, both for alliances. Facing this tough decision he summoned two messangers. One to be sent to Sparta the other to Persia.

The messange sent with the messanger to Sparta read:
Our obligations to Greece? Where has the rest of Greece been while we sat idoly and fell into obscurity? And how has Persia showed untrustworthyness to Crete? They have never sent military force upon our island. And Persia can protect us from the Delian League as well our combined fleets would be many more times that of the Delian League, wereas Sparta has much fewer ships. Therefore we must decline your offer of alliance if you plan to take action against the Great Empire of Persia.

Echemus got the message hours later.

"Send this message back" he said to the messenger.

The messengers followed the usually reutine of sending messages to Crete, and the message arrived safely a few hours later.

It read:

"First of all, as proud and honarable Spartans we fight like men. We only fight when an enemy lies near, and Persia is not an enemy of ours. However, the Orical of Delphi was said to us that the Persians would never be trustworthy is the long term. Once they conquer all their enemies, they will conquer your nation.

However, as we said before, Persia does NOT pose a threat to us, and will not unless they directly attack a member of the Peloponnesian League.

Therefore, we highly advise you to accept this proposition. It will only be benefical to both of our nations. We are not intending to attack any ally of yours, but rather wish to possibly ally with them, even Persia.

Our aid on the ground will be valueable. Our warriors are the best of Greece, and the few ships that we have are powerful Trimes.

Signed,
Echemus".

Echemus got the message hours later.

"Send this message back" he said to the messenger.

The messengers followed the usually reutine of sending messages to Crete, and the message arrived safely a few hours later.

It read:

"First of all, as proud and honarable Spartans we fight like men. We only fight when an enemy lies near, and Persia is not an enemy of ours. However, the Orical of Delphi was said to us that the Persians would never be trustworthy is the long term. Once they conquer all their enemies, they will conquer your nation.

However, as we said before, Persia does NOT pose a threat to us, and will not unless they directly attack a member of the Peloponnesian League.

Therefore, we highly advise you to accept this proposition. It will only be benefical to both of our nations. We are not intending to attack any ally of yours, but rather wish to possibly ally with them, even Persia.

Our aid on the ground will be valueable. Our warriors are the best of Greece, and the few ships that we have are powerful Trimes.

Signed,
Echemus".

King Karakinos, again being interrupted from the conference in Rhodes, recieves the message from Sparta. Upon finishing this the King told the messanger to return with this message:

Alright Sparta we will accept your terms of alliance and possible consider inviting you into the Aegean League, after a meeting with Persia and Rhodes has ended. And (OOC:when some people claim the delegate positions of Athens...) we might be of assistance in demolishing the Athenian fleet.

To The Greek Cities:
We all know that Persia cannot be trusted. Sparta and Athens cannot fight amongst themselves while the eastern enemy lurks, while Thebes and Crete cannot turn their backs on their fellow Greeks. Persia is the enemy!"

IC:

"What?", Echemus thought to himself.

"Send this Message!"

The following message was rushed down to Macedonia.

"We are NOT currently engaged in any combat with Athens. Αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης για?!"

-Echemus of Sparta.

OOC: That last sentence translates to "What are you on?!".

"So be it." King Antiochus decided.

To Crete: There can be no peace with Persia, and it was in our hopes that you could realize this. We recognize the former strained relationship between the islands and Northern states of Greece, but had hoped to end that and become allies. An we thank you for your warning of our sothern border,and we assure you of no Macedonian ambitions on Crete.
But Persia is a problem, and their is no compromise.
Peace will never be a solution.
By the grace of Ares, Babylon and Persopolis will burn within the tenth year.

King Karakinos, again being interrupted from the conference in Rhodes, recieves the message from Sparta. Upon finishing this the King told the messanger to return with this message:

Alright Sparta we will accept your terms of alliance and possible consider inviting you into the Aegean League, after a meeting with Persia and Rhodes has ended. And (OOC:when some people claim the delegate positions of Athens...) we might be of assistance in demolishing the Athenian fleet.

OOC: There is currently one person as an Athenian delegate. Anybody that does not already have a claim can choose to be any one of the remaining delegates.

To Sparta:
We recognize that their is currently no war between you and Sparta, but to deny tension between these states is a falacy. It was simply a warning, not a proclimation. We hope you do not succumb to the lunacy of Rhodes and enter into diplomacy with Persia. Spartan soldiers are too glorious to be wasted on peace with a ignoble power such as Persia.
Remember Thermopylae!

OOC: HEY HEY HEY. OOOPS. My bad. I'm logged in as the wrong nation(Im supposed to Seluecia.) Sorry for the confusion. Dadgummitt

Important!

Rules Updated on the first page.

To Sparta:
We recognize that their is currently no war between you and Sparta, but to deny tension between these states is a falacy. It was simply a warning, not a proclimation. We hope you do not succumb to the lunacy of Rhodes and enter into diplomacy with Persia. Spartan soldiers are too glorious to be wasted on peace with a ignoble power such as Persia.
Remember Thermopylae!

OOC: Please remember, as annoying as it is, that you must send that message by messenger again. I will let it go this time, though.

Also, Macedonia just betrayed me after thirty years of alliance in Rome: Total War, which is odd at this moment. :)

IC:

"Send this to Macedonia!"

The messenger run up to Macedonia, switch runners several times.

"We are not at war with Sparta, and we never will be. How dare you suggest we betray our honor to Sparta!

-Echemus of Sparta."

OOC: You said "Sparta" Echemus had tensions with, so he naturally thought that you thought that he would succeed his family from Sparta or something of that nature.

OOC: There is currently one person as an Athenian delegate. Anybody that does not already have a claim can choose to be any one of the remaining delegates.
OOC: Just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in and saw this. Can't find original thread so I wil assume this as confirmation as me as Demosthenes. that ok?

"So be it." King Antiochus decided.

To Crete: There can be no peace with Persia, and it was in our hopes that you could realize this. We recognize the former strained relationship between the islands and Northern states of Greece, but had hoped to end that and become allies. An we thank you for your warning of our sothern border,and we assure you of no Macedonian ambitions on Crete.
But Persia is a problem, and their is no compromise.
Peace will never be a solution.
By the grace of Ares, Babylon and Persopolis will burn within the tenth year.

Upon recieving this message King Karakinos read the message and had a messanger deliver this message back to Macedonia:

No Peace with Persia? After your messages of you have no conflict with Persia? This appears to be double talk on your part and we do not appreciate this. Although you are welcomed on the thanks given for the warning of your Southern border. And we do plan to hold end this with peace between Crete and the Northern states of Greece.

*Upon the second messanger recieving this the messange was mysteriously changed*

No Peace with Persia? After your messages of you have no conflict with Persia? This appears to be double talk on your part and we do not appreciate this. Although you are welcomed on the thanks given for the warning of your Southern border. And we do plan to hold end this with war between Crete and the Northern states of Greece and plan to push for Persia to invade your lands and attempt to have them eliminate Byzantium.

"What is the meaning of this?" King Antiochus demanded.
"Coup! There has been a power struggle in the island nation! We should send forces to settle this mess." Prince Phillip argued.
"No. We have no reason to suspect such a thing. But what happened?" King Antiochus.
"We have no way of deducing in this situation, sire." an aide commented.
"Well, then we'll just have to change that. Send Argead as a diplomat to Crete to investigate, along with the following message." King Antiochus decided.

Crete: we have no stated duplicity, and have always been against Persia, as shown in this transcription of a previous message to Persia, showing our determination to fight their empire. We are very curious, however, as to the nature of the previously mentioned southern greek city state and their movements, and would like to discuss the matter quickly.

After arduous travel, a messenger arrives in Sparta with a message for Echemus.

Forgive me, noble sir, as I misspoke. I meant I recognized that you were not at war with Athens, and would never suggest you would betray Sparta.
I hope that in your service of Sparta you come to think of Macedonia as an ally of the Great City of Sparta.

King Antiochus of Macedonia

OOC: In my experience, Macedonia has always been a HUGE $*&^# in Rome: Total War. Don't know why/

"What is the meaning of this?" King Antiochus demanded.
"Coup! There has been a power struggle in the island nation! We should send forces to settle this mess." Prince Phillip argued.
"No. We have no reason to suspect such a thing. But what happened?" King Antiochus.
"We have no way of deducing in this situation, sire." an aide commented.
"Well, then we'll just have to change that. Send Argead as a diplomat to Crete to investigate, along with the following message." King Antiochus decided.

Crete: we have no stated duplicity, and have always been against Persia, as shown in this transcription of a previous message to Persia, showing our determination to fight their empire. We are very curious, however, as to the nature of the previously mentioned southern greek city state and their movements, and would like to discuss the matter quickly.


Message to Macedonia:

What Southern city-state are we speaking of? And we shall meet on this issue as soon as the Aegean League confrence has ben dismissed.

Message to Crete:

Message to Macedonia:

What Southern city-state are we speaking of? And we shall meet on this issue as soon as the Aegean League confrence has ben dismissed.

That would be the question, wouldn't it? The city-state from your anynomous source. The City-State that is to our south and is using troops. The City-State that will soon feel the full wrath of the Macedonians.
I will graciously await an audience at the conclusion of your conference.

Argead of Pella

"Now," Argead said to himself," to find the purpose of that double-message."

After arduous travel, a messenger arrives in Sparta with a message for Echemus.

Forgive me, noble sir, as I misspoke. I meant I recognized that you were not at war with Athens, and would never suggest you would betray Sparta.
I hope that in your service of Sparta you come to think of Macedonia as an ally of the Great City of Sparta.

King Antiochus of Macedonia

OOC: In my experience, Macedonia has always been a HUGE $*&^# in Rome: Total War. Don't know why/

OOC: Your right. I did, however, really annoyed the heck out of them after they betrayed me by bribing every single army that went through that mountain pass they always use. So at least I got revenge.

OOC2: I cannot answer that until the other Spartan agrees. I'll send him a telegram.

Message to Crete:



That would be the question, wouldn't it? The city-state from your anynomous source. The City-State that is to our south and is using troops. The City-State that will soon feel the full wrath of the Macedonians.
I will graciously await an audience at the conclusion of your conference.

Argead of Pella

"Now," Argead said to himself," to find the purpose of that double-message."

OOC: ah

IC: Message to Macedon

The city-state that may have plans for your destruction is Thessaly, we have had contact made by this state in which their leader requested assistance once his war was started.

OOC: Okay, sorry, Im a bit confused. Is this the first message to ignore:

"Originally Posted by SovietRepublicofRussia
Message to Macedonia:

What Southern city-state are we speaking of? And we shall meet on this issue as soon as the Aegean League confrence has ben dismissed."

Or do you mean the first of the two messages about Persia and peace/war between us that "mysteriously changes" I'm ixed up

IC: To Crete:
Let it be known first that Macedonia is indebted and deeply appreciative to the great nation of Crete for their help. Furthermore, may I ask who else might be helping Thessaly, and if Crete will offer even more assistance to Macedonia when the storm hits?

Argead of Pella

OOC: Okay, sorry, Im a bit confused. Is this the first message to ignore:

"Originally Posted by SovietRepublicofRussia
Message to Macedonia:

What Southern city-state are we speaking of? And we shall meet on this issue as soon as the Aegean League confrence has ben dismissed."

Or do you mean the first of the two messages about Persia and peace/war between us that "mysteriously changes" I'm ixed up

To Crete:
Let it be known first that Macedonia is indebted and deeply appreciative to the great nation of Crete for their help. Furthermore, may I ask who else might be helping Thessaly, and if Crete will offer even more assistance to Macedonia when the storm hits?

Argead of Pella


Message Carried to Macedon:
The Cretan peaple merely believe that no one should be surprise attacked with most of their army on the other side of a region. We have no knowlege of any other state assisting Thessaly, though we can assure you that Persia has denounced this act just as the Aegean League. And in the even of a conflict between your states, we will support the cause of Macedon but have little military resources to spare, but we will send what we can if it is needed. And we shall meet after the Aegean League meeting has been dismissed.

OOC: just act as if all of those messages made it becaus eI do not feel like resenfin them...

To Crete:
Duly noted, and again Macedonia thanks you. The next question is: what about a pre-emptive strike at Thessaly? I cannot sit and wait for Thessaly to attack my country and kill my people.

To Crete:
Duly noted, and again Macedonia thanks you. The next question is: what about a pre-emptive strike at Thessaly? I cannot sit and wait for Thessaly to attack my country and kill my people.

To Macedon:

This is noted that the you cannot sit and wait for the strike by Thessaly and any strike made on this state will be supported by Crete so as long as the general population is treated as equal to your people.

And so it begins.
This is the link to the thread on my invasion of Thessaly:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391631

A messanger to Macedon:

Why are you attacking me?Though i think war is not the solution.If we cant settle on a peace agreement then i have no choice but to fight and kill you.

From King Achilles.

A bit annoyed by the interruptions the King finally starts to ask questions,

"Well I suppose right after we finish watching the training we should get done to business. Curiousity thugh, as to what all needs to be discussed?"

The King turns back to the excersize, he was very pleased.

OOC: Ill get pics up in a bit.

A messanger was sent to Rhodes.

We must inform you that Macedon is attackin us and we would like you to help.

Thank you: From King Achilles

A Reply was dispatched:

How can we help you? We've just been rebuilding our Military and see no point in going to war with Macedon. Please leave me be, im trying to finish the excersize and get to business, that concerns me.

It was left unsigned

Another messanger to Rhodes:

Ok i just wanted to let you know and thats all right.

A message to Thessaly:
Do not pretend that Macedonia is launching an invasion of your country for ambition's sake. It is known now that you were, in fact, planning to attack Macedonia, and we just beat you to the punch.
Messengers will be sent to all the other Greek cities, informing them of your treachers and warmongering.
King Antiochus

A message to Macedonia:

Where did you here this such thing?We were planning to attack someone else with Persia!You make things up!!

King Achilles

To Thessaly:
We have made nothing up. Your denial is only an attempt to cover your tracks. If you surrender Larissa and all territory north of it, we will cease and not totally anhilate your nation. That is the only offer.

To Macedonia:

You can not destroy me! I am a bigger and stronger city-state. Also Persia, and Crete are with me too.So good luck fighting and waht you call destroying me!

King Achilles

OOC:

Please, Please, Please! Messages take time to travel and have a risk of just bluntly being intercepted or destroyed. Take this into account.

The runner came into the room, panting from his last trip to Crete.

"HECK NO! Get up and run down to Crete again with this!" were the words of Echemus after he gave the runner glasses of water to drink.

The runner ran down to the port, and took one of the Echemi Family ships to Crete, before running to the King's Palace.

"Message from Sparta!"

"What are Crete's, Rhodes', and Persia's view of the war developing in Thessaly?

Signed,
Echemus of Sparta."

King Vineyard of Thrace slumped into his chair. It had been a hard fought battle, but the thracians had come on top once more. the dacians had left their mountain enclaves to attack Thrace. But the thracian infantry (combined hoplites and barbarian inf.) had smashed the dacians. it was a great victory, and all stood in awe at their king's tatics.

After a few days rest, the King and his army set for Byzantium(with all due respect, the thracians owned the city) once more. Opon arriving he heard of the war that was between macedon and Thessaly. He smiled. He loved it when his neighbors weakened each other. From what he understood, thessaly was allied with Persia, Thraces longtime ally. He made a decision.

"Messenger!"
"Yes my lord?" a man stepped out from the line of advisors.
"Send word to Macedon that we will aid them."
"Yes, my lord!"

the messenger left the hall with the message. he turned to his Army marshall (the guy who forms the armies for marching) take 10,000 of our troops(6,000 hoplites, 4,000 Thracian Inf.) and go into macedon. Aid them in which ever way possible. Follow their orders."
"yes my lord."
The marshall set forth from the hall, bring up the army requested and marching to macedon.

Send a message to King Achilles"said King Thunit
It said:

"King Achilles we have just been informed that Macedon and Thrace are attacking you.We can not allow this.My fleet and troops will stop the Thracians in there tracks!"

King Thunit

To: Thrace
From: Echemi Family of Sparta

We Request:

Alliance

Name your price to our reasonable demands...

Just a reminder.

Send a message to King Achilles"said King Thunit
It said:

"King Achilles we have just been informed that Macedon and Thrace are attacking you.We can not allow this.My fleet and troops will stop the Thracians in there tracks!"

King Thunit

IGNORNED.

You have no way of knowing that information.

(BTW [by the way]) GREAT ELVES UNITED (Thessaly) is a major ally of mine so they told me about this.

To: Echemi Family of Sparta
From: Delos

We Request:

Alliance

Name your demands and we will do our best to match them.

(BTW [by the way]) GREAT ELVES UNITED (Thessaly) is a major ally of mine so they told me about this.

Delos was never contacted by Thessaly.

IC:

A messenger was dispatched to King Achilles it read:

With recent events occuring, we have decided we will not be supporting you and we are going to ask the rest of Agean League to ignore you the same. We seen no reason to show the support of your nation and in short will not. The Trade Rights have been revoked and all talks of an alliance out the window.

King Alexander

The King turned to the other two members of the League and told them what was going on. "So i ask we dont support King Achilles."

OOC: Sorry i havent gotten the pics up! Im in trouble right now so i getting the few minutes i can out of the PC.

They TG'ed me but w/e i will abandon this mission if i must.

They didnt inform you In game

King Achilles sent a messanger to Persia:

Macedonia said that i was planning an attack on them they lie.I was planning an attack on Thrace so that you could get in to get Sparta or Athens.Macedonia is no threat but his ally (Thrace) is helping him.Please re-consider your actions.

King Achilles

To: Echemi Family of Sparta
From: Delos

We Request:

Alliance

Name your demands and we will do our best to match them.

Message to Delos via messenger on an Echemi Family ship:

"If you agree to withdraw from the Delian League and join the Peloponnesian League, as well as confiscating all of the Delian League's treasury at Deloes, we will give your king a fine, young, Spartan woman.

-Echemus of Sparta."

Done Deal....I hope that our alliance will be as mighty as Zeus

To Thebes:
From Delos:
A message was sent at 3:14 am
It said:

This is King Thunit of Delos.We would like to have an alliance with you.We also want a trade-route with you.We will even pay for the trade route costs for you.

signed,
King Thunit

OOC:

You do realize that Delos had extremely strong bonds to Athens, and you broke those just for a hot girl for your king! ;)

Yeah I know but Athens isn't a good city-state and i am not trustworthy to them at all.

Messenge by Echemi Family ship to Delos, Macedonia, and Thebes:

Trade rights will be much wealth to both our people. We request trade rights for Sparta in your city-states and offer trade rights for your city-states.

-Echemus of Sparta.

"Yes!" King Antiochus shouted in triumph. "the God's bless us and Thrace. Send a dispatch immediately to Thrace with the following message."

King Vineyard: May the Gods secure a thousand blessing upon you and your nation. We are proud to have your help in this conflict and are glad you chose the right side. You troops are needed in a naval attack. They will land in the southern bay of Thessaly, near Volos and Pelion Mountain. We will have the enemy surronded, and Macedonia and Thrace will be much richer and safer.

Message to Echemi Family
From Delos.

The Macedonia people dont look to me trustworthy.Is it possible that you could go to war with them?Also who are they with:Sparta or Athens?Anyways they lie and start war with those lies.

King Thunit

Message to Delos:

"We are displeased to see Macedonia dislike Delos. However, they are vital for the defense of Greece should Persia invade. We highly advise you to settle this conflict diplomatically. We also suggest you maintain a large naval fleet.

-Echemus of Sparta."

A messenger arrrives In Sparta with a message for Echemus:

Macedonia would reiterate the great respect it has for the city of Sparta, the honorable Echemus in particular. We would also like to impress up you the glory, wealth, presige and protection that would be bestowed upon you great city if you should aid Macedonia and Thessaly in their war against the evil Thessaly
King Antiochus

OOC: If don't mention a messanger/time delay it's usually becuase I take it for granted, n i think others would be like that as well. Im not trying to make them instant, just forgetful

To:Echemi Family
From: Delos
Message was sent at 4:13 am
It said:

They lied about Thessaly.Now Thessaly is on the brink of destruction.You must do something.Persia is a strong enemy but they wont attack for years!Please do something!

King Thunit

"Send another round of messengers" King Antiochus decided. "their is much to be sorted out.

To Thessaly: See now that you have no allies. Macedonian armies are legendary for their prowess, which is more that can be said for thos of Thessaly. Now, combined with Thrace, you stand no chance. Realize this and withdraw to Corinth, Ithica or some other Kingdom, and never make the mistake of planning to attack Macedonia again. Because this is not a conflict driven by ambition or personal issues, or surrender by you could end all problems. I've heard Ithica is nice this time of year.

To Delos: We have heard that you are considering aiding Thessaly in this conflict, and we laugh at the worthlessness of this idea. Thessaly WILL fall. We will allow them to set up their kingdom in another city, so their is no reason help them. Nothing can be won. And I can assure you that this is purely out of self-defense. One of his formers allies has PROOF, a message, about him attacking me, in the back. Why else do you think all of his other allies have abandoned him?

To Echemus, in Sparta: We are glad that you are accepting our proposal of better relations, and a trade agreement is a step in the right direction. We continue to impress upon you the righteousness of our actions in Thessaly. Their ally showed that they planned to attack us, and with Macedonia defeated, nobody will be able to hold off the Persian advances. A strong Macedonia is a strong Sparta, and a strong Sparta is a strong Macedonia. we are not neccessarily expecting Spartan hoplites, but even your word carries weight.

IC:

A message was rushed to King Antiochus of Macedonia:

"The Echemi Family is sending their own army to help defeat Thessaly. The army will be lead by Erasmus Echemi of Sparta with a bodyguard of thirty-nine elite hoplites. The army will consist of ten divisions (each 140 men) of Spartan Hoplites, and two divisions (each 60 men) of Greek Cavarly Pletiests. They will arrive in three days.

-Echemus of Sparta."

OOC: NS Time.

The runner came into the room, panting from his last trip to Crete.

"HECK NO! Get up and run down to Crete again with this!" were the words of Echemus after he gave the runner glasses of water to drink.

The runner ran down to the port, and took one of the Echemi Family ships to Crete, before running to the King's Palace.

"Message from Sparta!"

"What are Crete's, Rhodes', and Persia's view of the war developing in Thessaly?

Signed,
Echemus of Sparta."


Message to Sparta:

As it comes to my attention of the developing events in Macedon, that they are aggressors,although this is true we must inform you that we do not plan to intervene with this mainland affair, but we will bring this to the attention of the Aegean League.

The soldiers of the Echemi Family were called to duty. They were currently walking around the Echemi Family's latafundia:

http://img190.exs.cx/img190/5478/01815yn.jpg

Soon they were on their way to Thessaly:

http://img184.exs.cx/img184/2016/01782gn.jpg

10,000 men huddled in their ships as they waited for the next assult wave. The row boats came back.
"Lords! The first wave has landed and secured the perimiter!"
*Cheering*
"Alright, next wave!"

All 10,000 men landed without incident. they then linked up with the macedonians, completely encircling Thessaly.

-Message- King Antiochus, i say we move in for the kill. I want riches from plunder. And i need my troops back soon. If Persia invades, they will attack my kingdom first. Long have we held the Persians at bay. Long have we defended greece! Now, lets crush out foe!

IC:

A message was rushed to King Antiochus of Macedonia:

"The Echemi Family is sending their own army to help defeat Thessaly. The army will be lead by Erasmus Echemi of Sparta with a bodyguard of thirty-nine elite hoplites. The army will consist of ten divisions (each 140 men) of Spartan Hoplites, and two divisions (each 60 men) of Greek Cavarly Pletiests. They will arrive in three days.

-Echemus of Sparta."

OOC: NS Time.
A mere 140 men? We need thousands! Persuade Sparta to help!

ooc: Do you have Rome: Total Realism yet?\

And how do you post images in your posts?

Message to Sparta:

As it comes to my attention of the developing events in Macedon, that they are aggressors,although this is true we must inform you that we do not plan to intervene with this mainland affair, but we will bring this to the attention of the Aegean League.

Message to Crete via guarded escort messenger:

"We are aware that they struck first, which is way Sparta is not going to help Macedonia. However, the Echemi Family's privately maintained army is enroute to help Macedonia for private reasons.

-Echemus of Sparta."

A mere 140 men? We need thousands! Persuade Sparta to help!

ooc: Do you have Rome: Total Realism yet?

OOC1: READ IT! It says "each" for a reason.

In all we are sending:

One Elite Spartan General Hopite Unit of 40 men.
1,400 Elite Spartan Hoplites.
120 Elite Spartan Cavarly Pelteists (sp?).

OOC2: Yes, Verson 5.0. But I cannot battle until a couple for hours.

King Karakinos, interrupting the Persian and Rhodesian king:

Sirs it has came to our attention that the Greek mainland is in severe turmoil with the northern states in war with a central state. Although Sparta,Macedon,and Thessaly to join the war on their part, although we have no intention of intervening in this mainland affair, this leaves the Greek mainland open to a full out Persian invasion and we view that this issue should be addressed accordingly.

Message to Crete via guarded escort messenger:

"We are aware that they struck first, which is way Sparta is not going to help Macedonia. However, the Echemi Family's privately maintained army is enroute to help Macedonia for private reasons.

-Echemus of Sparta."

Messanger returning to Sparta with this message:

As long as Sparta remains officially neutral in this conflict, Crete will as well, unless the Aegean League desides to take action. Also would not this war create a dire threat to the rest of Greece and leave an opening for Sparta maybe to claim other lands in Greece?

"Excellent." King Antiochus said. "It is almost done."

To Echemus of Sparta: We welcome your assistance in this matter, whatever your reasons, and are glad to be on such terms with the city of Sparta.

To Thrace: We agree, and hasten to meet you in their capital.

OOC: By the way, some of this could/should probably be posted in the thread about the invasion:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391631

Message to Crete:

"We are trying to end this war quickly to miminalize the chance of a Persian invasion. We told you before that the Oracle of Delphi claims that the Persians will have major interest in Greece in the future. Also, keep in mind that Sparta would never void her honor for Imperialism.

-Echemus of Sparta."

And how do you post images in your posts?

Take the screenshot.
Convert it to JPEG format with XnViewer
Go to Imageshack.us and host the image.
Post the link to the image they provide and add to the front and to the read.

I have no other choice then to surrender to all the nations attacking me.

Do not surrender.


To:Echemus Family of Sparta
From: Delos
Why are you attacking them?I see no reason for them to be attacked!please send a message back for the reasons why you'r attacking them.

We know Thessaly's men look like:

Archers (http://us.games-workshop.com/games/lotr/sog/catalog/images/free_peoples/citadel_guard_archer_sm.gif)
Infantry (http://www.blackmoor.ca/blackmoorimages/ridersinfantryspears.jpg)
Calvary (http://www.lotrplaza.com/rohan/images/rohirrim.jpg)

Thats all we have so far.

The Rhodesian King bowed his head the session had ended.

"Persia, your mighty Calvary prove strong, and soon our Phalanx will too be powerful enough for a war, but until then we must abstain from hostilities with anyone. If you help us train we should become powerful enough for the invasion."

King Alexander sat waiting for an answer




OOC; No matter what i said in the past NOW im getting those pics!

OOC:Eight pages since my last reply...not one about spying on my troops movements..*sigh*...everyone hates me...and Thebes.... :(

BIC:

King Arimandanes of Thebes gazed out the window that he seemed to spend most of his life gazing out of. He had not been prepared for these sudden battles. It was too much for a young king with amibitious plans involving Athens. He turned his head. Echemus, one of his only allies in the world, let alone Sparta, should know of these plans.

To:The Echemi Family in Sparta

Greetings,

As ruler of Thebes, I feel obliged to tell you, my loyal ally in a town that is my loyalest ally, my plans. We are training a lrger army, expanding our forces. The world is a bad place. But Athens is worse. And it is not far. Get my drift?

~Signed by King Arimandanes~

Message sent to Delos from Crete:

Great Sir the great power of Crete wishes to extend you your state an invitation to be entered into the Aegean League, upon accepting this your membership will be voted on by the states of Crete,Persia, and Rhodes.

To:Crete
From: King Thunit of Delos
Message was:
I accept and thank you Crete.

To:Crete
From: King Thunit of Delos
Message was:
I accept and thank you Crete.

Wait a second... Are you two the same people?

In the meeting on Rhodes King Karakinos:

Bringing to attention the Persians and Rhodesians that the small island state of Delos would like admitance into the Aegean League..what are your opinions on this matter?

Wait a second... Are you two the same people?
No were not..

LOL! He messed up and posted the answer for his other account!

Wait a second... Are you two the same people?

OOC: hmm this appears to be true because RE messanges as the state that GEU is and that was GEU messanging for RE....

In the meeting on Rhodes King Karakinos:

Bringing to attention the Persians and Rhodesians that the small island state of Delos would like admitance into the Aegean League..what are your opinions on this matter?
OOC: Looks like its the same person. Delos is that rebel elves, but United Elves answered as if it was him.

The Armies ready
http://img186.exs.cx/img186/513/train7kp.jpg

The Slaves charge
http://img186.exs.cx/img186/5103/train21nz.jpg

MORE TO COME! Like i said introuble sooo......

I or GEU (my bro) wont be on till maybe wednsday

I'll buy that story for now...

I say just get rid of the pair of em. Obviously smae person trying to pass themselves off as having a brother. You and your brother aren't going to get the nation you RP mixed up. You obviously know which one you RP as and which one they RP as and that sorta thing wont happen, same person and a Liar. who deleted his above post because he decided it wasnt worth it.

And why would your brother TG you information?

To:Echemus Family of Sparta
From: Delos
Why are you attacking them?I see no reason for them to be attacked!please send a message back for the reasons why you'r attacking them.

The following message was rushed back to Delos:

"The army that you must of observed leaving Sparta is indeed headed to Macedonia to meet up with Thrace. We have allied with Thrace, so we'd like to show a friendly gesture to them."

I dont know ask him jeez.

OOC: you could delete them but then we lose the action in central Greece..

since "he" doesnt exist that would be very hard.

Omg lets just forget about this whole stupid thing.I dont think it really matters. But w/e

I said I will allow it. I am in a good mood today.

But please, please, please: Use proper English grammer.

OOC: I don't want to sound like a hard-@$$ here, but what is going on with the Elves brothers/person? Thessaly said he surrendered, and if they are different people, then Thessaly should be given to me and Thrace to divide and plunder. If they are the same person, he should lose at least one of his two countries, like Thessaly, which could be put into my invasion like a real event and not ruin the action that is going.
Can't blame me for not trying :)

OOC: I don't want to sound like a hard-@$$ here, but what is going on with the Elves brothers/person? Thessaly said he surrendered, and if they are different people, then Thessaly should be given to me and Thrace to divide and plunder. If they are the same person, he should lose at least one of his two countries, like Thessaly, which could be put into my invasion like a real event and not ruin the action that is going.
Can't blame me for not trying :)
OOC: Crete holds the capital of Thessaly, so being no one else will have it. Although the King of this state might be able to be sold to your states for a price...

To Crete:
Thracian forces already surround the capital, and Macedonian armies are approaching. We far outnumber you forces combined, so you don't have any bargaining power here. This is not a threat, as we already had an understaning. But you have no real influence here, and we beg you to not start another war. We already owe you, and do not ruin our good relations.

To Crete:
Thracian forces already surround the capital, and Macedonian armies are approaching. We far outnumber you forces combined, so you don't have any bargaining power here. This is not a threat, as we already had an understanding. But you have no real influence here, and we beg you to not start another war. We already owe you, and do not ruin our good relations.
Thessaly is ours. What you do with there King, however, we cede to you. Our gift.

King Antiochus of Macedonia

To Crete:
Thracian forces already surround the capital, and Macedonian armies are approaching. We far outnumber you forces combined, so you don't have any bargaining power here. This is not a threat, as we already had an understanding. But you have no real influence here, and we beg you to not start another war. We already owe you, and do not ruin our good relations.
Thessaly is ours. What you do with there King, however, we cede to you. Our gift.

King Antiochus of Macedonia

To:Macedon
From: Commander of Cretan forces in Thessaly

This city and the harbod around it are Cretan Territory, Macedonian and Thracean claims out side of this city are none of our dealings but this city rests in the Aegean League, and its member states, and will be protected as so.

To Crete:
Pathetic. Swooping in at the last second to pick up the scraps of Thessaly that rightfully belong to Macedonia and Thrace. We do not wish to launch a war, but if you do not vacate the city will be sacked and all the people inside will be slaughtered. In the war ahead, we may not win, but there is no way you can hold that city should we choose to attck it. Thessaly IS OURS. You have no right to take that city. Within the hour, if you do not accept it, we will sack the city.

King Antiochus
OOC: GEU surrendered the whole country to us early yesterday, before you said you moved in. Check the thread of the invasion. In all practical purposes, your in my city, not one of Thessaly. Of course, you have it now, but I am considereing this an attack. Just so you know.

To Crete:
Pathetic. Swooping in at the last second to pick up the scraps of Thessaly that rightfully belong to Macedonia and Thrace. We do not wish to launch a war, but if you do not vacate the city will be sacked and all the people inside will be slaughtered. In the war ahead, we may not win, but there is no way you can hold that city should we choose to attck it. Thessaly IS OURS. You have no right to take that city. Within the hour, if you do not accept it, we will sack the city.

King Antiochus
OOC: GEU surrendered the whole country to us early yesterday, before you said you moved in. Check the thread of the invasion. In all practical purposes, your in my city, not one of Thessaly. Of course, you have it now, but I am considereing this an attack. Just so you know.


OOC: GEU also withdrew his surrender.....

IC:

To: Macedon

This city rests in our charge and will remain so. We do not plan to go to war over this issue, and as it stands your state might be in the same position had you not been warned by Crete. Also this city is under our care as it was originally stated. The King shall be removed to a new "residence" in Crete. We shall remain here until Macedon and Crete go into the planned conference at the end of the current Aegean League meeting.

King Alexander Decrees:

With recent events in Thessaly, the Rhodesian Peoples will consider a full withdrawl from the Agean League. Although withdrawl is not immenet, we cannot in anyways be connected to a supprter of Thessaly.

Alexander has Spoken

Alexander went to the Crete King. He was in a rage, "I can't believe you'd support those fools who call themselves a city-state. Their cowardice was noted when an invasion was first launched, we cannot support cowards! And we can't be allied to supporters of cowards! If your support continues we ask that you leave."

King Alexander stared into his eyes waiting for a response. He appreciated the help but the Dignity of Rhodes was far more important.

OOC: I have computer problems for a day, and when I come back it appears that I have a major international issue just across the little pond that is the Aegean, and a few pages of posts to read through! Why must computer trouble be so damaging?

IC:

The King of Persia, Artaxerxes, wondered just what in the world was going on. Crete had sent troops in Thessaly, he learned, and he learned that Thrace and Macedon were in an aggressive posturing. He didn't know the full story--his messangers had all been attacked by bandits, and he was out of the loop by random chance--but he devoted many resources into finding out what the devil was going on.

He sent a message to Rhodes.

The Persian Empire will aid the Rhodesians in training their army, and has sent a ship loaded with Persian officers to help oversee the training. I, King Artaxerxes, personally extend my blessing on your troops, may they be swiftly and effectively trained in the great art of warfare.

One issue down, several more to go. He would address them as soon as he was fully briefed (OOC:which means as soon as I read them all, and find out what this Thessaly business is fully about.)

The Rhodesian King was so glad to hear the news he rejoiced and prepared the docks for a grand arrival of the Officers. Although he knew they were more skild with regualr infantry and Calvary he still was happy to hear the news.

'How many?"
"We have no idea sir, but we do know that Thessially is ours if we attack!"
"Good, we shall attack. Are the ladders ready?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Good. We attack at dusk."

Has anyone taken into account the survivors of Troy?

According to one account, one group of the surviving Trojans, after the fall of Troy, of Homeric legend, made their way to the north coast of the Euxine (Black) Sea. Those Trojans were named "Aes" by the local inhabitants. The presence of the Aes, are commemberated by the Sea of Azov. Aes, incidentally means "Iron".

The Aes were a sea-faring people with iron weapons. They would have been a powerful ally against anyone. ;)

Finally the King knew what was going on. Under a pretext of a Thessalyan invasion of Macedonia, Macedonia and Thrace both invaded Thessaly. Crete had sent a small force to the capital city of Thessaly to sieze it, and now the two opposing forces bordered on war. But that also opened up Greece to Persian invasion. It was too good an opening to be ignored. Way too good. But what if it were a feint? A deceptive act to destroy whatever Persian forces were sent to mainland Greece? The King shuddered at that thought, but recognized that the Thracians and Macedonians would not open themselves up to Persian invasion for a grand scheme. It was too risky for them. It was decided.

Leapfrogging its way through the various satrapys of Persia, a message was sent out under heavy gaurd. This one had to get through, and had to get through without an enemy spy learning of it. A spy could easily spot the movement of troops, but the planning of this move was set up to allow him to witness what would appear to be a routine patrol. The leapfrogging was not just for protection; it allowed many satraps to send troops from all over the Empire, small numbers from each, confusing the enemies of Persia. When assembled they would fool no one, but they would not be assembled for a few weeks.

All told, a great host marched from all over the Empire, from Persia to Phoenicia. The distances involved would force the enemies of Persia to have spies all over the Empire, at least until they met up in Lydia. The troops already in Asia Minor did nothing that would allow the enemies of Persia to suspect an invasion. In fact, their orders were to not move out until it was obvious that the enemy knew Persia would invade. The troops in route had been told only that they headed to Asia Minor, with no specifics given out. The satraps knew that troops could, and sometimes would, talk. And even if they didn't, this order came from the King himself.

To further confuse the enemies of Persia, the fleets did not deviate in their course. They recieved no orders as of yet, but a messanger would be sent out in time that they would be ready. No message was sent to Persia's allies, for it would be harder to secure the message in foreign lands. It was about as secret as you could get when prepping an invasion force in a land where a thousand spies could lay hidden for eternity.

The forces in route totaled 50,000 men, 10,000 of which were Immortals, with another 5,000 horsemen. 50,000 men. It was a massive army, and made a sizeable chunk of the Persian army.

Though most city-states were actualy ruled by tyrants--little more than kings--the Greeks used Persia as The Yardstick of Evil Against which All Evil Empires Are Measured. The Greeks had not met the Assyrians or the Babylonians, or a legion of other Middle Eastern empires. Persia was mild at worst in comparison, and it intended to spread this mildness to Greece. It would then spread to southern Italy and Sicily to defeat the most powerful of the remaining Greek city-states, and then there would be no external Greek help.

Uuugh
To Thessaly:
King Vineyard, I assure you, I am as upset about Crete's occupation as I am, and have totally plan to assist you in the attack. But I ask you to postpone a while longer. Crete's allies are not with him in the current state, and he can probably be forced out with out causing the death of any more of our noble soldiers. Those soldiers will be needed in future conflicts, especially against Persia, who might be forced into war if we attack Cretian forces. But know that If you do attack, Macedonia will support and assist you. We just ask this favor that you wait a while.

King Antiochus

To Crete:
I apologize for forgetting our conference that was planned, but your occupation is unneccesary. You will be crushed if we attack, but I do not wish this. I hope that you will trust me as your friend and ally, and do not insist on staying in Thessaly, as it insults our pride. We alsohave recieved words from spys that perhaps your allies in the Aegean league do not fully support your current actions. This is conjecture, but we both no there is no point in fighting here. Thessaly belongs to Macedonia and Thrace now, and you will be receiving some of the Macedonian plunders for your help earlier. But that cannot be finalized until you leave, as you are unfairly holding some of Thrace's promised plunder. We will send Prince Phillip to Crete as a sign of our trust in you, to show that you need not occupy Thessaly for security. But if you do not leave, you will be destroyed.

King Antiochus.

Uuugh
To Thessaly:
King Vineyard, I assure you, I am as upset about Crete's occupation as I am, and have totally plan to assist you in the attack. But I ask you to postpone a while longer. Crete's allies are not with him in the current state, and he can probably be forced out with out causing the death of any more of our noble soldiers. Those soldiers will be needed in future conflicts, especially against Persia, who might be forced into war if we attack Cretian forces. But know that If you do attack, Macedonia will support and assist you. We just ask this favor that you wait a while.

King Antiochus
Message to Macedon:
King Antiochus,
Come morning my soldiers will attack, no matter if crete is in the citystate. They have no buisness being there, and they will be slaughtered to the last man. As for Persia, i have a sizable force waiting for their attack. We have repelled Hundreds of Invasions with out aid, so why should this be any different? Together, we will crush thessaly, and together we will crush the Persians! Together, Macedon, we are unstoppable! For Greece and Glory!

-King Vineyard

To Thrace:
One of my two armies (the 20,000 man army) will be returning to Macedonia, but the rest of my forces will remain and aid you in the assualt. We stand with you, and will fight with you, and die with you, at dusk if Crete does not leave. For Greece.

King Antiochus

"And make sure, " King Antiochus told his general, " that this message is sent with the heaviest guard available.

King Alexander Decrees:

With recent events in Thessaly, the Rhodesian Peoples will consider a full withdrawl from the Agean League. Although withdrawl is not immenet, we cannot in anyways be connected to a supprter of Thessaly.

Alexander has Spoken

Alexander went to the Crete King. He was in a rage, "I can't believe you'd support those fools who call themselves a city-state. Their cowardice was noted when an invasion was first launched, we cannot support cowards! And we can't be allied to supporters of cowards! If your support continues we ask that you leave."

King Alexander stared into his eyes waiting for a response. He appreciated the help but the Dignity of Rhodes was far more important.

Great Sirs, Crete is no supporter of Thessaly. Our force was sent to their capital to "hold" it and to send their king to a new "residence" on a barren island near Crete. So we ask you to watch what is said to Crete.

Great Sirs, Crete is no supporter of Thessaly. Our force was sent to their capital to "hold" it and to send their king to a new "residence" on a barren island near Crete. So we ask you to watch what is said to Crete.
-To Whom is in charge of Thessaly-
Then it is Cretian blood that my soldiers will bathe in. I will allow you to withdraw, but you have little time. My men are restless for glory. War and fighting are food and drink for my people due to the almoast constant invasions. You have 1 hour to leave the city...

-To Whom is in charge of Thessaly-
Then it is Cretian blood that my soldiers will bathe in. I will allow you to withdraw, but you have little time. My men are restless for glory. War and fighting are food and drink for my people due to the almoast constant invasions. You have 1 hour to leave the city...
OOC: that was to the aegean league allies, that is why I quoted golencia

Message sent from Cretan king to commander at the capital:

Your forces are not to interfere with the affairs of the other states and their armies your mission is to capture the king. empty the treasury and take all of the ships in the harbor after this your forces are to return to Crete.

Messager was escourted by two armed guards.

Message sent from Cretan king to commander at the capital:

Your forces are not to interfere with the affairs of the other states and their armies your mission is to capture the king. empty the treasury and take all of the ships in the harbor after this your forces are to return to Crete.

Messager was escourted by two armed guards.
Thracian soldiers who were wandering about, restles for the next morning found the messenger and his two armed guards. Drawing their swords, about 10 men on foot and their mounted officer attacked the messenger and (i'm not trying to god mod, just trying to be realistic) took the message. Presenting it to King Vineyard, they decided to completely seal off any exit of enterence to or from thessaly. The ladders were being inspected for the final time while the archers strung their bows. Tomorrow would be a long one.

--Message to Macedon--
We have oncovered evidence that Crete wishes to loot Thessaly. they are also going to steal the Thessialian navy for their own porposes. 500 thracians are guarding the harbor as we speak. We must crush the Cretians. I am outraged by this act of cowardice on the part of the enemy.

ooc: How many men DO you have in thessaly SovietRepublicofRussia? And how did you get it there?

As the Persian Army marched away from their Homeland to destroy greece the Rhodesian King Alexander listened to the reports. A new ally was about to destroy people who shared his culture. The Persian Officers sent to help train were arrested on site Alexander couldn't be sure if they truly were there to help. He demanded the Persians leave immediately. His Phalanx were not as bad as they appeared. They had been training there whole lives and needed to put on a show. The Rhodesians did have trouble with Calvary but they were improving.

In a last attempt at peace the Rhodesian King sent this message to Persia.

Your Officers have arrived safely and are currently drilling our men. However we ask that you withdraw from an Invasion in Greece until we are prepared to aide you in war.

Alexander.

Of Course Alexander's letter was false. The Officers were really arrested. His Armies were very ready for war. But he couldn't see his Bretheren Fall.

OOC: Since you cannot see what goes on in Rhodes you do not now the truth and you think everything is going well.

Thracian soldiers who were wandering about, restles for the next morning found the messenger and his two armed guards. Drawing their swords, about 10 men on foot and their mounted officer attacked the messenger and (i'm not trying to god mod, just trying to be realistic) took the message. Presenting it to King Vineyard, they decided to completely seal off any exit of enterence to or from thessaly. The ladders were being inspected for the final time while the archers strung their bows. Tomorrow would be a long one.

--Message to Macedon--
We have oncovered evidence that Crete wishes to loot Thessaly. they are also going to steal the Thessialian navy for their own porposes. 500 thracians are guarding the harbor as we speak. We must crush the Cretians. I am outraged by this act of cowardice on the part of the enemy.

ooc: How many men DO you have in thessaly SovietRepublicofRussia? And how did you get it there?

OOC: I have 500 and they arrived by ship, where the ships remain. Also I find it hard to capture messangers while in a ship protected by the Cretan navy but if you say so.

Messange delivered to Sparta via ship wiith a messanger escourted by 2 armed warriors and 3 Cretan ships:

We have reason to believe much trechery is going alig in Northern Greece and possible within my alliance. Therefore I request a counsel with your court as soon as possible, for the fate of Greece may lie in this meeting...

To Thrace:
I agree. We are launching the attack on our side of the city. Begin yours as soon as possible. Crete stands no chance.
King Antiochus

To Crete:
Your recent acts scream of cowardice. We did not want to attack but you have thrust you nose into business that none of your concern. You claim Larissa is in control of the Aegean leauge, but in truth you slipped in after Thrace and Macedonia did the real fighting, and now we know that inside every Cretian is a streak of yellow. I can also now inform you that the port of the capital is blockaded, and there is now way out. You time for surrender is counted in minutes.
King Antiochus
OOC: I hope this doesn't seem like godmodding because in the thread for the original invasion of Thessaly I stated the entire Macedonian and entire Thracian fleet combined has sailed for the capital, and while Crete is certaintly more of a naval power, I think our combined fleets is enough to blockade the ports, unless you show proof otherwise.

To Thrace:
I agree. We are launching the attack on our side of the city. Begin yours as soon as possible. Crete stands no chance.
King Antiochus

OOC: I hope this doesn't seem like godmodding because in the thread for the original invasion of Thessaly I stated the entire Macedonian and entire Thracian fleet combined has sailed for the capital, and while Crete is certaintly more of a naval power, I think our combined fleets is enough to blockade the ports, unless you show proof otherwise.
-At once.

--Outside Thessialy, early morning.--
The fog was thick in the air, it was almoast as if one could taste it. Warriors wearing silver helmets and being striped to the waist crept out of the forest that was on one side ot the thessialy.
'Quiet!" A harsh wisper was heard when a man had stepped on a twig. The men reached the wall and they waited quietly for the ladder. The fog was begininbg to lift, and time was of the essence. Archers sprinted out of the forest and examined the top of the wall. Nothing. The watches must be asleep. Men carrying ladders came out of the fog and planted the ladders base in the soggy ground. A thracian clutched onto the top of the ladder, and was being raised up along with it. He would clear the wall in case the enemy was waiting on top. Similar cases occured on other sections of the wall as countless ladders were being raised into the air. When the first ladder hit the wall, CLANG!. There was shouting from within the wall...

ooc: SovietRepublicofRussia. Perhaps you can RP beyond this point. be realistic though, 20,000 against 500?

Ther sappers had done their job well, General Amynuts thought. The walls of Larissa gave a great groan, and then stopped, only for a portion of the wall to completly collapse a second later. General Amyntus ordered his finest phalanx through the gap first, expecting an Cretian counter-attack. "General," an aide came rushing in, "We have reports that the Thracians have scaled the walls on their side of the city."
'Excellent." The General said. "Be prepared to offer full quarter to those who surrender."
" Send a messanger two have a few ships come around into the port and hit hem from the back."

OOC:YOu should probably take it from here SovietRu . . Crete. 500 men can do some damage, especially if there cornered in. I have 5,000 men, just so you know.
2,500 (Phalanx)
1,000 basic swordsmen
1,000 archers
500 Calvary

OOC: While I may not be able to see what is going on in Rhodes, I will certainly notice when the Persians fail to report in on the progress of their training. After all, you don't send Persian officers to a Greek nation to train their army and expect them not to report to King Artaxerxes on how well his evil plans go.

ooc: SovietRepublicofRussia. Perhaps you can RP beyond this point. be realistic though, 20,000 against 500? Remember Thermopylae(sp?). . .

IC:

Enough was enough. Persia would show her true colors. The Persian fleet set sail to Thessaly, with orders to link up with the Cretan fleet and expell the Macedonian and Thracian navies. A few extra sailers onboard would allow Persia to capture a few of the Thessalyan vessels, the rest would be burned.

Meanwhile, the Persian forces continued to mass in Asia Minor. The newly massed forces started construction on military transport vessels, light catapults, and wagons for the supply train. As soon as the entire force massed, Persia would attack. That would take just a bit more time, but as soon as King Artaxerxes arrived, the entire force would be ready.

The King, meanwhile, was worried. He had not heard from his officers in Rhodes, despite Rhodesian assurances. As an insurance policy, he sent a heavily gaurded order for the Phoenician, Egyptian, and Lydian satrapies to be on the lookout for possible invasion. Though Rhodes would surely fall with so large a Persian force assembling not so far away, the King took no chances.

Message to Rhodes:

The King is worried about having not heard from his officers, and demands that Rhodes explain. The King is also worried about the Rhodesian request for Persia not to invade Greece. Persia is not invading Greece, has planned to do so, but is not going to. We are merely moving forces around to assure our allies in Crete that we are putting pressure on Macedon and Thrace. These lands are not Greek, and the Thracians have little in common with Greece. They even aided the Trojans! Macedonia does not even share your Greek concept of the polis.

It wasn't a total lie. Thrace was not Greek, and Macedon would not be fully Hellenized until Alexander the Great. In fact, most Greeks looked upon the Macedonians and Thracians as barbarians opposed to Greek culture. It was truer in Thrace than in Macedon, but even the Thracians worshipped two Greek gods: Dionysius (sp?) and Ares. The Thracians even aided the Trojans against the early inhabitants of Greece. It was here that he hoped to drive a wedge in between the Thracians, Macedonians, and Greeks.

-At once.

--Outside Thessialy, early morning.--
The fog was thick in the air, it was almoast as if one could taste it. Warriors wearing silver helmets and being striped to the waist crept out of the forest that was on one side ot the thessialy.
'Quiet!" A harsh wisper was heard when a man had stepped on a twig. The men reached the wall and they waited quietly for the ladder. The fog was begininbg to lift, and time was of the essence. Archers sprinted out of the forest and examined the top of the wall. Nothing. The watches must be asleep. Men carrying ladders came out of the fog and planted the ladders base in the soggy ground. A thracian clutched onto the top of the ladder, and was being raised up along with it. He would clear the wall in case the enemy was waiting on top. Similar cases occured on other sections of the wall as countless ladders were being raised into the air. When the first ladder hit the wall, CLANG!. There was shouting from within the wall...

ooc: SovietRepublicofRussia. Perhaps you can RP beyond this point. be realistic though, 20,000 against 500?

OOC:500 is the force I sent in the first place, its purpose was to carry our a specific mission and nothing else, to have more would be godmodding until I send my fleet from Crete which will increse my force significantly but not unitil then.

Messange delivered to Sparta via ship wiith a messanger escourted by 2 armed warriors and 3 Cretan ships:

We have reason to believe much trechery is going alig in Northern Greece and possible within my alliance. Therefore I request a counsel with your court as soon as possible, for the fate of Greece may lie in this meeting...

Echemus agreed after reading.

He immediately sent one of his family members on a voyage to Crete, after briefing him on Sparta politics and alliances, protected by ten Trimines.

IC:

Offical Announcement (spread by rumors and messengers):

"Sparta has offically agreed to allied with Macedonia!"

OOC: Sorry for the long wait, but I had to confer with Pleistolas.

IC:

~Secret Event 1 Completed and In Action. Category: Military Preparedness.~

OOC: Remember at the beginning I posted a similar remark saying it started.

IC:

Offical Announcement (spread by rumors and messengers):

"Sparta has offically agreed to allied with Macedonia!"

OOC: Sorry for the long wait, but I had to confer with Pleistolas.


Message to Sparta:

Might I mind you sir that your new ally of Macedon has threatened war if Crete does not leave the territory they plan to assimilate into their control. But say Crete must leave but equally block the only way out, witch will be there downfall in a few short weeks. So I ask you yor position on this matter?

Alexander was suspicious of the Persians, but the only evidence he had was that the Armies were moving. Of course the Armies could simply be going to protect, however the King also knew he couldn't hold out for long keeping Persians Hostage.

He was so nervous that he had ordered the Persian Officer's Execution if the Persions dared leave their borders. He didn't know what he was going to do. He knew that he couldn't make peace after the Persians would report they were taken Prisoner. O what to do what to do. Quickly thinking he dispatched yet another message to Persia:

The Training is going great, we have seen 2 Messangers leave but they were on foot and had no training nor weapons, unlike our messangers. Perhaps the men had been Intercepted. However we are glad to report their help has been appreciated and a Parade is being held in their Honor.

King Alexander.

***In Rhodes***
The Military soon began to question Alexander I's leadership. His son was much more able and no where near as decietful. Rhodes had a good alliance going but Alexander practically ruined it. Even Alexanders own son Alexander II had been worried. He then gathered officers and if another mistake was made, he would take power by force.

Message to Sparta:

Might I mind you sir that your new ally of Macedon has threatened war if Crete does not leave the territory they plan to assimilate into their control. But say Crete must leave but equally block the only way out, witch will be there downfall in a few short weeks. So I ask you yor position on this matter?

Message to Crete:

"We were never informed of this development... Our tentative view is that Crete should leave the territory, contacting the Macedonians if they have to get out of their way. We cannot risk a war on the Greek mainland."

Message to Crete:

"We were never informed of this development... Our tentative view is that Crete should leave the territory, contacting the Macedonians if they have to get out of their way. We cannot risk a war on the Greek mainland."

Message to Sparta:

We would leave had the Thracians not blocked the way and blockaded the harbor. This will not last long as the Persians are coming.

The island of Cyprus has been under the control of the Persian Empire for some time now.

As seeing how Athenian and Spartan threats are getting higher, the Cyprus Civil Defence Society has called for the Delegate to Persia of Cyprus to build up a Civil Defence Branch to help protect Cyprus under possable invasions.

The Civil Defence Branch would be made up of mainly hunters and merchants willing to gain herohood in their hometowns for serving their island home, and the Persian Empire.

Further information that has been limited has reached both the Persian Empire, Athens, and Sparta.

Ragged and wears, a messanger arrives in Sparta:
We are most gracious to hear of the alliance between our two great nations. As we realize, this means much for the future of the our cities and Greek as a whole. That said, we feel obliged to inform you of our current situation. After taking Thessaly along with Thrace, a small fleet of Cretian shipd slipped in at the last second and claimed the capital, along with everything in it. We were dismayed at this threat of cowardice and rudeness, but we waited and gave them a chance to give Thrace and Macedonia what is rightfully ours, but they refused. Then it became apparent from a stolen Cretian message that they intended to tuck their tales and run, but not before stealing all the valuables and the King that were in the city. After this final offense, Thrace and I had to attack, and the seige is currently going. The forces you previously sent north would be helpful, but not neccessary. Again, we are glad an alliance has been reached, and would give our new allies a generous gift.

King Antiochus

Also . .
OOC: Soviet, first off, I admire your honesty, which has been show several times now. But, again, in the original thread for the invasion we show the combined fleets of Macedonia and Thrace in the Bay, so more troops would be not possible. If that seems like godmodding, we can forget the ships, but seeing how the attack has been on for a while(technically hours) your reinforcements shouldn't be able to reach there, and one would appreciate you finishing the RP.

Ragged and wears, a messanger arrives in Sparta:
We are most gracious to hear of the alliance between our two great nations. As we realize, this means much for the future of the our cities and Greek as a whole. That said, we feel obliged to inform you of our current situation. After taking Thessaly along with Thrace, a small fleet of Cretian shipd slipped in at the last second and claimed the capital, along with everything in it. We were dismayed at this threat of cowardice and rudeness, but we waited and gave them a chance to give Thrace and Macedonia what is rightfully ours, but they refused. Then it became apparent from a stolen Cretian message that they intended to tuck their tales and run, but not before stealing all the valuables and the King that were in the city. After this final offense, Thrace and I had to attack, and the seige is currently going. The forces you previously sent north would be helpful, but not neccessary. Again, we are glad an alliance has been reached, and would give our new allies a generous gift.

King Antiochus

Also . .
OOC: Soviet, first off, I admire your honesty, which has been show several times now. But, again, in the original thread for the invasion we show the combined fleets of Macedonia and Thrace in the Bay, so more troops would be not possible. If that seems like godmodding, we can forget the ships, but seeing how the attack has been on for a while(technically hours) your reinforcements shouldn't be able to reach there, and one would appreciate you finishing the RP.
OOC: The Cretan fleet is now combined in operations with the fleet of Persia and the largest of all the fleets in Greece.

OOC: Okay, but like I said, the attack began hours ago, and in all reality, 500 men can not hold out as long as they already have. Breaking through the blockade is okay, but Larissa is taken. Aye?

OOC: Okay, but like I said, the attack began hours ago, and in all reality, 500 men can not hold out as long as they already have. Breaking through the blockade is okay, but Larissa is taken. Aye?
OOC: I believe 300 men held out quite a bit longer....

OOC: I believe 300 men held out quite a bit longer....

To both of you, Really it depends on luck alot. I mean sometimes 200 Can hold out longer than 500. Really it does vary, although i would say most likely 500 Men would not hold out that long. Even if there is 1 instance of it happening differently.

OOC:Eight pages since my last reply...not one about spying on my troops movements..*sigh*...everyone hates me...and Thebes.... :(

BIC:

King Arimandanes of Thebes gazed out the window that he seemed to spend most of his life gazing out of. He had not been prepared for these sudden battles. It was too much for a young king with amibitious plans involving Athens. He turned his head. Echemus, one of his only allies in the world, let alone Sparta, should know of these plans.

To:The Echemi Family in Sparta

Greetings,

As ruler of Thebes, I feel obliged to tell you, my loyal ally in a town that is my loyalest ally, my plans. We are training a lrger army, expanding our forces. The world is a bad place. But Athens is worse. And it is not far. Get my drift?

~Signed by King Arimandanes~

OOC:Ahem.....

To both of you, Really it depends on luck alot. I mean sometimes 200 Can hold out longer than 500. Really it does vary, although i would say most likely 500 Men would not hold out that long. Even if there is 1 instance of it happening differently.
OOC: either way crete only needs to hold out until the Cretan/Persian fleet arrives and re-enforces the position.

OOC: Doesnt mean they will

The final stages of the plan to invade Greece were being set in motion. King Artaxerxes himself had left Persepolis to join the invading Persian army. He would not arrive for a while, and so messangers were directed to where ever the King was, and he answered foreign diplomats in this way. He activated his last plan, and set another one in motion. One of them was probably going to fail, but the other would at the least annoy one of his "allies." It was unknown why they acted so strangely, but they would be addressed.

The messages were sent at once, and multiple ships set sail from Phoenicia to many ports, most of them in Greek or Greek-aligned hands, but a few in the Persian camp.

Message to Sparta:

Persia has learned of a Spartan army in Thessaly, where our noble and courageous allies the Cretans hold the capital city against the hordes of Thrace and Macedon, and must ask why the Spartans come to the aid of non-Greeks. The Thracians aided the Trojans, fought against the early sons of Greece, and the Macedonians are so backward compared to Greece that they never developed the concept of the Polis. Thus, the King of Persia must know, why does Sparta aid barbarians? These barbarians have even contacted Persia in the hopes that her mighty Empire make war against Sparta in their name.

Message to Macedonia:

You sons of Greece, why do you align yourselves with the barbaric Thracians? They fought your fore-fathers, and they would easily be turned against you true Greeks, as they are nothing but bloodthirsty barbarians. How can you keep them in friendship? Though you Greeks do not trust us Persians, surely you must recognize that what we say is true. These Thracians are not to be trusted. Already we have heard word from them that they plot against They wish for Persian arms to cross the Helespont and make war against Macedon so that they may profit.

Message to Thrace:

Thracians, why is it that you align yourselves with these Greek cowards? They have no proper stomach for wine, no proper arm for a sword, and no ear for music. They are so unlike you Thracians that the King himself had wondered for days on end trying to understand the Thracian motives. He has decided simply to ask. Why, when you Thracians defied Greece along with Troy, do you ally yourselves with her? Already these Greeks plot against Thrace, and have called for Persian blood to be spilt in Thrace.

Message to Rhodes:

The King understands that messangers can be assaulted, but he wishes for the bodies of the messangers to be returned to Persia, and he wishes for Rhodes to supply our officers with Rhodesian messangers, since ours apparantly lack training. They will be given fresh horses and other niceities on the Royal Road, just as our messangers are. The King is looking forward to hearing the personal accounts of each officer, and is debating wether or not to send a general to better coordinate training efforts.

Message to Crete:

Persia sends her fleet to Thessaly, though it may be too late, to drive off the Macedonian and Thracian barbarians' fleet. With our combined fleets, the victory over the Macedonian and Thracian fleet will be a lesson to those who defy Persia and her allies. Persia, when the time comes to finally claim Greece, will restore the Thessalyan capital, plus all of Thessaly, to Crete.

Message to Cyprus:

The King sends his personal blessing to the Cypriots, may they defend Cyprus well for Cyprus and the Empire should the need arise. Should Rhodes, or any other Greek state, be foolish enough to invade, Persia will commit all she can to the defense of noble Cyprus. Already, the troops all up and down the Levant are being prepped for this end.

Message to Syracuse:

The King of Persia, Artaxerxes, is interested in opening up diplomatic relations, for he has heard nothing of Syracuse.

The Cypruen delegate, Mattis Farr, appreciates the Persian acknowledgment for the Civil Defence Branch.

He is also asking if a Persian diplomat can meet with a Cypruen diplomat to meet some sort of Free-Governing System at which lesser restrictions is placed on the Cypruen people.

The final stages of the plan to invade Greece were being set in motion. King Artaxerxes himself had left Persepolis to join the invading Persian army. He would not arrive for a while, and so messangers were directed to where ever the King was, and he answered foreign diplomats in this way. He activated his last plan, and set another one in motion. One of them was probably going to fail, but the other would at the least annoy one of his "allies." It was unknown why they acted so strangely, but they would be addressed.

The messages were sent at once, and multiple ships set sail from Phoenicia to many ports, most of them in Greek or Greek-aligned hands, but a few in the Persian camp.

Message to Sparta:

Persia has learned of a Spartan army in Thessaly, where our noble and courageous allies the Cretans hold the capital city against the hordes of Thrace and Macedon, and must ask why the Spartans come to the aid of non-Greeks. The Thracians aided the Trojans, fought against the early sons of Greece, and the Macedonians are so backward compared to Greece that they never developed the concept of the Polis. Thus, the King of Persia must know, why does Sparta aid barbarians? These barbarians have even contacted Persia in the hopes that her mighty Empire make war against Sparta in their name.

Message to Macedonia:

You sons of Greece, why do you align yourselves with the barbaric Thracians? They fought your fore-fathers, and they would easily be turned against you true Greeks, as they are nothing but bloodthirsty barbarians. How can you keep them in friendship? Though you Greeks do not trust us Persians, surely you must recognize that what we say is true. These Thracians are not to be trusted. Already we have heard word from them that they plot against They wish for Persian arms to cross the Helespont and make war against Macedon so that they may profit.

Message to Thrace:

Thracians, why is it that you align yourselves with these Greek cowards? They have no proper stomach for wine, no proper arm for a sword, and no ear for music. They are so unlike you Thracians that the King himself had wondered for days on end trying to understand the Thracian motives. He has decided simply to ask. Why, when you Thracians defied Greece along with Troy, do you ally yourselves with her? Already these Greeks plot against Thrace, and have called for Persian blood to be spilt in Thrace.

Message to Rhodes:

The King understands that messangers can be assaulted, but he wishes for the bodies of the messangers to be returned to Persia, and he wishes for Rhodes to supply our officers with Rhodesian messangers, since ours apparantly lack training. They will be given fresh horses and other niceities on the Royal Road, just as our messangers are. The King is looking forward to hearing the personal accounts of each officer, and is debating wether or not to send a general to better coordinate training efforts.

Message to Crete:

Persia sends her fleet to Thessaly, though it may be too late, to drive off the Macedonian and Thracian barbarians' fleet. With our combined fleets, the victory over the Macedonian and Thracian fleet will be a lesson to those who defy Persia and her allies. Persia, when the time comes to finally claim Greece, will restore the Thessalyan capital, plus all of Thessaly, to Crete.

Message to Cyprus:

The King sends his personal blessing to the Cypriots, may they defend Cyprus well for Cyprus and the Empire should the need arise. Should Rhodes, or any other Greek state, be foolish enough to invade, Persia will commit all she can to the defense of noble Cyprus. Already, the troops all up and down the Levant are being prepped for this end.

Message to Syracuse:

The King of Persia, Artaxerxes, is interested in opening up diplomatic relations, for he has heard nothing of Syracuse.


Message to Persia, sent via heavily escourted ship:

We thank you for your kindness and honorability in upholding our alliance. As well as promising the restoration of Thessaly to the Cretans. Crete will send the bulk of the Cretan fleet north with 10,000 Cretan men along,most trained Phalanxes and archers. Our men in Thassaly will hold as long as possible and will never surrender until dead to the man.

OOC: Look, I understand anything can happen. But Thermopolyae was in a mountain pass less than 50 yards wide, and it is legendary because that kind of thing never happens. You are in a large city, outnumber 25 to one, with your walls already breach. Maybe a few of your troops can escape but certaintly not with any plunder and theres really no way they could hold out. Other people outside this conflict seem to agree with me, and I ask you to be reasonable and end the RP. we're letting you end it as a courtesy, but if you ignore it for much longer we can finish it. It's not a threat, I just ask that you be reasonable. I mean, you have the Persian fleet, but no Persian troops. Even if your fleet arrives, and breaks the blockade, your forces still are vastly outclassed. Sorry if I'm a bit aggressive, but it's obviously getting a tad annoying. Please? :confused:

OOC: Look, I understand anything can happen. But Thermopolyae was in a mountain pass less than 50 yards wide, and it is legendary because that kind of thing never happens. You are in a large city, outnumber 25 to one, with your walls already breach. Maybe a few of your troops can escape but certaintly not with any plunder and theres really no way they could hold out. Other people outside this conflict seem to agree with me, and I ask you to be reasonable and end the RP. we're letting you end it as a courtesy, but if you ignore it for much longer we can finish it. It's not a threat, I just ask that you be reasonable. I mean, you have the Persian fleet, but no Persian troops. Even if your fleet arrives, and breaks the blockade, your forces still are vastly outclassed. Sorry if I'm a bit aggressive, but it's obviously getting a tad annoying. Please? :confused:
OOC: Outnumbered maybe but by no means outclassed. Macedon was backward compared to almost all Greek technology as well as was Thrace

A Persian diplomat, Aridishar, has been dispatched to meet with the Cypriot delegate to establish what freedoms Cyprus is entitled to. He left the great shipyards of Phoenicia on a ship to Cyprus, and was fully empowered by King Artaxerxes to work out the autonomy issue.

OOC: Okay, now your just nitpicking in order to delay having to deal with the real issue. It's been hours since your walls are breached, 15,000 to 500, and we could be armed with clubs for all I care. We should be done with this, and considering how great of allies we could be. But this is done. Come on :headbang:

IC: "We've taken all exterior defences, sire. They have only the port."
"Excellent." Prince Amynar said. "Send the troops to the port in a three-pronged report, and bombard them with arrows. Send the Calvars to the side to flank, and make sure the Thracians are reinforcing us. It ends now."
He said, with the Cretian troops already in sight.

The diplomat to the Cypruean people, Mattis Farr himself, will meet the Persian diplomat in Cypee, a port town that is being transformmed slowly into the capital of the island.

OOC:
Mind if we go ahead and jump right into the meeting? I have limited time on left.

OOC: Sure. I may have limited time myself.

IC:

Aradishar met the Cypriot diplomat in Cypee, having just left the Persian ship. He was already thinking about what concessions Persia would make, and what demands Persia would make. He bowed to the delegate, this being his country after all.

Mattis nodded and sat next to the diplomat.

"Welcome to this fair city. I hope your trip was suitable?"

The archers had unleashed several volleys into the Cretians, but the enemy proved resolute, as less than a hundred appeared to be dead.
"Now." The general gave the order.
The 2000+ pikeman marched toward the Cretians, enclosed in phalanx formation, in three distinct formations. The general kept his numerous swordsmen and a few calvary in reserve, as the rest of the calvary waited in the wings, waiting for the signal. They were about to clash . . .

The archers had unleashed several volleys into the Cretians, but the enemy proved resolute, as less than a hundred appeared to be dead.
"Now." The general gave the order.
The 2000+ pikeman marched toward the Cretians, enclosed in phalanx formation, in three distinct formations. The general kept his numerous swordsmen and a few calvary in reserve, as the rest of the calvary waited in the wings, waiting for the signal. They were about to clash . . .
The Cretan defenders in their own phalanx formation stands ready to recieve the attacking force, after the mostrly failed arror barrage,killing only 65 men.


OOC: Calvary in a city???

The Macedonian phalanxes proceeded, coming directly at the enemy from one side, and at diagonals with the other two formations, hoping to drive the enemy into the sea. But the going was very, very slow, and Macedonian soldiers were dropping at a much higher rate than the enemy. "It's a good thing we have numbers." The General said "Because we don't have the valour."

OOC; Not many ;) and there in a pretty tight triangular formation. That, and the docks are usually a bit more open that the rest of the city, but yeah, there not very effective. last resort type a thing, really

Cretan defenders although suffering casualties,numbered around 100, are ordered to stop any retreat and hold their current positions at all costs. The words of the commander of thisposition is heard saying "here we lay our lives down for Crete".


OOC: Maybe but sending calvary against a phalanx is suicide, a horse would be delt with 9 feet away from the enemy(spear length)

The macedonian casualties added up as Cretian resistance increased, almost 500 men lost to the 100 cretians. The manuever had to be used, the general decided, as to many men were being lost. The Macedonian middle began to thin, and when it was at weak as it could hold, the men dropped their lengthy pikes and sidestepped quickly, opening up a hole. Behind them was a unit of Macedonian archers, movements hidden by the chaos up front, and they fired a volley only 10 yards away from the enemy, and fired again, going for numbers, not accuracy. They then too dispersed to the sides, and a unit of Royal Calvary of no more than 40 horses, led by the King's youngest son, Prince Varus, charged full speed into the gap. The General already could see the few Macedonian pikeman that couldn't move in time and were shot down, and the dozens of archers not fast enough to avoid the encoming calvary, and prayed their sacrifice would be worthwhile. To be sure, he order forward his swordsemen after the horses.

OOC: I agree, it would be suicide. Usually, that is, unless they were hit from the sides or behind . . . Unless we're talking about Spartan Hoplites in Rome:Total War, which can be brought down by no force of man or god, which can really suck (God*&%%$% Phalanxes)

Cretan forces took a hit from the archers, around 70 killed or wounded considerble less thanks to Cretan Armor and shields. Seeing the approaching calvary the commander ordered his forces to prepare to remove these men from their horses.




Off the shore of Greece the Cretan fleet moves North to meet the approaching Persian fleet.

The General could see the charge had problems, and would have pulled back himself, but Prince Varus would have none of it. With a yell the trooops made their final charge, and exploded through the first line of Cretians, only to find disaster after that, The Other Cretian pikeman had swiveled positions and now the calvary faced a gauntlet of pikes. They tried to ride on, hacking away ferociusly, but dropping like flies. Prince Varus was charging as his horse caught a pike, flinging him to certain death. The rest of the Macedonians, heartened by the charge and not knowing a Prince was dead, rallied, with fanatic Macedonian swordsmen swarming the enemy from all flanks in waves of hundreds.

The Macedonian calvary charge, although a complete diaster, killed 30 men again thanks to the armor and shields of the Cretans. After breaking this attack the Cretans quickly reformed into a tight formation in preparation for the sure bloodbath of the coming swordsmen.

The swordsmen entered a frenzy, hitting the enemy's flank and wreaking havoc. With little regard for their own protection they suffered their own damage, but it was worth the termination of the enemy. The General then ordered some archers on the lighthouse and harbor walls, hoping to hit the enemy from behind while they were being attacked

Long, drawnout horns sounded in the distance, and the Veteren Thracian army approached. The entire line of infantry halted and archers dashed forward.
"USE FIIIRRE!"
A soldier ran along in front of the archers, spilling small quantities of a certain liquid which burst into flames whan a tourch was droped into it. The archers all stooped over and lit their arrows on fire.
"FIRE!" The archers let lose their flamming barrage, (naturaly) scaring the crap out of the cretians. The Veteren army of thracians rushed in with swords, battering pikes away with their sheilds, a feat whoch they had all done many times before in battle. They closed in on the shocked Cretians....

ooc: ok, first off, the cretians didn't have a solid standing foot army. If anything, the macedonians had a more professional army. But one of the most experienced armies at the time were the thracians(right behind the spartans) due to the constant warfare that the thracians underwent. From persian satrap invasions to maurdering barbarians, the Thracians never had more than a year of peace.

The swordsmen entered a frenzy, hitting the enemy's flank and wreaking havoc. With little regard for their own protection they suffered their own damage, but it was worth the termination of the enemy. The General then ordered some archers on the lighthouse and harbor walls, hoping to hit the enemy from behind while they were being attacked
Heh, they are being attacked from ALL sides now!

With this the Cretans fought to the last man inflicting unknown casualties on the enemy but hoped that it would be enough for the allies are coming...as the commander said just before his forces collapsed as the last of the Cretans died...

The final stages of the plan to invade Greece were being set in motion. King Artaxerxes himself had left Persepolis to join the invading Persian army. He would not arrive for a while, and so messangers were directed to where ever the King was, and he answered foreign diplomats in this way. He activated his last plan, and set another one in motion. One of them was probably going to fail, but the other would at the least annoy one of his "allies." It was unknown why they acted so strangely, but they would be addressed.

The messages were sent at once, and multiple ships set sail from Phoenicia to many ports, most of them in Greek or Greek-aligned hands, but a few in the Persian camp.

Message to Sparta:

Persia has learned of a Spartan army in Thessaly, where our noble and courageous allies the Cretans hold the capital city against the hordes of Thrace and Macedon, and must ask why the Spartans come to the aid of non-Greeks. The Thracians aided the Trojans, fought against the early sons of Greece, and the Macedonians are so backward compared to Greece that they never developed the concept of the Polis. Thus, the King of Persia must know, why does Sparta aid barbarians? These barbarians have even contacted Persia in the hopes that her mighty Empire make war against Sparta in their name.

Message to Macedonia:

You sons of Greece, why do you align yourselves with the barbaric Thracians? They fought your fore-fathers, and they would easily be turned against you true Greeks, as they are nothing but bloodthirsty barbarians. How can you keep them in friendship? Though you Greeks do not trust us Persians, surely you must recognize that what we say is true. These Thracians are not to be trusted. Already we have heard word from them that they plot against They wish for Persian arms to cross the Helespont and make war against Macedon so that they may profit.


Message to Rhodes:

The King understands that messangers can be assaulted, but he wishes for the bodies of the messangers to be returned to Persia, and he wishes for Rhodes to supply our officers with Rhodesian messangers, since ours apparantly lack training. They will be given fresh horses and other niceities on the Royal Road, just as our messangers are. The King is looking forward to hearing the personal accounts of each officer, and is debating wether or not to send a general to better coordinate training efforts.



The Emperor began writing furiously, when his son came in with two Guards. "Father, your betrayal is hurting our people." started the son. The King looked up. "What?" Without saying another wourld Alexander II thrusted his sword into his father's body. He looked at him in complete surprise. As he fell to floor a pool of blood formed around him. He was dead. The Papyrus he was writing on read:

The Rhodesian Peoples officially leave the Aegean league and Declare War o-

He was planning on hitting the Persians. As Alexander II took the throne he immediately released the Persian Officers and sent them home with 25 Members of the Royal Guard and a message to Persia:

We apologise for the actions of my father. As he prepared to betray you i personally killed him. I have assumed the Throne, and would like to apologise on his behalf. Your officers should be home shortly after this messanger reaches you. They are being accompanied by some of my Finest Guards. My Father had Imprisoned them and planned their execution, I understand if you wish no longe to help the Training of our Military.

King Alexander II

To: Crete
From: Thessaly

I have just been informed that you are at war.You are at war with Macedonia?Well I am going to TG you with secret things.

King Achilles II

To:Thessaly
From:Crete

OOC: You need to notify the holders of Thessaly
that your armies are still there...that you have not surrendered.

IC: Yes we are at war with Macedon and Thrace

Message to Thessaly
Form Rhodes.

The Extent of your cowardice has grown far too big. We do not see it fit for you to retain your position as leader of Thessaly. We hereby Declare War on you if you do not Abdicate the throne in 1 RL Hour.

King Alexander II

TO:ALL NATIONS THAT ARE ATTACKING ME
FROM: THESSALY
I have not surrendered.My armies are still there fighting for their dear lives.I will not live on the day my people are killed.My troops have the same fear in their eyes and their hearts that would kill ME!But it is not this day, today we FIGHT!!

King Achilles II

Message to Thessaly
Form Rhodes.

The Extent of your cowardice has grown far too big. We do not see it fit for you to retain your position as leader of Thessaly. We hereby Declare War on you if you do not Abdicate the throne in 1 RL Hour.

King Alexander II

TO:RHODES
FROM: THESSALY
King Achilles died of old age.King Achilles the second is now leader.We will kiss this cowerdness good-bye forever!

To: Thessaly
From: Rhodes

The entire line of Achilles has been tainted by this cowardice. We demand you abdicate!

To: Rhodes
From: Thessaly

You want me to change my name or get a new leader, another miltaristic leader?

Message to Sparta:

Persia has learned of a Spartan army in Thessaly, where our noble and courageous allies the Cretans hold the capital city against the hordes of Thrace and Macedon, and must ask why the Spartans come to the aid of non-Greeks. The Thracians aided the Trojans, fought against the early sons of Greece, and the Macedonians are so backward compared to Greece that they never developed the concept of the Polis. Thus, the King of Persia must know, why does Sparta aid barbarians? These barbarians have even contacted Persia in the hopes that her mighty Empire make war against Sparta in their name.

IC:

Message to Persia:

We never sent any aid to Macedonia. You must be confused.

OOC:

We never did. A few private mercanaries were hired and sent north, but they never reached Macedonia. They also did not carry the flag of Sparta.

The Echemi Family Army, now apporaching Cornith, turned back and marched quickly back to Sparta, after they heard word of the Macedonian victory.

To:Echemi Family
From: Thessaly

If you are not in this war.I would request an alliance with you.We will do our best to match your demands.

King Thessus

OOC: I thought Thessaly was dead? Can somebody update me on this?

OOC: I am not dead....i wasn't going to be at my house from monday-till-today.I finally got on today.So no i am not dead.Macedonia may think o but no i am not dead.

TO:ALL NATIONS THAT ARE ATTACKING ME
FROM: THESSALY
I have not surrendered.My armies are still there fighting for their dear lives.I will not live on the day my people are killed.My troops have the same fear in their eyes and their hearts that would kill ME!But it is not this day, today we FIGHT!!

King Achilles II
you took that from LOTR... so stupid...
To:Echemi Family
From: Thessaly

If you are not in this war.I would request an alliance with you.We will do our best to match your demands.

King Thessus
I have already conquered your city! You now rot in my prisions. What riches do you have? Mabye a rat or two? Wow. I have overrun your city. You never rped anything. This is stupid. There is no freggin' way in hell you have an army or a city left. I will simply ignore you. IGNORED.(dumbass)

I have to RP back for it to be a war! I wasn't home so really you haven't won yet!!

you took that from LOTR... so stupid...

I have already conquered your city! You now rot in my prisions. What riches do you have? Mabye a rat or two? Wow. I have overrun your city. You never rped anything. This is stupid. There is no freggin' way in hell you have an army or a city left. I will simply ignore you. IGNORED.(dumbass)
OOCL he withdrew his surrender but you failed to note this therefore he should IGNORE your rps

OOC: I agree with Crete

To: Crete
From: Thessaly

We would like to inform you that King Achilles II had to much trouble being King of his Empire because he was only 25.He handed power over to his son Thessus (Thee-see-us) but he is only 8 years of age.Anyways thank you for you'r support.We just want to know if you are still an ally (just wanting to know not like you arn't or anything but you know).

King Thessus

To: Crete
From: Thessaly

We would like to inform you that King Achilles II had to much trouble being King of his Empire because he was only 25.He handed power over to his son Thessus (Thee-see-us) but he is only 8 years of age.Anyways thank you for you'r support.We just want to know if you are still an ally (just wanting to know not like you arn't or anything but you know).

King Thessus
To:Thessaly
From:Crete

We are no ally of your state our forces that were destroyed with your capital were there to eliminate your father and sack the city and secure your fleet. We shall do the same to you if you do not submit when told to by Crete....

-unsigned

OOC: submit what? i had no fleet. My capitol was changed before the city was destroyed.

Declaration of War!

With the Abdication of Achilles II the Rhodesians have confirmed the Thessalians will not stand for anything but give in to demands. Now for the Honor of the Greek Peoples King Alexander II has declared war on the Thessalians. Thessaly will fall to the Agean League! 12,000 Men were boarding on to several ships, while 600 Horses trotted onto another.

Death before Dishonor!

OOC: why are you going to war with me?I mean though losing Achillies II i still have 10 heirs to the throne.What are your demands so that there wont be no war!?

OOC: It was a trick. Had you refused to do what we asked, we wouldn't have done a thing. But since you gave in to a foriegn Power we see the chance to take Thessaly. Although if you dont want a war you an sign thessaly over to us now, and you'll be a governor.

OOC: may i be a military leader too?

Declaration of War!

With the Abdication of Achilles II the Rhodesians have confirmed the Thessalians will not stand for anything but give in to demands. Now for the Honor of the Greek Peoples King Alexander II has declared war on the Thessalians. Thessaly will fall to the Agean League! 12,000 Men were boarding on to several ships, while 600 Horses trotted onto another.

Death before Dishonor!
You will not set one foot on land without giving us some sort of tribute or making an alliance, due to our forces nat being at war with the thessilains.. We know not your true intentions. Please reply.

-King Vineyard

To: King Vineyard
From: King Thessus
I dont want to start another war, but are you helping me?If you are may the you be blessed by the gods and live a long happy life.
PLEASE REPLY
King Thessus

OOC: submit what? i had no fleet. My capitol was changed before the city was destroyed.
You don't own anything but thessially. You can't really switch capitols due to you don't have another city. besides, where is your "New Capitol"?

To: King Vineyard
From: King Thessus
I dont want to start another war, but are you helping me?If you are may the you be blessed by the gods and live a long happy life.
PLEASE REPLY
King Thessus
No, i have sacked your burning city and i will not rest until you are eliminated.

-King Vineyard

You will not set one foot on land without giving us some sort of tribute or making an alliance, due to our forces nat being at war with the thessilains.. We know not your true intentions. Please reply.

-King Vineyard

We will gladly make an alliance with your nation, however we will refuse to pay any money. If an alliance is what you wish an alliance is what you'll get.

-King Alexander II

OOC: its just in a cave south of the city-state

OOC: Then thats not a Capital, thats a cave were your govenment is hiding.

OOC: ya i guess

To: King Vineyard
From: Delos
We request an alliance with you.
we will match you'r demands.

To: Delos
From: King Alexander II

We demand you pay a regular tribute of 2400 to our Treasury Yearly! We also demand you no longer keep an alliance with whats left of Thessaly or you too will be destroyed in a War with Rhodes.

To:King ALexander II
From: King Thunit
Who said we were allies?
Also Rhodes is at war with them why??
But surely i will pay you 2400 each year.

King Thunit

OOC: ill be back on in an hour to an hour and a half.