NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the thread of the Conquests of Emperor Octavian. Anyone who wishes to join, post in the The Conquests Of Emperor Octavian RP Idea thread. Also, I plan to RP the Greeks, Syrians and so on but other nations can interact with each. Tell me if I started it good, with constructive criticism.

Mithradates was a general in the Syrian army. Raised in Persia, he rose through the ranks of the Syrian army to become what he was. He was ordered to take the city of Byzantium (which in our world became Constantinople). He had with him, about 300,000 or more men and he began from the other side of the Strait of Byzas or the Bosphorus and marched to Byzantium. The song, Humata al Diyar could be heard by citizens, later on would the city of Byzantium hear it.

''This will be a great day for Syria.'' Mithradates thought as he marched. He rode a white horse and he dressed in Syrian military attire, his hat was similar to what Napoleon Bonaparte wore, this was not really part of military attire. Mithradates hoped to see the buildings of Byzantium soon, but he felt that other nations will oppose Syria's actions.

Gaditicus stood on the prow of his trireme, watching as the port of Byzantium became ever closer. He felt a sense of pride, what with fresh gleaming ivory from Africa, and captured lions in his hold, he could turn quite a fortune from the peoples of the city. Even still, he longed to be back at his home in Taledon with his wife and newborn daugther. Ah well, so is a traders life...

As his galley pulled into the shallow waters of the docks, his men jumped over the side and onto the wooden planks of the dock, tying the ship up so as to secure it, and then lowered the plank for the others to descend and unload the cargo. Gaditicus watched as everything transpired, and looked around at the bustling city port he had visited many times, and raved at the profits he knew he would turn.

(OOC: I'm expecting him to be caught up in your siege of Byzantium, then, outraged at this news, the Senate sends a force to destroy your hold on Byzantium. Sound good?)

OOC-That sounds interesting. But could you help me RP a war with you if one breaks out? Thanks. My nation's plan is to conquer Greece and other lands as well as Byzantium.

IC-When Gaditicus came to Byzantium, he heard the chanting of Syrian soldiers. He saw that Syrian soldiers, infantry, archers, calvary and others were marching to the city of Byzantium. He could hear the screams of people as he saw Syrian catapults, ballistas and other siege weapons be fired. The military of Byzantium, he could see, was trying its best to defend itself but the Syrians were more advanced and stronger. They continued on their siege, finally the gate cracked and the Syrians, led by Mithradates (sometimes called The Persian) came in. ''Do not harm women or children! No looting!'' Mithradates began to state to his soldiers. When one soldier refused to listen and went after a young girl, a Syrian archer disposed of him. Mithradates then stated ''No attack on foreigners either!'' and then proceeded to the Imperial Palace of Byzantium. Meanwhile, his soldiers were fortifiying areas in the city. Gaditicus was now caught up in a war between Byzantium and Damascus.

(OOC: I take it this is real life)

OOC-No, this is all NationStates. If it was real life, I would have been the Kievan Rus, Arabs, Crusaders or Ottoman Turks.

(OOC: Hmm, we seem to have a slight problem with technology. I was under the impresion that you use things from the time period of 300BC to 400AD, you know, Roman stuff and such. But seeing your cannons makes me wonder. If I am mistaken about where you are at in your technology setting, then I must humbly resign myself, as I would be heavily outdated.)

OOC-Sorry for that. I have edited my post there, let's continue now. Sorry for the mixup.

Gaditicus ran through the terrified crowds, trying to get back from the market to his ship. It was a dreadful sight, how could the heavily defended city be taken so easily? No matter, he had to get out before his life was over.

He turned the familiar corners almost instinctively, knowing exactly where to go to get back to the harbor. He rounded the last corner, and looked upon his proud vessel...aflame. One of the catapults must have over fired and hit the ship, lighting it instantly, and his men now screamed and ran for the edges and jumped into the waters below, yelling in agony.

"No!" he muttered, just as one of the invading soldiers rounded the corner, and drove a blade into his chest. Gadi looked down at it, and watched as his life essence streamed out. Turning questioning eyes on his attacker, he fell to the ground, and the last thing he saw was one of his men in a life boat heading out to sea, at least he would die quickly by the sword instead of slowly by hunger and the gulls, he thought.

(OOC: Can you tell me if this is good? Since I'm not sure of what nation to be, I'll just be Tarayshia since I'm not sure what nations are around in order for me to help.if I need to change anything, please let me know..thanks!)


IC:

Queen Lazana awoke from her afternoon rest with a start as she heard canyon fire of some sort. Rushing in to her chambers, a maid informed her that an unidentified nation was attacking the ports of the neighboring nation, which were close to Tarayshia.
"I'll go to see what exactly is going on," Lazana said as she hurriedly dressed, "Send out the message to the armed men and women of my palace to be ready and fast. After that, round up anyone willing to do battle if need be. We may be able to reason with these invadors."
The servant nodded and went to follow through with Lazana's orders while the queen rushed out onto her balcony to gaze out in front of her. All she could see was the black smoke over the trees, and hear the very loud firing of the canyons and that was it, the queen not knowing what was about to happen.

The soldiers of Syria fought fiercely with the soldiers of Byzantium. Gaditicus was attacked by a Syrian soldier and was about to be stabbed when a sword came and slashed the soldier. It was of a man dressed in military attire. It was Mithradoros, one of the assistants and childhood friends of Mithradates. He was followed by 3 soldiers, the soldiers were of the Bedouin Camel Warrior class. Mithradoros came to Gaditicus and looked at him. He then turned to one of his Bedouin soldiers and said in the Bedouin tongue ''Ask him who he is.'' The Bedouin came to him and said ''Who are you? Why are you here in this city?'' Gaditicus was now talking to the men of Mithradoros, assistant to Mithradates The Persian.

OOC-Is this good, Taledonia? Your idea was a good one.

(OOC: First things, change your "hearing cannon fire" to a border scout racing back to the city with news of an attack on the neighbouring city state of Byzantium. Say something about fearing for the safety of your borders, assemble a force, and march towards your shared border. Then, send a small cavalry squadron or something to the city to establish what is going on. Try your resoning then, and if it don't work, then you got an army ready to move into their territory at a word.)

The soldiers of Syria fought fiercely with the soldiers of Byzantium. When Gaditicus killed the other soldier and had seen his ship destroyed, he then saw a white horse in the distance. It was of Mithradoros, one of the assistants and childhood friends of Mithradates. He was followed by 3 soldiers, the soldiers were of the Bedouin Camel Warrior class. Mithradoros came to Gaditicus and looked at him. He then turned to one of his Bedouin soldiers and said in the Bedouin tongue ''Ask him who he is.'' The Bedouin came to him and said ''Who are you? Why are you here in this city?'' Gaditicus was now talking to the men of Mithradoros, assistant to Mithradates The Persian.

(OOC: You should read my post, one of your guys stabbed mine, and now he's dead. I didn't kill any of your guys, how could I being an unarmed merchant? Perhaps change it to having your guy kill the disobediant soldier who attacked a foreigner eh?)

OOC-That is a well done post, Tarayshia. I am sure that being Tarayshia is ok.

IC- A messenger came to Mithradates and said ''Sir, the nation of Tarayshia borders these lands. Shall we send an ambassador to them?'' Mithradates turned his horse and said ''You should do so. I hope that the Heavens keep Syria in their Blessed Hands.'' An ambassador, known as Pharandakes was sent to Queen Lazana. When he arrived, he bowed respectfully and said,

''Greetings to the neighbours of Byzantium, city of King Byzas!

The nation of Syria has occupied the city of Byzantium and the leader of the siege, Mithradates the Persian has requested that relations be built between the peoples of Syria and of your nation....'' This was some of the letter he carried with him.

"I am making my army be ready at a moments notice," Lazana stated, "You will not attack my nation, I do not wish to be mixed up in this war, I have no need for it. What is it you want? Say it bluntly, you need food or something to that matter?"

(OOC: You should read my post, one of your guys stabbed mine, and now he's dead. I didn't kill any of your guys, how could I being an unarmed merchant? Perhaps change it to having your guy kill the disobediant soldier who attacked a foreigner eh?)

I edited my post. Do you like the new copy? Also, I had thought that the soldier that attacked your merchant was killed by the merchant or something.

Pharandakes turned to the Queen and said ''Your Majesty, our nation would probably not seek war with you. I myself do not know the reasons of the campaign but I have heard it was to further Syria or something.''

"That's fine, I am not sure if I would expect you to know that. What does your leader want of my nation?"

OOC-Have to go for the night. Will try to reply soon. Thanks for RPing with me, Taledonia and Tarayshia! Also, if I need help or something, I would like it if you could assist me, Taledonia. Thanks again.

''Mithradates is not our leader, but a general. We don't seem to know of your nation that much, I believe. However, diplomacy between us would be good.''
was the reply of the Syrian diplomat.

"Diplomacy is fine," Lazana replied, "You have done nothing wrong and if I may assist you please let me know. You may take that message to your general."

"It is an outrage!" yelled Senator Antonius, and the angry voices of the assembly rose up once again.

"Senators! Control yourselves! This is the Senate, not the coliseum!" shouted the master of debate, grabbing the attention of everyone and bringing them to silence with motions of his arms.

Three Senators rose from their benches, and the master of debate nodded to one of them, "I recognise Cinna to speak." he said.

"Thank you. Honourable members of the Senate," began the white haired man, "The lands surrounding Taledon are now firmly under the control of the Senate and People of Taledonia, and we are quickly establishing ourselves as a power. We do not need this disgrace on our heads, bringing down our good name and branding us cowards. We must act in retribution for the merchant who was slain, and avenge his family." The Senator then sat down again, and the master of debate nodded to Sulla.

"I agree with Cinna for once, we must act, and act now! I submit to the Senate my opinion that we should send a legion to conquer Byzantium in the name of the Republic, and bring justice to the family of the merchant by taking the lives of those who took his. I myself volunteer to lead this mission."

He sat down and the crowd began to speak again amongst themselves, angry shouts arose as well as those in favour of the decision. It was obvious that the Sullans wanted their leader to lead, as it would give him a significant amount of influence within the Republic, furthering their goals and pockets. Cinna stared over at his friend, a certain Pompey, the one Senator with enough influence and friends to oppose Sulla within the Senate. The master of debate nodded at the man.

"Giving Sulla command would only further increase his grasp on the Republic and People of Taledonia, and no doubt if I submit myself or anyone who opposes Sulla we shall have the same problem. Therefore I call upon a neutral party. Tribune Gaius Kellerman to lead this legion. He has proven himself by breaking the slave revolt, and has yet to take a side with the Senate factions. He would prove the likely choice."

Almost everyone in attendance, including the Sullans, gave their ascent, and the master of debate finalised the issue. The next morning, a fleet disembarked with an entire legion within its hull, enough men to take on the invaders.

OOC-I killed your merchant? I don't remember if I did.

IC-Mithradates decided to fortify Byzantium, creating things like Greek fire throwers and other things. He ordered that ''Every man, woman and child must be respected.'' and that punishment for harming a citizen could be severe. Mithradoros had sent for fleets of ships from Syria, thinking that the sea was open to trouble. At a meeting in the Palace of Mithra (where Mithradates and his family now lived) , Mithradates, Mithradoros and other generals planned for the defense of Byzantium. ''Byzantium must be defended at all costs. We can not lose this city. We need it to further our trade!'' A general known as Araxis said. The generals then argued over this issue. ''If any foreign nation comes and tries to take Byzantium, we will move back.'' Mithradates said. ''Sir, we must stand firm! Why don't we give foreigners a shot at Jerusalem?!'' the general, Xanthes said. Soon, Pharandakes came and said ''Tarayshia may be able to assist us if another nation attacks us.'' ''We will consider it when the time comes.'' was the reply. The city of Byzantium was about to be fought for again, this time by the Legions of Taledonia.

It was not long after the diplamat left that Queen Lazana addressed her nation from the square in the town.
"My people," she began, "We may be required to assist in helping a nation. This nation is in need, this country may need fighters, food, and other things in order to help it. I have decided to wait until we are called for instead of sending out help. I will keep my people out of this war, until we are needed, if we will be."
Lazana turned and walked back to her palace, posting more than the usual guards around her palace just in case of an attack from any side.

"Ready Gaius? We're about to land." Suetonius, the Captain of the Ventulus, asked his old friend.

Gaius smiled back, "But of course. It's a dark night out, and was perfectly planned. The moon is covered and wont be able to give away our positions. Just remember, as soon as we disembark, wait three hours, then move to blockade the city."

Suetonius looked around at all the lights from the sixty four quiquirems of his fleet, and hoped that they were too far away for the city to see and give away the surprise. "Will do."

The legion disembarked 5000 of it's men, leaving a thousand men on the vessels, on the far shore, an hours march from Byzantium. The plan was for the legion to move on foot to the city, and quietly scale the walls on the ladders that had been brought from Taledon while the fleet drew the enemies attention to the docks on the opposite side of the city. Arriving at the city, Gaius looked out at the high stone walls of the fortified city, and noticed the guards stationed on top of them. It would be difficult to make it to the walls if they were discovered, it was a veritable death run, simple target practise for the enemy archers.

Kellerman ordered six of his ladders to the far right wall, and luckily the men arrived on the flank without being exposed, and so six others were sent to the left, while the remaining men waited for their orders. Gaius just wished he could have brought cavalry, but on a delicate mission like this, the simple shudder from one of the animals could give them away. Then the signal was given as a flaming arrow flew high into the night sky, and the coastal attack began.

The fleet swarmed into the harbour, ballistae firing their flaming shots high into the air and at any vessels dock at the port, making sure they could not be marshalled against the fleet, while row boats began moving towards the piers, filled with the thousand remaining men of the legion, bloodthristy killers ready to do their part and take the harbor while the rest came in behind them.

OOC-This is my first attempt at trying to RP a war. I hope I do good.

IC-''Foreign attackers!'' Syrian archers yelled as they aimed their bows at the Taledonians. Syrian swordsmen, Bedouin Infantry, Nubian Spearmen and others came out and tried to knock down the ladders and kill the Taledonian soldiers. Mithradates saw the battle from his horse in the city of Byzantium. ''Greek Fire!'' officers of the Syrians called out as Greek fire was aimed at the Taledonian soldiers. Mithradates ordered for his Abyssinian Guards to guard his wife and children in the Palace of Mithra (he feared the Taledonians may attack his family). Bedouin Camel Warriors and others waited for Taledonian soldiers to come into the city, hoping to charge at them. Mithradoros decided to climb the walls, fighting the Taledonians himself, hoping to defend Byzantium. The Syrians were fierce defenders, hoping to defend their new holdings.

Pharandakes went to the Queen of Tarayshia and said ''Your Majesty, we require your help. We are under attack and desire your assistance of our soldiers.''

In Byzantium, the Syrians tried to fight back the Taledonians, Mithradates had decided that if the Taledonians took the city, that he would get his family spared from the sword. Greek Firegalleys and other ships were sent to attack the Taledonian ships and weapons like ballistas and catapults were used against the Taledonians.

(OOC: Ok, nice try, but you did something wrong. In my post, I said my boats were attacking and the men that are on the boats are attacking the city. The other guys, which is the bulk of the legion, is still hidden from your forces and haven't brought the ladders over yet to begin their assualt. The plan is to have you distracted by the harbor, while I come in from the other side and catch you in a pincer movement. Please edit your post so your attacking my guys down at the harbor, not at the walls.

Oh and you two, would you be interested in setting distinc borders for our peoples? I'm setting up a sort of Earth thing for people to sign up and set borders, so I'll post a link here for you guys to check it out.)

(Here it is: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10753538#post10753538)

(OOC: I'll just wait to post..to be honest, I'm kinda confused by all of this)