Caius Cornelius - Archaic Age

[Pefki]

*Please only post if you're a member of the Caius Cornelius Role-Player Region! Thank you for your understanding!*

700BC. The year when Pefki finally came out of its three century long dark ages. The world finally recovers from the raids of the Sea Peoples and the collapses of order and proto-civilizations. In the large deserts of the south, the fertile fields, forests and mountains of the temperate lands and the snowy highlands of the north civilization rises again.

In Pefki the once united peninsula now lies divided into leagues of city states, with slight differences in their culture but mostly cultural unity. The fallen city of Troas has seen its refugees flocked to Scylacium creating a city that seems to slowly yet steadily emerge from the ashes of the pre-Pefkiot Dark Ages world as a new power. In Acro and Anlevion large populations, broken into rump states, also seek unity. Will your civilization fall again? Or will it stand the test of time and conquer those around? Maybe it can co-exist in peace with others. Maybe it can assimilate them. Or maybe it just needs to plant its banner high above everyone else, at the top of the world and burn all others. The choice is yours and the rest is history.

[Acro]

Hail Tytos Veraxos, Sea King of Acro. Faithful Son of Meras, Lord of the Iron Fleet. The High Priest Dontos anoints the kneeling man with oils, and drips salt water over his head. Tytos rises to the cheers of the crowd. He had been chosen as Sea King, the elected Kingship in Acro. Chosen by the 100 Sealords elected by the people to rule Acro.

For 500 Years the Sea Ling had ruled Acro well, ruling for life and as the monarchy was not hereditary, the Kings focused on ruling the kingdom, not keeping power for their dynasty's. Tytos Veraxos was the 35th Sea King, and he was determined to be remembered. The High Priest took a crown of Gold and Silver and placed it gingerly upon Tytos's brow. The old man mutters a prayer for the Sea God Meras and backs away. Tytos walks to his throne. With a smile of anticipation he sits gently on the throne and gazes out on his people.

I am now the Sea King, your faithful servant. I will be more than just a man. I will bring glory back to Acro. In the days of old we ruled an empire that stretched far and wide. Slavers feared us, now just across the sea slaves are traded with impunity. I will show the scum that our history will never be forgotten. We are the chain breakers, we are the land of Freedmen, we will bring back our glory. The great fleet of Acro will be rebuilt, the world will know our name once more.

[Taelete]

Taelete, the Golden City

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxEV-m8fpno
O, Taelete, city of gold, gods, slaves and gold again, you're still a child, not a shadow of what you will be. You will decide for the lives of thousands in this world. O, Taelete, you will be the diamond between the pearls of the greek cities, but first you'll have to fight, golden city of the Kolossai, fight to beat the Taronian cities that say that they're better then you. You've to fight them by land and by sea to defeat them so you can reach indisputable power on land and sea.

Taelete has been founded 161 years ago by diliathian greeks after the great Dark Ages. The city grew fast by the resources that could be found on the isles. After the war of the isles, 768-761 B.C. had the Taeletians pushed the Taronian cities, that did fight very divided, from the isles of the Taronian bay. In the years from then to now has Taelete grown to a centre of trade, power and greek culture. The city is ruled by a group aristocrats that call themselves the oligarchs. The oligarchs rule with absolute power and possess, although they're 0,003% of the population, 78% of the wealth. Through a history of war are the Taeleteans masters of naval and ground warfare. Still are they also traders, filosophers and believers. Although the nation is young and not big does Taelete has the potential for becoming a superpower but for that do they need to fight. And they'll need allies. In the last 7 years have Taeletean explorers discovered the nations of Pefki, Scylacium, Acro and Dolgorod. The council stood for the uneasy decision wether to seek contact with those nations or to hope that they won't find Taelete. Ships were soon sent by Taelete to all four of these nations. They were carrying messages that were seeking friendship and peace with those nations, especially with their northern neighbor and fellow greek nation, Pefki. All of these ships were guarded by ten soldiers and carried a noble from one of the lower oligarchal families. The first news they received was negative. The Dolgorodian barbarians had beheaded the delegate and the ship had barely esaped the barbarians. When hearing this news decided a young noble, Aristarchos Valaxes, to go to Dolgorod itself to revenge the dead noble. 5 ships and 500 soldiers flocked to the banner of the young adventurer and soon did they leave northwards by sea. The council was now hoping for better news from the other delegations, while the army and fleet were slowly enlarged for further inevitable war with the Taronian cities. Taelete would stand tall now its dark ages were over. Taelete was the queen of cities and it would show the Taronians what that meant.

[Kahliste]

Kahlistiska Skandinavien (Kahlistean Scandinavia - Western Protocontinent)

Trelleborg, Halland Province, Kahliste

The city of Trelleborg was silent. Men and women were busy at work, and children were at the academy like always. Yes, it was peaceful. Finally, after the barbaric Sea People were attacked and driven off the island continent by the Scandinavians. Their unified attack on the invading enemy was more than enough, and they were forced to flee to wherever it was they had come from. The Hallandian General Ketill Jofreidrrson was at the Trelleborg Forum with his fellow Scandinavian Generals. There was Valtteri Erkkilä of the Province Savela, Sigvard Urness of the Province Telemark, Jannik Mouritsen of the Province Roskilde, and Styrmir Heilmóðursson of the Province Austurland. Here they were, celebrating, but in silence.

Normally, they'd be rejoicing over their victory. But now, after the massive offensive itself, was a time for mourning. Mourning for the men who bravely enetered combat and died with dignity. They died while fighting for the freedom of their brethren, and for this, they deserved to be honoured. The men and women sitting within the Forum sat, eyes closed, hands folded over their laps as they prayed for the safety of their fallen brothers as they made their way into the mountains of the gods, where they would be safe and rewarded for their bravery and selflessness.

Once the ritual was finished, Jofreidrrson, the Scandinavian Generals, and all the other official present silently left the Forum building and marched to the Eastern Port of Halland, where fifty seven ships waited, lined with the bodies of the soldiers who were killed during the battle against the Sea People. Each ship carried bodies of many men, from every province. One by one, they were set alight, and let to drift into the mist while their brethren stood at the port, once again in silence, heads bowed in prayer. The lights from the burning ships continued to float away, until they went out, one after the other, giving way to complete darkness. Finally, it was done. Trelleborg was illuminated again, revealing the newly rebuilt walls and additional ports. Peace was restored, and the Scandinavian Continent could once again focus on its progress.

---

Five days later, the Generals are within the Trelleborg Forum once again, accompanied by their ministers and secondary officers. Everyone seemed to be in a lighter mood this time, waiting for the assembly to start. When it did, discussion over a centralized government was immediately proposed. Later, it was voted that Trelleborg would be the capital of the unified nation. And after another vote, Jannik Mouritsen is chosen as Emperor for the nation they would call Kahliste, after a legendary maiden who fought armies to achieve victory for her home country. This was the beginning of another powerful nation, rising into an old-world superpower that relied greatly on naval and cavalry strength that would later evolve into ground vehicle supremacy on the battlefield. Kahlistean shields were naturally strong and durable, meant to protect for as long as possible, even as it was light. Their swords were heavy and thick to break through chainmail and pleated armour. Polearms were even stronger, especially from long ranges. The weakest of Kahlistean weapons was considered the bow and arrow, as they were short, but easy to craft, so despite their feebleness, they were the second most used weapon next to swords and hand-axes.

Hallandian Footsoldier (Without Shield)
Kahlistean Elite (Savelan)
Hallandian Cavalry (However, Kahliste does not have horses like those. So ignore them.)
Kahlistean Steppehäst (This is how we roll.)
Generals' Mount (Styrmhäst)
Hallandian Imperial Guard
Hallandian General's Helm

[Pefki]

Pefki
The Pefkiot cities exchanged embassies with their brothers from Taelete. In Pefki two major centres of power starting evolving. The one was the the city state of Amarysia, which was deeper inland in the fertile vineyards, fields and forests around it and to the port of Makri with a road. The other was Heraclia, a City to the southern border and its steep mountains and rocky coasts. Amarysia was a monarchy which had evolved into an Aristocracy while Heraclia was an Oligarchy.

Heraclia had a large class of slaves at the bottom, the original residents of the area who had been subded during the doric invasions, that lived in terrible conditions, the ctizens who lived in relative comfort over the backs of the slaves and the rich oligarchs who ruled and lived like kings, electing the city's Lord (Άρχων/Archon). Amarysia had four classes, the nobles-aristocrats who ruled centered around the King, the rich merchants and businessmen, the home-born citizens, the migrant citizens from other Pefkiot cities or cities of Taelete and the slaves. The nobles and rich strived for power but the nobles held the upper hand, unchallenged for now. The home born citizens were pure-blood Amarysians who had rights and made up most people and the migrant citizens who had slightly fewer rights, though their children were considered full citizens and had full rights. Finally the slaves had no rights but laws protected them from extreme mal-treatement.

The cities of Pefki were starting to form Leagues (Αμφικτυονίες/Afictyonies) based on their sub-regions of Pefki for trade, protection and cultural-religious reasons. Most were monarchies. Pefkiots were building statues in Kouros and Kore style, of marble and coloured with wax. They were making pottery and ceramics in red and black colour. The early styles of Greek Archaic architecture, of marble which had begun replacing stone, had begun emerging.


Banner of Amarysia


Banner of Makri (Vassal of Amarysia)


Banner of Heraclia

[Scylacium]

HISTORY OF ROME:

The City of Rome was founded 200 years ago and has flourished as a sizable city-state on the southern coast of Scylacium Island. For about 20 years the city was ruled by tribal chiefs(senate), but as Rome's powerful neighbours began to attack the city her people elected a King. This was meant to be a temporary action, but as threats to Rome's sovereignty grew greater and more frequent the position of King remained. When the first king died the people elected a new king to serve for life.

For the last 153 years Rome has continued this way. Under the leadership of great kings Rome has grown from a small band of tribes into a force to be reckoned with. Rome has conquered her smaller tribal neighbours. Rome is governed by three main factions: the King, the Senate, and the Curiate Assembly. The King, who is(theoretically) elected by the Curiate Assembly, serves for life and is the chief executive, high priest, chief legislator, chief judge, and military commander all in one, his power is curtailed slightly by the Assembly; he can't declare war without its approval. The Senate is made up of all the wealthy families within Rome. It has little power in the running of the country, it only nominally approves of the King's military appointments. The Senate does however advise the king on some matters, and can elect a Chief of State to rule during an interim period between the death and election of a new king. This usually lasts about 8-20 days. All clan leaders are members of the Curiate Assembly. While no deliberative body exists in the Roman Kingdom the Assembly has some power, including declaring war and electing the king although the Senate controls most, if not all, of the election process.

RESENT EVENTS:

Rome is going though a difficult time, its king, Lucius Pompilee is frail and near death. At the age of 86 he has ruled Rome for 50 years, he could not get out of bed and he does most of his work in his private chambers in city's Royal Mansion. While he is strong enough to order decrees, and run matters of state he relies on his generals and magistrates to relay communications between himself and key senators. All religious duties are done by Cato Gaius.

Key Figures in Rome:

Lucius Pompilee: King of Rome, near death, confined to private chambers.

Aetius Familia: Chief Magistrate*, young(37), popular with the poor and workers.

Augustus Lucifer: Influential senator, 42, popular with the wealthy and army.

Cato Gaius: Keeper of the Temple of the Gods, the second highest religious official, old(71), popular with everyone.

Florus Familia: Famous general, nephew of Aetius Familia, legend among the Roman people, generally liked.

*equivalent to a prime minister of sorts, he is the only official that can convene the senate or the assembly besides the King(although they can only debate what the king commands.

[Acro]

Tytos Veraxos stood at the bow of his ship Pride of Meras the Flagship of the great Iron Fleet, it was the first of his ships to be constructed and it was quite ornate. Twin sails, 3 rows of Oars, it could outpace any ship on the sea. Tytos put his hand on his blade. He would need it soon. On the horizon he seas 3 ships ashore, the flags show themselves to be slavers, and the putrid smell and screams of the enslaved give more proof.

My people, ashore the Slavers Dwell, they act with impunity since our fall years ago. Today we strike the first blow to reclaiming our glory. No man, no woman, no child, shall ever been enchained. No human upon this earth shall suffer that indignity. Tytos grabs a wine skin and holds it over the edge of the ship. I take this drink and give it to Meras, the great god of the sea, he who gives life or death. The drowner of the unfaithful, the savior of the godly. Tytos takes a swig of wine and tosses the rest over the starboard side. The crew cheers, their swords and shields smash together, loud enough to be heard at shore.

The slavers look up and visibly panic, they rush to put their boats to the sea, but Tytos and his men are upon them quickly. The Sea King leaps from his boat as it rams into the only ship the slavers had managed to get into the water, smashing through the hull and dooming it to sink. Tytos orders his men to unchain the slaves, and kill each slaver they sea.

He laughs as he crosses swords with the Slavers captain, parrying each strike before knocking the blade from his hand.

Oh good sir, spare me please, I am but a captain, I follow my orders. Tytos spits at the man, he puts the sword to his throat as he watches his men cut the slavers down. He seas a crowd on the shore, starved, marked with whips and burn. The slaves he had freed. There was perhaps two hundred of them.

You are freed men now, I will not command you. I ask you though, what fate does this man deserve? The screeches and howling of the crowd is enough for Tytos. They wish your death Slaver, I will, give it to them, and your body will be a gift to Meras. With hardly a glance Tytos brings his blade up and lets it fall, cleanly severing the head of the Slaver Captain.

The slaves cheer and rush to his men, kissing their feet and crying their love. Let us come to your god good sirs, let us worship at your alters, for a god as kind as yours, to grant us deliverance must be a true one. Tytos smiles.

Meras is no kind god. He is just and true. He accepts you as his children. You are now the people of the sea, born and bred to free those in chains, to sail the seas, to serve Meras. Tytos draws his sword and stabs into the ground. Take the blade free man, it is yours. He turns to his crew. Take everything of value, and bury the bodies, I will have no stink upon the beach.

[High Britannia]

The High Britannian Isles, The Isle of Gristol, the "Fields of Fertility"

A storm raged on above the vast fields as massive columns of smoke flew up into the skies. The screams of civilians morphed with the raging bangs of thunder dominated the sounds. Farms were burning, and homes were being looted. The Men of the Northwestern Isles have come again to the island of Gristol with the intentions of destruction. The barbarians slashed and hacked through the many villagers fleeing for their lives, and they all grabbed anything they thought was useful. But at one moment, a noise rose above all the screeching and the banging. The noise of a horn, and the war cries of a thousand men.

Rothchild the Unbroken, the leader of the barbarians, looked up upon one of the many hills in the distance and saw a truly fearsome sight. The Britannian Legion, a rare sight for these times, for the Legion was a standard-equipped and a professional fighting force. He cried to his fellow raiders to attack their new foes, but before the Barbarians attacked a storm of arrows fell upon the entire village. Civilian and Barbarian alike were shredded, and blood flowed as much as the rainwater did. Rothchild and his men lay cold in the mud, their bodies being impaled on stakes to leave an example for those who dare try coming in after.

And like that, the barbarians were repelled, and the civilians who survived tried to rebuild with what they had left. Such was life in the High Britannian Isles, ever since the Barbarians of the North discovered how to set sail that is. But, the people of Gristol have been planning and building up for their revenge against the monsters. The King and his legions were building a massive naval force to invade the island kingdom of Kail, and to quickly take over the Northern isles. This great invasion would unify the High Britannian isles, and allow the Kingdom of Gristol to claim the name of "High Britannia".

[Acro]

Tytos sits on his throne, the Sea Stone chair of his predecessors, as he studies the men standing before him. A man garbed in elaborate clothing with an entourage of 10 soldiers with him. Tytos had wished to separate the mans head from his body the second he learned he was from a slave kingdom, but by the time he learned this the man had already shared his bread and wine, and no man was so hated by Mares as a man who broke the laws of hospitality, not even a slaver can be killed once he is under your roof.

Tytos watches as the man babbles on, preaching about alliances, trade, etc. He brushes his fingers against his blade, fighting the urge to pull it from its sheath. He resists the urge, but he can not stomach the rambling man. He stands abruptly, the man is silent at once. Tytos walks slowly down from the platform until he is but feet from the envoy.

Listen closely Slaver. Acro was founded by those who fled from your kingdom and others like it. We are the breaker of chains, we do not deal with those who would forge them. Tytos draws his sword. The only reason your head remains upon your shoulders is because you have shared our bread and wine, and I am no man to break the rules of the gods. I will deal with your people only when my brothers in chains are freed and they live as equals in your kingdom. Tytos returns his sword to his sheath. He turns to a few of his guards. See these men to chambers. I will be a gracious host, no matter their occupation. He nods his head to the envoys as his guards lead them away.


After they depart he returns to his throne, with a wave of the hand he dismissed the Sealords. A few of his close advisers remain behind.
My King, it is dangerous to allow these men rooms. You are remarkable in your restraint, but we can not be certain all will be as merciful. More than a few wish to see their heads on spikes. Magistrate Orion, his most trusted councilor, and adviser to the former king whispers. Tytos nods and furrows his brow.

I know their desires to well my friend. Had I known they were slavers I would have struck them dead. But they were hasty to take food and drink. Tytos pushes his hair back, removing the crown he places it carefully on its pedestal. It had sat upon the heads of 34 men before him. He would loath to be the one to break it. However much I wish to see them killed, I must be careful. The Acrosi fleet is still rebuilding, it will be returned to its days of glory, but we need time. We can not risk war, not yet. He takes a long drink from his wine.

We best send them back tomorrow. Safe passage for them, but if they return they will be captured as slavers. Orion says. Tytos glances at his other advisers who nod in agreement. As you say, if they remain here they are like to be killed, and that will bring bloodshed.

Tytos downs his wine and takes the crown up. He stares at it intently. It had survived through much. It had been forged with the chains of the first Sea King, Tiavo Danos, it had escaped destruction during the cataclysm, a series of earthquakes that had broken the Island of Acro into a archipelago, and now it was his.

Station guards that we can trust outside their doors. I will not have them harmed. He puts the crown in his head. It fit well, it felt natural. Now excuse me, I will go to the beach. I must pray. His advisers bow and retreat. Orion pauses a moment at the door, but nods and follows the rest. Tytos sits motionlessly for a few minutes. Then he rises and leaves the room, to go to the sea.

[Kahliste]

Post Deleted~

[Tuaador]

The Tuaadoreans didn't like the Sea People. No one did, anyways. The only reason they always won was because there was always lots of them pouring onto the battlefield like stupid insects. But even though there were lots and lots of them every day of every week, the Tuaadoreans fought them back pretty well, and made them go away for good. But that was only one problem taken care of. There was a disease that the Sea People brought with them and left in Tuaador.

It gave people a bad fever, awful headaches, and nasty sores on their hands and feet. The disease wasn't deadly, but it sure was a pain. Literally. The population of the country during these times was around 600,000 people. After the Sea People came, waving their swords and throwing crap all around, around 54,000 people were infected by the disease that was referred to as 'sea sickness', because of the people it came from.

Branden Hughes of one of the many Tuaadorean Tribes was a scholar and physician. He had a young son called Bobby. Because he was concerned that his little boy could catch the gross-looking sickness, he was always kept inside to play with his two doberman dogs. Branden on the other hand, went around the country to study the sickness and help treat the victims as much as he could. He suggested that the Sea People forgot to wash their feet all the time and that was why they had fevers and headaches and sores all the time.

This made Branden very angry and sad. His brothers and sisters didn't deserve to get a disease like this, especially from those dirty, nasty, and stupid Sea People. All they could do was swim, kill people, and throw crap all around. By this time, Branden started an institute where he could train young doctors on how to treat the sea sickess. It could not be cured, but it could actually be soothed, which was cool. As long as people didn't feel too much pain, Branden was alright, and so was his little boy, who he really really loved a lot. His mom went away and never came back, so he promised his son that he would always be there for him.

But if there was going to be any activity from Tuaador, it would mostly be studying on this strange disease, that seemed to affect only the Tuaadoreans. They really must be clean, because the Sea People were stinky and caused this gross sickness. They didn't even know how to use the soap...

"I hope they have sores all over their faces!" yelled Branden as he spoke to some guards about the Sea People. "In their mouths! In their noses! In their eyes! And even in their butt-cracks!"

The guards laughed of course, because Branden was a funny guy, even though he looked serious all the time, always telling Bobby off for not cleaning his dogs' poo off the kitchen floor.

But anyway, that's mostly what has happened ever since Tuaador became a big country. The President's name was Kcarab Amabo, because he was of American Indian heritage. Branden didn't like this President, so he vowed that one day he would become President of Tuaador, and even find a cure or temporary medicine for the sea sickness.

[Taelete]

Taelete

The Golden Hall* was filled. Every member of the council was on his position. Man could see δεσπoτης* Antidoros Elassos on his chair. Ice cold as always, his eyes seeking, paranoidly, any sign of treason. The aristocrates of the city knew that Antidoros was strong leader, but many were also feared of him as he was involved in many political murders if we can believe the rumours. It was an important day. The council would vote for two things, a new στράτηγος* and about a declaration of war against the Taronian League. Antidoros had decided to seek a στράτηγος first as the new στράτηγος had influence in the second decision. When all aristocrates had taken their seats stood Antidoros up and did he start his talking with an austere voice:"Aristocrates of Taelete, we have gathered today for some important matters. " He took a short pause to increase the tension. "We are here to talk about matters of war. War against the old enemy, the cities of Taros. We will vote about our war against these cities, will we fight them now, or will we fight them later? But as you all know is this council not complete as our honoured friend and collegue, στράτηγος Philotas Inaktes, has died last week, leaving a gap in the council and the high command. We will need to vote about his replacement. For that matter have I gathered the most promising of our youth." Antidoros now pointed on a small group of young men that were standing in front of the door. One by one did he tell about them. After that voted the council. They chose a certain Ariston Trefellos. Ariston was from one of the most prominent families of Taelete. His grandfather was oligarch and his father had commanded and was killed in the army. Ariston was a strong, pretty, young and fair-haired man. He had showed to be a capable ruler and commander in spite of his young age.

Antidoros decided a pause between this voting and that one about the war against the Taronian league. In that pause arrived the news from Acro. Antidoros knew that the oligarchs would not accept the attack on the Taronian League with the Acronese threat in their back. While word of the message spread trough the ranks of the council saw Antidoros that even the aristocrates that were for the attack were struck by doubt. Even Antidoros had once heard about the Iron fleet and he knew that Taelete could bot keep of the Iron Fleet and the Taronian fleets. While everyone returned to their seats stepped Ariston Trefellos, the new στράτηγος forwards. "Can I have the word?" did he ask. Antidoros nodded while the ranks of the council became silent as all eyes turned to the young general. Antidoros knew that the lad would try to make them start the war against the Taronian cities anyway and he also knew that the council was sensitive to flaming speeches. He soon understood he was right as Ariston started to speak:

Background music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icF--Ep7Nbg
"Lords of Taelete, were is your courage? Everyone can see your despair. Are you afraid of the Taronians? The ones that we defeated when our nation was just founded? Or is it the Iron fleet of Acro? I can tell you something, something you should know about Acro since this message we just received. They hate slavers. If you look on a map are there many slaver cities between us and Acro and they're all united. The Taronian cities. If Acro wants to have a chance of defeating us will they have to break through the Taronian league. The same Taronian league that we were planning to attack. Our ancient enemy will be crushed between us and Acro, and believe me, they'll hate and fear Acro more than us as we don't crush their society, their social pillar. Some Taronians will propably even join our side. And then can we meet Acro there, in Taros. They're sea lords and not good in land battles. We will crush them on the Taronian soil and their slaver storm with them. On sea will their Iron Fleet meet our golden fleet. We will show them Taeletean steel. Our army is ready, it is waiting. Our armies will not be halted by Acronese or Taronians. When we attack now, has Acro to take the chance of attacking the weakened Taronian League if they truly love their cause. Believe me, aristocrates of Taelete, our land is strong, it will not fall against some lesser cities and some slaves. We will burn the Taronian armies, we will burn the armies of Acro and we will crush their lands into the dust. We are Taelete, the richest, strongest and greatest city in the world and we'll show our power. From the ashes, we'll rise." After this words rose the whole council from their seats. Antidoros was suprised by this giant reaction. Unanimous decided the council to attack the Taronian League. In the days after were the fleet and army of Taelete prepared. Taelete would not fall, it would rise. The spark in the hearts of the Taeleteans was put on fire. They were ready to defeat their ancient enemy and they were ready to defeat the enemies of their society. The army was quickly growing and the forges were burning day and night, everything was possible with the riches of this city. One of the few that had withstood the sea peoples. They had repelled them from their golden fortress islands and now would they do it again. Masses of peltasts, cataphracts, marines, pikemen and hoplites were trained and armed to reinforce the standing army. Dozens of new, big triremes were constructedin the harbours to match the power of the Iron fleet. Ariston was unanimously chosen leader of the offensive and his personality inspired all under his command. Taelete was ready, ready for war as its golden sun was rising.


Taeletean pikemen

Taeletean cataphracts

Taeletean marines




Taeletean hoplites

*The meeting hall of the council.
**lord, see my factbook for the fuction of the δεσπoτης.
***general, again see factbook.

[Franco-Albion]

"Isen-Beorg Casul" Iron-Mountain Keep
Cynesetl Province, Northern Albion.
~700 B.C.

The great hall was suddenly stunned into silence; save for the sound of the wind howling around the wooden building, like a pack of wolves circling its prey. Not long ago, the mighty hall was filled with the roars of laughter of men as they ate and drank, the crackling of the hogs as they roasted above the naked flames and the stench of sweat and mead. This was the hall of Ælfred, third of his name, King of the Albion warrior-tribes. Its timbers were as thick as man's torso and seemed as old as the mountains themselves. With wood burnt black from the smoke of many thousands of fires lit in the great hall; these timbers could have told many a great tale of its inhabitants. The hall was erected over three hundred years ago, when the first men settled the mountainous plains of the region.

It was, back then, a near-featureless landscape; its land vast, lush and green and proved to be valuable pasture for cattle and the nomadic hordes of bison - save for the single mountain at the centre of this great landscape. In the generations before, this land only saw the few footsteps of wandering tribes as they camped and grazed their cattle in the warm summer and autumn months. But as these tribes created fire and the art of metalworking, they soon discovered the rich seams of copper and iron that flowed beneath the mountain like frozen rivers. At first they used the metal to forge great tools of agriculture and irrigation, turning the plain into a vast network of bountiful arable land.

Inevitably, as mankind hearts always lead to, these tools are turned into tools of war. In the next 150 years, these tribes used their metal swords and weapons of war to conquer the neighbouring lands, looting, raping and pillaging as they went. They seemed unstoppable in those early times, as generation after generation took up the crown and continued on their path of total dominance. This cycle of early industry and war continued up until around 695 B.C., on King Ælfred's 27th year of his birth, he slew and enslaved the last of the resistant tribes to the south - declaring total control of the island. But that was 5 years ago. Since then, the tribes of Albion enjoyed years of relative peace. Aside from the quarrels between nobles as they fought each other for control of the conquered lands and peoples, there had been no major battle or fighting since. In those 5 years, the once handsome and athletic Ælfred had grown plump from the 5 years of eating, drinking and whoring. The young King, once more at home on horseback, now sat on his throne of iron, the metal moaning under his growing weight. It was this King that now sat in that silent hall.

"Can you verify this peasant's story?" the King spat, staring hard at the elder nobleman who stood before him.

"Yes, my King" the elder stammered. His frame was frail, but his words echoed with a sense of wisdom in that gluttonous hall.

The King looked down at the dishevelled man on his knees in front of him. The man kept his head down, not daring to look into the face of his people's conqueror.

The elder continued. "The ships were sighted landing in the South lands. There were many of them."

"Exactly, how many?" the King wondered aloud, his eyes still fixated upon peasant.

"It was hard to say ..."

"HARD TO SAY?!" roared the King. He slammed his fist on the arm of his throne. "HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO COUNT A FEW MEASLY SHIPS?!"

Despite the ruler's temper, the elder stood firm, his grey hair swaying lightly from the draft in the hall. "My Lord, my scouts said there were too many to be precise, but ... " he paused for a moment, " ... but they said it was nearing the hundreds."

"HMMPH!" snorted the King. He picked up a roasted boar's leg and tore at it's flesh was his teeth, its juiced dribbling down his chip and onto his rotund belly. "If you were anyone else, I'd have you slain right here for incompetence" retorted the King. "However ... your scouts have proven loyal and precise in the past." The King mused for a moment, throwing the half eaten leg to the hounds next to him. "So, it seems that the Franks have chosen now to strike." The King steadily stood up. Age might have made Ælfred grow heavy in the past few years, but his constitution remained strong. "Come Rodrick, walk with me."

[Acro]

Sea of Sovaros
A few weeks ago Tytos had seen the slavers from Taelete from his kingdom, he had not liked it, but he did not kill guests. He hated staying still and he needed to be seen active. Especially after letting slavers live, he could not stay idle. Soon after he took a small fleet of 30 ships and sailed east towards the oceans controlled by the Taronian League. He had captured 15 slave ships and put their crews to the sword. He had freed some 600 slaves and they had sworn themselves to Acro and pledged faith to Meras. He had allowed a few ships to flee, ensuring that word of his exploits was heard by the cities rulers.

Tytos stood at the helm of the ship, staring out over the horizon as the sun descends. It had been a good day. A bloody day. He had sent a strong message to the Taronian League. The slavers will fear them again, as they once had. They mocked the Acrosi army in the slaver cities, they called them Sea Dogs, who could not fight on land. The slavers would soon learn the ignorance of their words. Kings of the Sea the Acrosi may be, but they will rule the land as well. King Tytos had plans to expand Acrosi power, to smash the slavers of Tarionia, to make the old tales of Free Cities true once again.

My King, our helmsman has seen land. We will be ashore by nightfall. One of his captains approaches Tytos, bringing word. They will fear us my King.

As they should. Prepare to land captain.

[High Britannia]

The Great Kail Channel, Gristol-Kail

It was a calm morning in the Channel, fishermen were seen in the distance, and the nations of Gristol and Kail watched over each other. The gusts of wind from the area cooled off the local shore, ensuring a temperate day. The weather looked to be clear for probably the entire day, these were perfect conditions for an invasion. For the very moment people of both sides stepped outside, large plumes of smoke were seen across the coastal areas of Gristol. Many of the people in Kail just assumed it was a large attack by the Barbarians, they were wrong. For in the time period of 3 hours 100 ships filled the channel, each filled with bloodthirsty legionaries. The banging of shields and the war cries at first were faint, and overall the Kailites thought it to just be Gristol's armies fighting the barbarians. Again, they were wrong. So very wrong.

The shouts became louder and louder, small plumes of smoke were seen on the approaching warships. Kailite boats moved in to greet the forces, thinking that they would aid them against the barbarians. Massive balls of flame filled the skies not soon after, casting down the Kailite ships, and crushing the nearby towns. The first ships landed on the shores of Kail, hundreds of men stormed out yelling. The fire kept raining down upon the town as the first wave started it's pillaging of the area, very few fought back, and those who did were slaughtered. The flag of the Kingdom of Gristol was raised within an hour of fighting, and the towns were completely seized. Soon, more forces poured in and marched down the roads leading around Kail's coast. The armies of Gristol truly were transformed into efficient killing machines after the many years of fighting the barbarians.

The King of Gristol, Gerard IV, landed on the final wave with his most elite forces. He was wearing the very armor he wore when he killed his siblings during the siege of Cora five years prior to this day. A faint smirk could be seen on the young man's face as he saw the various impalings taking place. He turned to his faithful field commanders and handed them all small bags of gold for their quick work. "When we kill the King of this fair island, I want his head on a pike." he stated as he gave the last coin bag. "Then, we finally crush those barbarians of the North, and try to see if the lands west of the islands are populated still. We must know if the plague went there as well." After his finished, he climbed onto his horse and set off with the main force heading to the Kailite capital.

Halvard the wise, the most trusted commander, looked to the others with an enthusiastic look. "You heard his majesty, we must crush these foolish Kailites if we are to get revenge for the years of torment by the hands of those damned barbarians!" he shouted to all the commanders and soldiers nearby. Cries of bloodlust followed his statement, which not only please him, but pleased the other commanders. A small force of 200 was left at the town as the main forces set off to crush the Kailites. More forces were to be shipped in soon to aid with the invasion.

[Kahliste]

Ignore this, please~

[Anlevion]

We are the victorious ones! We have conquered ourselves in the fight against the rebels. Without each other and your own mental strength we wouldn't have conquered them. Without our army we wouldn't have slain them. Without our generals we wouldn't have had genious battle strategies. But thanks to your faith could we, Sophoi, keep us together. We have won this civil war! Salvation to Anlevion! The people repeated the last words the Arxon Beltiston* had said.

–----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

O, Sophoi and Arxon Beltiston, leader of the Sophoi, who have been so wise and courageous to take the leadership of the resistance against the rebels, you together have dealt better with this unrest than whoever on this world could have done. Take the leadership of this beautiful nation. It's well deserved. Please fight against crimes and prevent war with other countries. Recover our weak economy and make us proud citizens of this country, that will rule this world.
The Sophoi agreed with this and got the leadership, they deal with issues in this country as was demanded by the people.

The civil war (712-701 BC) had caused many deaths, over a million people died for their homeland, but Anlevion had no good economy anymore. The only reason that Anlevion has not been attacked is that Anlevion has a strong army. This army will practice, so that it can avenge the raiders from the north, who had spread bad rumors about the King Anechidos, which had caused the civil war.

[Taelete]

Taelete

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGlTNx6hD9E

Ariston Trefellos watched the map before him. The Taronian League had heard of the giant war preparations in Taelete and was also preparing for war. Ariston was not underestimating the Taronian power. He knew how strong they could be if they united and they would have to unite now they were crushed between Acro and Taelete. Ariston was a strategist. His high command was constantly full with maps, orders and running officers. In the middle of the room was a table with a very detailed map on it. Ariston pointed at a place on the map were he was already looking to for an hour. Gedrovea, one of the biggest Taronian cities and the one with the biggest and most fortified harbour. "How many ships?" was his question. "350." answered his right hand, Nikostrates Eudalros,"Not only the Gedrovean fleet but also a big part of the shared fleet of the league lies in it." Ariston knew that it was almost impossible to take Gedrovea with such fleet in it, but he needed an impossible start as 70% of his troops were inexperienced. "We'll take it, with eleven ships." Everyone in the room looked up when they heard this words. They looked at Ariston like he was crazy. Ariston seemed somewhere else as he spoke further:"We act like we are reinforcements for the fleet. In that way can we approach the city closely . Small groups will swim to the harbour towers in the night. They'll break the port chain, giving us the opportunity to get close to the Taronian ships. The tide will be towards the city. We'll throw oil that will spread trough the port. We'll burn it and all ships in the harbour will burn to the ground. Every ship that tries to leave will be pushed back into the port. When the fire is gone will we sail into the port. In the meanwhile will the main fleet and army have moved to the city. At the moment we're in control of the city will the fleet arrive to protect our new bridgehead on the mainland."It was a dangerous plan, everyone, including Ariston knew that. They could be discovered, the oil could float to the wrong side, there could be ships outside of the port, but if it would succeed would the capturing of Gedrovea be something for the poets to write about for a thousand years, the Taronians would be heavily weakened and the morale of the Taeletean army would be boosted a lot. It was clear that Ariston would continue this plan anyway and Ariston ordered to gather 1100 loyal and capable men together with 11 ships for the mission. Oil was quickly retrieved from Pefkiot and Dolian traders, the 1100 men were informed of the mission. Offers and prayers were offered to the Gods and Ariston spent 20 hours in the temple to perform ablution. 3 days later, in the evening, sailed the eleven ships to the northwest under the Taronian flag, even dodging the Taeletean patrols that didn't know about the operation. When they reached the Okeanos did they turn their ships and sailed towards Gedrovea. The city was asleep and the Taronian patrols allowed the Taeletean ships to pass. Soon was everything ready for the attack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fii-0oyZKxc=59, from 1:03

The tide was right, the night was dark and the Taronians were thinking that the Taeleteans were Taronian reinforcements. Ariston heard the silent splashes as his light-armed marines jumped into the water. He looked patiently to the harbour towers for 10 minutes before hearing a few soft fighting sounds that indicated that his marines were taking the towers. Ariston saw that both harbour towers were now guarded by 100 Taeletean marines, but he also saw that the first Taronian guards noticed that something was going wrong, terribly wrong. Directly after that were torches waved on the towers, indicating that the chain was down. Immidiately commanded the captains to move the ships quickly to the harbour. Just before the harbour stopped the ships. Soldiers started to drop the oil in the water in such a way that the Taeletean ships were safe and 4 ship onagers throwed big pots of oil deeper into the port. After that commanded the captains the ships to move back as fast as possible and the slaves were pushed to row as hard as they could to move the ships to a safe distance. Commotion now started in the harbour but it was too late. Flaming arrows left the Taeletean ships, putting the port on fire. Ariston was standing on the front of his ship, his face glowed orange by the light of the fires and man could see a smile on his face as the ships burned for his eyes, burning thousands of people with them. The Taeletean golden and bronze armor was shining in the light of the fire and some of the Taronians tought they were fighting the Gods. Pigeons were sent from the ships to inform the main fleet of their succes. Taronian patrols were now moving to the city, ships and men tried to escape and the people of the city tried to help, but nobody could do anything. Blood, dead and fire reigned the city and its port. Ariston and his ships fought 5 hours with escaping ships and patrols that tried to aid or tried to get revenge, but their ships were full and inspired by Ariston were the Taronians repelled, after that 5 hours arrived the main fleet. All opposition was then quickly beaten. The remaining forces in the city were defeated and the city was sacked. Taelete had a foothold in Taros. One guarded by 30.000 men. The gods could be thanked for this victory. Messages left to all Taronian cities to tell them to surrender or follow Gedrovea's fate, that could be seen in the banners of Taelete that waved on the cities walls, the Taeletean sun was still rising. Ariston was praised by all in Taelete for his victory and received a power of attorney over the offensive.

[Taronian League]

Taros, Aimer-Dios

Vatarnea, Maeralla, Radaros, Worete, Gherech-Ildar, Karedos, Letria, Tarto, Muatmaleg, I-Drail, Kirea, Aimer-Dios, Toblesia, Ikifir and Kartan. Together with Gedrovea were this the Free cities of Taros, together were they the Taronian League, the center of civilization and knowledge. Although they see themselves as the most powerful in the world has their power stagnated. Their power is waning. Closed in between the vital, new nations of Acro, Taelete and Vorenos see scholars the end of the Taronians coming. The rise of Acro and the sack of Gedrovea has, however, wakened the Taronian cities. They're still divided but they now see that they have to cooporate to continue their freedom. The leaders of the league have gathered in Aimer-Dios, just south of Gedrovea to consult the oracle. Its words feared the Taronian leaders: "From the big and glorious group of doves will only one survive the Ram and the Dragon. Leaving the flames were its brothers burned." In Gedrovea renewed the leaders their vows of union. They decided to gather an army south of Aimer-Dios. One that would free Gedrovea, while the lords and cities on the southern coast prepared their homes and armies for Acronese invaders. After the standing armies had gathered, however, was it clear that there was no reinforcement by the hords of volunteers that the leaders had expected. The army was also not able to move trough quarrel over the command. Although their power has waned are the Taronian cities still that strong that they can gather an army of 70.000 men south of Aimer-Dios. Just when it seemed that the situation had stabilized a bit came the message that the armies of Vorenos had dropped siege around the bordering city of Toblesia. They'd also conquered 4 smaller border cities and their armies were threatening Karedos. The army of the league, however was not able to move through discontent and the leaders did not want to leave as that would open the way of expansion for the Taeleteans. It was clear that the Toblesia would stand for some time but the fear in the Taronian league was high as nobody knew the plans of Acro, Taelete and Vorenos who all had strong armies ready. It would be a battle for everyone to conquer and the battle of Taros is at the point of beginning. The fate of some of the oldest cities of the world are the stakes of the game.

[Acro]

When Tytos and his soldiers landed, they had a force of only 2,000. However in a few short weeks they had thrashed Taronian armies over and over again. Many of the Taronian commanders had thought the Acrosi seafarers only, with no skill on land. They had payed the price for their folly. They had come upon thousands of slaves being marched on the roads and with the power of Meras at their side they had easily overcome the Taronian forces and freed the chained. The freedmen had taken to the true god, and were more than willing to take up arms against their oppressors. Once armed they were enthusiastic trainers, and were competent with the spear and sword. Tytos was proud of his army, now numbering 15,000 and was more than willing to sate their desire for blood.

They happened upon an army of 7,000 Taronians who had taken camp for the night. Though many of his captains urged an immediate attack, to catch the enemy off guard Tytos refused. He did not know if his freedmen could fight such a force, it was true they were enthusiastic, but despite their training they were still novices. He had faith in a victory, but he had no desire to spill more blood than was necessary.

He sent a cavalry force of 200 horsemen to attack the camps sentries, to draw the army into a narrow forest path. The phalanxes of the Taronians would be forced to break up as they marched down the narrow path. Tytos waited patiently, his sword clenched tight in hand as he peered through the trees. Minutes pass by, until the whole of the enemy army is surrounded by Tytos and his army of freedmen. Then he puts a horn to his lips and blows.

The horn lets out a mighty trumpet and the army of Freedmen screams collectively and rushes towards the encircled Taronians. They smash into the army on all sides, their phalanx so powerful in the open field collapses under the force of the attack. Tytos charges toward a man who raises his shield against his sword. Tytos leaps into the air, slamming his feet into the mans shield. The enemy falls to the ground, Tytos stands above him and stabs down into his chest. He hears a whistle as a spear is thrust towards him, he parry's it with his sword and swirls around the blade catching the man in the back of the neck. All around him the battle rages, the Taronians mercilessly slaughtered by the Freedmen and Tytos's Acrosi.

Within a few minutes the battle is over, perhaps a dozen of the 7,000 still live. When Tytos marches on the camp the slaves are freed, and they equip themselves with the armor and weapons of the slain Taronians. Now 15,000 march with Tytos.

[Scylacium]

699BC:

A sad and dangerous time in Rome's history has descended upon the country and its people. King Lucius Pompillee has died at the age of 87. Lucius Pompillee had been king for over 50 years and guided his people through almost continuous war for most of his reign, he also built massive public works, and strengthen Rome's religious establishment.

With the death of the king the Roman Kingdom entered interregnum, literally meaning "a time between kings" this was ussually an orderly affair, only this time it would be marred with corruption and politicking. During this time the Chief Magistrate Aetius Familia called the Senate into session where they officially declared interregnum by electing Augustus Lucifer, an influential senator, as Chief of State. This was a snub to Familia and put two factions in a political battle. The Chief of State couldn't sack the Chief Magistrate, only the king could do this, however the CoS could severely limit the CM's powers. And that is exactly Chief Lucifer does in a series of decrees. CM Familia struck back and his allies in the Curiate Assembly blocked the Senate's actions and slowed the legislative process to a snail's pace. With the Chief of State's term only five days long the Senate had to elect the the second CoS, the new Chief was supportive of Familia and decreed that his powers be restored, only Familia's enemies in the Senate blocked the decrees until the second CoS's term ended. A pro-Lucifer CoS was then elected an undid the orders of the second CoS. This continued for an unprecedented 90 days(18 CoS) until a compromise was negotiated by religious leader Cato Gaius. In the compromise Florus Familia, nephew of the Chief Magistrate and a veteran of three wars, would be elected king and Lucifer would be appointed governor of the province of Haria, a wealthy northern territory. Within days Flprus was nominated, approved by the Senate, elected by the Curate Assembly, and given the assent for the Gods. After that the Senate passed one last decree making him King of Rome.

The reign of King Florus Familia has begun and his would be a rocky one. Within weeks he ordered his uncle to house arrest and the death of Senator Lucifer and several other senators and magistrates. He decreed that the Office of Chief Magistrate be abolished, and the Senate's powers were further reduced. King Famailia then announced that the military would be given a larger share of the budget and a build up of a large army would be needed. He appointed trusted military leaders in positions within the State. The rule of Familia has begun and Rome would never forget it.

[Acro]

Forward marches the army of Tytos Veraxos, growing with every victory. Word of slave rebellions farther inland give heart to the Sea People and their freedmen. He had received word from Magistrate Orion, who he had left as regent while Tytos was warring. The people were filled with love for their king, and a second fleet was preparing to sail for Taronia, carrying an additional 5,000 Acrosi.

Uplifted by this news Tytos lets his army camp for the night, welcomed by his soldiers who had been marching for ours on end. Just a few miles away lay the city of Meren-Kai, a large city in the western Taronian League. Most of its forces had marched north to do battle against the Taelete's, leaving the city nearly defenseless. The host of King Tytos had swollen to nearly 25,000 and with the impending arrival of 5,000 more soldiers, they would outnumber any host in the area.


The Next Day
Tytos marched his army to the city of Meren-Kai, just out of range of their arrows. He sent a runner to deliver a message to its commanders, ordering them to surrender, or face defeat.

Commanders of Meren-Kai,
I am Tytos Veraxos, Chosen King of the Acrosi, Blessed Son of Meras, Breaker of Chains.
I have surrounded your city, with a force many times that of yours, you can not defeat me, and you know this. Perhaps you can delay me, perhaps you can weaken my force. But you will fall. Your armies wage war in the north, fighting the people of Taelete, while my force is together here. I offer you mercy. I offer your peace. But you must meet my terms. All slaves in the city will be freed, you will surrender 1/3 of your food and water to my armies, and 1/3 of your cities wealth. You may retain your positions in the city, however a council will rule it, and 10 Freedmen will sit upon it, along with 10 of your people. If your refuse my terms I will burn this city to the ground, and put the the sword every man woman and child that is not a slave. Your family's will die, your homes will burn, and I will still win, and I will break the chains of every slave in the city. You have until the sun sets to accept my terms.

The runner was in the city for hours, so long that Tytos suspected a betrayal, that the man he had sent had been captured and perhaps killed by the Taronians. However one hour before sunset the gates of the city opened, and thousands of slaves marched towards Tytos. He saw no chains upon them, and he knew he had won. A man on horseback rode up to Tytos.

Kind King Tytos, I am honored to serve you. I bring 10,000 Freedmen for your service, behind us is all the tribute you requested, and the banner of Acrosi will fly upon the cities highest point. The man was clearly a former slave, he bore whip marks and branding's that only came from a life of servitude. Tytos grabbed his hand tightly and shook. The slaves were all armed, bearing swords shields and spears. Many of them had horses and nearly all were armored.

Where did you acquire the weapons Free One? Tytos inquires?

The soldiers of the city threw down the arms and refused to fight you, so we took them and marched to fight with you. The Freedman laughs.

Meras blesses us with bold friends and cowardly foes. Tytos mounts his horse as his army forms up, now ten thousand stronger. March forth men, we set camp in ten miles.

[Taelete]

Taelete

The Taeletean attack had continued. The fleet had succesfully taken and sacked the city of Radaros after a serie of bloody battles. From Radaros had an army of ten thousand went inland where they dropped siege around Kirea. In the meanwhile had the fleet of Ikifir been defeated but the city was not yet attacked. Aristonhad received 10.000 men reinforcements. This offered him the chance to take his other 30.000 men to Aimer-Dios, just to the south. The people of Aimer-Dios were spirited. The walls of the city were strong and the garrison was ready. The siege of Aimer-Dios had continued for three days when Ariston's scouts reported him that the big Taronian army was on the move. The Taronians were not willing to hand their city over. 50.000 of the 70.000 had united behind general Bion Sildaros. In the two days that it took Bion to reach Aimer-Dios had he lost 6000 men to fights between soldiers from different cities. When both armies lined up in front of eachother appeared the 7000 defenders of the city. They marched out of their city to force Ariston into a battle with two fronts. Ariston had sent message to the troops in Gedrovea to join his forces when he heard of the Taronian advance but they were not present and it was looking nasty for the Taeleteans. Ariston, however, showed his strength in inspiring once again:"Men of Taelete, we do not run. Here, on this battlefield will the fate of our nation be decided. The Taronians are divided. If we stay united will we defeat them. Men of Taelete, line up behind me. Hear the songs of war my brothers. As we are better than these people. We are the Golden People, and our light and culture will not fade today. It'll stand forever. An army of 40.000 is incoming to help us and we will stand until they arrive. This battle will remain in the annals of Taelete forever. Now back to your positions. We'll show we are better, we'll show the strength of Taelete. And remeber, We are the Golden People, and we will ever be!" After this words turned Ariston his horse. 5000 men were positioned to keep of the garrison while the other 25.000 men formed up to withstand the Taronian attack. The vanguard and flanks were made up by peltasts(light infantry). The center was formed by heavy hoplites and archers. Both the light and heavy cavalry were ready to help the Taeletean flanks and were ready to attack the Taronian flanks. Pikemen were the reserves and shockbreakers. The upcoming Taronian hoplite attack was slowed and weakened by rains of arrows and by a peltast counter-attack. The heavier Taeletean hoplites were then, assisted by the peltasts in the flanks, able to push the Tarnian hoplites back. The Taronians now threw their masses of middle-armed infantry in the battle. THe Taeletean hoplites had formed a wall. The battle in the center was now stagnated and would now be decided by force. The Taronian chariots now rode forward to attack the Taeletean flanks but they were repelled by the Taeletean phalanxes. While the chariots retreated arrived the Taronian cavalry. The faster cavalry forced the phalanxes to retreat but was also repelled, by the cataphracts and other heavy cavalry of Taelete. This offered the Taeletean light cavalry and some of their heavy cavalry the chance to attack the Taronian flanks. Despite all this small victories were the Taronian masses still pushing the Taeleteans back. This situation continued for three hours. At that moment arrived the 10.000 reinforcements that Ariston was expecting. He shouted:"Keep fighting, men of Taelete, our 40.000 reinforcements have arrived." Spirited by this news continued the Taeleteans to fight. The Taronians, however, lost the will to fight. Although Sildanos tried to keep the fighting. He failed. The Taronian army broke. They lost many during their flight. Now turned the main part of the Taeletean army towards the Taronian garrison, that desperately tried to reach their city. Only a thousand did this with succes. While the remaining 25.000 Taeleteans dropped again siege around Aimer-Dios, gathered Sildanos 15.000 of his troops with who he joint forces again with the 20.000 Taronians that hd refused to fight. Their combined force retreated to Letria were they started to prepare a counter-offensive. The 1000 surviving men of the garrison were now reinforced by 4000 civil volunteers. It was clear that Ariston had to keep besieging Aimer-Dios. He used this time to gather more supplies and to wait for more reinforcements and information.

Died men:
-Garrison army: 6000 soldiers
-Ariston's army: 15.000 soldiers
-Taronian main force: 24.000 soldiers
Remaining men:
-Garrison: 1000 soldiers, 4000 armed civilians
-Ariston's army: 25.000 soldiers
-Taronian main force: 40.000 soldiers

[Reichsland]

A large majority of the nation is a frontier, and many explorers and foreign military expeditions have gone missing there. It is a place of dark legends, especially the forested regions. The limbs and the canopy are so thick that the woods are almost always dark, creating legends for peoples both without and within the country. The people of Reichsland are known at this time as Angmarans, for the capital of the nation is the city of Angmar.

The western half of Reichsland is the most civilized, with great walled cities lining the coasts and inlands. The further east you go, the more uncivilized the people become. People in the eastern half of Reichsland are considered barbarians by most, and this is the reason so many people have gone missing there. Uncivilized they may be, but the two halves of the nation are mutually beneficial to each other. The Western, more commerce and agriculturally oriented, half is ruled by a High King while the Eastern half is ruled by individual clans and their lords. The High Kings have forged well respected alliances with the clans over the years, and it works as follows. The Clans collect furs, captured foreign goods, and protect Eastern Reichsland. They bring the furs and goods to West Reichsland, where they trade them for food and other wares to take back home.

West Reichsland is protected by a professional army fielded by the King, and in accordance with the "Treaty of Grunwald,"* if the Eastern Clans cannot hold against an invasion, it will march to protect them. It also works in reverse, the High King of Reichsland has the authority to raise an army from the Clans and use it at his discretion. This agreement was signed a century ago, and it still holds firm today. Working together, the two halves united would undoubtedly make a formidable foe for any nation who decided to test its luck.

High King Saeward, or the King of Angmar as he is also known, has issued an edict mandating that the defenses in every West Reichsland coastal town be improved. His grandfather had started this project, but a small conflict with raiding pirates had prevented the completion of it. Saeward wanted to make sure that his land would be as hard to conquer as it possibly could. He also wanted to do it cheaply and quickly, which meant that more hands would be needed. The king ordered that an envoy be sent to the Eastern Clans to tell them that if they would go out and capture slaves, the King would pay them well. The Clan Lords accepted the proposal, eager to get glory for their name and blood on their hands. They returned back to their homes and began organizing raids all along the adjacent coasts. Soon, a hefty trickle of slaves began to trickle into Reichsland, fueling the slave markets. This generated quite a bit in taxes for the King, which allowed him to fund his public works.

The King knows that their has to be other great nations across the world, and he orders that an Angmaran Expedition be sent to explore the Northern Wilds. This is what the areas above Reichsland was known as. Who knows what they would find there, if anything...

[Acro]

After the stunning victory at Meren-Kai, Tytos marches his army north against the city of Karedos. Word reaches him of Taelete victories in the north. Though he had no love for the Taeletian slavers, he knew that their attacks would weaken the already crumbling Taronian league. Tytos heard tales of slave rebellions in the countryside, where Taronian power was weaken, however the cities still remained under control of the slavers.

When his Acrosi reinforcements arrive his army now numbers 40,000 larger than any force they may encounter as the largest Taronian army had recently been smashed by the people of Taelete. Though some 40,000 Taronian troops had survived their battle with Taelete, many had begun to desert and those that remained were wounded, demoralized, and ill prepared to fight any true fighting force.

The march to Karedos took 2 weeks, the journey was pleasant enough, food and water was abundant and they were joined by bands of runaway slaves who had taken up arms against their former masters. With an army just short of 50,000 (49,500) Tytos came into conflict with a force of 20,000 soldiers, marching north to reinforce the battered Taronian army. Using his normal tactics, Tytos used his light cavalry to draw the main force into unfavorable conditions. They marched right into a narrow pass where they were quickly surrounded by the superior Acrosi force.

The Freedmen were sent to the tops of the pass and rained arrows, short spears, and rocks down upon the trapped Taronians. Surrounded on all sides the slavers collapsed, Tytos was in the thick of the battle, dueling with the Taronian commander. The man was skilled with a blade but it was no matter, a single mistake doomed him. He put his shield out to far to the right and allowed Tytos and slash him across the gut, cutting through the armor and ripping open his stomach.

The battle was a massacre. The outnumbered and poorly armored Taronians were cut to pieces, pierced by arrow and spear, and crushed by falling rock. With only 3,000 dead Tytos killed all 20,000 Taronians.

As was his custom he marched to the camp and freed the slaves, gaining 4,000 freedmen to replace those he had lost. He gave sacrifice to Meras, pouring the blood of the general into a river. And wrote letter for home.

Magistrate Orion.
We have won many a great victory, I have a host of 50,000 who follow me to battle, and no enemy stands in out path. Alas I will not be continuing this campaign much longer. I long for the waves and sandy beaches of Acro, to see my wife and child after such a long time away. I send peace demands to the Taronians. Meren-Kai and Karedos, along with the land around them will be ceded to Acro, established as the Free Hold, where no slavery will be permitted, and any slave that enters will be free. Send a fleet to carry me and my 7,000 Acrosi home, the 40,000 Freedmen will be the army of this land, with I as their king.
Yours in Brotherhood,
King Tytos Veraxos


After sending off that letter he pens another, to the leaders of the Taronian League.

Slave Kings of Taronia,
I am King Tytos Veraxos, Sea King of Acro. I have conquered your cities, crushed your armies, and brought the men you chain to rebellion. I extend a hand of peace, the only one you will ever receive from me. You will cede Meren-Kai, Karedos, and all their lands to Acro. No slavery will be permitted in the Free Hold. I have no desire to see Taelete grow stronger, and I would rather have you fight them.
Accept my terms of fall.