Shadowbound
Incorrugible
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2007
- Messages
- 4,078
God damnit! Urge to smash rising!
Can I play both Liang and Iberia?
Can I play both Liang and Iberia?
DaNES II: When the Stars Fall
- Thread starter Dachs
- Start date
The Strategos
Thanatos
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2002
- Messages
- 1,175
Something different for me.
Commander Gorma
Warlord
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2009
- Messages
- 125
To the kingdom of Areia
May we both reap to benifits of this military and trade alliance.
May we both reap to benifits of this military and trade alliance.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
IC:
To: Dayang Dynasty
From: Kingdom of Nanyue
We hope that our good diplomatic relations with your predecessor will continue.
To: Dayang Dynasty
From: Kingdom of Nanyue
We hope that our good diplomatic relations with your predecessor will continue.
Aight. You going to abide by that treaty to which I just signed your name?
Overheard in the court of the Empress Suiko
"Your Highness, with the sudden death of Yang Wen, Lord of the Dayang, it appears that the recent treaty we spoke about is in jeopardy. The "opportunity" has come in the form of the also unexpected death of the lord of the Liang. All China is in a great uproar with mounting uncertainty. Wu and Yang may well have new priorities and even deception is in the wind if those travelers from the mainland are correct. We must tread carefully. Perhaps we should continue this discussion in a more private setting?"
"Your Highness, with the sudden death of Yang Wen, Lord of the Dayang, it appears that the recent treaty we spoke about is in jeopardy. The "opportunity" has come in the form of the also unexpected death of the lord of the Liang. All China is in a great uproar with mounting uncertainty. Wu and Yang may well have new priorities and even deception is in the wind if those travelers from the mainland are correct. We must tread carefully. Perhaps we should continue this discussion in a more private setting?"
The Strategos
Thanatos
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2002
- Messages
- 1,175
Aight. You going to abide by that treaty to which I just signed your name?
That's fine.
A Proclamation From the Son of Heaven:
As we surveyed the lands the heavens granted us, north, south, east, west, a strange message was heard, "The Son of Heaven is dead!" we hear the women wail. We look into a still pond at our reflection, our arms run down our body. Did we die in our sleep? Even now are we a spirit, haunting the earth? But our worry was in vain, our breath still caused ripples in the glassy waters, our arms still clutched the sword in strength. The fate spoken of us in darkened halls has failed, the gods have shielded us with their outstretched hands. Therefore let none say such accursed things, let no one speak so against the beloved of heaven. If any are caught with such a lie on their tongue, let it be ripped out, so that they may learn proper conduct towards those who the heavens placed over them.
The Strategos
Thanatos
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2002
- Messages
- 1,175
To: Prince Hunmo of the Houqin
From: The Son of Heaven
With great anger we listened to the reports of our sons, the subjects which heaven has placed under us to rule as a father rules his household. The Heavens gave to us everything, and in our infinite mercy we gave you the Houqin to rule over as a prince. But the Houqin bared their teeth at us, as a dog who bites its master’s hand, forgetting who feeds him. In our wrath we would have stripped you of your title and given it to another. But our hand was stayed by the honeyed words of our advisors. They assured me it was rebels, and not by you, who raised their hands against me. Hear our words! We will give you one hundred talents this year, and fifty every following year, until you put down those who rebel against your rule and our personage. Drive them from our lands, and the lands of our subjects, until they reach the lands which we have measured out for them to live. Do this and our favor and the favor of heaven will rest upon you. If, however, you refuse our gift, or accept our gift but put it to wasteful things and force not the rebels to withdraw from our lands, we shall find one who can better rule over your people and give him the right to rule, just as a spirited warhorse is given not to a commoner, but to an experienced soldier, who knows how to wield the reigns with firmness and skill.
From: The Son of Heaven
With great anger we listened to the reports of our sons, the subjects which heaven has placed under us to rule as a father rules his household. The Heavens gave to us everything, and in our infinite mercy we gave you the Houqin to rule over as a prince. But the Houqin bared their teeth at us, as a dog who bites its master’s hand, forgetting who feeds him. In our wrath we would have stripped you of your title and given it to another. But our hand was stayed by the honeyed words of our advisors. They assured me it was rebels, and not by you, who raised their hands against me. Hear our words! We will give you one hundred talents this year, and fifty every following year, until you put down those who rebel against your rule and our personage. Drive them from our lands, and the lands of our subjects, until they reach the lands which we have measured out for them to live. Do this and our favor and the favor of heaven will rest upon you. If, however, you refuse our gift, or accept our gift but put it to wasteful things and force not the rebels to withdraw from our lands, we shall find one who can better rule over your people and give him the right to rule, just as a spirited warhorse is given not to a commoner, but to an experienced soldier, who knows how to wield the reigns with firmness and skill.
To Honqin
From Tantan Qagnate
We are pleased to inform you that today we have chosen to extort money from you. Kindly tender a sum of one hundred and fifty talents to your nearest yagbhu, failure to tender sum may result sudden life termination. We trust there shall be no problem. Good day.
From Tantan Qagnate
We are pleased to inform you that today we have chosen to extort money from you. Kindly tender a sum of one hundred and fifty talents to your nearest yagbhu, failure to tender sum may result sudden life termination. We trust there shall be no problem. Good day.
Orders sent.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
The Recollections of an Aged Veteran
My later days have been kind to me. I have a good home, on a hillside by the sea. My wife and children tend to me, leaving me to sit in the sun and watch the fishing boats on the water below. There is food, and there is money, and in all things I am content to live out my waning days by the grace of Hagia Sophia Sôteira. It is said, that when men were created, the first people lived out the day in joy. And when the orb of the sun began to disappear, and all became dark, they thought that this was death. That all their life had been encompassed in one golden, innocent day.
And they were content.
And so am I. Through all the robes and trappings of life, I have thought myself good and wise, but now, only one understanding returns to me. We are no different from those innocent, naked beings who first walked upon the world. The light of my eyes now grows dimmer each day, as it did for my fathers, and their fathers. Each of us, alone, must face the dark beyond with an absolute lack of knowledge. In death, we are the ultimate innocents.
Just as those first men, laying their heads to rest with the expectation that they will not see another morning. They know not even that morning exists. We are just as innocent, just as naked, as those first sleepers. I choose to great this great night as they did: With boundless joy at what I have seen and done, and at peace with myself, with my place, and with my fate. For this story has an ending, and it is sweet. The first men awake on the second day, to find that sleep is not death. That every day is literally a new life...that light waits, beyond the darkness.
I close my eyes...
---
"Konon!"
"Konon! KONON!"
I saw Anastasios Makhaneus, scrabbling for purchase on the hillside. His staff officers...Sophia, where were they, had dwindled to a banner carrier and an adjutant winding a crossbow, firing bolts into the melee above on the ridge line. The barbaroi scum had penetrated the skirmish line without a word of warning from the scouts, damn it, what do we pay these men for? Behind me, a milling press of men. Before me, a knot of horses, occasionally a barbaric yell or a snatch of koine, be it curse or rallying cry.
I called to my lieutenant. "Anastasios! We must order the retreat! Their arrows fall too thick!" He had managed to find another mount, I saw. When the first charge of Aorsi smashed into the flanks, I saw him fall, or rather his horse, and thought, ah. His father will be so displeased. Remarkable that he lived.
So this is what it is like...a commander without a command. In battle it is all a castle of sand. The unit commanders were managing, though.
I was just a naval commander...less so, a politician...I had never asked for this, or wanted this. But Makhaneus, he had the trumpet, and was blowing it, and then the front two ranks of pikes managed to form up just as the cavalry disengaged. Ah, my staff officers. How nice. They had returned to me, or realized that I had sought to command the engagement, in contravention of my own orders from the polemarchos.
"Sikeliotes!" He forgets himself. "Commander, we must...we must prepare the phalanx for retreat." His breaths came in gasps. A shock of light brown hair was marred by a trickle of blood coming down across his forehead. I knew his name...
"And the settlement," I replied, almost in a daze. "The men there are lost."
"Yes, lord, it was ambush. We MUST be away!"
"Away. Yes. Tell the rear arcuballistai to form up for a volley to cover the retreat of the cavalry. Over their heads. Not until they have reached the base of the hill." I hastily withdrew on my own mount. The dignity of a strategos.
This was one tactic my men had trained to do. As the Aorsi came thundering down the hillside, pursuing our bands of mauled cavalry, the arcuballistai let fly as one. A flock of bolts downed the fiercest riders in the front of the screaming mass, and the force of their charge was broken. Some horses milled riderless, but less than half of the Aorsi continued forward, their gallop losing more momentum across the muddied ground at the base of the hill, to finally plow into the phalanx, which met them, spears raised. Those particular Aorsi did not live out the day.
But it was merely bought time. The main force of Aorsi cavalry had finished killing off the last bands of reckless or unlucky Panorman cavalry who were unable to make the retreat, and they now turned to loose a volley of their own, which fell among the thorakitai, bringing wails and groans of pain from the phalanx as they struck. We withdrew out of range though, filing into the forests beyond the killing fields that were once the...I suppose it might be called the chorai of this barbarian settlement. I pray to Sophia that this field flowers bright next spring. We leave on it so many of our dead.
Turning after the bulk of the infantry had entered the forest, their retreat still ordered, thank all that is good, I saw that the Aorsi had elected not to pursue. They too had been bloodied, though it was clear the day was theirs. We will never conquer this land, I thought to myself. Not as long as these horsemen inhabit it.
Soon, the ships. That was all I could say to keep myself sane. Soon, the ships.
---
"You wish to resign your command."
The Archon was seated, of course, before a beautiful table covered in maps. He was impeccable, as Mystakon always was, with that preternatural beauty and the gray eyes that always seemed to be staring into the distance, as if waiting for the sculptor's chisel.
"I have disgraced my command. Polemarchos Deukalion strictly forbade any engagement with enemy armies during my raids. I had thought that a reconnaissance in force would yield more plunder. I allowed hundreds of my men to die."
The Archon rose. "You once sat this seat, Konon. And I count you as a friend. If you will not sit, then I will stand."
He walked over to where I was. "Know that there is no ill will towards you among the bouleutai. If anything, the rumors of your tension with Deukalion have gained you more favor."
I sighed, exasperated. "Philippikos, I killed those men! How can I..."
"No." The Archon's voice stayed level, but there was a flash of anger in those normally placid grey eyes. "The polemarchos killed those men when he told you the Sannic lands would be free of troops. The Aorsi killed those men when your officers sought to plunder more than they should. The MEN forfeited their own lives when they took the silver of the politeia."
He paused. "But you, Konon. You are a skilled commander of men. And I will not throw away a useful tool before its time."
I nodded. It is the merit of friends to accept the generosity of a friend with little emotion. And it is simply the way of men. But he had earned my loyalty that day, just as I had somehow earned his forgiveness. I attributed it to the shifting political winds that my fate was saved, and not tied to the anchor of the old polemarchos and his failed war, despite my thoughts that the old polemarchos had only tried to defend his homeland. But I was no stranger to the will of the politeia, that perpetually jilted lover of the people.
Mystakon called after me as I left the room. "Compatriot. This is not the end for either of us."
I certainly hoped not.
My later days have been kind to me. I have a good home, on a hillside by the sea. My wife and children tend to me, leaving me to sit in the sun and watch the fishing boats on the water below. There is food, and there is money, and in all things I am content to live out my waning days by the grace of Hagia Sophia Sôteira. It is said, that when men were created, the first people lived out the day in joy. And when the orb of the sun began to disappear, and all became dark, they thought that this was death. That all their life had been encompassed in one golden, innocent day.
And they were content.
And so am I. Through all the robes and trappings of life, I have thought myself good and wise, but now, only one understanding returns to me. We are no different from those innocent, naked beings who first walked upon the world. The light of my eyes now grows dimmer each day, as it did for my fathers, and their fathers. Each of us, alone, must face the dark beyond with an absolute lack of knowledge. In death, we are the ultimate innocents.
Just as those first men, laying their heads to rest with the expectation that they will not see another morning. They know not even that morning exists. We are just as innocent, just as naked, as those first sleepers. I choose to great this great night as they did: With boundless joy at what I have seen and done, and at peace with myself, with my place, and with my fate. For this story has an ending, and it is sweet. The first men awake on the second day, to find that sleep is not death. That every day is literally a new life...that light waits, beyond the darkness.
I close my eyes...
---
"Konon!"
"Konon! KONON!"
I saw Anastasios Makhaneus, scrabbling for purchase on the hillside. His staff officers...Sophia, where were they, had dwindled to a banner carrier and an adjutant winding a crossbow, firing bolts into the melee above on the ridge line. The barbaroi scum had penetrated the skirmish line without a word of warning from the scouts, damn it, what do we pay these men for? Behind me, a milling press of men. Before me, a knot of horses, occasionally a barbaric yell or a snatch of koine, be it curse or rallying cry.
I called to my lieutenant. "Anastasios! We must order the retreat! Their arrows fall too thick!" He had managed to find another mount, I saw. When the first charge of Aorsi smashed into the flanks, I saw him fall, or rather his horse, and thought, ah. His father will be so displeased. Remarkable that he lived.
So this is what it is like...a commander without a command. In battle it is all a castle of sand. The unit commanders were managing, though.
I was just a naval commander...less so, a politician...I had never asked for this, or wanted this. But Makhaneus, he had the trumpet, and was blowing it, and then the front two ranks of pikes managed to form up just as the cavalry disengaged. Ah, my staff officers. How nice. They had returned to me, or realized that I had sought to command the engagement, in contravention of my own orders from the polemarchos.
"Sikeliotes!" He forgets himself. "Commander, we must...we must prepare the phalanx for retreat." His breaths came in gasps. A shock of light brown hair was marred by a trickle of blood coming down across his forehead. I knew his name...
"And the settlement," I replied, almost in a daze. "The men there are lost."
"Yes, lord, it was ambush. We MUST be away!"
"Away. Yes. Tell the rear arcuballistai to form up for a volley to cover the retreat of the cavalry. Over their heads. Not until they have reached the base of the hill." I hastily withdrew on my own mount. The dignity of a strategos.
This was one tactic my men had trained to do. As the Aorsi came thundering down the hillside, pursuing our bands of mauled cavalry, the arcuballistai let fly as one. A flock of bolts downed the fiercest riders in the front of the screaming mass, and the force of their charge was broken. Some horses milled riderless, but less than half of the Aorsi continued forward, their gallop losing more momentum across the muddied ground at the base of the hill, to finally plow into the phalanx, which met them, spears raised. Those particular Aorsi did not live out the day.
But it was merely bought time. The main force of Aorsi cavalry had finished killing off the last bands of reckless or unlucky Panorman cavalry who were unable to make the retreat, and they now turned to loose a volley of their own, which fell among the thorakitai, bringing wails and groans of pain from the phalanx as they struck. We withdrew out of range though, filing into the forests beyond the killing fields that were once the...I suppose it might be called the chorai of this barbarian settlement. I pray to Sophia that this field flowers bright next spring. We leave on it so many of our dead.
Turning after the bulk of the infantry had entered the forest, their retreat still ordered, thank all that is good, I saw that the Aorsi had elected not to pursue. They too had been bloodied, though it was clear the day was theirs. We will never conquer this land, I thought to myself. Not as long as these horsemen inhabit it.
Soon, the ships. That was all I could say to keep myself sane. Soon, the ships.
---
"You wish to resign your command."
The Archon was seated, of course, before a beautiful table covered in maps. He was impeccable, as Mystakon always was, with that preternatural beauty and the gray eyes that always seemed to be staring into the distance, as if waiting for the sculptor's chisel.
"I have disgraced my command. Polemarchos Deukalion strictly forbade any engagement with enemy armies during my raids. I had thought that a reconnaissance in force would yield more plunder. I allowed hundreds of my men to die."
The Archon rose. "You once sat this seat, Konon. And I count you as a friend. If you will not sit, then I will stand."
He walked over to where I was. "Know that there is no ill will towards you among the bouleutai. If anything, the rumors of your tension with Deukalion have gained you more favor."
I sighed, exasperated. "Philippikos, I killed those men! How can I..."
"No." The Archon's voice stayed level, but there was a flash of anger in those normally placid grey eyes. "The polemarchos killed those men when he told you the Sannic lands would be free of troops. The Aorsi killed those men when your officers sought to plunder more than they should. The MEN forfeited their own lives when they took the silver of the politeia."
He paused. "But you, Konon. You are a skilled commander of men. And I will not throw away a useful tool before its time."
I nodded. It is the merit of friends to accept the generosity of a friend with little emotion. And it is simply the way of men. But he had earned my loyalty that day, just as I had somehow earned his forgiveness. I attributed it to the shifting political winds that my fate was saved, and not tied to the anchor of the old polemarchos and his failed war, despite my thoughts that the old polemarchos had only tried to defend his homeland. But I was no stranger to the will of the politeia, that perpetually jilted lover of the people.
Mystakon called after me as I left the room. "Compatriot. This is not the end for either of us."
I certainly hoped not.
Reno
The Studio Ghibli Fanatic
They finally arrived on the hill overlooking the main camp, Respendial had forcibly ridden the horses of his group to near exhaustion. But since the main Aorsi host was still here, he had made it. He gave a slight sigh of relief and then rode on, leading his guard with him towards the camp.
As they rode on into the once lush valley, for lush was it no more the Horde invasion had seen to it, he caught sight of the place where a town had once been. The name he had long since forgotten, Kipra-something or another, but he knew that this was the place where Zanvar had led the Horde into Panormos nearly a decade prior. What a waste, he thought to himself, but if the land cant be conquered I suppose theres no meaning to leaving the land for the Panormans intact either.
As they reached camp, he and his entourage headed directly for the Murundas tent. Zanvar had ordered him to come tell him immediately of the response from the south, no matter what the time when he should return. As Respendial entered the tent, he told for his men to get some rest.
Zanvar, the lord of the Aorsi Horde, was seated in his tent, his face showed that he was lost deep in thought staring into a ritual fire of purity set for him. The guard in the tent acknowledged Respendials presence with a slight turn of the head. Respendial waited for a brief moment in silence, until his lord finally rose. From Zanvars face one could immediately spot marks of weary and woe, the war had clearly aged his features, they did not go unnoticed by Respendial.
Leave us. He spoke to the guards as he got up, and faced Respendial. What of our enemies?
They are our enemies no more. Both Panormos and Chaonia have accepted the offer.
Zanvar was visibly relieved. Well done, son.
Respendial was however slightly hesitant of taking any glory for the peace. It had been Panormos that had made the offer after all, he had just been one to deliver the message. He told such to the Murunda, but he just shook his head.
What are the assets required to rule the world? Zanvar finally asked.
Respendial tried to remember, he had been taught this very thing years ago by Zanvar himself.
Power, wealth and He remembered the first two, but what was the third?
And the third and most important one is what?
The people. Respendial answered as he remembered.
Yes, very good. That is exactly it, you cannot have kingdom without a people to rule. Even if you possessed all the power and wealth in the world, it would all be meaningless without people.
But, lord, as true as that is. What does this have to with my delivering the agreement from the South?
Zanvar turned away from Respendial and looked intently at the purifying flame again. Because, my child, of all my male children you are the one who is most fit to rule when I am gone. Sure, some of them are well an equal match for you on horse and combat, but only you have what it takes to rule this nest of vipers. And knowing that truth is most important, for the Aorsi are a people who have long since wandered in search of a new home. We arrived here during the reign of the previous Murunda, but despite that can we truly call this place our home?
Respendial was struck silent, but finally spoke. I I have always called my lords domain my home, and will always do so.
Zanvar, seemingly satisfied with the response, continued. When I am gone, you must remember not only that truth of rulership, but also this. The Horde leadership is one huge nest of vipers, but you must not kill any of them. Instead, you must earn their trust and loyalty. Even the most venomous of snakes does not bite its master when well trained.
Yes, lord. I shall take your words to heart.
As for your claim that it will bring about the downfall of the Horde, if we were to make enemies of the world, I have decided that your claim has some merit and decided to act so that the Horde may survive. Im putting your words, and yourself, to the test.
Then does that mean, my lord, that I ?
I am sending you to the north, see if you distinguish yourself in Windelicia and make allies of them. Having an unstable horde as our northern neighbour will only bring danger to ourselves. Zanvar gave a hearty laugh. Just look what its done for Panormos and Chaonia.
Thank you, my lord. I will endeavour not to disappoint you.
As they rode on into the once lush valley, for lush was it no more the Horde invasion had seen to it, he caught sight of the place where a town had once been. The name he had long since forgotten, Kipra-something or another, but he knew that this was the place where Zanvar had led the Horde into Panormos nearly a decade prior. What a waste, he thought to himself, but if the land cant be conquered I suppose theres no meaning to leaving the land for the Panormans intact either.
As they reached camp, he and his entourage headed directly for the Murundas tent. Zanvar had ordered him to come tell him immediately of the response from the south, no matter what the time when he should return. As Respendial entered the tent, he told for his men to get some rest.
Zanvar, the lord of the Aorsi Horde, was seated in his tent, his face showed that he was lost deep in thought staring into a ritual fire of purity set for him. The guard in the tent acknowledged Respendials presence with a slight turn of the head. Respendial waited for a brief moment in silence, until his lord finally rose. From Zanvars face one could immediately spot marks of weary and woe, the war had clearly aged his features, they did not go unnoticed by Respendial.
Leave us. He spoke to the guards as he got up, and faced Respendial. What of our enemies?
They are our enemies no more. Both Panormos and Chaonia have accepted the offer.
Zanvar was visibly relieved. Well done, son.
Respendial was however slightly hesitant of taking any glory for the peace. It had been Panormos that had made the offer after all, he had just been one to deliver the message. He told such to the Murunda, but he just shook his head.
What are the assets required to rule the world? Zanvar finally asked.
Respendial tried to remember, he had been taught this very thing years ago by Zanvar himself.
Power, wealth and He remembered the first two, but what was the third?
And the third and most important one is what?
The people. Respendial answered as he remembered.
Yes, very good. That is exactly it, you cannot have kingdom without a people to rule. Even if you possessed all the power and wealth in the world, it would all be meaningless without people.
But, lord, as true as that is. What does this have to with my delivering the agreement from the South?
Zanvar turned away from Respendial and looked intently at the purifying flame again. Because, my child, of all my male children you are the one who is most fit to rule when I am gone. Sure, some of them are well an equal match for you on horse and combat, but only you have what it takes to rule this nest of vipers. And knowing that truth is most important, for the Aorsi are a people who have long since wandered in search of a new home. We arrived here during the reign of the previous Murunda, but despite that can we truly call this place our home?
Respendial was struck silent, but finally spoke. I I have always called my lords domain my home, and will always do so.
Zanvar, seemingly satisfied with the response, continued. When I am gone, you must remember not only that truth of rulership, but also this. The Horde leadership is one huge nest of vipers, but you must not kill any of them. Instead, you must earn their trust and loyalty. Even the most venomous of snakes does not bite its master when well trained.
Yes, lord. I shall take your words to heart.
As for your claim that it will bring about the downfall of the Horde, if we were to make enemies of the world, I have decided that your claim has some merit and decided to act so that the Horde may survive. Im putting your words, and yourself, to the test.
Then does that mean, my lord, that I ?
I am sending you to the north, see if you distinguish yourself in Windelicia and make allies of them. Having an unstable horde as our northern neighbour will only bring danger to ourselves. Zanvar gave a hearty laugh. Just look what its done for Panormos and Chaonia.
Thank you, my lord. I will endeavour not to disappoint you.
With eight hours left until the deadline, I've got orders from Rygia, Walhia, Iberia, Aorsi, Panormos, Makedonia, Mysia, Pisidia, Aigyptos, Aksum, Areia, Tantan, Nanyue, and Yamato.
I have not received orders from Cambria, Chaonia, Goths, Ruxsalannoi, Bosporan Kingdom, Perseids, Armenia, Seleukids, Sogdiane, Baktria, Patalene, Pala, Chola, Liang, Yang, Wu, and Jin-guk.
So, essentially, the usual suspects, except silver, who sent orders weirdly early.
Get them in in the next eight hours, folks...
I have not received orders from Cambria, Chaonia, Goths, Ruxsalannoi, Bosporan Kingdom, Perseids, Armenia, Seleukids, Sogdiane, Baktria, Patalene, Pala, Chola, Liang, Yang, Wu, and Jin-guk.
So, essentially, the usual suspects, except silver, who sent orders weirdly early.
Get them in in the next eight hours, folks...
