Bythinia's Might - Of Seleucids and Macedonians

[darklord50081]

December 28, Year 477 AVC

Chapter 1

King Zipoites grinned inwardly, making a real effort to mantain a solemn yet stern expression. Across the desk sat the Thracian diplomat, in the middle of an obviously well thought-out speech about how they could not tolerate the Bythinian people - althought Zipoites detected the unspoken "fools" in place of people - and they must go to war.

Trouble had been brewing between the nations ever since a Thracian spy had been caught, and betrayed his employer. This was the excuse Zipoites had been waiting for to attack Thracia, and he jumped on it by further spoiling relations through carefully planned "accidents". Believing they had anticipated him, the Thracians declared war first, which was exactley what the King had hoped they would do.

"Very well, if war is what your Cheif desires, we shall give it." At that the soldier standing near the door showed the diplomat out. A middle-aged man came out of a side room, grinning. Zipoites smiled back. "They fell for it perfectly my friend." Nicomedes chuckled, and sat in the chair the diplomat had just vacated.

"Indeed he did, and now we don't have to go through the bore of formally declaring war first."

Zipoites gave a sigh of satisfaction. "We've got work to do, I wonder how long it will take for Thracia to fall?"

"Not long Lord, the Thracian defenses are..... archaic." Nicomedes chuckled wickedly.

"Come, lets go. This invasion isn't going to stage itself." Nicomedes gave a start and frowned in mock dismay at his King's words.

January 4, Year 478 AVC

The army stood upon the white beach, armor glinting in the sun. Zipoites surveyed the army of Bythinia with a grim satisfaction. Nicomedes, beside him, did the same.

Zipoites sighed, and said, "Give the order to load the men on the ships."

"Yes My King," Nicomedes replied. He gestured for a nearby messenger to come, and told him to convey the board order to the men. The messenger grinned and saluted, then sprinted down to the beach camp.

As the graceful ships sailed from the harbor, the Bythinian soldiers cheered, for the Bythinian Standard was now waving on the breeze, the sun rising on the dawn of the day that would be later marked as the beggining of an Empire.


On January 5, 478 AVC, the Bythinian army set sail from the port of Hallon, to the roaring and cheering crowd. An army of 10000 soldiers landed on Thracian soil, the start of an Empire which would shake the foundations of even Rome itself. 5 days after the start of the invasion, King Zipoites first son, named Zipoites after his father, was born. All the people thought he was destined to rule Bythinia......

They were wrong.

 

[darklord50081]

Chapter 2: The Thracian Campaign

January 7, 478 AVC

Utter carnage reigned on the once glistening white beaches. The blood of the dead and dying stained the once-pristine sand. For five days the battle had raged on, with the Thracians barely forcing back the Bythinians. Finaly, on the dawn of the fourth day, the Bythinians had broken through, but a suprise attack from a small elite force from the rear forced the Bythinians back onto their ships.

And now, in the dying light of the sun, the Bythinians broke through, and utterly finished the Thracian army. Zipoites leaned on a tent pole, exhausted, but jubilant. The Thracian resistance was broken, and now all that remained was to besiege Byzantium.

"We've finaly done it!" Nicomedes punched the air in a very enthusiastic show of emotion. He then realized that Zipoites was the king, not just his friend, so he bowed deeply to him.

Zipoites grinned at him, and then his face fell. "I suppose we have to start the seige soon. I hope it doesn't take too long, i'd like to get back to Bythinia before half the year is out.

"Yes, that'd be nice." Nicomedes said solemnly, then smiled.

Two and a half months later, the gates of Byzantium fell. The Thracian chief was forced to agree to total annexation, and all Bythinia celebrated. In the midst of the celebrations, the news came that Zipoites royal wife, Allene, was pregnant. Little did they know that Pontus had turned its greedy eyes towards the new-found wealth of Bythinia.

 

[gela1212]

Very nice! I love the narrative. Also good to see something else from the greek world besides the fail Spartans and some Macedonians.

 

[darklord50081]

Thanks, i've gotten tired of hearing about nations that were already powers become super-powers, (excluding the greek islander AAR of course) so i made one from a one-province minor more coming soon, this has all actualy happaned before i even knew about AARs, so i have to remember the events :rofl:

 

[darklord50081]

Chapter 3: The Pontian Wars
Sub-chapter 1: The First Pontian War

March 5, 482 AVC

War. It is an end for some, a beggining for others. Death and dishonor, for some. Victory and glory for those lucky victors. Wealth for the winners, poverty for those who lost. War is a deadly beast, and it was fast aproaching Bythinia.

Pontus had broken the Paphlagonia Treaty, violating it before the official announcement of its void nature was made to King Zipoites. Did they know, that this was the event that would eventualy end in the Pontian nations utter ruin? I think not, but it led to one thing. War.

The Grand Army of Pontus, lead by General Pheneos Proctid, under Basileos Mithridates II of Pontus' orders, invaded Bythinia, and to everyone's, including the Bythinian's, astonishment, was promptly crushed.

Nicomedes stared at the fortress-city of Gangra, expected to fall in no more than a fort-night. General Proctid had rallied his army and was marching on Paphlagonia, to attempt to lift the siege. Nicomedes chuckled, for his army was better trained, larger, and had far superior morale.

A messenger ran up the artificial slope that shielded the command post of the Bythinians. "Sir, General Pheneos's army has been sighted."

"Very good, sound the order to prepare for battle." Nicomedes left, to prepare for the bloody bussiness of battle.

On March 6, 482 AVC General Pheneos Proctid of Pontus' army was annhilated, and Gangra taken. Amisus and Amarya fell soon after, and Pontus was forced to cede both Amisus and Paphlagonia. Pontus was never considered a real power again.

Sub-chapter 2: Second and Third Pontian Wars
June 24, 485 AVC

The two armies moved together on the battlefield. They would seem exactley like a flowing sea, if not for the screams and cries of the wounded, and the red color soaking into the ground. General Proctid had convinced Basileos Mithridates to re-initiate the Byth-Pontian war, to regain their lost provinces.

However, Proctid's plan was not going well. The Pontian army was visibly losing, and to his horror the Bythinian's were advancing on Amarya. His mouth gaped open in utter shock as his army 30,000 strong, twice the size of Nicomedes Bythinian force, was slaughtered in front of his eyes.

He called to a nearby soldier, and the soldier walked up to him. "Get me my armor, i will join the battle."

"Yes sir," The soldier replied.

The battle, which had seemed a certain Pontian victory, had swayed in Nicomedes favor, then back again. The sight of General Proctid fighting among them seemed to turn the tide, and Bythinia was defeated, but Pontus suffered at least three times the losses Bythinia did, but General Nicomedes was captured.

Two months later, Zipoites received his friends body, executed by Basileos Mithridates orders. Zipoites and a vengeful Bythinian army descended on the still recovering Pontian army, and destroyed them, captured the great General Proctid, and put him to the death. On October 7, 485 AVC Amarya fell, and Trapezus not five weeks later. Pontus ceded Trapezus, but retained control of Pontus.

One year later the last Pontian war broke out, with a single battle ending in the total destruction of the Grand Army of Pontus, the complete capture and annexation of Pontus and the city of Amarya, and the death of the Pontian Basileos Mithridates.

Bythinia's actions, as well as other major events, were causing the stability of Anatolia, and thus all the major Eastern nations, to shake violently. A massive war brewed on the horizon, like a band of stormclouds, coming ever closer.

The Seleucids, fearing the rising powers of Armenia and Bythinia, started a war that would change the political map of the entire East, they declared war of Bythinia and Armenia, while in a devestating civil war. Can Bythinia survive?

 

[Qorten]

Nice writing darklord, keep it coming!

 

[darklord50081]

About the name, I had no other real ideas for a name and anyway, its what you type that counts right? Anyway, i'm glad you think my writings good, never learned how to take screenshots, if somone can tell me how i can modify the existing parts with screenies.

 

[JDMS]

Your writing is well done, and Bithynia is a fresh choice for an AAR.
Though I do have one question: were you allied with Armenia, or did the Seleucids just DOW both of you at around the same time. Anyway, good luck with your war!

 

[darklord50081]

I was actualy planning to go to war with Armenia next, but the Seleucids declared war on both me and Armenia, not the smartest move i've ever seen in Rome, even for an AI anyway, update coming directly after i finish typing this, and by the way Seleucids are in civil war.

 

[darklord50081]

Sorry, had to go somwhere, remembered just as i started typing this :/

Chapter 3: The Three Way War

Sub-chapter One: The Anatolian Conflict
March 17, 501 AVC

Things were heating up in Anatolia, Bythinia prepared its armies for the inevitable Seleucid invasion, planning to beat them back and then invade Seleucid Anatolia.

"The Seleucids maybe too difficult too defeat. We may have trouble, my King." Chremonides whispered.

Zipoites merely grunted in acknowledgement, but then replied, "Perhaps, but with Egypt likely to enter the war soon, the Seleucids will fall. And Anatolia will be mine."

The King was getting old, at 64 many thought he was losing his military brilliance. They were wrong, he was as competent in military matters as ever, but he was not as vigorous as he once was.

But in this, the last war of Zipoites reign, he would triumph. He knew this, both that this would be the last war and he would win. For many years he had known of Chremonides insurgency, of how he wished to rule. But Zipoites would see that it did not happen. Perhaps if he had known what would occur during the war he would not have sent Chremonides out as High General of Bythinia.

Several conflicts had already been fought, with Bythinia the victor each time. They now laid seige to Cappadocia, hoping it would fall within the month, for the Seleucid main army was on its way to lift the siege. Time was not on Bythinia's side.

On March 28, 501 AVC Cappadocia fell to Bythinia, as did all Seleucid Anatolia, the Seleucid army sent to destroy the Bythinian army was destroyed, and the Seleucids were beaten. But they refused to cede a single province, opting instead to continue the war.

One year later Bythinia's rather powerful protectorate, Pergamon, joined the war, causing the stability of the East to further destabilize, Macedonia declared war on Bythinia and took Thracia, but the Bythinian fleet blocked access to Bythinia itself. The war could go either way, who will triumph?

(Next sub-chapter soon, have to do some schoolwork :/)

 

[JDMS]

Ooh, things aren't looking too good for Bithynia. Can you handle Macedonia, while at war with the Seleucids?

 

[darklord50081]

Indeed i can! Sorry for the absence, had alot of stuff to do yesterday and most of today. Macedonia has Thracia, but they're fleet conisists of eight triremes while mine is around 20 . My fleet is in the Propontis, so Macedonia can't cross. Macedonia has actualy gone as far as to send its army to fight another war, and if you read my next update, you'll see me taking advantage of that Anyway, here it is!

 

[darklord50081]

Chapter 3: The Three Way War
Sub-chapter 2: The Macedonian Front
February 14, 503 AVC

"We have problems. How can we deal with the Seleucids and the Macedonians at once?" Lysimachus asked.

"Oh thats simple, Chremonides will fight on in Antioch along with our Pergamum allies, and you will invade Thracia, and take Maedi from the Macedonians." Zipoites replied cheerfully.

"........ And I'm sure you know how exactley i am to acheive this." Lysimachus said in acid tones.

Zipoites beamed at him. "Of course. You will move across the Propontis, it'll be rather easy seeing as our fleet controls it. The Macedonian Army is, conveniantly, fighting Illyria. That won't last long, so you'll have to hurry."

Lysimachus threw up his hands to the sky to indicate a need for patience, then replied in a very reasonable tone, as if telling off a five-year old, "And what happens when the Macedonian Army gets to me?"

Zipoites grinned wider at him. "They won't if you take Thracia and Maedi within the deadline, the Macedonians are at war with Sparta, and Illyria. They will cede Maedi to us simply to keep us from interfering further with their current wars."

Lysimachus stared at him, then sighed, and replied, " Very well, i'll take your word for it," he said thoughtfully, "Better be right," he added as he walked away.

On May 23, 503 AVC Thracia was retaken by a lightning attack by the Bythinians, ten days later Maedi was assaulted, and two months later it fell. Macedonia ceded Maedi to Bythinia, tired of the now-draining war. The Seleucids, seeing their greatest ally fold before the Bythinians, redoubled its efforts.

Sub-chapter 3: The Seleucid Dusk
March 03, 503 AVC

The Seleucid Front. Young men on both sides trembled at hearing that name. So many young men, some barely more than boys, were slaughtered in that living hell. Yet, for the Bythinians, victory was near. The Seleucid Army was on the run, falling back in utter confusion to Damascus, the headquarters for the Seleucid war effort ever since Antioch fell.

The combined Bythinian Pergamum armies had taken huge amounts of land. The front line was not twenty miles north of Damascus, should the city fall, the Seleucid Army would be finaly crushed, and the Seleucids would be forced to surrender.

And fall it would. That much was clear. The Bythinian-Pargamum army was too strong, Damascus would soon be theirs. The Seleucids had made a desperate last stand on the plains north of Damascus, and were defeated. It was inevitable. As it always has been.

On June 01, 503 AVC Damascus fell. The main Seleucid army was utterly annhilated, only five days later Seleucia fell to the Seleucid Rebels. The Seleucids were forced to sign the Antioch Treaty, which ceded almost all of Seleucid Anatolia to the Bythinians. The Seleucid Rebels surrendered after the Treaty was signed, noone knows why.

Ten days after the fall of Damascus Prince Zipoites, eldest son of King Zipoites the Great, was assasinated. It is now known who was the culprit. It started a series of events that would change Kingdom to Empire. The assassin was a man forgotten by history, it is the man who ordered him to do the deed who was significant. General Chremonides, the Lion of Antioch.

 

[JDMS]

Civil war? Anyway, great update. It feels nice to beat up the Seleucids doesn't it?

 

[darklord50081]

Yes it does! It was satisfying watching mine and Pergamum's armies rampaging across solid yellow lands, (Seleucid color on faction map ) The Seleucids were reduced to sending 5-8 size stacks at me, which got crushed in 1-3 battles. (they were all militia as well) I think the one thing the Seleucids lack in the beggining is iron. Sorry for the long pause, i've got a life ya know! Not implying any of you don't, but my life is a bit hectic atm.

 

[darklord50081]

Chapter 4: Civil War
Sub-chapter 1: The Beginning of the End.
September 09, 504 AVC

Zipoites listened wearily as the adviser droned on and on about ways they could avoid the coming conflict, how they could appease General Chremonides. And perhaps it could be avoided, Zipoites thought. But he privately doubted it. Despite all of Chremonides speeches and remarks to the contrary, he would settle for nothing less than the Throne of Bythinia.

And, my dear readers, we all know he was right. It was unavoidable. And Zipoites knew it. He should have been using his military brilliance to find a way to defeat Chremonides. Some brilliant plan to stop the traitorous High General. Zipoites knew it would be useless to fire him from that position, his troops were simply too loyal.

But he did not think of any plan. He did not even try. The King had been different since his son's assassination less than a year ago. Before that he had been so decisive, so quick and energetic. All that had changed. He was an old man, Zipoites realized. And he had little fight left in him.

On September 14, 504 AVC the Bythinian Rebellion began. Headed by the great and much-loved General Chremonides, the rebellion swept all of Bythinia. Until the Rebel Army had reached Bythinia itself, they encountered no resistance. But at Bythinia itself, they encountered much resistance indeed.

Sub-chapter 2: The Fall of Bythinia
October 08, 504 AVC

General Lysimachus looked over the bloody battle-field. He felt a faint sense of horror at the enemy marching up the slope towards him, but he was too tired to care. The exhaustion had begun near the middle of the battle, but he had kept on. Only later, when his troops dragged him out of battle did he know why.

There was a massive sword wound in his side. It confused Lysimachus, as he had felt no pain. But he had heard somewhere that soldiers sometimes didn't feel it when they were wounded. He had seen stranger things. But he was tired. Yes, so tired. He could just go to sleep. Yes, go to sleep. Sleep at last.........

October 13, 504 AVC

Grand Vizier Athelaos stood on the steps of the Temple of Artemis in Bythinia. He was terrified, of course, of the army marching along the now blood-red streets of Temple Road, but he held his ground. There was nowhere to run to, even if he had tried.

"Greetings Vizier. You remained loyal to Zipoites. I could use that sort of dedication. Join me," Chremonides urged, walking up to the Vizier.

"I would rather die. You are a traitor, and I do not consort with traitors. That being my answer, I know what you must do. Do it quickly, so I can get over the disgust of standing near you," Athelaos replied coldly.

Chremonides bowed, "As you wish," and pulled out his sword and stabbed Athelaos in the heart.

The Grand Vizier sagged to the ground, and as he lay, staring at the dawn sky, he thought to himself, "Not a bad way to go. No pain at least, just this damned weariness. At least I die......... a loyal man to my country......." He closed his eyes, and saw no more.

October 13, 504 AVC Later that same day

Zipoites sat on the throne, his head in his hands. The weight of his crown was heavy upon his brow. Yet he knew that he would not wear it much longer. If he could have put the crown on the head of another, not the head it was destined for, he could have. But he could not. So he would not.

The doors of the Great Hall banged open. The man who had orchestrated everything stood there, arrogant and sure of himself. Not surprising as he had an army behind him, Zipoites thought wearily. He could have run. He could have begged or promised anything in his power. But he did not. He was tired. Weary beyond belief. And soon he would be feeling a different weariness.

"My King, I beg a boon," Chremonides said in a mocking voice, and bowed.

"Name what you desire, for I have no choice than to give it if it is within my power," Zipoites replied indifferently.

"The crown upon thy head, O King," Chremonides said with a mocking lilt to his deep voice.

"You will have to take that from my cold dead brow, traitor. As you well know. You always knew. As did I," Zipoites replied in the same cold, dead voice.

"Yes," Chremonides replied softly, "I did always know. I think we both did. As you say then, O King."

He walked up to the Dolphin Throne, took out his sword, and stopped, "Zipoites. You do not have to die. I will let you live, if you but say one word."

Zipoites did not respond, merely squared his shoulders and look up, and, for the first time in a year, he was defiant, proud.

The blade slipped between the King's ribs, coming to a stop with the point in his heart. The King sagged from the throne like a puppet with it's strings cut, and slowly crumpled to the ground. Sleep. At last. A rest from the weariness of the world.

Chremonides straightened and turned to his waiting army. "We have triumphed! We shall reform Bythinia into a new nation, Armenia will fall to us!," The soldiers cheered at this, "The Seleucid Empire, Macedonia, Iberia, Colchis, the Bosporans, all will fall! This is the fall of a Kingdom, and the rise of an EMPIRE!!!!"

On October 13, 504 AVC the rebel leader Chremonides triumphed over the Loyalist Forces, personally killing Grand Vizier Athelaos and King Zipoites. General Lysimachus was killed in the Last Battle of Bythinia, and he was the last loyal general.

Two weeks later Chremonides was formally crowned "King of Bythinia" and though some people grumbled at the pretender on the throne, his armies destroyed any rebellion and the people were quickly subdued. Three weeks after that Chremonides' first son, Nickandros, was born. Everyone thought he was destined to rule Bythinia.

They were correct.

 

[Qorten]

A heroic end for the Grand Vizier. General Lysimachos should know that the ancient Greeks didn't know about adrenaline though...

 

[JDMS]

And so begins a glorious new chapter in Bithynia's history. It's sad about the king though.

 

[darklord50081]

A heroic end for the Grand Vizier. General Lysimachos should know that the ancient Greeks didn't know about adrenaline though...

Oh heh, i'll modify it. Easy enough to do.

 

[darklord50081]

Chapter 5: The Armenian Annexation
Sub-chapter 1: Diplomacy Fails

Diplomacy is so tiring, and lengthy as well, Chremonides thought to himself. Why is it even necessary? We're planning on going to war anyway. Why won't Armenia just accept it? Ah well, it's looking like i'll have to declare war, i wanted THEM to do it.

"My lord Diplomat, unfortunately I can no longer attempt to make peace between our nations. I see now that, regrettably, I cannot condone your species as a whole, and i will eliminate you." Chremonides said formally, but inside he was laughing hard.

The Diplomat paled, and replied with an equally formal air, "Very well, good sir. It seems we are now at war," The Diplomat left quickly.

"Now is the time not for words, but action," Chremonides whispered to himself under his breath as he walked across the Hall to the Dolphin Throne.

(No time to write more, will come soon.)