Hetairoi (No SV, You are a Companion of Alexander the Great)
- Thread starter Magoose
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A Future History
- Excerpt from The Greats of the World, 1936
"Now, we have arrived to the land of the Hellenes, or the still standing Byzantine Empire that entrenches themselves in the Hellenic Mainland region. Stretching from the Northern Macedonia Region, Albania, Bulgarian Thracia up to the islands of Crete, Rhodes, and Cyprus.
It is a wonder on how on Earth an ageing empire hasn't collapsed yet..well in truth it is commonly attributed (especially when you meet with Hellenes themselves) that the core values of Neopotelemus I, Brother of Alexander and the first Emperor of Byzantium, are still in effect and practised to this day.
Who is he, you may ask? I'm quite surprised you're asking that question. While he isn't a great conqueror like his brother Alexander, he was well loved by his people, A Great Administrator, Logistician, Innovator, Developer, and Philodopher that sought to save what is left of his brother's Empire. He is also considered by Historians as the Fiirst patron of the Arts, Sciences, and Ideas, on a scale that some estimates sqy outpaces even that of current Western Society. (Hellenes consider themselves seperate from Western and Eastern Societies.)
A Legend has it that Neoptolemue, getting lost from his Brother and friend, somehow winds up in the City of Byzantium: Neostantinople, the future capital of the Byzantine Empire (During the Reign of Neoptolemus I after Iskandr's death by a stray arrow.) He was treated kindly like a child, even managed to help him out during these times.
Neoptolemus I ordered the formation of the Alexander Walls by the greatest siege and fortification experts in the Hellenic World, (added in by future generations and adoptation of new techniques and weapons.)
Another Great Work made by Neoptolemus I was the creation of the First Modern University and Major Public Library that still stands to this day thanks to Renovations, Maintenance, and Patriots of Byzantium.
The University of Hellas (renamed to University of Neoptolemus after his death, scribes noted he was against naming it after himself.) Contains the first Documented Education System made by different Scholars across the Hellenic World, Ptolemy (Who established a long standing alliance between Egypt and Byzantium that is still holds to this day), and Neopotelemus himself.
One of the conditions in this written document was the establishment of rooms dedicated towards a single subject, with Mathematics agreed to not have any chairs, but 4 Podiums in a crosd shape near to the walls, a new innovation called the "Blackboard" placed on all of the walls except the door and windows, and a lecture circle in the middle of the room where the Professor teaches his students. This method has been noted by teachers once they tried this teaching style, has increased learning productivity in students and made them focused on the subject.
Another key idea to note in this document is the encouragements of connecting with the students, and the idea of creating a mental map where the teachere guide the students rather than telling them immidietly. This has been used in the rather new "PtoleTalk", where visitors from the west were able to learn new concepts and ideas under a semester.
Another Great Work we shall go on is the Library of Ptolemy, which still holds its ancient records to this day in a different room for archives. It is expansive and across the street from The University of Neopotelemus and holds lecfure halls that are still used to this day for experts to provide teachings to different scholars. It also held the First Chess Tournament where Neopotelemus joined in and only received 3rd place. Since then, the city and Library holds a patriotic pride towards Chess and Chess Tournaments of any kind.
(Fun Fact: The Hellenes implement Chess as an Olympic Sport in the past, calling it a praise to both Lord Ares and Lady Athena.)"
It looks like a great way to provoke a clash between Athena and Ares. It remains to be hoped that this conflict will not go beyond the chess board.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Here are some Rewards:
[]Neo is far more liked then he thinks (Philip is having his court historian write about Neo and his brothers misadventures, in a very favorable light)
[]So Wait, Byzantium is... the greatest city in the world? (A Jewel in the crown of any empire who can take it, and many of the great powers of the world know it)
[]Do not mistake my own thirst for knowledge and scholarly pursuits as a weakness (+1 to all Skill rolls for scholarly pursuits for the remainder of childhood.)
This is about Constanti-I mean Byzantium after all.
The city is after all a Strategic area to place the capital of an Empire, especially the gateway to Europe, Asia, Med. Sea, and the Black Sea.
Curious what Neo would get up to when they arrive there..
Vote closed
The City The World Desires
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
The City The World Desires:
[]Towards the East, and the Hellespont and Byzantium: The only place that this map could be referring to is not a treasure, but a city. The Greatest City in Thrace. Byzantium is the only city that your father could never conquer.
As you led your horse toward the rising sun, you watched your new comrades march in a scattered column, watching the trees, the hills and the road for anyone that would soon come close. The sun had been your only guide through the great trek you and your brother, and your motley assortment of companions. But it was strange to think that Alexander was even giddy at the prospect of moving with them, a treasure, nay the greatest treasure that both you and he could return to your father…
The city he could not have, even in his many years and campaigns. Byzantium was always talked about in hushed whispers when around your father. Months of siege, an attempt at blockade, and even an adventure with a mystic where the omens tried desperately to bring about the city that he desired.
Yet it was all for naught, and Father turned his sights elsewhere. To other, more vulnerable targets, and leaving the City that he so desired. The Omens were of but one thing…
Death and destruction, for him and all who he commanded.
Yet you were confused at such a thing. Your father was always suspicious of prophecy, even when he prayed to the gods daily for his victory and strength, but it was always for his own benefit. Because the men would follow him into Hades itself if he desired.
Something that made him stop… was truly something you had been with father to hear. You had a suspicion that Alexander may have known because he seemed to know those things because your father told him. Yet he had joy in his face at the prospect of continuing.
But your captor was chatting away with Ptolemy, and you took your chance to ride beside Alexander. "We should have moved towards Father?"
"And miss this glory that this city can bring, as we bring it to heel for our father." he smiled. "Think of what we can accomplish, our names in history forever."
You raised your eyebrow and felt a sense of dread as your brother seemed to be blinded by thoughts of glory. "But what of the risks? There are only a scant few dozen of us? We're not an army to conquer a city?"
"You think so little of what a scant dozen can do?" Alexander's smile did not seem to dim. "Jason, our captor, is not who he says he is. A hidden secret is all that can see to reveal our way to victory."
"What secret?" You asked, looking around the road for anyone close enough to listen.
"I have a high certainly, that our dear Jason, is a prince." He turned to face Jason, who was now watching the two of you like an ascending hawk, who had caught its prey in its sight. He had taken Ptolmey's horse and was riding fast to meet you, leaving your friend on his feet to walk.
You watched the way he rode, and he rode like you. Born in the Saddle. Alexander gave a chuckle as your eyes widened, and he just said. "Well, you have your answer now."
"We're less than a day's ride from the city." He said, looking at you with a sense of loathing as if he did not want to see you next to your brother. But it soon vanished, as he looked at your brother with energy. "You've already figured it out, haven't you?"
Alexander gave a knowing smile. "My brother has as well, with a little help from you getting on that horse. A Bastard?"
"Yes." He replied. "My mother was just a farmer's wife. My siblings never survived past childhood before I… till my father came, and… well did what all kings did when they wanted a woman who didn't do what they wanted. Took me away when I was a child. Gave me a sword and spear and taught me how to use it. He only ever saw me as a killer to be used against his enemies."
"Seems we have something in common." Alexander's face twitched as he said that before he looked away from Jason. "Treasure is not the only thing that guides us."
"Revenge drives you. And these lost souls that come with you?" You said.
"Father didn't have use for me once your father could not take the city, and he was safe to secure his son's succession, so he tried to kill me to prevent any bloodshed." Jason gave a smile. "He taught me a little too well as you can see, and I escaped." He turned back to see the column of his companions. "I didn't ask them to follow me, I protected them. Trained them as my father did. Part of me wishes that your father had taken this city… and burned it to the ground so that we all wouldn't have suffered." Jason then saw one of his friends move towards the treeline. "Wait, don't leave you-" He rode off and his voice started speaking in a different language.
You traded a glance with Alexander. "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
Alexander shrugged. "Another hero's story where we are just the lonely fools that joined him."
"And you don't worry that it may lead to our deaths?" You asked.
"Our destinies are far grander than some revenge of a lost bastard prince," he said. "And I have a feeling that our roles to play will see us greatly rewarded."
----------------------------------------------
You had arrived at Byzantium… and you need to do something about that.
What do you do?:
[]The Envoys with No Fear: You and Alexander and Ptolomey will march and demand an audience. Your father does not fear the city that nearly broke him, and he sends his sons and friend to negotiate with them.
[]The Lost Souls: Refugees from the East are always trying to come to this city. To seek entrance and safety behind its walls.
[]Terrible things Coming… Like a Really good lie: You are going to tell them that Philips Army is out and about… and will come again to ravage this city.
[]Write in
AN: enjoy.
[]Towards the East, and the Hellespont and Byzantium: The only place that this map could be referring to is not a treasure, but a city. The Greatest City in Thrace. Byzantium is the only city that your father could never conquer.
As you led your horse toward the rising sun, you watched your new comrades march in a scattered column, watching the trees, the hills and the road for anyone that would soon come close. The sun had been your only guide through the great trek you and your brother, and your motley assortment of companions. But it was strange to think that Alexander was even giddy at the prospect of moving with them, a treasure, nay the greatest treasure that both you and he could return to your father…
The city he could not have, even in his many years and campaigns. Byzantium was always talked about in hushed whispers when around your father. Months of siege, an attempt at blockade, and even an adventure with a mystic where the omens tried desperately to bring about the city that he desired.
Yet it was all for naught, and Father turned his sights elsewhere. To other, more vulnerable targets, and leaving the City that he so desired. The Omens were of but one thing…
Death and destruction, for him and all who he commanded.
Yet you were confused at such a thing. Your father was always suspicious of prophecy, even when he prayed to the gods daily for his victory and strength, but it was always for his own benefit. Because the men would follow him into Hades itself if he desired.
Something that made him stop… was truly something you had been with father to hear. You had a suspicion that Alexander may have known because he seemed to know those things because your father told him. Yet he had joy in his face at the prospect of continuing.
But your captor was chatting away with Ptolemy, and you took your chance to ride beside Alexander. "We should have moved towards Father?"
"And miss this glory that this city can bring, as we bring it to heel for our father." he smiled. "Think of what we can accomplish, our names in history forever."
You raised your eyebrow and felt a sense of dread as your brother seemed to be blinded by thoughts of glory. "But what of the risks? There are only a scant few dozen of us? We're not an army to conquer a city?"
"You think so little of what a scant dozen can do?" Alexander's smile did not seem to dim. "Jason, our captor, is not who he says he is. A hidden secret is all that can see to reveal our way to victory."
"What secret?" You asked, looking around the road for anyone close enough to listen.
"I have a high certainly, that our dear Jason, is a prince." He turned to face Jason, who was now watching the two of you like an ascending hawk, who had caught its prey in its sight. He had taken Ptolmey's horse and was riding fast to meet you, leaving your friend on his feet to walk.
You watched the way he rode, and he rode like you. Born in the Saddle. Alexander gave a chuckle as your eyes widened, and he just said. "Well, you have your answer now."
"We're less than a day's ride from the city." He said, looking at you with a sense of loathing as if he did not want to see you next to your brother. But it soon vanished, as he looked at your brother with energy. "You've already figured it out, haven't you?"
Alexander gave a knowing smile. "My brother has as well, with a little help from you getting on that horse. A Bastard?"
"Yes." He replied. "My mother was just a farmer's wife. My siblings never survived past childhood before I… till my father came, and… well did what all kings did when they wanted a woman who didn't do what they wanted. Took me away when I was a child. Gave me a sword and spear and taught me how to use it. He only ever saw me as a killer to be used against his enemies."
"Seems we have something in common." Alexander's face twitched as he said that before he looked away from Jason. "Treasure is not the only thing that guides us."
"Revenge drives you. And these lost souls that come with you?" You said.
"Father didn't have use for me once your father could not take the city, and he was safe to secure his son's succession, so he tried to kill me to prevent any bloodshed." Jason gave a smile. "He taught me a little too well as you can see, and I escaped." He turned back to see the column of his companions. "I didn't ask them to follow me, I protected them. Trained them as my father did. Part of me wishes that your father had taken this city… and burned it to the ground so that we all wouldn't have suffered." Jason then saw one of his friends move towards the treeline. "Wait, don't leave you-" He rode off and his voice started speaking in a different language.
You traded a glance with Alexander. "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
Alexander shrugged. "Another hero's story where we are just the lonely fools that joined him."
"And you don't worry that it may lead to our deaths?" You asked.
"Our destinies are far grander than some revenge of a lost bastard prince," he said. "And I have a feeling that our roles to play will see us greatly rewarded."
----------------------------------------------
You had arrived at Byzantium… and you need to do something about that.
What do you do?:
[]The Envoys with No Fear: You and Alexander and Ptolomey will march and demand an audience. Your father does not fear the city that nearly broke him, and he sends his sons and friend to negotiate with them.
[]The Lost Souls: Refugees from the East are always trying to come to this city. To seek entrance and safety behind its walls.
[]Terrible things Coming… Like a Really good lie: You are going to tell them that Philips Army is out and about… and will come again to ravage this city.
[]Write in
AN: enjoy.
- Location
- Hawaii
Charisma, subterfuge or a mix of both, it seems.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Something is missing from this sentence.
Something is missing from this sentence too. I think it's the word "I".
[X]The Lost Souls: Refugees from the East are always trying to come to this city. To seek entrance and safety behind its walls.
Honestly, I have no idea what we're trying to do here, so I'm going with the option that's only trying to get us into the city, not an audience with whoever is in charge.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Well isn't it obvious? Jason wants to take revenge on his father for trying to kill him, and we're just along for the ride.
KnightofTempest
The Man who would be King
- Location
- Chicago
Justin is not a classical Thracian name.
It isn't a Thracian Name period, it's a shortened version of the Late Roman Justinian, separated from the era of Alexander by nine-hundred years.
This guy gave us a fake name.
It isn't a Thracian Name period, it's a shortened version of the Late Roman Justinian, separated from the era of Alexander by nine-hundred years.
This guy gave us a fake name.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
You just figured that out?
no really, I was really wondering when people would notice that.
You get a small bonus when the time comes. I was honestly not expecting someone to figure that out.
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KnightofTempest
The Man who would be King
- Location
- Chicago
You just figured that out?
no really, I was really wondering when people would notice that.
You get a small bonus when the time comes. I was honestly not expecting someone to figure that out.
Well, I DID just start reading this an hour ago. . .
The Dacians haven't become a thing yet.
North of here is a scattered mix of Thracian, Gallic, and Illyrian Tribes.
They'd coalesce into the Dacians over the next few hundred years as tribes intermarry and have kids.
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
no one noticed when it was sitting for a month on hiatus... so I just thought people had missed it, and I would need to work harder on showing that.
Anyway...
Anyone have any questions?
KnightofTempest
The Man who would be King
- Location
- Chicago
To be fair, I DO have a Masters in History, which gives me something of an advantage when it comes to spotting historical inconsistencies in things. . .
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Hurray, lets have fun... and hope I don't utterly fuck up when I make a mistake on the historical side of this historical tale.
Though if I do make a mistake, please correct me, because it would be cool to get things right.
KnightofTempest
The Man who would be King
- Location
- Chicago
Sure. Haven't yet read the latest chapter, but I can already say you've gotten some of the characters wrong.
Alexander was in no way as pleasant to be around as you're portraying him, and though Olympias was a schemer and into politicking, she could never be accused of treating family poorly.
Though those I accept as alterations for the good of the story.
I'm also assuming this is the war against Cersobleptes in 343, where Phillip finally conquered Thrace for good, in which case his points about why he is attacking are completely wrong.
He attacked Cersobleptes because Cersobleptes submitted to him as a vassal in 346 but then revolted with Athenian help. He should have told Neoptolemus they were attacking Thrace because Cersobleptes broke faith with him and revolted, aided by Athens. Not because Cersobleptes was never a vassal.
Edit: Just read the latest chapter and I gotta say that Byzantion, which is the Greek name of the city, not Byzantium, which is a Latinization, was little more than a small customs port in this period. Amphipolis is currently the greatest city in Thrace, largely because of the Silver Mines there.
True, Byzantion was well defended, but only because it had to be as a priority to avoid raids, not because the city was wealthy or powerful.
Also if this is Phillip's Conquest of Thrace, he would not have attacked Byzantion yet. That campaign happened after he conquered Thrace. Byzantion was, in fact, a Macedonian Ally during the conquest of Thrace. It flipped sides afterward, which was the reason for Phillip to attack it.
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
I did those changes for story purposes. Partially so that Alexander wouldn't be as much as an irresponsible and irredeemable prick with a god complex (though he will have his moments), and also so that it gives Neo (Or rather you the players) to try and get Alexander to stay away from his more... bad habits.
Or make them worse, I ain't stopping you.
Olympias herself, at least in how I am writing here, heavily favors Alexander, rather than Neo, and his own perception has warped that into her only seeing him as a grave threat to Alexander that must be eliminated.
But most of all through all this I want to give weight that Neo's character's unreliability as a narrator. Because he is not a reliable narrator at this point, nor will he ever be when it comes to his family.
one thing I am going to say about this subject, at least in terms of war aims, is for two (Possible) reasons that are my own invention for the story so that ahistorical adventures like this can happen.
First Reason: Philip is again testing Neo's worth, to see if he gathers information or even asks questions about what is truly going on in the politics of his father's empire, whether it be from Alexander, his brother's friends, or from Philip himself.
Two, and the most likely reason: I made a mistake, and am now covering my ass as I forgot a few things when writing so that I could go onto other quests and write there, and forget certain details by going away for a month, and am deciding to play fast and loose with the history for Questing purposes.
Both reasons could be seen as equally valid
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KnightofTempest
The Man who would be King
- Location
- Chicago
I did those changes for story purposes. Partially so that Alexander wouldn't be as much as an irresponsible and irredeemable prick with a god complex (though he will have his moments), and also so that it gives Neo (Or rather you the players) to try and get Alexander to stay away from his more... bad habits.
Or make them worse, I ain't stopping you.
Olympias herself, at least in how I am writing here, heavily favors Alexander, rather than Neo, and his own perception has warped that into her only seeing him as a grave threat to Alexander that must be eliminated.
But most of all through all this I want to give weight that Neo's character's unreliability as a narrator. Because he is not a reliable narrator at this point, nor will he ever be when it comes to his family.
one thing I am going to say about this subject, at least in terms of war aims, is for two (Possible) reasons that are my own invention for the story so that ahistorical adventures like this can happen.
First Reason: Philip is again testing Neo's worth, to see if he gathers information or even asks questions about what is truly going on in the politics of his father's empire, whether it be from Alexander, his brother's friends, or from Philip himself.
Two, and the most likely reason: I made a mistake, and am now covering my ass as I forgot a few things when writing so that I could go onto other quests and write there, and forget certain details by going away for a month.
I also found some problems with your idea of Byzantion as the greatest city in Thrace.
Byzantion, which is the Greek name of the city, not Byzantium, which is a Latinization, was little more than a small customs port in this period. Amphipolis is currently the greatest city in Thrace, largely because of the Silver Mines there.
True, Byzantion was well defended, but only because it had to be as a priority to avoid raids, not because the city was wealthy or powerful.
Also if this is Phillip's Conquest of Thrace, he would not have attacked Byzantion yet. That campaign happened after he conquered Thrace. Byzantion was, in fact, a Macedonian Ally during the conquest of Thrace. It flipped sides afterward, which was the reason for Phillip to attack it.