Siege of Eretria - Revision history

Bruce: /* Story Outline */

2023-10-22T01:05:21Z

Story Outline

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:05, 21 October 2023
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	== Story Outline ==		== Story Outline ==
	: '''Prologue''' - Pasargadae (550 B.C.E.)		: '''Prologue''' - Pasargadae (550 B.C.E.)
	: '''Chapter 1''' - Eretria, Greece - 490 B.C. The ~~prologue~~ is broken into three parts surrounding the sacking of Eretria by the Persian forces of Darius I.		: '''Chapter 1''' - Eretria, Greece - 490 B.C. The chapter is broken into three parts surrounding the sacking of Eretria by the Persian forces of Darius I.
	: '''Chapter 2''' - Paris, 1900, Ostanes awakens at the Exposition Universal.		: '''Chapter 2''' - Paris, 1900, Ostanes awakens at the Exposition Universal.
	: Introduction of Henry Stern		: Introduction of Henry Stern

Bruce: /* Part 1 */

2023-09-29T06:44:18Z

Part 1

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 29 September 2023
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	<span style="color:#4B0082;">The household servants invited the small coterie of men within for refreshments while they waited for the head of the household to join them. The phantasm wasted no more time with the lackeys and lickspittles, they had provided it all the information it needed and an invitation into the house which it could not have garnered without their unknowing aid. Swift as night-wind the shade moved from room to room until it found the two patricians willing to sellout their fellow citizens to the not-so-tender mercies of the Persian army beyond their walls.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">The household servants invited the small coterie of men within for refreshments while they waited for the head of the household to join them. The phantasm wasted no more time with the lackeys and lickspittles, they had provided it all the information it needed and an invitation into the house which it could not have garnered without their unknowing aid. Swift as night-wind the shade moved from room to room until it found the two patricians willing to sellout their fellow citizens to the not-so-tender mercies of the Persian army beyond their walls.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Euphorbus and Philagrus soaked in a bath of cool water with naked slaves-boys attending to their every need, drinking wine and discussing their remaining options and how best to arrange a successful surrender that would not damage their familial holdings. Both men ~~where~~ Hellenes, and in all other ways they differed. Euphorbus was tall and trim, muscular to a degree and middle-aged with dark hair only now going grey at the temples. Philagrus was younger, fairer, softer, and fatter deriving from an obviously ravenous appetite and a gluttonous taste for wine which he sampled often and to extremes. Euphorbus lounged like a panther at rest, his voice quiet and thick with authority as he laid out plans that Philagrus readily agreed to in a fawning sort of way, they could have been an ''erastes'' and his ''eromenos''.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Euphorbus and Philagrus soaked in a bath of cool water with naked slaves-boys attending to their every need, drinking wine and discussing their remaining options and how best to arrange a successful surrender that would not damage their familial holdings. Both men were Hellenes, and in all other ways they differed. Euphorbus was tall and trim, muscular to a degree and middle-aged with dark hair only now going grey at the temples. Philagrus was younger, fairer, softer, and fatter deriving from an obviously ravenous appetite and a gluttonous taste for wine which he sampled often and to extremes. Euphorbus lounged like a panther at rest, his voice quiet and thick with authority as he laid out plans that Philagrus readily agreed to in a fawning sort of way, they could have been an ''erastes'' and his ''eromenos''.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">The entrance of the phantasm into the room changed the golden lamp-light to a cool flickering blue. Everyone in the room took notice immediately. The slave-boys fled from the room in fear. Euphorbus launched himself from his bath to grasp a iron short-sword lying on a low-lying table nearby and he brandished the blade in a wide semicircular arc, as he commanded whoever had come into his home to make themselves known. Philagrus by contrast sank deeper into his bath as if he could hide from whatever supernatural force had permeated his friend's inner chambers and he spilled his silver goblet of wine in the process and cursed.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">The entrance of the phantasm into the room changed the golden lamp-light to a cool flickering blue. Everyone in the room took notice immediately. The slave-boys fled from the room in fear. Euphorbus launched himself from his bath to grasp a iron short-sword lying on a low-lying table nearby and he brandished the blade in a wide semicircular arc, as he commanded whoever had come into his home to make themselves known. Philagrus by contrast sank deeper into his bath as if he could hide from whatever supernatural force had permeated his friend's inner chambers and he spilled his silver goblet of wine in the process and cursed.

Bruce: /* Chapter 1 */

2023-09-29T06:38:35Z

Chapter 1

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:38, 29 September 2023
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	= <span style="color:#4B0082;"> '''''Chapter 1''''' =		= <span style="color:#4B0082;"> '''''Chapter 1''''' =
	'''''~~Day 7 of Amurdād (5th month) - 1111 B.P. / 21st day of Hekatombaion - 72nd Olympiad, year 3 / 1st day - 6th month - Ab urbe condita 264 /~~ August 1st - 490 BC'''''		'''''August 1st - 490 BC'''''
	<br>		<br>
	<br>		<br>

Bruce: /* Prologue */

2023-09-29T06:07:53Z

Prologue

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 29 September 2023
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	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Since the sun's rising it had grown considerable warmer and now heat shimmered off of nearby stones and blurred the images of the approaching armies as if they were desert borne delusions. The man's eyes were sharp and even from a significant distance he picked out the distinctive banners of each conglomeration of warriors, most marched afoot, but a small percentage were mounted upon horses. The two armies traveled upon an ancient trade road no wider than a single cart track and at the speed they were moving the man estimated they would meet at midday.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Since the sun's rising it had grown considerable warmer and now heat shimmered off of nearby stones and blurred the images of the approaching armies as if they were desert borne delusions. The man's eyes were sharp and even from a significant distance he picked out the distinctive banners of each conglomeration of warriors, most marched afoot, but a small percentage were mounted upon horses. The two armies traveled upon an ancient trade road no wider than a single cart track and at the speed they were moving the man estimated they would meet at midday.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">When the sun stood high in the sky, the man picked out a patch of short grasses as a comfortable location from which to observe the battle soon to come and pulled up several green shoots to chew upon as he waited. This activity allowed him to clear a spot of earth for the throwing of bones. As the rodent's bones rolled and settled in the dust to form a seemingly chaotic jumble the man peered at them with intensity and then grunted. He turned his gaze towards the army of the south and inspected its banners with particular interest. He would play no roll in the upcoming battle save as an observer. It was possible, even likely that the scouts sent out by both armies had seen him, but a naked old man beyond arrow-shot presented no threat to either group of combatants and they had likely forgotten he existed as they prepared themselves for the bloodshed ~~ahead~~.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">When the sun stood high in the sky, the man picked out a patch of short grasses as a comfortable location from which to observe the battle soon to come and pulled up several green shoots to chew upon as he waited. This activity allowed him to clear a spot of earth for the throwing of bones. As the rodent's bones rolled and settled in the dust to form a seemingly chaotic jumble the man peered at them with intensity and then grunted. He turned his gaze towards the army of the south and inspected its banners with particular interest. He would play no roll in the upcoming battle save as an observer. It was possible, even likely that the scouts sent out by both armies had seen him, but a naked old man beyond arrow-shot presented no threat to either group of combatants and they had likely forgotten he existed as they prepared themselves for the bloodshed to come.

	=='''''Battle of Pasargadae'''''==		=='''''Battle of Pasargadae'''''==

Bruce: /* Battle of Pasargadae */

2020-09-23T04:22:59Z

Battle of Pasargadae

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:22, 22 September 2020
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	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and broke into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began to move forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and broke into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began to move forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">King Cyrus sat his horse with poise and irritation, while calm on the outside, he struggled within to control his churning doubts because everything had to go according to plan and any error could result in disaster. Turning to both his right and left, he wished his generals good luck in the coming battle and reminded them that if they failed to capture King Astyages alive, that they could expect no mercy from him. Royal blood could not be spilled without setting a dangerous precedent and Cyrus needed to capture his grandfather Astyages alive so that the crown of Media could pass to him through primogeniture. If the old man should die in the battle or find the backbone to take his own life, his death could trigger a succession at the Median capital of Ecbatana. Cyrus had plans for Ecbatana and its conquest and that would be made all the more simple if his grandfather were also his hostage.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">

Bruce: /* Battle of Pasargadae */

2020-09-23T03:51:33Z

Battle of Pasargadae

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:51, 22 September 2020
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	<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and broke into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and broke into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began to move forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">

Bruce: /* Battle of Pasargadae */

2020-09-23T03:51:00Z

Battle of Pasargadae

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:51, 22 September 2020
Line 101:		Line 101:
	<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and ~~breaking~~ into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and broke into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">

Bruce: /* Battle of Pasargadae */

2020-09-23T03:49:13Z

Battle of Pasargadae

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:49, 22 September 2020
Line 101:		Line 101:
	<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages felt bile rise up in his throat as his champion raced back to his army's defensive line. Now it would be up to the strategy and tactics of General Harpagus. As the King of Media turned to him, the the general was thoughtfully stroking his beard, but if he felt any anxiety over the coming conflict he kept it well hidden. At a nod from his King, Harpagus rode out before the Median army and pulled his iron sword from its sheath, the well polished blade burned silver and gold as he held it pointed towards heaven and roused the milling warriors with an age old call and response reinforced with the deep rumble of drums and the vibrant call of ram's horns. When it was clear that Harpagus had stirred the tribesmen's blood, the king threw his gilded war-spear to his general as a sign to begin the battle. General Harpagus deftly caught the spear and wheeled his horse about with only the pressure of his knees and a low whistle. When he raise the golden spear, the noble-born cavalry of Media launched themselves into a gallop and breaking into two groups outward bound in the beginnings of a precise pincer maneuver. The majority of the warriors, several thousand strong, began forward at a fast walk, then shifting to a jog and as they closed with the front of the enemy ranks to a full charge screaming at the top of their lungs. The din of battle was too much for the old king, Astyages covered his ears with both hands so he would not have to hear the tumultuous cacophony.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">

Bruce: /* Battle of Pasargadae */

2020-09-19T02:32:19Z

Battle of Pasargadae

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 18 September 2020
Line 97:		Line 97:
	=='''''Battle of Pasargadae'''''==		=='''''Battle of Pasargadae'''''==

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages, King of the Medians, sat upon his horse surveying the soon-to-be battle site between his own Median army and the forces of the upstart King of Anshan, Cyrus. Harpagus, King Astyages most skilled and trusted general sat astride his horse as if born there. The general pointed out several weak-points in the Army of Anshan to his liege. Astyages tried not to show his nervousness, but decades old prophesies were to culminate here on this desolate plain and the old king had schemed for years to prevent this exact conflict from which there seemed no escape. The droning of General Harpagus and the massed Median tribesmen around him gave the old king courage he might not have otherwise had~~. All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper~~.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages, King of the Medians, sat upon his horse surveying the soon-to-be battle site between his own Median army and the forces of the upstart King of Anshan, Cyrus. Harpagus, King Astyages most skilled and trusted general sat astride his horse as if born there. The general pointed out several weak-points in the Army of Anshan to his liege. Astyages tried not to show his nervousness, but decades old prophesies were to culminate here on this desolate plain and the old king had schemed for years to prevent this exact conflict from which there seemed no escape. The droning of General Harpagus and the massed Median tribesmen around him gave the old king courage he might not have otherwise had.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper. The warriors of Media were fierce, but they were also fractious and old rivalries and blood feuds often divided the kingdom. Astyages worried over all these things as he raised his gilded spear and the army's foremost rider raced out into the open space between the two armies, the warrior was resplendent in bronze armor that glittered in the noon-light as he put his war-horse through its paces and proving his skill as a horseman and warrior. This was an age old display that gave the leadership of each side time to decide if war was inevitable and offered the hope of single combat to decide the conflict rather than a full melee. If the king of the other army believed he could win the battle in single combat he would chose from among his warriors one who surpassing skill would win him an empire. The challenging king might also do this to save face if he felt his army insufficient to win the day. But Cyrus, King of Anshan did nothing other than watch the display, at its end he threw a bag of gold into the midst of the battlefield to show his respect to the rider, but also to demand a winner-take-all encounter.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">

Bruce: /* Battle of Pasargadae */

2020-09-19T02:15:48Z

Battle of Pasargadae

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:15, 18 September 2020
Line 97:		Line 97:
	=='''''Battle of Pasargadae'''''==		=='''''Battle of Pasargadae'''''==

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages, King of the Medians, sat upon his horse surveying the soon-to-be battle site between his own Median army and the forces of the upstart King of Anshan, Cyrus. Harpagus, King Astyages most skilled and trusted general sat astride his horse as if born there. The general pointed out several weak-points in the Army of Anshan to his liege.		<span style="color:#4B0082;">Astyages, King of the Medians, sat upon his horse surveying the soon-to-be battle site between his own Median army and the forces of the upstart King of Anshan, Cyrus. Harpagus, King Astyages most skilled and trusted general sat astride his horse as if born there. The general pointed out several weak-points in the Army of Anshan to his liege. Astyages tried not to show his nervousness, but decades old prophesies were to culminate here on this desolate plain and the old king had schemed for years to prevent this exact conflict from which there seemed no escape. The droning of General Harpagus and the massed Median tribesmen around him gave the old king courage he might not have otherwise had. All six of the Median tribes had sent warriors to represent their kingdom against Cyrus the Usurper.

	<span style="color:#4B0082;">		<span style="color:#4B0082;">