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ASOIAF/GOT The Komneniad: A Very Byzantine ISOT.
- Thread starter Witteric of the West
- Start date
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
The Varangians will gain notoriety, and they will basically form a semi-hereditary caste (to which other hardy folk will join in due time).
There's also Pechneg and Cuman horsemen, and a decent amount of Serbs and Bulgarians. (The latter both as mercenaries, and inhabiting a small part of the Empire)
Chapter 4
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
Upon their landing in the Eastern Mainland, the commanders of the Great Army met to discuss the course of action. and in these discussions it was decided that the Knights of the Vale and the Spearmen of Dorne were to join the Romans, and thus Ioannes Komnenos made Lord Jon Arryn his second in command for the campaign. While the Megas Domestikos, Ormund Baratheon would lead the remainder of the Andal armies, with Jason Lannister as his second in command.
And thus the armies separated, for they intended to trick the Blackfyre into hitting one of the two forces, and then the other would come and smash the Warlord's rear. But Maelys' barbarism did not mean that he was bereft of a mind for battle, for he outmaneuvered the Megas Domestikos, and in the ensuing battle both he and Ser Jason Lannister were slain. The Riverlanders nearly routed[1], the Westerlanders rallied to an orderly retreat by the Red Lion of Castamere, and the Stormlanders dispersed until they joined the Roman lines. Deciding that swift action was necessary, Symbasileus Ioannes moved to meet the Warlord, setting up camp to draw him to battle.
As the sun hung high in the heavens, once more the Symbasileus met Maelys the Monster in pitched battle. And his Romans feigned a retreat to draw the Blackfyre into a killing field. The Stormlanders, believing that the Romans were fleeing began to be filled with fear, but a Knight by the name of Barristan Selmy rallied them and made them hold the line, until the Kataphractoi and the Knights of the Vale came crashing down on the men of the Golden Company and of Tyrosh. And once this happened, Ser Barristan led his own charge that clashed with Maelys' own personal guard. And as the Romans and Valemen slaughtered the footmen of Tyrosh and the Dornish held the line, Selmy's courage paid off, for his sword struck true, and Maelys the Monster was killed.
That day, in the fields of the Heel of Essos did many men gain fame and glory. The Varangians broke many a charge from the heavy cavalry of the Golden Company, and the Pechneg archers proved their worth by breaking the Tyroshi militias sent to fight.
The Men of the Golden Company, seeing their leader killed, still retreated in good order, but a smaller party under Nikephoros Byrennios had been sent by the Symbasileus, to raid their camp. And they took gold and freed slaves before returning to the Roman camp. And also a comely woman of silver hair was taken to the Roman Camp. And with no Andal knowing who she was, the Symbasileus gave her his cape and put her under his protection.[2]
With the battle won, the men who had so distinguished themselves were rewarded. For in the battle had been both, the young heir to the West -as Lord Reyne had come as well, and the Westerlanders had also brought down many a barbarian in this battle- and the young Prince of Dragonstone. And young Tywin Lannister, whose own courage was greatly proven in the battle, did knight the Prince Aerys. And thus the army set course back to the coast. For Tyrosh still needed punishment. [3]
[1] Yes, Petyr's father still saved Lord Tully during this rout
[2] This will come in handy at a later date
[3] So far there have not been too many divergences, but soon enough they will come
And thus the armies separated, for they intended to trick the Blackfyre into hitting one of the two forces, and then the other would come and smash the Warlord's rear. But Maelys' barbarism did not mean that he was bereft of a mind for battle, for he outmaneuvered the Megas Domestikos, and in the ensuing battle both he and Ser Jason Lannister were slain. The Riverlanders nearly routed[1], the Westerlanders rallied to an orderly retreat by the Red Lion of Castamere, and the Stormlanders dispersed until they joined the Roman lines. Deciding that swift action was necessary, Symbasileus Ioannes moved to meet the Warlord, setting up camp to draw him to battle.
As the sun hung high in the heavens, once more the Symbasileus met Maelys the Monster in pitched battle. And his Romans feigned a retreat to draw the Blackfyre into a killing field. The Stormlanders, believing that the Romans were fleeing began to be filled with fear, but a Knight by the name of Barristan Selmy rallied them and made them hold the line, until the Kataphractoi and the Knights of the Vale came crashing down on the men of the Golden Company and of Tyrosh. And once this happened, Ser Barristan led his own charge that clashed with Maelys' own personal guard. And as the Romans and Valemen slaughtered the footmen of Tyrosh and the Dornish held the line, Selmy's courage paid off, for his sword struck true, and Maelys the Monster was killed.
That day, in the fields of the Heel of Essos did many men gain fame and glory. The Varangians broke many a charge from the heavy cavalry of the Golden Company, and the Pechneg archers proved their worth by breaking the Tyroshi militias sent to fight.
The Men of the Golden Company, seeing their leader killed, still retreated in good order, but a smaller party under Nikephoros Byrennios had been sent by the Symbasileus, to raid their camp. And they took gold and freed slaves before returning to the Roman camp. And also a comely woman of silver hair was taken to the Roman Camp. And with no Andal knowing who she was, the Symbasileus gave her his cape and put her under his protection.[2]
With the battle won, the men who had so distinguished themselves were rewarded. For in the battle had been both, the young heir to the West -as Lord Reyne had come as well, and the Westerlanders had also brought down many a barbarian in this battle- and the young Prince of Dragonstone. And young Tywin Lannister, whose own courage was greatly proven in the battle, did knight the Prince Aerys. And thus the army set course back to the coast. For Tyrosh still needed punishment. [3]
[1] Yes, Petyr's father still saved Lord Tully during this rout
[2] This will come in handy at a later date
[3] So far there have not been too many divergences, but soon enough they will come
Chapter 5
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
It took less than three days for the Army to reach the isle upon which Tyrosh sat. Here, the Ironborn were the first to strike, and they did burn the docks and most of the remains of the navy of Tyrosh. Slowly did the Great Army land, and the Andal lords had agreed to give overall command of the expedition to Symbasileus Ioannes. And he set to see that siege engines were built, and the city was properly blockaded.
But once more did vengeance elude the Symbasileus. For the grandees of the city put Alequo Adarys in chains, and gave him to the Romans. And then they sent men under a flag of truce, to discuss the terms by which Tyrosh would surrender. And since the Andals had not been heavily aggraviated by the Tyroshi, Lord Jon Arryn accepted terms for peace in the name of Basileus Jaehaerys. And then did Symbasileus Ioannes state his terms.
And after much discussion, the Tyroshi agreed to pay a tribute of Twenty Thousand Hyperpyra a year, for the next fifty years. And to allow the Romans to arbitrate her conflicts with Lys and Myr. And with their objectives fulfilled and their coffers full, the Great Army set sail back to Constantinople, where they were recieved with great celebration. Indeed, the Basileus Alexios had a Triumph celebrated, and the Lords Arryn and Reyne, the Prince of Dragonstone, the young Lord Lannister, and the Knight Ser Barristan paraded alongside Symbasileus Ioannes, and were jointly acclaimed by the people of the Queen of Cities, while Alequo Adarys was dragged behind them in chains.
And it was in Constantinople, that Basileus Jaehaerys had joined them, and when Basileus Alexios offered Ser Barristan lands and a military command for his actions, the Knight instead chose to join the personal guard of Basileus Jaeharys. While the young Lord Steffon Baratheon was gifted a well-crafted sword with a gilded and bejeweled hilt. And another such sword was gifted to Prince Aerys for his courage in battle, and a third one was given to young Tywin Lannister. And many other gifts were also bestowed to Andals and Romans alike by the Emperor.
And thus, celebrated and cheered as friends by the Romans did the Andals depart. And upon their departure, Basileus Alexios called both his son Ioannes and his goodson Nikephoros Bryennios, and told them of the plots hatched in their absence by his daughter Anna -who was Bryennios' wife- and Bryennios' mother Irene. And before the Emperor did Bryennios and Ioannes swear oaths of brotherhood and friendship -for they were good friends even before the Great Light- and then, with his face disfigured, Basileus Alexios abdicated the crown, and had his son Ioannes enthroned as sole Basileus.
And so ended the reign of Alexios I, and began the reign of Basileus Ioannes II.
But once more did vengeance elude the Symbasileus. For the grandees of the city put Alequo Adarys in chains, and gave him to the Romans. And then they sent men under a flag of truce, to discuss the terms by which Tyrosh would surrender. And since the Andals had not been heavily aggraviated by the Tyroshi, Lord Jon Arryn accepted terms for peace in the name of Basileus Jaehaerys. And then did Symbasileus Ioannes state his terms.
And after much discussion, the Tyroshi agreed to pay a tribute of Twenty Thousand Hyperpyra a year, for the next fifty years. And to allow the Romans to arbitrate her conflicts with Lys and Myr. And with their objectives fulfilled and their coffers full, the Great Army set sail back to Constantinople, where they were recieved with great celebration. Indeed, the Basileus Alexios had a Triumph celebrated, and the Lords Arryn and Reyne, the Prince of Dragonstone, the young Lord Lannister, and the Knight Ser Barristan paraded alongside Symbasileus Ioannes, and were jointly acclaimed by the people of the Queen of Cities, while Alequo Adarys was dragged behind them in chains.
And it was in Constantinople, that Basileus Jaehaerys had joined them, and when Basileus Alexios offered Ser Barristan lands and a military command for his actions, the Knight instead chose to join the personal guard of Basileus Jaeharys. While the young Lord Steffon Baratheon was gifted a well-crafted sword with a gilded and bejeweled hilt. And another such sword was gifted to Prince Aerys for his courage in battle, and a third one was given to young Tywin Lannister. And many other gifts were also bestowed to Andals and Romans alike by the Emperor.
And thus, celebrated and cheered as friends by the Romans did the Andals depart. And upon their departure, Basileus Alexios called both his son Ioannes and his goodson Nikephoros Bryennios, and told them of the plots hatched in their absence by his daughter Anna -who was Bryennios' wife- and Bryennios' mother Irene. And before the Emperor did Bryennios and Ioannes swear oaths of brotherhood and friendship -for they were good friends even before the Great Light- and then, with his face disfigured, Basileus Alexios abdicated the crown, and had his son Ioannes enthroned as sole Basileus.
And so ended the reign of Alexios I, and began the reign of Basileus Ioannes II.
Chapter 6
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
For around Twenty Years there was peace, and in that time did Basileus Ioannes make many a reform. He had elevated thus many capable men who were not of his family or their relations, and gave them positions of power in the palace and the provinces. In these years there was many a skirmish at sea with Volantis. But neither realm sought a war with the other, and so the skirmishes were settled by way of a meeting in Lys, where both Volantis and the Empire agreed to pay indemnities for the lost shipping and to the families of the slain.
And Ioannes was greatly acclaimed by the people, the soldiers and the church alike, for he was a pious and frugal man. And in this part of his reign many priests were sent, and they did spread the faith of Christ in Essos. And they came into conflict with the Red Priests and their Red Devil, but the rulers of the Free Cities agreed that it was not a good thing to attack the Christians, lest they draw the ire of Rome and their Traders ceased to make business in their cities. And also they agreed to curtail the attacks made on the Christians.
In the Second year of his reign, Ioannes did recieve one Reynard Reyne, who had not been at Castamere among his family when Tywin Lannister descended upon it and put it to siege. And thus he was recieved in the court of Basileus Ioannes, and he was baptized and gained the Basileus' trust. But he did not urge the Emperor to wage war on the Andals, for he was a cunning man and could see as well as the Basileus could, that such a war would be a great disaster.
And seeking favor with his Andal allies, Basileus Ioannes passed laws that freed many a slave, and that changed the conditions of many more. And for this the church lauded him as a defensor of the downtrodden.
But as the Empire focused on securing its position, and the nobles of Rome schemed to gain the favor of the Emperor -for the church, the army and the people loved him greatly and to dethrone him would cause great death and leave the Empire ripe for conquest- Dark clouds gathered on the lands of the Andals, for it was whispered that Aerys, Basileus of the Andals, was not well of the head.
And in such circumstances was Steffon Baratheon, son of the late Domestikos Ormund Baratheon, recieved in the Queen of Cities, having been sent on a mission by Basileus Aerys.
And Ioannes was greatly acclaimed by the people, the soldiers and the church alike, for he was a pious and frugal man. And in this part of his reign many priests were sent, and they did spread the faith of Christ in Essos. And they came into conflict with the Red Priests and their Red Devil, but the rulers of the Free Cities agreed that it was not a good thing to attack the Christians, lest they draw the ire of Rome and their Traders ceased to make business in their cities. And also they agreed to curtail the attacks made on the Christians.
In the Second year of his reign, Ioannes did recieve one Reynard Reyne, who had not been at Castamere among his family when Tywin Lannister descended upon it and put it to siege. And thus he was recieved in the court of Basileus Ioannes, and he was baptized and gained the Basileus' trust. But he did not urge the Emperor to wage war on the Andals, for he was a cunning man and could see as well as the Basileus could, that such a war would be a great disaster.
And seeking favor with his Andal allies, Basileus Ioannes passed laws that freed many a slave, and that changed the conditions of many more. And for this the church lauded him as a defensor of the downtrodden.
But as the Empire focused on securing its position, and the nobles of Rome schemed to gain the favor of the Emperor -for the church, the army and the people loved him greatly and to dethrone him would cause great death and leave the Empire ripe for conquest- Dark clouds gathered on the lands of the Andals, for it was whispered that Aerys, Basileus of the Andals, was not well of the head.
And in such circumstances was Steffon Baratheon, son of the late Domestikos Ormund Baratheon, recieved in the Queen of Cities, having been sent on a mission by Basileus Aerys.
Narrative Interlude 1: The Lioness and the Maegi
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
276 A.C.
The three girls had wandered into this part of the camp that had been made outside of Lannisport for the Tournament. The sun was setting, and it was said that a witch was here, who could see the future and make a man fall madly in love... Thus, young Cersei Lannister entered the tent.
"I saw a Lion Cub coming this way... Leave now Little Lady, for you do not want to know the answer to your questions."
Those words riled up Cersei, her green eyes glaring at the old woman as Jeyne Farman fled. No one dared to tell her what she ought to do -at least no one that was not her Father or her Uncle Kevan-. Thus she went inside, stood right in front of the table in a manner as intimidating as a ten year old could. Then she spoke.
"I will have my answers, or I will see to it that my Father ends this hut you call a business" Her tone was cold and demanding, too cold for a ten year old girl. The witch pulled out two small vials of glass, and set them on the table before pulling out a knife.
"Very well" Her voice was neutral, the accent made it clear that she was from far away, but it could not be pegged down to either of the Free Cities. "A drop of your blood, and I shall tell you, but I insist that you may not want to know."
Cersei ignored that warning. making a small cut on one of her fingers and letting a drop of her blood fall on the vial. The witch drank it, then closed her eyes.
"When will I marry the Prince?" She demanded, Melara watched as it unfolded.
"Ah, the prince... A Prince you shall marry, tall and handsome. And he will make his realm tremble." Maggy's words were followed eagerly by the girl, the latter half made no sense, but obviously she would marry Prince Rhaegar...
"Will we have children?" She could see them in her mind, some carrying the silver hair of the Targaryens, others with the golden hair of the Lannisters. She could see them running and playing and growing and ruling.
"Yes, And like their father, their realm shall tremble at their name, and by the sword they shall live, and by the sword they shall meet their end."
"Will I be queen?" She finally asked, Melara watching intently as the witch took a few moments to reply.
"No... Purple and Gold shall be your coat, and many jewels upon it, but a crown you shall never wear. And you will be spared the suffering of your children, but your own suffering you cannot escape, for the Valonqar will come, in the shape of an Eagle, and with its talons around your throat, it will choke the life from you."
Melara was about to speak, but Cersei, who had taken the seat opposite to the witch stood up, anger in her face, but she said nothing, instead Melara felt her friend's hand tighten around her arm, and soon enough Cersei was dragging her away from the tent.
"We should not speak of this, I've heard that it can help in avoiding a prophecy come true" Melara said, Cersei stopped and eyed her oddly...
The three girls had wandered into this part of the camp that had been made outside of Lannisport for the Tournament. The sun was setting, and it was said that a witch was here, who could see the future and make a man fall madly in love... Thus, young Cersei Lannister entered the tent.
"I saw a Lion Cub coming this way... Leave now Little Lady, for you do not want to know the answer to your questions."
Those words riled up Cersei, her green eyes glaring at the old woman as Jeyne Farman fled. No one dared to tell her what she ought to do -at least no one that was not her Father or her Uncle Kevan-. Thus she went inside, stood right in front of the table in a manner as intimidating as a ten year old could. Then she spoke.
"I will have my answers, or I will see to it that my Father ends this hut you call a business" Her tone was cold and demanding, too cold for a ten year old girl. The witch pulled out two small vials of glass, and set them on the table before pulling out a knife.
"Very well" Her voice was neutral, the accent made it clear that she was from far away, but it could not be pegged down to either of the Free Cities. "A drop of your blood, and I shall tell you, but I insist that you may not want to know."
Cersei ignored that warning. making a small cut on one of her fingers and letting a drop of her blood fall on the vial. The witch drank it, then closed her eyes.
"When will I marry the Prince?" She demanded, Melara watched as it unfolded.
"Ah, the prince... A Prince you shall marry, tall and handsome. And he will make his realm tremble." Maggy's words were followed eagerly by the girl, the latter half made no sense, but obviously she would marry Prince Rhaegar...
"Will we have children?" She could see them in her mind, some carrying the silver hair of the Targaryens, others with the golden hair of the Lannisters. She could see them running and playing and growing and ruling.
"Yes, And like their father, their realm shall tremble at their name, and by the sword they shall live, and by the sword they shall meet their end."
"Will I be queen?" She finally asked, Melara watching intently as the witch took a few moments to reply.
"No... Purple and Gold shall be your coat, and many jewels upon it, but a crown you shall never wear. And you will be spared the suffering of your children, but your own suffering you cannot escape, for the Valonqar will come, in the shape of an Eagle, and with its talons around your throat, it will choke the life from you."
Melara was about to speak, but Cersei, who had taken the seat opposite to the witch stood up, anger in her face, but she said nothing, instead Melara felt her friend's hand tighten around her arm, and soon enough Cersei was dragging her away from the tent.
"We should not speak of this, I've heard that it can help in avoiding a prophecy come true" Melara said, Cersei stopped and eyed her oddly...
Chapter 7
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
Basileus Ioannes recieved Lord Baratheon with a feast, for he had come to consider his father a friend during the war, and he had always been thankful to the late Domestikos for saving his own father by lending him his maester to treat him. And in this feast he and his wife came to notice the lady Alysanne[1], who had two daughters and a son.
And it was before the feast had come to an end that Lord Baratheon spoke to Basileus Ioannes of his mission, for the Basileus of the Andals had sent his trusted friend to seek for a wife of proper Valyrian blood for the eldest of his sons, the Prince of Dragonstone. For the two younger princes[2] were still too young of age, although the Basileus of the Andals would also be agreeable to a betrothal for one or both of them.
And thus the lady Alysanne was called, and the three of her children were presented to Lord Baratheon. Who was troubled to learn that the eldest child -and actually born of the seed of Maelys- was a boy named Demetrios -for she was with child when she was found by Nikephoros Bryennios-. But after the swearing of oaths, where Basileus Ioannes swore to protect his ward, and the boy in turn swore to abandon the claims of his father, the Lord Baratheon allowed the eldest daughter to come with him.
But someone had a different plan, for the feast was disturbed when the girl -who was called Saera- began to choke on her wine[3], and while her brother rushed to her he could not save her, and as this happened, the second son of Reynard Reyne, young Robert Reyne, would also choke on his drink. And upon closer inspection it became known that there was more poison waiting for various other attendants.
Thus did Lord Baratheon leave Constantinople, vowing to return should he fail to find a wife for the Prince Rhaegar in Lys or Volantis, while the cooks and servants were interrogated. And two younger servants of Lysene birth were found to have poisoned the cups, but none of them revealed their employer.
And Lord Steffon Baratheon did find a bride in Lys, a young woman who could prove descent from Maegor Targaryen, son of Aerion Brightflame, but as their ship reached Westeros, it was battered against the coasts of the Stormlands not far from Storm's End, although the young girl would live, much to the joy of the Basileus of the Andals. The Lord Baratheon however would never be found.
But in the Empire, the Drums of war began to sound, for Tyrosh had chosen to abandon its payment of tribute.[4]
[1] The woman from earlier. She was actually the cousin-wife for Maelys
[2] Daeron Targaryen, born in 269 A.L is alive so far
[3] While the description is not too precise, it is believed that it was the Strangler... It is widely believed that the intended targets were Reynard Reyne and Demetrios, still, it is one of those mysteries that might not be solved.
[4] Although Eudokia spares quite some detail for the feast, the priorities of the Romans at that point in time are quite clear.
And it was before the feast had come to an end that Lord Baratheon spoke to Basileus Ioannes of his mission, for the Basileus of the Andals had sent his trusted friend to seek for a wife of proper Valyrian blood for the eldest of his sons, the Prince of Dragonstone. For the two younger princes[2] were still too young of age, although the Basileus of the Andals would also be agreeable to a betrothal for one or both of them.
And thus the lady Alysanne was called, and the three of her children were presented to Lord Baratheon. Who was troubled to learn that the eldest child -and actually born of the seed of Maelys- was a boy named Demetrios -for she was with child when she was found by Nikephoros Bryennios-. But after the swearing of oaths, where Basileus Ioannes swore to protect his ward, and the boy in turn swore to abandon the claims of his father, the Lord Baratheon allowed the eldest daughter to come with him.
But someone had a different plan, for the feast was disturbed when the girl -who was called Saera- began to choke on her wine[3], and while her brother rushed to her he could not save her, and as this happened, the second son of Reynard Reyne, young Robert Reyne, would also choke on his drink. And upon closer inspection it became known that there was more poison waiting for various other attendants.
Thus did Lord Baratheon leave Constantinople, vowing to return should he fail to find a wife for the Prince Rhaegar in Lys or Volantis, while the cooks and servants were interrogated. And two younger servants of Lysene birth were found to have poisoned the cups, but none of them revealed their employer.
And Lord Steffon Baratheon did find a bride in Lys, a young woman who could prove descent from Maegor Targaryen, son of Aerion Brightflame, but as their ship reached Westeros, it was battered against the coasts of the Stormlands not far from Storm's End, although the young girl would live, much to the joy of the Basileus of the Andals. The Lord Baratheon however would never be found.
But in the Empire, the Drums of war began to sound, for Tyrosh had chosen to abandon its payment of tribute.[4]
[1] The woman from earlier. She was actually the cousin-wife for Maelys
[2] Daeron Targaryen, born in 269 A.L is alive so far
[3] While the description is not too precise, it is believed that it was the Strangler... It is widely believed that the intended targets were Reynard Reyne and Demetrios, still, it is one of those mysteries that might not be solved.
[4] Although Eudokia spares quite some detail for the feast, the priorities of the Romans at that point in time are quite clear.
Excellent story,good to see it here.Could you made one chapter about how Earth without Byzantinum fared ? in my opinion,Ottomans would never create empire, and Hungarian kingdom would never fall.Maybe Bulgarian and Serb states,too.
Moscow without byzantine princess would never be treated as Byzantine successor,too.
Moscow without byzantine princess would never be treated as Byzantine successor,too.
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
D
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A few questions I might not have asked on SB.
What are the Church's theologians perspectives on where they are in a theological sense? A different earth or different world entirely? How does this affect their theology? Especially say where Eschatology is concerned.
Dark powers and Demons-Does the Church in Constantinople see Stygai and Asshai and the malevolent entities in and around them as say, the gates of hell itself? With the Lord of Light being the same as the god of the world?
Do Church theologians have explanations as to why they were ISOTed? (They wouldn't know they were copied and pasted).
[Spoilers] Was Euron seen as an Antichrist figure, or a prefigure of the Antichrist? A sort of anti John the Baptist?
What are the Church's theologians perspectives on where they are in a theological sense? A different earth or different world entirely? How does this affect their theology? Especially say where Eschatology is concerned.
Dark powers and Demons-Does the Church in Constantinople see Stygai and Asshai and the malevolent entities in and around them as say, the gates of hell itself? With the Lord of Light being the same as the god of the world?
Do Church theologians have explanations as to why they were ISOTed? (They wouldn't know they were copied and pasted).
[Spoilers] Was Euron seen as an Antichrist figure, or a prefigure of the Antichrist? A sort of anti John the Baptist?
Was Sothoryos ever explored in depth? Contact with the Summer Isles made?
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
This is one of the things that I hope to expand upon when compared to the AH or SB versions of this story. Although it will come up when we get to see actual clashes of religions
We'll find out.
See above
See above
Didn't mention it in the original, we'll see what happens.
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
Chapter 8
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
When news came of the decision made by the Archon of Tyrosh, of forgoing the payment of the tribute due to the Roman Empire. Basileus Ioannes had the armies gathered and the fleet ready. He readied the Varangians -among who there were many Andals and First Men by that point- and prepared to punish Tyrosh for its insolence.
And so did the Romans depart for Tyrosh. And they caught the Tyroshi fleet by surprise off of the coast of Little Tyrosh. And in the seas, the Roman Fleet did have chance to deploy the Sea Fire[1]. For three hours the two fleets engaged, and then the Romans ceded the field before the dromons with siphons came in, and the might of the Tyroshi fleet burned at sea. Thus the Roman Fleet closed upon Tyrosh, and a great army landed by the city led by Basileus Ioannes.
And for a month did the Romans besiege Tyrosh, for the Tyroshi were unable to contract mercenaries that were willing to fight against the Romans, and after one month and three days, the Romans did breach the walls of Tyrosh, and the wrath of Rome was unleashed upon the city.
And Basileus Ioannes, being a man of mercy ordered to loot but not rape or murder the inhabitants, and for the most part his orders were followed, although the Red Priests were put to the sword, for it became known that they had incensed the people to attack Christians as was their custom in all of the Free Cities[2] save for Braavos.
So, Basileus Ioannes proclaimed Tyrosh to be annexed to the Empire, and had its Archon put in chains, and named a Governor, but otherwise allowed the governance of the city to remain intact, for the Governor was to be his ears and voice in the ruling council of the city.
And with Tyrosh conquered, and the full amount of the tribute owed to the Empire extracted, he did issue orders, that no more tribute was to be paid beyond the Imperial taxes, that all free citizens of Tyrosh were now Imperial Citizens, and that the institution of Slavery was to conform to Roman Laws. And then he did return to the Queen of Cities
[1] pŷr thalássion, one of the names used by Byzantine Literature to refer to what we know as Greek Fire
[2] The Romans do not refer to the eastern cities of Norvos, Lorath and Qohor as Free Cities, reserving that term for the Narrow Sea Cities alongside Lys and Volantis.
And so did the Romans depart for Tyrosh. And they caught the Tyroshi fleet by surprise off of the coast of Little Tyrosh. And in the seas, the Roman Fleet did have chance to deploy the Sea Fire[1]. For three hours the two fleets engaged, and then the Romans ceded the field before the dromons with siphons came in, and the might of the Tyroshi fleet burned at sea. Thus the Roman Fleet closed upon Tyrosh, and a great army landed by the city led by Basileus Ioannes.
And for a month did the Romans besiege Tyrosh, for the Tyroshi were unable to contract mercenaries that were willing to fight against the Romans, and after one month and three days, the Romans did breach the walls of Tyrosh, and the wrath of Rome was unleashed upon the city.
And Basileus Ioannes, being a man of mercy ordered to loot but not rape or murder the inhabitants, and for the most part his orders were followed, although the Red Priests were put to the sword, for it became known that they had incensed the people to attack Christians as was their custom in all of the Free Cities[2] save for Braavos.
So, Basileus Ioannes proclaimed Tyrosh to be annexed to the Empire, and had its Archon put in chains, and named a Governor, but otherwise allowed the governance of the city to remain intact, for the Governor was to be his ears and voice in the ruling council of the city.
And with Tyrosh conquered, and the full amount of the tribute owed to the Empire extracted, he did issue orders, that no more tribute was to be paid beyond the Imperial taxes, that all free citizens of Tyrosh were now Imperial Citizens, and that the institution of Slavery was to conform to Roman Laws. And then he did return to the Queen of Cities
[1] pŷr thalássion, one of the names used by Byzantine Literature to refer to what we know as Greek Fire
[2] The Romans do not refer to the eastern cities of Norvos, Lorath and Qohor as Free Cities, reserving that term for the Narrow Sea Cities alongside Lys and Volantis.
Chapter 9
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
Two Months had Basileus Ioannes spent in the Queen of Cities when news came to him, that the fleets of Lys and Volantis were moving, and that Myr had gathered mercenaries, for it was learned that the Old Archon had expected the other Free Cities to come to his aid at once rather than allow Tyrosh to fall, and he had not expected the Imperial response to be so swift. And the Basileus recieved envoys from Volantis, who demanded that the Romans left Tyrosh, and dismantle the great chain that guards the Golden Horn, and pay indemnities to Tyrosh, Lys and Volantis. And he offered to withdraw from Tyrosh and pay some indemnities to them, but refused to dismantle the chain and to pay gold to Lys and Volantis.
And thus did the Empire go to war against the eldest daughter of Old Valyria and her allies. Emissaries were dispatched to Braavos, and Basileus Ioannes contacted the Company of the Rose, for these mercenaries were said to be of the blood of the First Men, and he bought their service. While Myr had bought the service of the Golden Company, which had bloodied the Andals and sacked Herakleia under the warlord Maelys.
And once more did Basileus Ioannes lead an army to the Heel of Essos[1] And he appointed one Bardas Mouzalon as Thalassokrator and Megas Droungarios, and gave him command upon the fleet. For his orders were to lead this fleet to meet the Volantene and Lyseni, and smash their fleets so they may come to terms that were acceptable to the Empire. And then Basileus Ioannes departed to meet his enemies in the Heel of Essos.
And in the Summer Sea, the Megas Droungarios and his fleet met with the Volantene and Lyseni fleets more than once, but neither of these times either side could gain a decisive victory, for he preferred to retreat rather than to risk the dromons with the siphons. And in this he was too cautious, for thrice he could have destroyed them had he unleashed the Sea Fire, but thrice he retreated or allowed the enemy to retreat.
And in land, Basileus Ioannes and his armies met with the Golden Company and with the Myrish militias. And the Myrish crossbowmen did cause many deaths, but their footmen were the weak point of their army, and when the Kataphractoi charged, the Myrish militias broke. But the Golden Company did not. And despite being wounded, the Basileus led the charge. Until, from the rear of the enemy, the Company of the Rose arrived and joined its strenght to the Romans.
And after several hours of bloodshed, the Golden Company left the field, and the Imperial Army, bolstered by the Company of the Rose, began marching for Myr.
[1] Roman name for the Disputed Lands
And thus did the Empire go to war against the eldest daughter of Old Valyria and her allies. Emissaries were dispatched to Braavos, and Basileus Ioannes contacted the Company of the Rose, for these mercenaries were said to be of the blood of the First Men, and he bought their service. While Myr had bought the service of the Golden Company, which had bloodied the Andals and sacked Herakleia under the warlord Maelys.
And once more did Basileus Ioannes lead an army to the Heel of Essos[1] And he appointed one Bardas Mouzalon as Thalassokrator and Megas Droungarios, and gave him command upon the fleet. For his orders were to lead this fleet to meet the Volantene and Lyseni, and smash their fleets so they may come to terms that were acceptable to the Empire. And then Basileus Ioannes departed to meet his enemies in the Heel of Essos.
And in the Summer Sea, the Megas Droungarios and his fleet met with the Volantene and Lyseni fleets more than once, but neither of these times either side could gain a decisive victory, for he preferred to retreat rather than to risk the dromons with the siphons. And in this he was too cautious, for thrice he could have destroyed them had he unleashed the Sea Fire, but thrice he retreated or allowed the enemy to retreat.
And in land, Basileus Ioannes and his armies met with the Golden Company and with the Myrish militias. And the Myrish crossbowmen did cause many deaths, but their footmen were the weak point of their army, and when the Kataphractoi charged, the Myrish militias broke. But the Golden Company did not. And despite being wounded, the Basileus led the charge. Until, from the rear of the enemy, the Company of the Rose arrived and joined its strenght to the Romans.
And after several hours of bloodshed, the Golden Company left the field, and the Imperial Army, bolstered by the Company of the Rose, began marching for Myr.
[1] Roman name for the Disputed Lands
D
Deleted member 88
Guest
Is this the first time roman soldiers have fought elephants in over a thousand years?
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
The Sassanids used elephants, prominently in the armies of Shapur II and they would be used by later Sassanian Emperors during sieges, mounting turrets on their backs to have archers shoot above the walls. On the battlefield itself they were not used as often as, say, by the Carthaginians, but they are recorded to have been deployed by the armies of Yazdegerd III during the Arab Invasions, so it's likely that the Romans have faced War Elephants in various occasions since. (the last truly confirmed field battle with elephants against a Roman Army would be during Julian's Persian Campaign)
D
Deleted member 88
Guest
Well I knew that, so its what 800 years since? Or 600 years at least?
What are the Romans' opinion on the GC as a fighting force? Do they disdain it? Or respect it?
Given the GC are a combined arms outfit that have the best of Westerosi and Essosi warfare welded together, I'd think the Romans would at least respect them as equals in a combat sense anyway.
What are the Romans' opinion on the GC as a fighting force? Do they disdain it? Or respect it?
Given the GC are a combined arms outfit that have the best of Westerosi and Essosi warfare welded together, I'd think the Romans would at least respect them as equals in a combat sense anyway.
Witteric of the West
ES ZEUS
Respect. The GC is the only fighting force in Essos that truly fights in a way that can pose a major threat to a Roman Army when faced in equal numbers.
Considering that the other super-famous and renowned fighting force in Essos is basically a cheap copy of the Lockstep Legions, which are themselves a copy of the Greek Phalanx with maybe some elements of the Roman Legion thrown in...
D
Deleted member 88
Guest
Well there are the Ghiscari legions iron legions.
But given how most Essosi forces are mercenaries and Constantinople is really rich-I'd expect a lot of the mercenary outfits in the Disputed lands to defect for roman gold if offered. Even if the GC did not due to their upholding of their contracts.
As it was, there were Catalonian and Aragonese companies in the late Byzantine empire, not sure if this time. So I expect the empire is at least somewhat familiar with dealing with mercenary companies as either enemies or potential soldiers.
And so has some experience in understanding the mercenary mindset and incentives.
But given how most Essosi forces are mercenaries and Constantinople is really rich-I'd expect a lot of the mercenary outfits in the Disputed lands to defect for roman gold if offered. Even if the GC did not due to their upholding of their contracts.
As it was, there were Catalonian and Aragonese companies in the late Byzantine empire, not sure if this time. So I expect the empire is at least somewhat familiar with dealing with mercenary companies as either enemies or potential soldiers.
And so has some experience in understanding the mercenary mindset and incentives.