The Ghost of Thermopolie

[Lord Zalzabad]

This is the tale of my first, and perhaps best game of Civ 3. For those who can not be bothered reading the entire thing online, go to the last age of the story, and you will find a downloadable version in Word format. So sit back, and enjoy part one of The Roman Epic, The Ghost of Thermopolie

400 years ago…

The fields were soaked in blood riderless horses galloped across the plain, thier riders in a pile of decomposing bodies, at the feet of the Hopites. They were the last line of defense for the besieged city, however, they were victorious. They had driven back the most advanced and powerful army in the world. Now, as the bloodied Roman Knights prepared for one last charge at the victorious Hopites, The Greek commander congratulated himself at a victory well earned for the great Alexander. Ever since the dawn of time, Roman Troops had hounded his people, and today would be the day they stood back, and said, “No More”, and reclaim the lands that were rightfully theirs. A trumpet sounded, but not from the Knights, it came from behind the Hopites. The commander turned around, only to see the front end of a sword, swinging directly at his face…

The Battle of Thermopile was a battle long remembered in Roman History, both militarily, and politically.
The Armies of General Avaris Cassius were annihilated, only to be saved by Marshal Caesar's Imperial Guard, commanded by Captain Marius Brutus. This victory by the imperialists also marked an end for the long reign of the Republican Consul, Cicero. His hopes for the coming senatorial elections were riding on the outcome of that battle. One man replaced him, Caesar.

(Role music, and Title Screen)


Pease post your replies, part II to come tomorrow (If I remember)

[Lord Zalzabad]

Now for the next installment, however, it may be a bit dialoge heavy

[Lord Zalzabad]

Part 1, the DebateThree years ago, Rome.

“As you know Caesar, we are the most advanced nation in the world. At present, we are developing a new weapon, the Tanki. It is like a…”
“I know what a Tanki does, you fool, what I want to know is how long is it before we have a working copy?” yelled Caesar into Caius, his science advisors ear.
“Well, that depends…” replied Caius cautiously, remembering what happened to the previous science advisors head.
“On what!”
“Well, the availability of resources for one…”
“Rome has all it needs!”
“Don’t worry, Caesar!” intervened Marshal Marcus Brutus, “We will have enough Tanki for your plan”
“Oh, good,” replied Caesar, calming down, and returning to his comic book, “the Adventures of Alex the Greek”. Brutus led Caius out of the room.
“Its best not to disturb Caesar when he is studying” said Brutus to Caius.
“Studying? And what was that plan you were talking about?”
“You will find out, in time Caius, in time…”
“You mean at today’s advisors meeting?” There was a long pause…
“Yes” replied Brutus

“Welcome my fellow advisors! We have gathered you together today for an important announcement” proclaimed Caesar triumphantly to the assembled advisors, “Brutus, the plan!”
“Very well, Caesar, this is the plan”
“What plan?” cried out Calpurnia, the foreign advisor.
“For many years,” started Brutus, “we have been the Greatest nation in the world, however, by lack of planning by our Republican friends many years ago, we decided not to settle the great southern jungle. Now, however, we have discovered that this region holds many prospects for resources that we may gain.”
“But,” piped up Caius, “didn’t our great leader say to me earlier that Rome had all the resources it needed?”
“Yes, Caius, he did, but the southern jungle holds great riches in Coal…”
“And,” replied Pompey, the Trade Advisor, adding two and two together, “That would give us a virtual monopoly on coal… But wouldn’t that mean attacking Egypt?”
“In order to make an omelet, some eggs have to be broken” replied Caesar, smiling gleefully, like a child about to receive candy.
“But sire,” yelled Calpurnia, “we have been at peace with the Egyptians since the beginning of time! They were our allies’ intill a few years ago! We can’t attack them!”
“Calpurnia has a point, my noble lord” replied Caius.
“But, with all the worlds coal under our command, we will be able to monopolize it, sell it for what ever price we want, even control the growth of our rivals!” Pompey said, enthusiastically. There was silence from the throne of Caesar, then “Marshal Brutus?”
“Yes, my lord”
“Prepare a plan for the invasion of Eastern Egypt, with the goal of securing their coal reserves”
“The troops are already in position, my liege”
“Then why don’t you attack!”
“We are waiting on the Tanki, My lord.”
“Very well, as soon as we have enough Tanki, we will commence the operation”
“But aren’t you going to put this to the Senate?” said Calpurnia.
“What would those windbags do? Just debate it and throw it out? Bah! Jus get to it, Brutus”
“Very well, my lord”
Calpurnia had to tell someone, this was far too important to keep from the Senate…

[civman2000]

pretty good

[Lord Zalzabad]

Thanks, but it will get better, just laying the intro, the rest will fall into place soon. Sorry about the lack of updates, will be soon

[Lord Zalzabad]

The harbor at Veii was peaceful for a change. General Cassius looked out on the harbor, seeing the entire southern fleet in anchor, the Roma, the Veii, the Pompeii... a bell rang from above him in the lighthouse, the bell that signified the arrival of more ships. Cassius looked over the crystal blue bay, between the legs of the ancient Colossus, the protector and guardian of the city, and saw a plume of smoke rising from over the horizon. The General once more looked at the anchored Southern Fleet, counting all the ships, and looked again at the plume of smoke... what could it be? He immediately rushed to the Admiralty in the city to find out what was wrong.

Being a General, and commander of the Southern Armies, General Cassius gained direct access to Admiral Scipio’s office.
“Cassius! I did not know you were in town! What gives me the honour of seeing you here?” asked the Admiral as Cassius entered the room. “Look out the window, Scipio, there is an unknown fleet heading for the city!” replied Cassius.
“Didn’t you know? Our great and glorious leader, Caesar, ordered the Northern and Eastern Fleets to the city, however, for what reasons I do not know.” Scipio said with a smirk, knowing the Generals feelings about Caesar.
“That bastard child! How does he think we’ll protect the Northern Seas from pirates, and protect the eastern trade routes from Chinese raiders?” replied Cassius, furiously.
“I suppose you have a point there, however, I doubt the French navy will be much of a problem” said Scipio, and adding, “This came to you from a Calpurnia someone…” Scipio handed over a letter, “and I’ll see you later.”

Cassius was puzzled. He had not heard from his sister in law for some years, ever since the wedding. Why would she suddenly want to talk to him now? He returned to the seaside bar where he was before, the Eastern fleet now passing the Colossus, and read.

“I’m sorry I have not talked to you for a while, but now, I believe you are the only person I can trust.” Bah, thought Cassius, why send him a letter now? “ I must meet with you in private, please be at the Consul Café on Prima Actum next Thursday” Prima Actum? That was in Rome! Cassius immediately headed for the Railway station for the first train to Rome.

[Lord Zalzabad]

Thursday was market day. Calpurnia walked slowly down the Prima Actum, towards the Consul Café, to meet her fate. The hustle and the bustle going on around her helped calm her nerves. Se was about to commit the most grievous act, Treason. Caesar, this time, had gone too far this time, to attack such a good ally that would be murder. If only… “Long time no see, Calpurnia, my love” a familiar voice sounded from behind her back. Pompey the creep, she thought, “keep away from me you creep, I said no before, so keep away!” yelled Calpurnia at the prominent Senator.
“Be quiet, Calpurnia, I have a reputation to keep…” said Pompey, quietly.
“The reputation of molesting children?” replied Calpurnia. This got some passers by attention; ears turned in their direction. “Be quiet you fool! You said you would keep that a secret…”
“Only if you left me alone”. Pompey raised his hand to hit Calpurnia, but it got no higher
“Is anything the trouble here, young lady?” said an officer of the Republican Guard, grabbing the hand of the Senator. Calpurnia recognised him immediately; it was her husbands’ brother, General Caius Cassius.
“Hitting a woman is assault, Senator, and even you are not immune to the law,” said Cassius, in a silent, yet terrifying tone to onlookers, “Go before I have to kill you” Cassius let Pompey down, and the Senator sulked back into the crowd. “Thank-you, Caius, you saved me!” cried out Calpurnia
“Calpurnia?”

The two of them sat at a roadside table, watching the midmorning rush of shoppers to buy their daily goods. “Thank you, Caius for coming, and thank you once more for your help this morning” Said Calpurnia, as the waiter served the Coffee. “Any time, Calpurnia, now, might I ask, why did you call me here?” said Cassius, in a slightly angry tone. Cassius was once proposed to Calpurnia, but on their wedding day, she ran off with his now deceased brother. He had not seen her since that day, and still held a lot of resentment for her. “You are the only person in this city I can trust. I can’t trust the Senators, I can’t trust anyone in the army, I can’t even trust my own son”
“Then why can you trust me?” said Cassius
“Oh, Caius, I can’t, however, the information I will give you could, if used correctly, topple Caesar”
“Then why didn’t you give it to the Press?”
“They wouldn’t use it properly, however…”
“No, I will not take it”
“Please, just look at it, and you can use it how you like” With this, Calpurnia stood up, and walked off into the crowd, towards the Capitol.
“Calpurnia, you left you briefcase behind!” but it was too late. Cassius turned and headed for Central Station, to head on a train to his base at Ravenna, holding the briefcase.

The city of Rome soon left the sight of the train, but General Cassius did not notice. He did not respond to the usher’s offer of drinks, he did not respond to the 3-hour delay. Ten hours out of Rome, Cassius lifted his head from the document he had been reading, Operation Cassius.
“Oh my God” he said in a shocked voice, placing the document back into the briefcase.

[TheGuitarist]

Very good!

Keep it up.

[Lord Zalzabad]

But wait, I havn't even got to the War yet...

[Lord Zalzabad]

Present day

The city disappeared over the horizon. General Cassius looked at his Chief of Staff, who only nodded in return. There was only one reason for Marshal Brutus calling this meeting in Pisae. He had forgotten all about the document Calpurnia gave him two years ago, intill the call for a general meeting at Eastern Military Command. He looked down at the document before him, and started to read it for the fifth time since Ravenna.

Caius looked over the Forum, out towards the Capitol. He was worrying. He knew his fate. However, someone had to tell him. “Science Advisor Caius, Caesar will see you now” said the chief of Caesar's Guard, Captain Marius. Caius took a deep breath, and stepped in.

“So, Admiral Scipio, how is your son going in the Imperial Guard?” General Graccis said to the Admiral, sitting in the plush couch opposite him, in the reception room of Marshal Brutus’ headquarters. “He’s made it up to Calvary Captain in the Imperial Guard, I’m so proud of him… ah, Cassius, long time no see!” Said Scipio as the General entered the room. “Yes, Scipio, has it been what, two years?” replied Cassius
“Yes, and of course you know General Graccis, commander of the Northeastern Section” Said Scipio
“Yes, we were in the same class. Where is everyone else?” said Cassius
“They did not have to be here, General Cassius” said Marshal Brutus, standing in the doorway to his study, “Please, follow me, gentleman.”

“Caesar! Science Advisor Caius is here to see you” said Captain Marius
“Enter Caius” replied the deep voice from within.
“Caesar,” started Caius, “we have a problem”
“What problem”, replied Caesar, angrily.

“For some time, gentlemen, we have been planing an invasion of Egypt” started Brutus, amid shock from the three assembled commanders. Cassius smiled to himself, knowing what would come next.
“Why is this, Brutus?” voiced up Graccis.
“We need to monopolize the coal reserves located there, hence controlling the market and development of the world” replied Brutus
“Why am I here if this is a military invasion?” said Scipio, puzzled.
“The operation will involve an amphibious assault on the southern coast of the Egyptian Republic” said Brutus, boastfully
“What will the operation involve?” said Cassius, knowing the reply only too well…

Operation Cassius


Main Goals
To seize the Western portion of the Egyptian Republic, hence monopolizing the supply of coal, and creating an invasion base for a possible attack on Russia.

OperationThe Eastern Army will be divided into 3 groups

Group South East, Commander Marshal Brutus
Main objective; split Egyptian empire in two at Buto, also seizing the port of Alexandria
Largest Army group, based in Giza 30 divisions, 1000 artillery pieces, 10 Cavalry Brigades

Group East, Commander, General Graccis
Main objective; to seize the border cities of Memphis and Hielopolus to create buffer and diversion
Based Pisae, 10 divisions, 10 Cavalry Brigades, 200 artillery pieces

Group South, Commander, General Cassius
Main Objective; to capture the strategic Trade City of Avaris, and mop up all other cities, will command the Amphibious forces, and co-operate with Admiral Scipio’s fleet, which will bombard the coast
Based Ravenna, 20 divisions, (15 infantry, 5 Amphibious) 700 Artillery pieces, 20 Cavalry brigades

Graccis looked up from the document. “But studies we have conducted have proved Cavalry is no match for infantry, without sustaining heavy losses” he said
“Oh yes, but that is when the Tanki come in to the picture…”

“What is the problem with the Tanki?” said Caesar. He was getting very angry, and Caius was getting very scared.
“Well, the Tanki are completed…”
“Well then deploy them to the front!”
“That’s the problem, we cant”
“Why not!”
“We don’t have anything to power them”
“What! Is the Coal supply run out?”
“No sir, it’s just”
“Just what!”
“It doesn’t use coal, it uses a new type of fuel, called Oil”
“Well then mine it!”
“But we don’t have any, sir”
“Who does then?”
“France does,” said Senator Pompey, the Trade Advisor entering the room from a darkened passage on the side.
“Well then get it! Call Brutus right now”
“But he’s not here, he’s in Pisae” said Marius, following Pompey into the room.

“So that is the plan, Brutus?” Scipio asked
But Brutus had no time to respond, as his Aide entered the room, “Sir, there is an emergency”

[ChrisiusMaximus]

This is getting better and better ,cant wait for the next installment.

[dnassman]

Very good and it is getting better and better.

[Lord Zalzabad]

Cassius was back in Ravenna, wondering, why Brutus was called back to Rome. He knew Caesar knew Operation Cassius was Brutus’ masterpiece, and he wondered why. Why was Brutus called back to Rome… if only he knew.

“Cancelled?” yelled Brutus, angrily in Caesar's direction, “how can you cancel my masterpiece!’
“Brutus, calm down! It is not canceled, only delayed,” said Senator Pompey in a meaningful tone. Brutus saw a smirk on Pompey’s face. He knew Pompey was up to no good, just what…
“Brutus, are you listening!” shouted Caesar. Brutus woke up with a startle. “You have a new plan, to be implemented immediately,” said Caesar, triumphantly. “You are to make a plan to attack France to seize the Oil fields around Lyons…”
“What’s “OIL”, Caesar?” Brutus interrupted.
“It is like coal, but more efficient, and we need it to power our new Tanki” said Pompey.
“Move your forces up from Fort Constantine to the northern border with France, and precede on to Tours, which you should capture immediately, using surprise. The southern army group, under General Cassius will protect the Western district from surprise attacks, while General Graccis will support you, and besiege Paris. Your main forces will bypass the city, and launch an attack on Lyons, capturing the city, and hence the oil. We will then proceed to export oil to our Empire, and we will bring up Tanki to support your actions, and wipe out the enemy” said Caesar, grinning at his perceived genius.
“Yes, Caesar, The French are a primitive desert dwelling race and your mighty armies should be no match for their puny pikemen” said Pompey.
“Very well, it shall be done, but shouldn’t we consult the rest of the Advisors?” questioned Brutus.
“No, we won’t, we want the attack to be a surprise” said Pompey. This Pompey was gaining too much sway over Caesar, and he had to talk to someone, someone he could trust. Pompey walked down to Central Station, and said to the Driver of his private train, “take me to Ravenna, via Pompeii”

Could he trust Cassius? Could Cassius betray him? Brutus knew how much Cassius hated Caesar and himself, that was public knowledge, but what Brutus did know that the public did not was Cassius hated Pompey more. Brutus hardly looked at the blue tropical ocean he was passing by, and continued towards Ravenna, with Pompeii fading into the horizon, with his conscience tossing around in his head.

“Why did you come to see me, Brutus?” said Cassius, looking down from the border Fortress where his base was located, into Avaris itself.
“I have a very big problem, Cassius”
“What is it?”
“I know you hate me and Caesar, and I know why, it is those Ghosts of Thermopile that are still haunting you, is it not?”
“So what? Your ancestors defeated mine in the field of combat, I must carry on the sacred hate for your families”
“Pompey is planing a coup.”
“Good, then you and Caesar can go…”
“No, you fool, he does not wish to just kill me and Caesar, he is planning to destroy the last remnants of you beloved Republic!” This made Cassius turn around and look into Brutus’ eyes. There was pure fear in them. Cassius knew something was wrong.
“Please keep this quiet Cassius, I will not be able to protect Caesar and the Republic, as Operation Cassius has been scrubbed.”
“Then where will you be?”
“Conducting a new campaign against France, Operation Teach those Frenchies a lesson”
“I take it by the name Caesar came up with the idea”
“Yes, he did. You are in command of the Western Armies, and I plead you to protect Rome. If not for Caesar's sake, then for the sake of the Republic.” With this, Brutus turned and walked out he door he entered through. Cassius had no idea how far the plot had gone, but this; he decided would be a chance to kill two birds with one stone. Cassius turned, and left the roof of the Fort, through the opposite door that Brutus did.

[Lord Zalzabad]

I will not update this story again intill the weekend

[Lord Zalzabad]

I just couldn't help myself, and so, the war begins...

Three Days Later, Fort Caesar, Northern Border Region

“Range, 50km. Marshal sir, on your word?” Brutus sighed at these words. He did not want war with France; he wanted war with Egypt. He turned to the artillery commander, and just nodded his head in reply to his question.

Captain Perrie looked out over his drilling pike-men. His scout’s report indicated large movements at Fort Caesar, and Egyptian intelligence just coming in suggested the planned attack on Egypt had been cancelled. In addition, spies at the nearby Roman City of Lugium had reinforced his scout’s reports, indicating a massing of artillery at the Fort. Perrie knew something was coming, just what… He looked out towards the beautiful oasis town of Tours, and looked again at his pike-men. Then, from the eastern horizon, he saw a river of fire erupt.

“All targets hit, Marshal!” said the artillery Commander triumphantly.
“Very good. Go tell Graccis to begin the Cavalry Change towards the City, and fire off another round,” replied Brutus.

Perrie looked at the once beautiful city of Tours. The marketplace and the courthouse had been hit, as had the city walls. Another river of fire erupted from the east, and took out the barracks. Perrie left the tower where he was standing, since it was an obvious target, and gathered up as many citizens and soldiers as he could muster. “Get all the arms and horses as you can, people, we must protect our city from the Roman Juggernaut,” yelled Perrie to the assembled masses, and pulling aside Lieutenant Neville, “Ride to Paris immediately! Tell them that Tours has fallen to the Roman Armies. Hurry, ride to our heroine Joan de Arc, and warn them!” Neville saluted his commander, and rode off to the west, rode off to Paris. It would be, he thought, the last time he would ever see the town at which he was born. Those Romans would pay for this!

General Graccis, at the command of Marshal Brutus ordered his cavalry forward. The defenses and garrison should have been destroyed. He would ride triumphantly into the City, leading his cavalry force. The infantry would follow them, and be in the City by tomorrow to crush resistance. He would be at the city by nightfall.

Perrie had positioned his men well. A Company of pike-men was entrenched near the oasis, with 3 brigades of Musketeers hiding in the Trees surrounding the oasis. Bowmen were stationed on the ruined walls, and ordered not to fire intill the enemy was within the walls, with Swordsmen protecting the stairways to the walls. Graccis, on the other hand, did not suspect any resistance, let alone an ambush. The stage was set for the first battle in the war, the Battle for Tours.