NISYROS, 460 l Once again, word of terrifying news from abroad has captivated the hearts and soul of the Karpathian people. The town of Nisyros, on the neighboring island of Saria, has fell victim to the great Persian fleet. Word has it that a Persian commander by the name of Rashin approached the peaceful settlement with the combined strength of the assembled Persian armada and demanded that the islanders renounce their Karpathian overlords. In the event that the Sarians would refuse, the Persian general claimed that 'the whole of the island would become littered with the corpses of the dead and dying'. Despite these menacing threats, the Karpathian governor of the island refused to give into the Persians demands. As such, Rashin ordered his fleet to disembark several hundred Persian warriors on a beach just outside the town. Once disembarked, Rashin resumed command of his troops and assaulted the poorly constructed defenses of the town. Intense combat then ensued for several hours before Nisyros' small garrison of Karpathian soldiers was all but overrunned. Those soldiers who did not have the honor to fall in battle were nevertheless cut down by the swords of the mighty Persian horde as they attempted to flee into the surronding mountains.

Rashin, now holding Nisyros as his hostage, allowed for his troops to sack the city. Several dozens of Sarian men, women, and children were slaughtered in the chaos that followed. By the time the sun rose the next day, appromiately three quarters of the city had been engulfed in flames and a third of its citizens murdered in cold blood. Rashin then proclaimed a local Sarian nobleman, by the name of Aesop Eustachys, as king of a newly established Kingdom of Mikri Nisyros. Despite Aesop assuring his fellow Sarians that the kingdom is to be simply placed under Persian protection, its citizens are almost certain that this marks the beginning of a lengthy Persian occupation. It is rumored that roughly 450 Persians and 100 Sarian collabators have been garrisoned in the smoldering ruins of Nisyros.

It is only a matter of time before Karpathos will find itself the newest victim of the Persian horde

“The people of Karpathos, be warned for I bring nothing but nothing more than bad news! A small detachment of the persian fleet has split apart and is now too close to our island. There is nothing else around our island so we know now that they plan to attack our land, our home! Each citizen is called to war, both commoner and noblemen alike are required to bring a weapon and shield and meet at the Acropolis for further orders! I suggest no one leaves the city for their own safety for now”

After a few hours have passed, the sails of the Persian fleet can clearly be seen by now. Many of the greek ships in Karpathos are docked at the port, with many of the sailors moving to the Acropolis with their own weapons as well. Because we cannot do nothing more than just watch, the Persian fleet lands just up north of Karpathos, and by the looks of it, they bring over one thousand troops. Despite their large numbers and weapons, they do not seem too eager to attack any villages or farms outside our city walls. As a matter of fact, they are too busy setting up a small camp and unloading supplies and equipment off their ships. The free people of Karpathos are mixed with fear and hope, should the Persians attack, their numbers would be funneled down by our street lay out, and lastly, the Acropolis. But if we wait long enough, the Delians will surely come to rescue us from this minor force. Till then, the Persians await outside and far from the city walls setting up their own defences and planning their next attack


(On the OOC note, i am sorry for being a bit inactive people, as school is starting again and me being sick (The perfect excuse!), i was unable to stay focus as much as before. But now i am back and i am ready willing and able to continue! And now, some music to crank up this theme.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3EdjfUgfiU

Originally posted by Basileides:

This small island, in all of its glory, has taken it upon itself to actively partake in the attacks on Persia. The Gods, in all of their glory, will soon tell us of their approval.

One bright dawn, in 460bc...
http://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=856165713&fileuploadsuccess=1

Basileides strectched as he walked outside of his quarters- the increasingly long days never ceasing to tire him. The creaks of his joints and the slap of his sandals accompanied him as he yawned himself outside, sighing as he routinely covered his eyes from the often enchanting dawn. His relatively scraggly grey hair reflected some light (the greasy mane warming up in the morning blaze) only serving to make him even more disgruntled.

Dust gathered around his legs as he walked along the path, grunting to himself at the disrepair it was in compared to the palaces of nobles. His inner conscience retorted that 'the temple was a superior palace... a palace of Hermes'... how amusing. Said temple sat proudly upon an emerald mound only a short walk from the agora, providing an easily accessible place of worship and sacrifice. Easily accessible for the younger Karapthians; Basileides heaved himself up the incline with some shortness of breath.

Finally reaching the top in what seemed like hours (and was in fact only a couple of minutes) hurried Basileides as he prepared an important ritual. The goat, taken in the name of the Gods, would tell the people of Karpathos the verdict of Hermes and the Pantheon on joining the Delian League. The altar, a slab of stone similar to the fate of Prometheus, was just in front of the temple proper's entrance. The goat, unwilling to die for a message, was shrunk into a corner. Temple hands grabbed said messenger and left him in the grasp of Basileides.

Gripping the ceremonial knife with the strength of a man a fair few years younger than himself, Basileides disemboweled the siphon of verdicts, the conveyor of judgement... the goat... and percieved a message from the entrails. It was read as follows:

It is clear that Hermes has provided a clear message. Fight Persia in full knowledge that you have the Gods' support.

Alexandros Hopilis bought an abandoned Blacksmith worshop before he went on a unknown trip, he payed for its renovation, and left to an unknown destination in a foreing merchant ship, recently he has come back and came as passanger in another foreing merchant ship, full of lotted armors and weapoins brought from unknown source as he had payed the merchant to use his hold,he has started working as of now in tools and weapons, however, he has completely refused to provide weapons for the governor, he is hurt and angry by the fact that he was called a traitor and a persian supporter, thing he is clearly not, as he claims if he was, he would have joined the persians long ago, as he had recieved offers back when he had his company, he refused, as ever, and has a profound hate for them, and even worked for their enemies in his even younger days. he demands a public apology from the governor, or else he wont produce anything for the state, he only produces weapons shields armor and tools for privates, he is still recorded to be enlisted as he will protect his land and greek kinsmen, the peltast officer claim he would "make a nice peltats commander, he has experience on this and fire burns in his heart, a fire that can make him win battles".

As the Persian Fleet has been spotted, it would be wise to ready the citizens of Karpathos and wait to see the outcome. Though we are a small island supporting the Delians, we cannot be too sure if the Persians will attack our island, or another different one. If such scenario happens, all citizens will be ready, willing and able to defend the city from any threats till the Delian League arrives to support us.

At this very moment, many citizens are having phalanx drills, our smiths are making Hoplons, spearheads, Daggers, and Swords. As for the city walls, each district has three watchmen, all keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. Even our local fishermen are keeping a keen eye as well for any sign of trouble or disturbance.

If the Persians do invade our land, all non-combatants are required to flee to the Acropolis. The Picked hoplites of Karpathos will escort everyone to safety and will protect the citizens for the time being. Everyone should stay calm within these harsh time, for the Gods are watching us to keep us safe.