The Campaigns of Babylon

[Jimmy_Shark]

Well here's my first attempt at a story. It chronicles an exciting phase of one of my older games. Any feedback you have would be great

The Roman Campaign: In search of Oil
Babylonians, Persians, Egyptians, Zulu vs Romans

Prologue
Hammurabi surveyed his principality with a gleam in his eye—the once small kingdom of Babylon had grown from 4 city states to a sprawling empire of over 30 Metropolis. Under his democratic rule the Babylonians had prospered in science and their cultural achievements were unsurpassed. His 4 neighbours had also advanced in their fashion but Hammurabi had made sure that they were always at least 2 steps lower on the evolutionary ladder.

Causes of war
It came to pass in the year 1789 that Babylonians scientists had discovered a new technology called combustion that would revolutionalise the way of life of the Babylonians citizens. There was however one problem: the new “combustion” machines needed a new resource called Oil to power them.
Hammurabi ordered that the empire be searched from north to south to secure this wondrous resource. To no avail, the workers of the empire returned with their hands empty but with reports that almost all of Babylon’s neighbours possessed this Oil.
Hammurabi sat in his office pondering on how to acquire this resource—he was too proud to ask his neighbours so it seemed that military conquest of oil rich fields would be needed. But how would this come to pass without damaging the spotless reputation of the Babylonians?
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August 1789—14:00—The Palace of Babylon
The emissary of the Egyptian people waited in the ante room for his audience with Hammurabi. The Egyptians had always been friendly with the Babylonians partly out of fear and partly out of admiration. He was here to carry word from his mistress the Queen Cleopatra. The Egyptians along with their allies the Zulus were engaged in a costly war with Rome. The aid of Persia had already been enlisted and so the emissary was hoping that the Babylonians would also join the fray to eradicate the Romans once and for all.
“Come in, come in” Hammurabi was as usual always gracefull to his guests no matter what their power in the world might be.
“I bring greeting from the mighty Cleopatra”
“Well met then what is it that Egypt desires of its neighbours today?”
“Our war effort with the Romans in the south is not going too well and we would like to ask you to assist us in this mighty struggle”
“Hmm, wars as you know are costly and this endeavour could stretch the finances of Babylon”
“I have been authorised to offer you the gift of 200 Gold coins”
“That would be satisfactory, tell Cleopatra that the Babylonians will be riding alongside your soldiers within a week”
“Thank you great lord your help will not be forgotten”

As the emissary left Hammurabi could not help but laugh at the way that fortune had favoured him once more. This war would be a perfect opportunity to seize the Roman Oil deposits near Syracuse and with no diplomatic consequences for Babylon.
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The Battlefield: A chronicle of the Roman Fall

Journal of General Tacitus of the Roman Republic:

“August 25: We have managed to repel another Zulu attack in the northwest, their knights were lured into an ambush and completely destroyed in the hills near Rome. That will hopefully teach them that the Roman armies only run from their foes with a purpose. Meanwhile in the northeast the Egyptians are besieging Veii. So far the city has changed hands 4 times with Egyptian and Zulu occupation rotating with its liberation by our forces. This time with the new fortifications in place its wall will be painted red with Egyptian blood”

“August 27: Disturbing reports have come to me today from our scouts in the north. It seems that two massive forces are marching against Rome. The vile Egyptians have enlisted the help of the Persians and Babylonians in the far north of the continent to aid them in their bloody work. Emperor Caesar had feared that this might happen and now with four foes against us it will be only a matter of time until the Roman flag is cut down from its mast in Rome.”

“August 30: The republic is in disarray. The Persians hit out western cities and the Babylonians have cut a large swathe across our lands (severing the empire in half) and have captured Rome! The Babylonian army is a sight I have never seen in all my years- 30 divisions of Knights and 5 divisions of a new type of mounted soldiers called “cavalries”. Their advance was swift and they seem to be moving with a final goal in place although I cannot ascertain what this could be. I am currently organising the retreat of our army and the escort of the emperor who is fleeing to Naples”

“September 9: Finally a victory for our tattered legions. We have successfully held at bay the Babylonians at Naples and even managed to regain Antium for a few days before a renewed attack from the Babylonians scattered our few defenders. In the north the Zulus and Egyptians are taking advantage of the confusion the fall of the capital caused and are capturing our weakly defended cities for themselves. Our leader Caesar has at last scored a diplomatic victory and has persuaded the Persians to sign a peace treaty while returning all the cities they captured to us.”

“September 20: I am witnessing the final days of the republic. Naples was lost days ago to the Babylonians and nothing is stopping the advance of Zulu knights and the new Egyptian cavalries. I am currently with two divisions (all that’s left of our once numerous legions) in Caesarea guarding the city and Caesar. The Zulus are outside the city and word has come to us this morning that we hold the last Roman outpost in the world. It is only a matter of time now, more Zulu armies are approaching and I am going to the walls to die like a true Roman soldier”

[Jimmy_Shark]

Here is a map of the world at the time the story describes
I hope the image is displayed as I'm not sure how to post them

Dark Blue: Babylonians
Light Blue: Persians
Yellow: Egyptians
Brown: Russians
Red: Romans
Grey: Zulu
Green: Greeks
Orange: English

[IMG]D:\Documents and Settings\Shark\Desktop\map.JPG[/IMG]

[johncmcleod]

The story is good so far. I really like the idea of it being told from a journal. But it needs to be a lot longer, though I assume you aren't finished yet. Keep up the good work.

[Jimmy_Shark]

Thanks for the comments--I am working on the continuation of the story at the moment and hopefully it should be a good read as well

[Jimmy_Shark]

Here follows the second chapter of the story

Part 2: The breaking of the alliance: Babylon against the world

Prologue
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After the highly successful Roman campaign Hammurabi used the newly acquired resources to modernise the army. Great cultural works were also completed at this point in time with Babylon becoming a city with golden roads and jewelled palaces. The great railroad connecting the North and South of the empire was also completed and the whole world marvelled at the accomplishments of the Babylonian nation. As Babylon’s power grew so did the envy of its neighbours. The Zulus and Egyptians became restless and increased their armies 3-fold, while the Persians sought for allies across the great ocean and grew contemptible of their neighbours.
Hammurabi’s great dream had always been to unite the massive continent under Babylonian rule and he could foresee that this would only be accomplished through military conquest. Hundreds of the new tanks were being developed in factories all over the land and Hammurabi dreamt of the day when his grand plan would be set into motion.

The re-building of the Roman nation
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Excerpt from an article in the “Roman Times”
…There has been a great desire lately for a revolution to restore Roman lands to their rightful owners. However I beg to present an opposing opinion to all the “warmongers” out there. At first I too wasn’t happy with the occupation of our lands by foreigners. After all which nation would gladly suffer the rule of another?
But 4 years have gone by since the end of the war and at least here in Rome I can see that maybe there are benefits to this occupation. Our Babylonians rulers brought with them a far superior culture that I could have imagined and they were quick to repair the damages caused not only by them but by the savage Zulus and Egyptians also. All the Roman cities that were fortunate enough to fall under Babylonian rule have prospered and grown whereas our brothers in Zulu and Egyptian territory are suffering under the yoke of oppression. Indeed many of the citizens of these towns have now joined us in what had become Southern Babylonia. So I say to you fellow citizens we should be thank full that our rulers allow freedom of speech and allow us to follow our customs. Indeed what I can only wish now that a war would occur between the Babylonians and the Zulus so that our brothers in the rest of the land can also enjoy this form of freedom….

The collapse of Persia: Babylonian Blitzkrieg
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September 1886 – Persepolis

Xerxes sat in his office and fumed. An emissary from the Babylonians had just left the room and the news he had delivered had at first puzzled and then angered the leader of the Persians. He stared at his advisors and thought what his options were

“Babylon has decided to cancel the right of passage agreement at a most inopportune time. The bulk of our army is still stuck many miles south on the border of the Zulu and Babylonian empires. Worse than that, we relinquished our holdings in the former Roman empire and now our army can only find safe haven in a barren peninsula north of Zimbabwe where the Zulus hold no sway”

The military advisor had an anxious look on his face
“Should I order our troops to march through Babylonian territory regardless sire?”

“No, no that is not an option Hammurabi has threatened with war if we attempt any move of the kind”

“It seems that we shall have to send transports to collect our soldiers from this peninsula then sire”

The foreign advisor was livid
“Damn the Babylonians! With the aid of our allies across the sea we can surely strike a decisive blow against the Babylonians”

“It is also true sire that the Egyptians and Zulus are also anxious to add more of the Roman territory to their realm” added the military advisor

“I will consider your proposals with due care. For now I desire caution. Strengthen our relations with our overseas allies and dispatch our full naval power to pick up our soldiers in the south”

“It will be as you say sire”
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October 1887 – Zariqum Espionage Centre

General Gilgamesh a master tactician and powerful man surveyed the work of the empires spies from the operations centre. Reports were coming in from all over the world that tension against the empire was growing worldwide. To further deepen problems word had arrived that the only ally Babylon possessed overseas, the Germans, had finally been overcome completely by the triumvate of Russia, Greece and England. Even the empires oldest allies, the Egyptians, had decided it was time the mutual protection pact that had stood for years came to an end. It seemed to Gilgamesh that the whole world was against Babylon and he disliked giving Hammurabi bad news…
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Babylon – The palace war room

“Ah, come in Gilgamesh I was just discussing strategy with your colleagues”

Hammurabi seemed jovial but Gilgamesh could not understand why

“Lord, I have bad news. It seems that the entire world desires our downfall, we have allies nowhere”

“Do not worry my friend I have been preparing for such an eventuality for years. In fact everything is in place now”

“In place? What do you mean lord?”

“I have dispatched re-enforcements to our islands in the west and we currently have 80 divisions of the new modern armour units available across the empire”

Gilgamesh could barely contain his excitement
“Lord this is unbelievable! Are we to mobilise for war once again? But, against whom my lord?”

Hammurabi smiled
“Against whom? Everyone of course! “
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Blitzkrieg
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The largest cities of the Persian empire were only 60 miles from the border with Babylon. Years of cultural revolution had resulted in the Babylonians acquiring many cities even close to the capital.

05:00 am -- 60 miles from Persepolis on the bank of the Euphrates river

Gilgamesh looked across the border at the outposts of the Persian army

“Watch them captain, they are still asleep across the border”

“They won’t know what hit them sir”

“We should be in Persepolis by tomorrow noon”

“Sir who is co-ordinating the other attack forces?”

“General Nimrud is leading the forces west of us and Hammurabi himself is leading the eastern forces”

“What about the Russians sir? I have heard they possess a large and efficient army”

“It’s true they crushed the Germans almost by themselves. But they won’t have a chance to react. By the time their ships reach our shores we will have finished here and will be waiting on the beach smiling at them”

“I hope you are right sir…..”

[civman2000]

it's OK...i'd give it a 7 on a scale from 1-10.

PS: can't see the map!

[Jimmy_Shark]

Thanks for the comments. Interested in the rest of it?

The pics a bit crude but I don't have any screenshots unfortunately
I'll re-attach it

[Jimmy_Shark]

October 26
The flames in Persepolis could be seen from miles. In 3 days the Babylonian army had captured two thirds of the Persian empire.
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Report from field marshal Darius:
“October 26: I will attempt to describe the events between today and Tuesday October the 23.
Babylonian tanks crossed the Euphrates at 5:01 am 3 minutes after war had been declared against us. The first outposts along the river fell within minutes. A hasty defence line was set up 10 miles from the river to hold back the intruders. The line fell almost faster than the outposts and our forces were scattered. Emperor Xerxes called the nation to arms and in Persepolis preparations were being made to repel the Babylonian army. As a precaution Emperor Xerxes retreated to his summer palace on the northern coast of the country.

12:00 pm October 23 Persepolis: From the walls of the city I can see that were are completely surrounded by Babylonian forces. Far to the east and west the sky seems red as if great fires are burning

October 24: After fleeing Persepolis we have decided to regroup in our north cities. It is futile fighting Babylonian tanks in the open as we cannot match their superior speed.

October 25: Almost all is lost. With the bulk of our army still sailing up the coast we have had to defend with obsolete pikemen and musketmen against a far superior foe. All that is left of the Persian empire is this peninsula. Emperor Xerxes has decided to sail across the sea to the continent of our allies and set up a colony to preserve the Persian people. Our allies….. help of course is on its way but they will never get here in time.

October 26: With Xerxes abandoning us and most of the reserve forces sailing with him, my duty is to see that the last cities of the empire put up a fight against the Babylonians. To further worsen moral, word has come that our army ship convoy was intercepted by Babylonians ships and submarines and destroyed completely. At least we can fight knowing that Persia will continue overseas and that Babylon will get paid back by our friends the Zulus and Egyptians who have today declared war on them”
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Aftermath

Hammurabi looked over his legions. It was the first time he had led his own men into battle but he felt that this was an occasion that demanded it. After years of careful planning the first phase of his plan was a complete success. Only 40 divisions of tanks were required to conquer the Persians and just as well as the reserve forces were now engaged with the Zulus and Egyptians who had decided that this was the perfect opportunity to attack Babylon in the south.

[curlyboy24]

Great story, i like how its like a journal too, nice map, lol, i can't figure out how to put up pictures, maybe i should do that, you have inspired me, lol! Great story dude!

[Jimmy_Shark]

Well at the moment I've got too much work to write up anything but if anyone is interested there could be at least 2 more parts to this story

Let me know

[dnassman]

This is very good and very interesting. Keep up the good work.

[godinex]

I love the prologues! Very goods!

[Tarquinius]

I like this story!
Please write the other two (or even more ) parts!

[civman2000]

BUMP because this story is in the story contest

[Jimmy_Shark]

Well I can't sleep so I might as well write another chapter--hope you enjoy it

Part 3: Conflict in the south

Prologue
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Pontius Maximus gazed down upon his kingdom. That is, what he considered to be his kingdom as he was part of a democracy with Hammurabi at its head. So. Pontius Maximus gazed out at his “private” kingdom. It was a rather uninspiring piece of land with some rugged terrain and quaint hillocks just south of Veii. This was a training ground for the newly formed Southern Army. The former Roman troops were in dire need for modernisation and an experienced commander like Pontius seemed to be the ideal candidate to teach them. At least, that is what the General of the Southern Army thought. In fact Pontius was a quiet man from Naples who liked writing poetry (badly) and had been dragged into the war effort. First, the Zulus had burned down his house but as he didn’t like it much anyway he saw this as an improvement. Then the Egyptians had attacked his home town and he saw this as a radical new approach to town planning. Finally, the Babylonians came along with their flash new weapons and Pontius having been the only surviving officer in the Roman army had been captured along with the rest of the populace. He didn’t mind the Babylonians. They had given him a new house in Veii which was by the seaside and commanded excellent views of the local flora. So Pontius sat down and wrote poetry about daffodils and birch trees and enjoyed his life. For a while.
One day the Babylonian general Nimrud thought it would be a good idea to utilise the defunct Roman troops to form an army that would protect the southern lands of the Babylonian empire. So who better to lead these troops than the former Roman officer now a strong believer of the superiority of everything Babylonian.
And so Pontius got dragged back into to it all. It wasn’t a bad life. All he had done so far was to nod his head when the Babylonian experts from the north detailed the fine points of mechanised armour and rapid fire machine guns.
However thing are about to get worse.
Tensions are mounting in the world and word has come from the north that the righteous crusade of the Babylonians against the Persians has for some peculiar reason annoyed the Egyptians and Zulus. What can you say? You attend boring trade conferences and exchange small talk for 3000 years just to be friendly and then you get stabbed in the back…..

Southern Conflict
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July 17 1927—Zulu-Egyptian war council

-Well the Babylonians have gone too far this time! First the Romans and now the Persians. It wouldn’t be long until they turned there eyes onto us

-I agree Shaka, its high time someone stands up to them

-Well Cleopatra it seems that time has come. What are your thoughts?

-Obviously we can’t assault them in the north-they are too strong there. So I thought that dividing up their cities in the south. I quite fancy Veii myself, nice seaside and quite breathtaking forests

-Er yes. So, I was thinking we mobilise our armies, we attack from the north in force and you attack from the east, we’ll have the Babylonian army in a pincer movement! My intelligence tells me that the cities close to you are under-defended so you should have an easy ride. Strike at Naples first and we’ll strike at Rome. If the Babylonians lose their two largest cities in the south they will be totally demoralised.

-Capital! I shall inform my generals forthwith

Meanwhile in Veii (near the seaside)
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The newly promoted General Pontius Maximus surveyed his troops. By all accounts they were a ragged rabble. With the main army diverted in the north, the cities in the south had been left with 3 tank squads and mostly outdated cavalry. And with the Zulu cities all around them it was probably going to be another one of those days.

-General I think this would be a good moment to give some advice to the troops about the oncoming battle

-Hmm, do you think so? I mean the Zulus advancing from the north and the Egyptians from the east can’t be that much of a problem?

-I am glad to see that you are optimistic sir but I think the troops are worried about the overwhelming odds we are facing


-Er, what overwhelming odds would those be?

-…….(stunned silence)…well, um I would have thought that two advancing armies sort of gave that fact away sir

-Indeed, indeed. Just tell the troops it will all turn out for the best. I mean they could even own a new house after all this is over. I’ve been through 3 wars and look at me-not a scratch

-Er….as you wish sir

Report from the governor of Naples to Babylonian High command
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Dear Sir, I regret to inform you that our assets in Naples have been seized by the Egyptians. Our troops did their best but with only one battalion of Riflemen it was only a matter of time until the Egyptians pounded us down. I have relocated to Syracuse where the main bulk of our forces our. To clarify matters here I must say that by bulk I mean two squads of tanks and a battalion of riflemen. I also regret to inform you that our mighty fleet of fishing boats was mercilessly crushed by an evil Zulu frigate despite out best efforts.

Journal of Claudius, corporal southern army
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July 19th
“The Egyptians marched in full force against our eastern border today and seem to be concentrating on Naples. Our forces pulled out just in time by order of General Maximus as he thought it was prudent to protect more vital lands. I have complete faith in our leader, a veteran of three wars and I’m sure he’ll get us through this”
July 20th
“We are now on the borders of Syracuse. It seems that the general’s cunning plan was to protect the vital oilfields in the area after all. Rumours about errors in his navigation have finally proven to have been wrong. The Egyptians are marching against us and all necessary preparations have been made to meet them here”
July 22nd
“Victory! After two days of fierce battle we have managed to repel the Egyptians attacks. Morale has also been boosted by news of the tank squads coming to reinforce us from Syracuse. It seems we are going to be the task force that will drive out the invaders from Naples”
July 28th
“Who would have thought it possible! The Egyptians believing they had no threat due to their superior numbers have been completely surprised! Our tanks grinded through them and Naples is ours once more”

August 1st
“Recent attacks from the Egyptians on Naples were fierce but fruitless, with the eastern border secure, the general has been relocated to the defence of Rome”

August 2nd –Rome-From the personal files of General Maximus
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“The city has been under siege for 2 weeks now and it is quite clear that the people our unhappy. My arrival seemed to lift spirits for some reason but I’m not sure why. It could be that the people of Rome have heard of my prowess as a poet and admire my scholarly pursuits”
“The Zulus have been making a lot of noise all day and seem to want burn the city. That would be a great shame as I’m sure it’s not so badly planned. We had another council of war today and I suggested that someone should go to the Zulu commander and demand that they stop the siege. General Nimrud newly arrived from the north, interpreted this as a ‘flanking’ manoeuvre. He was quite happy with it so he’s sending some of our best troops around the Zulu army to attack the commanders at the back”
“A day for great celebration. My excellent plan worked and now the Zulus have stopped the noise. Our troops killed their generals and in the confusion the defenders in the town burst out of the gates and dispersed the siege”

Aftermath
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Though greatly outnumbered and lacking modern weaponry, the southern army managed to repel both invading armies without (finally) losing any city and without severe casualties. The attacks lasted for over a year, with the Zulus and Egyptians throwing everything they had against the southern army. Tactical advantage and cunning leadership proved to be the main fighting point of this army and they have made a great name for themselves in the north with tales of their brave fighting spreading like wildfire through the media.

And now they have another reason to celebrate. After a very long year the northern army has managed to punch a hole straight through Zulu territory and the first reinforcements and supplies have reached the south. But that is a story for another time…

[Jimmy_Shark]

Well I thought that the story needed a change in style but now that I've re-read it it seems to be a bit crude and incohesive in places--any comments?