The First Siege of Ray

## Build up

### Rising Tensions

During the first week of the iteration, the Empire of Seleucia, began a campaign of hit-and-run harassment raids on many cities. One of which was Ray. During these raids, the superior training and equipment of the Seleucid forces led to a deep resentment among the Persian citizens of Ray. In retaliation for these raids, Persia would send several expeditions to Antioch (the capitol of the Seleucid Empire), most of whom failed. However, on one night, 2 Persian soldiers (insert names), broke in to Antioch and assassinated the Prince of the Seleucids (insert name). Persia remained adamant that this attack was the work of rogue officers, however, Seleucia remains steadfast in its accusation of a deliberate act of war.

After the formation of Sycaruse-Carthage, and later the Philos League, Persia was looking for an ally to form a faction with. They would choose the Empire of Seleucia, who were eager to regain their influence over Persia. During the negotiations, it became clear to the Persians that signing this merge would see the end to the Persian Empire, which would be absorbed into Seleucia. And so, the proud Persians refused the merge, and would only accept a non Seleucidan name (some ideas include, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, the Sassanid Empire, the Parthian Empire, and Partho-Seleucia); but the Seleucids argued that these names put the Empires prestige into the hands of the Persians, due to their namesakes being of Persian origin.

### The Armenia Incident

During a brief incident involving Parthian architect Europanaut, and Armenian citizen Wendell09, blood was spilled. According to both players, Wendell09 began the fight by repeatedly punching Europanaut - armed in full steel - and insulted him. In retaliation, Europanaut slew Wendell09, leading to a brief time where war seemed inevitable. However, due to the efforts of cowmeat48 (sent as an ambassador of Persia) and (FaZeJonas09BR), war was avoided. The Seleucids on the other hand, were not as pleased as the Persians were. Antioch citizens viewed this fight as Persia beginning to form an empire, and targeting the peaceful nation of Armenia. The Armenians were also split, with the peace faction (lead by armenian leader) and the war faction (led by Wendell09). In the end, Wendell09 would briefly leave Armenia to fight in the upcoming war, scoring several victories in his campaign for revenge.

### \_Dill's Aspirations

For long it has been known to the Persians that Basileus Dill Nicator the First, wanted to finish the Persian problem. He is quoted as saying:

> "I want Ray in my empire, I think the city's beautiful"
>
>

And kept it no secret that Persia was among his prospected conquests. These bold claims, and his aggressive war-mongering mindset is what led to the Persians eventually declaring war.

### The Fracturing of Peace

With tensions rising, and both Persia and Seleucia wanting to destroy the other, an agreement for war was reached, and on the 10th of July, at 3pm EST, the first blade was drawn.

## The Darkest Day

### The Fire City Prepares

On the day of the war, Parthia had been preparing, building forts, walls, and traps. The Persians built swords, spears, arrows, and poison. With the help of the Philos League engineers, the walls came up in record time. During the early morning, Parthian citizens would ferment brews, talk strategy, and take stock of their weapons. Persia hoped that Basileus Dill's forces would over-extend, giving the Philos League the opportunity to strike a knockout blow onto Antioch. However, as the world learned, Dill had also prepared, and his army shook the known world.

### Skirmishes in Antioch

In coordination with their Siceliote allies, a Persian expeditionary force was sent to Antioch to assist with the Battle of Antioch. The defenders of Antioch knew they could not sustain both a siege and an offensive assault, they had less troops and a smaller economy. However, what they did have, were weapons and gear obtained from venturing into ancient dungeons, full of monsters and dangers. From there, they crafted these enchanted metals (some say enchanted by the gods themselves, but these claims are dubious), into powerful blades. With a hilt made of the bones of the Guard Skeleton, a creature said to be from Tartarus itself, and forged from bronze, and gilded with enchanted gold and pure silver, this blade was said to contain the might of Helios himself. Just like the god, this blade unleashed furry and hellfire. With an edge so sharp, no steel armour could stand up to it. Deep inside this blade, awakened by the enchantments and evil magic of the Guard, came the fires of the sun god Helios. This blade, through no means explainable by any philosophers in the known world, could summon fire. And the Seleucids had 2. With them, the doomed Persian assault collapsed

### The Siege Begins

With the failure of Siceliote forces to maintain active siege in Antioch, a counter-expeditionary force was created from the defenders in Antioch to siege Ray. Initially this consisted of three fighters but one would be recalled following another Siceliote landing in Syria. This force would begin by focusing on seizing a defensive tower on the outskirts of the main town, which it accomplished with only minor resistance.

### The Battle of Ray

With great numerical advantage and the arrival of fine fighters from Sicily, it was decided to launch a push-back attack against the invading force and break the siege. A swift and decisive defeat for the defenders at Ray would soon follow, out-geared and outmatched combat skills wise the battle would end with each attacker being picked off one-by-one. Twice, the defenders nearly pried the Blade of Helios out of officer eyebleed's hands, but both times, it seemed like the gods smiled upon him, and with a sudden rush of force, pushed them back. Ray continued to try and fight, but with a lack of proper armour, weapons, and skill, the desperate Persian militia forces were cut down in a stream of hellfire.

### The Fall of Ray

> What I remember most from the fall of the Empire, was how quiet it was. We all knew the risks, we saw firsthand the terrible weapons on our border. We knew it was victory or death. Did anyone object to our suicidal last stand? Our final act of defiance against the invaders? No. Not a peep when we scaled the walls, not a peep when we were forced back to our final lines. And look around you! Wasn't it worth it - Ha! - a city in ruins, its people enslaved, and the roar of the fire drowning our the cries of sorrow and suffering. Officers swear that they will burn Antioch down, but me? I've had enough war for my lifetime. - Satrap cowmeat48, former soldier of the Persian Army, current governor of Seleucid Ray
>
>

Following the ill-fated breakout Antioch would provide an extra two members to join the expeditionary force sieging Ray. This was proceeded by a quick although difficult push to the outer-walls of Ray, guerrilla sapper attacks in the backline would slow the advance. With the walls breached fighting would move into the city proper with both fierce combat and more sapper attacks. A fanatical last stand with three fighters would occur just as invading forces were about to seize the temple.

Seleucid officers scale the walls of Ray

### Great Fire of Ray

Religious fanatics disillusioned by the failure to defend the city and with the invading army on the doors of the temple opted to organize a last stand within the temple. This would result in the order by the commander of the expeditionary force to set the inside of the temple ablaze in an attempt to clear it out. Whether by the fate of the gods or by luck however this fire would not spread and was later put out with the temple sustaining little damages. However, the brazen act of disrespect to the gods angered them. Antioch only received its blessing for war in exchange for giving up its right to pillage and destroy Ray. The gods, who had given them these blessings, were furious. With a swish of a hand, the entirety of the Persian vaults were restored.

## Aftermath

> "Cope." - cowmeat48 to \_Dill
>
>

### Antioch Pillaged

In a surprise turn of events, it seemed like the Philos League disregarded the rules of warfare. Into the town they sent troops, who hid in the shadows, and began to steal and burn all the loot they could find. This went directly against the rules of war established by the gods and, ironically, Sycaruse itself (which was now a member of the Philos League).