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CountArach
02-24-2007, 06:25
3rd Legion – Roma’s Bulls

This is my first AAR. I am a RTW veteran and love EB, so I thought, why not? This AAR will simply follow the fortunes of the 3rd Roman Legion. You will notice that I have already started the game at the time of writing, and simply this is because I did not have a 3rd legion at the time. I will be using EB 0.81 and BI.exe.

EDIT: I am playing VH Campaign and Hard Battles.

Also once the legion is disbanded (See below), I will follow the fortunes of the new legion. This means that I should hopefully keep going until the very end of the campaign.

Rules
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=79935
The above is a link to the make up of my legions through time. I will strive to use them as historically as possible, but I find that after a few battles Hastati have taken a real beating and as such I may have to recycle them to the rear of the line.

Every 16 years every unit in each legion will be disbanded, usually in Italy. No exceptions.

For every legion disbanded, I will raise a new one.

I am allowed to retrain, however I will not merge units together, unless forced to do so by the game.

In winter all armies must be either laying siege to a city, in a city, or in a fort at the end of the turn.

Consular armies may only be led by consuls OR a pro-consul still serving the army.

Praetors and Pro-Praetors may lead single legions.

If I have no one who is either of the above ranks, then I will work my way down the Cursus Honorum, starting with Ex-Quaestors. Though there will still be exceptions to the rule, but that is all role playing.

I must have a Casus Belli.

While I am building whatever level of government I choose to use I will have to have a legion in the general area, not necessarily in the city though.

Just as a side note, whenever I say it is the year of the consulship of two people, they will be the two consuls that the game gives me. If I only have 1 or neither then I will just use historical names.

No cheating, ever or at all. This includes toggling Fog of War. If I want to learn something
I reserve the right to add to these rules or bend them whenever I choose.

Index
Book 1
Chapter 1 - Rome's Heroes (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1440277&postcount=2)
Chapter 2 - Battle of Sardinia (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1440876&postcount=6)
Chapter 3 - Siege of Karali (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1441208&postcount=12)
Chapter 4 - Counter-Siege (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1442424&postcount=16)
Chapter 5 - Retaking Sardinia (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1443631&postcount=19)
Chapter 6 - Third Battle of Sardinia (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1446365&postcount=37)
Chapter 7 - Invasion of Iberia (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1448909&postcount=46)
Chapter 8 - Tragedy Befalls (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1451248&postcount=53)
Chapter 9 - Homeward Bounds (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1455981&postcount=71)
Chapter 10 - The Last Great Deeds (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1459355&postcount=84)
Chapter 11 - Last Actions (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1463100&postcount=93)

Book 2
Prologue (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1467439&postcount=105)
Chapter 1 - First Actions (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1471275&postcount=112)
Chapter 2 - To Kill a Gaul (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1483001&postcount=126)
Chapter 3 - A Second Attempt (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1495310&postcount=141)
Chapter 4 - Going North (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1509634&postcount=199)
Chapter 5 - An Offer (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1518124&postcount=236)
Chapter 6 - Do Your Duty (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1542452&postcount=281)

CountArach
02-24-2007, 07:00
Chapter 1 – Rome’s Heroes

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn1-262-Territories.jpg

262BCE – Spring – The consulship of Lvcivs Postvmivs Megellvs and Quintvs Mamilivs Vitvlvs

The year is 262 BCE, or 491 years since Romulus and Remus founded the glorious city of Rome. Rome has risen from being a fledgling city-state under Etruscan rule to greatness! She now owns the entire Italian Peninsula. She has come to achieve dominance over her former masters, the Etruscans, the Lucanian and even the troublesome Samnites, who until 28 years ago were in a state of open war against Rome.

Yet Italy herself is not enough.

What is there that could possibly stop Rome from achieving far more? Who is there that would dare to defy Roman strength at arms. We shall thrust our Gladius’s up to the hilt into those who would dare to openly fight us.

However, there is one who would see us fail. One who would see us die.

Carthage

The name comes off the tongue and leaves the taste of manure behind it.

They are strong, yet we are stronger.

Our armies have spent the last 10 years campaigning in Southern Italy, yet there was always one problem we had. We did not have enough grain. Then we look across from Rhegiom in our south and we see Sicily. Sicily, a land who is blessed by the Gods in her bountiful fertility.

We have it from the best of sources that Sicily openly aided our former foe Epiros. Pah! Even united these pathetic Greeks can not stand against our might! They were weak!

And they suffered for it

Our first 2 Legions crossed the straight. The 2nd Legion took a foothold in Messana, and as I write this the 1st Legion is besieging Syracuse, though that could go on for another year at least.

But what of Carthage? She did not sit idly by as she should have. No, she defied us; she declared war on us under the pretence that Sicily should remain “free”. These Greeks know nothing of freedom. Their petty tyrants war against one another and for what? So that Carthage may further expand her sphere of influence?

So now we were at war with Carthage, however both of our legions were occupied. The 1st was besieging Syracuse, and the 2nd was securing Messana and turning it into the first Roman province.

We needed more men, and the 3rd Legion was to answer that call.

We needed to punish the Carthaginians, and the 3rd Legion was to answer that call.

We needed heroes, and the 3rd Legion was to answer that call.

A new Legion was commissioned and raised immediately. They came from all the Latin colonies spread around the peninsula. Some even hailed from Roma herself, particularly the wealthier Triarii and Equites.

Yet this legion needed someone to command it, but who? Rome has few able commanders, many of them being off campaigning in Sicily as it was, yet there was one man who came forward. His name was Cnaevs Scipio Asina. He was an Optimate and a patrician. A man with True Roman blood in him. He had spent much of his wealth on many of the people, having purchased several parades, and more importantly, he was a great public speaker. He could out debate any other politician of his time.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn1-262-CnaevusScipioAsina.jpg

So he got the job.

“But what to do with this new legion, what to do with the Carthaginians?” The Senatores pondered.

Then Scipio came forth and offered a daring plan. A plan that would bring a swift end to this war with complete victory for Rome.

He would take the Legion, His Legion, to Sardinia, and there he would strike the Carthaginians a blow. There he would teach them the price of defying Rome.

New ships were ordered to be constructed.

The 3rd was to set sail.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn1-262-3rdLegion.jpg

Warluster
02-24-2007, 07:37
looks promising, looking forward to future chapters!

CountArach
02-24-2007, 07:45
Thanks Warluster :2thumbsup:

I've got the next chapter played out. The 3rd Legion sees their first combat :o

Dooz
02-24-2007, 10:34
Woohoo! The fightin' 3rd! Looking forward to their exploits. This is extra awesome because I was planning on a Roman AAR starting with a campaign already in progress, specifically the newly begun Gallic wars, 236. Good to see a similar idea being played out. I'll probably just follow this one instead, do something else another time. ~:) Go Legio III!

CountArach
02-24-2007, 21:54
Chapter 2 – Battle of Sardinia
262BCE – Summer – The consulship of Lvcivs Postvmivs Megellvs and Quintvs Mamilivs Vitvlvs

Dear Father,

Well my enlistment with the 3rd Legion went well. Due to my experience with the 1st Legion at the disaster at Taras in 270BCE, I was appointed Signifer of the 1st Principes Maniple. This is a great honour, and will do much to help me regain face after I shamefully fled from the battle.

As you know, we have been sent to Sardinia to seek vengeance against the Carthaginian menace. No sooner had we dropped ashore and created a standard camp, than our scouts reported an enemy army approaching.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia.jpg

The orders were sent out to prepare for battle. We were to be ready by mid day. The Centurion oversaw our readiness, his Optio hitting those who did not move fast enough. All of us were ready an hour ahead of time, and we deployed in battle formation.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-PrincOpt.jpg

I took up my place on the left hand side of the maniple. We were deployed in the standard 3 line battle system. At the very front were the Leves, those too poor for their own equipment. Behind them, and in front of us, were the Hastati and the Samnite Spearmen. We came next, along with our Lucanian Allies. Then behind us were the Triarii and the Rorarii. The Accensi again were behind that, ready to unload their slings over our heads.

Our general, none other than the great Cnaevs Scipio Asina took the right flank with his personal bodyguard and the Left flank was held by the Equites. They were simply to protect our flanks. This would be an infantry battle. None are better than Roman Infantry.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Part1.jpg

The enemy came over the hill and approached our position. There was little unity in their line, which was not surprising considering that these were little more than a hastily thrown-together militia.

As they approached faster, the order was given for our men to unleash hell with their javelins.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Part2.jpg

Many of the enemy’s shields were pinned to their bodies and arms, causing much pain and many of the enemies were simply pinned to the ground by the steely point. Yet the majority just kept on coming unperturbed.

They crashed into the Hastati with the roar that only steel on steel can produce. We watched on. A signal would be given when the time came.

The Hastati fought valiantly for a long time, and in that time I looked up and down our line. To my right the Samnites had been charged by some militia, had broken them, and were now caught in a fierce battle with some reserves. The Rorarii on our right also were clashing with some enemies, however these ones were particularly elite. To my left the Lucanians were holding, though just barely. They were aided by some triarii who were sent forward to hold the line.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Part3.jpg

Then the order came to charge.

The Hastati had had enough; the enemy hard received further aid from more units, stretching the Hastati almost to breaking point.

The Centurion gave the order, and by the Gods did we charge.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Part4.jpg

The enemy had foolishly shown their flank to us and they just could not stand the combined pressure of our assault on their flank and the Hastati’s renewed attempts against their front.

They ran, and we cut them down.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Part5.jpg

After that the enemy’s centre had been broken, so we were just left to mop up the survivors. The Triarii had dealt with the threat to the Lucanians, however the Rorarii were still struggling against the enemy’s on that flank. These were their best troops in the region. The centurion halted our legion, a difficult thing to do whilst we were pursuing, revenge for the fallen fresh in our minds. Yet he managed it. He wheeled us around and marched us to the enemy’s flank.

For the last time that day we charged.

These men were much more organized than the citizen levy that we had previously broken, and even with their flank falling slowly to us, they held their ground. That is, until Scipio Asina charged their rear.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Part6.jpg

Never before have I seen a cavalry charge. Our men for the most part just stepped back and stopped fighting, watching as these brave riders, our Commander at their head, ripped into the enemy’s rear. The enemy had few men aware of this threat and could do nothing. They were caught between three units with no where to run.

So they were cut down.

Father, it was a great battle. I feel as if already I have atoned for my disgrace at the Siege of Taras. Spread the news in Rome. We won a great victory this day.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn2-262-BattleofSardinia-Final.jpg

Your loving son forever,
Spvrivs Cordivs

NeoSpartan
02-24-2007, 22:45
Man I like this AAR a 1st person AAR awesome!!!!



u know what... F*** IT I am buying a new RTW CD NOW!!!! (I ain't gonna wait for my next paycheck)

CountArach
02-24-2007, 23:25
Tanks NeoSpartan and Wonderland for your support guys.

:2thumbsup:

Warluster
02-25-2007, 00:18
Excellent battle, Sardina is ours! very good CA, I like the use of First person thing.

Dooz
02-25-2007, 00:25
Nice CA. First battle of a fresh legion was an easy one. Now we await the troubles ahead against Carthages elite!

Oh and I love that there are no banners, and the unit sizes are huge. Adds nicely to the feel.

CountArach
02-25-2007, 00:42
Yeah no banners, no green arrows. Theyare just annoying IMO. Makes it harder as well.

I've got a few more turns of screenshots taken. I'll write them up soon.

CountArach
02-25-2007, 04:09
Chapter 3 – Siege of Karali

262BCE – Autumn – The consulship of Lvcivs Postvmivs Megellvs and Quintvs Mamilivs Vitvlvs

Father,

It is I, your son, again. I am still in service in Sardinia, as you know. However, some things have happened since I last wrote you.

We recently dispatched the army of Carthage that was on this island and whilst this puts us in control of the north, the south was still contested. The only way to secure Roman control of the entire island was to besiege and assault Karali. It is the main city of the island and in taking that we control the key point.

So Scipio Asina sent the orders out for us to do so.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn3-SiegeofSardinia-Battle.jpg

The city was defended by a man named Carthalo, a man more suited to books and tax figures than warfare; however his bodyguards are tough to a man. They would rather die than run.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn3-SiegeofSardinia-Enemy.jpg

We deployed outside the city, us true Romans on one side and the Allies coming from another street. We marched down through the streets, the citizens baring their way. Vile propaganda and slanderous lies spread by the Carthaginians must have reached their ears.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn3-SiegeofSardinia-Part1.jpg

Finally we reached the city centre. Standing there were a mere 80 men. We outnumbered them more than 10 to 1.

Yet they charged us anyway.

The hastate lead the counter charge, taking the brunt of the assault and paying dearly with blood for every one of these riders that they tore down. They were forced to withdraw from the combat because of the tremendous pressure, and then Scipio ordered us and the Triarii forward and the allies to flank (For our allies, the Lucanians and Samnites, are also armed with Spears).

We sheer amount of armour that these men carry made it almost impossible to kill the man directly, and as such we were forced to stab the horses, mainly around the eyes. Then when the man came to the ground, we would stab him with our daggers as many times as it took to take the man down.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn3-SiegeofSardinia-Part2.jpg

The men fell one by one, each one extracting a heavy toll on us, until finally they were all dead. We lost about 200 men that day father, including almost a third of the Principes. I lost some friends, and saw some things I will never forget, yet this battle taught me to respect the bravery of these Carthaginians. I have nothing to praise these men for, save this.

So we took the town and sold the people into slavery. Scipio became quite rich from this and is now looking quite likely to get a triumph. I pray to Mars that I will be there to march beside him that day.

So for now we wait in the town and have started to pacify the rebellious minorities. They will learn respect, even if we have to beat it into them. We await a garrison force so that we may continue on. There are whispers that our next target will be Corsica. If so, then we still face another fight, though not as hard as what I have seen on this island. I have seen things here I will never forget.

Your son, with love as always,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Dooz
02-25-2007, 06:45
Good entry, but a little suggestion if you will. Considering there are going to be (I assume) many more battles and events to come, many much larger and more decisive, I'd recommend you save up your reports for bigger battles. Reason being, you don't want to get burned out writing up every single report. You could always mention the other happenings in passing, but save the big write-ups for the big battles. Of course, this might be what you're going for intentionally, given that it's a first person type thing where every battle he partakes in is counted, and that's fine. I'm just saying so you don't get tired early on basically.

Then again, I guess if you only report battles the 3rd legion is in, it won't be too much... not like if it was every battle of every legion. Anyhoo! I will be reading whatever you will be writing my friend. :2thumbsup: Keep it coming.

CountArach
02-25-2007, 07:16
Good entry, but a little suggestion if you will. Considering there are going to be (I assume) many more battles and events to come, many much larger and more decisive, I'd recommend you save up your reports for bigger battles. Reason being, you don't want to get burned out writing up every single report. You could always mention the other happenings in passing, but save the big write-ups for the big battles. Of course, this might be what you're going for intentionally, given that it's a first person type thing where every battle he partakes in is counted, and that's fine. I'm just saying so you don't get tired early on basically.

Then again, I guess if you only report battles the 3rd legion is in, it won't be too much... not like if it was every battle of every legion. Anyhoo! I will be reading whatever you will be writing my friend. :2thumbsup: Keep it coming.

Yeah I am only reporting the fights from the 3rd Legion. That is what allows me to make it far more detailed. But I won't write about every little battle or event. In fat, if he hadn't killed 200 of my men, this would hardly have warranted a mention.

CaesarAugustus
02-25-2007, 19:56
Great AAR so far, Count Arach!! I like the idea of just following the progress of one legion.... it makes all of the battles more personal. Keep it up:2thumbsup:

CountArach
02-26-2007, 09:57
Chapter 4 – Counter-Siege
262BCE – Winter to 261 BCE – Autumn – The consulship of Lvcivs Valerivs Flaccvs and Tiberivs Otacilivs Crassvs

Father,

I find myself writing to you again. The hours are long; the days just seem emptier the longer I stay away from home. Little has been required of us through the spring, the summer and the autumn. We have been introducing an element of our good culture to the people of the island.

Our first step was to do this in Karali, thus cementing our control of the rebellious south. The fleet then dropped some leves off to take the garrison duties off our hands. They took over the south and we moved to the north. We have been garrisoned there ever since.

We stayed in this simple camp through summer and autumn. It is now moving towards winter, and I keep thinking this will be my last. Let me explain:

After our capture of Karali, the Carthaginians landed a small contingent outside the city. We thought nothing of it at the time, so we moved away and left the garrison in charge of the city.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn4-Winter262.jpg

Well just a week ago word arrived that the garrison had been entirely killed by this small contingent. We were all amazed. The leves had outnumbered the enemy 4 to 1. Karali had fallen back into the enemy’s hand.

We were about to break camp, the Scipio realised 2 things. For 1 we would be bogged down by the snow that was soon to arrive, and for another we also heard tell of a small army from Corsica who had landed on the island to challenge us.

Scipio decided we would stay put and let them come to us.

And they did.

They besieged our camp, and that is where we sit now. I know that I cannot send this, but still I find myself longing to talk to you again. But I must serve my country. Rome must prevail.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261.jpg

Your son, with all the love of the Gods,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Dooz
02-26-2007, 10:23
God I love BI. I wonder what composition that besieging army is made up of. This sure puts a stint on the III's plans.

CountArach
02-27-2007, 05:32
lol, pretty much what I thought. It means that after the battles to retake Sardinia I will have to return to Italy for reinforcements! Gah!

Next chapter should be coming soon, but I can't promise anything ;)

CountArach
02-27-2007, 08:14
Chapter 5 – Retaking Sardinia
261 BCE – Winter – The consulship of Lvcivs Valerivs Flaccvs and Tiberivs Otacilivs Crassvs

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261.jpg

Father,

As I told you last time, we found ourselves besieged at the very end of last month. However, all that has now changed. Let me explain.

The first order that Scipio Asina gave to us was to break camp. We marched out in battle order and assaulted those who were besieging us.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia.jpg

He had all the infantry (Including myself) deploy in front of the main gate. To our left were the Accensi and their slings as well as the cavalry.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-Pa.jpg

We marched out towards our enemy. Their spears were reflecting the sun right into our eyes. It was frightening father, though I should not admit that. But this is the plain and honest truth. The grass came up to my chest, it was as if I was wading through the water as I first did when coming on to this island.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-1.jpg

Our leves hurled all their spears, the slingers unloaded their ammo and our men threw all their Pila into the enemy’s ranks. The enemy just stood there and took it. They just stepped forward over their fallen comrades and awaited our charge.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-2.jpg

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-3.jpg

Then we charged.

We ran forward towards our opponents, together with our one-time enemy’s, the Samnites. Together and with a resonating crash we hit their lines. Our Pila had started to tell on their numbers and as such we were able to surround them.


Finally they broke and only revenge for our fallen friends was in our minds. The Samnites continued on with the Rorarii and charged the second line of infantry that our men had deployed. However, our centurion, Marcus, ordered us to turn to our left. We carried out the order and saw the Hastati and Lucanians fighting valiantly against superior numbers of enemies.

We marched at the enemy’s rear.

And by the Gods did we charge.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-4.jpg

Finally, the enemy ran out of reinforcements and we were able to grind down the final enemy detachments. They broke and our cavalry pursued them.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-5.jpg

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn8-Winter261-BattleofSardinia-6.jpg

So now we were free of our camp, but we still had one task remaining before the winter was done. We had to fight for Karali yet again.

This time though the garrison was much smaller and the enemy were tired. The locals still caused some casualties amongst our men, but we retook the town without a worry.

So now we are back in total control of the island. There are whispers that we will be returning home next year, or perhaps the year after, but I try not to get my hopes up. The Carthaginian navy still rules the seas. They patrol near us every day, though so far we have not seen anyone disembark.

So father, it appears that I am still alive. I look forward to being reunited with you.

You loving and dutiful son,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Dooz
02-27-2007, 09:36
Hey, looks like Spvurivs' cohort killed the (2nd) most enemies out of all the infantry. A commendation for the man! He'll climb the ranks in no time, I'm sure.

However this was still a testing grounds one must admit. A group of levies, untrained, unarmoured, unskilled poenis lead by a lowly captain! I still await the future, where Spvurivs Cordivus' mettle will be put to the test in a real battle. Outnumbered, outgunned, outclassed (or so they would have you believe!).

Iupiter speed young SC.

Boyar Son
02-28-2007, 03:07
I've read AAR's and yours is great, no, superb!

A story on a single legion is a fresh idea.

But watch out, if you dont want you story to end then

protect spurivs' maniple!

CountArach
02-28-2007, 03:51
Hey, looks like Spvurivs' cohort killed the (2nd) most enemies out of all the infantry. A commendation for the man! He'll climb the ranks in no time, I'm sure.

Let's just say I have plans for him ;)


However this was still a testing grounds one must admit. A group of levies, untrained, unarmoured, unskilled poenis lead by a lowly captain! I still await the future, where Spvurivs Cordivus' mettle will be put to the test in a real battle. Outnumbered, outgunned, outclassed (or so they would have you believe!).

You are right, Sardinia is a fairly soft target (Though I have still lost probably close to a third of the legion since I arrived). I can't wait until much later in their 'life' to see what kind of opponents they wil come up against and how they will fair. I suppose I could move them to Sicily where there are several better opponents, but Carthage just hasn't got the numbers there to contend with me. We'll see what comes up later on.


I've read AAR's and yours is great, no, superb!

A story on a single legion is a fresh idea.


Wow! Thanks heaps! Great to hear that everyone so far has liked it.


protect spurivs' maniple!

lol that's why I chose the Principes, sitting nicely in the centre of my line. Nicely protected on all sides. I make sure to follow him every battle.

Kushan
02-28-2007, 05:32
Excellent AAR. First one that I've seen thats focused on a single unit/legion. CA you've inspired me to start keeping my own AAR, although I've yet to post anything on it.

Glad to see the 3rd survived Sardinia. Wish I could say the same thing for my 1st and 2nd legions at Taras...both were effectively put out of action for at least a year in that assault. Not to mention they failed to take Taras....

Kushan

CountArach
02-28-2007, 06:19
Thanks Kushan! Wow, I've inspired people.

Justiciar
02-28-2007, 06:21
To echo the words of others, this is a bloody brilliant AAR, Arach. A novel idea, too. Keep it up! :2thumbsup:

paullus
02-28-2007, 06:26
i like the perspective, and you've put together a nice choice of screens, too. even if that last battle was against a bunch of poeni levies, at least they kept some level of cohesion, and the BI naval abilities are just soooo cool.

Warluster
02-28-2007, 07:13
As you know I love this AAR ( As I stated earlier in Post #3) and have to agree with all other posts, this is a great story. I wonder if 3rd legion will go out of italy?

CountArach
02-28-2007, 07:25
Thanks Justiciar!

Thanks Paullus! Your right, BI adds so much to the game, especially with the naval invasions. If you look carefully at part 1 you will see some Carthaginians laying seige to Capua :P

I hope so Warluster, and I have my grand strategy for winning the islands worked out. They should see some real action in a few years.

Orb
02-28-2007, 10:07
Brilliant perspective! Love it!

Omanes Alexandrapolites
02-28-2007, 10:19
:thumbsup:

Kushan
02-28-2007, 10:19
Does converting to BI add anything significant other then naval invasions? Been debating on switching but don't want to start my Rome campaign over again unless its worth it.

Kush

Ludens
02-28-2007, 17:39
Does converting to BI add anything significant other then naval invasions? Been debating on switching but don't want to start my Rome campaign over again unless its worth it.
The A.I., both on the battle map and in the campaign, appears to be somewhat improved, but don't expect a huge differences.

Obelics
02-28-2007, 22:23
very good start with this aar count, im trying the romans too, and im curious how you will progress in it, and how it will go with your legion. Concise and effective and some very nice shots! (cant remember when i fought my last fort battle, i have to try the eb forts)
keep it up with the red bulls mate:boxing: salut!

Boyar Son
03-01-2007, 00:19
When is the next insallment coming out?

And I hope the 3rd will go to Spain and Africa, and fight faction leader led armies that are somewhere around 14-16 units including elephants that will decide the fate of a city or the fate of the army.

Not to much to ask...

CountArach
03-01-2007, 06:28
lol, well I've got the game open on my other computer, so probably this afternoon or tomorrow. As to an invasion of a worthwhile place, I would look a few chapters in the future ;)

@ Kushan - I highly recommend doing it. The naval invasions alone are worth it. Thee battlemap AI is a lot better, and I believe the reinforcement AI is as well.

@ Obelics - Thanks mate! It means a lot coming from you. As you know you were one of the people who got me interested in AARs in the first place.

Cheexsta
03-01-2007, 09:00
Does converting to BI add anything significant other then naval invasions? Been debating on switching but don't want to start my Rome campaign over again unless its worth it.

Kush
Switching to the BI.exe is savegame compatible...

CountArach
03-01-2007, 11:26
Chapter 6 – Third Battle of Sardinia
261 BCE – Spring to 257 BCE – Summer – The consulship of Gaivs Atilivs Regvlvs and Gnaevs Cornelivs Blasio

Father,

It is I again. I am sorry if you have been concerned about my health, but there is not much worth telling you in recent years. As you know in 259 Cnaevs Cornelivs Blasio was elected consul and Cnaevs Scipio Asina was elected Praetor. He was put in charge of Sardinia, and we were the legion assigned to him.

We learnt in the autumn after that that Cornelivs Blasio had captured the city of Lilibeo with the first and second legion. So the war in Sicily was over in 259. The men there were freed up for other theatres, yet for some reason unfathomable to me high command chose not to capitalize on this. Yet we in the field did not mind. Each of us was given a free Punic slave, which you have undoubtedly received by now.

Then a year later, in 258, we finally left the island and moved north to capture Corsicum.

Very little happened there that is worth mentioning. Suffice to say we took the town fairly easily.

Yet something interesting did come out of it. The Senatores in Rome noticed our efforts, particularly that of Scipio, so much so that they granted Scipio the title Africanvs. He would bear that in his name for as long as he was to remain alive.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn13-Winter258.jpg

Yet our departure from Sardinia was not a permanent thing. We received word, once again, that Sardinia was under assault. I am starting to believe that the island is not worth the men we have lost on the island. Since we arrive we have lost a third of our legion. Many of my friends have perished since arrival. These Carthaginians have much to answer for.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Turn20-Winter258.jpg

This time the leves arrived much faster, and we were able to depart within the year. We engaged the enemy just outside the town. The garrison of Karali made our numbers almost equal with that of our enemies. Our enemies are a mixture of elite units and citizen militia. Surely their people must be getting tired of this war.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia.jpg

So deployed in our formation and advanced. I had not noticed just how many Hastati had died recently. There were almost none of them left, though the deployed resolutely and determinedly in front of us. I was determined not to let these guys die.

The enemy split off in two parts. The majority of their army deployed opposite us, yet a few units were detached to attack the garrison of Karali.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part1.jpg

The enemy started to advance towards us. We unleashed our Pila on them and many of them dropped, yet some of the enemy charged anyway. The Samnites engaged them. I am so glad they are on our side now. I have nothing but respect for those who subjugated them.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part2.jpg

Yet it seemed that some of the enemy had chosen not to charge. They started to redeploy to both sides. So, sensing their weakness, our centurion, Marcvs Frontinivs, ordered the charge.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part3.jpg

We engaged some of the Libyans. These people are not the same as the standard Punic citizen we have fought, they are different. These people can fight and have much better equipment.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part4.jpg

I pushed towards the front and was determined to get a kill, yet the enemy brought support up before I could. Some of their Numidian skirmishers had charged us. These barely armed and barely armoured people could hardly even think of standing up to us, the pick of Roma’s crop.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part5.jpg

These men broke just as easily as all others that we have fought. We turned to our left and saw the Triarii heavily engaged by a mixture of the enemy elites and some citizens. We charged them too.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part6.jpg

This time Marcvs Frontinivs and I charged first, we were at the front of the group.

It was the most exhilarating feeling I have ever had, and the start of my new life.

Marcvs and I fought side by side, waiting for some support from our unit. My sword was knocked away early on, yet I started to get under the enemy’s spears and flailed around with my fists. I picked up a dead man’s sword and struck two more of the enemy down. Marcvs went with me to here.

Yet no further.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part7.jpg

Just as support arrived, Marcvs was struck. The enemy spears were all pointed at him and they were all striking one at a time. He could not block every blow. I watched as he was struck once in the side, then fell and was repeatedly hit. I had to tear my eyes away as the man in front of me was transfixed through his head.

I had to take charge.

I ordered the men to redouble their efforts, and raising the standard high, I yelled Marcvs’ name up to the Gods. The Principes and Hastati charged once more.

The enemy just fled.

We ran them down.

Mercilessly.

So few of the enemy were left alive, and we had lost very few of our own.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part8.jpg

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/Summer-257-BattleOfSardinia-Part9.jpg

Then Scipio Africanvs approached me.

“Spvrivs Cordivs, I hereby promote you to the rank of Centurion. You are going to be in command of the entire Maniple of Principes. I saw what you did during that battle, and you clearly deserve it. Do me proud.”

So father, I am now a centurion! I have raised our family’s standing. We can be proud of our name once again.

Your ever loving, and newly promoted son,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Orb
03-01-2007, 18:53
Great narrative, as usual

Kushan
03-01-2007, 20:09
Switching to the BI.exe is savegame compatible...

Wish I would have known that before saving over my old campaigns. Oh well.

Another great entry. I find myself constantly checking this thread waiting for the next chapter. Keep it up :)

Kushan

Dooz
03-01-2007, 20:40
Maybe they should call him Scipio Sardinius? Jeez, those Carthies just won't let go of Karali will they? Decent army they brought this time too, and Spvurivs proved his worth. But hey, if he didn't like fighting without a sword at some point, he'd better get used to it as a centurion, heh. He'll be flailing around without one most of the time (I don't know why it isn't fixed, or if it even can be). A hearty congradulations to Cordivs, whose unit again got the 2nd most kills of the infantry. Huzzah!

CaesarAugustus
03-02-2007, 00:27
Nice screenshot of the Hastati's face getting skewered! Where do you think you will send the 3rd after Sardinia, CountArach?

Boyar Son
03-02-2007, 00:47
Cool

If Syracuse is secured then move to Spain. Got to see some action in Hispania.

And it will be much harder for Spvrivs to be kept alive. Back then it was easy for him to be alive from the indistinguishable (sp?) troops, now we all know which one he is:help:

Rilder
03-02-2007, 06:17
Cool

If Syracuse is secured then move to Spain. Got to see some action in Hispania.

And it will be much harder for Spvrivs to be kept alive. Back then it was easy for him to be alive from the indistinguishable (sp?) troops, now we all know which one he is:help:

IIRC he was the standard bearer.

Great aar btw.

CountArach
03-02-2007, 07:42
Thanks Orb!

Good to hear Kushan! Always love to hear that people check back every day.

lol, tell me about it Wonderland! They also just landed the remnants of that army on Sardinia, but damn it! I am NOT going back there!

Well, CaesarAugustus, you will have ot find out next chapter :tongue2:

As Rilder said K COSSACK, he was already the Signifer (The standard bearer).

Thanks Rilder!

Boyar Son
03-02-2007, 22:54
Ouch... I'm ashamed...:oops:

CountArach
03-03-2007, 08:41
Chapter 7 – Invasion of Iberia
257 Autumn to 254 Spring – The consulship of Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio and Avlvs Atilivs Calatinvs

Father,

Much has happened, and I can not guarantee that this will reach you, however I must do something to distract myself from my throbbing head.

I keep thinking back to the autumn of 257. As you remember we marched in Scipio’s Ovation. It was amazing, and I can not wait until we march in a triumph, which this man so clearly deserves.

Our auxiliaries were disbanded, having served in our armies for long enough. Some new Samnites were recruited into our armies, as they were judged to have served far better than the Lucanians. In addition our depleted ranks were filled by more good Roman soldiery. I have made it a personal goal to take some of these men under my wing.

We remained in Italy until the spring of 255. Then we departed Capua.

For Iberia.

We landed the next year. First of all we unloaded the extra troops we had brought along for garrison purposes. We then besieged Mastia, the primary city in the south east.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-TheLanding.jpg

Sure enough within a week of us setting up there the enemy army attacked our positions, supported by the garrison of the town. The enemy army was a mixture of citizens and Iberians. However, the garrison of the town was completely different. They were small, but they were all heavy cavalry.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Battle.jpg

This would be my first battle as centurion of the Principes and I had to make it count. We deployed in battle formation and waited.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part1.jpg

The battle started with the enemy coming across the field to us and our skirmishers both clashing. We had superior numbers and that started to tell, but eventually the enemy brought up some citizens to support them, so the skirmishers withdrew to safety behind the lines.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part2.jpg

The leves withdrawing offered a reason for the enemy to approach us and charge. As they did so we unleashed hell upon them. Our Pila killed many men in the confused mass.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part3.jpg

Those who survived charged us. My men help their ground. I felt a swell of pride in my chest. They were willing to die for me. The God’s know that many would by the end of the day.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part4.jpg

As the combat wore on more support was brought up for the enemy and they started to approach the left side of the line where I awaited them. They came and I slew them. They came and they died.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part5.jpg

The combat lasted a long time. To our left the Hastati were surviving well against superior enemy numbers. To our right there was madness. The Rorarii, some Samnites and Scipio Africanvs were fighting against a hoard of enemies.

Yet the enemy started to waver and finally they broke. We ran them down, just as we had run down all those who had tried to take Sardinia from our hands.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part6.jpg

We still had the garrison to deal with. The enemy, who I am later told was led by one Bisaltes charged our unit first. We had almost no time to prepare.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part7.jpg

And I paid the price for not being prepared.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part8.jpg

I was knocked down and wounded by a blow to the side of my head. I just remember a huge figure bearing down upon me, something hitting me in the side of the head and then there was just blackness.

I am told that the Principes and my new Signifer Camillivs Scaepio struck forward to protect my prone body. Apparently the auxiliaries and Rorarii managed to surround the enemy bodyguard; however they and their accompanying Iberian cavalry managed to get away fast enough to have half of them survive.

We would have to kill the rest another day.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part9.jpg

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Spring-Part10.jpg

Well I woke up and was told we had won a massive victory. My wound was only superficial and I was able to walk around a couple of days later. I am writing this two days later again and I still have a headache, but nothing worse than a hangover from Rome’s great taverns.

So father all that we need to do now is take on the city of Mastia.

We will win.

Your son,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Omanes Alexandrapolites
03-03-2007, 08:48
Another great instalment CountArach :bow:

Dooz
03-03-2007, 09:44
Oo, close call. ~;)

On to the city! Let's hope the don't have another large force en route before you have enough siege equipment to attack. City assaults are a bloody afair. Beware Spvrivs!

CountArach
03-03-2007, 09:47
Fret ye not! I have 3 rams built and ready for the siege!

I'm going to make sure that Spurius Survives... no matter what!

Boyar Son
03-03-2007, 18:49
Spvrivs got knocked down and got up? or was he killed?

Speaking on what actually happened, not how the story says it.

Kushan
03-03-2007, 19:33
Even if Spvrivs was "killed" on the battlefield, I'm CA isn't going to kill him off.

Kushan

CountArach
03-03-2007, 20:57
He was killed... but it is getting later in this legion's history so I don't want to have to start a new character.

Also as a side note, when Marcus died in the first battle, those are the Hastati Centurion and Signifer shown. Just wanted to advance the plot and seemed like a good opportunity.

CountArach
03-05-2007, 07:59
Chapter 8 – Tragedy Befalls
254BCE – Autumn to 252BCE – Spring – The consulship of Marcvs Aemilivs Pavllvs and Avlvs Atilivs Calatinvs

Father,

It has been a busy 18 months and I must say some of the saddest. Let me start at the beginning.

It all started with the besieging of Mastia, the Carthaginian headquarters in the area. Though we had defeated the army and the garrison previously, there were still some of them left.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Battle.jpg

Myself and my uit were put in charge of one of the three rams. We were to support the main thrust upon the gate from the flank.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part1.jpg

Yet Scipio Africanvs had forgotten to put out sentries to look for the relieving army.

And they came up behind us.

Everyone except ourselves and Rorarii formed up in a crude, simple battleline to combat this threat. We watched on.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part2.jpg

I am told that the fighting was almost as fierce as some of the fighting in our previous battle. These men were desperate to save their town and the beloved man inside it leading their garrison.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part3.jpg

The fighting was over eventually over though and Scipio Africanvs ordered the attack on the city to begin. We pushed the ram up to the walls and knocked them down as fast as we were able.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part4.jpg

We advanced through the town and the enemy general came out to meet us, accompanied by his loyal Sacred Band cavalry. He chased down the Accensi who went out to meet him.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part5.jpg

They then charged the Samnite Spearmen, who quickly started to waver under the pressure. But our much loved Scipio Africanvs held them in line. He offered encouragement and even Roman citizenship to some of them. To think, Citizenship? That oversteps even his bounds.

I led my men through a couple of back streets and came up at the Sacred Band’s exposed behind. We charged them.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part6.jpg

They held for a long time and many of my men were killed, but we gave as good as we got.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part7.jpg

The result of the battle had never been in doubt. There could only be one result for the 3rd Legion, the pride of Rome.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part8.jpg

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/254-Autumn-Part9.jpg

So the town was ours! Yet, not everything would be simple. The next couple of season invoved us pacifying some of the more rebellious tribes and setting up a system of tribes allied and loyal to Rome. They were happy with this for the time being. However, as soon as Scipio even thought of leaving Mastia there was mutterings of rebellion and disloyalty to Rome.

Scipio came to be relied upon in the city. They needed him to be there to keep the peace and we needed him to lead us to victory once again. It was a dilemma, and I am afraid he made the wrong choice.

He chose to stay within the confines of the town, primarily within the palace.

One morning we found him in his bed, blood all around him and a dagger in his throat.

On his bedside table was a message, written in the foul letters of these Iberians.

We called for a slave, a slave who was what passed for “educated” here. He read the message to himself and laughed.

“It says, ‘Leave now or your men shall all die this death.’ I guess he didn’t get the message.” The Iberian just continued to chuckle to himself the whole time. I drew my sword and slew the insolent wretch where he stood.

So now we were without Scipio Africanvs.

Without hope.

The Tribunes and my fellow centurions all got together and called a council of war on what to do. We agreed to bring the legion into the town. The people would be uneasy and we had to be ready for them.

We did not have to wait long. They came two weeks later.

At the same time in several parts of the town beacons were lit. At least, what looked like beacons. In actua fact they were the tents of the legions being set alight by rioters.

A warning went out to all who were still alive. We were to meet in the palace of the former Governor.

Most of the men made it back in time and we held that for the remainder of the night, whilst the mobs burned our property and what men could not find safety.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Riots.jpg

We departed the following morning.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Leaving.jpg

Now father, we look to return to Roma.

One man short.

Your loving son,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Boyar Son
03-05-2007, 15:43
Those that could not find safety must have been killed, instead of being "one man short".

And are you sure you couldnt have held that town?

Sort of dismayed that all the loss of the city after all the fighting to get it.

Kushan
03-05-2007, 20:20
And are you sure you couldnt have held that town?

CA might have been able to, but without a general what is a legion to do?

Kushan

Boyar Son
03-05-2007, 20:29
CA might have been able to, but without a general what is a legion to do?

Kushan

Wait for a new general to come of course!

Though of course the army will probably be depleted by the time he gets there.

And I saw your mod for MTW 2 Kushan, great mod is it done? I browsed a little. And do you know where to get patches for MTW 2?

Dooz
03-06-2007, 00:26
Wow, now that's intense. He was actually assasinated in-game right? Hell of a twist. Those Iberian towns are indeed difficult to keep under control, especially with a depleted legion and no governor. Maybe if they'd stayed on to fight, Spvrivs might have actually gotten promoted to General himself? ~;)

In any case, it's good the men are coming back home, get resupplied and all. Can't wait 'till they get a new commander and go back there for revenge!

Boyar Son
03-06-2007, 00:32
Yeah and when they rebel make sure to wipe out entire tribes as Rome did!

Seriously, crucify those filthy barbarians.

Kushan
03-06-2007, 03:40
And I saw your mod for MTW 2 Kushan, great mod is it done? I browsed a little. And do you know where to get patches for MTW 2?

Am working on Rise of kings v2.0 now, but I'm waiting for v1.2 before continuing. I'll pm you the link to the v1.1 patch, but v1.2 should be out any day now.

Sorry for being off topic CA. If one legion is not enough, send 4 :P Nothing like good old fashion overkill for revenge.

Kushan

CountArach
03-06-2007, 06:46
@ K COSSACK - You think your disappointed? This was to be my big surprise! Gah! What a waste of men. As to being "One Man Short" it was a rteference to Scipio being the only worthwhile man left behind.

@ Kushan - Yes I could have held it, though even with low taxes it was at 70% happiness. I was not gonna tie up the third legion for however many years until I could pump up the garrison. Also being OT doesn't bother me :wink:

@ Wonderland - Indeed, the AI really shocked me. All my legions will now be travelling with a spy :P. As to returning to Iberia, I don't think it is worth it. More glory can be found closer to home. *HINT HINT*

Dooz
03-06-2007, 07:37
For shame, CA! What kind of message are you sending those barbarian, rebelling filth if you just leave when they make a bit of noise? Rome hath more honor than that man. Iupiter demands it!

Kushan
03-06-2007, 07:44
I'd go back. You cant let the barbarian heathen get away with killing Scipio. You'll probably take them at some point in the future, why not sooner?

Kushan

CountArach
03-06-2007, 07:45
I suppose so... Perhaps this is a call for a consul!

Jarardo
03-06-2007, 08:00
Nice read CA, thanks

CountArach
03-06-2007, 08:21
My pleasure Jarardo :bow:

Boyar Son
03-07-2007, 01:07
CountArach, the Iberians mock you. Your soldiers lie dead, while the barbarians are ploting the destruction of civilization and ROMA.

Clearly you cannot return to Roma in defeat. If you do retrain and re equip.

How ya gonna let this stand? go back and annihalate that town, Roma did it in history, so it should prove effective. In fact, when you conquer it back ( if it rebels) crank up the taxes on whats left of the populace.:furious3:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus
03-07-2007, 01:09
Yeah, if that had happened to me, I would have abandoned the town, let it rebel, and then retake and exterminate it.

CountArach
03-07-2007, 03:43
Yeah, if that had happened to me, I would have abandoned the town, let it rebel, and then retake and exterminate it.

Except I have no general there, so my legion really can't do anything (An unwritten rule of mine).

Dooz
03-07-2007, 06:02
Yeah, it's awesome the way CA did it. It's more epic. A big loss like that, such a turn of events. A key character getting assasinated overseas, legion abandons settlement without leader, returns to Rome, regroup, attack. It's genius.

CountArach
03-07-2007, 06:27
Yeah, it's awesome the way CA did it. It's more epic. A big loss like that, such a turn of events. A key character getting assasinated overseas, legion abandons settlement without leader, returns to Rome, regroup, attack. It's genius.

Wow! i'm popular :2thumbsup:

Gonna go play the next chapter out now :tongue2:

CountArach
03-08-2007, 07:26
Chapter 9 – Homeward Bounds
252BCE – Spring – The consulship of Marcvs Aemilivs Pavllvs and Avlvs Atilivs Calatinvs

My Dearest Father,

As I told you last letter, though it probably hasn’t reached you when I am writing this, we were forced to evacuate Iberia, due to the assassination of Scipio Africanvs. We were preparing to march onto our boats, yet it turns out that our work there was not done.

We were approached by an enemy force consisting mainly of the elite enemy soldiers left in Iberia. We had no idea where they had come, yet we then received word that Mastia had revolted back to Carthaginian hands. They had welcomed in a large garrison, of which these men were just a part.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-Withdraw.jpg

The tribunes ordered the men to withdraw. Most of our army comprised of men who were only trained for garrison duty, and were not allowed to fight in battles for this reason. Our legion was badly battered, comprising about half the men we were sent over here with. So we withdrew.

They caught up to us anyway.

We were forced to do battle on the sea side. The view was marvellous; however we had no time for such pleasures. We had a hard job to do today.

The tribunes formed us up into our standard battle line, though we were so battered that we took up only half the space. The cavalry were the only section of the army close to untouched.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-1.jpg

We awaited our foe, advancing a short way to reach slightly more favourable ground. We did not have to wait long. A section of the Libyan Spearmen charged into my maniple and that of the Samnite’s.

This fight was always going to be a hard one, and I received several small wounds in the service of my homeland. I know that Rome appreciates the blood I bleed for her.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-2.jpg

Eventually we killed all the Libyans in our immediate vicinity, leaving the others to the Samnites, yet the Hastati were still facing stiff competition from their foes. I wheeled the maniples around and we charged into the rear of more of the Libyans.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-3.jpg

The fighting here was also brutal, with no quarter given or taken. Even with my men and the Hastati, we were outnumbered. Yet we had the hatred we felt from the assassination of Scipio on our side.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-4.jpg

Eventually the ferocity we possessed, as well as fresh Rorarii reserves, overcame their superior numbers, and they broke and ran.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-5.jpg

To my flank though, I saw the Samnites and the Triarii under horrible stress. In addition to the Libyans, they were under assault from some of the Iberian Heavy Infantry. I ordered my men to wheel, as well as taking charge of the Rorarii, and we both charged into the rear of the Iberians.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-6.jpg

Surprisingly, even with our enemy surrounded and tiring fast, I could feel the fight slipping from our hands.

Then the Equites arrived.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-7.jpg

The Equites closed the trap and gave the enemy nowhere to run to, as well as killing whole swathes of the enemy. The two Tribunes who were with them were leading the fight, hacking and slashing to both sides.

Eventually though, the Equites too started taking casualties. However, by then the fight was over. The Iberians were forced to fight back-to-back, awaiting the death by our swords.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-8.jpg

The battle was over with their demise.

I was later told that the Levies and the other Samnites had been fighting more of these Iberians. They had fought well, but never had a chance of winning. The Iberians had turned to surround us, and crisis was only averted by our garrison troops. They swarmed forward and charged the Iberians, determined to sell their lives for their country.

There was no need, the Iberians fled before their numbers.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-9.jpg

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/252-Spring-Part2-10.jpg

So the battle was a success, yet again we were forced to bleed for a pointless battle, defending land we no longer had control over.

I am starting to hate the army father. I need glory, yet it is only presenting me with wasted life.

Your loving son,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Dooz
03-08-2007, 10:03
Well, I mean they're just asking for it now. Trying to add insult to injury, to ROME no less! If there were any doubts about going back and exacting harsh revenge, they've surely been erased now. Lets just hope Spvrivs and the boys can get out of there and make it home in one piece until then.

Kushan
03-08-2007, 15:55
Now for the long trip back across the med. Watch out for Carthaginian fleets?

Kushan

Boyar Son
03-08-2007, 22:34
Cool,cool

But the hard way (I tried and you have to be some general to pull this off) is to only have the hastati engage. Then when they're tired you let the princapes forward and so on. And have them on defensive stance. Much more difficult, if you tried it like that the 3rd legion would have been destroyed.

But still great AAR!

Warmaster Horus
03-08-2007, 23:16
Great! Cool! Super! What else is there to say?
I suppose it would be possible to have Spvrivs be promoted to General; you'd have to modify script.txt if you want. But I don't think it would be such a good idea. He'd be at a bigger risk that way(assassination).
Trivial question I'm sure but: how old is he? (this is nit-picking of course but by the way you've done things, this might be important.)
Keep it up! Great pics, perhaps you could show a larger view of the world map (carthaginian holdings, roman lands etc...)

Rilder
03-08-2007, 23:22
I spose he could of played out the campaign earlier till he had a general pop up for adoption and then start the aar...

Dooz
03-09-2007, 01:59
If it's actually possible to make Spvrivs a general through the script, that would awesome. I doubt it is though. Anyhoo, I wonder if they'll be traveling through hostile lands to get back to Rome, or through hostile waters. Neither prospect seems very good to me. Curious to see if ol' Spvr gets sunk or ambushed along the way.

Boyar Son
03-09-2007, 02:12
Retreating along a land path would be an awsome story. Sort of like Hannibal crossing the alps.

CountArach
03-09-2007, 02:21
Well, I mean they're just asking for it now. Trying to add insult to injury, to ROME no less! If there were any doubts about going back and exacting harsh revenge, they've surely been erased now. Lets just hope Spvrivs and the boys can get out of there and make it home in one piece until then.

You will have to see I guess.


Now for the long trip back across the med. Watch out for Carthaginian fleets?

Kushan

They are everywhere, mainly loading more troops into Sardinia! AGAIN! I have the first legion stationed there ATM.


But the hard way (I tried and you have to be some general to pull this off) is to only have the hastati engage. Then when they're tired you let the princapes forward and so on. And have them on defensive stance. Much more difficult, if you tried it like that the 3rd legion would have been destroyed.

The way the game engine works this is not possible. They do not stop when engaging Hastati, and the hastati can only take up a small section of teh line. If I could take 15 maniplesof Hastatia nd Principes, I would do this. I try to do so every game I play, but I just can't. I do use Stand Ground, but again with the game system it just doesn't work well when charging, so I take it off then.


I suppose it would be possible to have Spvrivs be promoted to General; you'd have to modify script.txt if you want. But I don't think it would be such a good idea. He'd be at a bigger risk that way(assassination).

Hmmm, wouldn't really work with the realism script, also he is being discharged from service in 7ish years.


Trivial question I'm sure but: how old is he? (this is nit-picking of course but by the way you've done things, this might be important.)
Keep it up! Great pics, perhaps you could show a larger view of the world map (carthaginian holdings, roman lands etc...)

He started military service in 272BC. The First Legion (His original assignment) was destroyed at Taras in 270BC. He started in the Third Legion in 262BC and will be discharged in 246BC. He started service at age 20, was discharged for the first time at 22, was enlisted again at age 30 so will be 46 at discharge. He is currently 39 I think.

Boyar Son
03-09-2007, 02:28
Dont forget, his dad cant live for as long as he can. Too bad, I feel sorry for his dad already.

CountArach
03-09-2007, 02:31
Yeah the Dad may die, I haven't decided yet...

Kushan
03-09-2007, 03:30
So are you going to continue the story of the 3rd after he is discharged? Even disbanding, and raising a new legion to replace it, what would prevent it from being the 3rd legion?

As far as what do to next, you could always just go strait for Carthage itself? Go for the throat.

Kushan

CountArach
03-09-2007, 03:44
As I said in the rules, after these guys are disbanded, there will be another 3rd Legion to take their place. Lets see if their record is going to be as sterling as these guys.

And I want more than 1 Punic War.

CountArach
03-11-2007, 01:40
Chapter 10 - The Last Great Deeds
252 – Spring to 247 – Winter - The Consulship of Lvcivs Caecilivs Metellvs, Nvmerivs Fabivs Bvteo

Dearest Sister,

Though your grief must still be great from our father’s passing away, I never-the-less must continue the catalogue of my experiences that I had sent to father over these last years.

Well as you know we returned to Roma in the spring of 251, and were reinforced. Father passed away in that time during his sleep, as you remember, and I was able to spend his last days with him. I was at his bedside, with you dear sister. Take solace in the fact that he was an old man; grieved by the death of my Mother all those years ago, and that he died peacefully after remarrying and giving birth to you, the ray of sunshine in his life.

I remember learning that Karali ad revolted and declared its independence. Fortunately the fourth Legion was on the island to help keep things under control.

We departed Roma in the autumn of that year, together with the first legion and our new commander, the Proconsul Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio. We were ready to exact revenge on the Carthaginians, even if it meant our own demise.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/LvcivsCornelivsScipio.jpg

After departing, we landed in the winter of 250 off the coast of Mastia, and immediately took up the siege.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/250-Winter-BesiegingMastia.jpg

However, the garrison of Mastia was so pathetic that it wasn’t even worth having both legions there. Cornelivs Scipio ordered the third legion to depart that fight and to board the ships again. We were off to besiege Gader. The first legion was kept under the control of an able Military Tribune, Tiberivs Sabvcivs Caepio.

We sailed and arrived there in the summer. We immediately took up the siege, and tried to goad the local enemy army into battle.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/249-Summer-Situation.jpg

Yet, it was not to be. They were commanded by an inept captain, their best general and head Sophet (Roughly their equivalent of a consul from what I can tell) being in Gader itself. We continued the siege for almost two more years, until finally Cornelivs Scipio had had enough. He ordered us to assault.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader.jpg

Our plan was similar to that of our other sieges. Except that this time, we were to spearhead the attack. Our spears would act as a strong deterrent to the enemy cavalry. The Hastati were to follow us, and the rest of the army was to do their best to take out the support soldiers. The Triarii were to act as reserves to assist us if things went wrong.

So we pushed our ram up to the gate, and I ordered it swung.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part1.jpg

And swung, and swung, until finally it smashed open.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part2.jpg

We marched up the main street, the Acensii taking up position in front of us. They let loose their pellets, and attracted the attention of the enemy general’s cavalry. They charged down the street, killing some of the slower Acensii.

Then they collided with us.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part3.jpg

It was terrifying. There was a wall to my left, a mass of my men to my right, and enemies arrayed out in front of me. As they collided there was the sound of several bones snapping next to me, as the man had braced too much with his shield. He dropped it and held his left arm. Unfortunately for him, no quarter was given by the enemy.

Eventually the momentum of their charge stopped, yet they just kept pressing forward. They started to push our formation back down the street, slowly by inexorably.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part4.jpg

Eventually we were pushed back to the Hastati, and they were forced to engage as well.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part5.jpg

I fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the chief Centurion of the Hastati, Svlpicivs Verro. We took down many of the enemy, and slowly made our way along the line, cheering our men onward, pushing back against the Cavalry.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part6.jpg

That is, until Verro was struck down. One of the enemies struck his sword, knocking it clean out of his hand, whilst another enemy struck high, taking advantage of his stunned state.

He never stood a chance.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part7.jpg

Yet eventually we slowly ground our enemy down and our weight of numbers carried the day. They fled and we started to loot the city. Killing anyone that we saw, no quarter was given, not even to the women and children. I know that you will find this barbaric of me, but sister, try to understand that I was angry; I had seen too many friends die, friends and countrymen, to not be angry.

We slaughtered them all.

Word later arrived that the First legion had succeeded in their siege of Mastia and had captured that as well. There were no more Carthaginian held settlements on Iberia.

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part8.jpg

Shortly after this fight, word arrived that the Senate had made peace with Carthage! I had done it! I had survived the Punic War!

https://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r44/CountArach/247-Spring-SiegeofGader-Part9.jpg

Now sister, once we are no longer needed to garrison this forsaken land, I shall return home and take up my role as the Paterfamilias. Fear not, I shall be with you soon and shall find you a good husband.

Your loving brother,
Spvrivs Cordivs

Kushan
03-11-2007, 02:46
How did he know there was going to be another Punic War? Seems like your getting a bit ahead of yourself. But as always a good read.

Kushan

CountArach
03-11-2007, 02:56
Yeah.. you are probably right...

*Edits*

Boyar Son
03-11-2007, 05:09
Geyeah! My predictions came true about his father passing away made it to the story!

Wait... I shouldnt be happy that his father gone...

How hard was it to get a ceasefire?

CountArach
03-11-2007, 05:14
Well I had been trying for several years before this invasion, and the invasion is partly a response to that. However, they came offering peace to me when I was in Iberia. I refused and after the conquest just went back and offered that and trade rights to them, and they accepted.

Lord Gruffles
03-11-2007, 16:19
That was a fun read, CA. Bravo! :2thumbsup:

Boyar Son
03-12-2007, 00:08
AH! shouldnt somebody post that a way to get ceasefire is by suddelny striking and quickly taking over provinces?

CountArach
03-12-2007, 06:07
I think it was because I no longer share a border with them.

Kushan
03-14-2007, 03:38
So whos the next target? Epeiros? Gaul? the Greeks? OR another go at Carthage?

Kushan

CountArach
03-14-2007, 04:25
Chapter 10 - The Last Great Deeds
246 – All – The Consulship of Manivs Otacilivs Crassvs, Marcvs Fabivs Licinvs

Dearest Sister,

I know that you were expecting me to be home by now, yet the third legion has once against been called to duty!

I told you of the Peace Treaty that was arranged with Carthage. Those filthy, lying bastards betrayed our trust and used the time that they gained from the peace treaty to stab us in the back and regather their strength.

Well news of the war reached us early in 246. Apparently, they laid siege to their former stronghold of Lilibeo with a small invasion force and the war had spread to our theatre.

The Carthaginians still had an army on the peninsula, and the decision to fight was made by Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio. However, we could not go straight away, we still had to get some of the loyal tribes to give us troops to garrison Gader. So we could only begin to seek an engagement in Autumn.

As the season for campaigning started to approach a close, the Carthaginians were getting more and more complacent, believing they could renew the hostilities next year. They started to become sloppy.

We caught them though, and forced them to battle.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle.jpg

The army was comprised mainly of natives of the island who had been pressed into service by some Carthaginian Loyals.

We deployed in our formation, for the last time, and got ready to show these Carthaginians once and for all who was superior. Our navy was there to prevent escape and to give us somewhere to retreat to.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part1.jpg

The battle started with the standard exchange of missiles

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part2.jpg

This was followed by an infantry and cavalry charge to ward our skirmishers off. They ran through our ranks and hid behind our army, pelting the enemy with missiles during the battle.

The Hastati took the brunt of the charge, and we were attacked by some stragglers who were attempting to flank the Hastati

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part3.jpg

In front of us was the most mayhem I have ever seen.

The enemy infantry had formed a disorganized, though potent, mass and had charged the Hastati and some Lucanians. The enemy cavalry was on our right of the line, hurling javelins into the fray, kicking up dust as they went.

So we hurled our javelins.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part4.jpg

And charged

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part5.jpg

The enemy quickly broke under the combined pressure of our charge and the redoubled efforts of the Hastati.

So we had broken most of their centre. That still left their elite troops.

Some men that they call Scutarii charged us. Their shields were huge and their spears razor sharp.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part6.jpg

Then I noticed the cavalry behind us.

I made preparations to withdraw our men behind the Triarii, then I realized the Triarii were engaged with some of these Iberians, aiding the Lucanians.

Thank Mars for Cornelivs Scipio.

He charged around the Triarii and into the enemy skirmisher cavalry, saving my men from being slaughtered. Many men, including yourself dear sister, have his foresight to thank for having their sons, brothers and fathers home.

Yet we still had the Scutarii to deal with. They were holding on, and the combat swung from one side to the other. I killed many men in this fight.

Eventually the Hastati had dealt with the last of their enemies, having re-engaged with some cavalry and some skirmishers, and turned to charge the rear of the eenemy.

This broke the last remnants of their morale.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part7.jpg

So my last battle, and the most glorious in our history was over, and I can now return home, knowing that I fully served the Republic. I would have given my life, but I did not have to.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part8.jpg

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/246-Winter-Battle-Part9.jpg

So now sister, I can return home and take command of the family and our estates.

With love,
Spvrivs Cordivs

CountArach
03-14-2007, 04:28
So that finishes off this legion. They can now return home and another legion can take their place.

No more Spvrivs Cordivs :(

Boyar Son
03-14-2007, 21:21
It wasn't the Carthaginians that called them scutarii, it was the Romans!

Too bad for Spvrivs though...but good that he had lived when Rome needed it's finest. Patriotic even though Rome as a politcal state is gone.

Well the name of the new character is,

LVCIVS DECIVS CAIUS

Good luck!

Kushan
03-15-2007, 06:56
Any chance we could see him back as a veteran soldier?

How many years was in between wars? Sometimes I think removing diplomats from RTW would be a good idea, every war would be a fight to the death :)

Kushan

CountArach
03-15-2007, 07:35
Are the images showing up for you guys?

EDIT: Well it appears that I have exceeded my bandwidth already! Wow, only took me about 3 weeks... I'll upload the last chapter to another album now, and I guess I'll see if that sorts out the problem.

Boyar Son
03-15-2007, 22:32
CountArach, how long are you going to have the 3rd legion going, or prepare for a long line of generations!

Shifty_GMH
03-16-2007, 15:19
Well done CA. I enjoyed reading your AAR. :2thumbsup:

CountArach
03-16-2007, 21:05
Thanks guys!

Should be another update today some time.

Boyar Son
03-16-2007, 21:22
Well the name of the new character is,

LVCIVS DECIVS CAIUS

Good luck!

Plz?

CountArach
03-16-2007, 21:29
Nah. The third name implies that he is nobility.

Boyar Son
03-16-2007, 22:49
Nah. The third name implies that he is nobility.

Therefore he should start of as triarii?

How 'bout LVCIVS DECIVS VITELLIVS ?

CountArach
03-16-2007, 23:16
Nope, I've already taken pictures for the next couple of chapters, and it is too late to change it now.

CountArach
03-17-2007, 08:18
Book 2 – A Prologue

And so the Third legion returned to their homes, their wives, their family.

Shortly after the disbanding of the legion, the 2nd Punic War was ended. Yet that was not going to be the end of the conflicts with Carthage. Peace was signed in the summer of 244, yet it proved only to be a temporary ceasefire, and hostility was renewed in the summer of 243. Carthage once again invaded Sardinia, as they had been doing for years now. They were fought off, and peace was restored the next year.

So Rome was now at peace with the entire world. Yet, the Senatores knew that nothing could last forever, so immediately another Third Legion was ordered to be drafted. In Italy alone two enemies had a presence. The Makedonians and the Koinon Hellenon, two rival Grecian factions, both had armies near Taras.

But for the moment the Second Legion was watching them, shadowing their every movement.

The Republic at 242BC

Italy
https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/242-Italy.jpg

Many road construction programs have occurred since the founding of the Republic, and now this has been seen right up the mainland. To the south are the two opposing Greek armies, shadowed by the second legion. The newly recruited third legion is stationed outside Rome.

Sicily
https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/242-Sicily.jpg

Sicily at this time is in upheaval. The second legion is supposed to be guarding the island, yet they have been recalled to watch the far more important Makedonians and Greeks. Yet, they can not afford to be gone for too long; for fear that the island’s valuable grain and trade will be lost.

Corsica and Sardinia
https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/242-CorsicaandSardinia.jpg

Corsica and Sardinia are Roman in name only. The constant attempts at these people’s freedom from our rule have lead to them rising up against authority on an almost daily basis. As can be seen, some of the richer people have even called in pirates to attempt to halt our operations.

Iberia
https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/242-Iberia.jpg

The first legion watches over the lands of Iberia, though they would have little chance of repulsing any real invasion. Fortunately though, the prospects of such an invasion are slim at best, with the Carthaginians obsession for Sardinia.

The world according to the Romans
https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/242-WorldMap.jpg

Things of interest include the Aedui having a massive upper hand against the Arverni. Makedon has expanded to their north, yet have not been capable of seizing the mainland of Greece. The Seleukid’s have kicked the Ptolemaic’s out of Asia Minor, whilst Syria remains heavily contested.

Meanwhile, in Rome

A young man ran into the Forum, crying out a message.

“The Makedonians have made a move! They are assaulting Taras! The cry to war has been issued and the legions shall have to answer it!”

And answer it, the third legion would.

Dooz
03-17-2007, 09:26
Oh man, that's the most awesome thing yet. A lot of cool A.I. stuff happening in your campaign here man. Maks and Greeks in Italy? What the hell? Nice uprisings going on in Sicily. Good report, I liked the style of showing different regions and a nice summary. Looking forward to the continuation.

CountArach
03-17-2007, 09:29
It will probably be a couple of days. I am spending the whole of tomorrow out paintballing.

Boyar Son
03-17-2007, 17:57
Why dont you create a fourth legion?

I dont see anyone guarding the northern border.

Well the name of the new character is

LVCIVS DECIVS VITELLIVS use that name so when ever you need a new character!

CaesarAugustus
03-17-2007, 18:16
Excellent entries so far! It looks like the third is going to spend most of its time cleaning up rebels, now. Maybe you could bribe some of them as auxiliaries. Is Scipio still going to lead the third or will they have a new general?

CountArach
03-17-2007, 19:55
Why dont you create a fourth legion?


They are on Sardinia. I am limiting myself to four legions for a while.


Maybe you could bribe some of them as auxiliaries. Is Scipio still going to lead the third or will they have a new general?

Hadn't thought of bribing them... hmmm, interesting idea.

I am afraid that Scipio has remained in Iberia to live out his days. Instead we will have his complete opposite politically. A Plebian :o

Alexander the Adequate
03-18-2007, 01:25
Very nice CA, i'll be following this mod awhile!:yes:

CountArach
03-20-2007, 07:09
Book 2 – Chapter 1 – First Actions
241 – Spring – The Consulship of Avlvs Manlivs Titvs Torqvatvs and Qvintvs Lvtativs Catvlvs Cerco

Dear Brother,

Well here I am - a part of the Roman Army. Pah! These Romans need good Samnite warriors like us to fight for them. They are utterly incapable of doing well for themselves!

As you know I have been called up by the Elders to form part of the Allied units for the Romans. For the Romans to even presume that I, the great grandson of one who gave his life for Samnite freedom, would ever ally with them! Pah! They are weak!

Yet, the Elders ordered it to be so, and so it must be done.

My regiment and I travelled north to Roma’s gates. One day our people will look down on those gates with triumph and plunder in their eye. We were met outside the walls by one Qvintvs Flavinvs Bradva. He is an old man, yet he is in touch with the people, something these Roman’s really lack.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1707-55-45-87.jpg

So we camped to the north of the gates, protecting the city and awaiting orders. Then word arrived to us that the Makedonians to our East had declared war on the Romans. I for one could not have cared less. I was going to serve my people whether or not there was a war, yet these pathetic Romans were all whimpering and wondering what was to be done.

Well the decision was made for them fairly quickly.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1707-56-14-35.jpg

Some of the Makedonians, a small contingent, had come down from the North of the Peninsula and were to lay siege to Rome. They had incited a popular revolution amongst the lower classes here, who were understandably eagre to throw off the chains of their oppressors.

I must admit that I was tempted to join them. I mean, who wouldn’t be. Yet in my heart I knew that I would be failing my countrymen.

We started by marching towards the Makedonians, probably the greatest threat of the two, yet they cowardly retreated, leaving the fighting to the revolutionaries.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1707-57-30-23.jpg

So we deployed in battle formation and set out to battle.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-00-50-75.jpg

My regiment, it must be noted, has lower quality weapons than these other Samnites who were with us, which is understandable because the other regiment is comprised mainly of our noblemen.

So anyway, we deployed in the standard Roman formation, with us guarding the Right flank, with these Rorarii in reserve. As if we need Romans to defend us! To our right was Qvintvs himself, watching over our actions.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-03-23-45.jpg

The standard exchange of missiles occurred, the levies killing many of the enemy, yet not taking enough missiles so that tough warriors like us Samnites could all make it to the front.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-08-20-95.jpg

Eventually though we reached the enemy line.

And charged.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-12-23-92.jpg

I killed many men in this fight brother. It was all the better knowing that I was killing the ones who had reduced us to nothing more than a client state.

The stories that father used to tell us are all true, brother. The sweat, the noise, the exhaustion. It is all true. It is dangerous in there brother, and I almost went to join father more than once.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-14-45-53.jpg

Eventually we managed to break their entire line. They fled like the cowardly Romans they are. Our cavalry pursued them until their right arms were sore and they were unable to kill any more.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-15-02-43.jpg

So now we had dealt with the Roman’s main problem - The Romans.

We advanced back towards the Makedonians, an equally cowardly people, and we managed to bring them to battle. They had little more than a handful of hoplites. How could the Roman’s be scared of such a small force? They are cowards.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-21-21-03.jpg

So we deployed as normal, and as we advanced, we let out loud cheers and clashed our weapons with our shields, inviting fear into our enemy’s hearts.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-22-36-96.jpg

We eventually got close enough to them that they broke ranks and charged. Their spears were razor sharp, yet they were never going to be a match for good Samnite steel.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-27-44-15.jpg

We managed to win the battle with only a handful of losses. I have learnt much of war these last few months, brother, and I know that I will continue to serve my people, even if it is whilst under the Roman yoke.

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-29-21-92.jpg

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/CountArach2/RomeTW-BI2007-03-1708-29-30-78.jpg

Your brother in honour,
Vibivs Postvmivs

Dooz
03-20-2007, 08:05
Awesome, Samnite angle. Oh those Makies, what were they thinking?

CountArach
03-20-2007, 08:14
Yeah I think a Samnite Angle should give this a real uniqueness about it. I haven't read another AAr with it.

And yeah... stupid Maks... though it gets much more interesting next turn...

antisocialmunky
03-20-2007, 15:08
Dear god, the one thing I despise about BI are these weird little stacks of allies that move into your land and sit there or besiege something and then die and then they ask for a ceasefire and do it again. I have half a mind to block all the alpine passes with masses of forts!!!

Nice checkerboard formation BTW.

Warmaster Horus
03-20-2007, 19:51
Great as usual! Like the idea of an allied warrior as the main character.

shlin28
03-20-2007, 20:20
I wonder where those rebel velites came from...

Boyar Son
03-20-2007, 23:26
Cool!

But his problem with the Romans is getting to me... no freind of Rome is no freind of mine.

CaesarAugustus
03-20-2007, 23:52
Great new installment! I really like the idea of the story being told from the perspective of a Samnite ally. It will be interesting to see where his loyalties lie if Samnite rebels spring up.

For those of you readers who are interested in pre-Roman Italic peoples, I recommend the mod-in-development Paeninsula Italica - Radices Imperii (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=216), which recreates Italy around the Fourth and Third centuries BC. The Samnites are among the factions that you can play as in the struggle to control Italy.

Sorry EB people for advertising another mod on your forum..

CountArach
03-21-2007, 03:18
@ Antisocialmunky - Yeah it is incredibly annoying, but the improved Ai and the naval invasions are worth it.

@ Warmaster Horus - Thanks! Great to hear!

@ shlin28 - Beats me... stupid Romans...

@ K COSSACK - lol, I was wondering who would be the first to say this.

@ CaesarAugustus - I hope to not find out... Also I have looked at that mod and it looks really promising, I will definitely try that.

Wolfman
03-21-2007, 05:05
Thanks for the link CaesarAugustus. Finally A mod were i can play the Samnites!!

Wolfman
03-21-2007, 05:10
P.S. I also like the Samnite angle CA. I think it's awesome to finally see the romans portrayed from the eyes of former enemys.

Shifty_GMH
03-22-2007, 15:04
Glad to see you continuing the story of the 3rd legion. Keep up the good work.

CountArach
03-27-2007, 09:17
Just so you know guys, I am in the middle of exams at the moment. However, I should have an update coming in teh next couple of days.

Orb
03-28-2007, 00:52
I like the new angle.

Great AAR!

CountArach
03-28-2007, 23:51
Book 2 – Chapter 2 – To Kill a Gaul
241 – Summer to 240 – Summer – The Consvlship of Gaivs Clavdivs Centho and Marcvs Sempronivs Tvditanvs

My Brother,

I hope this finds you well. Give my love to mother.

Well the last letter I sent you told you of the events of the spring of last year. Let me continue this story.

In the Summer of 241, the foolish Koinon Hellenon, the alliance of Greeks, besieged Taras. Why would they do such a thing? To strike properly at the Romans, one must strike at something they actually care about. That is why the Makedonians went for the capital, Roma.

We learnt that the Koinon Hellenon was soundly defeated by the second legion, almost undoubtedly because of Samnite strength at arms. So the Romans had secured Italy, at the cost of our men’s lives.

Shortly after, peace was secured and Rome had but one war being fought, and that was over Sardinia against Carthage, their eternal foe. The fourth legion had made the island their permanent residence and was fighting battles almost daily to help keep the island secure.

As for us, we were sent to Northern Italy.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2316-46-11-29.jpg

It quickly became apparent that we were there for expansion purposes. Rome had run out of lands to conquer, so they decided that they must push north.

The north is comprised of barbarians, brother, some of whom fight naked, even in the snow. Their numbers appear endless, and indeed I wondered if it would be possible to conquer the land at all.

I was soon to find out.

We were sent to Segestica, the nearest land to Rome, and were to take the city. We set up around it and waited for the enemy to sally forth. They were not cowards; they met us within days of our arrival.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-11-26-45.jpg

Flavinivs Bradva, in his usual Roman shortsightedness, had not considered deploying us in battle order until the enemy had begun their sally. This was useless, and meant that by the time we were deployed, we were tired and disorganized.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-20-21-18.jpg

That was the start of our problems.

The enemy came up to our centre and was met by hails of javelins. Every maniple threw whatever they could get their hands on, and the Accensi added in their stones.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-24-30-21.jpg

Yet the enemy did not break, they just charged on.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-24-30-21.jpg

Very quickly our entire line was engaged. Fortunately, I was on our left flank, whilst the true enemy warriors, the naked ones, all hit our right flank. Our centre was beginning to buckle under pressure, yet some Rorarii temporarily filled the hole. We were still winning our fight.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-27-24-92.jpg

Then Conan charged.

Conan was the enemy general. He had with him a bodyguard of cavalry that was capable of smashing a Roman line head-on.

Yet he charged our flank.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-28-56-28.jpg

The crashing sound he made was terrific. The sound of the thudding hoofs mixed with the sound of metal on metal and the sound of the bones of those on the left hand side snapping.

At this point our leader ordered me to the left. I ran there and began fighting these cavalry.

They started performing hit and run tactics on our flanks, whilst the levy spearmen of the enemy kept us pinned down to our front.

Eventually Bradva countered.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-30-56-54.jpg

He led his own bodyguards on a valiant effort to win the day. The fight across the line was going badly and only the death of the enemy general would save the day.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-31-56-03.jpg

It backfired.

As he fell from his horse, everything seemed to stop. All eyes turned to him and watched as he slowly but surely hit the ground and did not rise.

Immediately the Romans started running.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-32-10-60.jpg

I ran too brother, and am not ashamed to say as much. I was not going to go on fighting whilst these cowardly Romans ran. I was not going to risk my life for these worthless curs.

So the battle was over, and we had suffered a humiliating defeat.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-32-29-48.jpg

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-03-2317-32-45-65.jpg

So brother, we have now returned to our fort in Northern Italy, and our future is uncertain. Some speak that perhaps we will undergo decimation, others that we will have to go north and fight them again.

I hope for neither brother, I really do.

Your brother,
Vibivs Postvmivs

CaesarAugustus
03-28-2007, 23:59
Ouch. Nasty defeat there. It's till not as bad as the humiliating defeat suffered by my grand legion against the barbarians in Patavium, though. Eight units, routed from the town square by a handful of determined Bodyguards and Luogae.:no:

I don't see how you will actually be able to pull off decimation in the game though, ther's no way to partially disband a unit. Great installment, as usual.:2thumbsup:

CountArach
03-29-2007, 00:12
Yeah I know, decimation would be a cool option. It won't happen though, except maybe in story. I'm still deciding.

Either way VP won't be the tenth man.

Boyar Son
03-29-2007, 01:13
Decimation wasnt cool to the tenth man though! great AAR!:yes: :2thumbsup:

Maybe you should send a combined two legions there. Or seige them again with one, and try to extend all the way to the po river.

antisocialmunky
03-29-2007, 05:54
Gaulish heavy cavalry is uuuuber

Tuuvi
04-02-2007, 21:36
What I usually do during sally battles is I form my units into single line formation and put them into defensive position. The enemy will usually concentrate on certain parts of your line, and if a unit starts to waver you can take a nearby unit out of defensive and flank the enemy unit.

Very good AAR by the way.

Warmaster Horus
04-03-2007, 12:12
Funny how a loss prompts a discussion about strategy...
I don't think it would have been possible to salvage the situation. CA was outnumbered (1500 to 2500), and among those 2500 were at least a hundred Gaesatae. As we all know, these warriors are practically invincible.
In other words, the battle was lost from the start.
What I would have done then, was charge the enemy General, a loss against another. Except that would be very un-roman. Remember, Hannibal won, because he thought before. Varro (the Roman General at Cannae, I think) had organized his lines in a very ordinary manner. Romans were rather un-imaginative, at least at the beginning. What they had, though, was fierce determination. That's what saved them. Until Scipio Africanus, at least.
Good job, CA. You did what you could. Now go play the next chapter!:whip:

NeoSpartan
04-04-2007, 03:22
hey, CA was outnumbered almost 2-1, and his army was NOT all Elites either. The battle was lost as soon as the lines clashed. Also note CA didn't put his army all the way back to EXPLOIT the inability of the AI to manage exaustion (sp).

I, would have retreated the entire legion.....

Still... a fun campain has its defeats they make the game a whole lot more intense. Besides, the Romans were not too happy to fight GAULS! (exept for Ceasar)

Teleklos Archelaou
04-04-2007, 22:15
I'm going to do a delete or hide on the contentious sidestory that has developed in this AAR thread, with the AAR author's permission. Who was at fault - doesn't matter so much to me, it just needs to get back to the AAR as it's not a discussion about the AAR or historical elements or anything relating to EB as much anyway (even posts that try to get things back on track - I'm just getting rid of all of the ones that stray from the AAR). I haven't even read all the posts yet - will do it now and will be deleting them (that just means they're still there but hidden to all but moderators).

edit: done - left the initial discussion about the battle and tactics, but when it started getting too contentious and the replies were more about other replies/comments/arguments and not about the battle or AAR, I dumped them.

Kugutsu
04-04-2007, 22:55
Loving this AAR.

Thats a pretty cool twist in your tale! Perhaps the legion should be disbanded and a new one formed. Their consul is dead after all. Didnt that mean his legion disappeared too? Perhaps merge into another consul's legion?

CountArach
04-04-2007, 23:17
Nah, he was only a Praetor. Besides it isn't the general that matters, it is the legion itself. Every legion has had multiple leaders.

And thank you TA :bow:

Zim
04-05-2007, 03:16
:beam: Great AAR! I've been following this one for a while, and just wanted to say how much I enjoy it.

CountArach
04-05-2007, 07:52
Good to hear :bow:

Aloso guys I have reached 5000 views here! Thanks for bearing with me this whole time!

Warmaster Horus
04-05-2007, 11:24
Not difficult to do that, though (bearing with you).
Thanks TA.

CountArach
04-05-2007, 22:22
I've added an index to the first post. I'll try to get another update later today.

CountArach
04-06-2007, 22:28
Book 2 – Chapter 3 – A Second Attempt
240 – Summer to 236 – Summer – The Consulship of Pvblivs Cornelivs Lentvlvs Cavdinvs and Gaivs Licinivs Varvs
Brother,

I need not tell you of the events closely following our defeat at the hands of the Gauls, yet I must still keep this all written down for the sake of posterity, in addition to informing you of more recent events.

Well as you know, we returned back to the Italian heartland for some reinforcements. That is when I saw you last. That was about two years ago. Since then, much has changed.

As you may know, our nobles returned home and took up their swords instead of their spears. Our spears were simply not good enough to fight the Gauls. Unfortunately, I do not own a sword, and as such was simply stuck with my spear.

Well after leaving home we went to join our new commander. He was on the verge of 50 at this time, and had risen through the ranks. Unfortunately for us, he had very little idea of tactics. His name is Qvintvs Maelivs Fravcvs

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0507-29-01-54.jpg

He took us back north. “Surely… no… he couldn’t be that mad,” I thought. But I was wrong.

We were going back to fight the Gauls.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0510-07-50-29.jpg

Early in 239 we moved out of our fort and approached the town. Unfortunately, some other Gauls had beaten us to them.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0510-10-40-43.jpg

So we returned to our fort for most of the year. Eventually, we are lead to believe, the people of Segesta signed themselves over to the Aedui alliance. This still did not deter our new general.

So we laid siege. Due to their close proximity to the sea, they were capable of bringing in many supplies. Yet, still we persevered. Eventually, after two years, the enemy came out to fight us.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-17-46-37.jpg

Many of the enemy had died of starvation, yet we still could not ignore the number of heavy cavalry and Gaesatae the enemy had.

So the enemy came out and approached our well-formed lines. This time we were on the right flank of the army this time. We were to use our spears to deter enemy cavalry.

We hurled our javelins as is customary, yet this time there was no pre-battle skirmish.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-23-34-07.jpg

Fravcvs charged himself into a handful of enemy skirmisher cavalry to our right. They should have broken within seconds, yet they didn’t. He stayed there and had to kill them to the last man. By then though, they needed our help.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-25-16-68.jpg

So we charged the enemy Gauls. This time we were determined to ensure that we beat them early.

Unfortunately, when we reached Fravcvs, so did Conan.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-25-43-20.jpg

Fravcvs was capable of pulling out of the combat, but not without losing the vast majority of his bodyguards.

So Conan spurred himself forward to our unit. The enemy coming out of the fort ran towards us as well, following their leader’s example. Fravcvs ordered the Triarii to guard our flank and join in the combat.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-26-17-65.jpg

Conan pulled out of the combat and charged in, time and time again. I was thankful for my spear. I am told that the nobles suffered at the hands of the Gaesatae on the other flank.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-26-59-06.jpg

Still though, things started to go badly for us. Our spears could not stop us losing men. I was almost lost.

A large horseman approached me, looking straight at me and purring his horse onwards. He pulled his spear back and prepared to skewer me. His horse hit me, forcing me to drop my shield. I tried to use my spear, but the man next to me blocked me.

I was going to die.

But then one of Fravcvs’ bodyguards, a military tribune came forward and smashed into the horseman, knocking him away.

At this point Fravcvs pulled his men out of the combat again.

I will never forget that Tribune’s name - Spvrivs Cordivs.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-27-25-78.jpg

So we continued to fight n against the infantry to our rear and front. Conan’s men went around our rear and were later killed by the Roman’s Equites.

I engaged with the standard bearer of one of the Gallic units.

I blocked a blow from the man next to him, yet he had his sword across his body and slashed across me. It knocked me straight over and I fell to the ground, my shoulder bleeding.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-30-38-29.jpg

I later learnt that after a few more minutes of fighting, the cavalry were capable of killing the enemy general. This broke the morale of all the remaining enemy soldiers, except of course the Gaesatae, but most of them were dead by this time.

So we had avenged our previous defeat, and the settlement capitulated to us.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-32-55-48.jpg

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-0614-32-59-62.jpg

So now brother, I wonder where Fravcvs will lead us. I am determined to follow this man. Though I hate the Romans, I will always remember the danger he put himself into in order to save my life and that of my comrades.

Oh, and just so that you are aware my shoulder was just dislocated and cut. The surgeon popped it back into place and I should be ready to fight very soon.

Your brother,
Vibivs Postvmivs

CaesarAugustus
04-06-2007, 22:47
Nice to see Spvrivs Cordivs make another appaerance in this story. He must be old now, though. Nice to see the Romans take their revenge on those barbarians, too.

CountArach
04-06-2007, 22:55
Yeah he's in his 50s.

CaesarAugustus
04-06-2007, 22:56
Ah, I thought he was older. He's just about the right age for a tribune, I guess.

CountArach
04-06-2007, 22:58
Nah, lol. Most Military Tribunes are about 20 or so.

Either way, this is the last entrance he will make. He's going back home to die peacefully.

Boyar Son
04-06-2007, 23:30
SPVRIVS CORDIVS, an honourable man.

ROMA VICTA

Wolfman
04-07-2007, 00:15
Awesome update! So Spvrivs became a tribune?
Edit: Never mind you answered my question.

CaesarAugustus
04-07-2007, 01:39
Nah, lol. Most Military Tribunes are about 20 or so

Really? I thought that a tribune was a very senior military position. Shows how much I know, lol.:wall:

CountArach
04-07-2007, 01:41
It is, but most of the people who have it get it as the first step in their military careers. There are 4 to every legion.

CaesarAugustus
04-07-2007, 01:44
According to Wikipedia there are six to each legion (24 distributed among four Consular legions).

CountArach
04-07-2007, 01:45
Hmmm.... I think EB says 4.

EDIT: Just so everyone knows, there is an update on the last page.

CaesarAugustus
04-07-2007, 01:48
I'll take EB's word for it then. Where have you decided where next to send Roma's Bulls, CA? Do you have any plans on heading East?

Owen the Mighty
04-07-2007, 02:05
Wow, you've had some outstanding campaigns with the fightin' 3rd...

..maybe they will meet my Makedonians in Greece.....muhahahaha!

Great job, CountArach!

Gabeed
04-07-2007, 02:23
Others have said this, but I can't help but mention how awesome it is to have a Samnite's point of view in this AAR. Keep up the good work, Count!

CountArach
04-07-2007, 02:25
@ CaesarAugustus - I'm tempted to stay in Gaul, but I may need a consul with another legion to fight my way through it.

@ Owen the Mighty - Yeah I've had some great moments with these guys. I was reading back over Sardinia the other day and just had to laugh at how long it took me. I am still fighting battles ther with my fourth legion. As to the Makedonians - They have strted to become a real powerhouse. They own what they started with in Greece, most of Thrace and parts of Asia Minor.

@ Ecramer - Thank you :bow:

antisocialmunky
04-07-2007, 03:05
That sounds exactly like my campaign. Carthage keeps trying to take Sardinia, and Macedonia is decently huge. ^_^

I'm curious on how the Germans and Seleukids are doing in your game.

CountArach
04-07-2007, 06:07
Well the Sweboz have sort of stalled at the Rhine. The Seleucids are fighting a stalemate against the Ptolies, are slightly losing in the East, but own the majority of Asia Minor and Rhodes :o

Boyar Son
04-07-2007, 19:28
Extend all they way to the po river :yes: then head for another enemy (unless you wanna keep fighting the same enemy over and over). The east seems like agood target....

But eliminate Carthage! its almost time...

CountArach
04-07-2007, 21:49
Carthage - No, I'm saving them.

The Po - No, each of teh cities has a full stack.

I really don't know where to go from here.

antisocialmunky
04-07-2007, 22:27
Send more stuff into Hellas. Get another Scipio to avenge Asina's death in Iberia. Get the consul, and send the consular army to clear the Po. If you fail again, send 4 legions and pound them all to hell.

CountArach
04-07-2007, 22:44
If only I had a consul or a proconsul, this whole thing would be awesome.

Though another Scipio... that sounds cool.

Boyar Son
04-07-2007, 23:27
Well it seems your trying to extend historicaly...

Are you at the polybian reforms?

Comon, the po will provide a good challange unlike the Carthaginians or Maks.

CountArach
04-07-2007, 23:30
Not Polybian yet. I need the Po for that :P

Orb
04-07-2007, 23:31
Great update, keep it coming.

antisocialmunky
04-08-2007, 03:24
If only I had a consul or a proconsul, this whole thing would be awesome.

Though another Scipio... that sounds cool.

Send some spies with him this time. :laugh4:

Another thing you could do is to just send two legions with two generals to attack the Po. Let the second legion be the reinforcement and set it on autopilot. That'll give you an interesting, unplanned story.

EDIT: I just found your last update on the last page. Good job. Have you thought about naming your legions?

CountArach
04-08-2007, 04:39
I will after the Marian reforms.

Boyar Son
04-08-2007, 20:44
Excuse me but....

What upadate??

I cant find it:wall:

CaesarAugustus
04-08-2007, 21:08
It's on the page before this one..... just click the "go to first new post" button every time you open up this thread and you will see if there is a new update.

CountArach
04-08-2007, 22:12
Or go to the first post with the index.

Boyar Son
04-09-2007, 01:39
Can ya just tell me what the update was?

I still dont know...

antisocialmunky
04-09-2007, 02:51
Goto the last page and scroll down until you find it. I guarentee it is there. Its the one that has "Book 2 – Chapter 3 – A Second Attempt
240 – Summer to 236 – Summer – The Consulship of Pvblivs Cornelivs Lentvlvs Cavdinvs and Gaivs Licinivs Varvs" in big letters. Heck, just goto the last page and use the find function in your browser to find 'Chapter 3'!!!

If you can't be bothered to find it yourself, then I don't know why you bother reading AARs.

Quirinus Kuhlmann
04-09-2007, 20:24
Hi, I just read this story and would like to say, that I enjoyed it very much. It's interesting to see all those Roman Genereals from the viewpoint of an ordinary soldier. I also liked the idea, to switch to a Samniteam guy with as grim attitude towards the romans in general. Keep on keeping on if your exams allow it!!!

CountArach
04-09-2007, 22:25
My exams are finished, however I've been a bit buy over Easter, and my borther has been playing on the computer heaps, so not as much time.

But glad to hear that you enjoyed it :bow:

Boyar Son
04-09-2007, 22:37
Goto the last page and scroll down until you find it. I guarentee it is there. Its the one that has "Book 2 – Chapter 3 – A Second Attempt
240 – Summer to 236 – Summer – The Consulship of Pvblivs Cornelivs Lentvlvs Cavdinvs and Gaivs Licinivs Varvs" in big letters. Heck, just goto the last page and use the find function in your browser to find 'Chapter 3'!!!

If you can't be bothered to find it yourself, then I don't know why you bother reading AARs.


Well what do ya know, another wise guy who thinks his opinion should matter. It doesnt! and while I wont go flamy cuz you told me what it was, but I'll offer you advise like you did me.

If you cant be bothered to not say plesant things about each other, I dont know why you post at all.

CountArach
04-09-2007, 22:53
:stop: :stop: :stop:

Do not go down this road.

Teleklos Archelaou
04-09-2007, 22:56
Why am I summoned to this thread again? Just stop the snippy back and forth guys. No need to reply or explain or whatever. Let's just move on.

antisocialmunky
04-10-2007, 00:20
Well what do ya know, another wise guy who thinks his opinion should matter. It doesnt! and while I wont go flamy cuz you told me what it was, but I'll offer you advise like you did me.

If you cant be bothered to not say plesant things about each other, I dont know why you post at all.

Well I admit that I wasn't very cordial in that post and I didn't have the right to be snide and I'm sorry for that. But I do find it hard to believe someone who wants to enjoy the fullness of CA's wonderful AAR couldn't be bothered to find it after two people directed you to it. There was a nice surprise in it too.

If you don't accept this apology, that's fine but let this be the end of the matter.

Boyar Son
04-10-2007, 00:54
Ok ok... my apologies too.

(I really thought you were gonna flame the hell outa me!)

Lysander13
04-10-2007, 18:02
CA i have truly enjoyed your AAR..I've just spent most of the morning and early afternoon reading it from start to finish while sneaking in some work from time to time. It's difficult to be productive at work when there's a good EB AAR to read.:beam: Look forward to the next installment.

mAIOR
04-10-2007, 22:05
Hey CA. I'm loving your AAR. It's great work mate! I would only like to make a sugestion if you allow me the intrusion; I think you should focus more on the humanistic side of the campaign :) Make your characters make friends and such I'd love to see a Samnite (great idea taking this to the allied side of things btw) get friendish with a Gaul and the things that'd emerge from it (like the departure of a great friend in battle). I really love your AAR don't take this the wrong way.

Cheers...

CountArach
04-10-2007, 23:20
That's actually a really good idea. Thanks, I'll try it next update... if I can ever get on the computer...

antisocialmunky
04-11-2007, 00:36
It would be cool if something like that happened. It would be cool if you incorporated other units such as diplomats, spies, and assassins too. Like, the AI has diplomats that like you follow your generals around trying to bribe them. :-p Maybe you could incorporate a perssistant one. You could have a paranoid general that posts spies over certain centurions. Perhaps you could decribe a season like winter with a general who's on 'tightened belts.'

CountArach
04-11-2007, 00:43
I'm liking these ideas.

Day of Salvation
04-11-2007, 00:47
Wow! This is truely awesome! I was keeping up with it at the RTR forums, but seeing as they are down, I looked here and found it, thank god, i probaly would have went crazy! Keep up the good work CountArach!

Boyar Son
04-11-2007, 01:07
Well.....Wanna expand into Illyria soon? just to be somewhat historical.

CountArach
04-11-2007, 01:13
Epirus own Illyria, and I don't think I'm ready to fight against Grece just yet.

Owen the Mighty
04-11-2007, 01:51
Do the Epirotes rule all of Illyria and Greece, or are they just the regional powerhouse? (in your campaign, CountArach)

CountArach
04-11-2007, 07:23
Illyira and Epirus. They also have started into Southern Germany.

Next update I'll include a world map.

sgsandor
04-12-2007, 07:36
this is really good!

I of the Storm
04-13-2007, 17:53
This is most thrilling! Do continue please!!

LuckyDog Trojan
04-13-2007, 19:52
CountArach: What an outstanding AAR! Great read and it has us wanting more. As many others have already stated - please continue.

Your story alone is convincing me that I should make the conversion from R:TW vanilla to EB.

CountArach
04-14-2007, 07:19
Thank you guys :bow:

I played out the next chapter, but due to a bug in-game (Where the game doesn't recognise the bodies are dead) my cavalry were pinned down, meaning I really couldn't fight the battle properly. So basically this will be delayed another day, but I hope to have an update in the next 24 hours.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus
04-14-2007, 07:28
Bummer. I once lost a general to that 'shadow boxing' bug.

Xehh II
04-14-2007, 23:10
I started reading this a couple of nights ago then I lost it but Warluster(I think) told me where to find it, it is the extremely good I hope it continues.

Orb
04-14-2007, 23:50
*waits, pretending to be patient*
Sorry for spamming, I don't have a working EB ATM *growls*

CaesarAugustus
04-15-2007, 00:46
CA could you post an updated pic of your campiagn map in your next release?

CountArach
04-15-2007, 07:00
As said, it shall be done.

*Goes off to play the next chapter*

Boyar Son
04-16-2007, 22:31
CountArach, does that team that you belong to is an actual team or can or...

CountArach
04-18-2007, 00:33
Book 2 – Chapter 3 – Going North
236 – Summer to 234 – Summer – The Consulship of Lvcivs Postvmivs Albinvs and Spvurivs Carvilivs Maximvs Rvga

Dear Brother,

Much has happened, and there is much to tell you of. As you know, we have been in the stinking north amongst these Barbarians.

The first year that we were within Segesta showed us many things about Fravcvs. He is a strange man, and has many unusual customs, even considered unusual amongst these Romans.

Every morning he insists on waking at five, well before the sun is up. He spends the next hour making offerings to the Gods. Not only does he do that, but he expects that one maniple of troops are there to protect him against what he calls “The Vengeful Spirits”. An unusual man to be sure.

When it came to our turn (Of course being Samnites, the Romans had to appoint other troops to watch over us), it was the most bizarre things I have seen in many years. By the torches held by his slaves, he would offer supplications and would prostrate himself. He said such things as, “Oh Gods, give me the strength to get through the day!”, “Grant my army the strength to fight those who would oppose them!”, and most interesting of all, “Gods! Grant me the finest wenches of the land if it would so please you!”

Not only that, but there is a harsh side to him I have no seen before. Upon him making this last comment, the man two to my left, a large man from Southern Samnium who I have not met, started snickering and whispered to the man to my left. Both started snickering.

Fravcvs heard this noise and turned to them. He got up from the prostrated position he was in, and walked up into their face.

“You would dare to laugh in the face of one who is blessed by the Gods?” He spat.

The Large man could not help himself, and as such he commented, “Who?” He swiveled his head, “I don’t see one here.”

Some of the men behind him started laughing. I knew better.

“Guards,” He said, summoning the Centurion of the Principes Maniple watching over us, “Have this man stoned. I want everyone to see what the price of insolence is.”

Sure enough the Centurion, after saluting to Fravcvs, called on four of his men. He ordered two of them to pick up as many large rocks as they could find, and the other two to strip the large man down, and tie him to a post.

The men came back with their shields piled high with rocks. We were forced to watch on as they threw stone after stone at this Samnite man, who had simply made a joke.

Afterwards we were forced to go on a five mile run. This was punishment for the laughter that some men made.

Anyway, I digress. You wish to know what has been happening with our legion, surely.

The events of these last couple of years have been a frightening experience. We continue to fight these barbarians. Our first action was to pacify those people around Segesta, thought that was easy.

Then we discovered that the Aedui, a large confederation of tribes in Gaul, had besieged Massalia. This has for many years been considered an ally of Rome. They have been granted their freedom to live life as they wish, under Rome’s protection.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-14-54-51.jpg

As far as the Romans and Fravcvs, who needed to make a name for himself, were concerned, this was a good enough reason for war, or Casus Belli as they call it. So we marched north into the wild unknown.

We marched towards the settlement of Mediolanum, which we were told had a garrison of similar size to us. Unfortunately, our intelligence was wrong. They had another small army just outside the town, waiting in ambush in a forest. Our spies had not reported this. Thing were going to get really bad, really quickly.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-16-32-60.jpg

Within three days of us besieging Mediolanum, these Barbarians attacked our unprotected flank. The combined strength of the armies was two to one against us.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-20-03-21.jpg

Fravcvs decided that we must prepare to fight both armies simultaneously, so he deployed us at an angle. This brought both armies into our front arc, meaning we could face any threat.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-25-38-51.jpg

The Accensii started to bombard the men coming out of the fort with their stones, and killed several in the tight-packed mass.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-25-58-21.jpg

However, they could not deter enough of the men, and a fight started on our left flank. Fortunately, we were placed on the right flank, where we could expect to fight the relief force.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-27-53-65.jpg

However, instead of fighting the relief force, the enemy general and his bodyguard charged into the Hastati infront of us. They were being pushed very hard, and could break at any moment.

Fravcvs ordered us and the Triarii forward.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-29-35-06.jpg

Meanwhile, as we charged in, Fravcvs circled around the back and charged the Barbarians in the rear. The melee that developed was both frightening and exciting.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-30-48-45.jpg

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-33-06-28.jpg

Having some experience against these men (if you will remember we had fought similar cavalrymen to get into Segesta), we now knew what we had to do. We stabbed at some of the horses and kept our shields high to protect our faces and chests.

The fighting went on for many minutes. Both sides slowly became exhausted, yet we fought on knowing that the battle hung on the outcome of this combat.

Unfortunately Fravcvs, the spiritual man that he is, saw ten ravens circling over his head. He saw this as a sign that the God’s had abandoned him.

He ran away.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-34-02-46.jpg

With him fleeing, all hope of the battle being won was lost. Everyone started to run and protect themselves. It was mayhem.

Fortunately I got away, and avoided death at the tip of an enemy spear.

Many of my friends were not so lucky.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-35-24-04.jpg

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-35-27-32.jpg

Shortly afterwards, we regrouped and found that we had only a third of a legion remaining. We took refuge in a forest, and awaited our enemy’s response. We did not have to wait long.

The enemy sent a force that outnumbered our new army four to one. We stood no hope and everyone knew that.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-36-42-53.jpg

We fought against some of the Gaesate this time, however our hearts were not in it, and nor were our heads. We were just trying to avoid being skewered by their javelins or sliced by their swords.

So we ran away, as any sane man would.

Unfortunately, as we turned to run, the man I was fighting against knocked me down with the hilt of his sword.

I fell to my knees and blacked out.

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-43-23-18.jpg

https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1516-44-44-53.jpg

I awoke in the enemy’s encampment.

They are going to be reading this, so I can not tell you more now. Just do not worry.

Your brother,
Vibivs Postvmivs

PS. Here brother are the latest maps I could find:

Gaul
https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1517-05-04-70.jpg

The Roman Republic
https://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u222/CountArach3/RomeTW-BI2007-04-1517-05-11-37.jpg

Boyar Son
04-18-2007, 00:50
Defeat! Defeat!

The third legion has dishonored Rome, and are not fit to stay in service. We should disband every soldier, every officer and call upon the the loyal 2nd legion, the victor at the battle of Falia and drodusia to guard the north.

And should the Senetores see fit to spend more gold coins on these dishounorable boys of the 3rd, then let it be the older more experianced troops that be in their place.


EDIT: Omg u lost caralis?!?! WTF!?!?!?

deadmeat36
04-18-2007, 01:50
I disagree but we should give them an unofficial nickname like "Romes Wrath" or "Romes Fist". To me Romas Bulls can be improved, IMO but everyone is intitled to their own opinion right?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus
04-18-2007, 01:58
NO!!!
:clown:

Nice, like always.
Looks like you're going to need a Consul to go and teach the Gauls a lesson (if Carthage doesn't continue to need all your attension).

CountArach
04-18-2007, 03:51
The third legion has dishonored Rome, and are not fit to stay in service. We should disband every soldier, every officer and call upon the the loyal 2nd legion, the victor at the battle of Falia and drodusia to guard the north.


Nope, I'll just be stuck with these crappy guys for 8 more years.


EDIT: Omg u lost caralis?!?! WTF!?!?!?

I was wondering if anyone would realise :wink:. Carthage invaded with like 15 units. I had a half strength legion garrisoning it and stood no chance. That's probably where the Third are going next.


I disagree but we should give them an unofficial nickname like "Romes Wrath" or "Romes Fist". To me Romas Bulls can be improved, IMO but everyone is intitled to their own opinion right?

The Bull is a common image with the Roman army. One of the Roman Lines (Can't remember which) carried a Bull standard.


Looks like you're going to need a Consul to go and teach the Gauls a lesson (if Carthage doesn't continue to need all your attension).

*Shakes fist at his own rules*

Xehh II
04-18-2007, 04:32
At the start of this AAR there were people saying that you got rid of the banners and green things under the soldiers, how did you do this?

deadmeat36
04-18-2007, 04:54
Is this AAR going into the Marian and Imperial Reforms?

NeoSpartan
04-18-2007, 05:12
I say join what remains of the legion to another legion and disband the creazy general. Obviesly he doesn't understand what a "Tactical Retreat" is. :whip:

CountArach
04-18-2007, 06:47
At the start of this AAR there were people saying that you got rid of the banners and green things under the soldiers, how did you do this?

In your RTW files, there should be a file, "preferences.txt". Open this and change the lines that talk about Marker Arrows and Banners from TRUE to FALSE (I can't remember what the exact lines are).


Is this AAR going into the Marian and Imperial Reforms?

I hope so.


I say join what remains of the legion to another legion and disband the creazy general. Obviesly he doesn't understand what a "Tactical Retreat" is

Yeah, he is a moron...

deadmeat36
04-18-2007, 06:54
Whats been your favorite part of this AAR so far?

CountArach
04-18-2007, 07:19
The invasion of Iberia. Definately. The whole assassination thing really created a great story without me having to try.

deadmeat36
04-18-2007, 07:20
Oops I turned this into a semi-interview without trying :oops:

Sorry

Still great AAR :2thumbsup:

I of the Storm
04-18-2007, 12:27
Hi,

veeery nice again!
I'm not sure about the POW idea though. Those captives would probably have been sacrificed either right on the spot or at the "party" the night after.

But you probably have plans about this, I suppose.

Very nice reading, I want more! :yes: :yes: :yes:

antisocialmunky
04-18-2007, 14:29
Wouldn't it be a coup if he joined the Gauls and fought the newly raised third legion?

deadmeat36
04-18-2007, 15:47
Wouldn't it be a coup if he joined the Gauls and fought the newly raised third legion?

Someone is pulling an M. Night Shamalan

CaesarAugustus
04-18-2007, 16:47
Wow, I'm embarassed for the Third. If one of my generals ran from the battlefield like that he would be fighitng pirates on an Oneraria ship for the rest of his life. Would Gauls really let prisoners of war send mail back to their families?:inquisitive:

Great new addition, as always.:2thumbsup:

Orb
04-18-2007, 18:05
Would Gauls really let prisoners of war send mail back to their families?:inquisitive:

Would CA allow mere Gauls to interrupt with the style and plot?
Fine update, as usual

CountArach
04-18-2007, 22:17
I'm not sure about the POW idea though. Those captives would probably have been sacrificed either right on the spot or at the "party" the night after.

Meh. I think Caesar refers to freeing captives. Also I have plans to explain why they kept him alive. :wink: Alright, I'll let it slip. VP is Mars :o


Would Gauls really let prisoners of war send mail back to their families?

Would CA allow mere Gauls to interrupt with the style and plot?


:bow:

Boyar Son
04-19-2007, 01:14
Those are some tough barbarians...

Seriously build more legions and launch attacks on all the gualish border cities, so when you get to Marian reforms you can have the story somewhat historical.

What glory does the 3rd have now? even their general ran away...

deadmeat36
04-19-2007, 03:44
Those are some tough barbarians...

Seriously build more legions and launch attacks on all the gualish border cities, so when you get to Marian reforms you can have the story somewhat historical.

What glory does the 3rd have now? even their general ran away...

Well maybe have the 3rd have renforcements? So they arent so alone during the battles?

antisocialmunky
04-19-2007, 15:05
I think its about time to flood the Alps with four legions or so supporting each other. And wasn't Cordivs in that legion?

I wonder how long the Senate will tolerate these failure generals and put someone worth a command star in charge.

Boyar Son
04-19-2007, 20:22
I think its about time to flood the Alps with four legions or so supporting each other. And wasn't Cordivs in that legion?

I wonder how long the Senate will tolerate these failure generals and put someone worth a command star in charge.

Most likely deserters from the 3rd (which will be like, all of 'em) will be executed. seriously, such cowards!

I could face a gaesatae down! if i had 1337 jedi skillz

CountArach
04-20-2007, 02:57
I think its about time to flood the Alps with four legions or so supporting each other. And wasn't Cordivs in that legion

Yeah, I'm gonna go Iraq style on their ass!

And no, Cordivs had left to go home.


I wonder how long the Senate will tolerate these failure generals and put someone worth a command star in charge.

As soon as I get another Praetor :P


Most likely deserters from the 3rd (which will be like, all of 'em) will be executed. seriously, such cowards!

Yep, they shall all die.

deadmeat36
04-20-2007, 03:02
How are you going to simulate "decimation"

CountArach
04-20-2007, 03:16
I can't. I suppose I'll write about it.

Who knows?

deadmeat36
04-20-2007, 03:19
This will be intresting

The punishment will be decimation right?

antisocialmunky
04-20-2007, 17:27
This will be intresting

The punishment will be decimation right?

Send them to Sardinia where they'll have to face endless hordes of Punics. Even at Carnae they didn't decimate the legions, they just sent the survivors on permanant campaign. Its too bad that its too early to conquer Hispania, then you could send your losers there to grind away at the endless warriors of the hill tribes.

deadmeat36
04-20-2007, 19:15
Decimation (Latin: decimatio) was a form of extreme military discipline used by officers in the Roman Army to punish mutinous or cowardly soldiers. The word decimation is derived from Latin meaning "removal of a tenth."

That is from wikipedia :P

Lomma
04-21-2007, 11:56
I like, I like. Keep up the good work dude.:2thumbsup:

Spoofa
04-23-2007, 17:08
this AAR inspired me to play a romani campaign, and ive been useing your house rules and its been going great, lots of fun, especially with the units you use in your legions and your battle formations. Its safe to say that I find roleplaying (and always have) to be much more enjoyable then just recruiting mass principe's (spelling?) and conquoring the world.

Warmaster Horus
04-23-2007, 20:02
Not to sound too impatient, but when is the next update coming?

Orb
04-23-2007, 20:24
^
Seconded. I have to live EB through Roma's Bulls now.

Wolfman
04-24-2007, 00:59
Third! This AAR along with MAA pavo AAR convinced me. The romans rule!!! I can't get into EB without playing the Romani.

CountArach
04-24-2007, 04:29
this AAR inspired me to play a romani campaign, and ive been useing your house rules and its been going great, lots of fun, especially with the units you use in your legions and your battle formations. Its safe to say that I find roleplaying (and always have) to be much more enjoyable then just recruiting mass principe's (spelling?) and conquoring the world.
I really am the same. I hate these Cheesey tactics, I like to be beaten once in a while.

How far into your campaign are you?

As to the next update, I should be able to play it today, and get something up tomorrow (A national holiday down here).

Spoofa
04-24-2007, 05:04
somewhere around 256 b.c. i've conquered all Sicily and am moving onto Sardinia, but i only have two legions instead of three because my cash is a bit low at the moment, and i lost most of my experienced units when I disbanded and retrained them again due to the 16 years of service rule. I had to temperarily extend the service of one of my legions due to a huge invasion from carthage into sicily, but now both my legions are fresh from Italy.

CountArach
04-24-2007, 06:21
Yeah I hate the disband rule. I have lost silver-chevroned units from it. Still, keeps teh game challenging.

hasforth
04-24-2007, 13:52
update plz this is fantastic : )

CountArach
04-25-2007, 00:48
Book 2 – Chapter 5 – An Offer
232 – Summer – The Consulship of Lvcivs Postvmivs Albinvs and Spvurivs Carvilivs Maximvs Rvga

My Brother,

Know that I am fine. I have been released from the Gallic Host, yet I am left with a dilemma.

I suppose I should explain from the beginning. The commander of the Gallic forces, Darnos, ordered me to his tent. I, being a prisoner, of course had no choice and was not stupid enough to try to fight against the guards who were sent to get me, unlike some of the Romans I saw.

I was taken to the tent of the commander. It was larger than any tent I had seen in many years; however it was not richly decorated. These Gauls simply did not have the capacity to do it.

There were eight men in the tent. Six of them were heavily armed and armoured, probably the guards. They were standing three on either side of the tent. Then, at the focus of the room was Darnos. He was a large man, muscular and a little overweight. He was slouching on a throne. Standing next to him was a prisoner, chained up at a post. He looked like he was going to vomit at any time. He certainly was not in a well-kept manner.

The ruler of the Gauls spoke something to the prisoner in his very guttural language. The prisoner simply listened and turned to me.

“The great ruler of the army of Cisalpine Gaul, Darnos, wishes you to dine with him.”

I was stunned, but I knew I really had no choice. I simply bowed and nodded.

Darnos snapped his fingers, and one of the shoulders bowed to him and walked out of a flap at the back of the tent. I heard shouting, presumably at more slaves.

Meanwhile Darnos spoke to me through the translator again.

“His greatness understands that you are not favourably disposed towards the Romans,” the translator glared at me. Ah, of course, I thought, he is a Roman.

I shook my head, “Of course not, how could one like those snivelling idiots?”

The translator raised his chin a bit and did not speak. Darnos looked at him expectantly. The translator raised his chin a little bit more, his mouth still shut proudly. Darnos leant over a little and hit him around the back of the head, knocking the translator to the ground. One of the guards stepped forward and picked him back up to his knees. He seemed to have blood over his face and his nose seemed to be broken.

Nevertheless, he opened his mouth and relayed my message to the leader.

Darnos laughed and nodded his head in agreement. He spoke yet again to the translator.

“This fat bastard says that you and he must talk.”

I simply raised an eyebrow, “May I take a seat?”

The translator relayed the message to Darnos. He nodded.

I pulled up a small chair that was next to me and sat down. They were less comfortable than the lounges I was used to, but it served the purpose.

We waited for our meal. After perhaps ten minutes, some slaves came forward from the back rooms. I recognised one face as a fellow Samnite from my unit, yet I made no indication of it. Doing anything unusual here was not going to endear me to Darnos.

“Eat,” was all Darnos said, not needing the translator for that.

I looked down at the platter in front of me. The sensual smell of a half of a chicken came up and assaulted my nose. There was a small pitcher of wine next to it, about half full. It wasn’t much, but more than I had ever hoped to see again.

Darnos started eating his own food, totalling more than four times what I had, and I took my lead from him. I occasionally looked up to observe what was going on around me. Every time I did so, the translator glared at me. I contented myself with flicking bones from the chicken at him. Of course, I finished the meat first.

Darnos started to speak to the translator between mouthfuls.

“Did you enjoy your meal?” I looked down at my platter and realised I had finished it already.

I nodded and spoke to the translator, “Indeed, great ruler, but what is the cause of this generosity?”

The translator looked up and, presumably, relayed my message.

He responded through the translator, “As I said, I needed to talk to someone like you. One who is ill-disposed towards the Romans,” again the translator glared, “I have a mission I must ask of you.” I nodded

Darnos spoke on his own, “Kill Fravcvs.”

I stopped nodding. This was not what I had expected.

He spoke through the translator, whose eyes were now widened in terror.

“We are going to release you. You are to tell your commander that you managed to escape our camp. Then, get close to him somehow, and kill him.”

I nodded and bowed, then said the only thing that I knew I could say, “It will be done”.

The translator relayed the message, and Darnos nodded. He knew that I never had a choice.

So I was released later that day, and now brother, I am unsure of what to do. Do I murder him, or do I tell him of the plan?

Your brother,
Vibivs Postvmivs

CountArach
04-25-2007, 01:16
I thought I would try something different out this time around. Don't worry, there will be screenshots in the next chapters. I have the next two chapters played out, I just need to be bothered to write them up.

Owen the Mighty
04-25-2007, 01:57
A bit off topic, but.....holy shit! Baktria is kickin' ass in your game!

Nice update.......kill the General! superstious coward....lol

CountArach
04-25-2007, 02:07
Yeah they destroyed the Saka in like the first 15 years. Since that picture, they have taken maybe 3 more territories.

Boyar Son
04-25-2007, 02:11
CountArach, are you really gonna ask us wether to kill him or not? or is this just part of the story and we really dont have a choice?

My vote is for killing him, hes not a proper Roman at all, though he'll probably lose respect for turning on his soldiers like a traitor.

Sigh* samnites....

Tellos Athenaios
04-25-2007, 02:14
Kill 'em? That would mean end of the Samnite reporting the war? Because if he was succesfull he would flee and not see battles anymore, and if he was not... well then he wouldn't see anything anymore I'd suppose. Unless the gods want him to live a little longer, or the religious nutter is convinced of that. Quite possible of course... :idea2:

Boyar Son
04-25-2007, 02:22
Naw he'd just blame it on an accident.

*hey FLAVCVS wanna take a walk through the alpines?*

Spoofa
04-25-2007, 02:34
This may seem a bit off topic but since i was using CA's houserules and basically doing a similar campaign i decided to post that its 248 b.c. and the Roman Republic has just suffered the greatest defeat known to our historians since the Battle of Allia. I'm going to post it in a new topic rather then take up all your space here with screen shots, but it was CRAZY stuff.

edit- heres the topic.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?p=1518280#post1518280

CountArach
04-25-2007, 08:03
CountArach, are you really gonna ask us wether to kill him or not? or is this just part of the story and we really dont have a choice?

I think I will put it up to vote. I'll start a new thread.


Kill 'em? That would mean end of the Samnite reporting the war? Because if he was succesfull he would flee and not see battles anymore, and if he was not... well then he wouldn't see anything anymore I'd suppose. Unless the gods want him to live a little longer, or the religious nutter is convinced of that. Quite possible of course...

I have plans. Don't worry, killing him would not see the end of the Samnite reporting of the war.

Warmaster Horus
04-25-2007, 08:12
There's always his brother I suppose.
He could go on a mad quest of revenge...

CountArach
04-25-2007, 08:18
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=84100

New poll there. I would like everyone who reads this to vote there.

Also - I have decided that it may risk Spvrivs' life. Who knows?

I of the Storm
04-25-2007, 09:09
I voted for Fravcvs' death. I don't see why Spurius should reveal it to him instead of killing him. It doesn't even have to be because the Gaul wishes so. Being Fravcvs and being responsible for the defeat should be reason enough for Spurius...

Vred var VingTor
04-25-2007, 11:32
I too voted for Fravcvs' death. This AAR is too good too allow such incompetence shown by Fravcvs ~:)

Keep up the good work :2thumbsup:

Shifty_GMH
04-25-2007, 14:10
Little bit of a difficult decision. Fravcvs does not deserve to command the 3rd, and death is a good a means as any to get rid of him. However, I'd rather not see Vibivs kill him because it is simply the wish of Darnos. Though I have a harder time seeing Vibivs telling Fravcvs about the plot. Plus Fravcvs would probably have Vibivs killed for initially agreeing to the plot or just being a Samnite. Hmm...

Ohh well...

Death to Fravcvs. :hmg:


As always, good job CA. ~:thumb:

antisocialmunky
04-25-2007, 15:07
Are you going to train a spy unit and take screen shots of him training his up way up and finally trying to kill Fraucus?