Battle Reports

[navarro951]

Battles of Roma

This thread is for all Battle Reports. Any post in this thread which is not a Battle Report will be moved or deleted.


https://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z132/mstgnymike/Legionary.jpg

Note: Battle Reports can be extensive multi-part IC stories, but they can also just be OOC brief summaries of the action. The nature and length of the report is entirely up to you. It is encouraged that everyone post at least the final results of the battle, either typed out or by posting a screen-shot of the results scroll that appears at the end of the battle. It is however crucial that we know what type of victory or defeat the battle ended in, since it influences the rank of a character (it must therefore be seen in a screen-shot or typed as an aside).

[everyone]

drove away the scouting force of epirotes stationed near Legio I Apulia's fort.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/btshasina.jpg
damned skirmisher cavalry couldn't stay still while I proper engage them, they killed off over half my bodyguard

[everyone]

Lvcivs, a man from the unit of accensi which had recently arrived in Legio I Apulia's fort, returns from the south after a week of being sent as a scout. Scout Lvcivs enters Legatus Asina's tent, guarded by two men who strangely seem to be eavesdropping on what which is happening inside, as the young Tribunus Cotta had also entered the tent a few moments ago.
Lvcivs speakes to the Legatus
"Sir, our Spies in Taras report that there is a unit of levy hoplites stationed outside the city of Taras"

A few moments later, scout Lvcivs was seen leaving the commander's tent and heading for Drillmaster Manivs' tent.
"Drillmaster, Legatus Asina asks that you prepare the troops to move off, here is the message"
"Thank you, carry on with your tasks, I shall mobilise them at once"
Drillmaster Manivs menancingly strides out of his tent, yelling "We're all moving out now! Pack and prepare your all equipment and assemble here in 15 minutes!"

Whereas scout Lvcivs went to a tent just two rows away;
"Sir, Legatus Asina asked me to deliver this message to you"
the Accensi captain snatches the note from the scout and barked "well what are you waiting? get back to your duties!"
"bah! the legatus wants my unit to be sent as a scout? those cowardly Epirotes are probably all cowering in their cities, and not hiding in the forests!"

later in the day, the whole army, except the accensi unit, marched out of the fort; the accensi captain was still grumpy that he could not join the battle itself, he assembled his men
"men, we'll leave this fort a few days later, prepare your equipment and leave, Legatus's orders."

A few weeks later, a few miles west of Taras....
"sir the unit of accensi reports that there are no epirotes hiding in the forests"
"good, get drillmaster Manivs to assemble the men"
"yes, sir"
10 minutes later, the whole army assembles on the Muster Parade inside their camp, Legatus Cnaevs Cornelivs Scipio Asina addresses his men in an inspiring speech.
half an hour later, the Legion attacks the Epirotes
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0058.jpg
Asina deploys his men as according to the strategy he presented to the senate a few weeks before leaving the fort.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0059.jpg
The battle takes place on a large plain, the battle proceeds with the footsoldiers marching forward and the cavalry wings, Asina leading the left and Cotta leading the right, ready to flank and counter-flank.
Battle is joined, the Hastati attacked the Hoplitai Haploi, Cotta's wing charges into the Hoplite's flanks, and manages to kill 20 men, however he is ordered to withdraw by Asina when the Hoplites turn around and attack his horsemen. while the hoplites are engaged, Asina charges into its rear, killing 20 men in the process, Asina blows his horn and Cotta's wing wheels on the spot and charged into the Hoplite's rear, causing a quick and decisive rout
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0060.jpg
while the footmen reform, Asina spots the Tarantine cavalry nearby, away from the protection of the rest of the hoplites and phalanx; Asina charges his wing towards the enemy general's unit while Cotta reforms the battle line, ordering the men forward while Asina deals with the flanking enemy cavalry and their general.
It was a quick charge, but a bloody one; he killed 30 horsemen with a charge and routed the enemy general
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0061.jpg
(OOC: ok in this picture the banner isn't flashing, but it actually is when I took it)

meanwhile, the Hastati and Principes rain javelins on the enemy's phalanx and engage them; however their numbers are depleted more hastily by the enemy archers behind the phalanx. With the threat of the Tarantine cavalry flanking removed, Cotta charges into the Toxotai without any difficulty, the toxotai retreated, however and the battle was turning against the footsoldiers. Seeing that, Asina wheeled his cavalry around and stopped chasing the cowardly enemy general. his men moved to the enemy's rear and on the way, annihilated the toxotai that Cotta engaged previously.
once done, Cotta and Asina both charge their Cavalry wings onto the rear of the phalanx, causing an instant rout, https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0062.jpg
however, surrounded as they were the epirotes fought to the death. however a few cowardly ones, instead of fighting to the death, ran away; the disheartened enemy wavered, and soon ran away with the rest of their army; requiring Asina and Cotta's cavalry to hunt them down like wild boars.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0063.jpg
The battle was a great victory, with the Epirote garrison of Taras destroyed, Asina marches the Legio I Apulia into Taras unhindered
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0065.jpg

(ooc: woot I got a heroic battle marker!)

[everyone]

(part of this post: https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2094913 )
___________________________________________________________________________________________________


Battle Report III
Rhegion, Hiems, 483 AUC

Legio I Apulia,
Commanding General: Dux C.C. Scipio Asina
2nd in-Command: Tribunus C.A. Cotta
3rd in-Command: Tribunus P.A. Regvlvs

number of men:
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0068.jpg

I had built three rams to assault the city in Summer, I deployed the legion with our Rams, manned by the Hastati, in front; Principes behind them and Accensi at the rear; while I led the left cavalry wing and Tribunus Cotta led the right wing.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0072.jpg

I ordered the army to advance and the Rams to assault the walls at three areas; the gate for our infantry to enter the settlement and another two points in the wall for our cavalry to enter and flank the defenders who were fighting our infantry at the gate
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0073.jpg

after a few moments of pounding, the gate split open and our brave hastati poured through the gate, engaging an enemy unit of leves and hastati
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0074.jpg

meanwhile, my wing and Cotta's wing entered through the breaches made in the wall
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0075.jpg

the fighting was bloody, and when the infantry was advancing towards the Town Square, they were attacked by Ivbellivs' bodyguard (Principes) and a hastati unit; I ordered the cavalry to move around the enemy so that they could be flanked. the strategy managed to rout the enemy principes and hastati and Ivbellivs was captured while trying to escape. unfortunately, many men were lost while fighting the traitorous General's unit
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0076.jpg

the whole army then marched into the town square, unhindered except for a small force of Leves. they were soon crushed and the city has been liberated and bought under Roman rule.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0077.jpg
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______

[everyone]

this is going to be very brief, more details in this story: https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2103336

Battle of Bononia, Summer 267
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[navarro951]

Siege of Segesta
Story Coming Soon


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[/Bean\]

Assault on Patavium, Winter 489 A.U.C. Legio II Latium Legatus Caivs Avrelivs Cotta


Winter, 489 A.U.C. Outside the walls of Patavium.

The three rams that had survived the relentless enemy sallies over the last few weeks all approached the western wall, manned by the IInd, IIIrd and IVth Cohorts. Caivs Aemilii commands the left flank (IInd Cohort and the Equites alongside his own cavalry), Avlvs commands the right flank (IVth Cohort, the Vth Cohort and his own cavalry), and Cotta commanded the centre, attacking the gate house with the IIIrd and Ist Cohorts and his own cavalry. The advance is covered by the slingers, who whip their lead and stone bullets over the top of the walls and onto the milling enemy.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/01-ApproachingtheWalls.jpg



The Legion awaits outside the walls, as the rams attack the weakend walls and gatehouse. The occasional missile whips over the walls from inside the city; mostly returning those shot over by our own men. The slingers continue to fire over the walls, and the waiting Cohorts occasionally loose a volley of pilums should the enemy wander into range. The wall on the left is the first to crack.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/02-AwaitingAssault.jpg



As the wall comes crashing down, the IInd Cohort bursts through the gap. It quickly establishes a foothold within the walls, but almost instantly it finds itself being charged by enemy horsemen, who come on screaming inhumain war cries, and letting fly short javelins through the air. All credit to the Cohort; they simply hunker down behind their tall shields and brace themselves against the charge, hoping their short swords may find their targets in the exposed legs and bellies of the animals. The horsemen push heavily into the Cohort, sending the front few men toppling over their comrades heads. The screaming horses and their blood thirsty riders pound heavily into the IInd Cohort, yet they fight on bravely, swords likcing out from behind shields, and darting back just as quickly. Casualties are heavy on both sides. However, despite their outrageous courage, the IInd Cohort is pushed backwards against the wall. Their situation is perilous. There are no reserve cohorts on the left.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/03-BarbarianHorsemenattack.jpg



Caivs Aemilii controls the left flank. He knows something must be done, or the IInd Cohort wil be destroyed. With no reserve cohorts to reinforce them, with the IIIrd and IVth Cohorts engaged as well, there is only one thing Caivs can do. Brandeshing his sword, he charges his horsemen through the wall and into the enemy. The odds begin to even, and then topple in favour of the Romans once again. Yet the enemy horsemen fight to the last.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/04-RomanCavalryhelp.jpg




Meanwhile, the IIIrd Cohort is in trouble. After breaking through the gatehouse, they had found a vast host of enemy infantry, lead by the king himself, waiting for them on the opposite side. Given no chance to form a line, they simply received the enemy charge, and reeled dangerously under the assault. They were being forced quickly back towards the gatehouse, and the enemy was so numerous they began to also envelop the flanks of the IIIrd Cohort as well. Legatus Cotta then ordered his ace into the fray; the First Cohort. Veterans of many battles and hard slogs, these men are the elite of the legion. Armed not with short sword but with stout spears, they thrus their way through gate and help the IIIrd Cohort out, creating a hole in the enemy advance. protecting the IIIrd Cohort's right flank, while the huts of the city protect their left. However, the enemy king personally leads two more units of blooded Celts into the fray, and soon the process is repeated; the Principes are dealt serious casulties in their defence of the IIIrd Cohort.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/05-InfantryClash.jpg



Finally, the horsemen are driven off on the left flank, and the IInd Cohort at last manages to come to the aid of the centre. However, this does not have the desired effect. More is needed. With the IVth and now the Vth Cohort's still engaged on the right, Cotta orders the Equites through the gatehouse and into the enemy. This does create come momentum, and the enemy infantry around the gatehouse are pushed backwards. They leave behind many dead. The enemy general still leads from the front, and refuses to retreat. He rallies enemy infantry, who go for one final push.
Meanwhile, rather than throwing his horsemen into the tight press of men, Caivs Aemilus leads his horsemen along the walls away from the centre, searching for a gap in the buildings where he can get behind the enemy.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/06-EnemyGeneralThreatensLines.jpg



With the lines faltering once again, Cotta finally commits himself to the battle. Leading his heavier horsemen through the gate, the Romans throw themselves into one last effort to overcome the Celts. Both sides inspired by their leaders, the two find themselves face to face. Clashing swords with the enemy king, Cotta snarls, urging his horse closer. The King screams a war cry, brandishing his sword like an axe; swinging it over his head in a whirling motion. The press of bodies forces Cotta to turn his horse, and he see's a young legionary tossed to the floor by a giant of a Celt. Forced to make a decision between the two men, Cotta angrily rams his heels into his horse, thrusting his way towards the assailant. Moments before his huge longsword crashes down on the legionaries cowering body, Cotta's sword slices through the thick muscle of the neck, sending the giant crashing to the ground. The cowering legionary is lost in the fray.
Turning back to the enemy King, Cotta finds him surrounded. He swings his huge sword from left to right, felling allthose around him. Cotta again digs his heels into his horse, aiming to slash through the King's defences as he rode past. But a lunging spear from a Celtic infantryman sends his horse onto its hindlegs. Cotta killed the man mercilessly, but the delay had let one of the men of the Ist Cohort thrust in with his spear, sending the King crashing to the ground, where he was mercilessly dispatched. Angered that he had missed his chance, Cotta rode up to the man. However, the Celts, having seen their great leader felled, now streamed away from engagement, heading towards the central square in front of the palace; their last stand. Cotta, rather than rising to anger and jealousy, instead touched the man's shoulder, and praising him for his talent "A fine man, indeed, Gracchus, if you are able to rout all these men with one thrust of your spear!"


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/07-FallenGeneral.jpg



The remaining Celtic infantry now streamed back towards the centre of the city, to defend the Palace atop the hill. Only one small unit if spearmen held the rearguard, and without wasting time, Cotta led the charge of horsemen straight into them. The wavering line of spears flew in all directions, as the heavy horses barrelled into the foe. A few riders were unseated, their mounts’ chests punctured by a spear point or their legs breaking under the impact of the charge. But Cotta led a magnificent charge, and soon the last of infantry were either killed, captured or chased down by the cavalry. Only a few lucky ones, if lucky is the right word to use, made it back to the palace. Cotta then ordered the Ist, IInd and IIIrd Cohorts, accompanied by the auxiliary infantry, who had now packed their slings away, their missiles spent, and had drawn short swords. They would plug any holes found in the infantry line. Cotta meanwhile took his cavalry, with the Equites around the houses, in an effort to charge the infantry on the right from behind, freeing up those units on the right.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/08-RomansChargeRearguard.jpg




Now of the right flank, the loss of the enemy King had finally reached the ears of the Celtic infantry that had so far held up Avlvs’ infantry so well. Avlvs saw the line was wavering, and ordered one last push, thrusting his horse deep into the ranks of the enemy, his own horsemen and infantry cohorts charging forward with renewed vigour. The enemy could not compete with such ferociousness, and with no leader to rally them, they attempted to turn tail and flee. However they were hindered by the press of the buildings, walls, and Roman soldiers all around them. Hundreds died helpless, unable to defend themselves any longer. They had bravely fought to keep their flank from being overrun, using infantry to plug gaps, and horsemen to charge any exposed legionary. As they finally managed to break free, Cotta’s horsemen appeared behind them, and slaughtered all they could see. The right flank, all its infantry and horsemen, were completely annihilated. Avlvs ordered the IVth and Vth Cohorts to march round to join the rest of the infantry cohorts, while Cotta and he would lead their cavalry, along with the Equites, along the south wall, capture the south gate, and surround the enemy palace.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/09-AvlvsAemilii.jpg




Meanwhile, back in the centre, the few remaining horsemen had rallied, and now struck the approaching infantry again and again, hindering their advancement. Riding up, they let fly their javelins into the marching mass, which held up shields to block their efforts. Only a few unfortunate men tasted cold steel as javelin tips found their mark. Once the remaining missiles were spent, the cavalry charged sacrificially into the raised shields and spear tips of the Ist Cohort. Many horses were brought down, and with the IInd an IIIrd Cohorts flowing fluidly around their flanks, they were cut down, until the final few managed to flee back towards the palace. The infantry had been held up, though they were largely unaffected by the suicidal heroics of the enemy. It had given time for the IVth and Vth Cohorts to catch up slightly, however.



https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/10-BarbarianCavalryCounterAttack.jpg



On the left flank, Caivs had secured the northern gate, and had ridden his horsemen down the wall and round the buildings, until he could see the infantry massing at the rise of the hill below the palace. He watched as the Celtic infantry charged with defending the palace massed on the alter-type of structure in front of it, and saw how few enemies were returning to join them. A sense of joy and regret mixed and struck him at once; joy at their now inevitable victory, but regret that he had not managed to find a way through the press of houses. Securing the northern gate had taken a little of time as well. Still, he could make an impact, few though his number of horsemen were. He knew the infantry would be marching up the centre, and Cotta had planned on taking the cavalry round the flank. Avlvs was meant to be with them; however he had taken the opposite flank. He ordered his horsemen forward; they would be a bigger part of the final fight for the fight.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/11-CaivsAemilii.jpg



Meanwhile, Cotta was leading the rest of the cavalry (his own, Avlvs' and the Equites) to secure the southern gate. From there they would be in position to attack the last of the defenders from behind as they engaged the infantry. The infantry had by now almost crested the hill, and were beginning to form up too attack the last of the Celtic infantry on the steps of the alter.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/12-Cotta.jpg
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/13-InfantryConvergeOnCentre.jpg


As the infantry formed up, however, Cotta had reached the end of the wall, and was turning his horsemen into the street leading up to the palace. He was met with an interesting site. The survivors of the last cavalry attack on the infantry cohorts were galloping towards them, arms rasied back, javelins in hand. Cotta, sensing a chance to finish off these annoying pups before they caused any damage to their expensive horses, he led his men against them, shouting to Avlvs to gather the Equites and begin to surround the palace. However, the barabarian horsemen turned, dashing back the way they had come. Cotta gained on them, the leading horsemen stabbing their spears into the rumps of the retreating barbarians, sending them toppling.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/14-LastHorsemenPursued.jpg



However, as Cotta crested the rise, he realised with a sense of dread he had chased too far. Unable to slow down their mounts, fuelled with the excitement of the chase, they crashed into the waiting infantry, charged to protect the palace. Cotta and his few horsemen battled courageously, slashing with the swords and stabbing with their spears. They dispatched the few remaining horsemen, but were surrounded by the enemy infantry.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/15-CottaPursuesTooFar.jpg



Knowing the infantry could only be just round the corner, Cotta battled on alone, thrusting his way deep into the enmy infantry to draw their attention away from the approaching infantry. Leaving most of his men behind, he galloped deep into the slashing Celts, stabbing and hacking at the press of naked bodies around him. A few of his men strove to keep up with him, to protect their general; however, they were eclipsed by his passion for the fight. However, his men were falling all around him to the numerous enemy, pulled from their horses, or the beasts themselves collapsing, bellies split or legs hacked away. Cotta knew he must do something. Yelling an order to his signal bearer, the shrill notes of the trumpets called out across the city. Avlvs, knowing his general wa sin trouble, began to lead the rest of the horsemen towards the palace, though he was still some way off. The infantry began to run to pass round the palace to engage the enemy on foot, though again they would not get there for a while. However, a hero was there to save the day.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/17-CottaGetsStuckIn.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/16-CottaOrdersReinforcements.jpg


After cresting the slope, Caivs Aemilii had heard the call for help from Cotta, and had led his few horsemen over the hill to the alter. He saw the infantry about to pass the palace and engage the Celts, though they would not get there in time. He ordered the chagre, and drove his horsemen into the backs of the enemy infantry, giving Cotta the time and distraction he needed to withdraw and meet up with Avlvs coming from the other direction.


https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/18-CaivsDistractsEnemy.jpg


Avlvs paused only to see that Cotta had not made it out, before following the rest of his cavalry in an all out charge into the enemy ranks to cover his retreat. Several Celts had surrounded Cotta, stopping his horse from following his men. Avlvs' cavalry barrelled into them as Caivs made good of this to pull his majorly outnumbered horses back before they took too much damage, his job done. As soon as Cotta had met up with Avlvs, the cavalry pulled out.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/19-AvlvsCoversCottaRetreat.jpg


The Celts attempted to give chase; however, the Roman Cohorts chose this perfect time to break around the corner and smash into the Celts for the fourth time in as many minutes. Now the Celts faced attack from three sides. They could not form up enough men to combat each threat effectively, and the Cohorts mercilessly dispatched all those against them, clawing their way onto the steps of the alter, the Celts falling all around them, spent.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/20-InfantryAttack.jpg


Now the time had come. Suficiently reordered, Cotta knew this would be the final attack. The trumpet bearer raised his instrument to his lips, and Cotta, Avlvs and Caivs all charged forward into the backs of the enemy. It was a quick and bloody end for a heroic and suicidal stand by the enemy.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Patavium%20265BC/21-FinalAttack.jpg



ROMA VICTRIX!



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[The Celtic Viking]

Battle by Massalia, summer 264 BCE

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[Potocello]

NOTE: I had to play on my mac which has no print screen button and i forgot to download fraps before.

here are the results:
Clear Victory

Servivs Semprionivs Longvs
Men Deployed: 741 Kills: 211 Men Remaining: 723

Rebels
Men Deployed: 249 Kills: 17 Men Remaining: 38

[The Celtic Viking]

The Assault on Segestica, Spring 260 BCE

Story coming tomorrow!

http://www.junsele.com/viewpic.asp?id=100301

[/Bean\]

Battle of Dalminion, Winter 493 A.U.C-Dux Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, Legio II Latium

Finished


Having been alerted of an enemy relief column heading for the city, Cotta decided to abandon the siege on the city and make for higher ground. He had no idea of the size of the either the relief column nor the forces left inside the city. His men had been spread out around the walls in various degrees of readiness. He also had a poor view of the surrounding landscape. A tactiful retreat was by far the best option.
He made for a large hill, surrounded by forests, looking down upon the city below. Despite it being bitter winter, he ordered his men to down packs and toil in the solid and frozen ground, building rough earth fortifications into the side of the hill. Once these trenches and earth walls had been built, he would have some of the trees chopped down to make a rough palisade.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/01-DiggingIn.jpg




However, the ground was far too difficult to carve up, and the wind had picked up. Despite himself taking up a pick and shovel alongside his men, toiling in the earth and snow, Cotta knew they were getting nowhere. At that moment, one of his scouts reined in.
"Movement in the treeline, sir. Straight below us." The relief column, it had to be. Cotta grabbed the scouts out stretched arm, hauling himself out of the all-too-shallow trench. Looking down through the light snow falling from the sky, he could just make out the edge of the tall pine trees that covered the lower reaches of the slope. Squinting, he saw nothing wrong.
"Oh, glorious Gods. Bless me with a clear site this day." He whispered under his breath. As if on cue, the wind stopped, the snow cleared, and valley, the hill, everything, became crystal clear. Cotta was surprised, and slightly impressed that he seemed to have got the attention of the gods. This was quickly forgotten, however, as the scout pointed at what Cotta already saw.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/02-EnemyApproach.jpg




It took a few minutes for the relief column to clear the tree line, and Cotta saw it was nowhere near the size he had feared. He could make out what looked like some light infantry, due to their close oder and tall shields. He saw the spread out ranks of skirmishes, and the tall pikes of a Phalangitai regiment. A simple job then. They were milling around on the edge of the trees, contemplating the dug in Romans. On the crisp air, Cotta heard the howling of the enemy as they built their blood up for the fight. They would need all the courage they could get if they want to assault this hill, thought Cotta. Slowly, he watched, as the enemy surged forward up the slope.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/03-EnemyAssaultHill.jpg




Calmly, Cotta called for his trumpet bearer. "Call for the line-up," he told him. "Get the slingers ready." The trumpeter nodded, raising his intrument to his lips, and giving out three sharp trills repeatedly. All around him, the Roman legionaries grabbed shields from where they lay, aides moved packs to the rear of the line, and slingers stood ready on the Roman left. Once in range, Cotta lifted his arm, letting it fall upon the advancing infantry. A quick whirll, and the air was alive with the zip and whine of slingshot pellets flying down the hillside. Cotta watched as bodies pitched across the snow, stained red with blood, as the survivors trampeled over those who fell.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/04-RomansFireSlingshot.jpg



The light infantry at the forefront of the assault fell in great numbers. There was little more than half their original number as they drew near to the Roman lines, Cotta estimated. Still, enough to warrent a few volleys from the men. Ordering his signaller to tell the slingers to concentrate on their opposite numbers further down the slope, he raised his arm as the infantry came within about seventy feet of him. Once they were raising their spears, their warcries feeble in their shortness of breath, he let his hand drop, and the air around him darkened with the volley of pilums, and the grunt of his men gave the silence following it an eerie power. Then the javelins make connection. Thudding dully into shields or the snow, or piercing the tough hide covered wood of the shields. Many entered flesh, and the sickening squelsches could be heard from here. The few remaining enemy fell, punctured with javelin shafts, screams of the wounded or dying reaching Cotta's ears.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/05-EnemySurvivorsReachRomanLine.jpg




Meanwhile, the enemy phalanx had lowered their spears, and were making their way towards the Roman line. After a brief volley of javelins, Cotta ordered the infantry to engage them on all sides.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/06-EnemyPhalanxApproaches.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/07-InfantryEngageAtopHill.jpg



After a brief engagement, the enemy broke. Dropping thir spears, they turned a ran, pursued a short distance by the infantry. However, Cotta ordered them back into position, and called for Caivs to pursue the remaining infantry, while he himself chased down the few remaining skirmishers. With no further sign of the enmy main force from the city, and feeling the relief column was slightly less than he had expected, he also sent Avlvs to scout to the east and southeast sides of the slope, while Caivs would scout the southern slopes of the hill.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/08-EnemyPhalanxRoutsOnHill.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/09-CottaChasesEnemySlingers.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/11-CaivsAemiliiPursuesEnemy.jpg




Meanwhile, unknown to Cotta, the enemy army was moving unseen through the woods on the southern slopes of the hill the Romans were dug in on. They were heading to a clearing to the east of the hill, from where they could regroup, and assault the Roman position on it's right flank, along a much shallower climb.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/10-EnemyArmyMovesUnseen.jpg




The Roman army waited upon the hill, scanning the surrounding land for any small sign of movement. Cotta awaited his tribunes, Caivs and Avlvs, who were still out scouting for the enemy. He knew they were out there somewhere. But where? He constantly checked his men, attempting to find any weakness in his position or formation. He could see no obvious answer. He held the high ground. He had well trained, blooded troops. They had plenty of supplies, and they were on the defensive. So where were they?
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/12-Waiting.jpg




Suddenly, a trumpet call echoes up the hill, reaching the Roman sentry ears. And Cotta's. At last, he thought. We have found them. The call came from the south west, the direction Caivs had taken in pursuit of the enemy infantry and to scout further. Cotta could not see anything; the curve of the hill prevented eye contact with the sound.
Down the hill, Caivs led his few horsemen into the enemy skirmishes. There weren't many of them, he suddenly thought. They had made a lot of noise, and it had seemed a great number of men moving through the treeline when he had ordered the trumpeter to signal engagement. But they Romans had quickly discovered the scarecrows, strawfilled uniforms on sticks and the heavy branches the enemy had used to disguise their minority in numbers. Quickly dispatching those few who resisted, he wondered briefly if this was a trap. In amongst the crys of the drastically outnumbered and outfought slingers, he scanned the trees all around him, desperately trying to see telltale signs of an impending ambush. He saw none.
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/13-CaivsChasesEnemyDecoy.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/14-CaivsDispatchesDecoy.jpg




Meanwhile, to the south west, Avlvs had had a surprise meeting.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/15-AvlvsStumblesUponEnemyArmy.jpg




It appeared the enemy army had marched through the woods and round to the hill to the south west, meaning to assault the Roman position from the flank. Avlvs quickly dispatched a rider to pass this information to Cotta. However, Avlvs then noticed a group of scouts on foot, armed with clubs and small shields. Come to try and take him alive, most likely. As an important and high ranking officer, he would make a hefty ransom for these thieves and miscreants. But they wouldn't take an Aemilii alive! Avlvs ordered his men to charge the few club-armed scouts approaching them, while behind them, some distance away still, the main force of the enemy were appearing over the brow of the slope.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/16-AvlvsEngagesScouts.jpg




The few men on foot fell like flies to the heavily armed and armoured cavalry, and the last remaining souls turned and fled. However, another unit of men emerged from the dense wood on Avlvs' left. A much greater number than the last, armed with spears and tall shields. At the same time, javelin and knife weilding skirmishes appeared from the woods to the right, and charged Avlvs' rear. Avlvs and his few cavalry were now desperately fending off darting attacks from two sides.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/17-AvlvsFacesNewThreat.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/18-Ambush.jpg





It was only to get worse. Now, rising from the snow from whence they had laid in silence, many men armed with long spears and large aspis shields let out a great roar, charging the striken Roman cavalry on their right sides. Avlvs and his men were now almost completely surrounded, as more men joined them from the woods once more. However, Avlvs fought bravely, he and his men killing many more of the enemy than they themselves had in numbers.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/19-EnemyCloseInOnAvlvs.jpg





Meanwhile, upon the dug in positions on the hill, Avlvs' messenger reached Cotta, and told him of the predicament. Cotta made a quick decision. He decided to move the whole legion away from their prepared positions, taking the risk that this could be yet another decoy, and the enemy were waiting for the Romans to weaken their current position. However, disregarding this, Cotta took his cavalry and the Equites into a rush to save his friend, while the infantry and slingers ran and slipped down the shallow side of the hill in pursuit of their commander.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/20-LegionRacesToHelp.jpg




By the time Cotta reached Avlvs, the enemy main force was massing behind the struggle. It was surprisingly small; it seemed they had used nealry all their units in the ambush of Avlvs. Maybe they had believed Avlvs to be Cotta, he did not know. Now, however, it would seem to be an easy conquest. Cotta, spying Avlvs' large frame swinging and stabbing with his sword from atop his horse in amongst a wavering group of ambushers, rushed to help. Around the remaining Roman cavalry, there lay an impressive pile of bodies, amongst the relatively few horses and chainmailed Romans. Cotta ordered his Equites into the fray, and was about to follow, when he suddenly noticed the enemy colour party, just some fourteen or so in number, trotting round the engagement. Cotta's cavalry burst out from behidnt the tree cover, and engaged the surprised and outnumbered enemy colour party.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/21-CottaEngagesEnemyColourParty.jpg




Meanwhile, the Roman slingers had reached the top of the slope, and were in range of the milling enemy infantry. They let fly, killing and injuring many. Atop this, the frightening success of Avlvs and the support from the Roman Equites, their general's colour party about to be wiped out and no sign of support from their own side, the ambushers turned and fled, back into the woods.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/22-AmbusheesRoutUnderSlingshotFire.jpg




Right on cue, the rest of the legion appeared over the brow of the hill, and rushed to engage an enemy already in rout. Just one unit of pikemen stood ready. The cavalry could not engage such men. It was up to the legion, while the cavalry pursued the enemy through the wood.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/23-LegionArrivesInForce.jpg




Now, the remaining ambushers ran headlong through the woods, pursued by Avlvs, Cotta and the Roman Equites.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/24-EnemyRetreatToWoods.jpg




In a desperate attempt to save their fellows, a captain of the enemy ordered his spearmen to stand firm against the Roman horses. The captain himself bravely stood his ground against his foe. However, he was duely cut down, and at last the enemy infantry turned and fled.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/25-DesperateEnemyRearguard.jpg




Meanwhile, seeking glory, the Vth Cohort charged headlong into the pikes of the last bastion of Epirite defiance. It was indeed a brave and daring decision, and they payed for it with their losses.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/26-InfantryEngageEnemyPhalanx.jpg




However, the other cohorts soon joined the fight, swarming around the enemy, until they were surrounded from all sides, being cut down like hay in the harvest time.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/27-LastStand.jpg



It did not take long for the enemy to break.

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/28-RomaVictor.jpg

Roma Victrix!

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/Results.jpg

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Dalminion%20261BC/Statistics.jpg

[Potocello]

The Battle For Epidamnos
Outside the City:

It was a warm day, a slight wind blew off of the Greek sea and rustled my hair as i put on my helmet and mounted my horse. We had just received reports that an Epeirote force had rallied against us to the north, while the forces in Epidamnos left the protection of the walls to assist their brethren. My troops were confident.

"Hey, Gaius what do you think those Greek women are like in Epidamnos?" asked the 19 year old Sextus.
"Ha! Not that it matters for you, i heard tell that you've never had a woman before." The boy's face reddened and he hung his head low. I chuckled and let the cat calls and jeers from the men continue. I knew this boy would need all the anger and frustration for this fight. I looked over at Scipio, he was talking to one of his bodyguards, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
"Are you ready?" i asked him.
"I am sir." That was all that was said, that was all that i needed to hear.
https://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3180/rometw2009021519424771ro1.png
I ordered that the men form up into the same formation we used before. Scipio and myself took control of our left flank. Tiberius and the other Equites took the right flank. This was it, this was the day that we had been waiting for, finally a chance to show Cotta and the rest what we can do. The men had been training for weeks, I had put them through the most grueling training, for they still didn't really know what a fight was. If anything, the fight against the rebels will make them reckless. They will see much more of their blood spilled today.

As i gazed upon the woods before us i couldn't help but get an eerie feeling, it was as if a monster's jaws lay open, ready to devour our forces. I thought of the day Asina died, i remember those barbarians and their brutal snarls. Their toned naked bodies, so confident standing before me. I was just a Tribunus then, I didn't really know what it meant to command, to be the one responsible for those who die. I would find out today though, that much was certain.

As the men took formation, Tiberius rode over to me.
"Ave, sir!" The Tribunus was brimming with confidence, i had entrusted him with a great part of this battle, his perfect command of his equites was vital to the battle's success.
"Are your men ready?"
"Yes sir"
"Good, now remember don't be foolish, go only for the skirmishers and ranged units, do not charge on their phlangites or their spears will rip you apart." I replied with a stern look. Tiberius is young, he has seen a large amount of success in his brief career, i don't want him to get too cocky.
"Yes yes Longus, i know my task" Tiberius gave me a solute, turned and went back to his men, "strength and honor" could be heard as he road away. I was uneasy about his last comment, the "yes yes" made me think he would charge headlong into the front of one of those famed Greek phalanxes.
****************************************
The battle began rather chaotically. The army from Epidamnos was actually much closer to our rear than expected, I had thought that they were a mile off at least.

Tiberius galloped over to me.
"Sir, the trees, to the south!" He yelled at me. I whirled around and i saw the second Epeirote force from Epidamnos running out of the woods. They were very close.
"Damn scouts" I muttered, "okay Tiberius order your men to take position on their right flank."
"Men turn around!" I yelled to the rest of the men.
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/662/rometw2009021519514690lf8.png

The men hurried to reform the line while more Epeirote forces emerged from the forest. Thank Jupiter it was only the smaller force or we would have been slaughtered.
https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1241/rometw2009021519523758eg9.png
The men threw their pilla and braced for the enemy infantry. I was overcome with pride for my men and Roma. I chuckled once more as i saw Sextus push his way up to the front line, surely to make a name for himself, this boy would fight well today.

The enemy infantry were no match four our finely trained Romans, and soon all of them were killed. We then moved onto their cavalry, their general's bodyguard. They put up a good fight, killing 8 of our men. One of the bodyguards even almost cut down Scipio's horse in the hopes that he would fall to the ground and get trampled by the cavalry scuffle. Scipio stayed true and weathered the attack, and the man missed.
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4228/rometw2009021519535971vk8.png

At last the first of the enemy general's lay dead, surprisingly, it was Sextus who had done it. He managed a lucky strike with his spear to his horse' breast, causing it to buck him off. The general lay on his back, eyes to the heavens as he was trampled and stabbed by the men. They enjoyed the killing, their blood lust was uncontainable.
"Roma vitrix!" I heard Tiberius shout. I smiled at his salute and his blood splattered demeanor.
"Scipio, gather your bodyguard, the other force is approaching."

I ordered that the men reform once more, this next fight was where the challenge lay.
***********************************
The enemy came off of the hill from the north. They had 3 phalangites and a massive amount of skirmisher and ranged infantry. It was time for Tiberius to do his job.
https://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5117/rometw2009021519551064zv5.png

"Tiberius" I shouted, "now!"

Tiberius shouted orders to his men and soon he was off heading to the enemy's right flank. He and his men caught one of the enemy Toxatoi and began cutting them up. Their knives were no match for the disciplined cavalrymen and soon they routed. Tiberius pursued them, killing each one.

With Scipio at my side, i then moved onto the enemy's right flank to do the same as Tiberius. We cut them down just as easily.
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9819/rometw2009021519593378nm7.png

The battle's climax was against the second enemy general's bodyguard. We were able to perform a full envelopment of their phalanx. I led Tiberius, Scipio and the equites in a cavalry charge into the rear of the bodyguard phalanx. Soon their general was dead, and in seeing this, the other units fled the battlefield. My men were tired at that point so we let them go.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4489/rometw2009021520033804qo6.png

"Roma vitrix, Roma vitrix, Roma vitrix!" the men shouted. It was not over yet though, we still had to take the city...
https://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7973/rometw2009021520060183dp6.bmp
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3093/rometw2009021520061276lw4.bmp



Battering the City Walls:

The men were brimming with pride as we marched down the road to Epidamnos. As we walked i could hear the men boasting about how many he had killed, i even heard one man saying he had killed 50 men. His friends laughed at him, pounding him on the back. At the front of the march i saw Sextus, he was a soldier that truely did prove himself this battle. Killing a general as well as many phalangitemen, it was clear that this boy would go far in the Roman army, that is, if he lives.

We came upon the city after retrieving our battering rams from the hiding spots. The city was poorly defended, with only one unit of levy spearmen guarding the center. We quickly battered down the walls with no resistance and then marched for the city center. Seeing the second enemy force to the left in the woods, i ordered that Tiberius take his cavalry and one unit of infantry to defend the gate to the east.
https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4435/rometw2009021520144616cb5.bmp
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The battle for the city center was short and soon we had the city.
https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1364/rometw2009021520190266hi8.bmp
The men fought well today and the gods favored us. Tiberius and Scipio will be in line for a promotion after this. I am happy for them yet i will miss their companionship in the Legio, as will the men. They have proven themselves well in these past few years, watching them grow into the soldiers they are today has been both exhausting and rewarding.

"Anymore orders?" Scipio and Tiberius trot up on their horses.
"Not now, go enjoy your victory."
"Strength and honor!" they said in unison. I laughed.
"Strength and honor, friends."

https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8021/rometw2009021520270185zf2.bmp
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5277/rometw2009021520270963df4.bmp

[navarro951]

Consular Legio IV Roma rid Apulia of their rebel problem...

Princeps Blasio (SPQR)
Deployed:1412
Killed:493
Men Remaining:1327

Captain Kaeso (Rebels)
Deployed:539
Killed:104
Men Remaining:45

Outcome:Clear Victory

[/Bean\]

Attack on the Legio II Encampment, Mountains of Epirus-Late Winter, 494 AUC-Dux Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, Commander Legio II Latium

Work in Progress-Sorry, forgot about this. I'll get it done sometime...or at least post the pictures.





Legio II attack on Epirite Capital Army, Mountains of Epirus-Early Spring, 495 AUC-Dux Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, Commander Legio II Latium

Work in Progress

https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Epirus%20259BC/43-Results.jpg
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn64/The_Baen/Epirus%20259BC/44-Statistics.jpg

[everyone]

Won a victory over the band of Libyan spearmen threatening Massilia as instructed by Edict 5.2
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0092.jpg
spearmen armed with javelins are annoying. like skirmisher cavalry.

[everyone]

https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0093.jpg
stupid javelin-armed infantry on higher ground and inside a stupid forest.

[/Bean\]

Attempted Ambush on Pyrrhus

Working on it. Story will be added bit by bit in time; make do with the screenshots for now.




Successful Assassination of Pyrrhus

Working on this too.

[everyone]

Siege of Tolosa, Winter 258
(sorry, no story, I had to also complete a report as WotB's chancellor. I also didn't take screenshots as I was focused on winning the battle in the most efficient manner possible.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0100.jpg

[/Bean\]

Armed Patrol in Epirus-Late Winter, 496 A.U.C-Quaestor Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, Commander, Legio II Latium

Do story laterz when I finally find some free time to catch up on all this writing...


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[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Campania, Summer 496 ab urbe condita

"Tiberius Claudius!"

came the voice of the Dux, loud and clear in the refreshingly cool morning air. It had rained last night and the morning dew was heavier than normal; but it would be a welcome respite from the humidity of the last few days. Tiberius Claudius had given the order to leave all the tapped water barrels open and, praise the gods, they had been filled to overflowing. Supplies were low on the list of worries since the Legio was now in Italia; but it never hurt to be prepared. He had even heard one of the newest volunteers who joined the ranks of the Principes back in Arpi remark that such a simple solution had solved what could be at some point in time a very dangerous predicament. It made the Legatus feel good that he had been able to teach a young man such a simple, yet vital trick to survival. What was more amazing to Tiberius was not that he had learned, but that the young man had enjoyed it and appreciated it.

The birds were chirping merrily, singing to each other their plans for the day when he heard the Dux' voice again - this time it was less forgiving.

"Io! Sir!" replied the Legatus as he broke into a light run to meet with the commander of the Legio.

"Tiberius Claudius, I have been planning possible futures for the Legio to propose during the upcoming congressional council. I fully believe that the time has come for you to begin exercising your ability as a direct commander, Decimus Cornelius, too. When the Curia refused to commission another legio for our wars, it severely hampered the ability to train any of the new Legati throughout the Res Publica. There are too many young men with enough training to be dangerous but no tasks to keep them busy - to keep them loyal. I know how the passion burns within your heart to lead men in battle. It is the same with most men who join the military. You and Decimus Cornelius have served long and honorably alongside me and you have both proven yourselves time and time again. Though the Senate may not have the confidence to give you two a command of your own, I certainly do."

Dux Servius Sempronius Longus scratched the back of his neck as he swatted a mosquito and looked off into the distance at nothing in particular. It was clear that though he was confident of his decision, it was difficult for him to step back and allow another to control what, up until that point, he himself was solely responsible for. Tiberius Claudius thought to speak; but checked himself. He sensed that his commander, his friend, was not finished. The Dux turned to him with a hardened look and continued,

"What those insurrectionists did to the Consul is beyond forgiveness. Publius Atilius is no coward nor is he a poor tactician. Those rebellious scum dealt an incalculable blow to the Res Publica. I am changing the Legio's directives for the time being. My orders for you are to hunt down the two armies that are pillaging the countryside of Italia and grant no quarter. I suppose it may make your task easier, to simply let the men lose themselves to the slaughter; but take care to not give the order to pursue unless you are sure the enemy is indeed routing and not drawing you into a trap."

The characteristic smile spread across Tiberius Claudius' face and he rendered a sharp salute with his fist to his chest.

"Ave Sir! It will be my honor to lead the men of the finest Legio in the Res Publica against these dogs who have laid us low with this treachery. Shall we perform the change of command ceremony in order to let the men know that this has your blessing?"

The Dux nodded as he turned and motioned the new commander of the Legio to follow

"Yes, that's an excellent idea. Give the orders to the Centurions and have the men form ranks after camp is struck and all have broken their fast. Let us say, two hours?"

Tiberius Claudius saluted again and left the Dux' side to carry out his new orders. He smiled to himself as he thought of what this would mean for both his and Decimus Cornelius' careers. He would swing by his friend's tent to give him the good news.

*****************************************************************************

The thundering of hooves across the parade field alerted Tiberius Claudius to the approaching riders long before the sentry outside the command tent shouted his arrival. The three officers of the Legio III Campania were planning their avenues of approach through the country side to best isolate the first rebel army and force them to fight. Decimus Cornelius had just suggested that a forced march that night would set them upon the enemy before sunrise. It was a sound plan, and all three men had agreed upon it. They had been chasing this force for a week, always being a step behind. Whenever the main body arrived to the last location the scouts had reported the enemy had long been gone for four or five hours. They knew this terrain as well as the army of the Res Publica. Defeating them would be easy. Catching them, however.......that was another matter.

The tent flap was thrust open and in stepped a rider, reeking of horse and out of breath. He saluted quickly and panted several times before he spoke. Servius Sempronius gestured to a sentry to get the man a ladle of water, which was brought and downed immediately. Three ladles total disappeared before the rider gave his message. It was music to the officers' ears.

"Gentlemen, the rebels have set up their battle line in a wooded depression near the sea. They have begun constructing abatis and crude defensive ditches. Their numbers are about one-third of ours, mostly skirmisher and levy forces. If the legio marches within the hour we should be upon them by late afternoon."

The three officers shared a look and Servius Sempronius stopped himself before he began to speak. He looked to Tiberius Claudius and asked,

"Well, Legatus? What are your orders for the men?"

Tiberius couldn't help but smile as he stood straighter and twisted his neck to crack a stiff joint that had been annoying him since midday.

"Gentlemen, sound the call to break camp. We march within a half-hour. This ends today."

A surprised look passed between Decimus Cornelius and Servius Sempronius. Thirty minutes was not much time to break down the entire camp. It was something that was practiced every so often, but it was not the hour standard that the men were used to. The men would be willing and able, however with the news that they would spill blood that day. The tent emptied as the officers went to make their preparations and the sentries began to take down the command tent and secure the gear within.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/312-2146400.jpg

******************************************************************************

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2234207.jpg

The legion had formed the battle line in a clearing near the top of a hill that overlooked the sea and the wooded depression which hid the enemy forces. Dux Servius Sempronius Longus rode up to Legatus Tiberius Claudius Marcellus and began reminding the new commander of the lay of the land and the angle of the sun. It was not a lecture so much as sound advice, much the same as a nervous but overall-confident father guides his son's actions as he draws a bow to bring down a wild boar for the first time. Decimus Cornelius Scipio rode up during the conversation and listened keenly. When it ended, he said,

"The lines are formed, Triarii in the center, flanked by the Principes and Hastati up front and the reserves and skirmishers in the second line. Scouts report that the rebellious scum take up no more than three square acres down in the middle of that mess. While not the worst of forests, visibility is severely limited."

Tiberius Claudius nodded and thanked his second in command for the update. He adjusted his gauntlets and figeted with the reins as he looked over to Servius Sempronius.

"Wish us well from your vantage point here. If all goes to hell I will have my signaller sound the call we agreed upon and you can come to the rescue."

The Dux chuckled and slapped the new commander on the back.

"I know it won't come to that; but even the best laid plans go awry. Now go kill those bastards and leave their corpses to bloat in the sun before we lose Apollo's grace. Roma Victor!"

The other two officers and their body guards erupted in a powerful "Roma Victor!" which carried on to the rest of the army. The echoing cascade of shouts and battle cries got Tiberius Claudius' blood pumping. Bloat and rot in the sun they shall. He sounded the order to advance and yelled, "No quarter!" The cry reverberated throughout the troops and the men's morale visibly boosted and the mass of trained killers set out in regimented order to slaughter the farmers and highwaymen who arrogantly thought that they had the power and ability to stand against the Res Publica.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2236022.jpg

***********************************************************************************

Within an hour, the lines had reached their assigned positions. The infantry and the skirmishers and reserves moved to the left flank positioned on the bias to shower the enemy's flank with projectiles and prevent flight up the mountain while Tiberius Claudius led the cavalry wings down the slope and onto the plain between the wooded depression and the sea.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2236454.jpg

His plan was to march the lines closer to the enemy causing them to panic and fight. When they turned their flanks to engage the Third Legio they would be crushed between a wall of shields and swords on the upslope and charging cavalry on the downslope. There would be no escape.

From his vantage point up the mountain,

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2241147.jpg

Servius Sempronius saw what Tiberius Claudius had intended with his maneuvers; but could clearly see that the commander had lost all visibility of the enemy hidden in the woods and the entirety of his compliment of foot soldiers because he was on lower terrain and had his vision blocked by the trees. When this was finished, the two men would have a long one-way discussion. It was good for a commander to think outside the box; but there was a reason that Romans fought in an ordered line time after time again - it worked.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2239487.jpg

*******************************************************************************

Enemy movement could be seen within the woods. The beat of cavalry could be heard deep within the forest and the enemy was unusually noisy for a force attempting to seek cover in the trees. Perhaps they were attempting to sound more numerous than they were. Perhaps they were drunk, knowing that their death loomed close.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2243134.jpg

When Tiberius Claudius believed his troops to be close enough, he gave the signal to his trumpet bearer who blew one long low note followed by three short high notes and another long low note. Immediately the Accensi and the Leves began to rain death upon the enemy gathered in the woods. While the trees provided some shelter, Roman arms dealt a serious blow to those unfortunate enough to be targeted.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2244244.jpg

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2246047.jpg

The two sides exchanged volleys for several minutes to thin their opponent's ranks. Tiberius Claudius signaled his trumpeter who let go three riffs of climbing notes. The call was repeated across the wooded depression and a roar of voices erupted as the infantry answered the call to advance.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2245248.jpg

It was at that moment that the enemy cavalry revealed themselves. They had been concealed by downed branches and now sought to rush the charging infantry and break the line that was already stressed from the irregular terrain and towering trees. Hearing the call from Decimus Cornelius on the left flank of the cavalry wing, Tiberius Claudius shifted his attention to where his fellow officer was pointing. It took a moment to recognize what was happening several hundred yards distant in the trees; but he quickly deciphered what was about to happen. He raised his sword and reared his horse, shouting for the horsemen to charge the flank of the enemy cavalry. Four high-low blasts rang through the air as the trumpeter signaled the Commander's orders. Within seconds, a wall of thundering muscle and leather and iron was bearing down upon the enemy in the trees. Several horses went down, their legs broken in the shallow root structures of the trees. The unfortunate riders would be trampled to death. There was no time to remember them now.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2247299.jpg

Before he knew it the enemy appeared before him and his mount crashed into the side of a horse. The animal was built for pulling carts and was not as lean as Tiberius Claudius' fine mount, nor was it used to the clamor and commotion of battle. The stench of blood dominated all other senses but for the noise. The rider who Tiberius had crashed into screamed as his leg was shattered by the weight of the beast. Tiberius wasted no time in bringing his sword down upon the man's neck and shoulder. He screamed again; but it died away quickly as the blood from his severed jugular vein drowned him while he was still atop his mount.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2247222.jpg

The enemy cavalry turned upon this new threat and fought fiercely but briefly. Soon the seasonal warriors began to panic. It was then that the Centurion of a Hastati century saw the now-exposed opening on the enemy horsemen's flank and ordered his men to use their last pila.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2247329.jpg

Once their ammunition was spent, the infantry charged the cavalry, who were now trapped, fighting for their very lives. Soon, all were dead.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2248076.jpg

Tiberius' attention now turned to the routing light infantry and skirmishers who had broken during the brief cavalry engagement. The line infantry had begun the pursuit without his order. The men were losing themselves to the lust of battle.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2251019.jpg

While in this particular instance there was no need to worry about saving strength for an enemy counter-attack or reinforcements, it was bad precedent to set. There would be discipline tonight. Tiberius Claudius and the rest of the cavalry wing rode down the remaining enemy soldiers who were fleeing for their lives. In their terror they barely acknowledged being stabbed or trampled - it wouldn't matter anyway, they were dead before they hit the ground.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2251155.jpg

From his vantage point atop the hill, Dux Servius Sempronius Longus knew that a complete and total victory had been had. He had trained his former Tribuni well. He was glad that he could avenge the honor of Consul, Dux Publius Atilius Regulus. The Dux shouted the order to his bodyguard that they would return to the camp and greet the victorious Legatus properly. With that, the men rode off, waiting for the rest of the army to return.

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2249109.jpg

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2251542.jpg

https://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/usmarinestanker/rometw-20090312-2252034.jpg

[everyone]

Yet another short battle report from everyone:
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/0106-1.jpg
I hate missile casualties. :whip: damned Iberian spearmen

[navarro951]

Rebel Samnites in Latium dealt with by Legio IV under temporary command of Dux Cornelius Blasio.



https://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z132/mstgnymike/RomeTW2009-03-1310-10-06-67.jpg

[SwissBarbar]

Battle of Epeiros, Clear Victory

https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9260/22654305.png

Details here (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2182941&postcount=44)

[everyone]

Assault on Messana, 255 BC
Clear victory, Messana captured
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/messana4.jpg


sorry, not motivatedno time to do an IC report, shall just post what happened at the battle:

deployed soldiers in usual formation, two rows of infantry, two manned rams to ram gate and wall, and one spare ram; missiles behind an cavalry at wherever the wall is to be breached.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/messana2.jpg

mass infantry melee near the gate, tried an infantry flanking maneuver via the breech in the wall with two hastati, but only lengthened the melee.
eventually, charged the cavalry through the breach. this moment, the infantry were pushed back nearly out of the gate by enemy forces. however, enemy forces have also left a spot for me to flank them, from behind, so the cavalry can't give the excuse that pathfinding is stupid and not charge straight.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/messana1.jpg
and so I flanked them, causing a mass rout and killing almost all of their troops. two pesky units of hoplitai still remains in town square.
didn't take a picture of the melee at town square, but here's a picture of the carnage at the gate.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/messana3.jpg

[everyone]

defensive battle against Carthaginians. clear victory
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/cicerovcarthage1.jpg
I forgot to take images, but they aren't very exciting anyway, I deployed myself in a comfortable position (uphill) and the Carthaginians just marched straight into the pila of Hastati and Principes.
and while playing as Sab'yn, I learned how to use infantry as flanking forces, which can also be used while playing as Romans.

[everyone]

attacking Carthaginian force under Hamalcar
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/cicerovcarthage2.jpg

the leader of Carthage has fallen!
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/cicerovcarthagehamalcarslain.jpg

I didn't forget to take screenshots again. but stupid trees everywhere made screenshot-taking and monitoring of troops difficult. there must be some way to toggle trees to disappear/be smaller and less obstructive; without removing their battlefield effects

[navarro951]

Legio III Campania suffers Clear Defeat in the Battle of Elimya against Hamalcar of Carthage.

https://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z132/mstgnymike/P-Falls/BattleofElimya.jpg

https://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z132/mstgnymike/P-Falls/BattleofElimya2.jpg

[everyone]

Lilibeo, Winter 254
the Tarantine spy infiltrated the city of Lilibeo and managed to open the gates for the Consular legion to assault the city
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/lilibeo1.jpg
The Cohortes Peditatae were arranged into three rows, Manius Claudius ordered the first row of Hastati to advance and capture the gate. Guarding the gate is the Carthaginian general Hamalcar. Surely he is not so foolish to think that he is able to repel the soldiers of Rome that easily?
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/lilibeo2.jpg
but he is.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/lilibeo3.jpg
Upon hearing of their general's death, the Carthaginian troops fled. Consul Manius orders his cavalry wing to enter the city and chase down the routing units.
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/lilibeo4.jpg
From the gate to the town square lies a trail of bodies. starting at the gate is a large pile, of both Romans and Carthaginians; trailing from a street from the gate to the town square are those of Carthaginians, with stab wounds on their backs, as compared with the fallen Romans, whose wounds are bore on their chests.
It is a great victory for Rome. All of Sicilia has been captured!
https://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg90/greatkuningaz/lilibeo5.jpg