Romaioi Barbaroi-An ahistorical Romani AAR

[Vasiliyi]

https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/465/factionbanner16romob1.jpg

Romaioi Barbaroi

(This is my first AAR and i would love to hear feedback from anybody)


My house rules? Well, no blitzing. Only attack those who have just cause for it. Roleplay, Roleplay, Roleplay! Oh, and enjoy the game.
I hope all of you enjoy this AAR, and those of you who are hardcore Romani fans please don't attack me too harshly for cheating and having the marian reforms in the 230's.

Chapter one is coming up shortly. I hope.

[Vasiliyi]

The characters

https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3684/caiusaureliuscottaqj7.jpg

https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7573/sextuscorneliusblasiowi8.jpg

https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6314/luciusaureliuscottakh2.jpg

A current map of the world as Rome knows it.

https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7638/untitledrz2.jpg

[Maion Maroneios]

Oh, satalexton you just GOT to see this...

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 1. The Garden


Caius smiled as he watched his sons walk up to through his garden into a beautiful patio he had in the countless acres of his home. Lucius, his eldest son was reminded him of himself. Proud, brave and unyeilding to the senate.

"Welcome, my son." Caius said, followed by a sip of wine.

"This place has changed, when i was here last there were still barbarians running around in the woods."

Caius laughed hysterically, then motioned a greeting for his son-in-law, Sextus.
"No, we enslaved them years ago." He said joyously."Slave, fetch my sons some wine! And be quick about it!"

Then, Caius turned his attention to his sons again, he looked them over. Lucius was his pride and joy, his bloodline, who would save Rome from those swine senators in Rome. He personally refused to send his sons to school there, instead hiring the most prestigious and smartest philosophers, officers, warriors, artisans in of Rome and greece to be tutors to his sons. But to his deep regret, Lucius still went to Rome, not to study but to lead a minor force to crush rebellions and the sort. There Lucius gained fame and glory from the roman citizens for his victories.

Sextus was a reletave of his old friend, who he himself had served under. Sextus excelled greatly in school, living in Taras as a youth. He was sent to Caius by Blasio who had feared that he would become corrupt in Rome. There he married one of Caius's daughters and also left for Rome to serve under his brother-in-law. Sextus and Lucius became the best of friends, fighting side by side in the countless rebellions they had fought.

"You both have grown so much, its been almost 15 years since ive seen you both."

"Yes its been a while, but you seem to have done quite well for yourself, father." Sextus answered, after drinking some wine a slavegirl just handed to him.

"So why did you bring us here, and so urgently. Im supposed to sail to Hiberia this summer, and there are so many things left to do." Sextus chimed in.

"Cant a father, at his old age say goodbye to his sons, before they go off fighting? Im an old man now, i doubt ill be here when you return as hero's of Rome." He chuckled at the last one, remembering how it was for him.

"Dont speak like that, you must be drunk." Lucius sharply answered his father.

"I called you here, to remind you who you were, and what this world is. On your travels, do not trust anyone. The senate will send you anywhere and everywhere just so you arent on this peninsula." He said with a load authoritarian voice. "Lucius and Sextus, trust each other, when you hear of troubles that your brother has, send him aid, and do whatever you must to to help one another."

Lucius and Sextus have heard Caius speak like this before, only in letters though. He lived in Bononia for a reason. Caius was too influencal to live in Rome. He was hated by most of the Patricians because he was a Plebian, he was a hero to roman citizens for counquering most of the settlements it owned, and defeating Carthage very quickly and without many casualties.

"Now, let us retire to the baths, you both have a long trip to make tomorow." Caius relaxed and lead them to his personal baths.

[Vasiliyi]

More Characters

https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5431/numeriusaureliuscottagt3.jpg

https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7654/auluscorneliusarvinaek7.jpg

https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2373/tiberiuscorneliusscipioxd2.jpg

... they are needed for the next chapter

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 2. They part

After their visit with their father, Lucius and Sextus left for their voyages. Lucius to the east to help out their Greek allies, and Sextus to the west to open trade routs with the Carthaginions. Recently, after the capture of Bocchoris, several Iberian tribes have been pirating roman ships both docked and on the sea. The senate seeing this as a thorn in there side, sent one of Romes prominent generals to go and quell those tribes.



https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1752/dalmatia00mr1.jpg

After landing on Eporite soil, Lucius marched his soldiers further into the mountains to begin seige of Dalmatia. Dalmatia was a beautiful land, but it was very hilly and difficult to navigate. Lucius was not above his soldiers and got of his horse when the path was too steep. He hoped that by moving quickly he could surprise the Eporites and take the city quickly. After and exhausting march, he finally found a good place to make camp and after all was said and done, he wrote a letter to his little brother, Numerius.

Numerius was the governor of Segestica. Although his soldiers lacked faith in him, he was a capable officer and never feared death. Partially because he thought no one wanted him to be alive, or that his father had never shown him respect. Being the runt in the family, he always got in trouble, trying to get attention. He went to school in Rome, but he didnt stay long. The senate sent him to capture Segestica as a warning to the eporites. What was even worse they didnt give him a single soldier. it was his father who raised legions for him, from Bononia and Patavium.

"Brother, i send this letter to you so that you may know that i am campaigning south of you, and i wish that i may have your support. I have yet to meet resistance from the Eporites but i may at one point need men, grain, spys and diplomats. I hope you are in good health and I may visit at one point, if the campaign allows."
Sincerly,
Lucius

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 3 The party

https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6809/bacchanalia3kh3.gif

Meanwhile in Rome and elsewhere, there was trouble brewing for the brothers. Aulus Cornilius Arvina, the leader of the the secret group was plotting. He stood on the balcony of his home and looked outside. He wanted to be the most important man in Rome was quite happy to send Lucius and Sextus to the far corners of the world.

"Sir, they are here." Said Marcus, his servant boy and scribe.

"Good, finally, send them in." He turned around and sat on a luxurious couch, sent to him as a gift from Carthage.

"Gentlemen, come in, have a seat." He pointed to several more couches in the room.

"As you all know," he began, "We have finally been able to send the brothers away."

The men, nodded in agreement. The room was filled with about 15 of the most powerful men in room, both by influence, money, and land.

"But thats not the only problem we have to deal with, Tiberius from Karali has been hording gold from the mines for himself, and well, i believe he could be a supported of Blasio if he asks. We should send Tiberius a message. Show him that we aren't kidding when we tell him to send more gold."

"What about Numerius, he has better mines than Tiberius, and he hasn't been sending any lately," one of the men asked.

"Don't worry my friends, "Aulus said sneakily,"he has only settled in and I'm sure were going to make a profit off him and all of you are going to receive your share. Now, please enjoy the festival that i have prepared for you."

He clapped his hands and into the room came in dancers and entertainers. Slaves served the his guests wine and all sorts of exotic foods. Aulus hoped to win favor of these men so that he could truly be important. He smiled for them now, but he was disgusted by all of them. But he needed them, and he needed them to be happy.

---

The festival lasted throughout the night and into early the next morning. He had won favor of his "friends" and hoped it was enough to see his plans come to life.

[SwissBarbar]

Nice, but you shoud eliminate this: by luruk at 2009-02-06 stuff :yes:

[Vasiliyi]

Oh, I thought I was the only one seeing that. Will delete as soon as I get home. Thank you.

[satalexton]

ok, omg, the one time i actually have time to go on interwebs...i..see.THIS.

DIE YOU FILTHY ROMAN PIGS.

[Vasiliyi]

Ill take that as a compliment Satalexton? I promise to lose a few battles in the balkans, if that makes u feel better.

[LordCurlyton]

I, however, don't see the need for sata to feel better. In fact, now I have the urge to start up a Roman campaign for the express purpose of grinding all into dust and not losing a battle by any means...



...nice AAR BTW. I generally get tired of ones that splat pics about and only use screenies.

[Maion Maroneios]

ok, omg, the one time i actually have time to go on interwebs...i..see.THIS.

DIE YOU FILTHY ROMAN PIGS.
And a most fitting title, won't you agree? :laugh4:

Maion

[SwissBarbar]

you're mean, I didn't think he'll pick this one, when I proposed it :shame:

[Maion Maroneios]

you're mean, I didn't think he'll pick this one, when I proposed it :shame:
I know:beam: But, should we tell him?

Maion

[SwissBarbar]

*G* maybe he could make something out of this title? ^^ interesting idea, making an AAR about a faction you don't like at all

[Vasiliyi]

Um, I'm pretty sure Romaioi barbaroi means roman barbarians... right? If it doesn't, I'm going to feel like a pretty big idiot. Anyone care to enlighton me?

[Vasiliyi]

I, however, don't see the need for sata to feel better. In fact, now I have the urge to start up a Roman campaign for the express purpose of grinding all into dust and not losing a battle by any means...



...nice AAR BTW. I generally get tired of ones that splat pics about and only use screenies.

Thank you, your comment was much appreciated. I hope to post again tonight.

[Mediolanicus]

AFAIK it does indeed mean that. And since you're talking about private baths, slaves, etc... You're making them look quite decadent/barbaric to me.

I will enlighten you on 1 point though... You seem to type an "o" every time you get an "e" sound (e.g.: enlighton/enlighten, charactors/characters).

Apart from that little thingy this AAR is looking quite perfect ;) Keep it up!

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter Four. First blood

Lucius awoke to the sounds of a soldier. The march last night had wearied him apparently and he had slept soundly through the night.

"My lord, they are coming!" The soldier exclaimed, "They're coming with a huge force!"

Lucius bolted straight out of his makeshift bed, and looked around with his sleepy eyes, thinking how there was no time for a bath. Unfortunately, he thought.

"Assemble the men, I want all of them ready by the time I'm out of this tent!" Lucius yelled at the soldier as he was putting on his sandals. "Hurry the hell up! What in the world are you waiting for!?"

"Yes lord." Said the young soldier as he dashed out of the room.

What in the world is going on, Lucius thought, how did they Eporites know where we landed, and how did they manage to summon a force to face us already. No time to panic, he thought to himself. Roman discipline will save the day.

He stepped out of his tent and his horse was waiting for him already. All of his bodyguards were in their full plethora of armor and weapons. He gazed about at the camp and watched his soldiers scrambling to get ready for battle. His world seemed to get smaller as he focused on them...

"Sir, we are ready to go." Flavius said.

The words startled him and he nodded quickly and got on his horse.

"Flavius, stay back and supervise the burning of the camp. If something were to happen today, I wouldn't want those bastards to eat our bread and drink out wine."

"Yes sir, will do." Flavius answered obediently.

The legion left the campsite and entered a valley, it was quite the clearing, a surprise to Lucius who thought they would be fighting a forest battle. He assembled his men into 2 lines, with him and his bodyguard in between, along with the first cohort. On the side of the 2 lines he set up the Catapulta along with more legionaries to keep it safe.

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1484/alexandrosaiakidesdm9.jpg[/IMG]

The army was set up just in time, for the Eporites wasted no times for pre-battle negotiations. Alexandros Aiakides wanted to show the Romans who they were dealing with and what they should expect. No mercy, and no quarter.

https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7467/enemybattleformation1dv6.jpg

"MEN! I do not have time for many words, nor do you need them. Stay in your lines, defend your belly, and help the man to your right and left, if you are brave, and if the Gods don't think your worthy enough to die today, then we will WIN! ROMA VICTRIX! "Lucius said as he watched the Eporite force close in....

https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/978/luciushorsecommandnl2.jpg

"ROMA VICTRIX!" The legionaries shouted wholeheartedly.
https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5263/battleformation1qd7.jpg

What happened next was a mess. Enemy skirmishers charged and threw their javelins at the line. Given orders of fire at will, the legionaries threw back. After the skirmishers ran out of javelins they retreated behind the pezhetairoi. With the lines fully engaged, Lucius watched for any weak spots. The enemy had more calvary so he dare not venture out in the open until they were engaged. He watched his left flank become open to attack and ordered a cohort of the second line to protect it. Alexandros knew battle well, and sent elite skirmishers to flank the Romans while he distracted their front lines with phalanxes.

https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7246/battlescene2gl6.jpg
Lucius seeing the breakdown of his left flack orders his first cohort to engage there, he also moved nearer to inspire the men. Meanwhile on the right flank enemy calvary charged the legionaries, and in the middle the whole line of soldiers were being pushed back by the long pikes of the Pezhetairoi. To add to his fear, his left flank was being engaged by the Chaeonion Agema. All seemed to hang in the balance of his soldiers discipline.

https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4772/battlescene1gf3.jpg


Then as if the Gods smiled at him that day, the enemy commander was to impetuous and was cut of from his body guard. He fought on hard, but the mass of soldiers that surrounded him was unbearable and he instead of dieing by a roman pig, put his own sword into his belly. He was dragged of his horse and slashed and spat on by who knows how many soldiers. His horse soon fell too and he looked at it, and said "You are much better than those barbarians." Those words were met with a gladius in his neck and his last breath was full of blood. Alexanders blood.

https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2677/enemycommanderdeathqm9.jpg

News of the death quickly spread and one by one levies and battered phalanxes began to run. Lucius was too far away to see what happened but when he saw the enemy run he quickly ordered the movement of his own bodyguards to flank the Chaeonion Agema. After gaining speed and lowering their spears they charged right into the backs of the phalanx. Much to his surprise though the phalanx did not break but was so disorganized by multiple attacks that it just ceased being effective. They were quickly cut down and shredded in flesh and steel.

https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9104/commandercharge1ui4.jpg

After that, the whole army broke. The 2nd line had by this time enveloped the phalanxes and with their general gone and elites defeated the ordinary pezhetairoi saw no reason to fight and ran.

https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1415/enemyroutaz2.jpg


Exhausted after a long fight that lasted hours, Lucius blew his horn and ordered no chasing the routers. Not like the men could though. They had no breakfast and those who did were now throwing it up from the countless bodies and smell on the field. Lucius got of his horse and walked to the spot where he had killed a man. He was laying on his chest and was facing down. Lucius, with difficulty flipped him on his side and looked him in the face. Clean shaven, dark green eyes, young. This man must have been no older than 25. Lucius got on his knees and spoke to the corpse.

"I know that if the circumstances would have been different, you and I could have been friends. But you are an enemy of Rome, and I a Barbarian. I'm sure you fought well, and deserve a proper burial, but it does not work this way." He spoke so calmly, as if to a son, it was an ere conversation, well dialogue. "For i have won, and you have lost."

With that Lucius took out his dagger and cut through the dead mans chest to his heart. With much skill and dexterity he cut out his heart and looked at it. Then he took a piece of cloth from the young soldier and wrapped it. He closed the dead mans eyes and kissed him on his forehead. Then he took the heart and set it on the ground next to a Greek standard he took out his sword and dug a small whole, just enough for the heart to fit it. With that he set the heart into the ground and covered it with dirt.

https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6633/greekstandardou2.jpg

That night, after the soldiers had their way with the loot and took what they wanted, there was a great feast in the fort, even though they had to make a new one. The enemy commanders head was on a stake in the middle of the fort right next to the main tent's entrance. Lucius was drunk with wine, and pondered. What barbarians war makes men.

[Vasiliyi]

Wow, sorry for all the mistakes. I wrote this at 3am and I was a bit tired. Ill fix it when I get home.

[Maion Maroneios]

OK good stuff so far mate. And excuse me for the OT discussion with satalexton:tongue:

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Thank you Maion, much appreciated. Btw, I enjoyed reading your interactive aar, I never posted but I definatly lurked and read every post of yours. It was really quite good. Oh, and do you have any suggestions for my aar?

[gamegeek2]

hey, I see you have post-marian legionaries. Cheater :P

[Vasiliyi]

Yep, its there for the roleplay purpose. Thanks for reading. =)

[Maion Maroneios]

Thank you Maion, much appreciated. Btw, I enjoyed reading your interactive aar, I never posted but I definatly lurked and read every post of yours. It was really quite good. Oh, and do you have any suggestions for my aar?
Ah, thanks for the good words. The only suggestion I can give you is the following: Have fun with the AAR. Don't ever force yourself to write, because it will be reflected to the readers. As long as you have fun, at least some people are bound to enjoy reading it.

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 5. Traitors.


https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3819/bathsx3.jpg

Aulus hated going to the baths. There was something about exposing himself to to other men that made him extremely unnerved. He looked around at the young men laughing a wrestling around as he walked into the private section of the public baths in Rome. The baths were quite fancy, and he was the one who organized building them. Of course, he did it because he wanted to be famous, not because he liked the warm water feel against his skin.

He was meeting Admiral Lucius Valerius Flaccus here. Quite the long name for some dumb captain. But Rome loved giving out long names. He took of his toga and slipped into the warm water. He wondered how long he would have to wait for the old fool to show up. He closed his eyes and thought to himself for a while. He saw great fanfare in the streets of Rome proclaiming him the greatest man in the world. He saw the senators bowing and putting their fists to their hearts. The masses repeating name "Aulus, Aulus, Aulus!" He smiled.

"Aulus."

He opened his eyes and realized that the admiral was here. The admiral was quite flaccid and well, it wasn't attractive at all.

"Aulus, is that you?" The admiral repeated.

"Yes its me you fool, your late." Aulus sneared back.

"Forgive me, i was finishing selling my..."

"Is it done, can i count on you that everything is as planned?"

"Oh yes my lord, we did just as you said." The admiral realized that something was wrong.

Yes lord... Aulus thought. I could get used to that. "Good, and the bodies, what did you do with the bodies?"

"They are still there, it would be unnatural for us to move them." The admiral said. He was a coward when it came to blood and threw up many times on his voyage, both before his actions and after. He fainted at the site of blood, that did not help him be an admiral i suppose, but having family connections does help.

"I understand. Thank you." With that, Aulus got out of the bath and put on his clothing, and walked out. On the way out he motioned with his head to a man who was standing and watching the whole time in the shadows.

The admiral stayed there for hours and when he finally got out, the place was empty. He got out of the water and stretched. He was quite drunk with wine and it took him forever to put on his toga. When he finally turned to leave, the man from the shadows put a dagger into the admirals belly. Not once, but 4 times. Then he dropped it and ran. Flaccus fell back into the water.

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 6 Barbarian slaughter


https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8332/emporiumpalacesd0.jpg


Sextus looked over the maps of Lacetania while sipping a cup of wine. He had captured the city of Emporium without a problem and was now looking for places to fortify and place scouts. It was a a large chunk of land, and he decided it would be best to leave a few hundred men in the city lead by a loyal bodyguard, and move the army out of the city. It was bad for discipline and moral to have an army in the city, they would get drunk and fight and cause all sorts of trouble, and the only way to stop all that would be to hang some of them. Too much carnage to do that right now, especially after what he did to the citizens of this once great city.

He got up with his cup of wine and looked out the window of the palace that he set up as his headquarters. It was a beautiful city and had a wonderful temple Asklepios and Hygeia that the greek had built a long time ago. The citizens of the city were celts, iberians, and greeks. They were a mixed culture. Not that it was a bad thing, Sextus thought, but it made them different, unique in a way. But they were dead. Most of them anyways.

After the battle, he ordered the legionaries to bring out every single man in the city, whether they were a month old or 65 it didnt matter, to the gates of the city. Then all the men who were able bodied (which was used loosely) were ordered to chop down a tree. The work was exhausting and it didnt help that they were beaten and spit on while they work. Sextus wasnt known for his mercy, or justice. He was known for being ruthless and incapable of sympathy.

After the trees were chopped down, they cut them each into crosses and laid them every so often on each side of the main road into the city. When it got dark the men of the city were lead back into the city and were allowed to stay at home. The women of the city during this time actually cleaned the dead off the streets. They stripped them naked and organized armor, weapons and clothing. This was all done with extreme silence and speed, because the slow ones were killed immediately by the watchful legionaries.

The next day, Sextus waited for the hottest part of the day and lead the men of the city out to work some more on the crosses. The work was much quicker today and when all was said and done he took most of them back into the city and began the bloody work of crucifying. In groups of 25 or so. By the time darkness had approached every single man who could hold a tool was crucified. Everyone who couldn't was thrown off the walls of the city. The older woman who weren't of childbearing age were burnt alive in a fire, which was started with the excess wood that the men had chopped down.

The rest of the women were fair game to the legionaries who had a single order and that was not to kill them. Sextus watched out his window as the legionaries were looting the city and doing whatever they pleased. It was funny how he had no remorse for what had he did. He slept soundly, even though there were screams throughout the city.

The next day Sextus was out of the city and started moving south towards Arse. The army grumbled about that decision but after what they saw in the city and what their general was capable of doing they said nothing to him. And so began his conquest of these barbaric tribes in Iberia.

https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5987/leg2adt7.jpg

(Sorry for not posting the last couple of days, I had real life things to do. Any comments on the last few chapters? Thanks to all who read!)

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

We Romans are better than you! Bow to your local proconsul.

And don't forget to pay your taxes!

[Vasiliyi]

We Romans are better than you! Bow to your local proconsul.

And don't forget to pay your taxes!

Not quite sure where you were going there....

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Its the anti-Romani thread in the main forum.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

This is an advice for all Romani haters there, regardless if they come here or not :laugh4:.

[Vasiliyi]

https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5117/35918602vq1.jpg


Chapter 7 Hearts of men



259 BC

"Come on Lucius! Hurry up!" Flavius squealed back at Lucius while they were running in the woods.

"I'm running as fast as i can!" Lucius answered back, completely out of breath.

Flavius was the son of a Celtic warrior who Caius had hired to teach Lucius the art of sword fighting. Although he was Celtic, Caius had ordered him be named with a roman name, otherwise he would be sold to slavery. The young child's father named him so because he was his first and only child and did not want to lose him. He was the same age as Lucius and they became very close, even though he was a barbarian. They were running to another lesson which the his father was teaching.

The lessons of sword fighting were almost always done in the forest nearby. Due to the fact that Caius did not want to known as a celt-lover by romans and because Cynyr had asked for it. Before teaching the boy to fight, Cynyr had dressed him in celtic clothing, and taught him to stalk his prey. After many weeks of training to hide and ambush he finally put a sword into the boys hand and had him fight Flavius.

But today there was something different. In the usual meeting spot in the forest, there was another young boy. Lucius recognized him right away as the thief who had stolen his horse. He was once a slave, but he slipped out one night, stealing gold and a horse from the stables. He hadn't seen him in over a month, but this was definitely him. Cynyr handed Lucius a sword and then backed away. Aikedes, the thief, was tied to a tree and looked terrified to Lucius.

"Kill him, and take back the honor he stole from you." Cynyr said.

Lucius walked up to the boy and looked him in the face. He was sweating profusely and smelt like swine. He gripped the sword and lifted it up high over his head and cut as hard as he could.

Aikedes fell to the ground with a huge thud. He looked up at Lucius and began kissing his feet, with tears rolling down his face.

"What are you doing! Kill him! Do it now!" Cynyr yelled.

"Give him a sword." Lucius said calmly as he kick Aikedes in the face lightly to stop him from kissing.

"Get up, stand and defend your honor." Lucius said with Authority which he felt he had at that moment.

Cynyr shook his head in disaprovement but gave the other boy a sword.

Boy boys looked at each other, Lucius never flinching. He was only 15, but had used a sword many times. Aikedes swung first. Lucius blocked by raising his sword and hit his shoulder against his opponents chest. Aikedes wobbled back a few stepped and tried to breath. Lucius charged with his sword and at the last moment Aikedes blocked with his own sword. There was a load clang of metal versus metal and both boys lost their swords each flying into different direction. Lucius was enraged by that and pounced on the his enemy. He swung he fist straight into the greeks neck while Aikedes kicked him in the balls.

The cries from both boys were too much too bear for Flavius who watched silently until this moment. He tried to run ran to retrieve Lucius's sword but Cynyr held him still. Aikedes managed to wrestle his way on top of Lucius and had picked up a rock to smash into the Romans face. Lucius managed to dodge the first hit by moving his head to the side but got a scratch from the rock.

In his rage, Lucius jumped up and ran for the sword with Aikedes hitting him in the back with a rock. The blow made Lucius fall, but the tip of his hand had enough reach for the sword and he turned around just in time to put the sword through the Greeks belly.

Then there was a load scream as Lucius pushed the sword completely through the boy. After a moment of moaning a gargling of blood Aikedes died. Lucius got up and looked at Cynyr. Cynyr nodded and said "Do as i taught you."

Lucius walked over to Cynyr and took a dagger from his hand and then walked back to the dead boy and got on his knees. "I have killed you, and now i take your strength and life into my own body, to help me kill again. " He cut the shirt so the bloody chest was now exposed. then he cut the skin on the left side right below the ribcage. He cut deep into it. He pulled the dagger out and put his hand into the cut. Searching through the blood and other bodily things he took the heart into his hand, and pulled as hard as he could. He felt tearing and ripping as he did that over and over until the heart was out of the boy and held it in his hand.

He looked at it with much curiosity and then he set it down and cut a piece of the shirt off the boy. He wrapped the heart in the cloth and buried it where the boy had been held near the tree. He had killed for the first time. He didn't know what to feel, but it wasn't what he expected. He looked up and Cynyr. Cynyr stood motionless. A fierce and proud look in his eyes was all that he saw.

That was the day he had become a barbarian.
https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1029/111730583774663c6099tw5.jpg

[Vasiliyi]

So, what do you think guys? Does the story make any sense? Any comments?

[Vasiliyi]

New Character.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8383/caiussergiusesquilinusol5.jpg

Chapter 8

Caius Sergius Equilinius was a good friend of Aulus Arvina. It was actually because of Aulus that he was at where he was. Being of a lower noble family, Caius needed men to help him for him to be anything in this world.

He was the Consul of a smaller legion which was stationed north of Bononia protecting the bridge crossing from Gaelic attacks. Recently, there had been a lot of activity in the region, and Aulus wanted to make sure the northern border was secure.

Although didn't have any experience leading an army, he was quite intelligent and allowed his officers and advisers to handle the army, and things did go smoothly enough. Most of the time he spent in side the fort, or better yet, his tent, reading and going over different texts he had brought with himself, so he wouldn't get bored.

When he had promised to remain loyal to Aulus, he was given responsibility as well, usually minor tasks like bribing this politician or killing off an annoying and pesky fellow who got too invested in Aulus. He had hoped to manage some sort of office in Rome, or Capua, but instead he was stationed here in northern Italy, protecting it from a non-existent enemy.
He turned to the opening of his tent, where a young man had just entered.
"Sir, A letter from Rome." The messenger said to him.

He looked over the man slowly, sizing him up. Young, rich, clean shaven. Well aren't you a little shit now are you, he thought. Probably never used a sword or killed a man. You probably have never seen a dead body have you boy? Oh! But you are a royal messenger of Rome, such a nice position. Did your daddy buy it for you? I'm sick of all of you boys bringing me letters from Rome.
"Give it here." He said. He was quite annoyed now of letters from Rome, warning him to be cautious and watchful of the north. He looked at the seal and realized it was from Aulus.

"Leave me be." He said to the messenger. "Go, scat boy!"


Caius Sergius Equilinius,
You may have already heard this, but the brothers are no longer together. Lucius is in Eperos, while Sextus is in Iberia. The admiral did his job well, and we fooled the lot of them. A war started by ourselves. I think it to be quite funny. Don't worry, i took care of him as well. I wonder what those bloody Iberians are thinking of us now. Until further orders, stay in that fort.

Aulus

He let out a laugh. Foolish Romans. Foolish masses. It was his idea to send our own navy to destroy Roman merchant ships to create a war that would provide bountiful harvest in its own time. Who knows, maybe the mountains of Iberia could swallow up Sextus while they were there. He smiled. Aulus was a smart fellow. He had sided with him before he had any support, partially, because they were both Atheists. Men make their own destinies. And Caius has made his.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

NEED MAP AND BATTLE PICS!

[Vasiliyi]

I have only fought 3 battles since the start of the aar, actually 2. I took dalmatia which had 2 units in it.. Didn't think ud wanna read about that. And I accidently forgot to turn on fraps before the battle for emporium. Sorry. I will post a full world map tonight when I get home. And I will definatly be posting battle pictures later on. Thanks for your comments.

[Vasiliyi]

World map 236BC

https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6089/worldmap236bcnk5.jpg

[Vasiliyi]

I will be posting a battle with pics shortly.

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 9 Taking nothing

The morning of the march to assualt Ambrakia, Lucius had disguised himself as a centurion of one of the cohorts. He had told Flavius what he had planned to do, and left Flavius in charge of the bodyguard. In all actually, Flavius was in charge of the entire battle, he had the horn and armor of a Roman Consul. Meanwhile Lucius gave a centurion his own horse and Flavius's armor and told him to be his bodyguard.

Lucius loved sword fights and knew today would be a bloody day. Assaulting the walls of Ambrakia was going to take most of the day, and the Eporites weren't going to give away one of their key cities without a good fight. After having breakfast, and resting for a while, the entire army set out to the walls of Ambrakia which was about a mile away. They had built no siege engines, but there were loyal spies and agents which had said they were able to sabotage the walls and gates enough for the Roman force to enter without too much trouble.

He knew it was a gamble, but it was worth a try. His last success with the Eporites won him favor with the legion, not to mention the easy assault of Dalmatia. The legion was recruited just a year earlier and had not seen any real action before those battles.

The army marched on the paved road until it saw a force coming out of the gates to meet them and Flavius ordered 3 lines to form up. Lucius was in the last line which he was upset about but he knew that he would order his line up quickly to protect the flanks. Lucius then heard another trumpet blowing and looked behind him.

There was a smaller army of Eporites, probably remnants of the army they had defeated earlier. Flavius sent a messenger to have the 3rd line turn around and engage the force as quickly as possible. Lucius waved his sword and turned around. He started marching toward the enemy force and his forces followed. The entire 3rd line soon was under his command and he loved it. They had to respect him not because he was on a horse or he had a horn. It was because he had a sword and a shield and was the ahead of the line. His bravery was very admired.

https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/148/luciusleadingmenxh0.jpg

Soon they were set up in a line and Lucius was ready for a bloodbath. It was a truly a long time since he was able to kill a man with a sword, too long. There was something about standing there, watching the enemy marching toward him that was peaceful. He loved the way his armor felt against his flesh, the weight of his shield and helmet bearing him down, reminding him he was in fact a human. He unsheathed his sword and braced himself for a charge. He listened to Gallic war cry as they charged the lines of the Romans. "BOZ! BOZ! BOZ!" Oh how it encouraged him to kill these men.


https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6665/celticchargevy3.jpg
Their charge was met with hundred of Roman pila and they quickly crumbled and routed as soon as they reached the roman lines.
https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3172/celticroutch2.jpg
Lucius almost ran after them but then saw more enemies running at him and restrained himself enough to be able to stay still. He felt his heart race as he wish to kill a man. To put his sharp Gladius into another mans belly.

He looked at the eyes of them men he hoped to kill. The Greek hoplitai was charging them.
https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2047/hoplitaichargeuh4.jpg
The clash was immense. He had almost forgotten how load battle can be. So many men screaming, metal clanging against metal, shields breaking. He loved the noise of battle. He was meant for this. He quickly identified his target and put his shield in front of the spear that was aimed at his chest. Clash! The spear rubbed off and he swung, but missed.
https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9418/luciusswingingswordxp4.jpg
Enraged for missing his target Lucius looked into the eyes of the greek. He was middle aged, must have been around 40. He moved with great speed as if he was still quite young. The greek turned around and leveled his spear to kill another man and that is when Lucius stuck.
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7545/luciuskillinggreekcr9.jpg
He put his gladius into the the mans lower back and pulled out. FINALLY! It felt so good have warm blood on his hands. The man let out a sharp scream and then fell to the ground. Lucius swung his sword left and right killing 3 greeks on his path of destructiveness. He soon realized he was cut off from his men but it didn't matter to him. He was so blood drunk at this point. His head was spinning with love of death.

The greeks started turning around soon after that, because the roman lines had started tossing their pila. They ran, because they haven't seen bravery like this before. Lucius turned around and looked at his men. There was blood all over his face, chest, and sword.
https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6416/luciusturnignarounddh3.jpg

"ROMA VICTRIX!" Lucius shouted at his men while raising his sword.

It was as if the world had stopped that moment and many of the legionaries shouted back at him also waving their Gladius at him. "ROMA VICTRIX!!"

Defeating the minor force, Lucius marched his men back to the main force only too see it engulfed in its own battle. He saw Flavius pulling away from a flank, encouraging the cavalry to charge again.
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7835/flaviusencouragingmenso2.jpg
The romans were fully engaged with a huge line of phalanxes, all of them of the Chanonion Agema. The first line was taking heavy casualties, and the second line had just engaged.
The enemy general was desperately trying to charge the lines of the romans.
https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2111/generalgettingpulledoffkn4.jpg
Lucius lead the 3rd line, which was exhausted from the fight with the minor force to the side of the phalanx and a fierce fight ensued. The Elite phalanx of the eporites wasn't going to just give up and run. They pulled out their swords and started swordplay with the romans. They did have one disadvantage. They had small round shields that barely covered their chests, while the romans had the massive half tower scutum which could easy defend from the knees up.

The fight lasted a while, neither side willing to give to the other anything. Lucius was ahead of the line again and was about to kill another man when he was pushed aside by one of his own soldiers gladius. He quickly turned to see what happened and saw that that man was now bleeding very badly from the neck. His life was spared by one of his own soldiers willingness to die for a commander. "Thank you ARIES!"
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4194/soldierprotectsluciusanqz5.jpg
He raised his shield and put the his own sword into the belly of the man who had just killed the roman. "You have smiled upon me today. I have served you well." Lucius spoke out load to the god of War.
The fight persisted another half and hour or so, but it seemed to have lasted forever. The last of the phalangites dropped their sarrisas and ran off the field. This time the Romans pursued.
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1530/luciuschacingroutersbt8.jpg

After chasing for a few minutes, Flavius ordered the men to form up into lines. There would be no assault today. The battle was definately bloody, and they weren't going to a make it bloodier. The enemy commander had fled the battle long ago apparently. ROMA VICTRIX.

Lucius walked over to the man who had saved his life. He looked at the gash in his neck. Clean cut. The blade was still sharp when it cut into the flesh. The soldier either didn't kill that day yet or was a coward who leaped out of his shell and did something rash. He picked up the gladius that had pushed him aside and examined it. Bloody. He watched as the drops of blood rolled down the blade obediently, as if asking to go to the ground and be left along. He set the gladius down, knowing it would be picked up by romans anyways to be distributed to anyone who lost theirs in the fight.

Then he looked at the man who almost killed him. He smiled. Almost. He hated that word. It meant nothing. He took the helmet off the man and examined the wound he had given him. It was just below his belly button, about 2 inches in length, and very deep. "You Almost killed me today. But you didn't. I don't know if you were a coward or a brave man. I don't know if you have killed before, and payed the consequences for it, or not. But I tell you this. You wont. You are dead, and I am alive. Almost gets you nowhere." With that he took his sword and struck it deep into the greeks neck, to avenge the man who saved his life.

Lucius lost nearly 1/3 of his legion now. He hoped re-enforcements would arrive soon. In the tent that night, Lucius was enjoying wine with Flavius. They talked about the battle and their past and the first time they had killed someone. They did this often, it was an old habit of theirs. Outside in the camp, the legionaries were celebrating their hard won victory, or groaning their wound they recieved. Today, they took nothing from the enemy.

[Vasiliyi]

That last battle took forever to finish and write up. So many cool screenies of the centurion. (in my opinion) Does it satisfy you Olaf?

[Olaf Blackeyes]

WOOT!!!!!
A balloon for you sir.:balloon2:

[Vasiliyi]

Many thanks olaf!

[Maion Maroneios]

@ Basileos ton Ellenon: It seems you are a traitor after all! You are a filthy Philoromaios, your name is even misspelled! :evil3:

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

He is no traitor! He has always been loyal to the only and true Rulers of the world!:laugh4:

[Vasiliyi]

Hopefully ill be able to post another chapter before I leave town for the weekend. Hope you all have been enjoying this as much as I have!

[Vasiliyi]

Sorry i wasn't able to post today. I had real life issues.

[Vasiliyi]

Um, i know this aar just started but ive ran into some problems and i wont have too much time to play, let alone write. So this aar is going to put on hold for now. Sorry to all.

[Maion Maroneios]

No problem mate, remember RL goes first. Always. Except when it comes to sacking Roma of course :tongue:

OT: All you guys reading this should join my Social Group, the Romaioktonoi :evilgrin:

Maion

[satalexton]

yes yes....i'm the commissar of ur group yes?

now, I actually -like- this AAR, those filithy romaioi are doing wt they do best, being barbaroi!

[Vasiliyi]

yes yes....i'm the commissar of ur group yes?

now, I actually -like- this AAR, those filithy romaioi are doing wt they do best, being barbaroi!

I aim to please Satalexton. Im glad you -like- my AAR.

[Maion Maroneios]

yes yes....i'm the commissar of ur group yes?

now, I actually -like- this AAR, those filithy romaioi are doing wt they do best, being barbaroi!
Of course you are the Comissioner. Not only that, but I hereby (and in front of our barbaroi enemies) declare you Co-Leader of the Romaioktonoi :knight:

I must admit also that I -like- this AAR as well:yes:

Maion

[satalexton]

*gasp* *joy* ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!!!

[Vasiliyi]

Lol, I find it a bit funny that I'm attracting the most extreme hellenic fanatics in my aar. I guess that's where my audience. Romani lovers probably don't like the ahistorical version scene of this aar. The ones who do probably won't comment because they fear the consequences of you, Maion or Satalexton.. Btw, I will try to write a chapter either today or tomorow. If anyone has prefrences of who to write about just pm me or post here. Thanks to all.

[Maion Maroneios]

Sure dude, take your time. We'll be waiting to flame both you and any other Romani fan out there who is stupid enough to express his favor over them:yes:

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

:inquisitive: I wouldn't expect any less from you Maion. Seriously

[Maion Maroneios]

:inquisitive: I wouldn't expect any less from you Maion. Seriously
I'll take that as a compliment again:smash:

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Next chapter coming shortly!

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 10. Apollo

"Take my hand Sextus." A woman dressed completely in a white tunic spoke to him softly.

"Who are you? What do you want with me?" Sextus asked the woman almost fearfully, forgetting who he was.

"Take my hand, and you will find out." She spoke softly and calmly.

Sextus looked at her. She was a beautiful woman with dark brown hair, her tunic glowing in the darkness of the night. He was in a daze at all of this. She had woken him from his slumber. Everywhere dark but for some reason she was just so bright. He took her hand.

The next moment Sextus was standing in the Wonderful Temple of Apollo. The temple was lit up completely, not a single shadow could be scene. He looked at himself and realized he was changed also into white robes and was glowing himself.

The woman spoke again. "Sextus, you are truly divine. No one can compare to you. Apollo himself is trembling at your feet."

Sextus looked at his feet in a daze, not understanding what he was doing or hearing.

"You will conquer many peoples, and they will serve you not as a human, but at as god. From now on, your name is Apollios. Go and fulfill your destiny."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apollios woke up to a servant girl opening up the shades of the large window. He had taken Arse without a problem. There was a very small garrison and to call it a battle would be an overstatement. It was a slaughter. He rolled over and got out of bed. It has been a week since he had taken Arse, 2 weeks since he had the dream.

The morning of his dream, Legio II was stationed just a few miles north of Arse, and awaited orders for the seige to begin. Sextus didnt even realize it was a dream. To him it was a vision. He was now a God. His first order of the day was that he was renamed Appollios and the Legion was renamed Legio Apollos. The men were confused but they did what he asked.

He broke camp that morning and marched the men around the walls. He waited until nightfall when his spies opened the gates and his men poured in and slaughtered the citizens. No qaurter was given to anyone. He simply rode on his horse through the gates and straight to the temple of Apollo. No one except the high priests were allowed to enter the temple Itself, but Sextus walked up the stone steps in the Temple. He marveled at the beauty of it and then reminded him that it was all for him.

https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9818/templeofapollojr3.jpg

After the slaughtering of the people and setting up a new government, Sextus ordered the completly golden statue of Apollo to be melted and a new statue erected. One with an image of himself. The citizens were appalled at such behavior, but were forced to work. Any citizen who came within viewing range of Apollios had to bow down to him, otherwise they were killed.

The legionaries were spared from such atrocities, but they did have to show Apollios respect. Whenever he looked at them, they would have to put their fist to their heart. To them this was a small price to pay for the riches he had given them from pillaging and looting the cities. Most of the legionaries had so much gold that they couldn't carry it all. Apollios was wealthy beyond measure as well. Enough to rename the city after himself.

Apollios was truly divine.

[Vasiliyi]

New Character https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3816/marcusatiliusserranussm5.jpg

Chapter 11

Aulus was having a very good day. He took care of many things. He woke up early in the morning to find out that his threats to Tiberius, the governor of Karali worked and several boat loads of gold were being shipped straight to Rome. He would make sure that was put into the right hands. There must have been 25,000 mnai in those boats. He smiled and thought. Slowly, his plan was coming to action.

Later in the day, a young patrician arrived in his palace. He was sent by his father to Rome to serve it with his life. Aulus welcomed the young man, treating him with more respect that he deserved, in hopes to win over the boys loyalties. They discussed politics, the wars, women, over several cups of wine. Then when Aulus thought he won him over, he offered him a post in Illyria. He would command 6 cohorts and provide support to Lucius in time of need.

Marcus nearly fell out of his seat. The offer was outrageously good. He thought he would become some sort of scribe or the such. Fame and glory of the Roman army awaited him, Aulus promised him.

After the boy left, Aulus sent out the orders for the cohorts to rounded up and ready to ship across the Adriatic. He hoped that Marcus wouldn't disappoint him. He would be the one who controlled the entire front soon. Aulus had sent an anonymous letter to villages all over Epidamnos to warn them about the approach of a legion.

He hoped that would be enough. A lot of work was done today.

[the man with no name]

I read this whole AAR just now, its good but your gramatical errors make it kinda-sorta hard to read. Other than that good job... I say this even as i plot against the romani.

[Vasiliyi]

Thanks for the comment, although i do find it ironic that you have a spelling error in your post. :laugh4: there will be an update shortly! (its gonna be an important chapter)

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 12 Orders from Rome

"Quintus, NO!" Lucius yelled at a messenger from Rome."There is no way the Legion is moving today!"

"I have strict orders from Rome! It must move quickly in order to stop the Eporites!"Quintus responded.

"Since when does the senate control the legions' every move? The Legion just marched 3 days in a row to find a good spot to rest for a day or two before ill consider moving them!" Lucius yelled back at the messenger. He was tired of discussing this already, but adding this argument to a hangover didnt help.

"If you do not march the legion, I have orders from Rome to march them myself! And I Will!" Quintus said, his voice squeaking when he said it.

Lucius stopped and looked over the young man. He was probably older than 25, and has probably never seen battle before. He was balding and looked like a lazy politician, not a general. They had been fighting for over an hour now and Lucius had enough. He looked over at Flavius who sat quiet the whole time watching the argument. Flavius nodded.

"Fine, you want the Legion? You want your glory? You want to die like the pig you are? Take the legion! Take it! Take your bodyguards, and every last legionnaire I have and march to where ever Rome tells you! Get out of my site!"

Quintus looked puzzled, and a bit scared but he nodded at Lucius and without saying anything marched out of the tent.

"Stupid boy, there are hundreds of Eporites in those woods." Lucius muttered to himself.

"Don't worry Lucius, there are always more legions in Rome, waiting to be loyal to you. Flavius finally spoke.

"I do not wish to send thousands of men to the slaughter just to make a point, but i guess that's what the senate needs." Lucius said grimly as his gathered his things.

-------------
That day the army marched south under Quintus's command. Lucius and his body guard went north to Dalmatia.

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 13 Ambush

"Steady boys, be quiet" Bastarnoz said to his men. They had been hiding in these woods for a week now awaiting the roman advance. He was the leader of the Thraikioi Peltastai, and he had earned that spot. His 6 brothers died fighting for the Eporites in the earlier battles with the Romans and he found it necessary to repay all of that. The rumor was that the Roman general lost command of the army, and a newer General was placed in his position.
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4701/thrakohidingvw7.jpg
They waited for the romans on a slight hill, silent as can be. In front of them was the pezhetaroi, the pike men. Their general, whom he never meet and didn't know the name of, had gathered the largest army seen in the past 10 years. He gathered all of his forces for this one battle. He needed to get the Romans out of Epidamnos.

Bastarnoz could finally see those dogs. He had heard them early in the morning but now, finally he could see them. He couldn't wait to put his rhomphaias into them. He had sharpened it for the past 2 days, preparing it for the bloodbath. He grit his teeth to relax and not loose his calm. He needed the surprise to work.

The romans neared their position and finally they stopped. Bastarnoz looked around to see if anything had happened. He watched the Romans as they sat down on the grass and started to eat. What LUCK! Then the signal came. He stood up and Ran towards the Romans tossing his javelins as he ran. His men followed him. He let out a fierce war cry which emboldened him even more. He pulled his rhomphaias out and gripped it hard with his hands and charged the Romans who had just got up, food, still in their mouth.
https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6559/thrakochargedp5.jpg

Some Romans were able to throw their pila but most were just not quick enough. Bastarnoz swung right as he was near a roman and sliced his head right off. Blood squirted from the mans neck a few times, violently, and he dropped. The roman behind him started choking from the food in his mouth and Bastarnoz cut his arm completely off. The roman would have cried out if he wasn't choking. Bastarnoz watched for a moment as his head turn bright red and he looked in fear at the barbarian.

There was no time to enjoy this, Bastornoz reminded himself. He needed to kill more! He swung violently at many more Romans, killing the lot of them. https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3160/dieyouromaney3.jpg

By this time the Pezhetaroi had engaged the Romans with their pikes surrounded them and pinning then against each other. Feeling braver now that the ambush was a success, Bastornoz scanned the Romans for a worthy target. He saw a Centurion and called out to his men claiming the kill for himself. He ran at the Romans with his shield in front of him and rammed his shield against the roman.https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/417/closefight1nj7.jpg
The Roman fell down and looked up in rage to see who had down that.
https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4053/romandeadcl3.jpg
Bastarnoz looked him straight in the eyes and let the roman get up to show that he wanted a fair fight. He got up and put his shield in front of him peeking at the barbarian while protecting himself.
https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5924/shieldromanvm7.jpg
He swung his Gladius at him but Bastornoz leaned back and avoided the blade.
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2678/romangettingahitwe2.jpg
Now it was time for Bastarnoz to strike. He swiftly moved and rammed him again with his shield. The shield of the roman hit the roman in the nose and the roman fell down.
https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9049/hituh1.jpg
Finally, Bastarnoz had put his rhomphaias into the back of the roman and pulled it out.

https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/286/deadcenturian.jpg
The roman lay dead there.
Elsewhere, the Romans weren't fairing well either. The pikes of the Pezhetaroi had taken their toll on the Romans and the confusion of the battle made them turn and run. https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/724/confusedromansxr7.jpg
The roman General was attacked by the cavalry of the Eporite general and they were slaughtered quickly and efficiently.
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2945/cavalryrape2kc2.jpg
Everywhere there were Romans fleeing and Bastornoz and his men followed them. Upon chasing them, they saw the Eporite cavalry charge the Romans. https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7711/finalchargewn9.jpg
A river of Roman dead flowed down the hilly countryside until the last of the Romans were killed. https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8457/romandeadriverwo9.jpg

Finally after exhausting himself from running. Bastarnoz stopped and looked at his men who were all equally tired. It had been a good day for the Eporites.

[Vasiliyi]

Ok guys, I'm looking for some feedback now.. I do take your criticism seriously! I hope you all are enjoying this aar.

[Dutchhoplite]

Great screenshots! For the rest: i'm here, reading along quietly :book:

[SwissBarbar]

Cool fight between the Centurio and Bastornoz :2thumbsup:

[Vasiliyi]

Yes it was a cool fight. i swear they both hit eachother 5 times before
the centurio died. i was wondering what people thought of my battle
i dont like focus it on the whole battle, it doesn't make for a good story.
What are your thoughts? What needs to be added? Taken away? Thanks
For all your imput. I very much appreciate it.

[the man with no name]

Thanks for the comment, although i do find it ironic that you have a spelling error in your post. :laugh4: there will be an update shortly! (its gonna be an important chapter)

I'll fix it right away. Just a miss-type

P.S. Also you spell AAR in all caps like I did.
P.P.S. You should have a main character who is just a soldier. Lots of AARs have main characters who are just commoners.

[Vasiliyi]

Oh its quite alright, I'm not offended at all. =)

[the man with no name]

I'm confuzzled lol.:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

[Vasiliyi]

Oops sorry, I didn't see your p.s's. I will put on a regular
Soldier into the aar. What you like his name to be?

[the man with no name]

Oops sorry, I didn't see your p.s's. I will put on a regular
Soldier into the aar. What you like his name to be?

Cadwalador. JK i don't know.

[Vasiliyi]

Lol, I'm not sure if theodotus would approve. =p

[SwissBarbar]

I would very much appreciate a map, the rest can be left as it is :2thumbsup:

[BurningEGO]

Somehow i like the title of this AAr. Just tell me one thing, when will we get to see Rome burning?

[Maion Maroneios]

Oops sorry, I didn't see your p.s's. I will put on a regular
Soldier into the aar. What you like his name to be?
Barbaros, or barbarvs in Latin would suit him well :yes: :beam:

Maion

[satalexton]

I second that =D

[Vasiliyi]

Well, i dont think im gonna name him that. That wouldnt fit. But i do thank all who commented their comments are appreciated. Now, BurningEgo, i don't want to give the story away. But i don't think you will be dissapointed. Thanks to all who read this aar.

[Vasiliyi]

The world as Rome knows it in 234bc
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8648/mapofworld234bcyx7.jpg

The actual world in 234bc
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2858/mapofworld2234bclj2.jpg

[Vasiliyi]

Update coming soon.

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 14
https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3976/romansenate.jpg

Lucius walked up the steps into the senate hall. He was called there by the senate to speak for his actions. Lucius neither feared the senate nor did the senate fear Lucius. So many thoughts were going through his head he was worried that he wouldn't be able to say anything when he was in front of the senate.

He passed the two guards and entered the hall. There he was motioned onto the platform so that people could ask questions. He walked fearlessly, very soldierly like onto the platform. He turned around so that the podium was in front of him and waited.

If there was muttering when was approaching the platform, then the hall was dead silent now.

The first senator spoke. "Lucius, why did you allow many of Romes sons to die without cause?"

Lucius said nothing. Hate was burning in his heart.

The first senator spoke again. "Do you disrespect me? What have I done to you that you let my own son, get ambushed in a forest?" There was sorrow in his voice, he sat down before he almost broke down in tears.

The leader of all the senate spoke. "Lucius you are to answer the questions you are given, otherwise we will throw you out."

Lucius looked at that man, and nodded. "Senators, when I left for Dalmatia, I was given a task. Go to war with Epieros and destroy them. I was named Consul of Legio I and i was allowed full control of the army, its tactics and movement. I fought hard in many battles to ensure Roman victory. I was careful with our boys and sought out safety for them. Now let me ask you! Why did I receive a letter from Rome stating its orders to march on the Eporites? My men were exhausted and the Eporites were many! Why did Quintus Amelius demand that advance on them? Since when does the senate send orders like those? What idiot allowed thousands of Legionaries to die needlessly?"

The hall was now completely silent. Then there was an uproar! The senators stood up and waved there fists and yelled. No one could make out what had happened.

"Order! Silence! Men of Rome!" The leader of the Senate spoke. "Lucius I assure you that we have sent no such orders. Neither did we ever plan to.

"That is a lie!" Lucius yelled back at him. There was grumbling among the senators.

Lucius got of the podium, and walked over to the Senator and pulled out the orders that he received.
The senator read them quickly and terror flooded his face. He looked up at Lucius and kept reading. After he was finished he was speechless for a moment. He too had lost a son in the battle.

His voice shaking and loosing authority, the senator spoke. "We did not send this."

"Then who did?!" Lucius now enraged. "Where is the traitor of Rome?"

"I don't know. It doesn't make any sense." He replied.

"I have never wronged Rome, and never plan to. That letter proves my innocence!"

By this time the Senator had read the orders and shown the seal of senate to some of the men. There was so much confusion going on that no one noticed Lucius leaving the hall. When they did realize that he left they discussed what they should do. They all agreed that another Legion would be raised under his command and that he would sail back to Dalmatia to continue his conquest.

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 15

Lucius was encamped in a fort near Capua. He would be there for at least a year until his Legion would be ready. What a waste of time. At least there would be wine and entertainment. When he heard of the offer from the senate to control another legion, he almost denied it. Flavius was the one who put some sense back into his head. Lucius was destined to fight for the rest of his life. There was nothing better that he knew how to do. That was that.

He did gain some leverage in the deal and was able to recruit veterans that served him before. He had sent letters to all of the Italian peninsula. He promised good pay and excellent equipment (funded by his father Cotta) for these recruits along with an excellent retirement package full of slaves and a big plot of land in the conquered areas.

He also demanded that his brother, Sextus (Apollios) receive the same treatment. The senate hesitated, for the cost was enormous already but they yielded to Lucius.

While he was in Rome, Lucius heard of Greek diplomats coming from the Koinon Hellen. They demanded a hearing from the senate to discuss very important matters. After a little delay the senate allowed them to speak. Lucius too, was able to sneak in to listen to the diplomats.

A man named Lysandros spoke. "Senators of Rome! How dare you betray us the way you did and allow the massacring of Greek citizens. You burn our merchant ships and steel our gold! We will not tolerate this! In the name of Sparta, Athens and Rhodes I demand you pay retributions to the families that are suffering from the loved ones they lost in Emporium and Arse! The acts of treachery they have suffered were too immense! We are allies, why have you done this!"

Tiberius, a senator spoke. "Do you know what war is like? Killing is what our legions do. Some Greeks might have fell to our armies but it wasn't intentional that we killed them. Killing barbarians is what the plan was, for stealing from our merchant ships." The senator then sat down.

"Barbarians? YOU ARE THE BARBARIANS! Your General in Spain crucified every man in Emporium, killed any elderly woman and raped the rest of the population! There were more greeks in that city than barbarians!"

"There is nothing we can do about that now. You will not receive any severance for the actions of our General, lest we demand pay for what Pyrrhus has done to us 50 years ago. He was a greek too. Get out of our site and don't return!"

"This is madness! You have lost your allies in the Aegean! Ruin will fall upon you! Death is all you will see!" Lysandros yelled at the senate as he walked out with his associates.

-------------
The senate had received massive amounts of gold from Spain already and they didn't plan to lose that income. They knew exactly what Sextus had done. They didn't care so long as he sent them Gold. Although they did send him a letter to urge him to stop killing the masses so they could become slaves. There was no stopping Rome.

[BurningEGO]

Dude, you gonna see some nasty Seleucid Empire over the east soon. Surprised it didnt eat Egypt yet though.

[Vasiliyi]

honostly im not too worried. but i do need to start conquring quicker in spain.
they have some very nice mines that will allow me to have more than 3 legions.

[the man with no name]

Barbaros, or barbarvs in Latin would suit him well :yes: :beam:

Maion

Give him a name like:scipio, marcus, or julius

[the man with no name]

The world as Rome knows it in 234bc
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8648/mapofworld234bcyx7.jpg

The actual world in 234bc
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2858/mapofworld2234bclj2.jpg

Sry about the 2 post but, If you have noticed, the boot is about to kick kart-hadast in the ass.

[Vasiliyi]

well, i really want to take all of the carthageinion territory in spain. i know they will attack me sooner or later.
i really like apollios as a charactor. he is going to be strange/funny in the next few chapters to come. im excited to play that out. but currently kart-hadast is my only trading partner sadly. we'll see how this plays out.

[the man with no name]

well, i really want to take all of the carthageinion territory in spain. i know they will attack me sooner or later.
i really like apollios as a charactor. he is going to be strange/funny in the next few chapters to come. im excited to play that out. but currently kart-hadast is my only trading partner sadly. we'll see how this plays out.

I only said that cuz of the map, not for advice.

[Vasiliyi]

I only said that cuz of the map, not for advice.

oh ok. gotcha.

[Vasiliyi]

I only said that cuz of the map, not for advice.

oh ok. gotcha.

[Vasiliyi]

oh sorry for double post. I was on my g1 and it said that it didn't work or something like that.

[Vasiliyi]

Placement of Romes Legions

Legio I - Consul is Lucius Aurelius Cotta
https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8617/legioiuj3.jpg

Legio Appollios -Consul is Appollios
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4185/legioappoliosdt7.jpg

Legio III -Consul is Caius Sergius Equilinius
https://img5.imageshack.us/img5/6381/legio3oz6.jpg

Legio IV- Consul is Numerius Aurelius Cotta
https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5796/legio4wj7.jpg

Legio V-Consul is Marcus Atilius Serranus
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/447/legio5ox5.jpg

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 16

Julius walked into the palace chamber with many documents for Apollios to sign. Construction passes, plotting estates, increasing taxes and so much more. A lot has happened since he left Rome. His father was a senator, who was badly wounded in a battle. Since that point, his father ensured that his son would pursue a less dangerous career. Which is what Julius did.

Being a scribe for a legion, Julius looked over a lot of important documents. He wrote many letters to loved ones at home for the legionaries which made him quite popular amongst the standing core of men.

Lately though, he has been really busy after the capture of Arse. Apollios almost went mad with restorations of the city. Much of the Gold that needed to be sent to Rome was used for repairs and building of new structures. He sat and talked to Apollos for a very long time listening to all the great plans Apollos had for the city. After capturing the city, he ordered the immediate cleanup of it. It was as if he wanted to Rival with Rome.

It was true, Apollios was acting very strange after the capture of this city. He went to great lengths with building this city. He spent a lot of his acquired wealth on it when he should have sent it to Rome. In the past year of being in the city he built sewers
https://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1198/sewersuo9.jpg
Proper Roads
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4057/roadsfx9.jpg
A larger port
https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5576/portcw5.jpg
A school
https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3364/schoolje8.jpg
and made some lavish improvements on his own palace.
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5213/palacebu4.jpg


Julius was also a bit worried about his actions toward the army. They had to stand in rank every morning and swear loyalty to Appollios. Appollios watched on the walls of the city as the army marched out and stood at the walls. Julius didn't have to stand in rank but he did have to look up at him. Those were the new rules. What appalled him even more was the fact that the men didn't care. They were fine with all these little things they did, so long as they could keep all the Gold that they looted from the natives.

Julius walked over to Appollios who was reading some sort of text. He put his fist to his chest and spoke.
"Appollios, I have documents for you to sign."
"A yes, of course. Leave them on here and ill get to them when the time is right." Appollios said without looking up.

"Yes lord." Julius took a few steps back, still facing him then turned around and walked out.
-------------------------------------

In his tent outside of the city, he had received many worrisome letters from home. Apparently, grants of land were being given to wealthy land owners. The problem was that the land that was being given was being taken from the legionaries families whose sons and fathers were away fighting. There was an extreme shortage of grain the last few years because the men were away fighting. Now the worried families were writing to their loved ones telling them that they were being forced to work on their own land by richer men. Many of them moved to larger cities like Capua or Rome. He feared giving these letters to the men, but he couldn't keep telling them that their was no mail.

More worrisome was letters from the senate which demanded that he not take any more land. They had cleared the land of the pirates and trade was back to normal. They also demanded gold from the taxes that he was receiving, with the threat that if they didn't receive gold they would stop all shipments of supplies, grain and men. Julius knew there wouldn't be gold to send for another 6 months, maybe a year, and that Appollios was apparently planning another campaign, this time onto Mastia. Rumor was that they were the ones who payed the pirates to attack our ships.


Julius didn't feel well that night and stole some wine from the messhall. He drank it all and fell asleep drunk.

[the man with no name]

Good update man.

[Vasiliyi]

thanks, i must admit im quite excited about writing about appolios. i have alot planned for him.

[Maion Maroneios]

Keep it going mate! :thumbsup:

Maion

[satalexton]

my command on greek is terrible, what's roman republic in greek? Barbaropolis republika?

[Maion Maroneios]

my command on greek is terrible, what's roman republic in greek? Barbaropolis republika?
Demokratia Romai..., eh sorry Barbaron.

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Thank you for commenting my roman-hating fans. I would like to let you know that there will be plenty of roman killing in the near future. A lot. thank you for reading.

[the man with no name]

oh sorry for double post. I was on my g1 and it said that it didn't work or something like that.

It's your thread dude. You can do anything you like with it for example you did a penta-post. And why'd you say "oh ok gotcha" twice? G1?

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 17
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/3205/villar.jpg
Lucius was wearing civilian cloths for the first time in many years. Usually he was clad with his armor and equipped to the teeth to fight his enemy, but after a year of sitting in a fort outside of Rome, he decided to put on a toga on his last night in the city. Tomorrow he would be leaving across the Adriatic to meet his foes once more.

He walked up the stairs to the Governors house, where he planned to say good-bye and swear loyalty to Rome once more. It was dark already, almost too late to be visiting the governor, but he wanted to leave a good note before heading off. He passed two guards and almost entered the great hall when he heard screaming of some sort. He immediately grabbed for his gladius but he realized it wasn't there.
He cursed himself a thousand times for not wearing his regular attired. He crouched and grabbed his puggio from his ankle, where he kept it strapped there.

"Your a fool Aulus! Your plans don't work! How are we supposed to trust you now!?" Someone was yelling.

"My dear friends, do not lack faith in me. No real harm has been done yet. All of our plans have yet to come to reality, this is true, but this is fixable." Aulus said as calmly as he could.

Lucius listened intently to the conversation. He realized that there must have been at least a dozen men in the hall, not including Aulus. They were all upset, but he couldn't figure out why. After a few minutes of eavesdropping, Lucius nearly fell down after what he heard.

"Aulus, your plan to kill Lucius failed, Sextus is now a renegade, We are loosing wealth on both wars and really, nothing has been accomplished. HOW do you plan to fix this." Some one said.

Lucius was stunned. So it was Aulus who had done all of this! That man deserved to die! And what of Sextus becoming a Renegade? What has he done wrong?

"My son, Julius, serves under Sextus as a scribe. He writes to me, telling me that he has gone mad! He thinks hes a god! He has sacrifices for himself, and has the army swear loyalty only to him! On top of that he uses all of the Gold that he receives to restore the city of Arse. He already erected a golden statue of himself instead of Appollos which was in the temple there. We need to relieve him of his position." Another man said with urgency.

"Yes, that is indeed strange. My spies have also reported this to me. I will speak to the senate tomorrow about him. He will lose his position and be sent to Rome, where we can easily take care of him." Aulus replied. He paused for a moment, and then continued. "I hope all of you are enjoying the newly acquired lands that you own. Creating this new act, will not only increase the supply of grain to the peninsula but also put a lot more gold into your pockets."



"Its about the only good thing you have done for us Aulus, lets try to get the rest fixed as well. Im going home, its late." Someone said.

Lucius heard shuffling in the room and quickly hid behind a statue. He watched as the men left the hall. He couldn't see their faces because it was too dark and they had their backs to him. He felt his heart racing. Soon all of them were gone. He waited in the silence for a bit. Then he got out of his hiding spot, put his puggio back and knocked on the door to the hall.

He entered it, and saw Aulus sitting in a chair sipping wine and reading some document. He looked up at Lucius, and it was as if he was excited to speak to him. As if nothing had just happened.

"Come in Lucius. Sit down, have some wine. What can I do for you?" He said calmly smiling.

Lucius was stunned for a moment, but then came in. He walked over to Aulus and sat down. He took the cup of wine Aulus had poured for him and took a long drink.

"I have came for my blessing Aulus, and to swear loyalty to Rome." Lucius said. He nearly pulled out his puggio and gutted the coward in front of him, but instead did nothing.

"You have my blessing, Lucius. You know that. As to your loyalty, I have no doubt in my mind that you wont serve Rome to the best of your abilities. You are a great General, and will have many victories." Aulus was speaking so calmly and normally that it made Lucius's stomach sick.

"That was all i came for. Good night Aulus." Lucius turned around and walked out of the hall.

"Have a safe trip Lucius, Roma Invicta!"

[Vasiliyi]

Chapter 18
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8638/romanswatchingqc4.jpg
The men were lined up, ready and eager for battle. So much training has been put into each man. Their first six months in the army they marched countless miles, and learned to obey every order with complete satisfactory. They fought mock battles with wicker shields and wooden swords twice the weight of their own gladius. They had so many bruises and cuts and trauma. All for this. To be the most disciplined warriors on this earth. And it didn't get easier. Appollios made sure of that. Every man had to train twice as long every day, and march twice the distance and obey the orders twice as fast. He wanted an extremely ready and obedient legion. He didn't want them to seek glory or fame. He wanted them to fight like a machine. To run smoothly like a well trained animal.

And that is what he has done. In the past year, after taking Arse, Appollios trained his men even more rigidly. He made them be tougher. He knew he would need the toughest men on earth. To be able to withstand anything. Even Rome itself. After getting the letter to return to Rome, Appollios immediatly set out to take mastia. There was no waiting. He would no longer take orders from Rome. He no longer took orders from anyone. He was Appollo. Divine. He could do whatever he wished. And that was why he was here.

He was on a clearing near mastia. 2 carthaginian armies approached him. But he had little to fear. He watched in silence as they neared him. One after the other. "Fools", he thought. He knew that in order to be able to do anything to his legions they would have to combine the forces. But they didn't. Apparently there was some sort of strife between the commanders. There would be slaughter today.

He arranged his men in 3 lines today. The first 2 lines were still quite green and they would be in the bulk of the battle today. The 3rd line stood at the ready, the veterans, were most likely going to stand their all day, unless they would be used for flanking maneuvers.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9476/untitledgu9.jpg

The enemy army was close. It was a strange looking army. Half of it was Elite warriors, enlisted and trained in africa, and the other half was rabble. Skirmishers, slingers, cheap locals. To lead untrained men into battle is to throw them away.

There was an order of silence for this battle. No men were allowed to speak except the officers, and that was only to give orders. He hoped that this would completely demoralize the enemy.

He watched the elite African axe men close in and charge.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5944/carthageelitechargewi5.jpg
The charge was loud, and the only thing you could hear was shields breaking, swords and axes swinging and the Punic tongue yelling. The Romans knew to brace themselves for the charge. They would loose some ground, but as long as they lived it didn't matter. After the lines clashed and much sword play has happened, the Punic warriors retreated a bit to rest. That was when Appollos gave the orders.

https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3848/appollosgivingorders.jpg

Each man took started beating his sword against his shield. All in unison. It was the drum of war. They started out slow, like a heart beat, slowly a crescendo was taking over them until they were drumming as fast and as loud as they could. The enemy went mad.

https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2413/tauntd.jpg
https://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9640/linesclashingfn1.jpg
Apollos watched as then enemy became confused and the general ordered them to charge. Some charged while the others didn't. There was no real line infantry besides the Elites. They charged once more, but this time Appollios ordered half of his third line to maneuver to the flanks of the enemy. They moved fast, and soon while the lines were still entangled they had the elites completely surrounded. It was like a spear going through an enemies gut.


If you have ever watched an enemy die, it doesn't happen right away. When you put your spear into the enemy, they first look at surprise at you, as if you didn't stab them. Then you see the pain and anguish on their face, as they try to look brave. Some of them still manage to swing their weapon at you. But most quiver and fall on their knees, hoping you have mercy on them and they can die quicker. But it didn't happen like that here.

The Romans gave no mercy and cut down the fleeing cowards en mass. No one was spared. No man could avoid the roman way of battle.
Seeing that their elites are dead, along with their general, the skirmishers too fled.

https://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6020/fullroutrd9.jpg
Appollios ordered the relatively fresh 2nd line of troops to give chase. No one was spared. Not single soul of the carthaginian flesh lived that day. The send army, seeing how quickly their kin has been killed retreated back to the city of Mastia to await their fate.

[the man with no name]

Chapter 17
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/3205/villar.jpg
He entered it, and saw Aulus sitting in a chair sipping wine and reading some document. He looked up at Lucius, and it was as if he was excited to speak to him. As if nothing had just happened.

"Come in Lucius. Sit down, have some wine. What can I do for you?" He said calmly smiling.

Lucius was stunned for a moment, but then came in. He walked over to Aulus and sat down. He took the cup of wine Aulus had poured for him and took a long drink.

"I have came for my blessing Aulus, and to swear loyalty to Rome." Lucius said. He nearly pulled out his puggio and gutted the coward in front of him, but instead did nothing.

"You have my blessing, Lucius. You know that. As to your loyalty, I have no doubt in my mind that you wont serve Rome to the best of your abilities. You are a great General, and will have many victories." Aulus was speaking so calmly and normally that it made Lucius's stomach sick.

"That was all i came for. Good night Aulus." Lucius turned around and walked out of the hall.

"Have a safe trip Lucius, Roma Invicta!"

WHY didn't lucius kill him? Also are those sacred band or African elites with the silver shields?

[Vasiliyi]

those were the sacred band. but there were african elites in the battle aswell. Oh, and justice will be served to Aulus when its time. i dont want to kill him off yet. but i agree, i almost killed him in this chapter. Almost. Did you notice different styles of fighting between sextus and lucius? i dont want the battle reports to be the same for every battle. i want to keep variety in them. thanks for commenting.

[the man with no name]

Did you notice different styles of fighting between sextus and lucius?

No i did not.

[Vasiliyi]

Unfortunatly, I corrupted my save games for all of my EB saves and this AAR is dead.. Im sorry, ive had alot of fun writing it, and learned a lot. I hope to write another AAR, (not with the Romani) at a later time... Thanks for reading and sorry. (Its all Empires fault)

[Maion Maroneios]

Awhhh, that's sad to hear. Seriously. It was a fun AAR to read at my (very scarse) leisure time. I'll be keeping an eye out for any of your future works.

Maion

[the man with no name]

This is the AAR i was talking about. I loved it.

EDIT: Don't yell at me for posting on adead thread, hey it rhymes.