Life, death, and revenge - A Carthaginian AAR -Part 2-

[Vasiliyi]

Well, here I am starting Part 2 of this 3 Part aar. As Ive mentioned before, Part 2 will be focusing on Hamalcar Barca's invasion of Italy. There will be twists and turns along the way, and I will try to keep it as interesting as possible. I suggest you read Part 1 of this aar before reading Part 2, as things will make a lot more sense.
Thassalokratia- A Carthaginian AAR -Part 1- (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=115337)
Part 1

P.S. I will give a balloon to the first person who PM's me the correct answer as to why I picked such a name for this aar. Johnhughthom, you are excluded from the competition, because you know what part 2 is going to contain.

Thank you for reading Part 1, and I hope you enjoy Part 2.

[Vasiliyi]

DISCLAIMER

The following contents of this aar do not necessarily represent my personal views, nor the forums. Likewise, they do not necessarily represent the views of the Rômaioktonoi, but, if you enjoy the following aar, you may want to consider joining the Rômaioktonoi (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/group.php?groupid=62&pp=10)

[Ghaust the Moor]

I would normally feel opted to say a smart-ass answer such as "Because it is the second part' but I feel like actually finding out what it means.

[Vasiliyi]

The prophecy-Prologue to Part 2

Filth, Rome, filth. That was the only word the the man could say about
the city. He stood there at the entrance of the forum and watched
the people. So many people were at the forum. Slaves were being bought
and sold, prostitutes were making their daily wages. Here and there
the scum of the city stealing and conniving. The fat and pompous senators
walking around, bribing the mob leaders. Filth.

The man watched a poor beggar sit in his corner. Every day the beggar
would be dragged out there by some scum who would extort the money
that the beggar earned, leaving him with a small portion of bread and
cheap wine.

The man watched as a rich and young man, who was clean shaven and
finely dressed, walked passed the beggar. The beggar pleaded with the
rich man, and the rich man, to the watching mans surprise starting beating
the beggar. Hungry, malnourished and exhausted, the beggar could not put
up a defense at all. Not that it mattered. This happened daily.

The rich man, satisfied with himself, continued walking while making a joke
to his friends about the beggar.

The man, who had been in the city for only a week, finally stood on the
platform where slaves were being sold and shouted to the people.

"People of Roma! Listen to my words and prepare yourself. An invader
comes from the desert, from a land of terror.A dire vision has been shown
to me: The traitor betrays, the looter takes loot. He will bring to an end
to all the groaning the shewolf caused."

Some people stopped to listen to the man speak, others laughed at such words.

"At this my body is racked with pain, pangs seize me, like those of a
woman in labor; I am staggered by what I hear, I am bewildered by
what I see. My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I
longed for has become a horror to me. No one will be spared. All of you
will be punished. The old will cry out and not be heard. The young will be
thrown off the walls."

The crowd gathered even more to listen the man, who was now the
center of attention in the entire forum.

He continued "People, leave this city, for it like a fat swine, ready for
the slaughter. It will be picked apart and destroyed. He will come, and
he will avenge himself. You are all whores of money, no good thing can
be found in your hearts. All this I say..."

He was interrupted when a pomegranate sized rock hit him square in
the face. He fell off the stage and onto the dusty stone slab. Groaning
from pain, he tried to get up, but it was in vain, as the crowd now
pounced him. A kick to the face, a jab to back. There was no where
to run. His only hope was the what he said would happen to this
evil and barbaric city.

They carried him to the walls of the city, and someone already painted
a sign that said "Prophet of doom". They hung the sign around his neck,
along with a rope to hang him and threw him off the walls of the city of filth.

And so, the prophet of doom spoke, and the city did not listen.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

P.S. I will give a balloon to the first person who PM's me the correct answer as to why I picked such a name for this aar. Johnhughthom, you are excluded from the competition, because you know what part 2 is going to contain.
You chose an English title this time because choosing a Greek one contains the inbuilt possiblity of making a mistake, such as "Thassalokratia" instead of "Thalassokratia". A red or blue one please.

[Vasiliyi]

:wall: NOOO! Why didnt anyone ever tell me? I feel foolish now. Sadly though, this is not the reason. Still, here is your balloon, ill give it to you from my own stash. :balloon3:

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent intro. I'll be looking forward to this...

Maion

[Reality=Chaos]

hey.... I''ve recently started lurking this forum again... I read your first part AAR an I was wondering what was going to happen to it... Glad to see it's still going... Nice intro.

I have a feeling Barca (Hamalcar II) will pillage and burn for a long time, yet I think he will die during the invasion (thus the death) and his son (if he has one) takes revenge by burning Rome.

Anyway... eagerly awaiting the next update:yes:

[Jebivjetar]

Great prelude, Vasiliyi.
Now sack that filthy barbarian village :beam:

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

:wall: NOOO! Why didnt anyone ever tell me? I feel foolish now. Sadly though, this is not the reason. Still, here is your balloon, ill give it to you from my own stash. :balloon3:
Sorry, but truth to be told,
1) I really thought Maion would have told you :egypt:
2) I don't want to be the nitpicker all the time...

[Maion Maroneios]

Actually, it never occured to me. Always thought it was correctly spelled :tongue:

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Excellent intro. I'll be looking forward to this...

Maion

Thank you Maion, I think a lot of the Rômaioktonoi are looking forward to it. Oh, and this aar should warrant me to become a Strategos in the Romaioktonoi. Right?


hey.... I''ve recently started lurking this forum again... I read your first part AAR an I was wondering what was going to happen to it... Glad to see it's still going... Nice intro.

I have a feeling Barca (Hamalcar II) will pillage and burn for a long time, yet I think he will die during the invasion (thus the death) and his son (if he has one) takes revenge by burning Rome.

Anyway... eagerly awaiting the next update:yes:

Ah, so another lurker comes out of the shadows. Welcome, and thank you.

Sadly, you are also incorrect. Id wait for a couple chapters before guessing, as it will slowly be revealed in the plot.



Great prelude, Vasiliyi.
Now sack that filthy barbarian village :beam:

Thank you Jebivjetar, I know you'll be enjoying this one.


Sorry, but truth to be told,
1) I really thought Maion would have told you :egypt:
2) I don't want to be the nitpicker all the time...

Misspelling a title is something to be nitpicky about.


Actually, it never occured to me. Always thought it was correctly spelled :tongue:

Maion

Well, if you didn't notice it, im sure not many people did either.

[Maion Maroneios]

You're already qualified as a Strategos to me. I would even call you Strategos Autokrator, but I've already made my choise as to who I'm going to give that title to. Anyway, maybe Satalextos could do you the honours?

Good luck again with the rest, Basileios.

Maion

[satalexton]

I think I've narrowed downed my candidated already *nods* Ahh, demokratia is best utilized WITHIN one's head....

[Vasiliyi]

The general,the lover and the beast

Four seasons passed by since Barca freed the army. For four seasons
he lived in the fort along with the few men that stayed back. He
planned his invasion meticulously, memorizing maps, rivers, cities.
He was ready. Now it was time for the army to come back.

They started trickling in, first a handful, then an several hundred,
and so on until thousands gathered back into the fort they had
built a year ago. Men greeted each other as brothers, and many
games were started to show off their skills. Javelins were thrown,
sword fights began, much beer was drunk in the week that the
men started showing up.

Barca waited at the gates of the fort every day, greeting and
thanking all who entered. He shook their hands, laughed along
side of them, practiced his javelin hurling. He had realized its
great potentional the past year that he was in the fort.

Then, as if in a dream, Barca saw a figure who looked like Likinos.
Barca's heart soared. His champion returned. He was glad, he had
much planned for Likinos. Barca ran up to Likinos and embraced him
like a brother. They spoke for a few minutes, and then Barca went
back to the gates.

https://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6112/likinos.jpg

Likinos was armed like a proper celt, with a long sword to honor
his father. His mustache was long now, and he had a new shield,
obviosly a gift from his father as well. Those celts, they loved war.

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

The next day, the army began its march. Thousands of men,
equipped with the finest armour money could buy, and the best
discipline in the world, marched east along the Mediterranean.
Barca rode his horse next to Kanmi and Likinos who were his closest
aids. They were chatting about the elephants that died over the
winter.

"They all got a strange malady and died off in a single week.
I had to ship young elephants from Africa right away, Either way,
the other elephants were old, and we need the young ones for this
campaign." Barca was in a very chatty mood.

Barca looked handsome in his beautiful breastplate and purple cape.
His muscles showed that he was not an armchair generals, but a
fighting one. He was young, and proud, and his heart vowed revenge.

Likinos, even though he was back, thought of home the whole day.
In fact he thought of his home ever since he left to fight the Lusitanians
11 years ago. He married a young woman right before he left to fight
them, and now had a 10 year son and an infant daughter. His heart
acted like a magnet that is being pulled away from metal, which was
his wife. The further he went away from home, the more his heart
ached. When a scout approached the three men, he broke out of
his daze and realized he needed to concentrate on this invasion,
and not his wife.

"Sir, there are men ahead of us on the road. A thousand at least.
Their leader, Laro wishes to speak to you. He wishes you go alone."
The scouts horse was uneasy and he had a hard time keeping it in line.

Barca looked at Kanmi and Likinos, who were as clueless as him. "I will
go, let the army rest and eat."

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

Barca galloped his horse down the road several miles until he saw
and encampment. He slowed down and pulled on the reigns of his
horse as he approached the gate. The wild man, obviously a warrior
by trade, armed with an axe took hold of his horse and lead them to
the center of the fort. Barca, although a little uneasy, looked straight
out at a figure that was exiting the main lodge of the the fort.

Barca couldn't believe his eyes. A tall, muscular man, also armed with
an axe and dressed like a beast walked up to him. Barca examined him
realizing there was scalps of men hanging from his chest. His face
was dirty and blood stained his fingers and cloths. Barca got off the
horse and looked into the eyes of the man.

https://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7851/laro.jpg

His heart stopped. Laro, whom Barca was looking at stood motionless
as well and they looked at each other. None spoke for a while. The
rest of the warriors in the fort also gathered around the two men.
Barca's horse, although finely trained and disciplined started showing
sings of discomfort in this environment.

"Uxentio? Is that you?" Barca asked, his voice quivering.

"Yes, it is my brother, and I am ready to serve you now. These men,
who were under my command, are now under your command. Each is
ready to complete the most daring tasks for you. All of them have sworn
to me to kill a hundred Romans before dieing." With that, Uxentio got
on one knee and bowed down. A thousand warriors followed Uxentio's
actions.

"Thank you my friend, I will put you to good use, now get up and
embrace your brother."

Uxentio leaped up and lifted Barca up with his mighty hands. It was
as if Uxentio never stopped growing. He truly was a beast now, and
the look of him would frighten many men.
Suddenly, Uxentio let out a frightening war cry, and the thousand
men did as well.

He patted Barca's back and said spoke to Barca as the men continued
cheering, "They call me Laro now, for I am their warrior king."
************

The thousand men marched out in perfect lines to the rest of the
army, led by Barca on his magnificent horse. When the men of
Barca's army had saw heard of Uxentio's return they cheered for
him for a long time, and songs started to be sung by the whole army
as they marched east.


(Barca's new army)
https://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5659/barcasgrandarmee.jpg

[johnhughthom]

Now that's what I call an army, not totally overpowered but mighty all the same. I pity the poor Romans who have to face it.

[Ghaust the Moor]

Is this laro going to die and then barca gets mad and then he goes and kills lots of barbaroi romanoi?

[Vasiliyi]

Now that's what I call an army, not totally overpowered but mighty all the same. I pity the poor Romans who have to face it.

Yah, I took out a few units from the actual army to show that some men didnt come back. Anyway, I thiink I can go very far with this army. Remember Hannibal used the celts and plenty of mercenaries so be sure that Ill be using them.


Is this laro going to die and then barca gets mad and then he goes and kills lots of barbaroi romanoi?

If that is your attempt at guessing the title, you are incorrect. By the way, all other submissions to guess should be pmed to me. I will announce the winner when they get it right.

[HunGeneral]

So the "old team" is back togetrher to kill some romans eh? - REALLY GOOD NEWS.

I like your army by the way (even though I prefer full stacks with strong and flexible troops). I wonder how many romans will see that force and not live to see the night.

Great story and it should be getting even better now.

Keep up the good work:2thumbsup:

[the man with no name]

Good to see Utenxio back. He was the coolest character.

[Vasiliyi]

Thank you to all who posted. Ok, so I've decided to keep the list of main characters short in this aar, so as to keep things simple. Ill have an update tonight and it will show who the main characters will be along with revealing what the future will have in store for them. If your smart enough, you will figure out the title and receive the balloon.

[Vasiliyi]

Our fathers

In our lives, few things influence us like our fathers do. From them,
we learn to become the men we are. From them, we either learn to
hate or love, kill or create, encourage or discourage. Fathers either
succeed in showing us what real men are, or fail utterly, creating
within us a void. Some of us try to fill the void with things that matter
little, others with fulfilling things.

Our fathers either provide the love and care that we need to survive,
enabling us to become weak and second class, or they force us to
fight for what we need, making us learn what a fist feels like. Many
young boys learn to do what they hate from their fathers, while
others hate to learn what they see in their fathers. And so it was
like that with them.

**************
"ARRGH!" Bareaus cried out as he swung his sword as hard as he
could at his son. Clang!

The sound of cold steel against steel was unnerving to the child.
Being only ten, he understood little of life. He only understood that
his father was his god. He revered his father, loved him, and most
of all feared him. His father knew right from wrong, the difference
from love and death.

"Likinos, get up!" Bareaus commanded his son.

Likinos jumped to his feet, raising his heavy celtic sword up, parrying
his fathers next hit. Again, and again, his father brought his child down
using the for from his sword. Again and again his son stood up.

Sweating profusely, and exhausted, Bareaus looked at his son. He
looked just like his mother. So beautiful, so full of life. Not like a Celt
should look. There was no barbarism in this boy. Not a drop. He was
gentle and loving like the beautiful woman he married. Still, this child
obeyed his father with such reverence, that Bareaus was touched.

"Good, that is enough for today. Tomorrow is another day."

He sat next to his boy, giving him the goatskin full of water first. He
watched his son drink the water. Whatever his son did, he did gracefully.
It amused Bareaus greatly, being very clumsy himself.

Bareaus thought of his own father. The drunken fool he was. Yes,
he was a chief, but he never payed attention to his youngest son.
He promised to show his son attention. In his heart, he vowed to
teach his son everything he knew, before it was too late.

"My son, the only thing that matters is life. But you must understand,
that life, is nothing without love. Without love, there is no life, and
without life there is no love. The two are like one. One cannot exist
without the other. Remember this lesson." He stopped to drink from
the goatskin himself.

The boy sat silently, exhausted from protecting himself from his fathers
massive blows. He listened to his fathers wisdom.

"Love, is why we are here. Love is why we are alive still. There is much
hate in this world, much death, much revenge, but there is also love.
Love may be little, but it will always triumph against hate. Maybe not
write away, but it will."

Likinos looked up at his father and then out at the setting sun. Bareaus
put his hand on his sons shoulder and also looked out at the setting sun.

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

"Oh! Give him what he wants! I have much to do, a city can't run itself!"
Avarro yelled at his wife.

His wife, shocked at the response, handed back the falcata to the boy.
Uxentio snatched it from her and looked at his father. He was only ten,
and he looked up to his father. Although he was always busy, he was
always generous in giving Uxentio what he wanted, no matter what the
price.

"Father will you teach me to use it?"

Avarro looked at the boy, annoyed of being taken away from his
work. He spent the half the day avoiding his wife so that he didn't
have to have this conversation. Then he spent the other have avoiding
his son who begged him to get the falcata from his mother.

Avarro, in a mad rage from the days annoyance, took the falcata and
thrust it into his wife's stomach.

A shriek, and then a moan escaped from his wife's beautiful mouth and
then she died.

Avarro, not realizing what he had done, dropped the falcata and left
the room. He was much to busy to think of this. Uxentio, being only a
boy looked at his dead mother. He placed his hand on his mothers
stomach, where the warm sticky blood was flowing from. With his other
hand, he took the falcata. A sense of death came over him. Had he killed
his mother? Why did death excite him so? What would happen now?

He stayed with his dead mother, until the servants came to clean up
the mess. That was the day he learned that life and death are just
a thread away.

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

"Swear it to me! SWEAR YOUR HATRED FOR THEM!" Hamalcar yelled
at his son.

He held his son over a roaring fire of a sacrificial chamber. He could
feel the intense heat against his skin, and he could only imagine how
bad his son felt.

"I swear to you! I hate them! I hate all of them, they are nothing but swine!"

"What will you do to them!?"

"I will destroy them! None shall escape my wrath!"

He held the boy there for a moment longer, until he was satisfied with
the vow, then he pulled the boy back, and let him catch his breath.

"My son, you must accomplish what you said to me. I know you do
not understand what all this means, but you will one day. One day,
you will understand the importance to do this. They are nothing but
pigs, ready for the slaughter."

The boy was only ten, but one thing was sure in his heart.
Revenge was the reason for life. And he would avenge his mother.

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

I caution you, fathers, to think of the consequences of your actions.

[Vasiliyi]

Gee, I hope someone gets the title now.

[bobu]

Nice update. You started with something lovely and adorable and continued with murder, blood, fire and hate.:beam: Keep it up!

[Vasiliyi]

These are the words of HunGeneral. Congrats, here is your balloon ->:balloon2:

"Life, Death and Revenge" - I suspect this is a kind of a reference or symbolism to the three protagonists of the Story and what there "goal of life" is right now:

Likinos - Life: he knows from his father that love is the real reason for life and compared to the other two characters is not bent just on war... He is married and has children and wishes to return home some day.

Uxentio - Death: he is a killing machine trough and trough and for him fighting and killing aswell as facing death is almost all in life. He seems to wish to find a worthy foe, but it looks like he hasn't found one in Iberia... He also appears like a character who wishes to die on the battlefield (atleast I wouldn't predict him returning to Iberia to marry and have children).

Hamalcar - Revenge: he wants revenge for his mothers death by the Romani. He has spent most of his life prepearing for it and all his actions are pointing towards Italia and the destruction of Rome.

[HunGeneral]

Thank you wery much:beam:

And thanks for writing this wondefull AAR Vasiliyi!:2thumbsup:

[johnhughthom]

You spelt "guessing" wrong in your sig there Hun.

That sounded weird...

Edit: "campaigns" is spelt incorrectly too, just while I'm on the subject...

[Vasiliyi]

Your welcome.


You spelt "guessing" wrong in your sig there Hun.

That sounded weird...

Edit: "campaigns" is spelt incorrectly too, just while I'm on the subject...

Ofcourse, Johnhughthom must be anal about a minor spelling error while he fails to notice the multitudes of spelling and grammar errors in my chapters.

[HunGeneral]

You spelt "guessing" wrong in your sig there Hun.

That sounded weird...

Edit: "campaigns" is spelt incorrectly too, just while I'm on the subject...

Corrected.

[johnhughthom]

Ofcourse, Johnhughthom must be anal about a minor spelling error while he fails to notice the multitudes of spelling and grammar errors in my chapters.

Meh, look through my AARs and notice how some chapters had edits weeks or months after they were written. I will give feedback on storyline or screenshots etc, but I spent ages correcting spelling and grammar mistakes on my own AARs, I'm not going to subject somebody else to my spelling/grammar nazi-ness.
Hope you didn't take offence Hun, I was only trying to be helpful.:sweatdrop:

Man, that sounded weird too...

[HunGeneral]

Hope you didn't take offence Hun, I was only trying to be helpful.:sweatdrop:

I'm not offended I was just too tired to give a normal answer at the moment (finally finished by last exam:2thumbsup:) I have a bad habbit of being unable to spot my own miss-writing:sweatdrop: Thansk for the correction by the way:beam:.

What I don't understand is why that what you wrote sounded strange?

[Reverend Joe]

I just caught up on this AAR -- good stuff! I love the swashbuckling feel it has.

[johnhughthom]

What I don't understand is why that what you wrote sounded strange?

Hun could be take as short for "honey".

[HunGeneral]

Hun could be take as short for "honey".

:inquisitive::inquisitive::inquisitive:

Aha now I get it. Well i haven't stated that I wish to be called "Hun". But I think that the two forms are written differently:dizzy2:

By the way: say "Hun" to any roman and you can be sure he will get a scared and supprised exspression on his face (insert evil:laugh4:)

[Vasiliyi]

I just caught up on this AAR -- good stuff! I love the swashbuckling feel it has.

Thank yoiu very much for your comment. Update coming shortly.

[Vasiliyi]

When you meet angels and men


I looked out at the field. My back was against a tree, my hands resting
on his raised knees while I thought about her. Daleninar. What a beautiful
name. The only name that mattered.

My thoughts drifted to the moment I first saw her. I was twelve,
and just started serving my four years of training. I was in a forest
with Barca and Uxentio Scouting out a spot when I heard a beautiful
voice, singing.

I left Uxentio and Barca to their useless babbling and followed the
singing. I saw a girl, about my age walking carelessly through the
forest. Foolish it was, as the forest was full of bad characters.

I spied on her as she dance and twirled about until I saw a man.
The man jumped out and grabbed her. I drew my sword, but held
my position in hiding.

The man grabbed the girl and pushed her to the ground, yelling something
in a different dialect of Iberian that Likinos did not understand while the
girl pleaded with him. She let out a shrill of horror as the man tore her dress.

Exposed to the man, she started breating him with her bare hands.
The man parried the blows and raised his hand to hit her.

That was when I jumped like a lightning bolt at the man. I let out a
load cry as I charged the man who, stunned, looked at me.

The man didn't even have a chance to lower his hand before I plunged
my sword deep into his chest. The man looked in horror at the girl and
then fell dead, choking on his own blood.

The girl, still in shock of all that happened scurried back away from
me. I took one look at the girl and then turned away in shame. She
blushed, and her face became red like a tomato realizing she was
exposed to me. She quickly tied the top of her dress back on and
stood up. She then stood up and shook the dirt off her cloths.

"Hero, what is your name? She asked me.

I looked at her, examining her figure and answered. "I am no hero,
my lady. To be heroic is more than to just kill another man.

She looked at me and studied me. I could only imagine what she
thought. I didn't look Iberian at all, that she could tell right away.
I was of average height and very slinky. My face was clean, as
facial hair doesn't start growing that early, but it was also clean
from dirt. My hair was long and wavy. I could only imagine how
hideous I looked.

"I am Daleninar, My farm is just down in that valley."

My heart ripped in two when I heard her say her name. Daleninar,
what an angelic name. I looked in her eyes and she looked in mine.
Suddenly I saw a beautiful girl standing in from of me with all her
gentleness about her, even after what the man tried to do.

I snapped out of my daze and replied hastly, "I am Likinos, son of
Bareaus."

About this time Barca and Uxentio ran up to us, their falcata unsheathed
and ready to fight. They stopped suddenly, seeing the dead man. They
looked at me for an answer, but I couldn't stop looking at her.

She finally spoke for me. "That man tried to hurt me, and Likinos saved my life."

Barca, looked at at the dead man, then back at me, "Is this true."

I looked at him, and replied. "He jumped out and grabbed her, I charged
him and then he fell down."

I starred at Barca, unsure of what just happened. They just looked back
at me in disbelief. I don't think that they thought I was capable of killing
a man.

Now she just stared at me. What was she looking at? She bit her lower
lip while her eyes moved from my sandals to the ends of my hair. My
heart jumped when she looked in my eyes. I couldn't believe what was
happening to me. Uxentio was the one who broke our staring.

"AH, well done Likinos, so you really are a celt, and not one of them
Carthaginians." While he said Carthaginian, he pushed Barca aside
while he laughed at his joke.

Barca, insulted, immediately punched Uxentio in the throat and the
two began to wrestle.

I looked at her, and realized she would going soon. Not realizing
before it happened, as asked, "May I walk you home?

My voice quivered and squeaked.

"Please do." She answered.

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

That night after I meet her I couldn't fall asleep. We were camped
in the same forest, spread out evenly amongst the other trainee's.
I had killed a man that day, my first kill and still my thoughts drifted
to Daleninar.

Her beauty consumed me. Hey blue eyes put the sky to shame. Her
lips, my, they were more red than the blood of that man. I couldn't
take it, I snuck out of the forest and ran to her house.

Her father was a farmer, and I didn't stop until i reached the path
where there was barely on one side and wheat on the other. Although
her father didn't like me, he did have his wife put food out in front of
me for saving his daughter. Carrot soup and roast goose. The best
meal Ive had since training started.

I stood there, a few paces from where she slept, yet I could not get
her attention. I sat next to her window and looked out at the stars.

"Likinos?!"
******************
Like cold water being poured on your as you wake up, such was the
voice of a soldier who called out my name. Reality struck me across
the face. I was here, in Gaul, awaiting to speak to the Gallic King.

"Yes, I am coming." Annoyed of my daydream being distured, and yet
feeling a sense of duty come over me, I stood up and walked into the tent.

The tent smelt of sweat and wine, and the two didn't mix well together.

"Your leader sent you to speak on his behalf, so speak."
The Gallic king started.

"I am here to have you uphold your side of the alliance. Barca needs
as many hardened veterans as you can give up, to help us in our
invasion of Italy." I said, starting to perspire myself from the heat in
the tent.

"Oh does he? And who shall fight for me when the Aedui come to take
my cities? Besides, he is a Carthaginian. He does not know how to lead
celts." He spoke in a tone worthy of a king.

"You will not have any cities if you let the Romans keep attacking. We
are going to attack the heart of Rome. Besides, Barca decided that I
would be leading all the Celts. For I am his champion, and a Celt."

The king looked at me. I hadn't changed my in appearance, but I was
taller, and much more muscular now. I was an awesome sight to see.
I well groomed and bred Celtic warrior who knew how to dress. Daleninar
always told me that I had a look of a lion when I looked at people.

"Your a Celt?" He looked at me, putting his hands to rub his beard
around his chin. "If you can beat my champion, you can have 500
veterans. If not, you will have to report to Barca, that we breed better
celts here, in Gaul. Brennus, teach this miserable fool a lesson."

To be continued....

[Ariovistus Maximus]

AAAAAG! I finally caught up and now I have to wait for Linikos' duel!

Nicely done! :2thumbsup: I very much like the way your title fits in. :yes:

[HunGeneral]

Nice! Really Nice chapter Vasiliyi! :yes:

[Vasiliyi]

AAAAAG! I finally caught up and now I have to wait for Linikos' duel!

Nicely done! :2thumbsup: I very much like the way your title fits in. :yes:

Thanks

Nice! Really Nice chapter Vasiliyi! :yes:
Thank you fellow Romaioktonoi.

Ok, so ive watched enough sword fighting scenes now to be able to describe this fight with enough detail where you can all picture it. Anyways, I hope so. Tell me what you think when im done. Update tonight.

[pericles_plato]

Every time i keep forgetting to register and i remembered because this is probably one of the best aar's i have ever read. Keep up great work.

[johnhughthom]

Thank you fellow Romaioktonoi.


Some of us still remember your old sig my friend...:inquisitive:

[Vasiliyi]

Every time i keep forgetting to register and i remembered because this is probably one of the best aar's i have ever read. Keep up great work.

Oh, thank you Pericles. More coming tonight.



Some of us still remember your old sig my friend...:inquisitive:

Oh yes, those dark days of mine. :clown:

[Vasiliyi]

Ok so I know I said I would update today but a mixture of the flu and getting addicted to prison break (the tv show) has taken me away from my writing. The update will be tomorrow.

Thanks to all who read.

[Vasiliyi]

The duel

The king exited the tent, followed by Brennus then me. A circle was
quickly drawn while we took our armour off. Helmets, shields, chainmail,
all of it. We were allowed our swords. Brennus was a large man. If i
were to compare him to anyone, id compare him to my father. Same
build and height.

The warriors of the camp quickly surrounded the circle each trying to
get the better look. Brennus turned his back to me and started
cheering himself on. With him, the rest of the warriors starting chanting
his name, trying to defeat me before ever swinging a blade.

They cheered and I watched, did he take me as a fool? Suddenly,
though not to my surprise he swung his sword towards me, and a
jumped back. He then turned his whole body and raised his sword
above his body, ready to crush me as he lowered his sword.

I dropped to the ground, my sword in front of me, barely stopping
the weight of his strong arms slamming the sword against my own.
I rolled, and with all the speed I could, i cut his foot, just above
the ankle.

He let out a cry, but then he laughed at me as I got up. I saw a
wave of emotion rush through his face and he charged again, slashing
at me from right to left, not stopping until he ran himself out of the
circle. The crowd let out negative cheers for me, as they watched
their clumsy champion trip and fall.

I was impressed with the endurance of this large man. The fight
continued, neither of us getting the advantage. He had his strength
and I my footwork. My father had taught me how to fight bigger
man, being the bigger man himself.

I could see he was tiring though, not by his swings, which stayed
strong, but by the way he was breathing. Now, I took the offensive.
I jumped up from my latest dodge, and lunged at him. He was taken
by surprise. We now fought man to man, as I dropped my sword.
We rolled as we threw punches at each other while with one hand
he clutched his sword.

We fell to the ground where he planned to finish me, until he realized
that I had his sword in front of his neck, while the hand that was
holding it, was cut from falling on it. He struggled, but he realized it
was in vain. I pushed my sword tightly against his neck. He looked at
me in disbelief and then look at the king.

"I yield." said, until I made sure the blade cut him enough to yell "I yield!"

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

I returned to the main camp with 500 veterans for Barca but I did
not rejoice in my triumph. Another day had passed since Ive seen her.

[Ariovistus Maximus]

Epic; truly epic. It was really good over on the TWC too! :stupido2:

Hope you feel better!

[Jebivjetar]

All hail Karthage! :clown:


Joking... Great work, Vasiliyi: keep on going! :2thumbsup:

[Cute Wolf]

Where's the actual battle?!?!? I want to see the romans die grinded by your elephants, and their city becomes an elephant-dung dumping site!!!v:laugh4::laugh4:

Anyway... good writing Vassiliyi... keep up! :yes:

[Roka]

finally caught up with this, keep going :2thumbsup:

[Maion Maroneios]

We wants some action shots. Good stuff though, just remember to keep a balance.

Oh, I forgot: :smash:

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Epic; truly epic. It was really good over on the TWC too! :stupido2:

Hope you feel better!

Thanks, I do feel better.


All hail Karthage! :clown:


Joking... Great work, Vasiliyi: keep on going! :2thumbsup:

Thanks


Where's the actual battle?!?!? I want to see the romans die grinded by your elephants, and their city becomes an elephant-dung dumping site!!!v:laugh4::laugh4:

Anyway... good writing Vassiliyi... keep up! :yes:

Im working on something now. hopefully ill post it by the end of this week.


finally caught up with this, keep going :2thumbsup:

Thanks


We wants some action shots. Good stuff though, just remember to keep a balance.

Oh, I forgot: :smash:

Maion

Thanks Maion. I really havent been activily playing lately, got a lot of things to take care of. Im planning a battle, but i want to fit it into the story well enough. I promise to blow you all away with the screenshots from the battles.

Thanks for reading this, everyone else

[the man with no name]

I got back from vacation and did 2 and 1/2 hrs. of reading and posting. Damn, to bad i wasn't there to guess the title. And iI also remember way back... when i was pretty much ur AAR's only follower that posted. It was good 2. Put a link to it on one of ur posts. Even Romani haters would like it.

[Vasiliyi]

Hello everyone. As you can see, i havent posted in a little while. Fear not, as I do not plan on ending this aar. Lately Ive been reading a book called "Hannibal", and ive been getting Ideas for my next update. That, and ive sorta hit a writers block the last week. But, ive just come up with a decent Idea to implement the first battle against the Romans.

There will be screenshots, promise. :sweatdrop:

Ill update it as soon as I have time.

Thank you all for reading and being patient.

[Vasiliyi]

Unleashing the beast

https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8157/laroseige2.jpg

Many thoughts were crossing Laro's mind that day. The first battle
against the Romans was before him. They had marched all the way
from Emporium to the walls of Massalia. They quickly set up siege
works around the city and began construction of towers. Within a
few weeks, everything was ready. No relief force came to challenge
the seige. Everything was working out well. Barca, although a little
under the weather, felt good about today.

Laro had one mission today. His duty was to scale the walls, fight
off the first wave of defenders and then wave a flag to to signal
the rest of the army to move in. Laro laughed at the orders. Still,
he agreed.

The tower moved like a slug towards the walls and it was several
minutes before it reached the walls. He yelled his orders and his
men scurried into the towers. Laro was first on the ladders.

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4936/laroclimbingupladder.jpg

They moved quickly, like animals, fearless to the orders being yelled
by the Romans on the walls. They had one master, and his name was
Laro. They all looked to him for bravery and obeyed without a questions.
In return, he lead them without fearing, making them rich with loot.
So many raids they performed, always successful. No one could bring
these beasts down. Who were these Romans, were they more
fearsome than their Iberian warlord?

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9826/larotalking.jpg

"Boys, here we are. I hear these Romans are rich and cowardly. They
rely on armour and numbers. Give them hell, and they will run. BOZ
BOZ BOZ!" Laro yelled to his men.

The cheer they produced from Laro's speech was immense. One could
go deaf from the yelling and clanging of axe against shield.

The ramp was unleashed and the beasts jumped to the wall, only to
their surprise there were no Romans near them.

https://img198.imageshack.us/img198/942/larowaiting.jpg

Suddenly, Laro pointed at a tower entry were the Romans came charging
in. Just militia.

"SLAUGHTER THEM!" Laro yelled and swung his axe. His men lunged forward.

https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7299/firstcharge.jpg

There was no order after that. The unarmored, and unskilled militia
fell to Laro's beasts as if they were swine in a slaughter house. Swinging
and hacking with his axe Laro chopped a mans head clean off.

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8531/laroslashing.jpg

His face was covered in blood as the headless man sprayed his blood
from his neck. He fell with a jerk. The next man looked in horror at Laro.
Laro took his axe and swung again, cracking the mans chest with his axe.

https://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7061/terribledeaths.jpg

It wasn't long until the real Romans came running to help the militia.
Well armored, they reminded him of Greek hoplites he had seen in
many Greek settlements. These Romans relied on order and discipline.
They wished to fight as one unit. But that is where laro's beasts thrived.
They broke all order. They had no fear. They simply climbed the edge the
wall and jumped right into the Trarii. The Trarii could not stand such
ferociousness and they soon fell.

There was an incident during the fight though. Laro, attempting to
flank a trarii lost his footing in a pile of dead bodies. He starting falling
back off the wall when he swung his axe into a skirmisher.

https://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3460/laronearlyfalling.jpg

Using the momentum, he pulled himself back onto the wall and left
the Roman fall to his death off the wall. His men cheered as they
watched the man fall instead of their leader.

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1126/romanfalling.jpg

Laro was impressed with these Romans.

https://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3685/lastroman.jpg

The skirmishers were cowering behind a single Roman Trarii. He held
his shield close to himself protecting his chest from the deadly axe
of the beasts. He yelled something in Latin and then lunged himself
at them, but it was in vain as they fell upon him without fear.

They charged the rest of the skirmishers and slayed them in droves.
Laro looked back at the dead Romans.

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2259/deadromansonwall.jpg

He then remembered what his mission was and realized it was too late.
There were no more Romans on the walls. He took the banner that he
was supposed to show to Barca and threw it into city. No, he would
take the city with just his own men today. He lead his men up to
another tower where Barca's soldiers where waiting in the tower.

https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7569/laroyeling.jpg

"Go back and tell Barca that we alone shall take the city today. I
need no help." Laro yelled.

The rest of the day Laro slaughtered the inhabitants of the city along
with the remnant Roman soldiers. There was a Greek captain along
with some local levy Greek hoplites. They lined up and created a barrier
between the center of the city and Laro. Laro's men did not accept
such a welcome.

They pounced and killed the hoplites. It was a ghastly scene. Whenever
one of laro's men was stabbed or hurt, he did not quit. He had no
right to quit. He would get back up, no matter what the wound and
fight back. Even when strength escaped him, and his life blood slipped
away he would use his teeth to bite the feet of the hoplites.

Then the Greek captain was isolate and hacked to bits and pieces.

https://img22.imageshack.us/img22/7849/killinggreekgeneral.jpg

Men ran to the center of the city where some citizens armed themselves
with whatever was available. Laro smiled at the day. For they had all
died by his men. When the last man who resisted died, Laro's men
cheered for Laro who looked around at the carnage.

https://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9981/larosmencheering.jpg
***********
All the while Barca was amassing his men outside the walls. When he
had heard that Laro refused to allow anyone into the city until they
were done, he was infuriated. He waited at the gates with Likino's at
his side. When the gates were finally open, Barca stared wildly at
Laro who was covered in blood from head to toe. Fresh scalps were
hanging off his body. Behind him, Laro's beasts were also covered in
fresh scalps. In his hand Laro carried the head of the Roman commander.
He threw it at Barca's feet.

There was silence for a moment until a wild cheer escaped the mouths
of the Barca's infantry. They did not understand Barca's anger. But
Barca could not rebuke Laro when Barca's men loved him so. Likinos
spat in Laro's direction and rode off on his horse into the city.

And so, the beast was unleashed, the General became enraged, and
the lover continued in his thoughts of his love.

[johnhughthom]

:2thumbsup:
Those axemen look brutal.:skull:

[Reality=Chaos]

Great chapter:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

I just read the whole thread. Good going. A few typos and such a few chapters back, but overall very well written.

Seems like Barca is going to have to do something about Laro before he is no longer able to control him...

[Roka]

awesome chapter those axemen look brutal

[Vasiliyi]

:2thumbsup:
Those axemen look brutal.:skull:

Thank you John


Great chapter:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:


Thank you, it feels good to start up again.


I just read the whole thread. Good going. A few typos and such a few chapters back, but overall very well written.

Seems like Barca is going to have to do something about Laro before he is no longer able to control him...
Whole thread huh? Thanks for catching up. I still need to catch up on your aar. I havent been on the forums lately, thanks, and you will be interested in seeing what happens to Laro..


awesome chapter those axemen look brutal

Thanks.


Yes, those axemen are brutal.

I took the liberty to edit the stats of the Asturian axemen to represent their "Beastyness". They pretty much took down 5 or 6 units without taking too many casualties.

I gave them an extra hitpoint to represent their resolve to never give up. And i uped their lethality a bit. That makes them super soldiers, but I only have 1 in the whole army so it shouldnt be to bad. ill only use them in extremely difficult moments, or when laro starts acting up.

Update coming up.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Kill them all man! I liked your progress. You should deliberately make things harder for yourself so your achievements are even more astounding.

:smash:

[Vasiliyi]

Kill them all man! I liked your progress. You should deliberately make things harder for yourself so your achievements are even more astounding.

:smash:

Well, things will get hard. First off, i have 1 army, while the Romans although inferior in brains have at least 10 fullstacks/halfstacks. I will be assaulting their homeland, where they will not have to ration while my men are already tightening their belts. They will be able to raise legions without any trouble, while i will be limited to hiring mercenaries and receiving reinforcements from "Bisaltes" who is has a half stack of reenforcements ready.


And ofcourse, Hannibal could do it, therefore, Barca WILL do it... Unless ofcourse i really want to surprise you. If you recall Hanno dieing to one of Muttines' men. :juggle2:

I hope your enjoying this as much as I am.

[Vasiliyi]

https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3071/decimuscorneliusscipioa.jpg

Restoring the Honor

There was an uneasy silence in the legionary camp. 6000 men, or so
all sat hushed in their tents, awaiting their new Consular to provide
them with his input.

Inside the main tent, several high-ranking officers were standing around
the table. Decimus Cornelius Scipio Asina, stood over his now predecessor.

"You coward! You knew your orders! Legio VII was to be stationed
near Massalia and defend it from Barbarians and any threat from
Carthage. Excuse me, but can you point to me on this map where we are?!"

Brutus Lepidus Longvs hesitated but them pointed on the map. They
were now stationed just north of Bononia.

"Huh, we don't seem anywhere near Massalia. Tell me, do you know
of the situation in Massalia? IT WAS SACKED! Innocent citizens died
because you were too cowardly to stand and fight." He slapped Brutus
across the face.

Brutus was in his mid forties. Raised to be a politician, he never wished
to serve in the army but policy was to serve out a number of
years before you could enter the senate house. His faction in Rome
was unsuccessful and he was sent north to "protect" the borders. He
had been stationed here for 5 years now. Boredom overcame him. When
he heard a massive army was heading his way, he retreated past the
river and moved to Bononia to request additional Legions to defend the borders.

This angered the Senate very much, and they ordered a young Patrician
to take over the army, and to restore discipline amongst the ranks by
any means necessary. So they sent the Son of Publius Cornelius Scipio,
the man who died in africa, to do the job.

"Assemble the legion, we will demonstrate what kind of man I am."

"And what kind of man is that?" A centurion asked.

"A man of Discipline and honor, and this Legion will be distinguished as
the toughest legion in all of Rome when I am done Serving the SPQR."

*********
6000 men lined up in their battle arrangement to listen to the words of
their new general. A slight wind blew across their faces as they stared
at him. Men were slumped over, some were leaning on their sheids and
Pilum. The legion was already 5 years old, but they had not scene battle
yet. Brutus was lax about the rules and discipline, and for that the men
too stopped being legionaries and became a mob. Many had not worn
their armour for weeks and it was rusty and heavy.

Decimus frowned at the condition of this legion. No matter, he would
fix it. Starting today.

Brutus exited the tent beat up and then they tied him to a post.

"This man, disobeyed a direct order from the Senate of Rome. He has
been sentenced with Missio Ignominiosa or Dishonorably discharged.
Not only that.." Decimus walked up to Brutus, and pulling out his Puggio
and thrusting it into Brutus's neck, "but this man is to be a show of
what legionaries who disobey orders will receive."

Some of the centurions started saying something, but then stopped
after they received a sharp look from Decimus.

"We will cleanse ourselves with Decimatio. Centurions, split your cohorts
up into groups of ten and cast lots. The man who losses will be killed
like Brutus here. When that is done, I want the dead men stripped of
their armour and thrown into the river. And hurry, my centurions, we
move out in an hour, these men need some marching."

Decimus entered the tent as he heard some men screaming from having
their throat cut. He looked at the map and then at his ring, something
his father had given him.

"I will restore Honor to our name Father, if its the last thing I do."

[Jebivjetar]

"You coward! You knew your orders! Legio VII was to be stationed
near Massalia and defend it from Barbarians and any threat from
Carthage. [I]Excuse me, but can you point to me on this map where we are?!"




This irony of yours is just great, Vasiliyi! :laugh4::2thumbsup::smash:

All hail Vasiliyi!! :yes:

[Vasiliyi]

Killing the enemy
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5978/foggyforests.jpg

The night was dark and cold. Fog covered the forest, restricting any
view that was more than a horses length away. Likinos awoke to a
sudden noise. His heart stopped when he realized it was his wife that
was in the forest. He walked up to her, speechless. He tried to say
something, but alas, he could not. It was almost a year now that he
had not seen her. How beautiful this woman was.

"Likinos, you must act." She spoke softly, but he could tell she was being serious.

Confused, he inquired, "What are you talking about my dear? What must be done?"

"Who is your enemy? Is it these Romans? Or is it the man who brought
you here, who tore you away from me? They don't need you here. You
are just one man, come back home with me. Your son waits for you
every day, and you daughter, she needs a father."

"I cannot, Barca needs me here. Laro is causing too much trouble among
the ranks. He disobeys orders, performs risky raids, giving away our position.
Barca wishes him dead, but alas, there is more trouble there. When they
were young they swore by their blood that if one dies in battle the other
must die in the same exact battle. Laro knows this, and cares little for
his safety. Barca on the other hand needs to honor his oath, or else he
might loose the loyalty of the army. Laro is popular among the ranks,
and the only person who can challenge his popularity is me."

Daleninar looked at Likinos, a tear rolled down her eye. "You love him
more than you love me."

Likinos couldn't believe he was hearing this. "You know from the start
that my heart was yours. I owe the rest of me to Barca. I will serve
him until he frees me. Send my love to my son and daughter."

Likinos' heart was tearing as he spoke those harsh words. He knew
that when she was gone, that he would need his own mental moral
to stay alive. There was silence for a moment and then she wrapped
her arms around his. A long kiss followed.

She pulled away and looked him in the eyes. "There is one more thing, my love."

"What is it?" Likinos puzzled, asked.

"You must wake up now, Wake up."
**********

"Wake up Likinos! Barca sends for you." One of the Gauls said while
he kicked him awake.

"Why you bloody!..." Likinos yelled at the Gaul as he pulled out his
sword. He stopped suddenly to realize that is just a dream.

"Had too much to drink last night?" The gaul asked.

"I haven't drank since I left my home, and I don't plan on it till then.
Barca calls?"

"Yes lord, he said to meet him in his tent immediately."

**********

Likinos lifted the flap to enter the tent. "You called?"


There were at least 20 officers starting at the table where the map
of the region was. Laro wasn't present.

"Thank you gentlemen, leave us." Barca waited until the officers left.
"Likinos, the Romans, they wish to meet us in the field. Our scouts
have spotted several legions forming up just a few miles so east."

"Have we announced it to the troops?"

"Not yet, were not sure if this legion knows that we are here."

"Whats the plan?" Likinos walked to the map to examine the positions
of both armies.

"Retreat of course." Barca answered calmly

"Retreat? Why?" Likinos looked at Barca.

Barca looked at Likinos and smiled, "The Romans will learn of us retreating,
and give a quick chase. If they are as arrogant as I believe, they will follow
us north into the woods where we will spring a trap."

Likinos watched as Barca showed him on the map the place of the expected ambush.

There was silence for a few moments and then Likinos asked. "Where is Laro?"

"Don't speak of him to me right now. I need to clear my mind of him for a while."

Likinos turned to leave, and Barca stopped him. His eyes were weary
already and there was fear in his eyes ever since Likinos mentioned Laro.
"Likinos, both you and I know what must be done."

Likinos exited the tent and stopped in his tracks when he saw two soldiers
sparring. He knew what he needed to do. He must kill the enemy, his one
and only enemy. Then he would be able to go home.

[Vasiliyi]

Thanks to all who are reading. I know that there hasn't been much action in this aar so far, (one battle and one duel) but I promise some intense battles are coming up along with pretty gross descriptions of what certain characters are going to do. (not just Laro, by the way) I have a lot planned for this aar. That is why I need these kind of chapters for it to make sense, and not seem lame. Thank you all for being patient.

[satalexton]

POP QUIZ!!!

What is a good Roman?

[Reality=Chaos]

Still a very good AAR... I'll have patience:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

[Jebivjetar]

POP QUIZ!!!

What is a good Roman?

silent wc-cleaner? :idea2:

[Raiuga]

POP QUIZ!!!

What is a good Roman?
A dead roman...????

:beam:

[Raiuga]

Great AAR. I'm loving it.



And ofcourse, Hannibal could do it, therefore, Barca WILL do it... Unless ofcourse i really want to surprise you. If you recall Hanno dieing to one of Muttines' men. :juggle2:


Surprise us, but not that much....:sweatdrop:

Just jk. Keep up the good work and do what you know best...

[HunGeneral]

Finally I had the time to read it up. A great read - this inner conflict between the main characters is interresting. This decimus omehow reminds me of Scipio Africanus who also lost his Father to Hannibal... I wonder if History will repeat itself in some form...

Hail Vasiliy:2thumbsup:


POP QUIZ!!!

What is a good Roman?

A slave in the mines? Arrow fodder on the field of battle? A dead one?

[Vasiliyi]

POP QUIZ!!!

What is a good Roman?

A good Roman, in my opinion is one that realizes that he is a barbaroi and then falls on his own sword.


Still a very good AAR... I'll have patience:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

Thank you



Great AAR. I'm loving it.

Surprise us, but not that much....:sweatdrop:

Just jk. Keep up the good work and do what you know best...

Thank you.


Finally I had the time to read it up. A great read - this inner conflict between the main characters is interresting. This decimus omehow reminds me of Scipio Africanus who also lost his Father to Hannibal... I wonder if History will repeat itself in some form...

Hail Vasiliy:2thumbsup:



A slave in the mines? Arrow fodder on the field of battle? A dead one?

You will just have to wait and see what happens. Im not exactly sure how to use Decimus

[Roka]

good chapter, i'm excited to see what happens next

[Vasiliyi]

good chapter, i'm excited to see what happens next

Long update tonight. Its a "battle", gentlemen.

[Vasiliyi]

This chapter I dedicate to Howard Fast who wrote a wonderful book called "Spartacus". He wrote a chapter like this in his book.



Cowards and Swine

The Senate hall was tightly shut and locked from the inside. No stray
look was allowed today. No, there was an solemn wind of emotion in
the city of Rome today. Legio IV was completely destroyed. The Romans
did not take the defeat well. The Romans never take defeat well.
News had reached the city a week before a single man entered the
city. He was quickly seized by the city garrison and brought before the senate.

Quadratus, a senator of Rome who held much power looked at the
young man. No more than 20 years old this one was. He was dirty
and smelt of blood and sweat. His eyes were bloodshot and his hands
trembled fiercely.

The senate was silent, each man looking at the legionary that survived.
"What is your name, soldier?" Quadratus asked finally. The soldier started
to say something, but nothing came out, instead he started bawling.

Quadratus looked out at the other senators and then called out to a
servant to fetch some wine. "Drink this lad, loosen up. You must tell
us what happened."

Wine was brought, and the soldier drank it, but not without spilling
some on the senate floor. He seemed to relax a bit and then started to speak.

"My name is Servius Statilius Paetus. I am of the 3rd Cohort of the
Hastati, Legio IV under the command of Calpurnius Didius Fuscus."

He began talking, but then took some more gulps of wine, and then
raised the cup to Quadratus. More wine was fetched while the legionary continued.

"We heard that raids were being performed in the area just east of
Massalia. Since Legio VII was being relieved at the time for retraining,
our legion took post there. Fuscus decided that the raids needed to
be put to a stop, so we set out north where the raiders were hiding.
We followed them for days, getting closer every day. They seemed
to march too slowly for raiders, but definitely too quick for an army.
That is what my centurion said, anyways. On the 4th day of forced
marching, we reached a forest where our scouts said that they had
finally found where they planned to hide."

"It was evening, and Fuscus had a choice. Either he would enter the
forest and flush out the raiders, or build a fort for the night and we
would continue marching the next day. We followed them in. I tell you
now, I curse that Fuscus. We were exhausted and chasing ghosts."

We had been skipping a meal every day to keep up with the raiders and
by now I was quite hungry, along with the rest of the maniple. Fuscus
pushed us on though. The forest was dark, and there was a dense fog that day.

https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2668/emptyforest.jpg

We were ordered to run deeper into the forest, in formation just in case of an ambush.
https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/6112/hastatirunning.jpg

For a few minutes were marched into the forest until we saw
something that surprised us all. Heavy cavalry, that was definitely
not Celtic charged a group of Leves who were ahead of us.
https://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3936/cavalrychargesurprise.jpg

Our centurion ordered us to correct our formation and prepare.
https://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3105/hastatiforming.jpg
But just as quickly the cavalry appeared, they also disappeared.
Confused, our centurion ordered us to give chase to the enemy.

We chased after them, but all of a sudden a lead stone hit my helmet
and I was dazzed. I fell to the ground. I heard screams and other
men falling. A close friend of mine fell next to me with a Soliferrum in
his chest. He looked at me with horror in his eyes. "Run!" was all he
told me. He then died.

I came back to my senses to realized these were the strangest looking
warriors I saw. They werent greeks, but they didnt look celtic either.

https://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5055/surpriseattack.jpg

Everywhere I looked I saw my fellow legionaries running, so to my shame, I ran too.

https://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2591/hastatirouting.jpg

There were so many of them. Thousands. There sudden footsteps
shook the earth. They looked like beasts, some of them." Servius'
started speaking, but then became ghastly silent. His face became pale
like it has never seen the sun. He suddenly threw up all over his cloths
and the floor. Senators shuddered at such behavior.

Quadratus patted him on the back and urged him on to speak. Servius
looked at him and nodded. "They chased us, all of them. I have no idea
where they all came from."

I heard the screams of my comrades falling behind me. This enemy was
quick. They were armed heavily like us, yet they were quick. As we finally
reached the end of the forest, only the cavalry continued. My those horses
were covered with armour as well. Ive never seen anything like it. They
killed the last of my comrades until I was left."
https://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3149/cavalrychasing.jpg

"I didn't know why they didn't kill me. And old bald man who took his
helmet off hit me hard and I fell unconscious again."

I awoke in the forest again, tide to a tree. No more than 30 paces
from me lay thousands of dead soldiers, stripped of their armour and
clothing in a pile. There was blood everywhere and it stunk of feces.
A man came up to me, his hair was long and unwashed along with his
beard. He had an axe which he carried on his belt. On his chest hung
fresh pieces of scalps from the dead Romans. He barked something at
me, and then spit in my face. Another man, who looked cleaner stopped
him from further harassing me. He looked at me and said something
softly, as if he regretted something. He gave me a piece of bread
and then left. That night, they roasted swine next the dead. They
ate plenty, and made sure I received none.

I couldn't understand why I didn't die like the rest. I don't remember
falling asleep, but I awoke to a kick to the stomach. They untied me
and lead me to a tent. Inside was the same men whom I saw yesterday.
The man with the scalps on him, and the man who gave me a piece
of bread. A 3rd man was there as well. Dressed in what looked like Punic
clothing, he was in charge, I could tell by the way others treated him.
He was young, no more than 30."

"He looked at me and asked a 4th man to speak to me. I was surprised
to hear latin from these barbarians. He explained to me that I was
supposed to tell you all of this. Not too miss anything. And so I am
here. They escorted me on horse back to the very outskirts of the
city and then on the last morning they untied me in my sleep left."



Quadratus looked in terror at Servius and then thanked him. Servius
left to Quadratus' home where he was ordered not to say a word
of this to anyone. The senate, that evening made an announcement
to the people of Rome that conscription for 10 legions would begin
the next day. There was no official statement of what happened to Legio IV.

As Rome began that day with a solemn wind, it also ended with it.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Good chapter! Between Laro's brutality and the sad stories of the Romans, you're starting to make me want to side with the Romaioi.

[satalexton]

oh please don't, O proud Makedones.

[Skullheadhq]

Great AAR, Slaughter those worthless Romaioi!

[Vasiliyi]

Good chapter! Between Laro's brutality and the sad stories of the Romans, you're starting to make me want to side with the Romaioi.

Bah! You know they deserve whats coming at them!


oh please don't, O proud Makedones.

Agreed. We shall not falter!


Great AAR, Slaughter those worthless Romaioi!

Thanks, more coming, as soon as I figure how to represent my next update.

[johnhughthom]

So, with the new avatar your move to the dark side is complete. :clown:

[Vasiliyi]

So, with the new avatar your move to the dark side is complete. :clown:

You speak as if your ashamed old friend.


Update coming up soon.

[Vasiliyi]

This chapter is dedicated to my lovely girlfriend, who has the patience for a dork like me. Also, to keep her interested in this aar (otherwise she probably wouldn't read it :clown:).
This is a flashback just in case anyone is confused.


Life
https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6112/likinos.jpg
Likinos' heart jumped with every step he took. He was so close to
home, he just had to cross the river, go through the forest and run
down that valley. He would be home before sun down. It was early
morning, the sun had barely risen and the morning cool was still on
the earth. Likinos walked to the river, realizing that he needed to
take clean himself up before he returned home. Hurrying home the
last week, he forgot about personal hygiene.

Hamalcar Barca had let the entire army go home for a year. Likinos
too accepted it without question. It was true, he would return, but
this year he would not think about war, or the romans, or anything,
but the life that he had back home.

Taking his sandals off first, he continued with his cloak, and then belt.
His chain mail, which he effortlessly wore now, was taken off next.
He hadn't taken it off for a week now, and he felt as light as a feather
with it off. His wool shirt he took off next, and then his trousers.
10 years in the army destroyed any sense of modesty he had before.
Walking naked into the river with a bar of soap in his hand, he quickly
washed himself, enjoying the feeling of being clean. This is life, Likinos thought.

Having cleaned himself, he continued by washing his cloths as well.
He hurried, knowing what was ahead of him. While he cleaned the
his cloths, he boiled some oil to smother his chain in to restore is
glow. He was quick in all he did, and he finished with making himself
presentable before the sun was fully up. He let his cloths dry up as
he put them on. They would be dry before he returned home.

Having crossed the river at a bridge, he continued into the forest.
Likinos smiled as he remembered that this is the same exact forest
as when he met her. He hasn't been here for 10 years now. But it
was still the same. He couldn't find the spot where he had killed the
man long ago, but he found the path that lead into the valley.

The sun was high in the sky now, but Likinos didn't bother to stop to
eat. He was too excited to eat. He couldn't believe he would see his
family today. His 10 year old son, Orison, his father and most of all,
his wife. Daleninar. He shuddered with excitement as he picked the
pace. Likinos now entered the valley, where he had followed Daleninar
the first time. He imagined her feminine figure ahead of him.

Most men would tire out, wearing a full array of armor, including a
helmet a sturdy shield, along with a longsword, not to mention a heavy
pack for personal supplies, but Likinos didn't notice it at all. Infact, at
the end of the valley, before he entered his village, he began to sprint.
He stopped only when he physically could not move.

He rested for a bit, taking out a piece of bread but soon realized he
needed to hurry. It was midday now, and he wanted to come home
as soon as possible. He tried to imagine what his son looked like. He
hoped he was as good looking as him mother, and was as big as his
grandfather, Bareaus. He smiled to himself. His heart jumped when
he saw his home for the first time in 10 years.

Bareaus had built it, while Likinos was training for four years. Then
when Likinos was payed for the four years, he married Daleninar and
they lived there for a little less than a year before he left to campaign.
He remembered looking back as he walked, and watching his wife,
holding his newborn son and crying while she watched him disappear
with the other warriors.

He walked slowly to his house now, looking around at the other huts.
Little had changed. Walking to his door, he didn't know if he needed
to knock or not. He decided, it would be well if he did, and as he
begun to raise his hand to do so, his heart stopped.

"Likinos?" A soft voice called from behind.

Likinos felt goosebumps rush throughout his body. He slowly turned
around, realizing his wife, his beautiful wife was behind him. They
stared at each other for a moment, not saying a word. She turned
pale white at first, and then bright red. His throat suddenly swelled
when he tried to say something, so instead he nodded.

She suddenly dropped the basket she carried and run to him. He took
her in open arms and they embraced for the first time since he left.
Tears flowed down her eyes as they stood on the door step embracing.
Likinos kissed the top of her head, not knowing what else to do.
Likinos did not know how long they stood there, but abruptly she let go.

"Come meet your son." She said with a smile on her face.

Likinos smiled in agreement as he let her take his hand. He took his
helmet off first, and let go of his shield. She led him into the yard
where he saw his father swing his sword hard at a young boy. The
young boy parried with all his might, but still fell to the ground with
every swing. Likinos' mouth dropped in amazement. This boy, whom
he figured was his son, looked exactly as he did when he was that
young. He was small and slinky, his hair was long and unwieldy.
Likinos let out a laugh, as tears started to fill his eyes.

Bareaus stopped suddenly, much to the boys surprise. Bareaus
dropped his sword, and smiled.

"My son, you are not dead. I have not failed as a teacher then."
He said as he grabbed Likinos and lifted him up in a hug. He then
dropped Likinos, and examined him.

"Well, you still have 4 limbs still." He said to Likinos, then he
turned to Daleninar and said, "Your lucky, most men don't return with that many."

Then he laughed his enormous laugh and called Orison over with his
hand. "Orison, come meet your father."

Orison was shy at first, but he stuck his hand out, for Likinos to
embrace. Likinos smiled at the gesture and took the hand. He shook
his sons hand and smiled.

"Its good to see you all. Its good to be home." Likinos finally spoke.

"You must be starved, come in and eat. I have stew in the pot." Daleninar spoke next.

*****

After a hefty dinner and wine, the family had settled. Likinos told
many stories from his campaign, and listened to many stories of
what happened at home. His heart filled joy. His father had taught
him well, nothing mattered other than life and love. The two had
intermingled within his heart and he couldn't stop looking at his beautiful wife.

Bareaus, knowing the situation, stood up. "Come Orison, you will
spend the night at my house. Your ma and pa have much to catch
up on." He smiled at the couple, and led the boy out of the house.


Likinos stared at Daleninar, and she stared back. He leaned in to
kiss her lips, and then the door opened. Bareaus, looked at the
couple, and then said, "Your shield and helmet were outside, so I
brought them in." He smiled at what he saw, as the young couple
smiled back. Then he shut the door behind him.


Likinos stood and looked around him home. Daleninar stood with him,
and examined him.

"Here, let me help you out of this armor, it must be so heavy."

Likinos broke out of his daze saying, "Oh, I hardly notice it anymore."

Daleninar blushed, realizing he didn't get the hint. "Dear, as your wife,
its my duty to take it off."

Likinos looked at her, and began by taking his cloak off. Daleninar
worked with her fingers to undo the belt. Dropping the belt with the
sword and dagger attached on the ground, Likinos took his Mail off.
Daleninar softly touched his chest. Her hands slipped under his shirt
and moved upwards until they suddenly stopped.

She scurried to take his shirt off. He helped her, dropping to the
ground as well. She stared at his scarred and bruised chest and arms.
He was muscular, and lacked any sort of fat on his belly, but he did
not lack in deep scars. She slowly traced one of them which began
above pectoral and led down to his stomach. Likinos remembered how
he had gotten that scar, but this was not the time to tell a story.

Daleninar began to tear up again seeing the danger her husband had
lived through. To her those scars were frightening, not that they
made him ugly, not in that sense at all. Instead, she loved him for
them, she just feared for his safety.

Likinos realized that she would cry if he did not say something.

"I am alive now, and full of life. I am Likinos, son of Bareaus, the man
you married. I have been gone the last 10 years, but I am back. I
am full of love, and it flows through my veins now, more than ever.
I have not touched a woman since I last touched you."

With those words, Daleninar put out the last candle and together
they remembered the love that they had for each other.....

[satalexton]

Bravo! You outshine yourself Basileios. =]

[Jebivjetar]

I like this chapter very much, Vasiliyi. Your portrait of Likinos as a family man, together with his warrior side really makes psychology of his character deep and unique. Warrior+ family man :2thumbsup:

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice narrative. :2thumbsup:
You're really making Likinos out to be the "good guy" hero of the story. I get the feeling he and Laro aren't going to stay friends forever.

[johnhughthom]

I was worried this chapter might turn out to be a bit soppy but you managed to avoid that. Nice update. :yes:

[Vasiliyi]

Bravo! You outshine yourself Basileios. =]

Why thank you, Megas Satalextos.


I like this chapter very much, Vasiliyi. Your portrait of Likinos as a family man, together with his warrior side really makes psychology of his character deep and unique. Warrior+ family man :2thumbsup:

Thanks Jebivjetar, I wanted to do a chapter like this a long time ago. Im pretty happy with the way it turned out.


Nice narrative. :2thumbsup:
You're really making Likinos out to be the "good guy" hero of the story. I get the feeling he and Laro aren't going to stay friends forever.

Thanks MAA, you are right, I think ive been focusing on Likinos a bit too much. I dont want to get ahead of myself, but the next 1/3 part of this aar will be focusing heavily on Laro's point of view, and lastly the last 1/3 will be Barcas. I have a general Idea of what is going to happen, but there is always room to change things.

Oh, and yah, your gut feeling about Laro and Likinos is pretty good.


I was worried this chapter might turn out to be a bit soppy but you managed to avoid that. Nice update. :yes:

Thank you, your comments are always appreciated.

[the man with no name]

Why did everybody change their avatars on me while i was gone? Good to be back on the forums. I liked that last chapter about Likinos he's my favorite Character in this saga.



Oh i forgot: :smash::smash::smash:

[the man with no name]

I just got back from a week of Kickass boy scout camp. I'm surprised to see no new update for this AAR.

[Vasiliyi]

I just got back from a week of Kickass boy scout camp. I'm surprised to see no new update for this AAR.

Your right, this needs to be updated.

Next chapter, Crossing the Alps.

[Vasiliyi]

Lost in the Alps

https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8006/25636016birdofpreylarat.jpg

A single rider galloped along a path located on an edge of a mountain
side. The horses nostrils exhaled and inhaled the cold air heavily. With
every exhale the horses nostrils blew out hot air from within its lean
but strong body. On one side of him towered the mountain itself,
reaching the fast encroaching clouds, and on the other side, a deep
canyon which one could easily slip and fall into. The horseman seeing
the smoke of the camp, pulled on the reins of the horse and slowed
down. A cold wind bit his uncovered face. He rode up to his General
Barca's tent and jumped off his horse into the snow.

The snow was up to his ankles and he cursed it. There was no such
weather in Africa, where the horseman grew up. Two guards stood at
the entrance of Barca's tent who stood motionless in their fur coats
and fur boots. The Celtic king sold much clothing to Barca's army,
but also gave many provisions to him to continue his conquest. In
return the Celtic king expected land both north of the alps and in the Po valley.

The Rider stepped into the warm tent and Barca immediately turned
his attention to him.

"Kanmi! What news of the scouts?" Barca asked while he picked
at the fire with a stick.

The rider took his cloak off, and moved closer to the fire. "Not good
lord, I sighted many frozen bodies strewn across the mountain side.
There was no sign of the main body of scouts, but I saw many fire
pits, no more than a few days old. They cant be further than 3 days
march. The route they are taking is a dangerous one, with many
spots where entire divisions of men can slip an fall without being
able to help them.. But the route would get us there a few days
sooner, something we are in dire need of."

There was a silence in the room with only the fire crackling, while
Barca pondered his decision.
"What should I do Kanmi? Ive always trusted your decision." Barca
asked without looking at his loyal friend and bodyguard.

"Lord, I think it would be wise if we left now, and followed Laro and
his scouts before the approaching storm hits us and we loose them
altogether." Kanmi replied quickly. His hands reached for Barca's
goatskin of wine. He poured himself a cup and drank, letting the
strong wine relax and warm up his cold muscles.

"Assemble the men, we leave immediately." Barca told Kanmi.

"Yes my lord." Kanmi answered obediently and exited the tent.

https://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9941/hannibal3.jpg

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

Laro looked out at the landscape and the deep valley at the end
of the mountain. His men moved quickly stumbling over each other,
but not loosing morale. Laro was in the lead with his big bear-fur
coat covering his body. Even so, the cold wind bit and gnawed at
the Laro's uncovered face. Laro's heart was heavy with worry. He
needed to stay strong and brave, but he worried for his friend.

He had sent out his closest friend and bodyguard to scout ahead of
the main party, to see which pass is quicker. Now they followed the
barely visible path until they reached a fork in the mountain. Down
one path there was nothing but white snow, flat and freshly evened
by the wind. Down the other path the snow was menaced and uneven.
A pile of snow, the length of a man stood out of place in the path.
Laro motioned everyone to stay back, and he himself walked to the
pile. He got on his knees which hit something hard, and Laro gently
uncovered the snow to see the shield of his friend. He continued to
dig and uncovered his friend's body, frozen to the earth.

"Korribilo..." Laro whispered his dead friends name.

He continued to uncover the body and realized that his friend was
cut. Laro worked, not realizing the cold on his hands or knees. Next
to his dead friend was a message written in blood underneath the
soft layer of snow.

Take this path, It is quicker.


Laro felt a lump in his throat, as he realized his friend was dead. He
friend died bravely, not trying to preserve his body heat by curling
up into the fetal position. He did not try to move further to reach the
main body of scouts to reach a fire. He realized he would not make it,
and so decided to die like a warrior. When he was completely uncovered
from the snow, Laro sawhow his friend had prepared himself for his death.

On his head he wore his helmet instead of having it hang off a strap
from his shoulders. His shield lay on one side while his axe lay on
his chest. His cut hands lay peacefully on his chest, holding his axe.
He feet lay straight aligned with the body and his friends face gave
a grim but brave look to the dead body. He died like a warrior,
accomplishing his mission.

After the main body gave Korribilo a proper burial in the hard earth
of the mountain side Laro continued on, leaving a sign for Barca to
take this path.

He was no longer lost in the Alps.

[johnhughthom]

So Laro still has some humanity left, not quite a beast yet. Nice chapter, reminded me of Lord of the Rings.

[the man with no name]

Nice job on that chapter Vasiliyi. Very interesting. A message for whats to come?

[Vasiliyi]

So Laro still has some humanity left, not quite a beast yet. Nice chapter, reminded me of Lord of the Rings.

Thanks, I may have overdone his "beastness" a bit. Actually, i dont want to spoil it for the rest of my readers, but he will get worse. :skull:
But you know the plot so its ok.


Nice job on that chapter Vasiliyi. Very interesting. A message for whats to come?

Thanks.

Well, they've crossed the alps now and are in the Po valley, and if you know anything about hannibals campaigns, many people have to die.

Next chapter is being worked on and I should update this weekend or early next week.

[the man with no name]

Thanks, I may have overdone his "beastness" a bit. Actually, i dont want to spoil it for the rest of my readers, but he will get worse. :skull:
But you know the plot so its ok.



Thanks.

Well, they've crossed the alps now and are in the Po valley, and if you know anything about hannibals campaigns, many people have to die.

Next chapter is being worked on and I should update this weekend or early next week.

Are you gonna bring hasdrubal up with reinforcements?

[Vasiliyi]

Bah! I played out a custom battle today, to try to fit the story into it, but it didnt quite work out. Ive got the next chapter ready, (mentally that is, ive still gotta write it out) so except an update on tuesday, (im not busy). The next chapter will be a pretty big turning point in the trio's relationship toward eachother.

Hope you are all enjoying this, and once again, I promise there will be much bloodshed. :yes:

[the man with no name]

Bah! I played out a custom battle today, to try to fit the story into it, but it didnt quite work out. Ive got the next chapter ready, (mentally that is, ive still gotta write it out) so except an update on tuesday, (im not busy). The next chapter will be a pretty big turning point in the trio's relationship toward eachother.

Hope you are all enjoying this, and once again, I promise there will be much bloodshed. :yes:

Sounds good.

[Vasiliyi]

ok, So its official. This aar is dead. But, I do have good news (maybe). I started playing as Carthage again, and i might write the 3rd installment of this AAR. Its going to take a while for me to get to that point in my campaign, but ill explain everything that was supposed to happen in Part 2...

I apologize to everyone who read this aar, Im ashamed of killing it.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

I apologize to everyone who read this aar, Im ashamed of killing it.
LOL! Whoever does an AAR, deserves to be praised for it. And there's absolutely no way you would have to justify yourself for terminating it.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

It's a shame to hear this is dead. I hope you write again.

[Vasiliyi]

LOL! Whoever does an AAR, deserves to be praised for it. And there's absolutely no way you would have to justify yourself for terminating it.

Well, thank you then.


It's a shame to hear this is dead. I hope you write again.

Yah, i thought everyone figured that out after not having posted for several months..

Anyways, ive decided to write the 3rd installment of my aar.

I have to play down about 60 years into the campaign, so there wont be anything for a while... Thanks for all of your support. Its good to be welcomed again.

[the man with no name]

Well, thank you then.



Yah, i thought everyone figured that out after not having posted for several months..

Anyways, ive decided to write the 3rd installment of my aar.

I have to play down about 60 years into the campaign, so there wont be anything for a while... Thanks for all of your support. Its good to be welcomed again.

proud to be a supporter and I can't wait to see what it's like.