Praylak
09-30-2004, 00:35
After my third attempt, I finally got somewhere with Carthage. I was so happy, I had to write up what happened. I felt proud, because Rome handed me my butt by turn 15 three times in a row. Not now though. This time Carthage is going to the top. Pay no mind to the enthusasim. ::):
Carthage:
Current State:
270BC and all is a peaceful calm before a storm. The eye of that storm is Rome, the scourge of the Mediterranean nations. Her obvious desire to steal sovereign land, and defile its people is already legendary. Merchants from abroad speak of their unwinding lust for our rich cities and the cities of others. Seers envision an underlying strength in this enemy, once an ally, and they predict the coming of the end. Greek emissaries confirm, Roman armies are on the move against several nations, and it’s only a matter of time.
The Council of Elders deliberated and agreed on a plan to first survive the Roman war machine, and then eventually crush it. It was a costly and risky plan, but such risks demand favor of the Gods.
The current state of both the army and fleet is abysmal. Assembling a mass rabble of men and heading straight for the lions throat would at best, add to the beasts hunger. The qualities of the troops are adequate for local militia, but to defeat Rome, Carthage will need her best at the front line. Fleets need to be built. A network of spies and assassins are to be employed. Armies need weapons and capable commanders. In short, Carthage needs time. The distance of our cities from one another is a weakness that needs dealing with and moving Armies across water is uninvited doom begging to happen. Control of the seas at this time, is just not possible against four Roman factions.
The Plan:
Council Elder Hemaud’s public address to the citizens: “A complete restructuring of Empire Carthage is at hand. All will be sacrificed if necessary to succeed. Honor those that shall perish in the coming months, for they do not die in vain - Baal take them, Baal keep them.” We sever the limbs so that the body survives.
No further development, protection or funding will be provided for the cities Lilybaeum, Caralis, and Ballaries. Small contingents of fleets standby to evacuate Governors and their staff. Funds are diverted to produce trade, military and defense projects in the remaining cities of Corduba, Thapsus and Carthage.
Diplomats are sent to all neighbors excluding Numidia. Trade agreements are sought and alliances forged. Trade is our strength as a nation, and the Denarii from it shall propel our cause. General Hasbro takes command of the first army leaving little for garrison in Carthage and Thapsus. Some of the evacuated troops from other cities join it to bolster its green ranks. It marches west to take the Numidian cities of Cirta and Tingi. It must do so quickly so that it can return to Carthage as a seasoned unit ready to defend the capital against Rome, a dreaded assault that is sure to come.
War Declared:
268BC, not two years since the oracles vision, the Julii lay siege to Caralis and the Scipii lay siege to Lilybaeum later that same year. Large Roman Fleets circle these islands. Hasbro’s army recruits mercenaries in Numidia as he approaches the capital city.
General Hasbro at the siege of Cirta: “I favor no ill omens for the Numidians, but I can think of no better sacrifice than a brave people such as they.”
In 267BC Spain rapidly approached, and in a declaration of war laid siege to Corduba. The garrison under command of Governor Momhett breaks out and crushes the small force. Cordubain citizens are unruly and troubled, as Carthage cannot send reinforcements, Governor Momhett has his hands full. Meanwhile Cirta is secured, Caralis and Lilybaeum fall to Rome. An alliance is formed with the Greek Cities who are also besieged by Roman aggression. Rumors arise of Roman soldiers desecrating sacred temples of conquered cities and mass crucifixion of citizens.
Spain makes two more attempts to assault Corduba in 266BC, both of which are repelled. Corduba now recruits round shield cavalry. Governor Momhett recruits several units to bolster garrison as spies report large Gallic army composed of infantry crossing into Baetica.
Leaving a barely adequate garrison, General Hasbro marches west along the coast into Maurtania. Numidian Leader attempts to block passage by securing high ground near road, but quickly retreats south after sighting Hasbro’s forces. After a lengthy march, Tingi, the second and last objective for General Hasbro is almost in sight. Roman Fleets now gather along African coast. One fleet holds a large infantry army.
264BC. In an effort to stop invasion, maneuvers result in a Carthaginian fleets annihilation. Outnumbered 8 to 1, the attempt was futile. Remaining ships in region are sent west, ordered to evade all enemies. Roman fleet disembarks near port and eyes the city of Thapsus. Roman army consists of eight units of Hastati. Thapsus looses hope and begins ritual sacrificing. Carthage sends word with retreating fleets of the impending siege in hopes that Hasbro can make a swift return. General Hasbro just conquers Tingi, leaves small garrison and begins long march back to Carthage. Even though road construction is developing well, it would take at least two years to return. (4turns)
In the top of 263BC, investment in trade is now paying off well. Scipii army of Hastati lay siege to Thapsus. A second Roman reinforcement fleet seen approaching the coast, three army units aboard but unidentified. A Gallic army of heavy and light infantry lay siege to Corduba. Governor Momhett opens the side gates, knowing he must attack. 4 units of RS Cavalry, one Balearic slinger unit, and one skirmisher engage the Gallic army of 4 light and 4 heavy infantry. Initial split charge results in heavy casualties, but the slingers save the day. Chasing the slingers drained the Gauls, and follow-up cavalry charges send them routing. Enemy captain is killed and army disperses.
Letting Rome take Thapsus is not part of the plan. It was anticipated that General Hasbro would have returned by the time that Rome would make landfall near the capital. Carthage coffers were growing steadily now, and enough money was saved to bribe the Roman Hastati for 3160 Denari. A diplomatic move that saved Thapsus. That was Rome’s chance for a decisive maneuver as far as Hasbro thought after he finally arrived. Not using a capable commander to lead the army was more costly then they’ll ever realize. For those within the cities of Carthage and Thapsus knew, had they taken either city, all would be loss.
The New Empire:
258BC and the new borders are in place. Carthage is now a self reliant, easier to defend, and richer nation. Military structures were now in place to recruit Libyan spearmen, Slingers, Heavy Calvary and Elephants. Tingi can now support Corduba, and vice versa. Expansion is now feasible to the south and north, while Hasbro and his mighty Elephants defend the mainland. A new era of hope and prosperity has embraced Carthage, and they stand ready to meet and oppose all Roman conquest. In time, a mighty commander will one day ride into Rome and crush it.
Carthage:
Current State:
270BC and all is a peaceful calm before a storm. The eye of that storm is Rome, the scourge of the Mediterranean nations. Her obvious desire to steal sovereign land, and defile its people is already legendary. Merchants from abroad speak of their unwinding lust for our rich cities and the cities of others. Seers envision an underlying strength in this enemy, once an ally, and they predict the coming of the end. Greek emissaries confirm, Roman armies are on the move against several nations, and it’s only a matter of time.
The Council of Elders deliberated and agreed on a plan to first survive the Roman war machine, and then eventually crush it. It was a costly and risky plan, but such risks demand favor of the Gods.
The current state of both the army and fleet is abysmal. Assembling a mass rabble of men and heading straight for the lions throat would at best, add to the beasts hunger. The qualities of the troops are adequate for local militia, but to defeat Rome, Carthage will need her best at the front line. Fleets need to be built. A network of spies and assassins are to be employed. Armies need weapons and capable commanders. In short, Carthage needs time. The distance of our cities from one another is a weakness that needs dealing with and moving Armies across water is uninvited doom begging to happen. Control of the seas at this time, is just not possible against four Roman factions.
The Plan:
Council Elder Hemaud’s public address to the citizens: “A complete restructuring of Empire Carthage is at hand. All will be sacrificed if necessary to succeed. Honor those that shall perish in the coming months, for they do not die in vain - Baal take them, Baal keep them.” We sever the limbs so that the body survives.
No further development, protection or funding will be provided for the cities Lilybaeum, Caralis, and Ballaries. Small contingents of fleets standby to evacuate Governors and their staff. Funds are diverted to produce trade, military and defense projects in the remaining cities of Corduba, Thapsus and Carthage.
Diplomats are sent to all neighbors excluding Numidia. Trade agreements are sought and alliances forged. Trade is our strength as a nation, and the Denarii from it shall propel our cause. General Hasbro takes command of the first army leaving little for garrison in Carthage and Thapsus. Some of the evacuated troops from other cities join it to bolster its green ranks. It marches west to take the Numidian cities of Cirta and Tingi. It must do so quickly so that it can return to Carthage as a seasoned unit ready to defend the capital against Rome, a dreaded assault that is sure to come.
War Declared:
268BC, not two years since the oracles vision, the Julii lay siege to Caralis and the Scipii lay siege to Lilybaeum later that same year. Large Roman Fleets circle these islands. Hasbro’s army recruits mercenaries in Numidia as he approaches the capital city.
General Hasbro at the siege of Cirta: “I favor no ill omens for the Numidians, but I can think of no better sacrifice than a brave people such as they.”
In 267BC Spain rapidly approached, and in a declaration of war laid siege to Corduba. The garrison under command of Governor Momhett breaks out and crushes the small force. Cordubain citizens are unruly and troubled, as Carthage cannot send reinforcements, Governor Momhett has his hands full. Meanwhile Cirta is secured, Caralis and Lilybaeum fall to Rome. An alliance is formed with the Greek Cities who are also besieged by Roman aggression. Rumors arise of Roman soldiers desecrating sacred temples of conquered cities and mass crucifixion of citizens.
Spain makes two more attempts to assault Corduba in 266BC, both of which are repelled. Corduba now recruits round shield cavalry. Governor Momhett recruits several units to bolster garrison as spies report large Gallic army composed of infantry crossing into Baetica.
Leaving a barely adequate garrison, General Hasbro marches west along the coast into Maurtania. Numidian Leader attempts to block passage by securing high ground near road, but quickly retreats south after sighting Hasbro’s forces. After a lengthy march, Tingi, the second and last objective for General Hasbro is almost in sight. Roman Fleets now gather along African coast. One fleet holds a large infantry army.
264BC. In an effort to stop invasion, maneuvers result in a Carthaginian fleets annihilation. Outnumbered 8 to 1, the attempt was futile. Remaining ships in region are sent west, ordered to evade all enemies. Roman fleet disembarks near port and eyes the city of Thapsus. Roman army consists of eight units of Hastati. Thapsus looses hope and begins ritual sacrificing. Carthage sends word with retreating fleets of the impending siege in hopes that Hasbro can make a swift return. General Hasbro just conquers Tingi, leaves small garrison and begins long march back to Carthage. Even though road construction is developing well, it would take at least two years to return. (4turns)
In the top of 263BC, investment in trade is now paying off well. Scipii army of Hastati lay siege to Thapsus. A second Roman reinforcement fleet seen approaching the coast, three army units aboard but unidentified. A Gallic army of heavy and light infantry lay siege to Corduba. Governor Momhett opens the side gates, knowing he must attack. 4 units of RS Cavalry, one Balearic slinger unit, and one skirmisher engage the Gallic army of 4 light and 4 heavy infantry. Initial split charge results in heavy casualties, but the slingers save the day. Chasing the slingers drained the Gauls, and follow-up cavalry charges send them routing. Enemy captain is killed and army disperses.
Letting Rome take Thapsus is not part of the plan. It was anticipated that General Hasbro would have returned by the time that Rome would make landfall near the capital. Carthage coffers were growing steadily now, and enough money was saved to bribe the Roman Hastati for 3160 Denari. A diplomatic move that saved Thapsus. That was Rome’s chance for a decisive maneuver as far as Hasbro thought after he finally arrived. Not using a capable commander to lead the army was more costly then they’ll ever realize. For those within the cities of Carthage and Thapsus knew, had they taken either city, all would be loss.
The New Empire:
258BC and the new borders are in place. Carthage is now a self reliant, easier to defend, and richer nation. Military structures were now in place to recruit Libyan spearmen, Slingers, Heavy Calvary and Elephants. Tingi can now support Corduba, and vice versa. Expansion is now feasible to the south and north, while Hasbro and his mighty Elephants defend the mainland. A new era of hope and prosperity has embraced Carthage, and they stand ready to meet and oppose all Roman conquest. In time, a mighty commander will one day ride into Rome and crush it.