Alternate History Thread- Pompey, Governor of Syria

[Marshal Murat]

This is a alternate history thread in the same line as Kraxis interactive, however, history has already been modified before this, and I shall explain below.

As Caeser sought to appease his two allies, Crassus and Pompey, the trio agreed to give Crassus the province of Spain, an easy assignment, but berift of glory or fame, but was forced to do so, as Pompey had called to gain Syria, and make his name known, once again as Conqueror of the East.

Now sitting in Antioch, Pompey had decided to attack the Parthians, the largest threat, and to take the bounty of Babylon, and the Parthian cities, and rival the governor of Gaul. He could also play upon the Alexander image, Conqueror of the East, unifier the old Persian and Alexandanrian Empire.

Pompey was known for defeating Mithridates of Pontus, Trigantes of Armenia, Cicilia pirates, and conqueror of the East, he who had formed these Asian provinces into the Roman Republic.

Upon taking the seat of governor, Pompey allied himself with the Armenians, who still held a slight grudge for the defeat that Pompey had inflicted. Another was the desert tribes that were scattered across the desert between Antioch and Babylon.
In Antioch, Pompey had about seven legions of men to march on the Parthians and their domains. Enlisting the local cavalry, camels, horsemen, and light troop they fill Antioch, arming to march against the Parthian threat, and the booty that would be found.

Sitting with his generals Decimus Scipio, Titus Domitius, and an advisor from the Armenian allies Boghos Ari, Pompey discusses his options.
His general, Decimus, advises a push into the desert, head straight for Babylon, and the great gates and the Hanging Gardens. Fight any who stand in their way, they could easily sweep into Babylon.
Titus Domitius advises he wait to build a larger army of mercenaries, three more legions and auxiliaries, then march to Babylon. The larger force could cower the Parthians, and provide more of a punch in battle. However, the logistics would be enormous in size, and would be vulnerable in crossing the desert.
Ari advises to march through Armenian lands, and the mountains, where the Parthian horse archers effects could be negated by the rocky terrain where there is little room to move. However, you fear the Armenians may betray you in the mountains, trapping you in a ravine, or a pass.

1)Follow Decimus, the Parthian Horsemen would not provide trouble to the legions of Rome, however in doing so, you could be outnumbered by the Parthians.

2)Follow Titus, and build a massive host to march, moving in columns to Babylon, to large for a Parthian to swallow. However, the forces would require a massive logisitcal force to sustain them, and that would be vulnerable to Parthian raids.

3)Follow Ari, and take the mountains of Armenian, were the Parthians would not have room to manouver and use the horse archers to great effect, and the mountains would be less heated than the desert. However, the Armenians, still stinging from your conquest, might turn on your column of men, and slaughter them at a choke point.

First person to post. This is a independant thread, a filler, while Kraxis decides on the next interactive history.

[SwordsMaster]

1. Decimus' advice seems the best. Legions trapped in the mountains by treacherous allies are not good. Besides in the plains the romans would depend on noone but themselves and that is always good.

[Kagemusha]

3.Go to mountains.It would be hard to beat horse archers with your legions in the desert.If armenians stab you in the back,just crush them.

[SwordsMaster]

3.Go to mountains.It would be hard to beat horse archers with your legions in the desert.If armenians stab you in the back,just crush them.

It would be impossible to predict when and where they could attack and keeping the whole army in battle readiness will exhaust them quickly. Besides the Armenians are on their own turf which they know significantly better than the romans and therefore have another advantage.

The legions on the other hand are used to hot climate (look at Carthage) and they've found themselves outnumbered in many occasions so there wont be anything unpredictable and plenty of space to maneuver. On the other hand, horse archers are an annoyance but they cant do real damage to well armoured and protected with big shields legionaries, and even less to fortified camps the romans built on every night's stop. Besides, 7 legions are a LOT of people and the parthians are not going to destroy them with horse archers only. And once their main force is destroyed the horsemen can run in the desert all they want.

A speedy attack is better than letting them gather forces, and horse archers could do serious damage to supply trains...

[AggonyDuck]

Swordsmaster ever heard of the disaster at Carrhae? ~;)

[Kagemusha]

Swordmaster.Not only the horse archers but Parthian army would be consisted of horse archers and cataphracts.Lots of them.They would cut of Romans in the desert.Carthaginian army had lots of foot soldiers,but Parthian army was mainly horses,camels and elephants.I wouldnt fight against that kind of army in the open terrain with my mainly foot army.Armenians wouldnt have the manpower to destroy Pompeys army after their last defeat.Go through the hills but make sure you have deacent recons and watch your back. :bow:

[nokhor]

get hostages from the armenians including the heir to the throne before you march through their lands. detach one legion in the armenian capital once you reach it and strongly advise the monarch to accompany you as you march through his lands promising him a third of the loot.

[SwordsMaster]

Swordmaster.Not only the horse archers but Parthian army would be consisted of horse archers and cataphracts.Lots of them.They would cut of Romans in the desert.Carthaginian army had lots of foot soldiers,but Parthian army was mainly horses,camels and elephants.I wouldnt fight against that kind of army in the open terrain with my mainly foot army.Armenians wouldnt have the manpower to destroy Pompeys army after their last defeat.Go through the hills but make sure you have deacent recons and watch your back. :bow:


...which only means that with good recons and frequent stops and fortifications they will be an even easier enemy. See, the Parthians have an army that can attack and try to destroy my own. I on the other hand have Rome, meaning reinforcements that will be arriving as soon as the war is known in Rome itself. Therefore leaving fortified camps on my route is a good idea and the Parthians will have trouble trying to assault them with a mainly missile and/or mounted army. Besides, before they gather their army I could be in Babylon already.

And the parthians would not expect me to go through the desert anyway because of all that you've said thinking that they have advantage and leaving spies in the armenian populace.

[Marshal Murat]

Alright, numba 1 (I'm kinda suprised)

Deciding that speed is of the essence, you begin to marshal your army. Deciding to arrange your army with Arabs ahead of the column, legions in the center, cavalry on the flanks and front, and the vanguard of auxiliary troops. Arranging outside of Antioch, you begin a speech from the gatehouse.
"Today, you men witness history, an epic that would rival Homer in scope and glory! Today, we march against the Parthians, the greedy, barbarians across the sands of the desert. We march today to teach Parthia a lesson, and take their treasures, so unjustly gained!" Drawing your sword, you point eastward, to the glory that upstart Julii had taken from you in Gaul.

Mounting a horse, your march with the head of the legions, the "actuarius" legion. By nightfall, you reach the Euphrates, where you meet with the scouts, who report that a parthian army lies ahead of you. A large host, it is still smaller than your force, but only by a thousand men or more, from reports, only light cavalry.
Sitting in your tent, you meet with Decimus, Titus, Ari, and a chief from the arabs, Alazi, a spokesman for the mercenary arabians.

"We sit at the threshold to Babylon, and ahead is the Parthian host. They are horsemen of unrivaled power. I ask, tomorrow, or whatever day, how shall we meet them?"

Decimus quickly speaks, standing to explain.
"Pompey, I suggest that we march head on, form testudo with the legions around archers and place cavalry on the flanks. When the horsemen approach, the cavalry will attack them. If they retreat, then we shall pursue them, while the main infantry reform and march onward. If the horsemen engage us, then the legionarries will break out of testudo and attack with swords, and kill the horsemen where the stand. If they simply shoot at us, then we shall shoot back!" Decimus finished by sitting again, looking happy with his choice.

Titus speaks after Decimus, still sitting on his chair.
"Pompey, I suggest we do not engage the Parthians, but build a line of forts and camps along a path to Hafta, the nearest enemy city. The Parthians will kill us in the desert, but they cannot kill a stockade! We can simply sit inside while they ride about, and in the morning send men ahead and build another camp, defended by the cavalry and auxiliary. When the legions march out, you can place cavalry along the flanks and drive off any attacks."

With a pronounced humpf, Decimus glares at Titus with disgust. Looking over at Ari, he just smiles.
"If you attack you will die, I can only tell you, come to the mountains while your host is still living, and the path still open" he contiuned to smile, but to many it seemed a siren's call.

"If you go to the mountains, we will not follow, no matter how much gold you give us" Alazi speaks up after Ari, "and if you built fortresses, then we will leave, but if you attack the Parthians, we will follow"

1) Meet the Parthians with your legions in testudo, with archers inside. Cavalry all around the block of men. When the horsemen attack, you drive them off, and if the fight, then you send your men in. However, if the enemy has heavy cavalry, they will destroy your army.

2)Begin to build a line of forts, and hop your way to Haftra. This will neutralize the Parthians. However, if you do so, you will lose the Arabs and their native cavalry. The cavalry acounts for a good portion of your cavalry. However, if you nbuild forts, why would you need cavalry?

3)Turn back to the mountains, and follow the Armenian route, but the threat of a ambush still looms.

[SwordsMaster]

Ok, number 2 as I said before. HAfta should provide enough money and mercenaries to make up for the arabs... As long as they don't join the enemy...

Sorry about monopolizing this, but I'm at work and REALLY bored. I'll let someone else take the next ones. ~:cheers:

[Kraxis]

Hmmm... Sounds bad...

There is preciously little wood at the Eufrates where we are now. And bringing in wood from Lebanon is not viable. I fear this will leave us open to raids in the interior we can't curb. We are now bound to our forts.
Further, where is the glory and loot in this? Those were the reasons we set out, to humble Ceasar's conquest of Gaul.
Well, at least the Parthians are notoriously bad at siegecraft. Just too bad they have perhaps the best Pathian commander ever in charge right now.

[Marshal Murat]

Well, there is loot to be had in Haftra, Seleukia, Babylon, and other cities, no doubt (especially with the silk and spice trade).

Being able to control Babylon, home of Darius, Alexander, and others, you would gain instant fame as "civilizer" and be compared to Alexander, yourself having warred in Asia Minor, and Sulla adding Magnus to your name.


Deciding that building forts would lead to a nice outcome, you decide that the Arabs could be replaced by Haftra mercenaries. Having loaded up a large amount of supplies, your build a fort on the other side of the Euphrates. Marching out of that to the next fort, the Parthians attempt to give battle. However, you throw out light infantry, light cavalry, and some auxilia. Driving them away, you procede to the next fort.
The arabs disappeared during the night, save for a couple of turmae of camel riders, the rest being true to their word.

By the end of the month, your troops had built a line of forts, halfway to Haftra. At the last fort, you build a large depot of supplies. Now, your army has made progress in the war, but the legions and auxilia had been slowly drained of troops for garrison duty. The people of Rome, intrigued by this act, have slowly begun to compare you to a New Alexander.

However, today your riders report that your engineers and cavalry, while marching to Haftra to build another fort, were attacked by Arabs. Saved by the quick centurions, the engineers were able to complete the fort. However, the Arabs captured claim that Alazi had betrayed them, claiming you had threatened their homes with the torch if they didn't attack the Parthians.
Now several emmisaries from the Arab horsemen appeared at the gate of your latest fort. They all claimed that their mercenary cavalry would join again. However, before an agreement could be reached, one emissary lunges at you with a knife that escape your guards.

Moving away, you draw your gladius and thrust into the ribs. Falling to the floor, the emmisary was pooling blood. All of the emissaries were suprised at the sudden attack. Angry, you throw them all out of the gate. The next day, seven thousand cavalry appear at your gate. Leading them, a young man named Sahid.

Still skeptical, you decide on three choices for the Sahid.


1)Demand each commander must give hostages to you, to ensure that they don't try to double cross you. However, many might see that as a affront to their honor, and leave, or join the Parthians.

2)Allow them to join your army, but give them the job of guarding the previous forts. This would relieve the garrison troops of duties, and they would be needed for the assault on Haftra. However, the Arabs might turn, and you would lose your supply line.

3)Give them the job of protecting your engineers and auxilia. This job would require them to fight off enemy skrimishers, and protect the engineers as they build the fort. This would surely give them pride, and honor. However, they might turn and you would lose your engineers to the horsemen.

4)Call Sahid inside, and then gut him, place his head on a pike and proclaim that "this is what will happen to those who threaten to kill me during talks" and inspire fear in the arabs, and resentment if the man was popular among the cavalry. This would give them a anti-roman leaning ant they might turn against you.


Tough one ne se pas?

[Kraxis]

3!
While the engineers are important they can be replaced by legionaries in the short run, until you can bring up more.

[SwordsMaster]

Agree. Besides arab cavalry were never good a guarding forts... And I dont particularly like treachery, specially if the victim is in full view of their army....

[Lechev]

Number 3, not only the engineers can be replace ( even though they are still important! ) this is the best way to allow the arabs to prove themselves that they are not double crossing snakes and on the other way their pride and honour is intact. A relatively small price to pay for a calculated gamble. :bow:

[Marshal Murat]

You decide that they could protect the engineers, a dangerous job, and if they turned against you, you could replace engineers with legionarries.
"Sahid, I give you the most glorious job of protecting my engineers from assault as they build a fort. If you do so truthfully, then you may join my army!" you step down, and order the engineers out of camp, with an extra guard of spearmen and archer mercenaries.
Marching to the next fort, you send scouts ahead to survey the fort. They return to report that the arabs are true to their word, and not a single engineer was dead. Thankful, you procede to Haftra with your soldiers. The next few weeks, your troops approach the walls of Haftra. A small city in the desert, you ride to the city and ask for them to surrender.
The governor laughs and attempts to throw dung into your face. It lands however, a couple of feet to your right. Riding back, you complete a ring of defenses around the city. Your army, well supplied by the line of forts, could sit and starve the garrison. However, the governor of Gaul has gone and attacked the Britanni. Determined to give something back, you decide to assault the city.


Bringing together Decimus, Titus, and your engineer Meleous. The city of Haftra was a small city, hexagonal in shape. The city is uniform in shape, save the south eastern wall had a large breach along the top, now filled in with whicker baskets of gravel and stone.
Decimus advises you assault the city against the breach, using ladders and trust your legions to do their work.
Titus suggests you undermine the breached wall, and then assault with your legions. He reasons that an idiot could push a ladder, but there is no Parthian soldier army, and the troops the legion will encounter will be weak.
Meleous suggests that the army build a embankment against a far wall, and build a siege tower. Then one night, you assault the wall, and bring up ladders against the breached wall, attacking from two directions.


1) Attack during the day with ladders against the wall with the breach at the top. This could result in a victory, however the Parthians might push away the ladders if they have any sense.

2) Build a mine to destroy the walls. This would create a larger area for which your legions to fight, and besides, Parthia doesn't have a strong infantry. However, the mine might not work the first time, and you might have to repeat the mine again.

3) Build a embankment, and siege tower on an opposite wall, and then one night, assault that end, along with the other wall with ladders, and simply overwhelm the enemy. The threat is that your legions may kill each other, as they have no experiance in night fighting.

[SwordsMaster]

3. trust the engineer to do engineers' job. My legions are quite different in weapons and equipment from the Parthians though and speak latin... so collateral damage shouldn't be too ridiculous....

[caesar44]

4. Follow the advice of Marcus Licinius Crassus , that is , leave the Parthians alone ...and wait until one , Traianus , becomes emperor ~;)
:charge: :stop:

[Marshal Murat]

Oh hahahah, its Trajan, and thats only after the Roman army is molded into new fighting machine.

You decide to follow your engineer, and begin to build a embankment, and calculate the height of the walls for your ladders. A week later, your engineers have reached the walls, and have built a siege tower, numerous ballistae and scorpions fill the tower. One night, your legions move into position, and rush the walls. Your tower opens up with the ballistae and scorpions, many flaming arrows catching houses inside Haftra on fire.
Screaming "Roma!" your men rush over the battlements, the guards barely awake. Forming into lines, they push to the towers, the doors open. Securing the towers, they bolt the doors to the other walls, to secure that section of the wall.
Across the city, the legion with the ladders rush the battlements. Placing the ladders against the wall, they climb upwards. The first few line up around the ladders. However, the breach was more substantial than earlier thought. A wooden walkway allows limited acess. However, the rest of the wall behind the whicker and gravel is a shear drop off.
Moving over the walkway, some over zealous legionarries rush off the ladder and tumble off the walkway, landing with thumps on the ground below. Despite the casualties, the legionarries manage to overpower the tower guards and secure the towers. Marching down and through the door, they watch as the other side of the city is engulfed in flame. Standing above, the siege tower, still casting the deadly ammunition around the city.

Soon after, Parthian horsemen gallop around, and riding from the stables the Catapracts of Parthia. Armored, they are fearsome in sight. Standing on the walls, the legionarries cast their pilum into them, doing some damage, but most miss. Running out doors, the legionarries, under strict orders, attack the catapracts, not throwing their pilum. Rushing up, they hamstring the horses, or thrust under the mail shirt of the catapract.

Across the way, the legionarries cry "Roma" and charge out the doors, and do the same. Killing the catapracts that were nearby, one leader tries to lead a charge. However, a ballistae bolt runs through his helment. Distraught, the catapracts retreat to the governors villa, along with the remaints of the garrison. Marching around the city, the open the gates, and riding inside, the Arabs, mercenaries, and the rest of the legions.
Suddenly very windy, flames leap over into the villa. Licking the walls, the insides burn and flame. Rushing out, the governor is captured, and his entourage. The stables catch fire, and the screams of horses rent the air. Catapracts, in the heavy armor, roast alive in the flames. Horsemen attempt to retreat, however, the gates were locked, and the keys swallowed.


By morning, the northwestern half of the city was charred and blackened. Having doused the flames in the villa, you enter to see the charred remains of catapracts, horsemen, children, and women. Having secured the city, you begin to sell men, women, and children to the slave traders.
The legionarries secure their own joys, and the city is looted. Mostly expensive spices and rugs, silk is also found. The villa riches, only a couple of chests, is sent to Antioch. Along with the silk bolts, you find numerous banners of silk and gold in the villa. However the real prize is the large amount of catapract armor for horses and riders.
Despite the recent defeat by your tactics, you ship the armor back to Antioch, and have anyone trained in the art, to recruit 10 new turmae of them. Having done the damage, colonists from Rome begin to inhabit the city, along with any not sold into slavery. With Haftra, you look at the mercenary bands, and buy the services of horse archers, some bedouin camels, a few Armenians, and a couple Spartabara for fodder against stronger forces. Satisfied, you decide to march to Seleukia, and finish what you started. However, word has reached you that Alazi has drawn some tribes together, and have attacked one of your forts. Repelled, he has harassed your supply lines, although secure, it does cause some discomfort.

You discuss it with Sahib, Titus and Decimus.
"Let me attack that traitor" declare Sahib "he deserves to die at my hand!"
Sahib seemed vehement in his declaration.
"Do we need to worry about him? Our lines are secure, and we need not fear him" replies Decimus, his scarlet cloak stained with wine.
"Let Sahib attack them, show that traitor who is more powerful" replies Titus, looking at Decimus.
"Why waste these Arabs against a minor threat?"
"So we don't have to worry about him."
"Worry, we need not worry!" Decimus stands up, and begins to sway slightly. Motioning them away, you decide the choices.


1) Let Sahib attack the traitor, and destroy his forces. He is a minor threat that can be delt with, unless a exterior force intervenes.

2)Don't worry, march to Seleukia, and the glory that awaits. However, if Alazi has allies in the Parthians, the raids could become more serious.

3)Recruit spies to spread into the Arab camps, and find out sentiments, and find if Alazi has any allies among the sand dunes. Little may come from this, and if spies are found out in your Arab camps, they may join Alazi, not trusting you for not trusting them.

[cunctator]

1. Never leave a threat in your back. The supply lines are too important.

[Kagemusha]

I agree wit Cunctator.Your supply line is the key to go through the desert.

[Kraxis]

You live up to your name... The Delayer. :balloon2:
Anyway, I actually agree.

Those Roman cataphracts might come in handy later on, it would be a rude shock for the Parthians in battle.

Murat, it is 'legionaries' with a single 'r'. :thumbsup:

[Lechev]

I will choose number 1 too. Let Sahid attack the traitor, theres two reasons here. The first reason has been spelled out by cunctator. The second reason is to let Sahid and his mercenaries knows that Roma rewards faithful allies and left no quarter for traitors. :charge:

[caesar44]

[QUOTE=Marshal Murat]Oh hahahah, its Trajan, and thats only after the Roman army is molded into new fighting machine.

The name is - Marcus Ulpius Traianus !!! (Trajan in English , טראיאנוס in Hebrew)
:book:

[Marshal Murat]

Well you know me, American, I don't do that thing....


You decide to let Sahib assault the Arabs, they both know each other, however Sahib has a larger host of Arabs. Building a caravan, he places archers and spearmen inside the wagon, and the cavalry shadow it from charging range.
On a day between two forts, Alazi charges from behind a dune, his men screaming and waving their swords. Charging at them, Sahib leads his men to surround the attacking force. The wagon archers rise up and let loose volley after volley.
Turning around at the other end, Shaib had made a trap for the arab cavalry. Riding in, they slowly close up on the Arabs. Suddenly thumping, catapracts appear on the other side of the wagon train. Charging down, they level their spears. Crashing into the wagons, the spearmen, taught by the Battle of Haftra, siezes the spears and attempts to thrust into the exposed parts. This succedes against the catapracts. However, many at the back switch to thier maces and swords. Swinging in broad strokes, they disembowl, disfigure, dismember, and decapitate (four D's of doom!!! ~;) ) the soldiers, the archers suffering a similar fate.
Meanwhile, Alazi had charge Sahib personally. Swinging swords, Alazi, exhausted by the charge, berely held out against Sahib. Finally, Sahib thrusts into Alazi, the former falling off the saddle, blood spilling. Distraught, the remaining Arabs attempt to surrender. Sahib gives them a choice.

Kill yourself with honor, or castrate yourself and join his force. Some thrust their swords into their gut. Others take a knife to themselves. Turning to the Catapracts, the wagons had provided a substantial barrier. Rushing from the forts, Spartabara hamstring horses and thrust into the catapract armor. Many horses fall as the Spartabara leap onto the mailed riders, taking a small knife and thrusting it into the exposed throats.

By the end of the day, Sahib had gained about 10 turmae of castrated horsemen. The archers and spearmen suffered the most. The largest prize was the silk catapract banner, and upon investigation, find the camp of Alazi with a large horde of spices, silks, and gold. Taking a good portion, you send the rest to Rome.

Now advancing to Seleukia, you contiune to hire mercenaries, your army expanding. Soon, you reach Tigris. Marching farther along the river, you recieve word that the Parthians have assembled a grand army at Seleukia. Marching out, the army was mostly hillmen, spearmen, peasents, and the Parthians hired a couple of phalanxes of spearmen, and to your suprise, a couple of bronze shield Armenians, and more phalanxes.
Arranged ahead of your army, the land was flat, barren. The phalanxes are in the center of the force, with spearmen and hillmen to the flanks, with peasents ahead of the phalanx. To the far flanks, horse archers on thier left flank, catapracts on the right, next to the river.

Calling a meeting your generals meet you at your tent. Following quickly Ari, breathless.
"Pompey, there is a civil war in Armenia. Tigranocerta, and Kotais is controled by the Royalist faction, with the heir to the throne. The rebels control Artaxarta. They had numerous rebels in the bronze shield forces, and the rebels have started a relationship with the Parthians. The Armenian royalist faction has sent down some Scythian mercenaries, and a couple of light troops.

Suprised, the Armenian general, Ari Levon, a man similar to Ari save a gash that crossed his face, slowly healing.

Sitting with your generals, your generals give you thier opinion.
"Arrange your men into lines, with mercenaries in the front. Build a couple of ditches around the flanks of the legions. Arrange the Arabs on the flanks, and scythians to engage the Parthian horse archers. The arabs attack the catapracts with similar tactics, and drive them away. Then the mercenaries assault the peasents and the flanks, then have the legions attack the phalanx" Decimus outlines his plan on the map.


"Form your mercenary swordsmen and axemen ahead of you. Spearmen on the flanks, behind some ditches. Legions in the center. Archers behind you, skrimishers out front. Form the Scythians against the Horse Archers, and Arabs against the catapracts. Give the arabs second mounts of light troops. When they attack the catapracts, have them hamstring and thrust into the catapracts. Meanwhile, I take the center down and hit the phalanx and troops. The legions will break them, and mercenaries follow. Then swing the legionaries at the catapracts" Titus follows with his plan.

Levon speaks up in broken latin.
"Leave a force here of mercenaries and the Scythians under one of your generals. Then march across the Tirgis, and advance down to Seleukia, cut off the Parthian supply. Their garrison must be depleted by this massive host."


1)Arrange your mercenaries ahead of your legions in the center, ditches to the legion's flanks. The Scythians engage the Horse Archers. The Arabs engage the catapracts by themselves. After the flanks have been removed, the center assaults the Parthians. The plan depends on the flanks being secured by your cavalry, because, if not, your troops will be exposed.

2)Arrange swordsmen and axemen, and other auxilia ahead of your legions, light skrimishers ahead of them, and archers behind your legions. Ditches cover the legion's flanks. Scythians engage the Horse archers, the Arabs, with light troops riding second engage the catapracts. When they hit, the second riders dismount and hamstring and thrust their way into the catapracts. The legions and mercenaries attack the phalanx, and break them, then turn the legion's to the catapracts, if they are left. This plan might fail if the catapracts easily deal with the Arabs and light troops. They could easily reassemble, then ride against your troops engaged with the phalanx.

3)Leave a light force, with defensive emplacements facing the Parthians, looking like the full force. Meanwhile, upstream, your men build a bridge, cross, then march full speed to Seleukia, depleted by the massive host. This plan could fail if the march is found out and the false front overrun. You would be on the other side of the river, cut off from your supplies.

[Kraxis]

#2 It seems that the Arabs are stronger in this version than the other, so they are more likely to be able to contain the cataphracts. The Scythians should be able to skirmish enough with the horse archers.

[Kagemusha]

I agree with Kraxis number 2.

[Marshal Murat]

You decide to follow Titus, and arrange your Cicilian and desert axemen and other auxilia ahead of your seven legions. Light skrimishers from across the desert are arranged ahead of your men. Archers were arranged behind the lines of men. Ditches were constructed earlier on the flanks to prevent flank assaults.

Your Scythians are on your right, your arabs on the left against catapracts. Beginning the attack, the scythians charge the horse archers. Retreating, the flank is stripped of cavalry support as the horsearchers retreat.
Your arabs begin thier charge. Moving swiftly, the catapracts move at the last moment. Swirling about, the second riders dismount and attack. The catapracts drop like flies as the light troops swarm. Moving swiftly, your troops engage the enemy phalanx after a barrage of stones, arrows, javelins, and pilum. Finally engaged, the Scythians gain the upper hand with their numbers and skill.
Watching, the catapracts are driven slowly back. Trying to extract themselves, they are cut down. Driving hard, one Arab shoots a flaming arrow. Turning, the Arabs assault the light troops. Surrounded and cut off, they are slaughtered. Mounting, you and your guards ride to the legions, diverting a couple of cohorts away from the fight to the catapracts. Marching over, they engage with fervor.
Now, your legions had gained a upper hand on the phalanxes, and decimate thier ranks. Switching more and more men to your left, the pressure increases. Some legionaries grab sarissa, and charge into the fray, lifting the pikes to attack the arabs. Soon after, the arabs are driven into the river and swim away, your archers firing volley after volley at them. Catapracts are drowned under the armor.
Soon after the battle, you send your Scythians and Armenian troops to Haftra, and send riders to the cities across your provinces to alert them to the danger. Marching down to Seleukia, your scouts report open gates.

Upon reaching the city, you find the gates open, and a delegation outside. Among them Sahib. The governor presents you with the items of their rule. Sahib is taken and excecuted. Marching to the Hanging gardens, you sit down and take all that can be taken from the city. Silks, spices, salts, gold, silver, and lastly, any Parthian military equipment for your own soldiers.
Smug in the city, the people request you stay in the city. However, Decimus advises against it.


1)Stay in the city. It is large, and they wouldn't dare betray you.

2)They might launch an attack as your legionaries rest, and equipment stored. Your a long way from home...

[Kraxis]

Well the entire point of the campaign was to conquer the east, and we are not even halfway there. Move on.
#2

So the Arabs betrayed you after beating up the capathracts?

[Gregoshi]

I'll sticky this thread.

[Kagemusha]

2 move on, to the Babylon.

[Marshal Murat]

Unfortunately I seemed to be unable to contiune this due to circumstances (school work of an unbearable quantity) and feel myself unable to contiune or respond within a speedy time. If Kraxis would like to contiune the story, he can, however if he does not, this can be unstickyied

[Kagemusha]

Sad to hear.I hope it will continue eventually.

[Kraxis]

But I hardly know where we are going at the moment.

I would at least need to know what your overall plan is, you know what you consider the 'right' couse of action. Also, by moving on are we meant to head for Babylon?

[VAE VICTUS]

ok even if you got 10 tumae of horsemen,how well can a newly castrated man ride?also how did they stop the bleeding?why not just accept their surrender?(then massacre them after of course;never trust traitors)
and i dont know many men who would castrate themselves...oh well.

frame the governor(s),put city under roman administration(may need to enslave or massacre),advance.

[Gregoshi]

Okay, since this has been idle due to Marshal Murat's workload, I'll unsticky it as per his request. I can re-sticky it if and when the action continues...

[Longshanks]

get hostages from the armenians including the heir to the throne before you march through their lands. detach one legion in the armenian capital once you reach it and strongly advise the monarch to accompany you as you march through his lands promising him a third of the loot.


I believe this is the right course of action. You take the Armenian advice and stick to the mountains, but not before demanding hostages from the Armenian leaders to ensure their loyalty. You keep their relatives as pampered hostages in Antioch. Any betrayal would sacrifice the lives of the relatives of the Armenian leadership, making a betrayal unlikely.