Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR [Archive]

Chirurgeon

02-04-2008, 00:11

Prologue: The End of The World

Kart-Hadastim, 541 Years After Founding (273 BC)

The spring winds have begun in earnest and the various ships are preparing for the annual journey west. Having sat idle in port through the winter much has to be done. My father Gastan has summoned me from school. Having just graduated from Academy I am anxiously awaiting an appointment to a post. Most of my classmates are in the same boat. Much activity is present at the dockside as people prepare to load cargo and go to the colonies of Boccharis, Mastia, Gader, Ippone and other locations. He hopefully has good news as a prominent senator he has excellent influence over many of the Governors, merchants, and ship builders. Maritime trade is what our republic is built upon. Five hundred and forty one years ago our ancestors landed here and founded this great city. Its sprawling temples, huge entertainment areas, and massive population arose from little more than sand.
I walk the streets towards my fathers house. He has a house on some of the highest elevated areas to take advantage of the delicate winds that blow from the great sea. I approach the neighborhood where many prominant merchants and senators and other people of noble decent have residences. The gardens are coming to life with barren trees sending out small buds. Fruit trees will be blooming soon and all over the city the sweet smells of flowers will blanket our great capital. I feel myself breathing heavy as I ascend the hills south of the port and look behind me. The masts of hundreds of ships poke into the air like giant trees stripped of branches. Roofs of the poor form small squares at the bottom of the hill below me forming a mottled look as each house having used different colors. The shouting of the port is not audible here but to be sure it is controlled chaos as the crews awaken from their winter slumber and begin to migrate back to their vessels. Having spent the last several months filthy and drunk they will be no doubt ready to set sail again. Father has hopefully secured a position for me somewhere close. Perhaps with the shipbuilders guild or the like. Merchants need scribes for all their record-keeping. They also pay handsomely.
I see my fathers house ahead of me. The sand colored columns rising from the gardens that sit just behind the fence in front. On the hill to my right I can see the temples lighting fires at the top of their stepped and tall structures. The fires asking the gods for safe travels. Soon about one quarter of the city will leave to the various colonies to do their business. It will be weeks before other vessels arrive at the port making the city seem somewhat deserted.
I enter his house as the sun begins to fully rise in the city. The late morning winds will be upon us and the vessels will have to make haste to leave the city. Some will go to Lilybaem. Others will harbor in Atiqa while they pick up more cargo. Its not uncommon for ships to run into each other as they jockey for position as they leave the narrow entrance to the harbor. Heavy with cargo ship collisions can be very costly should one or more vessels sink.
My father is in the atrium sitting comfortably beneath some palms and welcomes me inside. He offers me a drink which I quickly consume as I am quite thirsty from my walk through the city from the Academy.
"Castulo it is good to see you again" He says sincerely.
I nod and essentially ask him questions with my facial expressions.
"I am sure you are anxious about your appointment." He smiles softly and continues. "Before the winter harboring took place I recieved a message from Hasdrubal in Gader. He has need of an additional scribe due to the burgeoning mining operations in that colony. Hasdrubal is one of the most powerful people in the republic son. To work for him will no doubt earn you great respect. After some time you could run for senate with his blessing and the people will no doubt support his endorsement."
I nodded slowly with excitement and fear. By the gods! Gader is older than Kart-Hadastim. Our great ancestors established that colony hundreds of years before this city was even fathomed.
"You wish for me to take this position then father?" I asked.
"Ha of course. This will give our great family even greater influence. Serve Hasdrubal well and we will continue to a family of great nobility and honor. Your own son will inherit a legacy we both can be proud of." He continued to smile at me.
"It is so far away father. There isnt anything closer?" I asked with curiosity.
My father's smile faded. He shook his head with irritation. "Do you realize what I have done to secure this position for you? How can you be so audacious as to ask that. Now I am wondering if this was a good idea."
I felt my heart beat faster. My father was not always a loving father. When his anger came to fruition I would receive his wrath. I did not want this to happen now.
"It was only a question father. I am barely able to contain myself. I have always wanted to travel to Iberia. A land of great wealth." I replied as apologetic as possible.
He nodded and I realized I probably staved off a beating with my quick response.
We dined that evening for the last time. The day after tomorrow I will be leaving on a merchant vessel that is carrying coin to Gader. My new life in a great land would begin soon.

Summer, 541 YAF Ippone
We are harboring here in Ippone and loading provisions for the final leg of our Journey to Gader. Our journey has been uneventful. I am on a comfortable large merchant vessel. It is laden with silver coins heading back to Gader. This particular merchant, Videllac, is not Punic but rather Celtiberian. He is a mixture of two great tribes that inhabit the interior of the Peninsula. His vessel has been used for years to run freshly dug silver from the mines of Iberia back to Kart-Hadastim where it is melted into coin. It is this coin that buys the wealth of the Republic. Gader uses the coin to pay the garrison and to pay for provisions. The tribes of the interior love the coins and will trade many items for the silver money. They then use this to purchase items from other cities and tribes further north. Punic coins are highly prized apparently. The coins are also used to buy other minerals from the interior of the peninsula.
On our long journey I talked at length with Videllac as he makes frequent journeys to the various cities of the interior. His home is a city called Baikor. He said it is much different than the coastal colonies of Kart-Hadastim. He told me that last year he was concerned because one of the tribes in the west was growing restless and warlike. Called the Lusitannans they are a fierce breed of warrior. He told me that the Lusitannans had gathered a great army and might attack the various independent tribes. I asked him what this meant for Kart-Hadastim. He looked at me grimly. "I dont think the Shophet would be too happy If I arrived in the capital with an empty ship".
He explained that much of the silver and other metals were dependent on trade from the interior. "War has a nasty habit of interrupting commerce my dear Castullo" He replied.
So this could be very interesting indeed. What would the senate do if trade was interrupted. Would they choose sides with these tribes? Only time will tell.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/tireme.gif

Winter, 541 YAF Gader.
Videllac is an amazing captain. As we approached Gader and its port the crew became noticeably tense. Apparently the most dangerous part of the journey was upon us. We would have to navigate the swift currents caused by the Greek god known as Hercules. Two tongues of land jut out into the great sea and every couple of hours the currents change dramatically. The winds are steady but the currents are so strong that we could be pushed backward or worse pulled out into the unknown. Great beasts are known to exist beyond the pillars of Hercules. They would devour us. The crew say that the beasts suck in great quantities of the sea and eat anything caught up in it. After sucking it in they push it back out again. Its this rhythmic movement of water that puts them on alert. Many of the men pray as we pass through the pillars. We have to hit the pillars in between the movement of the waters less we become victims of the beasts. If the winds fail or the flow of water is mistimed we will be pulled into the great blue abyss. It is the end of the world. Videllac quietly works his ship. He uses signs to his men to lower or raise sails. The timing is perfect. We emerge and make our way to port without incident. The men always laugh afterwords and I asked why. They tell me that there is another port before the Pillars but Videllac gets a bonus if he docks right at the city. I shake my head with awe. Truly the gods favor this man.
***
I found my way to my apartment near the palace of this ancient city. The breeze from the water was stronger here and a little warmer as well. My accommodations are comfortable but not opulent. The winds shifted again over the summer and the men were able to journey back to Kart-Hadastim with their full load of silver. I settled into working with the governor and his accountant in trying to keep track of all the silver that came into the city. It was staggering but there was a problem. Merchants that normally enter the city started to show up less frequently and with less silver in their carts. Several of the merchants had been "relieved" of their cargo by bandits. Apparently this was due to troop movements in the north. The Lusitannans were on the move and they had taken many men with them leaving very little to protect trade routes. Now the roads leading from the interior had become dangerous. Many in the city felt this was not some border raid. A bigger conflict was looming. It was expected that their army would march on some of the independent Iberian areas. Having talked to many Lustannans here in Gader it was well known that they had been pushed out of their native lands and now cling to the coastline. Apparently the aging King had had enough. With his eldest son he gathered men from all the villages and was determined to recapture their old lands or die trying. For the republic, this would cause a further interruption in trade. Hadrubal had traveled from Mastia and now met with diplomats and others in an attempt to determine how Kart-Hadastim was to react to this potentially explosive situation
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Gader.jpg

Mouzafphaerre

02-04-2008, 01:23

.
:smash:
.

TWFanatic

02-04-2008, 01:42

Chirurgeon is back...and better than ever! I will try to follow this AAR closely.:2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-04-2008, 02:20

Chapter I: Unexpected Developments

Spring, 542 YAF

With the onset of Spring and the supposed movement of goods Hadrubal met with the diplomat Carthalo and I was asked to come along. It would seem war was indeed upon the lands of the north as the Lusitannan tribe crossed the border into Turdilia and began siege operations against a valuable trade ally, Sucum Murgi. Trade was now at a trickle. The Lusitanns having used the silver from the mines to finance their war against other tribes were hurting the coffers. To compound the problem the Iberians living in Sucum Murgi were trapped in their city and could not trade their wares. I met Hasdrubal only briefly. He only recognized that I was the son of Senator Gaston and that I seemed to show great talent with writing.
"With the Lusitannan tribe at war with the Iberians that reside in and around Succum Margi it would seem trade has been placed on the furthest coals from the fire." He looked at the diplomat Carthalo and gave his instructions. "Since we are not getting any trade I think its necessary to travel to see the king personally. Carthalo I want you to travel to the siege camp of the Lusitannans. Take 20 talents of silver coin with you. I want you to convince the Lusitannans that trade should again be a priority." He said seemingly exasperated.
"Yes my lord. I would need service of a scribe who could record the details of the meeting." He asked gently. Hasdrubal looked around and his eyes locked on me. "Take Senator Gaston's son with you. I will provide an armed compliment to accompany you through the dangerous lands. Without trade he is idle. Perhaps you can use him better."
In the blink of an eye I was suddenly put center stage. I would record the meetings between the Lusitannan and our own diplomatic contingent. My head was swimming. I am not even two decades old and suddenly I feel very important and terrified.
***
We left in late spring with an armed contingent of 20 men, myself, Carthalo, and a translator and headed east down the coastal road. The views were spectacular and the weather was quite amiable. The high cliffs towered over the ocean and the mountains on our left towered even higher.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/peninsula-1.jpg
The mountains dropped for a bit and we turned north up a well traveled road. This was the main road between Sucum Murgi and the coast. The deep tracks indicated its heavy use. Slaves would normally be sent to resurface the road but with the war in the north it did not happen this year. It was treacherous as we rose into the mountains. Twenty talents of silver is immensely heavy and the oxen labored through some of the passes. The road leveled out and before us was a majestic forest. Tall grasses swayed in the breeze and the soldiers that accompanied us seem to relax a bit knowing that our load was finally on level ground. Ahead of us the road cut through a small rise so that on either side of us was a steep bank of dirt. At the top of the dirt the forest came to an abrupt halt. The soldiers also came to an abrupt halt. The captain looked at the men around him and a discussion ensued. Apparently they could not decide to camp here before the forest or press through the trees and find camp on the other side. Finally it was decided that we would press ahead. A small village was on the other side and travelers often set up camp there and paid the locals for the intrusion. The trees towered over us and the shade was greatly welcome as we entered the forest. We entered the woods. The first woods I had ever really seen. We had orchards in Kart-Hadastim but nothing like this. Odd thing was the lack of any sound. Surely they had birds away from the coast?
My question was answered in the most brutal of ways. As the lead soldiers began to emerge from the hill that the road cut through I heard a number of thumps followed by howls of pain. The soldier on my right screamed "Ambush!!". As he yelled I was suddenly sprayed with hot liquid and I instinctively jumped off the wagon onto the ground. With steep dirt banks on either side I could not escape. I crawled under the wagon which was still lumbering forward. The ground around the wagon was being impaled from massive javelins. I had used javelins as a youth. These were solid metal! The wagon stopped when the wheels came upon the bodies of slain men. I was shaking and my ears were ringing. I remember soiling myself and for a fleeting second feeling ashamed. I looked around and I could see the familiar greaves of soldiers. Several more of the men fell on either side of the wagon. One of them still alive and able to see me tried to say something before he died. His eyes wide open in fear and shock. There was quiet except for the grunting of the oxen. Suddenly I heard voices. They seem to be talking about the wagon or something. I looked around and realized there was no where I could go. One of the men suddenly yelled and stooped under the wagon pointing at me. I was seized by my legs and ripped out from under the wagon. I was dead I just knew it. I prayed these men were deft soldiers and could kill quickly. I greatly feared pain. I covered my face and held my breath expecting to feel cold steel penetrate my flesh. Their initial excitement turned calm and then turned to laughter. I felt a strong hand pry my arm away from my face. In the late day stood a bearded man with his hair in braids. He wore simple clothing made from wool. He smelled awful. He motioned for me to stand up which I did. My legs felt as if I had run in the Olympics. He looked at me and saw my hands. My father had given me an insignia ring with our family emblem on it. It was the rarely seen sea snake that inhabited various areas of the great sea. The man recognized that and grunted to others around him. I was tied to the back of the cart and the men drug the dead soldiers out of the way and urged the oxen on. There were 25 men in all. Had they fought fairly and man to man the soldiers of the republic would have killed them like hogs. Now I am the hog being led behind a wagon full of silver.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/SouthernCoast.jpg

julius_caesar_the_first

02-04-2008, 02:53

This looks like the start of another Chirurgeon epic AAR. I can't wait to see how this one turns out.
Fortunately tomorrow I have to leave town and won't have access to the internet. This way I don't have to resist the urge to check every ten minutes for a new update:laugh4:

Mouzafphaerre

02-04-2008, 04:05

.
:smash: :smash:
.

Chirurgeon

02-04-2008, 05:24

Chapter II: The Ram Has Touched The Wall
After a week of being pulled behind a wagon I found myself in a valley feeling dead tired, sore, and filthy. The bandits that captured me had continued on the road north and now in the distance on a small rise was a town.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/SucumMargi.jpg

And in a ring several hundred yards around it were trenches and towers. Along the road I passed four crude rams. Fitted with an iron head. This was Sucum Murgi! Gods these bandits took me right to the camp of the Lusitannans. My mind was racing. I couldn't understand these people. How would I communicate. These bandits killed our translator and Carthalo. Finally the wagon came to a stop after passing by tent after tent filled with grimy soldiers. Everything was dirty except the ones that had armor. The only clean thing around were the weapons and the armor. The armor looked to be bronze but I could not tell for sure. The bandits had taken 10 talents of the silver and buried it some distance aft. I was stared at and and some of the men chuckled as i was paraded down the encampment. A bigger tent loomed ahead of me and it was that of the commander. Why would they save me? Perhaps Senators sons had some sort of under market value? I laughed at the absurdity of my thoughts. I was delirious from being nearly starved. I was given enough sustenance to walk without falling over. My belt over my tunic kept slipping down because of the weight loss I had sustained.
After a few moments of talking men hopped into the back of the wagon and inspected the cargo. They were acting like little children. Their excitement obvious. Another man came around and took out his knife and lowered it at me. Great I thought. I was forced to walk behind a wagon smelling like my own shit for a week and now they are going to kill me. But alas he didn't. He cut the knot between my wrists and I felt much better. I looked around. Running wasn't an option since about 3000 warriors separated me from Gader. I was led to the big tent and taken inside. Two big burly men on either side. A man in front of me wearing nice armor and had a clean look about him came forward. he motioned for the guards to step aside and they did. "I apologize for your treatment Son of Karthadastim."
I looked up in amazement. The man spoke nearly perfect Punic.
"Surprised that I can speak Punic eh? Well we have been trading with your people since the beginning of time it would seem. Most of our nobility knows your language. As do the merchants." He stated casually. "However the common soldiers do not know your language. The men that attacked you are bandits and since I am the strongest warrior with the most troops they came to me hoping to be rewarded for the capture of the coin and you of course. Thank the gods one of them had the sense to know you are of importance." He pointed at my hand. "That ring saved your life...What is your name anyways?" He asked while he rubbed his white beard. "I am Castulo, son of Gaston of Kart-Hadastim" I replied sheepishly. "I am Tantalos Lusitanikum, the Chieftain of the Lusitannan. We are a federation of tribes that represent the original inhabitants of these lands. Ah but there will be time for that later. What am I to do do with you...you look like a dog!"
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-1.jpg

He moved back to his chair and took a drink from his glass. "You will have a bath and a meal and when you are more presentable you should join me for the evening feast. In the mean time you must excuse me. I have a city to crush."
I was escorted out and took a bath in hot water with soap and all the amenities. I was given a fresh tunic and warmer shoes. I ate heartily of the mutton and tubers that grow here. They gave me a strange beverage that was bitter but good. It was alcohol that was very dark and had foam on the top. Having eaten and been cleaned I rejoined the Chieftain. We talked for several hours. I realized he did not wish me harm but was at a loss as to what to do with me. He could not send me back to Gader because of the dangers of the countryside. I offered my services as a scribe. I told him I can keep excellent records. He was not interested in that. Instead he wished for me to stay with him and chronicle the fight of his people. He had a bard which was very knowledgable and I could use him as a resource. I could also do basic illustrations. I sketched when I was bored. People said I did a pretty good job of it. In two days the rams that had been constructed were going to be used against the walls of the town. I wrote everything down in a feverish pace. Fortunately my writing kit was still intact on the wagon.

***
Dawn of the second day and the men around camp were moving in a quick and determined fashion. The rams were brought up just out of range of their pathetic towers. Spearmen armed with solid metal spears and equally deadly javelins gathered around some of the rams. Lightly armed swordsmen lined up with the other rams. A horn sounded and soon the rams were moving towards the walls. Thousands of men marched in near unison towards the walls. I watched from a small wagon behind the cavalry. Puffs of dust came up as the heads of the rams shook the walls. Soon the walls began to falter. Some sort of skirmisher moved forward and laid down a magnificent shower of javelins into the enemy on the other side. I looked down and closed my eyes. My hands shook and I felt sick. Those damn javelins would haunt me forever. I felt sorry for the men behind that wall. If these soldiers were half as proficient with weapons as the bandits that attacked us then I am sure its a bloodbath. The men ramming the walls broke through and waited till the skirmishers killed all the men they could on the other side. Then they ran in and fought the survivors. Tantalos Lusitanikum moved his men forward and I was able to see the carnage inside the walls. The men guarding the walls stood no chance. The ground was covered in blood and many of the men crawled feebily. They had been horribly wounded. The fight moved to the center of the town where the last of the survivors perished beneath the spears, swords, and javelins of this Lusitannan beast.

Capture of Sucum Murgi:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-8.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/II-10.jpg

Video Of The Battle:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=SucumMurgi.flv
After the battle I asked the Chieftain if trade would be resumed to Gader. He nodded and assured me that it would. "You make us rich! Why would we want to stop trade?" Good point I suppose. With the battle over he offered to send me back to Gader. To my own surprise I told him I would rather stay. What was I thinking!? The logical move would be to go home. I asked the King what I should do and he offered me this advice: "Thirty years from know when you look back at your life. Would you like to be remembered as a man who kept records or a man who followed a king on a campaign to free his people?"
It was a profound question and I chose the latter.

johnhughthom

02-04-2008, 09:49

Typical, you wait days for the first chapter of a new Chirurgeon AAR and then three come along at once!:book:
Great start, tell me to wait and see if you want but I was just curious as to whether to plan to let the Karthies build up for a while in Spain to have an epic war with them or have you other ideas?

General Appo

02-04-2008, 10:48

:2thumbsup: Another great story.

Mouzafphaerre

02-04-2008, 13:21

.
:smash::smash::smash:
.

Reality=Chaos

02-04-2008, 16:08

*stops lurking for a while*
Wow churgeon, I've read most of your AAR's, I love 'em:yes: :beam: . I especially liked the Sands of Africa. This one just looks like it's gonna be awesome:smash: :smash: . Now get me another update before I get withdrawal symptoms :2thumbsup: :whip:
*descends into lurking mode once more*

TWFanatic

02-04-2008, 16:22

Chapter II: The Ram Has Touched The Wall
Hmm, where have I seen that before... :inquisitive:

Nice update!

And I'm glad to finally know Mouzafphaerre's secret to such a high postcount! :smash: :smash: :smash: :smash: :smash:

julius_caesar_the_first

02-04-2008, 17:02

Mouzafphaerre

02-04-2008, 17:26

.
The next one will be a :jumping:

+1 ~D

But seriously, this is postcount. :shocked:
.

Frodge

02-04-2008, 17:43

Yay for spaniards :laugh4: (no, i'm not spanish)

Chirurgeon

02-04-2008, 17:58

Hmm, where have I seen that before... :inquisitive:

Nice update!

And I'm glad to finally know Mouzafphaerre's secret to such a high postcount! :smash: :smash: :smash: :smash: :smash:

I think a leader of some tribe in Italy mentioned it once...and Thanks!

Chirurgeon

02-04-2008, 18:01

.
The next one will be a :jumping:

+1 ~D

But seriously, this is postcount. :shocked:
.

Yea that is an insane post count :jawdrop:

Chirurgeon

02-04-2008, 18:03

Now I'm glad that I didn't leave after all or I would have missed chapter II. Hmm, three chapters in six hours:dizzy2:! I think that's some sort of record.:laugh4:
Congratulations!
Oh and keep'em coming.:whip:

Yea I have had alot of fun with this. I didn't want it to be too text heavy but I had to find a way to get the elements of the story together. Its always a balancing act. Thank you all for your support!

Moosemanmoo

02-04-2008, 18:18

So you're now fighting the very people you previously ruled!
Nice:2thumbsup:

Kuningaz

02-04-2008, 20:02

Ah it's just great to have you back.:2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-05-2008, 03:21

Chapter III Return

Winter 542 YAF
Shortly after the battle the great King of the Lusitannans passed while he slept. It came as a shock to many because he was so healthy.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-2.jpg
The men whisper rumors of Celtic agents having him poisoned. Although there is no way to prove this it did not help relations with the Celts that now inhabit southern Iberia. The actions of the kings eldest son, Latronos, certainly did much to damage the relationship with the Celts. Latronos had the men go house to house in the city and systematically going after whole families of Celts.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-3.jpg
Many of the Lusitannans that had not intermarried with the Celts were basically doomed to a life of servitude in the mines that reside in the nearby mountains. The positions were reversed. Celts were made into slaves and were to work the mines and the Lusitannans were to hold the whips over them. The men that ran the mines were executed and replaced by Lusitannan nobility. The merchants that sold the gold and silver to Kart-Hadastim were to be of Lusitannan blood. It was a messy affair. Latronos could not be sure in many cases if someone was Celt or Lusitannan. The lines of their heritage had been blurred by intermarriage. They had to prove their loyalty and work under distinguished Lusitannan strongmen. Many were slaughtered in the initial days after the battle out of pure hatred for what had become of their people. Overall about 25% of the population were true speaking Lusitannans. The language was the ultimate test. Celts could generally not speak it fluently. However neither could some of the Lusitannans due to the isolation of their people. Like I said it was a messy affair with many people caught in the middle.
***
We remained in the city of Sucum Murgi until Spring and then set out for the nearby city of Baikor. This was almost an exclusively Celtic town. The countryside on our way their was ravaged and Latronos sent word to Lusitania for whole villages to move back to their traditional lands where they had been displaced hundreds of years before. The people loaded all their belongings and took their herds of sheep or cattle and marched along a great river until they got to the areas where they had been displaced. The Lusitannans were on the march. The people and their army reclaiming lost lands. We arrived at Baikor to find the gates sealed and Latronos ordered the men to dig a siege line around the town. Apparently the garrison was substantial and we would have to wait out the besiegers until they either perished, fought, or surrendered.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-1.jpg
I found out more about the people of these lands. They were called the Carpetani and had migrated a great distance from lands far to the north. Somewhere between two-three hundred years ago they arrived in these rich valleys and began to systematically drive out the native Iberians. This land apparently has a long history of bloodshed. There was a war here many years ago and another one now. It is debatable as to who these original inhabitants were. Latronos says they were Lusitannan. Until proven otherwise I suppose that will have to do.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/SierraNevadaSpain.jpg

Summer 543 YAF (271 BC)
I took the liberty of accompanying some of the natives as they resettled in these lands. An old temple was found on a large hill that had been burned down a long time ago. The black marks of fire still evident on some of the stones. Another casualty of a long forgotten war. Many of the people were crying as they marched through the lush valleys. They had come home. But their return exacted a heavy toll on the Celts that inhabited this region. Without the army of Baikor to protect them the Lusitannans, they drove the Celts off the lands. Many resisted but perished. Militia accompanied many of the returning villagers and they systematically destroyed entire villages and then rebuilt their own on lands nearby. It was a terrible sight to behold. What was right and what was wrong became indistinct as the Celts were forced from lands they had driven the Lusitannans from so many hundred years ago. Anything of Celtic origin became hated.
***
I made a surprising discovery on the road that eventually wound its way to the coast to the port of Mastia. The men had stopped a caravan of wagons. Instantly I knew the wagons were not Celtic or Lusitannan. This caravan came from Mastia. I recognized the crest on the side of the lead wagon. I was terribly excited and ran over to the Lusitannans who had stopped the wagon. My Lusitannan was quite good and the men allowed me to act as a translator. Essentially they were taking cargo to Baikor. They wanted to know if the roads were safe. I told them that they were but that the Lusitannans were running things in Baikor. The Carpetani had been driven from the lands over the course of the last several months. I inspected all the wagons and the one in the rear was guided by a familiar face. Videllac was making his twice yearly journey to Baikor deliving silver coin fresh from the Republican Mint. He barely recognized me as my hair had grown long and I had the traces of a beard. He told me his village was a couple miles up the road and I realized it was one that had been burned to the ground. The people of that town resisted but many were killed. It had happened only a few days ago so I accompanied him there. When we arrived he searched the mass grave that had been dug for the bodies and spent th better part of a day searching. He never found his family. I talked to some of the soldiers who told me the survivors fled east into the mountains and would likely travel north, As Carpetania was no longer safe for the Celts that resided here for some 300 years. We talked at length and he told me he was going to bury the coin, take what he could carry and set out to find his family. I wished him the best and told him to be careful. I expected him to be angry because I was "with" the Lusitannan. I think he realized that I was an observer. I told him that his people's story would be told as well.

Winter 543 YAF
It was expected that any day the garrison would storm out and sally against the Lusitannans who had surrounded their town. Huge olive groves covered this rich valley. The resources of the land were immense and the nearly black soil provided more food than you could eat. It was a land worth fighting over for sure.
The garrison stormed out of the town on a cold winter morning. Although it wasn't snowing here you could see the snow in the distant mountains. Oddly enough the Celts of this town had adopted weapons and other things from the Lusitannans. They poured out of the gates and began to run toward the hastily drawn up lines of the Lusitannans. The skirmishers stayed behind the more formidable spear infantry. Latronos ordered the skirmishers to lay on a steady and deadly rain of javelins into the lines of approaching men. They released their own javelins and did some damage to the infantry line. However their numbers were diminished and truly did not stand a chance. Some of their men fought hard as their Celtic Chief was seen rallying his men. Eventually the men of the enemy that survived the onslaught ran back into the town. A week later however they surrendered. A lone elder came out of the gates to deliver the news to Latronos. The Chief had fallen on his sword in disgrace. Baikor fell to the forces of Latronos. The ground before the town was littered with the dead and the dying. Using their spears the men checked the bodies and extinguished any survivors.
Capture of Baikor:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-8.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-11.jpg
Video of the Battle:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=CaptureofBaikor.flv
Later that evening the bodies were burned. No prayers or sympathy for the dead. Latronos had come down to the massive blaze to watch it for himself. I stood beside him and looked at the bodies as they lost human form. "The Celts treated us like rats Castulo. They drove us from our homes. They took our lands, and married our womenfolk. They tried to breed us out. Planting their Celtic seed wherever they could." He looked at me, the reflections of fire dancing in his eyes. "Now they are the rats, burning in the fires. Our suffering will be our rallying cry. We will leave no stone unturned." He left to retire for the evening and I was left with many of the men who stared silently at the flames. Their thoughts on their lands, people, and heritage.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/III-12.jpg

Shylence

02-05-2008, 04:11

I like the story. Mine comes along slowly as im overloaded with coursework and actul work hopefully my next piece will be up torromow

Chaotix

02-05-2008, 04:14

Awesome! Just as great as the last 3 AARs, Chirurgeon. And the videos are back, too!

Wolfman

02-05-2008, 06:15

All hail Iberia! May those that curse her fall by the sword and their lines be cut off all the way down to him that pisseth on a wall! Excellent update Chirurgeon!

Mouzafphaerre

02-05-2008, 07:16

.
:jumping:
.

TWFanatic

02-05-2008, 15:50

*sigh* Be glad I don't have admin powers here, because I have a special keyboard for those forums over which I hold dominion...
https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3879/banqi0.jpg

I think a leader of some tribe in Italy mentioned it once
That's one way to put it...another is HBO ROME EPISODE 5 (approximately). :juggle2:

I like your style btw. I'm thinking of writing an AAR myself (got an amazing KH campaign in progress) and I have soaked up elements of your AAR that I think will go well with what I have in mind for mine. :yes:

Chirurgeon

02-05-2008, 17:05

*sigh* Be glad I don't have admin powers here, because I have a special keyboard for those forums over which I hold dominion...
https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3879/banqi0.jpg

That's one way to put it...another is HBO ROME EPISODE 5 (approximately). :juggle2:

I like your style btw. I'm thinking of writing an AAR myself (got an amazing KH campaign in progress) and I have soaked up elements of your AAR that I think will go well with what I have in mind for mine. :yes:

I saw that series but did not know that the episodes had titles. I did not intend on plagarizing. Why do you wish to ban me? Or is that sarcasm? I had heard Julius Caesar say that once and thought it appropriate for the chapter title. He used to say that he would give quarter until the Ram touched the wall. After that he could not be responsible for a town's fate.

Typical, you wait days for the first chapter of a new Chirurgeon AAR and then three come along at once!:book:
Great start, tell me to wait and see if you want but I was just curious as to whether to plan to let the Karthies build up for a while in Spain to have an epic war with them or have you other ideas?

I am hoping the Carthies behave as I deal with troubles in the interior. Yes I had a flurry of updates. I am making much smaller chapters this time around. It makes it flow a little better I think.

I like the story. Mine comes along slowly as im overloaded with coursework and actul work hopefully my next piece will be up torromow

Fortunately I have a light week at school and will be able to play more than I did with the Ptolemaic AAR. thanks for following!

All hail Iberia! May those that curse her fall by the sword and their lines cut off all the way down to him that pisseth on a wall! Excellent update Chirurgeon!

I was hoping you were following. You are a devout Lusitannan! The adventure has just begun my friend :yes:

So you're now fighting the very people you previously ruled!
Nice:2thumbsup:

I guess you are referring to the Kart-Hadastim AAR? I love Carthage and Iberia so i wanted to combine elements of both hence the main character being from Carthage :) Its been fun so far.

Now I'm glad that I didn't leave after all or I would have missed chapter II. Hmm, three chapters in six hours:dizzy2:! I think that's some sort of record.:laugh4:
Congratulations!
Oh and keep'em coming.:whip:

Yea my fingers were trying to keep up with my brain. I had so many things up there I was trying to type out. Next thing I know I found myself working on chapter IV LOL

*stops lurking for a while*
Wow churgeon, I've read most of your AAR's, I love 'em:yes: :beam: . I especially liked the Sands of Africa. This one just looks like it's gonna be awesome:smash: :smash: . Now get me another update before I get withdrawal symptoms :2thumbsup: :whip:
*descends into lurking mode once more*

I thank you for your cameo appearance. Always good to hear from lurkers. I always like to hear from the 95% of people that read these but don't comment. Your support is greatly appreciated!

*Sits himself comfortably, grabs for the popcorn and a drink*
Let the show beginn!:2thumbsup:

No family tree bashing ok? :laugh4: I know you were just kidding. I promise never to marry my sister

*Sees the title "Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR"*

*Sees 'Chirurgeon' reading under the title*

Uuuhhyeash!

Will be following this one.
Thank you sir :bow:

TWFanatic

02-05-2008, 20:22

:O 9 posts in a row? That has to be a record. You know, you can quote multiple times in one post.:yes:

I saw that series but did not know that the episodes had titles. I did not intend on plagarizing. Why do you wish to ban me? Or is that sarcasm? I had heard Julius Caesar say that once and thought it appropriate for the chapter title. He used to say that he would give quarter until the Ram touched the wall. After that he could not be responsible for a town's fate
I was joking with mouz about the ban key. Need to make it more clear who I'm talking with, sorry.

I didn't know Caesar said that for real, all I knew was it was the title of an HBO Rome series. Didn't mean to be rude, please don't take me too seriously. :clown:

Cheers

Chirurgeon

02-05-2008, 22:18

:O 9 posts in a row? That has to be a record. You know, you can quote multiple times in one post.:yes:

I was joking with mouz about the ban key. Need to make it more clear who I'm talking with, sorry.

I didn't know Caesar said that for real, all I knew was it was the title of an HBO Rome series. Didn't mean to be rude, please don't take me too seriously. :clown:

Cheers

Ah I apologize about the ban thing. I didnt know who you were talking to. Im trying to get to 5000 posts so I figured I would reply to everyone individually...Just kidding. I just looked back at this page and realize that I should have responded en masse. Unfortunately I was back on page one and kept forgetting who I responded to. I will do that in the future. I remember the Caesar quote from a book on the 10th legion I read a while back. He may have also said something about it in his gallic war book as well.

Chirurgeon

02-06-2008, 03:02

Thank you to the Mod that fixed my multiple replies. I will have an update shortly

Mouzafphaerre

02-06-2008, 03:18

.

*sigh* Be glad I don't have admin powers here, because I have a special keyboard for those forums over which I hold dominion...
All your base are belong to us! ~;p

So, in Mouzafphaerrish :jumping: means:

Please keep up the good work Chirurgeon. The mere mention of the names Tantalos and Latronos brings fine memories, Lusotana being my first ever EB campaign and the one with the longest duration and attunement. Heck, I have entire family trees tabled and printed out! ~D

As I mentioned earlier, I have my own incomplete "Annals of Lusotana" on my hard drive. When I have the willpower it will be completed, along with the campaign itself. But again as I said, yours beats mine clearly. :bow: Nevertheless, the style and format are totally different and I'm planning to post that one, once completed, anyway; if only for proving yours superiority again. ~:)

Waiting impatiently for the upcoming chapters! :jumping:
.

Chirurgeon

02-06-2008, 03:48

Chapter IV: Hinterlands of the Two Rivers

Winter 544 YAF (270 BC)
We marched back to Sucum Murgi where many of the men left the army to be with their families. We trekked west across a beautiful but difficult land. We traveled on a high plateau with distant mountains all around us. We crossed over the Guadiana (modern) river and made way to the capital. Oxtraca was situated on a beautiful plain with the most incredible views. For a town of barbarians it was surprisingly nice. The walls were solid built albeit of wood. Inside the streets were mostly stoned and the residences were a uniform square shape. Local materials were made in the roof and walls. It was quite busy. After several years of fear and war it seemed things had returned to normal. Trade had begun in earnest with the Punic colonies of Gader and Mastia. Many people had left to travel to Sucum Murgi and Baikor. However the people of the countryside in distant villages relocated to the city to take advantage of crafting jobs that had been transported with the migration of people to the East. I celebrated my 20th birthday.
During the autumn a diplomat arrived in the capital from Gader. I was exuberant and asked Latronos If I could travel to Gader to see long lost friends. I was homesick. I left at the first spring thaw. However Latronos said he would send word if the army was to march again. I assured him I would return by the following winter. He trusted me enough to leave. I arrived in Gader to find my father who had been worried about me. Turns out that Videllac sent word to Mastia to assure my father I was fine and was traveling with the Lusitannan army.
***
Having spent the better part of the year at home my body ached to travel north again. I wanted to see the Lusitannan people. I wanted to know what was happening. I though once I arrived back in Gader I would not want to go back. However there was a primal drive that lured me away. It would be a little more complicated this time however. While here in Gadiz I met a girl. Anastadae was half Lusitannan and half Punic. She was beautiful in so many ways. Olive skin smooth as the finest linen. Eyes a deep brown that seemed to gaze through me. Her hair a dark brown like the rich soil of these lands. I had met her when I went to Academy for some extra study. She was impressed with my language skills and eventually we began to call on one another. Her father was a merchant that dealt in horses. Fine Iberians fast and strong. They were prized all over the great sea. Her father had relatives in Oxtraca and she agreed to come with me. Her father was concerned because the Celts might launch an offensive against the recent holdings. I assured him that I had seen how the Lusitannans fight and the Celts would have a hard go of it. Merchants from Oxtraca had said the tribes north of the Douro (modern) river had claimed the land between the Douro and the Tagus rivers. This would no doubt stir the anger of the king. I smiled having gotten to know his mind almost as well as he. He would retaliate swiftly. A week after the rumors were first heard I recieved a letter from the king and he requested I join him immediately. The rumors were true. The Galacian Tribe had raided some villages across the Douro river. However with much of the army having taken their leave he would have to raise another force. It could be a year before he is ready to march. No doubt he will try to retrieve as many veterans as possible. I told Anastadae about this development and she agreed to come with me to the capital. I told her that should it get bad we can always return to Gader.

Winter 545 YAF (269 BC)
Once the worst of the winter weather had cleared I traveled north with my wife. Anastadae and I had been wed just before our journey. She was thrilled to be with her relatives in the capital and I was thrilled to meet up with the soldiers. I had become well accepted and honored because of my chronicling of the war they had fought. While my wife settled in with her family I met up with the King. He had spent the year re-gathering his men. Some were scattered as far as Baikor. He needed veterans. Finally before winter's icy grip enveloped the land we travelled north.
The lands north of the capital were beautiful as well. As we left the city we followed the heavily rutted road north. We passed scattered villages that found excellent grazing for their herds. Horses roamed freely here. The stout beasts were proud and defiant.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Horses.jpg

The Lusitannani would capture some of the herds that roamed these plains and use the animals for many purposes. Windswept open areas dominated the landscape. This was one area where great mountains were not present. However as we approached the Tagus river a mountain range emerged on the horizon to the north. The river was quite narrow and ran swiftly.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Tagus1.jpg

We arrived at a bridge that was maintained by two villages on either side of the river. The people of the village ran out to greet the army and told us of the devestation that had occured just east of here. As we marched east on the horizon great columns of smoke could be seen. The men became visibly tense and quiet. On this clear late autumn day the smoke contracted sharply against the sky. Later we arrived at the remains of a small village in the foothills of a small chain of mountains just north of the Tagus River. The dust of these culprits who had destroyed the village rose to the east. Latronos came up beside me to see the damage. "Celtic dogs! They will pay for this." A soldier called Latronos over to the center of the burned out village and noted a new Totem that had been stuck in the ground. Latronos looked at the totem in disgust "Galecians from the mountains. They lay claim to these lands." The farms and some of the harvested grain was still intact and Latronos decided to make camp here for winter. Hunting parties were organized and talented spies traveled some 20 miles to find details of this enemy.
***
The tribes from Galecia had migrated south and claimed land that was clearly not theres. One particular chieftain defiantly paraded his army around the land.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-3.jpg

Klutanos was a good warrior but I felt the King would use his forces appropriately. The size of the two forces were about equal. The Lusitannans had more skirmishers but the Galecii had heavy warriors. The edge, Latronos thought, would be the slingers he hired around the Baikor region. From the Belaric Isles these slingers would offer their services. I could hardly believe what he paid for them. He clearly thought they would be important. Both of the armies were encamped for the winter. The brutal winds coming off the plateaus and mountains and sweeping through the valleys. This was no time for a battle thats for sure. The warmth of spring would change things.
***
Spring of 546(268 BC) came quickly enough. I rode south back to the capital to be with my wife before the spring campaigning season could begin. I was astonished to find out that she was with child. The gods have blessed me with a child. My wife was even more beautiful knowing that she contained the seed that we both labored to create. I truly was the happiest man alive. With a short winter the men north of the river would begin preparations to march and I had to return to them. I promised Anastadae I would return as quickly as the king allowed.
***
The days leading up to a battle were sometimes unnerving. The two forces had a series of light skirmishes before finally the enemy chieftain found himself a small hill to hold. The Lusitannans would have to pass through a small valley and start up this hill to engage the Galacii. The whole of the forces marched in step towards the enemy. I was impressed with the organization of the army. The Belaric Slingers marched first. Behind them were light skirmishers. Behind them were heavy spearmen and behind that main battle line were some reserves along with the King. Suddenly the slingers stopped. Perhaps they had encounterd a concealed unit? No they were actually winding up their slings and unleashing a barrage of lead into the enemy. Incredible! Their range was simply amazing. And by the number of men dropping out of the enemy battle line their accuracy was deadly. The skirmishers stopped just behind the slingers as for quite a while they sent lead into the ranks of the enemy. You could see some of the enemy fleeing and running up the hill holding parts of their bodies having been stung by the ferocity of the lead balls. Soon the slingers had exhausted their supply of bullets and retired for the day. I watched in amazement as they walked through the lines to the rear talking about how many men they had killed. Next the Lusitanns deployed light skirmishers which affected the enemy but they took alot of casualties due to the height difference. As they unleashed their javelins into the ranks of the enemies main battle line our own main battle line advanced and stopped just behind the skirmishers. The skirmishers withdrew and the main battle line unleashed their javelins and charged into the ranks. The center of the enemy had been weakend by the slingers and skirmishers and began to break apart. Latronos took his cavalry to our left flank where Klutanos was trying to turn the tide of the battle. The kings bodyguards peppered the chieftains own men with javelins and then charged in for hand to hand fighting. Klutonos was overwhelmed and fell from his horse. The enemy had enough. The quit the field en masse and ran away.
Battle of the Hinterlands:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-8.jpg
Video of the Battle:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=BattleoftheHinterlands.flv
They threw down their shields and weapons. The armor they wore found their way onto the ground as well. After the battle the dead were gathered up and burned. The lowly skirmishers were set to task to gather the discarded armor, shields, and weapons. For the moment the Hinterlands were secured. But Latronos knew they would be back. I sat with him as we ate our victory feast.
"So Castulo I hear you are going to be a father?"
"Yes my lord that is correct. A boy I hope."
"Ah I hope the gods protect your unborn. My own son has come of age and is now governing in Sucum Murgi."
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IV-9.jpg

He sighed and looked at all the men gathered around in the camp. Some dancing and music had broken out and a gleeful mood was evident. Latronos took it all in. "My men are simple. They live for the day, caring little for the future. I dont have that luxury. The king of the Galacii will be furious that his army was destroyed. No doubt he will retaliate. As soon as he is able he will send raiders into the Hinterlands and destroy more villages and take over our mines. It is unacceptable."
"No doubt your people have suffered immensely knowing that at any time they could be attacked by an unseen enemy." I added.
He looked at me and managed a smile. "Ah you are right. When we are finished celebrating we will return to the capital and I will recruit an invasion force. We will attack the Galacii on their own turf. These Celtic mountain men shall fear our revenge."
I sat at the table and sighed quietly to myself. My wife will have to depend on her family to help care for our child. Once again the Lusitannan tribe is on the war path.

Chirurgeon

02-06-2008, 03:53

.

All your base are belong to us! ~;p

So, in Mouzafphaerrish :jumping: means:

Please keep up the good work Chirurgeon. The mere mention of the names Tantalos and Latronos brings fine memories, Lusotana being my first ever EB campaign and the one with the longest duration and attunement. Heck, I have entire family trees tabled and printed out! ~D

As I mentioned earlier, I have my own incomplete "Annals of Lusotana" on my hard drive. When I have the willpower it will be completed, along with the campaign itself. But again as I said, yours beats mine clearly. :bow: Nevertheless, the style and format are totally different and I'm planning to post that one, once completed, anyway; if only for proving yours superiority again. ~:)

Waiting impatiently for the upcoming chapters! :jumping:
.

Your wait is over. And thank you for the support. Please do post your campaign at some point I would like to compare the two. I grow quite fond of my little tribe as they grow in importance. I really am enjoying things. I will provide more details about the specific types of soldiers that are on campaign.

Mouzafphaerre

02-06-2008, 04:45

.
:jumping:

What I have liked most about Iberian units: Javelin shower before the charge! :2thumbsup:
.

Basileus Seleukeia

02-06-2008, 15:26

chirurgeon you never fail to amaze me. How long is this threead up, 2 days? And already 4 chapters+prologue. I very much like your new style, too. The role of the observer gives much more insight on the smaller things than that of a royal general. Well, I guess this will be another excellent story:book:

Chirurgeon

02-06-2008, 16:45

@Mouz: Yes nothign like a nice javelin shower before a charge. In seiges I have killed upwards of 40% of the defenders with javeleins. Makes melee much easier. The Beleric slingers rock! Incredible range and decent lethality.

@ Basileus Seleukiea:
Thank you sir. Its been fun writing as an observer. I am trying to show the inter-related nature of the Iberians and the Carthaginians. Trying to put myself in their shoes. In my research looking for pictures the rivers of spain and Portugal look like something out of lord of the rings. What a beautiful country.

The Wandering Scholar

02-06-2008, 17:12

Chirurgeon

02-06-2008, 17:18

Really good, Chirurgeon!!

Might I add that you give your pictures an oil painting look? I mean your pictures of the countryside, the horses etc. Cameras wern't around in them days and things would have been painted.

Anyway, really good work!!

:clown:

Thank you I try to use paintings or sketches whenever possible. I don't have photoshop or anything so I cant really make pictures look like paintings. Although that would be pretty cool. I do pictures of the terrain so that you might get a sense of what it might have been like walking around those areas.
thanks for following!

Shylence

02-06-2008, 17:19

Yeah ive been to spain its a great place especially Gallicia the countryside is very northern eroupean in some ways. also the basque country is nice i cant wait to see the pickies you bring when campainging in that part of the world. The pictures help to set the scene and i have stolen that idea graciously haha although its hard to get pictures of southern england wilderness due to southern england not really having any true wilderness but i try my best

The Wandering Scholar

02-06-2008, 17:48

Keep on trying my friend

Basileus Seleukeia

02-06-2008, 18:57

You are right Chirurgeon, those pictures actually come close to what I imagine the Anduin to be. Beautiful indeed. And the other one could show the plains of Rohan, while you're looking towards an outskirt of the misty mountains...
Damn, who told you that I'm in total Tolkien mood since a couple of days? Fourth Age Total War, rereading the LotR, borrowing "the sons of Hurin" from a friend, and now you refernce. You can't escape good ol' Tolkien, I guess:clown:

Wolfman

02-06-2008, 22:18

Beautiful update! The part about him being married and his wife being with child made me feel all warm inside :sniffles:. For Iberia! Send that celtic trash back to Gaul were they belong.

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 01:37

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 01:39

Beautiful update! The part about him being married and his wife being with child made me feel all warm inside :sniffles:. For Iberia! Send that celtic trash back to Gaul were they belong.
Thank you sir. I am in a productive frenzy at the moment. Posting chapters as I get them! Speaking of updates here comes another:

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 02:07

Chapter V: Crossing the Duoro

Spring 547 BC (267 BC)
Latronos allowed the men to stay in their villages until the onset of winter. For the winter months they were brought to an encampment near the city walls. During the course of the last year he recruited heavily and new weapons and armor were fashioned so that the men could better to fight. The Galicii are a fierce tribe and their defeat would come at a high price. The army had an organizition and strategy unlike most others in the known world. In the east the men created spear walls inspired by Makedon and of Phillip and Alexander. This popular way of fighting was unheard of here. Here the spearmen used hardened iron spears that pierced armor with apparent ease. The proficiency of the Javelin is noted. Their light spearmen can form a barrier to any enemy attacking them.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/LightSpearmen.gif

They having their own spears can use them in a defensive position or charge their way into battle having cut holes in the enemy lines and no doubt terrified the enemy. At a very young age the boys are taught how to use the javelin even using it to hunt small game. Some of these spears called the Saunion are made of solid Iron. It took a strong warrior to throw it but the devestation it caused is nothing I have ever seen. It is known to pass straight through shields.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/saunion.jpg

Contests are held on religious holidays that involve this mighty weapon. Tactical flexibility is their most important attribute. Their ability to create a storm of javelins into the enemy devestates numbers and morale. The cavalry men are known to throw javelins as well. These are smaller than the Saunion and much lighter but can cause havoc as well. I have learned that outright death is not necessary to beat an opponent. Wounding them essentially neutralizes the threat. Skirmishers use javelins that look like this:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/socketed_pilum.jpg

Just like the Numidians of my land they can easily hit targets and avoid being hit. In addition to the spears the men often use a sword called the falcata that can either stab or be swung as a traditional sword.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/falcata.jpg

My boy was born in the autumn of last year. He will be blessed with the nobility of the Phoenicians and the fierceness of the Lusotannans. I have had the last several months to spend with him and my beautiful wife. I will miss them greatly but it is time we parted and our campaign in the north come to fruition.
***
In late spring we crossed the Duoro River. This narrow and mighty waterway meant we were officially in enemy territory.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Douro-1.jpg

As we passed by small villages and hamlets it became apparent the populace looked upon us with hate. With our scouts way ahead of the main column and the lighter skirmishers scouring the countryside we ravaged the land.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/LeviedSkirmishers.gif

Villages were burned and the "Celtic swine" as Latronos elegantly stated were put to the sword. Our advance was slow to make sure as much destruction occured as possible. No doubt the city of Tyde which is the capital of the Galicii was preparing for our assault. The ocean lay to our left its steep cliffs leading to the great abyss.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Galacia2.jpg
The mountains gained height as they moved away from the coast. With the height of summer upon us we were close to their city.

https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Galacia1.jpg

***
As we neared Tyde the Galicia fled the countryside. The fear of reprisal was strong and as we fell upon the town in late summer most people had left. Stiff resistance would be the order of the day when we did storm the town. King Latronos secretly knew that the Galicians are fierce warriors. Much blood would be shed. As before the men spent several weeks surrounding the town with ditches and prevented people and goods from coming and going. Rumors of a relief force from the mountains east of the city gave the men a sense of urgency. By harvest time the familiar rams had been constructed and the men prepared. The stockade walls would be little help to the men on the other side. The horn caller sounded the signal for the rams to advance. All three rams ambled their way toward the town that overlooked the sea. The levied skirmishers moved up behind the men pushing the rams. As the rams began to splinter the stockade the skirmishers poured an unrelenting rain of death and suffering upon the defenders. You could hear the screams far from the city. Soon the rams had done their job and the spearmen hurled their own javelins before charging in. I could not see from my position but the fighting was fierce. Latronos sent in more of his light spearmen and eventually the King, with me in tow, entered the town. Bodies littered the ground and formed a sort of corpse blanket. The defenders made a heroic stand with their leader but alas it was not enough. The power of numbers overwhelmed the defenders and within a short period of time and the untimely death of the leader the remaining men fled to the center of town. There the last of the fighting me fell. The town of Tyde had fallen.
Fall of Tyde:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-8.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-14.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-15.jpg
Video of the fall of Tyde:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=FallofTyde.flv
***
As evening came the dead were piled and a giant fire was lit. The fighting was complete. Latronos had the survivors pulled out. 15 of the 2000 could speak Lusotannan. The rest were put down.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-16.jpg
Holdouts in the eastern areas of this remote area would be hunted down. Already it was discovered that surviving celts had fled east to Asturia. "Let them run" I remember Latronos saying. With the victory in hand and the remote areas being purged I accompanied the King and his assistants on a tour of the region. It was spectacular. Nothing like Gader or Mastia. Oxtraca could not compare. It is if when we crossed the Duoro we had entered another world. Thick forests blanketed the lands. Steep waterfalls and raging rivers were abundants. The coast was just as impressive. Massive outcroppings like stone fingers reaching into the ocean dominated the landscape. Between these fingers were calm pools filled with abundant fish and villages.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Galacia3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Galicia5.jpg
More Lusitannans from the homeland would no doubt migrate north and take over what the Celts had taken from us. The weather was raw and chilled the skin. It felt so far away from the warmth of the great sea. The Celtic temples were pulled down and a shrine built to the god Runesocesius was erected. This was the Lusitannan god of the Javelin. The javelin having been so engrained in the mindset and warfare of these people that it was said Runesocesius taught them how to use it. Everything was strange about this land to me. But to the Lusitannans their ancestors lived here long before the Celtic invaders took it from them. During the winter of 547 much effort was done to rebuild the wall and to fix other damaged areas of the city. In the spring the army would return to Oxtraca. I left early and rode south to see my wife and my boy. At the age of 23 I had been given great responsiblity. And although this relentless campaigning took its toll the fighting seemed to have abated. I would use my time wisely. I would get to know my wifes intimate areas again and help foster the child that is a bridge between our two peoples.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/V-17.jpg

Shylence

02-07-2008, 02:31

Latronos is such a xenophobe im not sure i even like him hahaha

Sarcasm

02-07-2008, 03:56

TWFanatic

02-07-2008, 04:12

Great update! May I ask where you get all these beautiful pictures?

If I may make one small suggestion, would you consider using some more commas? Distributing a few more commas in appropriate places (particularly after conjunctions) would make the excellent writing flow even better and be less choppy. Grammatically speaking, when an independent clause is combined with a preexisting clause to make a single sentence, a comma should follow the conjunction. To use one small example...

I will miss them greatly, but it is time we parted and our campaign in the north come to fruition. (comma inserted in bold)

But I'm just nitpicking, feel free to disregard my criticism. This is truly great AAR as always. :yes:

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 04:30

Indeed, especially considering there was much intermingling and cultural interdependence with the Callaeci. The same gods were actually worshipped by both peoples, trade was conducted freely across the land and part of the Callaeci had called themselves Lusitani (specifically those immediately on the other bank of the Douro), prior to the Roman invasion of Lusitania.

Thank you for pointing that out Sarcasm. The Douro was not a dividing line like you said. The recent genocide of Celts in the southern part of the peninsula had created mistrust among the other tribes. Celts all over the peninsula with their Celtic heritage would no doubt display animosity toward the Lusitani for their genocide of other tribes. No doubt there were Lusitani living amongst the Celts but how much is debatable. So why did the EB team make the Callaeci enemies of the Lusitani? Why not have the Lusitani control both Tyde and Oxtraca if they were so Interdependent on each other? In my game the attacks on the Celts in other areas turned the Callaeci against the Lusitani hence the increased frequency and severity of their border raids across the Duoro. And as we will see in the next chapter there will be other side effects of this war that will cause the Celts to dislike the Lusitani even more.

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 04:34

Great update! May I ask where you get all these beautiful pictures?

If I may make one small suggestion, would you consider using some more commas? Distributing a few more commas in appropriate places (particularly after conjunctions) would make the excellent writing flow even better and be less choppy. Grammatically speaking, when an independent clause is combined with a preexisting clause to make a single sentence, a comma should follow the conjunction. To use one small example...

(comma inserted in bold)

But I'm just nitpicking, feel free to disregard my criticism. This is truly great AAR as always. :yes:

Thank you for the grammatical advice. I get carried away when I am typing. My mind is racing with thoughts and my fingers are always chasing my brain. I will try to do better in the future. About the pictures they mostly come from Google earth. I zoom in on the area where I am campaigning and look for the little photo icons. It takes a lot of time.

Sarcasm

02-07-2008, 07:06

Thank you for pointing that out Sarcasm. The Douro was not a dividing line like you said. The recent genocide of Celts in the southern part of the peninsula had created mistrust among the other tribes. Celts all over the peninsula with their Celtic heritage would no doubt display animosity toward the Lusitani for their genocide of other tribes. No doubt there were Lusitani living amongst the Celts but how much is debatable. So why did the EB team make the Callaeci enemies of the Lusitani? Why not have the Lusitani control both Tyde and Oxtraca if they were so Interdependent on each other? In my game the attacks on the Celts in other areas turned the Callaeci against the Lusitani hence the increased frequency and severity of their border raids across the Duoro. And as we will see in the next chapter there will be other side effects of this war that will cause the Celts to dislike the Lusitani even more.

I certainly didn't mean to berate your AAR man. It's fiction, so everything goes I guess. As someone that's somewhat informed on the subject there's really some things that just don't add up historically. Again not that it's bad, I'm just pointing out. It might even make your story more complex and thus even more interesting.

To make some matters clear:

To the south of the Lusitani, lay the Celtici which were indeed mostly Celts or at the very least Celtiberians (Celtic elite ruling over a previously existing population that then intermarries with them), as were the Carpetani. The Conni and the Turduli would be Iberians but largely celticized. To the East lay the Vettones, a heavily celticized Indo-European population, beyond them, the Vaccaei and the Celtiberians proper. And to the North lay the Callaeci.

Now, even though all these groups were Celts, Celtiberians or celticized Iberians, that does not mean they were all created by the same migratory wave, and even if they were, that does not always preclude that it could have various results in different areas. 'Celt' is a very loose term and one that was certainly not used to refer to themselves by all the people we consider 'Celts' today.

There's a few things you should know about the Lusitani...They were probably a group of Indo-European tribes, rather than just a single one, much like German migratory groups later on. They had been pushed, it's true, by Celtic expansion into largely mountainous areas in the north of modern Portugal and Eastern Spain along with the Vettones, a ethnic group that was very similar to them. Just before our time period, circa 350-300 BC there was a further migration from tribes south of the Lusitani, which resulted in a number of oppida being founded or re-occupied along the Atlantic coast (there were already Iberian or Iberianized populations living at the mouth of rivers, living off coastal trade) and the dispersal of Celtic populations along the Callaeci lands. These largely avoided areas controlled by the Lusitani (see below).

During this period the Lusitani had gradually re-expanded from their traditional strongholds in the mountains, through the Zêzere, Mondego and the Tagus rivers, so that by the end of the second Punic War, they had become the dominant factor in the area, taking advantage of the power vacuum to infiltrate the Guadalquivir valley (something that would cost them dearly later on).

They weren't unified politically, though they definitely had a sense of identity. A notable leader could mobilize large parts of the tribes, but would still only be directly responsible for a fraction of their entire force. Its cohesion would be determined by how charismatic he was, and the amount of power he would wield would largely depend on his ability to exact tribute from free cities and tribes under his control.

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

The relationship between the Callaeci and the Lusitani during this period are somewhat complex. They seem to at some point be part of the confederation of tribes that opposes the Romans, and indeed like I said, some even called themselves Lusitani at one point. There was probably more of a difference between the Callaeci north of the Minho and those south of it, than between those and northern Lusitani.

The fact that that trade route was extremely important, and the existence of cultural and religious interdependence does not preclude political unity, and much less the absence of warfare. Generally low-scale conflicts were quite common even among members of larger confederations (we're talking about cultures where raiding was a huge part of the economy).

In my view, they'd be worried only in so far as there was a large force that had just wiped out another tribe and was coming their way, not 'cause they felt any sort of brotherly connection to them. I'll also question, as to why they wiped out the Carpetani in the first place, or why the Callaeci would provoke a dangerous enemy by sending a large raiding party south.

The Wandering Scholar

02-07-2008, 12:22

Sarcasm, do you have expertise? Nice update Chirur, I might use the spanish in my first campaign.

overweightninja

02-07-2008, 13:15

:2thumbsup:

I only actually noticed you'd started this one last night so have just gone through all the updates.
Cracking content and a good pace as ever mate.
Cheers

Basileus Seleukeia

02-07-2008, 13:35

I haven't seen those movies in quite a while. Might have to set some time aside to watch them again :)

The movies are good, they have beautiful landscapes, but there is nothing like reading the books and using your imagination. Besides, reading the books after having seen the movies can still be a lot of fun, as a lot of things are toally different in the movies. I have only read 5 chapters of "The Fellowship", but there are already countless things that didn't make it into the movies or were changed, so, it's still a great read.
Besides, you don't have to call me Sir, I'm just 16 you know...:beam::clown:

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 14:12

1. I certainly didn't mean to berate your AAR man. It's fiction, so everything goes I guess. As someone that's somewhat informed on the subject there's really some things that just don't add up historically. Again not that it's bad, I'm just pointing out. It might even make your story more complex and thus even more interesting.
To make some matters clear:

To the south of the Lusitani, lay the Celtici which were indeed mostly Celts or at the very least Celtiberians (Celtic elite ruling over a previously existing population that then intermarries with them), as were the Carpetani. The Conni and the Turduli would be Iberians but largely celticized. To the East lay the Vettones, a heavily celticized Indo-European population, beyond them, the Vaccaei and the Celtiberians proper. And to the North lay the Callaeci.

Now, even though all these groups were Celts, Celtiberians or celticized Iberians, that does not mean they were all created by the same migratory wave, and even if they were, that does not always preclude that it could have various results in different areas. 'Celt' is a very loose term and one that was certainly not used to refer to themselves by all the people we consider 'Celts' today.

There's a few things you should know about the Lusitani...2. They were probably a group of Indo-European tribes, rather than just a single one, much like German migratory groups later on. They had been pushed, it's true, by Celtic expansion into largely mountainous areas in the north of modern Portugal and Eastern Spain along with the Vettones, a ethnic group that was very similar to them. Just before our time period, circa 350-300 BC there was a further migration from tribes south of the Lusitani, which resulted in a number of oppida being founded or re-occupied along the Atlantic coast (there were already Iberian or Iberianized populations living at the mouth of rivers, living off coastal trade) and the dispersal of Celtic populations along the Callaeci lands. These largely avoided areas controlled by the Lusitani (see below).

During this period the Lusitani had gradually re-expanded from their traditional strongholds in the mountains, through the Zêzere, Mondego and the Tagus rivers, so that by the end of the second Punic War, they had become the dominant factor in the area, taking advantage of the power vacuum to infiltrate the Guadalquivir valley (something that would cost them dearly later on).

They weren't unified politically, though they definitely had a sense of identity. A notable leader could mobilize large parts of the tribes, but would still only be directly responsible for a fraction of their entire force. Its cohesion would be determined by how charismatic he was, and the amount of power he would wield would largely depend on his ability to exact tribute from free cities and tribes under his control.

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

3. The relationship between the Callaeci and the Lusitani during this period are somewhat complex. They seem to at some point be part of the confederation of tribes that opposes the Romans, and indeed like I said, some even called themselves Lusitani at one point. There was probably more of a difference between the Callaeci north of the Minho and those south of it, than between those and northern Lusitani.

The fact that that trade route was extremely important, and the existence of cultural and religious interdependence does not preclude political unity, and much less the absence of warfare. Generally low-scale conflicts were quite common even among members of larger confederations (we're talking about cultures where raiding was a huge part of the economy).

4. In my view, they'd be worried only in so far as there was a large force that had just wiped out another tribe and was coming their way, not 'cause they felt any sort of brotherly connection to them. I'll also question, as to why they wiped out the Carpetani in the first place, or why the Callaeci would provoke a dangerous enemy by sending a large raiding party south.

First of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to further clarify matters. Although I did research the various tribes and read as much as I could it is apparent that I am no expert. Your knowledge is superb and I am humbled that you would take the time to explain the dynamics of the time.

1. Do not worry about it. I have learned alot from your post so your contribution is important. I am not offended whatsoever. You live in the region and I live in the USA. I have traveled to Iberia on two occasions but that hardly makes me an expert.

2. I have read that there are two camps on the origins of the Lusitani. One group suggest what you suggest that they migrated others say that they have always resided there. I sided with the later camp to make it seem like they had been pushed out of their lands, and that they had not migrated there themselves.

3. Complexity of relationships is difficult to show in a video game. Since they bordered each other I knew there was a common bond.

4. I would have asked them to join my confederacy of tribes, and clearly they would have since I could have easily destroyed them. However EB does not allow that and you must conquer to gain allies with the Eletheroi. Its regretful but its the only way to achieve territory gains.

Again I have done my best to try and make it seem as realistic as possible. But the constrains of the game has forced me to warp my view a bit. Overall though since you are a native how do you like the AAR?

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 14:22

@Tomo: Go for it. They are hella fun to play with :)
@Selukeia: 16! I would have never guessed. And you are absolutely right. Typically books bring more to a story than a movie could even dream of
@Overweightninja: compared to the Ptolemaic AAR I am moving at light speed LOL. Like I said earlier my fingers have been on a typing frenzy. This faction is so fun to play. Let me know what you think old friend.

Sarcasm

02-07-2008, 21:29

[/B]

First of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to further clarify matters. Although I did research the various tribes and read as much as I could it is apparent that I am no expert. Your knowledge is superb and I am humbled that you would take the time to explain the dynamics of the time.

1. Do not worry about it. I have learned alot from your post so your contribution is important. I am not offended whatsoever. You live in the region and I live in the USA. I have traveled to Iberia on two occasions but that hardly makes me an expert.

2. I have read that there are two camps on the origins of the Lusitani. One group suggest what you suggest that they migrated others say that they have always resided there. I sided with the later camp to make it seem like they had been pushed out of their lands, and that they had not migrated there themselves.

3. Complexity of relationships is difficult to show in a video game. Since they bordered each other I knew there was a common bond.

4. I would have asked them to join my confederacy of tribes, and clearly they would have since I could have easily destroyed them. However EB does not allow that and you must conquer to gain allies with the Eletheroi. Its regretful but its the only way to achieve territory gains.

Again I have done my best to try and make it seem as realistic as possible. But the constrains of the game has forced me to warp my view a bit. Overall though since you are a native how do you like the AAR?

1. I'm glad you're not. I wouldn't have contributed if I didn't think the AAR was good. Being from the area hardly makes you an expert, believe me :beam: nationalistic tendencies are still pretty much rampant, even in the academic community.

2. Indeed, and there's even more than those two. I for one happen to believe that the migration hypothesis is the most plausible, after-all Celts displaced a shitload of people...an Indo-European (proto-Celtic) migration from around the Alps would certainly explain a lot more of the process than other theories. It would explain:

- why a relatively homogeneous Bronze age culture that was located there suddenly ceased to exist except in the Atlantic context, before any significant Celtic migrations had been attested in the area (replaced by the 8th century);

- why the Celtic elements within the Lusitani are either very early, or very late;

- why certain authors point to a Ligurian influence in the language;

3, 4. Sure, it's pretty good. BTW, Allied governors are always a nice way to portray such situations.

Be sure to let me know if anything seems inadequate.

The Wandering Scholar

02-07-2008, 21:45

Ahh so thats why you are up on the topic, you Lusitania man, you

Chirurgeon

02-07-2008, 23:39

Sarcasm

02-08-2008, 01:00

3, 4. Sure, it's pretty good. BTW, Allied governors are always a nice way to portray such situations.

Are you referring to something like a daughter that could be married to the king of the tribe just conquered?

Not necessarily, though it's certainly not impossible. Looking at historical examples, Virathos took a wife from a submitted area, the daughter of a rich landowner, Astoplas.

Simple vassalage wouldn't be too uncommon or even a sort of forced alliance (vettones, callaecians and carpetanians regularly took part of the confrontations as confederates, under the Lusitani). Simple alliances also existed, such as those with the celtiberians.

Ahh so thats why you are up on the topic, you Lusitania man, you

Heh...well it does make it easier to access local information. Not a lot of foreigners studying the subject, though there are a surprising number of French and Germans.

CaesarAugustus

02-08-2008, 01:07

Chirurgeon

02-08-2008, 02:28

Wow! So many updates in such a short time! I was going to save this AAR to read on Friday, imagine my surprise when I see it has already grown to five chapters. I see you've been hard at work, Chirurgeon...

This is absolutely amazing so far, I love the perspective you are telling the story from, reminds me of those novels by Ross Leckie...

Be sure to tell us when you release your first novel, I will be first in line to buy it when it hits the shelves! :2thumbsup: :balloon2:
Thank you sir you are too kind. I appreciate the support. Believe it or not I plan on posting a chapter a day. Each chapter is basically a year in game time, sometimes two. What books has he written if you don't mind me asking?

Chirurgeon

02-08-2008, 02:48

Chapter VI: Distant Thunder

Winter 548 YAF (266 BC)
With the fall of Tyde, and subsequent retreat of the Celtic tribes in the area, a new peace took hold. Trade reached an even greater level than before. Oxtraca became a hub of trade for many things. Mounts, livestock, precious metals, and timber topped the list. Baikor and Sucum murgi began an era of renewed prosperity after the strife of the last few years.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VI-4.jpg

With the greater security an increased flow of Punic merchants began to make their way into the interior and begin exploiting the vast resources of the interior. Precious metals were ample in the mountains. Trade with the Celts was effectively suspended. And worse they lost contact with the trading colonies of Mastia and Gader. There were ports in Arse and Emporia but the inland areas were virtually cut off. So to remedy the situation and re-establish their economy they took to raiding the mines that were close to Celtiberia. The Celts that lived in the center of the peninsula and further north experience a population explosion. This was not due to prosperity but rather war. A steady stream of refugees moved out of the recently occupied areas seeking shelter in the north and east of the Peninsula. This put added strain on their means to feed and deal with the influx. The raiding into Lusitania was likely a symptom of the hard times the Celts were experiencing. And it was not just Iberia where the Celts were hard pressed. A Celtic civil war was underway north of the Pyranees that created refugees of their own.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/faction_banner_03arv.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/CrossedSwords.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/faction_banner_01aed.jpg
Certainly some of those people looking to escape might migrate to Iberia. All of this stress was no doubt making the Celts feel resentful over their recent fate. If the raiding continued Latronos would have to put an end to it. The loss of money and infuriated merchants would hound him relentlessly.
***
My father having turned 55 had a second home built in the hills outside of Gader. With my contacts with the Lusitani I was able to make friends with a number of nobles who had interests in trade. Many of the nobles were getting rich fast as the end of conflicts with the Celts opened up new opportunities. The slave trade was particularly profitable as Celts continued to be rounded up in the vast regions that the Lusitannans now held sway over. Kart Hadastim was thirsty for fresh labor having expanded their own holdings in Africa. The vast estates on Sicliy consumed slaves like a starving man at a feast. With the discounted prices he recieved from my friends and the higher price Kart-Hadastim was fetching his profit was remarkable. My mother and father both enjoyed being grandparents. As I was their only child it gave them great pride to see another one. Anastadae was again with child. Our reunion over the peaceful year, and subsequent intimacy has produced another seed.
***
The King and his family has also expanded:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VI-1.jpg
His eldest son, who is acting as governor of Baikor and Sucum-Murgi, has turned into quite the miner.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VI-3.jpg
He also has a second son that is about 16 years younger. The Kings brother, Ditalkos has two boys both under the age of 10. Ditalkos is the apparent heir to the throne. He is also the Governor of what has become one of the most powerful cities in the peninsula: Oxtraca.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VI-2.jpg
The young men have been sent to academy in Gader to gain a basic education. Although it is not what a typical Phonecian child would call an education, it is better than what they would have recieved otherwise. The Punic influence over the Lusitani is profound and vice versa. The interconnectedness of these two cultures shows how trade and prosperity can unite two seemingly distant groups. It is a fascinating example of codependence, and I have been fortunate enough to witness it first hand.

Theodotos I

02-08-2008, 16:21

I've been busy the last week and haven't been able to catch up with this, but the perspective of the first three chapters really reminded me of the Pax Germanicus AAR I read a few months back. Hmm, wonder what happened to it?

The Wandering Scholar

02-08-2008, 16:59

A nice little informative chapter Chirur :clown:

General Appo

02-08-2008, 17:08

Nice. I like it that you make some shorter more informative chapters every once in a while. Hope to see a update soon.

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 00:41

@Theodotus I: Yes that was a good one. Wasn't that the one where the Roman winds up in Germania? If it is I remember it.
@Tomo: Thank you. There is a lull in the fighting I thought I would do some backround update
@General Appo: Compared to my other AARs these chapters are really short. I always tested the 50 picture limit per post. I think between MAA's AAR and my own we tried to crash the servers lol!

The Wandering Scholar

02-09-2008, 00:44

I always tested the 50 picture limit per post. I think between MAA's AAR and my own we tried to crash the servers lol!
what is this rule?

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 00:59

Chapter VII: Raiders

Winter 549 YAF (265 BC)
With the spring thaw came a renewed attempt to steal the Lusitani possesions. Members of the many displaced tribes were raiding into Lusitannan territory looking for those precious metals that cover the region. Specifically the Precious metals in the mines in and around the Douro river valley. King Latronos led a huge army into Celtiberia where the Arevaci tribe ruled. We spent the bulk of the year purging the border region of Celts. Burning villages and moving the Celts closer to their capital city of Numantia. The men have been nervous for most of the expedition. Having roamed deep into the forests of this region it was possible that we could be cut off.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Celtiberia3.jpg

The bard Ludac tells me that the Arevaci came here about 300 years ago and intermarried with our ancestors. This region had extensive contact with the Lusitani and many spoke the language. However many of the inhabitants were fair skined. This was an Indication of their origin further north beyond the great Pyranees. Some of the men familiar with this region noted the huge influx of people living in the various villages. No doubt having been displaced from the Lusitani earlier actions. Latronos tried over the course of the year to create a buffer between Celtiberia and Lustania. Its effectiveness is yet to be seen. This "invasion" has brought up some philosophical questions that I have been pondering for quite some time. One of them is how far should this war go? At what point does it end? Do the Celts have just as much a right to be here as the Lusitani? How do you distinguish between Iberians and Celts? The latter question being complicated by the intermarrying of tribes. I should hope to put these questions to the good king, but I do not think his answers will be satisfactory.
***
I didn't have to ask him. His younger brother, Ditalkos came to Celtiberia to discuss the future of this "war" the king was waging. In a heated discussion the heir to the throne did everything except challenge the king directly. The King seemed to indicate that this purging would end when the Arevaci tribe surrendered. Ditalkos said they would never surrender and the Celts had been gathering their allies in a defense of what they called their homeland. Ditalkos insisted it could end badly for the Lusitani should we press further into the peninsula. Should an army be raised they would likely outnumber the army the Lusitani had brought into this region. It ended with the Kings brother leaving somewhat dissapointed. He wished for the Arevaci to join a Lusitani confederation but Latronos dismissed that as nonsense.
***
The land is breathtaking. The Duero river continues to snake its way east.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Celtiberia1.jpg
Apparently the tall mountains in the distance being its origin. Vast forests cover the valley floors.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Celtiberia6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Celtiberia7.jpg

The trees have an almost surreal appearance. Their leaves blowing with the slightest winds.

I have sketched as much of this beauty as allowed. The hunting has been good. The men have combed the the vast woodlands and have found all sorts of game. The king was determined to find the source of the raiders and the city of Numantia kept entering the equation. The Punic and Lusitani nobles and merchants were pressuring him to do something about the constant raids that was hurting trade. He determined that Numantia was to submit to Lusitani rule. It was the only way to guarantee the stop to the raiding.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Celtiberia5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Celtiberia2.jpg

Chaotix

02-09-2008, 01:26

Great AAR! And with an update every day (that's crazy, unprecedented!), I won't have to wait very long between chapters!

The Wandering Scholar

02-09-2008, 01:33

Man, you are firing these out :balloon::balloon:

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 01:48

Not to give away anything prematurely. Those of you that have saught to capture Numantia while its still Elethoroi get a nasty surprise...
@chaotix27: Thanks :) I figure small doses is good.
@tomo: A chapter a day...thats what I promised. We will see If I can keep this up :sweatdrop:

TWFanatic

02-09-2008, 02:07

Man, you are firing these out :balloon::balloon:
Indeed, you're fast. Very fast.

Keep pounding away on that Celtic scum. :smash:

CaesarAugustus

02-09-2008, 02:25

What books has he written if you don't mind me asking?

I was referring to the excellent Carthage trilogy by Ross Leckie. The first book is from the viewpoint of Hannibal, the second from Scipio Africanus, and the third from a fictional geographer. A great series worth rereading IMO.

Great update, as usual Chirurgeon. But might I ask why you took your Romani AAR out of your sig?

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 03:15

I was referring to the excellent Carthage trilogy by Ross Leckie. The first book is from the viewpoint of Hannibal, the second from Scipio Africanus, and the third from a fictional geographer. A great series worth rereading IMO.

Great update, as usual Chirurgeon. But might I ask why you took your Romani AAR out of your sig?

The signature only allows so many lines of text. I could not fit it all in. Any suggestions?

Mouzafphaerre

02-09-2008, 04:35

.

The signature only allows so many lines of text. I could not fit it all in. Any suggestions?
Use hyperlinks instead of text + URL. Such as:

Witness the Rise of Carthage (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=89425)
The Ptolemies: An AAR (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=95163)
Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=98784)

Code:

Witness the Rise of Carthage (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=89425)
The Ptolemies: An AAR (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=95163)
Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=98784)

Tip: In order for them to open in the same window, use the thread or post codes instead of URL:

Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR

Code:

Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR

:bow:
.

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 04:41

Thank you sir!

Mouzafphaerre

02-09-2008, 05:29

.
My pleasure! :bow:
.

julius_caesar_the_first

02-09-2008, 10:23

The Wandering Scholar

02-09-2008, 13:32

I suppose he has been in Lusitan so long he has forgot where home is. It has been so long since he lived at home he considers it a holiday.

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 14:27

Reading the last few chapters I kept noticing that your character is referring to the Lusitanni as "we" rather than "they". Does this mean that he is starting to consider himself Lusitanni or am I just interpreting this the wrong way?

And of course congratulations for the great update.:2thumbsup:

I was wondering when someone was going to notice that. In my proofreading I found these and started to change it to they then I realized that would be silly. He is tied to the Lusitani through marriage. And his son is part Lusitani. Referring to we instead of they shows his emotional attachment to the culture. He will always be Punic but now he has a real connection with the people he has been following.

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 14:34

I was referring to the excellent Carthage trilogy by Ross Leckie. The first book is from the viewpoint of Hannibal, the second from Scipio Africanus, and the third from a fictional geographer. A great series worth rereading IMO.

Great update, as usual Chirurgeon. But might I ask why you took your Romani AAR out of your sig?
Very cool. I did read a book called "Hannibal" that was quite excellent. Do not remember the author though.

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 14:51

Chapter VIII: The Tempest of Battle
Spring 550 YAF (264 BC)

We spent winter quarters of 549 in camp along the Duoro. Here the men could fish and hunt and we add access to clean water. The spring came later than usual and we set out from winter quarters with the city of Numantia on our minds. King Latronos did not know its exact location but it was known to lie on the Duoro. We marched east through more beautiful country. Finally in the late spring we found the city and the King began siege operations.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-1.jpg
Located on a hill this city would be a tough one to capture. The residents were quite prepared. Early in the summer rumors of a huge army under a man named Moskun began to circulate. Your typical rank and file infantryman tends to exaggerate the sizes of armies but this particular one seemed quite large. Manpower for such a force would not be unfathomable due to the fact that so many Celts and Iberians had been displaced to this region. By the middle of summer it was in fact true. Scouts came back to the siege operations, their mounts breathless and sweating. "The Arevaci are coming. They are here. And they are huge." That was about all I heard and it was enough. The king decided it would be wise to pullback to a wooded area outside of the city. This would enable him to use the trees to his advantage. Everyone knew that this was no garrison. These were determined men and armed to the teeth. It would be a long and bloody day.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-4.jpg
(Unfortunately I have no picture of Moskun and his big ass army)
***
The next morning at dawn, Latronos aligned his army so that the main battle line of spearmen were largely obscured by the forest. There are clear advantages to fighting in a wooded area. One is surprise and concealment. Your enemy would not know how large of a force, and where that force is located. However this cuts both ways. Latronos would be at a disadvantage because he would also not know the extent of the enemy. Behind the spearmen he placed his skirmishers. It was thought that with the numerical superiority that the enemy would descend on us with great speed. This was partially true. Their skirmisher cavalry arrived before our army was in position and a small javelin exchange ensued.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-5.jpg

Soon foot skirmisher much like the ones from Galicia began hurling their javelins. There were some casualties but nothing major. Moskun was looking for a weakness, or at the least the flanks of the battle line. He located the left flank and soon their men began to descend on it. Mostly light, hastily raised, militia. Nonetheless they were a threat because of their numbers. It was at this point that the king ordered a peculiar move. He had all the levied skirmishers move in front of the main line to engage the Iberians as they approached our own main line.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-6.jpg
He also ordered that they hold their ground as long as humanly possible. To men that had small shields and no armor this was a daunting task.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-7.jpg
As the skirmishers moved forward I sat on my mount and began to draw what I could of the battlefield before all hell broke loose.
It would be some time before I would know their fate. I suppose when they came running back through the main line that would be my answer. While I waited the fate of the skirmishers, I trotted over to the left flank to see how the king was faring. Knowing that the Iberians had not located the right end of the battle line, in the thickness of the woods, he diverted reinforcements all to the left. These were a sort of light troop but a ferocious one. Expert in the use of javelins and the brutally effective falcata, these men were to be feared. The king and his body guard pummeled the light troops trying to break the left flank.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-9.jpg
Soon the light swordsmen were routing the militia. The situation became quite chaotic and the screams of men running for their lives filled the forest. At this point it is difficult to know what happened exactly. I would later find out that the king, with the support of his light troops pursued the men through the woods and ran into the rear of some Iberians that had engaged the levied skirmishers.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-10.jpg
Unbenounced to me or anyone except the skirmishers, there was a brutal fight going on where the skirmishers were somehow holding off the entire center of the main battle line of the Iberians.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-8.jpg
They were bending under the pressure and being pushed backwards towards the center of our line. The appearance of the king with the light infantry, and the subsequent collision in the woods, caused some of the Iberians to break and run back towards the city. Whether this was blind luck, or a strategy is debateable, however the effect was the same. Clearly Latronos saw an opportunity to rout the enemy before they could even engage with our own spearmen, and seized it. However the king with his light infantry eventually ran into more determined foes and wisely pulled back. All the skirmishers began to fall back as well.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-11.jpg

During the course of this heroic fight in front of the lines some of the enemy managed to get behind our lines and were now poised to attack the rear of the main line. This could be disastrous. With an unknown number of Iberians and celts coming at the main battle line he could not move those men. He had to take his exhausted skirmishers, light troops, and himself to try and turn the enemy at the rear.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-12.jpg

It was going well until an errant spear felled the horse of King Latronos. I witnessed his cold death as spears punched at him on the ground.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-14.jpg

At the same time some of the northern skirmishers we had encountered in Galici hurled thier weapons into the rear of the men that just saw the death of their king. It was too much to handle. The men threw down their weapons and ran for their lives.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-16.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/VIII-15.jpg
I heard war screams and the collision of shields and spears as the Arevaci and others plowed into our main line. This was a defining moment for me. Would I abandon the situation and run for my life? Indeed that is exactly what I did. I turned my horse around and made for the river. I passed the men that were fleeing and left the cacophony of battle behind me. I followed the men that escaped to the river and walked until darkness. We made camp and prayed that we could make it back to friendly lands. All I could think of was returning home and seeing my family again.

General Appo

02-09-2008, 16:39

The General

02-09-2008, 17:14

Nooo! Latronos is dead, his army in dissarray and Lusotana in the gravest of perils. Damn those evil Celts, damn them.
Will Ditalkos be able to take back the initiative, or his all hope lost for the Lusotannians?
Answers to this, and more, in the next episode of Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR!

Another nice update, yay.

General Appo

02-09-2008, 18:56

Answers to this, and more, in the next episode of Iberia Rising: A Lusitannan AAR!.

Same EB forum, same AAR thread.
Truly, a episode a day is a great and noble achievment, but if some rest is needed then no readers should object.

White_eyes:D

02-09-2008, 19:13

Not to give away anything prematurely. Those of you that have saught to capture Numantia while its still Elethoroi get a nasty surprise...
Moskun and his big ass army

I guess that's the nasty surprise, man that blows as those damn Elethoroi always help if they have big enough number of men:furious3: .
BTW love this AAR keep it up Chirurgeon:2thumbsup: :clown:

Wolfman

02-09-2008, 19:33

:sobs: King Latranos is dead The King is Dead, Long live the King. :growls and mutters: Now lets get back to the Action and send that celtic Swine back to the Slime pits they come from!

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 19:41

Thank you all for the support. It is not that bad doing it in small bits. The last chapter was pretty intense and took some time but I am several chapters ahead. I have enough stuff written up to post one chapter each day till the middle of next week.
Update again tomorrow morning :)

julius_caesar_the_first

02-09-2008, 19:44

I guess you can't win'em all. Congratulations for another great update as well as for the great timing:applause:. With all the angry celtic refugees it was only a matter of time until they fought back. The way this turned out it ads a huge dose of realism and a touch of suspense as to what will happen next.

He will always be Punic but now he has a real connection with the people he has been following.

When Carthage and the Lusitanni eventually go to war he will have to make a very difficult choice. I don't envy him at all:no:.

Chirurgeon

02-09-2008, 22:24

I guess you can't win'em all. Congratulations for another great update as well as for the great timing:applause:. With all the angry celtic refugees it was only a matter of time until they fought back. The way this turned out it ads a huge dose of realism and a touch of suspense as to what will happen next.

When Carthage and the Lusitanni eventually go to war he will have to make a very difficult choice. I don't envy him at all:no:.

Yes it did add a dose of realism. Tomorrow morning I will put up the next chapter. So stay tuned! War forces people to make agonizing decisions, hence we should avoid it at all costs

johnhughthom

02-09-2008, 22:32

Why is it defeats make AARs so much better? That battle sounded like my worst EB nightmare, I use general cam and avoid forested areas like the plague as it's almost impossible to keep control of your entire army.

Mouzafphaerre

02-10-2008, 02:29

.
Damn Arevaci! They had cost me a good general too, thankfully while the king was resting in Galaecia and the prince dealing with other matters. What's more, it was them who had ambushed my general heading towards his fief with no hostile intentions whatsoever!

:2thumbsup:
.

Basileus Seleukeia

02-10-2008, 14:52

Oh, King "Latrinos" is dead! But fret thee not, I think Chirurgeon has one neat heir ready to jump in and be even more astounding:clown:

Chirurgeon

02-10-2008, 16:26

Chapter IX: Reunion
Summer, 550 YAF (264 BC)
Our freedom did not last long. Just before dawn we were discovered and I awoke to a spear tip in my face. I spoke to the man in Punic knowing that the Lusitannan language was probably not the most cherished by these people. Clearly he was taken aback and called the men over and they inspected me. Before the battle I dressed in Punic attire. This separated me from the rest of the men. I also wore my best necklace and of course my family ring. My treatment was the same though. My hands were bound and we were forced to walk upstream towards Numantia. My captors did not speak to us and my Celtic was so weak I had really no Idea what they were saying. I spent that night bound to a tree and slept quite poorly.
***
Early the next day we were awoken and marched into Numantia. It was a formidable presence on this plain by the river. Sitting on top of a hill we were taken to a makeshift prison where I spent the next few days in filth. The men learned that they were to be executed. I kept looking around trying to see if there were others that had been captured. Perhaps the entire army had been destroyed? Save for us of course. Eventually the gate to my cage was opened and I was escorted to the modest but comfortable looking home of the Chieftain. He gave me a quick look over. Before he spoke.
"What is a Punic man of wealth and power doing with an army of the Lusitani?" He demanded.
I had to choose my words carefully. I did not need to upset this man that clearly was on the edge of being angry. "My lord my name is Castulo of Kart-Hadastim. I am a traveling historian documenting the people, conflict, and history of this land."
He grunted. "You must be very busy then." He looked at me again and told the guards to untie me. I was quite grateful.
"I have heard of you Castulo. I took it upon myself to read what you have wrote. My Punic is terrible but from what I can tell you have quite the tale to tell."
He walked around the room rubbing his chin clearly thinking. I felt my eyes nervously following him.
"I read that you had contact with some of our people. A particular merchant named Videllac."
Suddenly I was extremely curious. Why was he saying all this? I had thought Videllac had perished. Somehow the old goat still lives.
"This Videllac is one of the reasons we still have goods flowing into Numantia from the land routes around Arse." He let out a sigh and then explained that the governor of the city of Arse, Epaphos, was a cutthroat merchant who saw the war between the Iberians/Celts/Lusitani as a way of making a lot of money. He was charging a huge surcharge on all goods passing through his territory knowing that the tribes were too weak to resist. Merchants protested and when the people of Celtiberia could not afford the expensive goods the trade dried up. Videllac however knew this chieftain and gave him a break. "Something about saving his ass in a fight or something." He replied gruffly.
"Videllac is but one man that can not supply all our needs. We have a trade agreement with Emporia but the goods we need from Mastia and Gader simply will not come. With the war in the lands north of the Pyrenees it has been hard to get anything. I know that Kart-Hadastim has what we need. I just need a way to convince them to trade."
I was standing there and I felt myself getting irritated. What was he going on for? Where did I come into this discussion.
"The governor of Mastia, Hasdrubal, is a friend of yours yes?" He asked casually
"Well not a friend but he is a good friend of my father." I replied honestly.
"That should be good enough." He smiled and then continued. "Kart Hadastim is at war in two places. They are fighting the Numidians in Africa and the Romani of Italy." It is well known that they are in need of Iron for weapons, shields and armor. The Galici have iron but not to the extent we do. Their mines are not as advanced as our own. I propose to trade our vast quantities of Iron with Mastia. The governor of Mastia, Hasdrubal, will gain much confidence with that Senate of Kart-Hadastim. I want a trade agreement arranged. Videllac has the means to transport the goods and you my friend will negotiate and secure as much silver coin as possible. With fresh coin I can hire another huge army to defeat the Lusitani when they return."
I looked at the man with a quizzical look on my face. "Another army my lord? Your first one seemed quite able."
He looked at me and then at some of the guards in the room. "You have no idea do you?" I sat there quietly. "After your king fell moments later, Mosgun, fell as well. The army was leaderless and so was yours. The two sides beat on each other for a while but eventually it grew late and our army made a retreat back here to the city. The damned Lusitani carried the day!"
I was dumbstruck. I ran away from a victorious army? How did they win? By the gods I should have never doubted the men. I suddenly felt terrible and ashamed. I also felt great pride for the men that prevailed.
First Battle of Numantia Part Two:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IX-8.jpg

Major events during the battle:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/BattleofNumantia.jpg
Video of the Battle:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=FirstBattleofNumantia.flv

"Enough of that. That battle is a nasty stain on our history. Videllac is on his way back from Arse as we speak. I understand you helped him find his family?"
"Yes I did". My mind wondered back to that day I helped him dig in the mass grave around his village, looking for his family.
"An honorable thing to do. His family now resides here in Numantia under the eye of the Arevaci. They are safe now."
I smiled to myself as he said this but then my smile faded with the next statement. "Should you think of running away when you get back to Mastia, know that his family will be forfeit. Videllac will lose his family if you betray us."
I felt my mouth go dry as he uttered those words. I have already lost honor by fleeing a battle. I could not endure any more by abandoning a friend.
"I will not abandon you sir. You have my word."
"Very well Castulo. You can use the cottage in the back for your own needs. You must make haste to Mastia with the iron."
"Sir If I may ask another question?"
He nodded. "Of course"
"How do I manage to convince the leader of Arse not to charge an exorbitant amount of silver to pass through his lands?"
He raised his eyebrows. "A good question. I am not sure. Your a smart educated man. This should prove to be a worthy challenge for you"

Chirurgeon

02-10-2008, 16:31

@Johnhughthom: I had hoped to use the forest to make it chaotic for the enemy. Plus the Lusitani get a combat bonus for fighting in the woods. Might as well give them the best chance possible. Most players of EB are used to winning. So losing is a rare twist. Although in this case I didnt lose. The gods favored me somehow.
@Mouza: yes the Arevaci are a pain but I wanted to roleplay the Celtic defense. I think it worked out pretty good. That battle added so much to the story.
@Selukia: Ditalkos is a much different man than Latronos. This becomes apparent later on.

Hooahguy

02-10-2008, 16:32

VERY NICE! that battle had me on the edge of my seat!

Chirurgeon

02-10-2008, 16:48

VERY NICE! that battle had me on the edge of my seat!

Tell me about it!! Had they found the end of the right flank I would have been screwed. I was able to move everything over to the left flank and prevent a catastrophe. I pounded a beer after that battle.

Leão magno

02-10-2008, 18:13

Impressive as always! What a battle! it could become a movie!!!! By the way, no cavalry yet?

Chirurgeon

02-10-2008, 18:31

Impressive as always! What a battle! it could become a movie!!!! By the way, no cavalry yet?

I haven't been able to train any as my MICs are not high enough level yet. Cavalry will come however. I am only 10 years into the campaign :)

General Appo

02-10-2008, 19:19

Incredible! I was sure that Latronos army would be completely destroyed after his death and the rout of the light troops and cavalry.
Great story, please keep it up.

White_eyes:D

02-10-2008, 20:59

Tell me about it!! Had they found the end of the right flank I would have been screwed. I was able to move everything over to the left flank and prevent a catastrophe. I pounded a beer after that battle.

After winning such a HUGE battle anyone would want a beer,~:cheers:

johnhughthom

02-10-2008, 22:51

Chirurgeon

02-11-2008, 01:56

I notice you only had one unit of Belearic slingers Chirurgeon, is that a house rule or all you could recruit? Just curious as I have a one unit of slingers per stack house rule myself.
Latronos must have killed a lot of men before he died, 770 casualties inflicted by his unit, very impressive. :bow:
Its not a house rule but I probably will stick with just one for now. The Skirmishers from Iberia are very effective. I have been using four units of them to whittle down the enemy. Very effective. And as you can tell from the last battle they held their own against more superior infantry. Yes Latronos routed a bunch of militia. With 240 soldiers in each unit it wouldn't take long to add up the kills. Thanks for following!!

Leão magno

02-11-2008, 02:57

Can not wait for a conflict with Carthage!

TWFanatic

02-11-2008, 03:36

Dang he's fast! Five pages already.

Hooahguy

02-11-2008, 03:42

ya- i just have 3 and mines been around twice as long, lol

Chirurgeon

02-11-2008, 03:46

Can not wait for a conflict with Carthage!
I can...Castulo will be pulled between two worlds when that happens...:frown:

Chirurgeon

02-11-2008, 03:52

ya- i just have 3 and mines been around twice as long, lol

Not sure why because its funny as hell! I just left another comment. I am waiting your war with Macedon. I am curious how you are going to do it...tie a leash around that Epirote stack and drag it to Pella and turn it loose?

Hooahguy

02-11-2008, 04:08

Not sure why because its funny as hell! I just left another comment. I am waiting your war with Macedon. I am curious how you are going to do it...tie a leash around that Epirote stack and drag it to Pella and turn it loose?
i plan on doing just that- the makedonian full stack and epierote stack are about 1 turn away from each other- let them kill each other,thn i go in....

Hooahguy

02-11-2008, 04:24

wait.... i just thought of an amazing new plot..... hehehe....

Wolfman

02-11-2008, 06:25

Yes We have been avenged!! The mighty soldiers of the Lusitan have triumphed again but at a bitter cost. Good update Chirurgeon!!! I hope that the new king is not as bloodthirsty as Latronos was. I tire of senseless slaughter. If we are to slaughter them needlessly that makes us no better than their ancestors whom displaced us from our rightful lands. Perhaps you could represent in the game the celts were allowed to travel back to gaul in peace. Or those that envisioned a united Iberian state joined the Lusitanian Army!

Reality=Chaos

02-11-2008, 11:27

Wow That was a very very nice plot twist you pulled on us there, chirgueon. Poor Catulo, how the hell is he going to get out of this new mess? I'm burning with anticipation to read more. Your AAR writing is just getting better and better. And I already thought it was awesome after The sands of Africa. I like the fact that you are now incorporating the 'rebel' provinces in your political story. It makes for extra believability (if that is even a word). Of course keeping track of politics on the small level is more difficult if you play one of the larger empires, simply because there are so many eleutheroi. Well that was my 2 cents for now. Now get me another update, I'm going cold turkey here:sweatdrop: (not really though, The speed of updating in this AAR is really awesome as well)

Chirurgeon

02-11-2008, 14:40

Chirurgeon

02-11-2008, 14:43

johnhughthom

02-11-2008, 16:33

I can...Castulo will be pulled between two worlds when that happens...:frown:

Thats what's going to make the war with Carthage so interesting to read when it happens, you will have a lot of scope for some creative storytelling. Personally I would like the war to happen further down the line so it was his son as our "war correspondent," he would be even more torn over which side he was on.

Theodotos I

02-11-2008, 17:43

The movies are good, they have beautiful landscapes, but there is nothing like reading the books and using your imagination. Besides, reading the books after having seen the movies can still be a lot of fun, as a lot of things are toally different in the movies. I have only read 5 chapters of "The Fellowship", but there are already countless things that didn't make it into the movies or were changed, so, it's still a great read.
Besides, you don't have to call me Sir, I'm just 16 you know...:beam::clown:
:laugh4: And here I figured ol' Basil was at least fifty-five!

The Wandering Scholar

02-12-2008, 00:44

Chirur, Chirur, Chirur :bow:

Chirurgeon

02-12-2008, 01:08

Chapter X: Business Dealings
Late Summer 550 YAF (264 BC)
We left the next morning and made good time in getting to the coast. Following the rivers the coast was not too far. The main river was the Ebro. This was a great river like the Duoro.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/X-5.jpg
It separated the Lacetani from the Edetani. It was gorgeous and we spent a considerable time following the ancient road that seemed to chase it to the sea. It was good to see the great sea again. The roads on the coast were not as good. In several places we had to repair the roads. Our caravan consisted of 100 of the Chieftain's best soldiers and 12 wagons brimming with Iron. Each wagon seemed to weigh as much as a mountain. Hasdrubal would hopefully be excited. I prayed that Kalamus was right about Carthage needing iron. Half of the men were on horse. The rest walked. I had ample time to talk to Videllac. I talked to him about what the Chieftain told me about his family. He knew. He also trusted me. He had no reason to mistrust my actions. Thus far I had been as loyal as anyone had asked. We stopped short of the territory that Arse had influence over.
"What now Videllac replied? A few more miles and we will run into a village that will contain the agents of Epaphos."
Epaphos "The Cutthroat":
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/X-2.jpg

I knew I must travel ahead without the cargo. I had to go to Mastia and convince Hasdrubal to trade with the Celtiberians.
"I must go on alone. He might take one of the wagons or something as a fee. We cannot afford that." I sighed and looked down.
Videllac looked up at me. "You will be fine. Take some coin and six of these men with you. I know of some caves west of here down a small but negotiable road. We can wait there for your return."
"Don't worry my friend I will return. I just wished there was a ship I could have taken to Mastia. It would be much faster." I stated.
He nodded in agreement and handed me the reins to the horse. "Good luck Castulo and I hope to see you soon."
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XI-4.jpg
(Thanks to Sassem for this photo)
***
Without the cargo we made lightning speed. When I arrived at the city of Arse I was waved through because I told them I was a relative of Hasdrubal and I had important state business to attend to. The men apparently wanted no trouble with Kart-Hadastim. I had made some false papers with various signatures that was on the finest paper. It worked perfectly. I arrived in Mastia and propositioned the palace for a time to be heard. Apparently it would take a week but I managed to get the court counsel to talk to Hasdrubal and he would see me first thing the next morning. I was put up in the palace and prepared myself for the meeting the next day. I penned a letter to my father, mother, and Anastadae. I told them I was well and would return as soon as I was able.
The next day I met with Hasdrubal.
"Castulo you amaze me! Your father thought you had died in the battle around Numantia. It is good to know that you are alive and well." He smiled exuberantly.
"Yes the battle was very chaotic and some of the men fled for fear that all was lost. I was swept up in the rout. I regret it now but I could not have known at the time."
"Indeed. Battles are messy affairs. So why did you come here instead of returning to Oxtraca?"
I explained how I got to be in the position I was currently in and Hasdrubal was entranced by the story.
"Amazing. Absolutely amazing!" He shook his head. "The gods have a higher purpose for you it would seem."
I laughed. "I think luck has a higher purpose for me." We both laughed and I settled into discussing the predicament of the Celtiberians and the need for fresh iron for the wars that were being waged. Hasdrubal was very open and listened intently. I told him of the situation with Videllac's family. He of course knew Videllac as he was an accomplished merchant and transporter of goods. After I finished Hasdrubal rubbed the arm of his chair for a few moments deep in thought. He looked at me finally and gave me a quick nod.
"Up to this point I have avoided getting involved with the war north of here. It has always been our stance in letting the tribes sort out their differences. However, the fact remains that we are at war with two enemies. We have been using the new mines in Galicia, due to the 'opening up' of that province by the Lusitani, but they just are not producing that much. Plus getting it here has been tenuous at best. With Videllac running the transport aspect we can hope to get some iron soon. I hope for the first shipment soon."
He prepared to leave and I begged him to stay a moment later. "We have a problem with the Edetani north of here." Hasdrubal laughed. "That damn Epaphos is skimming the traders again?" he asked lightly.
"Gouging is more like it" I said coldly.
"Very well. I will prepare an edict declaring that any interference in shipments to Mastia or from Mastia would be considered an act of war." He then added another statement. "I think I will take my army out for a stroll. Perhaps I will travel north and gaze into that beautiful land of my neighbor." He smiled and then stated that he had pressing business to attend to. I was given my papers and the next morning set out north. I passed scores of Liby-Phonecian and Libyan infantry as I made my way back to Videllac. As Hasdrubal promised the army of Mastia was marching north. I was concerned that Hasdrubal would annex Arse regardless of what happened. Perhaps he had his reason for attacking the city. I hoped I had not been the catalyst to a bigger problem. Needless to say I made it to Videllac without any problems.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XI-3.jpg
(Thanks to Sassem for this photo)
***
The soldiers of Arse on the road actually helped to move the carts south and offered all sorts of things to us. Suddenly we were like brothers to these people. Amazing what a piece of paper and an army will do. We arrived in the merchant quarter of Mastia and the traders looked at the iron with nods of approval. They looked at several samples and began discussing a price. We left with nearly twice the coin we thought we would get. Terrible weather in the fall delayed us as we trudged north. Videllac looked around as we entered the border with Edetania and noted the huge influx of Phoenician troops. They were beginning to build a massive fort. "What's stopping them from marching right to Arse?" He asked satirically. I looked at all the busy men felling trees and moving stones for their fort, "Only themselves I suppose." We made it back to Numantia with chest upon chest of silver coin. Kalamus would be able to hire more men than he would no what to do with. The Chieftain was happy but he wanted to make sure that this was not a one time deal. As winter set in preparations were made to turn Celtiberia into a major mining operation. I was still a hostage here but felt much better knowing that I had brokered a deal that would ensure the survival of the family of a man I had grown quite close to.

CaesarAugustus

02-12-2008, 01:27

Great update. That first picture of the Ebro is absolutely beautiful. I must go visit Spain one day...

Chaotix

02-12-2008, 04:07

I haven't been able to to read this for a few days, so I just caught up on the last 3 chapters. The plot has taken an interesting turn. This AAR is great, Chirurgeon, keep it up!

Chirurgeon

02-12-2008, 05:54

I haven't been able to to read this for a few days, so I just caught up on the last 3 chapters. The plot has taken an interesting turn. This AAR is great, Chirurgeon, keep it up!

Thank you Chaotix. Your input is always welcomed. I hope the balance is right between "action" chapters and more "backround" chapters. I don't always have an enemy to fight each year so there is some downtime in the fighting.

The Wandering Scholar

02-12-2008, 14:45

I'm interested to see how you can get your character to record the battles of the Lusitann again. Or how you are going do do it. very good work!

Chirurgeon

02-12-2008, 17:35

Chapter XI: Approaching Wrath
Spring 551 (263 BC)
With the onset of spring Videllac and myself made another journey to Mastia with huge loads of Iron. The winter was particulary long and as a result much Iron had been accumulated. As we made our way back in the early summer we began hearing rumors of another Lusitani army making their way to Celtiberia. "Your friends just don't give up do they?" I remember Videllac asking me. I could only shake my head at what could happen. "Videllac, old friend, you should get your family out of there." I told him.
"I wish I could. My fate is sealed. If Numantia cannot resist another siege than I will have to accept the outcome. I would rather die fighting and with my family than run away abandoning them."
"Ditalkos will be furious about the death of his brother. His revenge will be great I am afraid." I replied grimly.
We both rode quietly north. Both of our fates were up in the air. Theoretically I could leave at this point. If Kalamus can not raise another army then Videllac and his family would likely perish in the fighting and bloody aftermath of purge. I looked over at the man I had grown close to. The hell with it I thought to myself. Whatever happened at least I had a good story written down.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XI-6.jpg
(photo courtesy of Sassem)
***
We arrived back in Numantia in the late summer. Because of the late onset of spring It would be very difficult to make another trip before winter. Kalamus ordered trade suspended and any man that could hold a weapon be paid and placed inside the city. This was a different city than I had left. All around preparations were underway. Ramparts were being repaired. Gates were reinforced. Javelins were being made at a feverish pitch. "I guess that army is more than a rumor Castulo." I nodded in silent agreement as I witnessed a city preparing for the worst. I later learned that the allies of the Arevaci would not respond a second time. Truly these people are on their own. Videllac was pressed into garrison duty and I was told to hide for my own survival. Apparently Kalamus wanted the upcoming battle to be documented. I nearly laughed. The enemy outnumbered the defenders 3-1. Rugged veterans who prevailed against all odds now saught their revenge for the death of their king. I looked around and realized I was likely seeing the last days of a city and culture. Gods how did I get here...and more importantly how was I to survive the upcoming battle? I planned on looking as Punic as possible. I almost felt like hanging a sign around my neck proclaiming who I was. I thought my best chance would be to hide with Videllac's family. It would be cowardly I admit but I might be able to survive and ensure the survival of his family. Videllac had a son who was 16. Lutros was his name. At the least I could keep his legacy alive.
***
By winter of 551 the Lusitani army was not far. Weather and terrain slowed them but by the spring they would be at the city. Final preparations were underway. The defenders trained in the cold. Many families in the countryside chose flight instead of fight. Fear once again grabbed the heart and soul of the Celtic tribes that called Iberia home. Foodstocks were piled into storage areas. Everything a city could do had been done. The city was like an anvil about to be struck by a giant hammer. The quiet would soon be shattered.
In the agony of waiting I was able to make some sketches and get an idea of who these people were. They lived in round houses and often with several attached to each other to form a small cluster with a central commune area.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Dailylife.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IberianHouses.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/IberianHouses2.jpg
The weapons of these people were tied the men themselves. When a warrior died they were often entombed with their weapons. The scale of warfare the Peninsula was seeing now meant that traditional funerary rites had been abandoned. With thousands of dead warriors it became impossible to bury each one individually. Instead their weapons were given appropriate burial but their bodies were burned. Again showing that a man's weapon was an extension of the man himself. It was well known that leaving corpses would result in terrible disease. The curse of the dead it would seem. Soon I feared the ground would once again be littered with bodies. The forest outside of town still contained the skeletons of that fateful battle over a year ago. It seemed as if the spirits of those men were watching to see what would happen.

Chirurgeon

02-12-2008, 17:39

Great update. That first picture of the Ebro is absolutely beautiful. I must go visit Spain one day...

Yes I went there two summers ago. Went to Barcelona and Madrid. Unfortunately I got food poisoning in Barcelona so I was curled up in a ball for most of the train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. I wish I had looked out of the window more.

I'm interested to see how you can get your character to record the battles of the Lusitann again. Or how you are going do do it. very good work!
Its hard to escape war...it seems to come to people.

Theodotos I

02-12-2008, 18:40

And it only gets better! I gotta say, though, I never ran into that massive stack near Numantia :inquisitive: . Maybe it's because I was playing as Kart-hadast on M/M, but I never saw it. And it was still Eleutheroi.
Anyway, I think that people like an AAR with defeats better for the same reason more people enjoy a book where the main character goes through a hard time--since most people struggle through their lives, they have very little sympathy for a character who's got it easy. Or who succeeds all the time. Catulo will certainly be torn in two when you start going after his native country. Looking forward to more. :yes:

The General

02-12-2008, 20:17

And they just keep on coming...

... And don't take that as if I were objecting, 'ell no!

Theodotos I

02-13-2008, 18:37

Chirur, Chirur, Chirur :bow:
Amen!

Chirurgeon

02-13-2008, 23:45

Chapter XII: Compassionate Revenge
In the late spring of 552 (262 BC) The Lusitani had begun siege operations against the city. It was agony not knowing when they would pour over the walls. Finally on a clear summer morning it happened.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-2.jpg

The ladders that had been stacked up were manned and from two sides they marched towards the wall. The Chief of the Arevaci, Kalamus, largely abandoned the walls and was going to fight in the streets.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-3.jpg

I felt this was foolish. The Lusitani spearmen could be seen ascending the walls virtually unchallenged. They gained control of the gatehouse and the towers and hurled javelins at the gathered Iberians before the gate.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-5.jpg

The Iberians retreated towards the center of town. Soon they were being pursued. I had no idea where Videllac was. I stayed with his family in his house and heard the screams outside as the men ran past. They were heading to the town square where final anniliation was to be.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-7.jpg
Kalamus charged into the rear of some of the men. He was an inept leader.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-8.jpg
Abandoning the walls before the fight even started? Clearly this man had not studied siege warfare. He didnt even try to stop the Iberians in the streets where he could have held them back. A waste of life is what this battle...no massacre was.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-10.jpg

It was over quickly enough.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-12.jpg

Video of the Capture of Numantia:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=FallofNumantia.flv
Now I felt the second massacre would begin. The death of the innocent. A knock at the door roused me from thought. Lutros looked at me fearfully. I opened the door. The Lusitani outside nodded their heads and advised us to send someone of the household to the town square in the morning for an important meeting. Lutros and I would both go. I could not help but to wonder what was to be. Videllac's family and myself were distraught. Maybe they would try to execute us when we arrived for the meeting. It was bad enough that Videllac had perished in terribly orchestrated defense of the city. Now the future of our own lives were up on the air.
***
I had to find out what was going on. A giant funeral pyre was burning near the center of town. I approached the guards to the hall of the chief and introduced myself in flawless Lusitani. They were astonished and looked at each other. I had taken care to make myself look as "Punic" as possible. I asked to see Ditalkos. I told them to tell them Castulo would like to speak to him. I waited for a moment and then Ditalkos appeared with a quizical look on his face.
"Gods your alive!"
"Yes I have been getting that a lot my lord" I replied frankly.
"What happened to you after the battle that took my brother?"
I went on to explain how the men routed and I followed them like anyone else had. He seemed to understand. I told him my documents had to survive because I needed to tell the story of Iberia. He nodded in agreement.
"Iberia has experienced a dark time dear Castulo. My brother was a harsh ruler. His methods only infuriated the enemy. I will be kind to the conquered. Or as kind as possible."
I nodded and let him continue "He was my brother and I could have killed everyone here just for causing his death. But alas these men did not kill him. He died by the hand of others and these people do not have to answer to that."
I was impressed. He was not going to kill the population.
"I will however punish the tribes that attacked him however. The Cantabri and Asturi both contributed warriors that aided in the attack." He stood there looking at me rubbing his chin. "Having said that my punishment will be modest. I will offer an alliance to those tribes. A chieftain will rule that I have chosen and they will have to pay money to our treasury. They will also have to contribute troops when I ask, but they will keep most of their independence." I was writing all this down and realized it was a big policy shift compared to Latronos. "They will be able to worship their gods and be able to go about their daily lives without interference."
He sighed and took a goblet of wine off of a nearby shelf. "My brother created so much hate amongst the Celts that had they not been fighting a civil war far to the north then they may very well had gathered their men and wiped us out. In the long run we will need the Celts to help us defend this land. Iberia has been fractured for too long. Celtic/Iberian/Celtiberian/Lusitani whatever you want to call us we have the same thing in common." I looked up from my writing. "And what is that my lord?"
"Iberia" He replied softly.
***
The next morning as promised a meeting was held. Ditalkos told the people he was going to unite Iberia under one banner. He told them that we may be different people but we fought for the same thing. The true outsiders lived beyond the Pyranees and the great sea. He stated that a day would come when foreigners from the north, and ships from afar would come through the mountain passes, and onto our beaches taking what we have all worked so hard to have. It was a rousing speech overall. The people were grateful they had not been killed. Someone had to lead and Ditalkos seemed to be as good as anyone else. In the back of my mind I was worried. Once Iberia was united what would be the fate of the colonies of Mastia and Gader? To truly be united under one banner would mean that these colonies would have to yield to the Lusitani? My people would never do that. They would fight and fight well for the right to stay. Perhaps I am exaggerating what Ditalkos meant. I hoped he considered the Punic colonies an integral part of Iberia. The Lusitani are a powerful tribe but to go against the Republic would be a huge mistake.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-13.jpg

Chirurgeon

02-14-2008, 00:08

After the Lusitani captured Numantia it was interesting to note that while I was doing research for this chapter I discovered that Numantia was destroyed by the Romans.
Here is a painting from the 1800s depicting its destruction:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/LastDayofNumantia.jpg
Here are the ruins today:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/numancia.jpg

Wolfman

02-14-2008, 04:38

General Appo

02-14-2008, 09:51

What!? No more genocide?! This is an outrage! But still, great story, keep it up.

Chirurgeon

02-14-2008, 17:35

Relieving update Chirurgeon! Relieving in the since that Ditalkos won't be following his brothers policy of ethnic cleansing :sweatdrop:. I've always been interested in numantia although I doubt they looked like that 19th century painting.

Its funny when you mentioned, in an earlier post, that you were tired of all the bloodshed I had made Ditalkos more compassionate. You seemed to have predicted things there. I doubt Numantia looked like that either. I just had not realized there was a painting about its fall. Update in a few hours :)

The Wandering Scholar

02-14-2008, 22:33

I can't wait for it!! Was the great man Marius at the siege of Numanthia with piggle wiggle and co?

Chirurgeon

02-15-2008, 19:39

Chapter XIII: Generations
Spring 553 YAF, (261 BC)

I accompanied a contingent of men heading back to Oxtraca. We left after the thaw and followed the Duoro back to Lusitania. Gods it felt good to see the familiar landmarks. The great plain stretched out before us. I arrived in Oxtraca and found my wife and her family. Anastadae cried for hours and so did I. It was all I could do not to think of her. She showed me my son, Ebudonus. My daughter had passed shortly after birth. However we were still young and could have more children. He was six years old. I realized I had missed half of his childhood. With my return I told Anastadae that my father had invited us to his estate. He was growing older. He was over 60 and wanted to spend time with us. The people of Oxtraca could scarcely believe I was alive. They thought for sure that I had been killed by the hands of the Arevaci. The kings son, Ambon, had left Baikor and was now the governor of Oxtraca.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIII-1.jpg
I was one year shy of 30 but still felt relatively young. I was not as assuming as I was when I was younger. Death and war had changed me. I appreciated all the small things and cherished my family immensely.
***
I spent the summer in the hills outside of Gader. My father informed me that the war against the Romani had stalemated and the Numidians continued their resistance. Overall the gains for the republic were minor. Hasdrubal was said to be eying the lands of the Edatani. My father felt that it would make a worthy addition to the republic. Secretly i thought it could bring us closer to a conflict. No doubt King Ditalkos would want that port in his hands. It would give the Lusitani access to the great sea. All the great ports would be available to him. As the Lusitani took over more lands their influence would continue to grow. The gnawing feeling of doom in the pits of my bowels would sometimes surface. I conveyed my feelings to my father on several occasions. However he felt that I had been tainted by a bunch of barbarians. Furious I told him my wife was Lusitani and my son! He said "And that is exactly why your judgement is clouded. Living amongst these tribes has weakened your love of the republic." I realized how hateful my father could be. I tried to put it behind me.
I had my son enrolled in academy in Gader and he excelled. I had a Lusitannan mercenary teach him how to use the javelin and other fighting skills. Of course Ebudonus thought it was just a game. As I watched him interact with the mercenary I realized that he could very well see a different world when he is my age. In the mean time I will do what I can to protect him from the cold world around us. Three generations of my family in one place was a rare and precious gift.
***
By the fall word had reached us that Hasdrubal had laid siege to the independent city of Arse. Apparantly Epaphos had pushed his luck too far. Now The Republic was going to make him pay for his mistake. This was clearly motivated by greed. Hasdrubal would gain status by claiming another important port for Kart-Hadastim. I will be leaving later this week and head to Asturia. Ditalkos was making on his promise of forcing the Asturii to join the Lusitani. As I ride north I have time to think about developments. The capture of Arse was not something I predicted. Not this soon anyways. What if they do not stop there? What if Hasdrubal starts to look at Emporia as new colony for Kart-Hadastim. Clearly Ditalkos wants a port on the great sea to help the trade of Iberia. Our provinces are landlocked and the ones that are on the coast have to pass their cargo through the Herculean Gates. I certainly remember how dangerous that was. Would Ditalkos try to stop The Republic's expansion? Terrible scenarios played out in my head. Hopefully when I joined the army in Asturia I would have a better idea.

Basileus Seleukeia

02-15-2008, 20:11

Chirurgeon

02-15-2008, 22:26

Wow, I've just been away one week with the theater-group of my school and now there is already a whole bunch of new chapters! Amazing ones they also are! I like Ditalkos. He's so much different than his brother.
Keep up the excellent work:2thumbsup:

Welcome back! Yes Ditalkos has a much more reasonable approach to unifying the lands. Latronos also had an approach to unification. His was just much more brutal. In the long run I think Ditalko's approach will work better.

Mouzafphaerre

02-15-2008, 23:30

.
It will have to. Because if things go similar to what happened in my campaign then you'll soon start running out of Lusitani ethnicity.

Now, I wish Dom Sarcasmo et al link the surnames to the ethnicities, as was done with the Romani. ~;) I'm eager to play another Lusotana campaign with tribal dynasties having their role. ~:)
.

The Wandering Scholar

02-15-2008, 23:56

Interesting update, what is your diplomatic stance between you and Kart-Hadastim?

General Appo

02-16-2008, 00:09

I´d guess neutral with Trade Rights, but I´m not certain. The story seems to imply that at least.
Anyway, great story. The Republic will be defeated by it´s own greed, fighting a war on two fronts is bad enough, but opening a third front when the other two are at a stalemate is just foolish.
I love how just in the end of the latest chapter he says "our provinces", you can see how he´s settling into his Lusitannan mode as he prepares to join Ditalkos.

Sarcasm

02-16-2008, 00:34

Mouzafphaerre

02-16-2008, 04:47

.

Selam, Mouz. That has been thought of actually, and so has been an effort to link the names of the son with their father's as well as their place of origin. Kind of like Ambon, son of Avaros of Segobriga. Unfortunately it's still on the To-Do list for EB1.

For EB2, this subject will probably be revisited, as my knowledge on the subject has a evolved quite a bit since the early 0.8 version in which the new names where first included. Hopefully everything in general will be a couple of notches more accurate than it was before.
Glad to hear you haven't given up, since I know it's not exactly a walk in the park. :yes: It may come out as late as it wishes to; I'll be right here. :2thumbsup:
.

Chirurgeon

02-16-2008, 07:17

Hehe, I was wondering when this would come up.

Selam, Mouz. That has been thought of actually, and so has been an effort to link the names of the son with their father's as well as their place of origin. Kind of like Ambon, son of Avaros of Segobriga. Unfortunately it's still on the To-Do list for EB1.

For EB2, this subject will probably be revisited, as my knowledge on the subject has a evolved quite a bit since the early 0.8 version in which the new names where first included. Hopefully everything in general will be a couple of notches more accurate than it was before.

BTW, roundhouses where not used in Numantia - that was a north-western thing. We have a pretty good idea of how their houses were built - square houses with 3 divisions, could have basements, with the low-third of the houses in rock, and the rest in adobe bricks, all covered in plaster; Small windows, one door, with wooden frames; the roof would be made of wooden beams, covered in thatch; On the exterior, there would be a low lying stone wall, much like modern fences.

You are absolutely right. I screwed that up royally. I had been reading about houses in Galicii and when I saved the pics I used it instead in the Chapter on Celtiberia. Once again my historical inaccuracies come through. Expect more of that though since I am not a historian/expert on Iberian Ancient History. I have only done about 10-20 hours of background research on this AAR so mistakes will be made.

here is a real picture of what the houses would have looked like:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/RealNumancia.jpg
Again my humble apologies.

Chirurgeon

02-16-2008, 07:20

The Wandering Scholar

02-16-2008, 15:07

A slight edit will be needed in post 162..

General Appo

02-16-2008, 15:19

Because of the F word? I don´t know about the current policy against it, but let me just say that I am not at all bothered with it, not that it counts for much. It´s not like Chirurgeon uses it a lot, so far I´ve only seen it once, and as long as one doesn´t overdo the usage of the word I don´t see a great problem with it. Not I´m in charge about those kind of matters.
Anyway, hope to see an update soon, great work so far.

Chirurgeon

02-16-2008, 16:31

I should not have posted that when I was drinking...lol. Any way I fixed it!

Chirurgeon

02-16-2008, 20:03

Chapter XIV: Asturia
Late Spring 554, (260 BC)
King Ditalkos asked the Asturians to join his alliance and they flat out refused. So in early summer the rams were pushed forward and began their destructive work.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-6.jpg

The spearmen gathered around the rams, awaiting the moment of breakthrough. Finally the wall broke and our skirmishers turned the sky dark with javelins.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-8.jpg

Each one seemingly intent on killing a man. Finally, with their javelins exhausted the men poured through and a drawn out fight occurred on the main path towards the center of the town. Pallantia was but a small town and its buildings were dilapidated. Led by fearless axemen they cut down many of the Lusitani.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/lus_asturian_axemen.gif
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-11.jpg

Finally they were surrounded and retreated wholesale to the center of town where each man fought to the death. We carried the day but many men were felled by these amazing, and determined warriors.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-14.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-15.jpg
Video of the Battle:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/?action=view&current=FallofPallantia.flv
An honorable funerary was provided as the men were cremated. Their essence carried on the smoke. With the town captured there was little to do except fix what was damaged. Some of the local men would form new men to replace the ones that were lost during the battle. Ditalkos also requested men from Numantia. They did not have the fierce training of the Lusitani but they would serve their purpose well.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/lus_milites.gif
A week after all the killing was finished King Ditalkos left to do something that was quite noteworthy. He was actually trying to re-establish many of the tribes his brother nearly destroyed. He met with emissaries of the various Celtic tribes and wanted a confederacy. The tribes would be granted a certain degree of autonomy. They would have to give money to Oxtraca and donate troops when asked, but they would remain independent. Each of the major tribes would have a representative that would be invited to spend winters in Oxtraca to make decisions that would allow the confederation to operate better. Any disputes were to be resolved. Each representative would have a vote. When the votes were tallied who ever had more would win. It was very simple but also very effective. The money was used in all the provinces as the tribal representatives saw fit. This idea was revolutionary. But a coming together of Iberians could have other ramifications. It took most of the year just to convince the five major tribes that had been conquered to attend the meeting with a representative.
***
In the fall it was learned that Arse and the province of Edetania had fallen to Hasdrubal. This was an expected development. What happened shortly afterward was not. Soon afterwards the army again marched north and by winter had attacked the city of Emporion. Inhabited by the Lacetani they pleaded with Ditalkos to stop the intrusion by the Republic. This quasi Greek/Celtic region is a fascinating blend between the old Greek colony of Emporion and the tribes of the surrounding countryside. Ditalkos said he could not jeopardize the alliance with kart Hadastim. The winter represented the first meeting of the tribes. This new organization became known as the "Iberian Confederacy". Although Ditalkos disagreed the other tribal representatives were torn as to what to do. The tribes present at the meeting were the Galicii, Lusitani, Asturii, Carpetani, Arevaci, and the Turdetanii . Each one having been conquered and now each one being restored to something better than extinction. Six tribes each having a say in the fate of Iberia. The pleading of the Lacetani was interpreted by the members of the confederation in different ways. One thing was for sure. They all knew that a war was at stake. The Lusitani, Turdetanii, Carpetani, and Arevaci voted to not interfere. The Galicii and Asturii voted for war. The final vote being 4-2. There was a unanimous decision however to write a letter of protest to Hadrubal. Another unanimous decision was made to march on the Cantabrians. These people resided at the foot of the Pyranees and were the eyes and ears of what was happening beyond the borders of Iberia. All members of the confederacy traded with more of a discount before. It was hoped that a better trade agreement with the Cantabrii would encourage them to join this nascent nation. Ditalkos privately cursed the Republic for marching on Emporion. His goal, as overheard at various meetings, was to unite Iberia and give her a port on the great sea. Now this was in jeopardy. One of the fundamental pillars of establishing the confederacy was to have at least one port that could ship the goods of Iberia. Although becoming more united the peoples of Iberia were almost completely dependent on the port cities of Kart-Hadastim to deliver their goods elsewhere. In each of these cities the taxes and fees were being raised due to the war with the Romani and the continued fighting with the tribes of Numidia and West Africa. Tensions were running high. The economies that were built on mutual trust were now threatened with greed and wars elsewhere.
***
Before the year was out I was told that my mother and father had passed. They had been getting older but it was still unexpected. I traveled to Gader to make all the arrangements. The house outside of Gader had been given to me upon my father's passing. Anastadae and Ebudonus were relocated to Gader from Oxtraca. I bought slaves to run the estate that was now producing wonderful olives. I also sent Videllac's son Lutros to Gader to work as a ship merchant. It was the least I could do considering the fate of his father. Like his father he had a natural talent for transporting goods and had good logistical skill. I had to do all these things in a short period of time. I rushed back north to Asturia just as winter was releasing its grip. Winter may be waning but the army of Iberia was stirring for another year of operations.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIV-16.jpg

General Appo

02-16-2008, 20:35

The Iberian Confederacy will rule... well, Iberia.
Nice evolvement, I just hope the Ladetani will prove strong enough to deter Hasdrubal´s army, though it seems unlikely. Great story, as always.

Mediolanicus

02-16-2008, 21:39

I'm truely loving this!

Thank you Chirurgeon, you are a great writer.

Chaotix

02-16-2008, 22:45

War with the Qarthadastim seems imminent... after all once the Lusitani take Cantabria they'll have nowhere else to expand. Will Castulo side with his homeland, or will he betray it to stay with his family? Things certainly seem to heating up... Great AAR, Chirurgeon!

CaesarAugustus

02-16-2008, 22:50

War with Kart-Hadast is inevitable, it's just a matter of time... Chirurgeon, how do you represent the tribal confederacy? As in, which Government types do you use for different parts of Iberia?

Leão magno

02-16-2008, 23:42

I can...Castulo will be pulled between two worlds when that happens...:frown:
Will Castulo de Back! Impressive, now I really can not wait!!!!:wall: :beam:

Wolfman

02-17-2008, 00:05

Good Update man! I can feel the political tension running off the paper! Lets hope that a peaceable solution is made between African and Iberian for i would loath to see such a war.

Sarcasm

02-17-2008, 01:08

Heh...sorry for being anal about this...so only open up if you're truly interested...

The house you posted is from Numantia, but it's a Roman-period one. The ones from the pre-Roman period would be somewhat similar, but still distinct:

https://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3115/numanciacasaceltibera1ps9.jpg

Chirurgeon

02-17-2008, 01:58

Yea yea like Rome had any influence in the world...*rolls eyes*

Sarcasm

02-17-2008, 02:50

Excuse me?

underthesun

02-17-2008, 04:18

Chirurgeon

02-17-2008, 07:42

Excuse me?

I was being ummm...Sarcastic :beam:

Chirurgeon

02-17-2008, 07:45

War with Kart-Hadast is inevitable, it's just a matter of time... Chirurgeon, how do you represent the tribal confederacy? As in, which Government types do you use for different parts of Iberia?

I'm not quite sure what you mean but so far I have built homeland governments.

Chirurgeon

02-17-2008, 07:48

Looking good. Just took a look at the Lusotannan VC. It looks like you're gonna have a slew of interesting campaigns. It looks like you'll need to sack pretty much the entire Numidian/Carthaginian coast, the Tuscan coast, and Rome.

And the Hibernian campaign should be interesting, too...

Now, when shall the Iberian Confederacy be dealing with those Punic squatters?

You know I have never actually achieved the Victory conditions in any of my campaigns. I sort of let the game mechanics do their thing. The Arverni are tearing it up north of me. I wonder when they will start to eye Iberia. Yea I noticed I am supposed to go to Ireland to win...weird. But because of the Historical Accuracy of EB I am sure there is a good reason. But gods i will have to face some major Casse resistance.

Mouzafphaerre

02-17-2008, 09:26

Basileus Seleukeia

02-17-2008, 13:27

Wow, Ditalkos is a really nice person. This chapter was especially good, even though there were no battles in it. That actually gives a new viewpoint on AARs: Why only building up tension via battles? Tension created through the background-story is as good, if not even better!
You should really write a novel, I would be one of the first to buy it:2thumbsup:

underthesun

02-17-2008, 14:06

Casse in Ireland? I've only played two campaigns, but I've yet to seem them conquer Wales, much less Ireland.

But then again, they do very well in some AARs...

Sarcasm

02-17-2008, 17:58

I was being ummm...Sarcastic :beam:

Ooookay...I know when I'm not wanted. Good luck with the AAR.

:coffeenews:

Mouzafphaerre

02-17-2008, 19:15

Ooookay...I know when I'm not wanted. Good luck with the AAR.

:coffeenews:
.
Somebody took something real wrong I'm afraid. :coffeenews:
.

Chirurgeon

02-17-2008, 20:27

.
Somebody took something real wrong I'm afraid. :coffeenews:
.
I PMed him and apologized. His input is valued. I was being sarcastic. :sorry:

Chirurgeon

02-17-2008, 20:31

.
Put very compressed, the Goidels of Ireland migrated from Iberia, which is the historical background.

Arverni will become a threat as soon as you end up sharing borders. But the two rebel settlements immediately N. of the Pyrenées are quite resistant. SSbQ may have already attacked you as I'm typing this. Finally, defeating the Casse has a relatively simple formula: Kill the chariots with fire arrows and cut down the routers.

Hehe, I like bragging about my Lusotannan campaign. :2thumbsup:
.
Ah ok I wonder when they migrated. Was it in the EB timeline?

Wow, Ditalkos is a really nice person. This chapter was especially good, even though there were no battles in it. That actually gives a new viewpoint on AARs: Why only building up tension via battles? Tension created through the background-story is as good, if not even better!
You should really write a novel, I would be one of the first to buy it:2thumbsup:

He is different than his predecessor. The backround story has actually gotten real interesting. I wasn't planning on using it so much, but now it makes sense. Its been hard to ignore the trials and tribulations of Castulo.

Casse in Ireland? I've only played two campaigns, but I've yet to seem them conquer Wales, much less Ireland.

But then again, they do very well in some AARs...
In my Ptolemy campaign and Sands of Africa they conquered the whole British Isles.

Basileus Seleukeia

02-17-2008, 20:42

Ah ok I wonder when they migrated. Was it in the EB timeline?
I think there's this new historical battle about Iberians invading Ireland and IIRC it says that it dates to ca. 100 bce.

Barry Soteiro

02-17-2008, 21:47

Ooookay...I know when I'm not wanted. Good luck with the AAR.

:coffeenews:

OOOH Drama Queen ! :drama2: :laugh4:

Chirurgeon

02-18-2008, 23:22

Chapter XV Cantabria
Spring 555 YAF (259 BC)

It is much colder here in Asturia. The winds howl off the coast to the north and spring has to fight harder to prevail over the winter. My wife is again with child. I pray that this child will live. The men are ready for the short march into the lands of the Cantabri. These people are more mysterious and tend to trade with the men beyond the mountains of the Pyrenees. They may not interact with the other tribes but their assistance is greatly needed should Iberia come under attack. Ditalkos met with their reclusive chieftain, Laros.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-4.jpg
He had hoped to bring the Cantabrii into the confederation, but once again pride is a great obstacle. Ditalkos walked away from the meeting tent shaking his head. "What a waste of good men. Today's slaughter could have been avoided.", I remember him saying.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-I.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-3.jpg

Their main settlement was so remote and the people so brazen against attack it did not even have walls.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-5.jpg

Outnumbered their men stormed out only to be greeted by a storm of javelins.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-6.jpg

Ditalkos let the skirmishers engage in some hand to hand combat and before he knew it they had routed the attackers. The young men that were skirmishers hoped to one day stand in the main battle line. But first they had to prove themselves. They charged into the retreating units and the reserves from the town met the skirmishers in bloody fighting.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-7.jpg

Ditalkos had the Militia lines move up next. They positioned themselves behind the fighting skirmishers and waited calmly for their orders. The skirmishers were ordered to retreat when they became exhausted. They ran through the militia on their way to safety. Apparently the town fighters from Vellika thought they were fleeing and charged right into an ubelievable number of airborne missiles.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-8.jpg
They fell by the dozens and began to retreat. The militia charged forward. Fierce fighting occurred near the entrance to the town. Laros lost his life and the remaining men fled.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-9.jpg
The fighting moved toward the center of town. Several times the Cantabrians rallied only to be broken and pursued. With a tough battle going on and the militia exhausted he had them retreat through the spearmen. The Lusitani veterans, who defeated Morkun, now faced an exhausted and demoralized enemy. The enemy attempted to pursue the militia only to be impalled again by the great javelins of the Lusitani veterans. The veterans moved forward and finally corraled the remaining men into the center of town where they perished.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-13.jpg

For the first time I had witnessed a different approach to battle. King Ditalkos was using his men in stages. Throughout the entire battle the enemy had to face fresh troops with the full compliment of projectile weapons. Using stronger and stronger men in each successive wave truly wore down the enemy. For people defending their town their losses were twice as high as ours. A true rarity when attacking a foe.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Cantabria3.jpg

***
During the hot summer word reached our camp outside of Numantia that Kart-Hadastim had been repelled from their siege of Emporion. But yet another army was prepared to cross the Ebro to engage them. The terrain was difficult and it would not be until next year that they would have the chance to lay siege. I hoped that Emporion would take the time to bolster their defenses. As we were so close to the tribes on the other side of the Pyranees word began to filter in about the conflict in that land. Two great powers in the region of Gaul were vying for supremacy. The Arverni confederation looked to be close to capturing the independent regions just on the other side of the mountains. Should that happen these new neighbors of the Iberian confederacy would hopefully embrace us as brothers.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Cantabria2.jpg

***
The winter of 555 YAF was spent in Oxtraca. The second council of tribes met and this time with a new member. The Cantabrii had "joined" the confederation. Ditalkos, as with the other conquered tribes, set about placing the Cantabrii into equal footing. They were given a vote. A motion was brought up to go to war with the Kart-Hadastim before they could capture Emporion. With seven tribes voting it was much closer this time. The Lusitanii, Turdetanii, Carpetanii, amd Arevacii voted against war. The Galicii, Asturii, and the Cantabrii voted for war. Only the narrowest of margins separated peace from chaos.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/Cantabria1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XV-14.jpg

General Appo

02-18-2008, 23:29

Chaotix

02-19-2008, 02:50

Chirurgeon

02-19-2008, 05:02

I can hardly wait for the next chapter! I can see now that your territory is growing it's taking longer for you to complete chapters. Can we still expect a new update every day?
(It doesn't really matter to me, more time taken means better quality!)

Probably not...I started playing Lord of The Rings Online...more like Lord of The Crack Online...Alot of fun but time consuming...I have another chapter that will be up tomorrow or Wednesday. Things are getting very interesting in the campaign for sure...thanks for your continued support

Gaivs

02-19-2008, 05:32

Looking good there Chirurgeon, I've always liked your aar's, you have a distinct style, and with the pictures you add it all works well.

Wolfman

02-19-2008, 08:02

Iberia! Look upon her unrivaled beauty! And her fierce proud children who fight and die for her glorious name and cause those who would curse her to rot in their own filth! (weeps for joy) WEIRD POETIC MODE OFF! This last update was amazing Chirurgeon! I actually felt like i was one of the soldiers fighting amongst the ranks! And I felt a sense of pride seeing our soldiers win such a glorious victory! Keep up the good work!

Theodotos I

02-19-2008, 20:14

Can't wait till I've got time to read this. Somebody's been hitting those keys pretty hard lately. :dizzy2: I won't say who.
Keep going, man. I've got a lot to catch up on here, but it looks great. :yes:

Chirurgeon

02-20-2008, 00:26

What will happen now? If they do not fight the Karthasdim, then who will they fight? Surely the tribes of Iberia requires a war to keep them united, and surely a port is needed to gain the wealth required to wage such a war.
Great story.
There is a growing movement for a war against Kart-Hadastim. The cold irony of uniting Iberia brings these two cultures closer to collision.

Looking good there Chirurgeon, I've always liked your aar's, you have a distinct style, and with the pictures you add it all works well.

Thank you sir and i appreciate your input. I am glad you like the pictures :) Cantabria looks stunning!

Iberia! Look upon her unrivaled beauty! And her fierce proud children who fight and die for her glorious name and cause those who would curse her to rot in their own filth! (weeps for joy) WEIRD POETIC MODE OFF! This last update was amazing Chirurgeon! I actually felt like i was one of the soldiers fighting amongst the ranks! And I felt a sense of pride seeing our soldiers win such a glorious victory! Keep up the good work!

Its good to have a cheerleader behind me. :yes: I am glad you felt as one of the soldiers. The fighting prowess of these men is awesome.

Wolfman

02-20-2008, 04:14

Yes it is! Their fighting prowess IMHO is only matched by the Feirce men from the dark forest of the North (smiles darkly)!

TWFanatic

02-20-2008, 21:11

Dang I missed a week. I have a lot of reading to catch up on. :book:

Chirurgeon

02-21-2008, 19:36

Chapter XVI A Desperate Plea

Spring 556 YAF (258 BC)
With the defeat of the Cantabria tribe a restless peace settled across the land. The men that made up the army wished to be disbanded. They had taken an oath to Ditalkos to serve if any of the Iberian confederate members were to be attacked. The second army laid siege to Emporion. The Laditani again pleaded for aide but again the confederacy did not want to risk open war with Kart-Hadastim. I began to think that Hasdrubal did not know the magnitude of the crisis. How close we were to war. Perhaps he did.
***
I made a decision to visit Hasdrubal to beg for his withdraw from Emporion. He was still in winter quarters in Arse when I was given the chance to speak with him. I needed to hear it from him. I had to know that he knew the magnitude of the crisis.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XVI-1.jpg

He greeted me warmly and invited me to dinner. The city was much different than when i passed here with Videllac. Gods that seems like an eternity. So much has happened since then. A huge banquet was to be had for new merchant contracts had come to fruition and the city of Arse was to be rich. It was fast becoming a booming port city. The comfortable palace had been built on a small tongue of land that jutted into the Meditereanean. I hastily purchased some attire for the banquet. Having spent so much time with the tribes I had forgotten my formal nature. After all I was the son of a distinguished senator. Many would consider me nobility. And at my age I should begin to pursue my senate career. I realized that with a little ambition I could have a glorious life in Kart-Hadastim. Hasdrubal would certainly endorse me. He is most popular since the capture of Arse.
"Ahhh my good friend that carries the luck of the gods, Castulo", he says to me as I walk in.
"My lord it is good to see you." I nod politely.
We sat at the table and were entertained by musicians and dancers. The men talked about the potential of Iberia as if it were a flank from an animal after the kill. Who would get what part. Which part would be richer. As I looked around it became apparent that Iberia would be the new focus of The Republic's expansion. Gods what has happened? Talk of increasing the tarriffs at the ports persisted to force the tribes to stop trading. "When the trade ceases, thats when the armies will move in.", One man next to me said. I found myself becoming furious but also fearful. I had a family to watch over. I had a young boy and an infant daughter. My father's estate in Gader was making more silver from the olives and other fruits that grew in the rich soils. What would happen to Lutros, Videllacs son. He has secured a job on a trade ship that makes frequent runs all up and down the Iberian coast and to the Balearic Isles. Should war break out will the Punic crew turn on him like dogs? As I sat there and felt my appetite wane i suddenly felt the urgent need for more wine. Soon my head was comfortable again and the talk of war and expansion did not resonate so loudly. After the meal many of the men left to go see their women or whores, Hasdrubal took a walk in the gardens around the newly constructed palace.
"Have you come to walk with me dear Castulo?" He asked.
"Yes my lord I have some things to discuss with you if its ok" I replied formally
"Indeed you do. I knew you had come for a good reason. A man that is so close to the tribes can bring valuable information. What are the tribes up to these days?" He looked at me as he asked this.
"Ditalkos has unified the tribes. They stand behind him 100%, as far as I can tell. They have an annual meeting in Oxtraca where they discuss trade agreements and the general course of the confederacy."
"Remarkable! I would have never guessed that tribes were capable. So now Ditalkos is a very powerful man. He commands the armies of the tribes." He rubbed his chin as we slowly followed the path through the garden. Night flowers were emerging and the stars filled the sky with pinpoints of light. It was a key moment in my life. The wine held my thoughts together. A rumbling developed in my stomach and my mouth was becoming dry. My hands began to sweat as I realized the magnitude of what I was dealing with.
"Sir in their annual meeting last year four of the tribes wished peace and non-interferance in the pleading of the tribes of Emporion." I took a deep breath, "But three of them voted for open war against the Republic." Hasdrubal stopped walking and looked at me. "Sir we are but a hairs breadth from war. Clearly that would destroy all trade coming out of the Iberian Peninsula." I had hoped such a profound statement would joggle his sense.
"Do you think they will strike at us first?" He asked with a concerned tone.
"If the tariffs increase and the miners, smelters, and other tradesmen dependent on that income continue to get less of a cut, I can see them doing it." I said in a controlled but slightly exasperated tone.
I continued, "We all have a vested interest in peace my lord. You have cities to protect and the citizens of Kart-Hadastim. I have a family outside of Gader, and we all have friends that are tied to the tribes. War, in my opinion, must be avoided."
"Indeed I do not doubt your stance. Like I said many times. War is a messy business. There are no rules and the innocent suffer." He seemed to look ahead with a thoughtful gaze. "What can Hasdrubal do to avoid war?"
"Ditalkos promised the confederacy a port on the Mediterranean. As you know all their current ports require the ships to travel a very long and circuitous route to get to distant ports. Because of that distance the only trade partner that is within range of those ports is the Kart-Hadastim. A port on the Mediterranean would enable the confederacy to diversify their trading partners." I took a deep breath and finished my response to his original question of avoiding war. "Ditalkos wanted to use Arse as a major port. However we are now walking on that possibility." He smiled seemingly proud in his latest acquisition for the republic. "However the port city of Emporion was a new possibility as they were still independent. Now the army of the Republic is trying to change that. Ditalkos had promised a port and now that is unlikely."
Hasdrubal seemed alarmed at what I was telling him but he shook his head in quiet frustration. "Castulo there are things in motion I cannot stop. War in other places has driven us to this end. The taxes and tariffs will continue to increase." He sighed before continuing. He looked at me intently. "The senate in Kart-Hadastim has passed a new measure authorizing Punic merchants to directly control the mines of Iberia. The want to make sure that the maximum amount of metal can be extracted. And they will not have to pay the tribes if the merchants are running things." I suddenly felt dizzy. My ears were ringing. "Sir that would be the catalyst for war!"
"I am well aware of that." he said quietly. "It is not up to me to determine the fate of Iberia Castulo. Old men in robes in a city thousands of miles away are deciding things."
There was a silence after that statement that resonated louder than any noise. I stood in quiet disbelief. My thoughts were interrupted when he changed the subject.
"Castulo I would like for you to stay here in Arse for the rest of the year. When the winter winds come and the ships are forced into the safety of port then you can leave. I would like you to write the senators personally and express to them what you have expressed to me. With the unification of the tribes war here would be a very bloody and drawn out affair. Convince them it is not worth it. I also have other duties for you. I would pay you twice the normal amount for such things." I nodded and told him I would help. I was no soldier. My sword was a pen and my shield was fragile paper. It was the least I could do to try and stem the tide of war.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XVI-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XVI-4.jpg

***
I spent the remainder of the summer in Arse. I wrote letters to all the powerful senators of Kart-Hadastim informing them of the gravity of the situation. I felt like I was in battle. Each pen stroke like a sword slicing at the enemy. I put all I had into the writing. Hours I spent hunched over a desk using the only weapon I had to prevent war. One day I received a letter to the garrison commander at Gader. The young scribe that brought it to me said that Hasdrubal wanted two copies of it. One for himself and one for the archives housed in Mastia. He said it was urgent that it be copied perfectly and with great haste. As I read it I figured it was another powerful maritime merchant with gripe about issues with Gader. Clearly it was not. The details are not important but the essence was. Hasdrubal had discovered that the army of Iberia had been disbanded because all the tribes were unified. He also knew, through my admittance, that a winter meeting was held every year in Oxtraca. The letter authorized the commander of the garrison in Gader to take a significant force and sack Oxtraca during the meeting so as to fracture the confederacy.
I sat there in disbelief. I had been used to get information. Hasdrubal used me as a pawn. Gods I have been betrayed by my own people. I had to do something. I could not sit here while shadows prepared for an assault. Hasdrubal was gone. He headed north to be with the army as it laid siege to the exhausted city of Emporion. I penned the letters as he said but snuck out of the city with some merchants heading to Numantia delivering coin from a recent shipment of Iron. I prayed that Ditalkos was still in the city. If I was too late then he would be in Oxtraca and I may not be able to warn him.
***
I arrived two days before he was to leave. I showed him a copy of the letter that Hadrubal had penned. Ditalkos was furious. You could almost feel the heat of anger smoldering inside of him. He prepared his bodyguard to ride to all the major cities of the confederacy. They were to stop the meeting from occuring. More importantly they carried expressed orders to summon the men of Iberia. War was upon us. The cities of Iberia were no longer making goods for trade. The weapons of war were being forged. It would take the better part of a year to get the army in place. I had urgent business of my own to take care of. I had to get my family out of Gader.
I could not side with Hasdrubal. I could not side with my own people who had betrayed me. The fate of myself and my family was tied directly to the fate of Iberia. What happened to the tribes in this upcoming war would happen to me. I was now inexoribately tied to their destiny. Whatever it may be. With great haste I left the frigid confines of winter and sped south as quick as my mount could take me.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XVI-3.jpg

underthesun

02-21-2008, 21:03

Brilliant installment, I must say. I love the backstory for this war, really gives you a feel for the maverick, vigilante nature of Carthaginian Iberia.

The Wandering Scholar

02-21-2008, 21:49

woohoo! great advancements!

Mouzafphaerre

02-23-2008, 11:56

.
Great twist. :2thumbsup:

For sake of nitpicking:

Kart-Hadst: Carthago
Kart-Hadastim: Carthaginians
.

Chirurgeon

02-23-2008, 14:52

.
Great twist. :2thumbsup:

For sake of nitpicking:

Kart-Hadst: Carthago
Kart-Hadastim: Carthaginians
.

Thanks I always wondered about that

The Wandering Scholar

02-23-2008, 15:09

Chirur, have you ever posted outside of an AAR?

Chirurgeon

02-23-2008, 19:05

I have posted in other peoples AARS and have done some posts in the general area but pretty much hang out in the AAR forum :)

Wolfman

02-23-2008, 19:39

So war at last come upon us. It is a sad day for Iberia :shame:. Moving update Chirurgeon! I could feel the rage and fear Castulo felt from betrayal. I just pray that you don't decide to kill off his family?!

Reality=Chaos

02-24-2008, 03:11

Poor naive Castulo. Betrayed by his own people. Doomed to write of his countrymen who will no doubt fall under rains of Iberian javelins. Another great installment. You've really got the hang of this more Novel-like aproach. I think this is your greatest AAR so far. The war for Iberia is on. Now let's just hope that those pesky Averni keep to their agreement.

CaesarAugustus

02-25-2008, 00:56

Yes Chirur, you've really hammered down AAR writing to a fine art. I would go as far as saying you are the best writer of AARs I've read... Do you post your works on the EB forum at the TWC as well? You should, or at least links to them here.

Theodotos I

02-25-2008, 16:39

Probably not...I started playing Lord of The Rings Online...more like Lord of The Crack Online...Alot of fun but time consuming...I
May thy bones be scattered, bleached-white across the mountains of Iberia for the sin of deceiving thy EB comrades! :laugh4:
Just kidding, watch out for the Carthaginians. In my Pahlava campaign I've been watching the western edge of the map and they've conquered all the way up into northern Gaul after losing their Sicilian provinces to Rome. It's about 199 BC and the Lusotannans are long gone. Keep up the excellent writing and good luck!

Chirurgeon

02-26-2008, 19:30

sorry folks I have been busy with real life. I have another installment coming up soon! And thanks for all the wonderful comments.

Chirurgeon

02-26-2008, 19:33

The Wandering Scholar

02-26-2008, 23:25

Probably are although TWC is more popular, oh wait ive just contradicted myself...

PersianFire

02-28-2008, 19:36

" :applause: Bravo Chirurgeon. I like the added effort that you have made into your AAR. To me, an AAR that stands out from the rest is one that apart from the pretty battle scene and pictures, sets out to give background of the nations/economies, the characters, plots and even sub-plots make them pretty exciting to read. It also sets up the anticipation for the next installment.

I understand that real life is busy, when can we expect the next installment?"

Wolfman

02-28-2008, 20:48

@Tom0
why are you still a junior member? you have almost 500 post.

Chirurgeon

02-29-2008, 00:57

Chirurgeon

03-01-2008, 23:06

Chapter XVII: The Price Of Betrayal
Spring 557 YAF (257 BC)

I drove my horse as fast as I could. Eventually I crossed int the region north of Gader and took the side road that led eventually to the great olive estates that had formed with the prosperity of the region. I crossed through huge fields of various crops and eventually saw the entrance to my own estate. Something was amiss. A tent was pitched to the side of the entrance and a vaguely distinguishable figure was messing with a small fire. He looked up at the sound of me and the horse and I recognized him immediately.
"Lutros! By the gods what are you doing here?" I was excited to see him but also knew that I had sent him ahead by ship to get my family out before Hasdrubal could punish them for my betrayal.
"Castulo you should get down from the horse." He said in a somber tone. I suddenly felt weak. I felt a tremor come over me. My mouth became dry and I could not speak. I felt nauseous and my ears rang terribly. I nearly passed out.
"My family?" I asked on the verge of desperation.
"My ship was waylaid in Palma to repair the mainsail. I could not get here. It took a week to fix. I am so sorry I wished I could have gotten here faster." He looked at me with tears in his eyes. His pain was just a small reflection of my own. I spurred the horse up the road with Lutros yelling and running behind me. I barely heard him. As the road wound up the hill I began to see the signs of devastation. Urns destroyed, trees burned, and olive trees ravaged. Finally I made it to the main house which had been gutted by fire. Only the walls remained. I slowed the horse to a walk and the great gardens in the front of the house had been torn up with plants and pots torn asunder. I was furious but soon my fury turned to searing pain. In front of me near the entrance to the house beneath a great fir tree were fashioned three stakes that had been pounded into the ground. They were about four feet apart and each one a different height. Made from trees of a light color the wood was now a dark crimson. I do not know how but i got off the horse and walked slowly with my hand outstretched in a desperate attempt to deal with the end of my world. An enormous pain wracked my entire being. A pain felt on all planes of my body. Each stake had been used to impale my family. Each stake a different size for the person to be impaled. My wife's was on the right with it being the largest. In the middle would have been the stake used for Ebudamus, with it being smaller in height and diameter. On the left was the smallest. Only two feet tall and barely wider than a thumb. My infant daughter would have been placed there. I fell down in front of the three stakes and began the most intensive outburst of physical emotion imaginable. I pounded the earth with my fists until they were bloody. I hit my head with those same bloodied hands in horrific agony. The suffering of my family had been immense. Impalement is a terrible way to die and their suffering was prolonged from the fact that the stakes were not long enough to penetrate the vital organs. it would have been a terribly slow death. I cursed all the gods and I felt my emotions turning every moment.
Finally Lutros, breathless from his run, found me and held me like a mother would hold a sick child. I was sick. My life was shattered. I cried until I ran out of tears. Exhausted I collapsed. I hoped I would die and slip from existence. As I succumbed to exhaustion I looked at the clay tablet that had been erected next to the stakes. A hastily scrawled message had been inscribed and it read : "For this is the price of betrayal".
Somehow Lutros convinced me to leave. He told me that we could not linger in this place. I did not argue but he had burned the bodies of my family shortly after he had arrived. We left the next morning and headed east toward Lutros's homeland south of Baikor. We followed the river as it wound through spectacular country. However my vision was now tainted with horrid agony. Beauty would be something very elusive for me.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/SouthernIberia2.jpg
***
In the early summer we arrived at the site of a new village that had replaced the one destroyed by Lutros long ago. Videllac's relatives had returned home with the more peaceful rein of Ditalkos. They welcomed Lutros as a son and a brother. I too was readily accepted. The Celtiberian tribes that inhabit this region had always been open to outsiders which enabled them to build a mini trade empire with their Punic neighbors. The pain that had consumed me over the last few months had been replaced with sadness and yet again was being replaced with hate. I could think of nothing more than strangling Hasdrubal. One day I hoped to get my revenge. I wanted to squeeze the very life out of him.
It was a time of recovery and the normal day to day runnings of the village somehow helped me with the healing process. At long last i realized that I had no coin. Somehow I would have to get money again. As soon as we left here we would need it to buy meals and eventually some place to live. The treasury below the estate had been ransacked and all the coin stolen. Many talents of silver left with the brutes that killed my family. It was then that I remembered something that happened a long time ago. Videllac and I had gone to his old village to look for his family. He carried with him a wagon of coin. Twenty talents if I remember correctly.
I burst out of the house and found Lutros. He told me his father buried it in the ruins on top of a hill not too far from here. He was as excited as I was and we left eager to dig up some long lost coin.
We found the ruins easily enough and beneath a statue that had two silver coins for eyes was the bounty. It had been buried for years videllacs clue was subtle but effective. We gave two talents to the village for their help, bought a wagon and mule for another talent and headed to Baikor. The city was much different than I remember. It had grown substantially and the farms extended even further out into the plains around the city. We connected with the main road and Lutros and I had made the decision to return to Oxtraca. At the very least I needed to tell Anastadae's family what had happened to her and our children. As we rode along the road we found ourselves traveling with many other Iberian men. All were heading to the capital.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/SouthernIberia1.jpg
There was a chieftain among them named Lugo and he knew who I was. "War is upon us Castulo. The fields around Oxtraca are swarming with men hell bent on the destruction of your republic." I was furious but managed to control myself. "I am no longer part of that Republic. Hasdrubal has forced me to take your side." I said firmly. He smiled "It is good to have you then. We would not want history to forget what we are going to do." I realized he was right of course. At this point i began to work aggresively at documenting the journey of these recruits. They were very young and on foot. They carried no armor, save for a shield, and their primary weapons were javelins. They were very proficient at using these and would no doubt prove useful in the coming conflict.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/lus_iberian_velites.gif

Lightly armed horsemen who rode bareback and also used javelins were accompanying the column of men. We were joined with even more men from Succum Murgi.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/lus_equites_caetratii.gif
Many of the men there were Lusitannan and as a result had different equipment than their more Celtic counterparts. Although we made good time another winter was upon us and we made a winter camp north and west of Sucum murgi near good fishing waters and forests full of game. In the spring we would continue our trek west until this group of men merged with the rest of the tribes.

PersianFire

03-01-2008, 23:27

"He's back. Great opening chapter."

CaesarAugustus

03-02-2008, 03:13

Great to have you back, Chirurgeon. Good entry, the fate of Castulo's family reminded me of Gladiator.

Chirurgeon

03-02-2008, 08:02

Great to have you back, Chirurgeon. Good entry, the fate of Castulo's family reminded me of Gladiator.

Yes indeed. This was the hardest chapter for me to write. I felt myself getting all emotional. I was going to make it a bit longer but I think you the readers will understand the point. I hope to have another update in a few days. Wasn't Maximus's family crucified?

The Wandering Scholar

03-02-2008, 17:04

I am brimming with excitement.

Chirurgeon

03-02-2008, 17:42

I am brimming with excitement.

I haven't seen you before so I welcome you and thanks for the comments :)

Hooahguy

03-02-2008, 21:18

THAT WAS AMAZING! sorry to hear about Castulo's family....
now i should get back to doing my AAR, but im too caught up in GRAW at the moment.....:shame:

CaesarAugustus

03-02-2008, 23:31

Wasn't Maximus's family crucified?

Indeed they were, in a rather disgusting scene where you could see his young son's blackened feet hanging down... compared to crucifixion impalement seems almost merciful. :no: BTW have you overcome your Lord of the Crack... er, Rings Online addiction, Chirur?

Chirurgeon

03-03-2008, 05:53

Wolfman

03-03-2008, 06:09

Indeed they were, in a rather disgusting scene where you could see his young son's blackened feet hanging down... compared to crucifixion impalement seems almost merciful. :no: BTW have you overcome your Lord of the Crack... er, Rings Online addiction, Chirur? I thought they were hanged from the tree in gladiator. Moving and Sad Update. Thats messed Chirurgeon man:no: I can't believe that you killed off his family. I could feel his pain and rage running off the page. I think its time Castulo picked up a trusty Falcata and rammed it through Hasdrubals Throat!

Theodotos I

03-03-2008, 20:12

Yes indeed. This was the hardest chapter for me to write. I felt myself getting all emotional.
The hardest, but the best. In my novel, I used something similar to drive my main character to the edge of breaking, of becoming something he didn't really want to be. It was quite effective, IMHO. Now I have to bring him back out, to redeem himself from darkness. I'll be interested to see where you take Castulo. Keep writing! :whip:

Chirurgeon

03-03-2008, 22:42

The hardest, but the best. In my novel, I used something similar to drive my main character to the edge of breaking, of becoming something he didn't really want to be. It was quite effective, IMHO. Now I have to bring him back out, to redeem himself from darkness. I'll be interested to see where you take Castulo. Keep writing! :whip:

OOOOOO a novelist. Would love to read that sometime. One way to deal with his reaction is to give him a higher purpose that transcends the loss of his family.

The Wandering Scholar

03-04-2008, 12:03

I haven't seen you before so I welcome you and thanks for the comments :)

I am tom0 (changed username to something more exciting :p)

...and avatar and signature :beam:

General Appo

03-04-2008, 20:24

He didn´t become member either because he never ventured outside the EB forum, or because he´s the champion of spammy one-liners.
Anyway, once again, great work Chirurgeon, and congrats to the award.

The Wandering Scholar

03-04-2008, 23:39

or because of the hofs?

Chirurgeon

03-05-2008, 18:34

Wolfman

03-06-2008, 01:03

Yes Congrasts Man! Unfortunatly I didn't get to vote :shame:

Chirurgeon

03-06-2008, 02:49

Chapter XVIII - The Journey to War
Spring 558 YAF (256 BC)
As the snow began to retreat upwards on the mountain peaks around us the order to break winter camp was given. We marched towards Oxtraca. As we came closer and the city appeared in the distance the normally clean air was smudged with smoke. Some of the men thought the city had been burned. As we crested the last knoll before the city and looked upon the plains that surrounded it the source of the smoke was quite evident. Hundreds of campfires and various cooking pits had been set up. The forests in the hills around the city wiped clean of anything that would burn. The smoke made the whole place take on a surreal appearance. Thousands of men had migrated here under the guidance of Ditalkos. As we marched down the crude road that led into the camp it revealed an organized layout with the various tribes having grouped together. The first tribe on our right were the Arevaci with their compliment of men and weapons. Next to them were the Cantabrii and their renowned skirmishers. Warriors from the Asturii tribe had gathered and made camp next to the Calecii. One of the largest contingents were the Lusitani themselves being a very dominant presence. They occupied most of the ground with a distinctive variety of soldiers. Lugo, the chieftain we met in Baikor, wound his way to the central tent of Ditalkos. He needed to know where to have his men camp. Lugo had brought light cavalry with him and they were a versatile group of fighters. An amalgam of men, smoke, and banners all united for a single cause. It was a true sight to behold.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/ChapterXVIII-2.jpg

Ditalkos embraced me like a brother and looked deep into my eyes. "Your loss of family pains me deeply. It saddens me that they were the first casualty in this war. Know that they did not die in vain and their deaths will soon be avenged." All I could do was nod. The numbing pain still fresh and easily brought forth. "It is good to have you back Castulo. We are leaving on a great journey for the peoples of Iberia." I stayed for a while but eventually went into the city to find Anastadaes family. They had been told of the death of my wife and children and also assumed I had perished. I did not have to tell them so I mourned with them. It was a painful but necessary step in my healing.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/ChapterXVIII-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/ChapterXVIII-5.jpg
***
By early summer the somewhat permanent feel of this camp began to melt away. Tents were dismantled and gear packed. For an army this size it was remarkable that the men traveled so lightly. No mules or baggage trains. Just the men with every thing they needed on their backs. Sheep and goat herders followed the army and sold their stock to the army at a reasonable price. The men of Iberia were adept at hunting and fishing. Smaller game were trapped. Not one man went through the march hungry. The speed of this great swarm of men was truly remarkable. By late summer we had descended into the area adjacent to Gader. The countryside emptied out with people flocking into the city for protection. The outlying tribes rebelled from Punic rule and sided with the Iberian Confederacy. Spies in the east learned of an army marching to meet us. Apparently it was hastily created. Kart-Hadastim did not have enough men or silver to raise a significant army. Ditalkos felt confident he could defeat this army. Over the course of the Autumn he began to tighten the noose around Gader. Crude ditches were dug and the plan was to wait out the city.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/ChapterXVIII-4.jpg

The garrison was small but Ditalkos wanted to beat Hasdrubal in battle. He wanted an early victory that would send the enemy reeling. I for one had an intense desire to see the man that ordered the death of my family. I had never been so eager for battle.
By the harvest all land routes out of the city were cut off. The port was quite distant and ultimately depended on the roads for supplies. The people of Gader had no where to go. It saddened me that it had come to this, but for most of my life I realized that this collision was unavoidable. It was like two ships moving headlong into each other. Neither would move. The closer the impact the more resistant to change until the hulls kissed in a violent collision. A collision had occured. Two cultures who gained so much from each other would now fight for the rights of this great land.
Ditalkos son, Arebasiko, was the eyes to our north.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/ChapterXVIII-1.jpg

The Arverni confederation were also on the warpath. Tribe after tribe to the north fell to their armies. Not too long ago our two peoples had forged an alliance and now trade was picking up. It was hoped that trade with our northern neighbors would offset the inevitable loss of income from Kart-Hadastim. Some of the tribes that lived near the Pyranees considered themselves more Celtic and were tempted to declare loyalty to the now powerful Arvernii Confederation. Arebasiko voiced his concern but Ditalkos was quite busy with the very real war that was building before our eyes.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/ChapterXVIII-6.jpg

Hooahguy

03-06-2008, 03:31

yay! war!

Justinian II

03-06-2008, 06:03

Man, this keeps getting better and better!

*waits at edge of seat*

White_eyes:D

03-06-2008, 07:36

Can't wait for the clash......:2thumbsup:
*pulls up chair, sits then has a beer and waits*:dizzy2:

The General

03-06-2008, 09:42

War, war, war!

*Chants*

CaesarAugustus

03-07-2008, 00:43

Finally! War! Kill! Maim! :charge::charge::charge:

Reality=Chaos

03-07-2008, 15:24

wow you almost made me cry with that very gladiatorlike chapter. Kill those phoenician scum! kill them till only Castulo is left.

Chirurgeon

03-07-2008, 15:58

yay! war!

Man, this keeps getting better and better!

*waits at edge of seat*

Can't wait for the clash......:2thumbsup:
*pulls up chair, sits then has a beer and waits*:dizzy2:

War, war, war!

*Chants*

Finally! War! Kill! Maim! :charge::charge::charge:

All these war chants my ears are ringing...

The Wandering Scholar

03-07-2008, 16:37

*sits next to white_eyes:D*

johnhughthom

03-07-2008, 19:52

Looking forward to the war with the Karthies finally starting, glad to hear you aren't forgetting about the Arverni, I can see a betrayal any time soon there.

Chaotix

03-08-2008, 06:12

Nice chapter! It's war time! Once you get all of Iberia under control, try sacking Qart-Hadast, too! (assuming you're not going to invade Africa and keep it...)

Theodotos I

03-08-2008, 16:32

OOOOOO a novelist. Would love to read that sometime. One way to deal with his reaction is to give him a higher purpose that transcends the loss of his family.

It's not published yet, but when it is, I'll reveal both it and my name on the forums. Unless, of course, the Guild objects to that as advertising, in which case I'll PM anyone interested. I've had a couple of things published, but I'm hardly a professional. Someday, someway. Keep writing!

Karo

03-08-2008, 17:26

It's not published yet, but when it is, I'll reveal both it and my name on the forums. Unless, of course, the Guild objects to that as advertising, in which case I'll PM anyone interested. I've had a couple of things published, but I'm hardly a professional. Someday, someway. Keep writing!
Can you tell me a little bit more about your novel that your writing

Chirurgeon

03-08-2008, 17:52

Chapter XIX - The Abyss of War
Spring 559 YAF (255 BC)
An interesting thing happens to an army that is facing an inevitable battle. There are quiet preparations. The men are generally more quiet. Men seem to become more introverted. As I observe the men and the season of spring melts into summer, there is a palpable difference in the demeanor of the entire camp. Ditalkos knows that a battle is coming. This will be a first test of his men. Few of the gristled veterans from the battle of Numantia are here. They have been condensed into four units of spear men from their original 10. However the consistency of this army is variable. Ironically its not the gritty veterans or heavily armored spear men that show the most variety, its the poor men that will be the first to fall. The first to throw the first javelin against a new enemy. Wealthy nobles won't be the first to die or the first to draw blood in the coming battle. No that distinction will fall to the poor and the landless. In another twist of Irony the people with the least to lose will be the first to fight. Hasn't it always been this way? Is it not the poor that die for the rich? Yes it is true that they owe their "freedom" to the wealthy nobility, but I find it a painful reminder of the unfairness of war. Preparations continue. Practice and training is no longer a way to pass time and maintain discipline. The men train to better their odds of fighting another day.
***
The battle came quicker than I thought. Scouts tracked the army that moved very quickly. Their report was most interesting. Consisting of light infantry, a small continent of cavalry, freed slaves, and a smattering of other punic infantry, the army that was sent to break the siege of Gader, could hardly be called an army at all. Ditalkos was nearly insulted at the quality of the enemy. Most notable for me was the absence of Hasdrubal. He had not accompanied this rabble of men. I for one could not blame him. The quality of the troops they sent at us was an indication of the pressures Kart-Hadast was facing. They were in a terrible bind it would seem.
For the actual battle the men were lined up on a broad plain outside of the city. Ditalkos had pulled his men into the open, knowing that the enemy would be just as vulnerable.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-2.jpg

The skirmishers were placed in the front. Led by the skirmisher cavalry from Baikor they were sent forward and began to harry the Punic men as they organized their approach to our own lines. Several of their units were routed at the site of a rain of javelins upon their ranks.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-5.jpg

Ditalkos allowed the skirmishers to do some hand to hand combat. After all they had to prove their worth so that they could one day hope to stand in the main battle line. However the inferior equipment and morale of the skirmishers became evident and they were told to retreat. They formed up in front of conscripted milites and as the enemy approached the skirmishers again The milites poured fire hardened javelins into the ranks.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-7.jpg

As many of the enemy were lightly armored the effect was greater than a normal battle. More of their units routed and after a brief exchange the skirmishers were released from the battle field. Nearly half of them had either perished or been wounded in the fight. The milites braced themselves and the enemy poured onto thier lines.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-9.jpg

However as the skirmishers withdrew the Lusitannan veterans behind them unleashed their own javelins and reduced the enemy in numbers and morale.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-8.jpg

More of their numbers broke rank until only a few stayed to fight. Ditalkos took his bodyguard and the rest of the cavalry and subsequently smashed any remaining Punic resistance.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-10.jpg
The garrison of Gader stayed behind their walls, and no doubt would be highly discouraged at the loss of the relief army. Ditalkos was pleased overall at the success of the battle.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-12.jpg

His tactic of using better and better troops that were well rested seemed to work quite well. However as word of victory reached Oxtraca another army approached. It left Mastia as this one was beaten. Next year would bring even more bloodshed.
***
As the winter approached the rumors of how long the city of Gader could holdout began spread. They had less than a year worth of supplies remaining. The city could fall before the second army could reach it. The mood in the camp was jubilant. Ale was poured and sweet victory was celebrated. For the young and inexperienced the occasion was joyous indeed. The veterans, myself, and Ditalkos all knew that the road ahead would be tough. I would save my personal celebration for the day death becomes Hasdrubal.
Lutros accompanied me. Barely 20 years of age he was given a place in the reserve line behind the veterans. He had bought his equipment with the silver his father had buried. I granted some of the estate to Lutros which made him a landowner. He stood with the very finest of the Lusitannan warriors and he knew the men around him would have high expectations. In his spare time Lutros would make sketches and other drawings of camp life.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/WarriorSketches.jpg

He kept an elaborate journal as well. It would seem the gift of literacy I had granted him when he was enrolled in academy was paying dividends. We talked about many things. He became fascinated with history and I tried my best to tell him of it. One of his wishes was to travel to Emporion to learn from the greatest of scholars: The Greeks. I told him that one day he would stand in that city and I would make sure that he learned all he wished from the scholars that reside there.
Mild concern seemed to waft from Ditalkos however as he learned of the fall of another independent Celtic tribe. The city of Lemonon far to the north had fallen to the Arverni Confederation. The Iberian Confederacy seemed completely focused on the task at hand, and the concerns in the far north were quite distant.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XIX-13.jpg