The Ascent of the Julii - write-ups thread

Batles more relevant and settlements captured here

Report: The battle outside Narbo Martius

My troops battle against the Gauls,two armies:Captain Praestagus and Meriadoc, a Gallic family member and my army, at the command of Vibius Julius.

Our army,except the generals, charged the Captain Praestagus army:

https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/...gthnm01qy5.jpg

Then the generals, charged the enemy, and they start to rout.

https://img457.imageshack.us/img457/...gthnm02oy9.jpg

The complete army of captain Praestagus entered in panic and rout, the army of Meriadoc is near of us, so we are going to meet the Meriadoc army.

https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/...gthnm03ey2.jpg

We enter in a combat hand to hand, Meriadoc was killed and the rest of his army withdraws from the battle.

https://img477.imageshack.us/img477/...gthnm04sv4.jpg

The battle report:

https://img393.imageshack.us/img393/...victoryhy6.jpg

More battles coming...

Report:Capturing Narbo Martius

The Senate of Rome gived me a mission, capture Narbo Martius.The last battle had a purpose:Debilitate the presence of Gaul in the region, so I atacked two armies at the same time for debilitate Narbo Martius without asaulting the city.
Now is the time, the day.We, the survivors of that heroic victory against the Gauls, we see a reason for die.Kill.So we are going to siege this town. and now!

https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/...nmstartuu2.jpg

We are at the gates!The enemy are running at the plaza!

https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/...atgatesab9.jpg

Their wooden gates are nothing now,that gate is the door to the victory!

https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/...controlqt6.jpg

We are in the plaza.The Gauls will figth to the death!

https://img234.imageshack.us/img234/...heplazape6.jpg

The general die, that was really good!And the others they rout to the plaza.

https://img104.imageshack.us/img104/...eraldiegc7.jpg

Yes,Victory!Narbo Martius is Now a Julii town

https://img104.imageshack.us/img104/...bratingod3.jpg

The battle report:

https://img104.imageshack.us/img104/...purednmov4.jpg

And this is the first battle

Report:A bad day
Amulius Julius, a son of the Julii family, marched to Mediolanium, to capture this settlement and erradicate the Gauls from the Italian peninsula.
They entered the enemy territory and Captain Motius attacked the army, we withdraw from that battle.We siege Mediolanium, and this Captain and his troops tried to retreat our army to leave the siege.
We attacked Captain Motius:
https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/802/baddat01tf0.jpg
The entire army of Captain Motius are trying to leave the battlefield,one of three out:https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/...addat02vs2.jpg
Eporedorix, family member, he was in the battle too, two of three out:
https://img160.imageshack.us/img160/...addat03mx8.jpg
The third army, under the command of Captain Tangogeistla, charge against us and they win the battle:
https://img160.imageshack.us/img160/...addat04sz7.jpg
Yes, a defeat.Not all the things are good

Tomorrow the second part.
Having serious problems with the img and Imageshack.Help!

I'm again with the
Report:The Gauls doesnt understand:Siege 1 of 3
The gauls doesnt understand.Mediolanium is ours now, and they wanted to destroy us.We must eliminate the enemy, and now.So we sallied to figth and destroy!.
They are prepared.We too, because today, we cannot lose.That can be disasterous.
https://img460.imageshack.us/img460/...lnium01hf5.jpg
We are out, attacking the enemy.
https://img482.imageshack.us/img482/...lnium02co9.jpg
The general is a coward!We is running away!Thats the road to victory!Victory!
https://img519.imageshack.us/img519/...dmlniumil7.jpg

Report:The Gauls...again:Siege 2 of 3
We are prepared, this time we are giving a little advantage to they:They have combat bonus in snow, bui that doesnt matter.
https://img442.imageshack.us/img442/...nium001iz9.jpg
They are prepared, so we are going to charge
https://img466.imageshack.us/img466/...nium002qc9.jpg
the cowards runs
https://img65.imageshack.us/img65/50...nium003mw4.jpg
Another victory of Heroic Soldiers
https://img396.imageshack.us/img396/...mlnium2cm9.jpg
Sorry for the incomplete report:Two reports remaining!

Report:Bye Gauls!:Siege 3 of 3
Are we prepared?Yes!
https://img453.imageshack.us/img453/...ium0001ef2.jpg
We crossed the gate, attaque the enemy and bye Gauls!
https://img478.imageshack.us/img478/...ium0002az3.jpg

Last report:The capture of Caralis
The senate has given up a mission, capture the city of Caralis, in Sardinia, we sieged that settlement, and we are going to capture this settlement.
We are deployed, so we are going to start
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/...caralisrw7.jpg
Our roman archers are throwing arrows, and the town watch are at the walls
https://img475.imageshack.us/img475/...ralis01jl9.jpg
the gates are nothing and that are a sucess!
https://img392.imageshack.us/img392/...ralis02gy0.jpg
We are in, and the cartaginian town watch are figthing!https://img465.imageshack.us/img465/...ralis03uj4.jpg
We are approaching into the center of this town!
https://img430.imageshack.us/img430/...ralis04il4.jpg
We win!Victoria!
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/...ralis05iz3.jpg

Main characters:

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/1028886525.jpg
Faction Leader Flavius Julius

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/1d22059f2f.jpg
Amulius Julius, the protagonist

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/a48af5a88d.jpg
Child prodigy Marcus Julius

Note from the Gaul campaign of Amulius Julius, head of the Julii armies.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/0d3b0ab76d.jpg
July 260 B.C. Things are not looking good for the Julii this year. While the Brutii and Scipii have won victory after victory against the Greeks and Carthaginians, we have become a laughingstock. We won Narbo Matius from the Gauls, only to lose it again. Caralis and Segeta are little more than fishing villages. We captured Mediolanium, only to incur the shameful loss our own city of Ariminum to those filthy Gauls. Many worthy Romans of our family have died in battle against the Gauls. Our once mighty armies have been reduced and weakened by battle, and scattered to garrison our vulnerable towns. Meanwhile the armies of the Gauls grow ever greater in number. Rumor has it that the once mighty tribes of Gauls have consented to be ruled by one leader, who means to destroy us and march on Rome as his ancestors did one hundred years ago.

I will not allow this to happen. Our leader Flavius Julius has appointed me, Amulius Julius, the task of expelling the stinking barbarians from the Po Valley and then take the fight to the heart of their newly formed empire, Gaul itself. Though outnumbered and vastly lacking in resources compared to our enemy, I swear that as long as there is a single breath in my body we shall not suffer a single additional defeat to the Gauls!

December 260 B.C. I must act quickly if I am to stand a chance. The massive Gaulish army in Patavium will not idle around forever, and scouts at the northern watchtowers have reported that reinforcements are coming across the Alps to attack us. Perhaps they mean to crush us between the combined might of their numbers.

Luckily the reinforcements have become divided into two small group the mountains. If I act quickly I can take one group out before the other arrives. I shall have to leave our recently won Mediolanium nearly defenseless to ambush them. It is a plan fraught with peril. Decius Julius is besieging Arinium with a small force and if the Patvium Garrison goes south to attack him he won’t be able to withstand them. They could also attack Mediolanium while I am gone. Yet, if I do nothing their armies will join the Patvium army and crush us! So I must hope to the fortune of the Gods and the ineptitude of the Gaulish scouts. If I act quickly enough I can take the split army out then return in time to deter their other massive army.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/028ac169b6.jpg
I made it in time! Their reinforcing army in the Alps is still divided and the second group will be late to the battlefield. This is our chance to have our revenge.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/8003e1e1d3.jpg
I order our army to rush at the divided force. We can’t allow them time to regroup! First we soften them up with a devastating hail of javelins, thinning their ranks and lowering their morale.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/2acd6e4a73.jpg
Before long the cowards flee. Now we must contend with the second group.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/16f40b16ca.jpg
Having expending our javelins on the first group, the fight with the second goes quickly to melee. The fighting is fierce, and the huge barbarians first sought to frighten us with their war cries, but our disciplined legions hold the front line.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/30268df7af.jpg
Before long the bulk of their army flees, and it becomes a matter of mopping up the few isolated units still resisting.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/67fd861512.jpg
We have won, and with minimal losses. I must now return to Mediolanium to see what has been happening in the south.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/ead7ebcb2d.jpg
June 269 B.C. It appears little has happened during my 7 month absence. Decius Julius has decided to starve out the occupiers of Ariminum, waiting for them to sally forth. His caution is wise. His force is no larger than that he sieges and he is not noted for his command ability so much as his love of food. The opposing forces will either starve, or sally forth weakened from the long siege and be easily picked off. Surely Ariminum’s citizens long to escape the yoke of servitude to the barbarians.

His long siege offers me an opportunity I must take. Patavium’s garrison has left, prepared for war. It is likely they hope to relieve their compatriots and slaughter Decius’ men. Their army is vast and I have little hope of defeating them in the open field, even if I join with Decius. Instead I will leave Mediolanium defenseless again, and set up camp at the river crossing between Patavium and Mediolanium. A captured barbarian from the last battle shall be set free and sent to tell the Gauls that I challenge them to cross the bridge, and accuse them of being cowards if they avoid battle against my much smaller force. It’s a gamble but a necessary one.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/00c8792a01.jpg
January 259 B.C. My plan has paid off! The inexperienced captain of the Gaulish forces couldn’t resist my challenge. Though they outnumber us nearly two to one, our defensive position at the river crossing affords us a great advantage.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/3d73bb9467.jpg
I order my infantry to form a defensive semicircle around the crossing, and ready their javelins to throw at the mass of men crossing the river.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/5d7873519f.jpg
Once again a punishing hail of javelins is used to soften up the enemy.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/ecb919e8a2.jpg
For a minute it looks as if their superior numbers will be too much for my men.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/cd519358e5.jpg
But before long we send them packing.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/55ccbee12d.jpg
We have achieved a heroic victory that has become famous throughout the world!

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/0660ca6287.jpg
June 258 B.C. I move to besiege Patavium. My spies tell me they can open the gates but, noticing yet another large Gaulish army nearby, I decide to provoke them into attacking me by keeping the city under siege rather than taking it immediately. The strategy works, allowing me to take a defensive position. I hate to resort again to such underhanded tactics to force them to strike at me while in a defensive position, but we are still weak and my forces must be managed very carefully. If I lose my army the Julii would be all but defenseless. If this battle is won and the resources of Patavium are added to our own, we will be able to take the battle to them and force them to battle in their own homelands!

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/9b6e510a6b.jpg
http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/a75fa3577e.jpg
Best of all this time the enemy is led by no mere captain but by the very faction heir of the Gauls! With his death and the capture of Patavium we have dealt a double blow to the barbarians. They have lost a leader and the people of Patavium have been enslaved and sent to our cities to work for the Julii cause!

September 258 B.C. Good news has arrived! Fellow Roman Decius Julius has retaken Ariminum! Now the filthy barbarians of the Po Valley are in chains or dead. No longer do they maintain the illusion of being our equals.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/994f2f3664.jpg
May 257 B.C. A new general has been added to our ranks. Our faction leader’s grandson Marcus Julius has come of age. He was always a lazy child, and overprone to strong drink, but he showed great aptitude during his studies for military tactics. Our leader has ordered that two armies be formed, with each of us heading one, to strike into the heart of Gaul itself. It is time to take the fight to their lands! To destroy their farmland, and take their possessions and women! Never again shall Gauls darken the fair land of Italy. We won’t stop until they are all in chains or dead!

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/51e3cb30e7.jpg
June 257 B.C. Sent ahead with the now reinforced veterans I’ve spent this campaign with, I find another Gaulish army attempting to invade our lands. For the first time, we outnumber them.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/fb5bf739ae.jpg
As expected, they aren’t so brave without superior numbers. Within minutes of melee, they break, and are run down by our horsemen.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/24494723f9.jpg
November 257 B.C. Just months later another equally pathetic battle is fought. This time they cower at the top of a hill. Despite their strong defensive position they are slaughtered like lambs. Is this the best they can do? Did the best of the Gaul’s warriors die in our battles in the Po Valley?

February 256 B.C. Marcus, having hastily constructed an army from barbarian slaves recruited as auxilaries in Patavium and a small core of Roman forces, catches up with my own army. He has asked to be allowed to do battle with the army our scouts have spotted ahead. Knowing his grandfather would want him to have a chance to achieve glory, I acquiesce. I only hope that his inexperience in battle, combined with his meagre Roman forces and unreliable auxilaries don’t mean the battle is too much for him. Commanding a real battle is a far sight from reading about one in a book.

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http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/12ec9c6b0d.jpg

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/eeccf5484a.jpg

March 256 B.C. One of my scouts brought me word of Marcus’s battle. He outnumbered the Gaulish force, but it is lead by an experience general named Rianorix. Worse still, the new faction heir and his heavily armed bodyguard is also present. Moreover, the seers divinations were ambivalent and they said his chances even.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/8eca3b6f27.jpg
Still, the scout has informed me that for his first battle Marcus decided to let the Gauls attack him while he set up a defensive position. Perhaps he is not as brash as I had thought.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/1c9e02097c.jpg
The Gaul’s faction heir charges ahead at our infantry, who suffer losses but are able to hold the line. I wonder if his general approved of such a stupid move.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/52c35af223.jpg
Marcus, sensing a weakness, moves to outflank the faction heir, charging him from behind.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/a38426a0fd.jpg
Shortly after, the faction heir pays for his impetuosity with his life, and the army breaks and runs. The cowardly General Rianorix flees with his troops and just barely makes it away from us with his life. We could come to regret not catching him.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/98b61be26f.jpg
Marcus has proven himself a true Roman today. No longer will I doubt his command ability. From this day forward we are equals in the Gaul campaign.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/4b602e9739.jpg
January 256 B.C. Again Marcus faces a battle and this time he is outnumbered.

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The Gauls’ numbers are no proof against their cowardice and they quickly flee. Marcus is beginning to get a reputation for leading from the front.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/74e4be9c2e.jpg
December 255 B.C. Our two armies have been winning victory after victory. I have decided to siege Masillia while Marcus goes on ahead to prevent reinforcements from reaching them.

Marcus faces incoming Gaul reinforcements at the bridge put they are easily slaughtered and another Gaulish general is dead by Roman hands.
Marcus is showing himself to be an excellent general.

March 253 B.C After a change of plan, Marcus has gone back to besiege Massilia with the bulk of our forces, while I take a smaller force west to retake Narbo Martius. Word comes from Italy that our leader Flavius has undertaking a vast building campaign, building paved roads and needed infrastructure. Our campaign has also brought great honor to the Julii. Our leaders have been gaining government posts. We who were just recently pitied by the other Roman families are now their envy.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/75fb0a8696.jpg
July 253 B.C Marcus’ forces sieging Massilia are attacked. At first glance it seems a routine battle, with he facing a smaller force led by the coward Rianorix, but instead of another glorious victory, this becomes a dark day for the Romans.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/c2c01a147b.jpg
Marcus’s forces scramble to form a line. As usual the rash youth leads from the front, aiming to punch through a unit weakened by his army’s ranged unit. This proves to be his last charge.

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A Gaulish spearmen, seeing an opening flings his spear at Marcus, piercing him in the chest. Although Marcus cuts him down and leads his men to victory, after the battle it is found out that one of his lungs was pierced. He dies that night, one of the best young military minds Rome has ever had. Enraged by the death of their leader, his men pillage Massilia and slaughter its inhabitants.


The coward Rianorix escaped. If it is the last thing I do, I will have my revenge on him. He will not flee again! In my rage I take half of my army to hunt him down while the rest finish the siege of Narbo Martius. This proves costly.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/8867852ef4.jpg
April 253 B.C. In my absence the meager forces besieging Narbo Martius are attacked both by its garrison and by reinforcement arriving from nearby. The honorable Captain Augustus commanded our men. The enemy outnumbered him a moderate margin. Worse yet, their armies had two skilled generals.

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Realizing that if the reinforcements reach the scene his men are doomed, Augustus has them charge the garrisons sallying forth, in hopes of making it into the city before they arrive.

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After a hard fight the garrison is defeated, but General Brigomaglos runs ahead of his reinforcing army to prevent Captain Augustus from entering the town.

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Augustus’ men suffer heavy losses but make it into the town just before the other Gauls arrive.

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Holding the town center, August wins the battle.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/c5a93fa155.jpg
May 252 B.C. I finally have my chance to avenge Marcus, but the cowardly Rianorix sends a captain with a large force ahead of his own, obviously hoping that it will break us and save him from having to fight.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/09324308a6.jpg
The first group is quickly sent off but at the cost of all my skirmisher heavy army’s ammunition. Now I must depend on the spears of the Triarii and swords of the velites.

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I prepare my men to receive the Gaulish charge, cursing the wasting of our ammunition on the last group. I hope for the triarrii to take the brunt of the attack and then the velites will charge in to assist them. May the Gods grant us luck, we need it.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/733ad10c44.jpg
We manage to fend off their warbands but in a rare fit of bravery Rianorix rampages through our lines with his bodyguard. Perhaps he’s realized that as long as I live he’s in danger.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/4f2daaf5e3.jpg
I charge him myself, facing him and his bodyguard with me and mine. Rianorix fights desperately but we cut him down, then make short work of the remaining warbands.

http://www.uploadfile.info/uploads/e8ae4a8295.jpg
August 251 B.C. Spies tell me that the tables have turned between us and the Gauls. Where before their standing in the world was much higher than ours, now nations everywhere recognize the Julii as the stronger power. Still, my work is not yet done. Marcus’ has not yet been fully avenged, nor my task completed. I will not return home until we have crushed every Gaul under our sandals. As long as a free Gaul lives, I will not rest. They will pay for their arrogance!

250BC - 20 years into the Julii campaign and we have 8 regions.

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Heres is the political situation.

https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/...50s1ho7.th.jpg
Allied to the Germans and at War with Gaul.

These are going to be my initial enemies as Julii.
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Finances before I do anything:

https://img136.imageshack.us/img136/...50s2jx8.th.jpg
€15k income and €11k expenditure per turn

Wonder if we can fight with our Allies the Germans against those Gaul ? Whats really on my mind is capture of that German city Lugdunum.
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Julii march north and build a fort. From here next turn they can reach the Gaul or the Germans. But the senate didnt like us marching into German owned lands.

https://img139.imageshack.us/img139/...50s4zt2.th.jpg
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Ive put the taxes up as high as they will go and sent as much as I dare of the garrisons out to fight.
https://img142.imageshack.us/img142/...50s3oi3.th.jpg

Poised for a fight ~:)
--

You can see what I thought our armies needed more of.
https://img243.imageshack.us/img243/...50s5vu5.th.jpg
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I will post more once Zimfan has posted his write up

That was a good write up Zimfan. :2thumbsup:

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Winter 250 BC

Amulius Julius is now Amulius Victor thanks to all those glorious victories by my predecessors.

Amulius leads the Julii from the fort and strikes at Gaul.

https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/...50s6na4.th.jpg

The two armies face each other at the bridge. Neither crosses. Julii archers take pot shots at any Gaul foolish enough to get too close. But the falling snow reduces visibility and dampens bow strings. Archery is not very effective.

Then Amulius notices there is also a fording point. The Julii cavalry cross the river and in the open battlefield they soon secure advantageous odds against confused Gaul troops.
https://img291.imageshack.us/img291/...50s7eb6.th.jpg

The Gaul General is Ceanatis of Tarnis. He is no match for Amulius at fighting. OK at fleeing. He will live to fight another day.
https://img291.imageshack.us/img291/...50s8gt0.th.jpg
Archers are out of ammo.

The stand off at the bridge continues. Velites try to fire on the Gaul but as soon as they close the range they are chased back. No matter. The Julii cavalry now rampage behind the Gaul lines and pick off the weaker units.
https://img526.imageshack.us/img526/...50s9wu9.th.jpg

A fine Heroic and Famous outcome for my first battle as Julii in 8 months. (Real life time)
https://img404.imageshack.us/img404/...0s10vq9.th.jpg
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Amulius Victor goes on to besiege Lugdunum. No complaints’ from the Senate as our alliance with Germany is broken. Julii forces are on the move everywhere.
https://img319.imageshack.us/img319/...0s11kj1.th.jpg
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Germany counter attacks. Forces from the German fort and the garrison of Lugdunum combine against us. Lots of silver chevron spearbands.
https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/...0s12sv7.th.jpg

We didn’t get to know that German general. Didn’t stay around afterwards as a wall of spears was closing in.
https://img470.imageshack.us/img470/...0s14vj2.th.jpg

We used all our ammunition on those dreaded spearbands. Once they were weakened and tired we took them. Some escape back into the town. The seige will have to continue.
https://img420.imageshack.us/img420/...0s15vq3.th.jpg

https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...0s16jf3.th.jpg
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Summer 249 BC

We adopted a new family member over turn end. Good. A commander with an aggressive trait. I like him.

https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...0s17ok6.th.jpg
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With the passing of winter it is now time to use our newly built siege weapons. Lugdunum is garrisoned by the survivors from the last battle. It falls easily. Amulius marches north. The faction heir takes over as Governor of Lugdunum and his high influence is put to good effect subduing the civilians.

https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...0s18xq3.th.jpg
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Winter 249 BC

Shock! Our great leader dies. In the harsh winter lands of Dacia at the head of a Julii army.

https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/...50w2bz9.th.jpg
The loss of this powerful and highly skilled general alters our plans of Dacia’s conquest. Caution is now called for as the odds have now swung against.
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In Gaul however our newly promoted leader continues the extermination of Gaul. This is the battle for Alesia. Capture this city and the Gaul can no longer recruit their Chosen swordsmen. Amulius attacks the force outside the city luring the garrison out in the process.
https://img525.imageshack.us/img525/...50w3ie6.th.jpg

Chosen swordsmen chase cavalry until they are lured into a hail of javelins from Julii infantry hidden in forests.
https://img283.imageshack.us/img283/...50w4lw4.th.jpg

Chosen or not…they didn’t like that.
https://img283.imageshack.us/img283/...50w5ng9.th.jpg

Again some Gaul escape. This time however there were no fleeing generals to form a new garrison. So Alesia is ours.
https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...50w6vj7.th.jpg
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Summer 248BC

Another adoption. With a name like mine I can hardly turn him down.
https://img461.imageshack.us/img461/...48s1qq7.th.jpg
We have had one of these on three successive turns. It’s the game giving us more generals as we expand our empire? My bet is that a captain led battle would give us a Man of the Hour.

All our garrisons are as small as I can make them yet still have very high tax.

We are now the largest faction. Forces continue to mass in Dacia. It is crucial to our strategy. It is not just another region on the road to 50 regions. It’s a barrier to Brutii expansion north. Julii needs northern Europe to be red…not green. At worst we must hold here whilst we secure all the lands of western Europe.
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/...48s2cx1.th.jpg

What’s this? A blue flag! War with Briton.
https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/...48s4ul1.th.jpg
Where is it?

It was Trier. The general from Medolonium marched through the alps and after camping one turn in a fort south of Trier seized the weakly held Briton town. Not being one to rest on his laurels, and having plenty of movement points, he acted on a spies intelligence that a large nearby British army lacked cavalry/chariots.
https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/...48s6ur0.th.jpg

https://img345.imageshack.us/img345/...48s7xs9.th.jpg
After the victory the army rushed back into the town and fort for protection. There were other big armies nearby.
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A small captian led skirmish in Dacia proved that the game wants to give us more generals.
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/70...48s8pe3.th.jpg
There are big Scythian stacks full of horse archers. I cannot take them on. I hope they will attack Dacia and then I could take on the weakened survivors.
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Lucius at Lemonum.

Gaul try to break the siege of their town.
https://img144.imageshack.us/img144/...48s9tw0.th.jpg

Infantry are hiding.
https://img179.imageshack.us/img179/...48w1el5.th.jpg

After giving the Gaul a run around our General leads the tired Gaul to the waiting hidden Julii infantry. The shock of the enemy appearing and missiles landing amongst tired troops was enough to break the army.
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/38...48w2bq4.th.jpg

https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/...48w3xo0.th.jpg

https://img243.imageshack.us/img243/...48w4nk4.th.jpg

Lemonum is now ours as there is no garrison. Not going to get rich by looting.
https://img116.imageshack.us/img116/...48w5sl4.th.jpg
--

A faction has been destroyed. Not by us.
https://img180.imageshack.us/img180/...48w6nw7.th.jpg

Winter 248BC


Our strength grows in Dacia. But will Scythia attack Dacia?
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/...48w8fj7.th.jpg
Go on….fight you two factions. They wouldn’t. Scythia again retreated back to its own lands.
--
About time our Roman allies joined our cause.
https://img95.imageshack.us/img95/76...48w7ij2.th.jpg
You can see we have the Belgium port in our sights. Need to stop the profitable sea trade that fuels the British treasury. A big army is east of Trier.
--

We attack the Belgian city. Again we seek to destroy the garrison as it sallies.
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/...48w9zz1.th.jpg

If you go down to the woods today you are sure of a big surprise…
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/...8w10ox1.th.jpg

https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/...8w11wl3.th.jpg

I needed the general to die. Without him there would be no garrison in the city after the battle.
https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/...8w12dj3.th.jpg
Beware when chasing routing chariots…they kill horses.

https://img170.imageshack.us/img170/...8w13od9.th.jpg
--

Dacia and Scythia won’t fight. Wish they would. I tire of waiting so move Julii north of Lovosice into a fort.. They are safer there and can march south into Dacia or North into Germany next turn depending upon events.
https://img76.imageshack.us/img76/11...8w16kz4.th.jpg
--

The battle outside Trier.

This is a battle I nearly didn’t attempt. The medium battle difficulty setting gave me the confidence to attempt it but I sat there a long time before reaching the decision. It would be my first ever against a head hurler unit (only 1 head though). Chariot archers and the dogs are the enemy units that are most dangerous.

https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/20...8w17dk8.th.jpg
The attack was deliberately from a square with a few trees in it. I wanted tree cover for my infantry.

No forest to hide my infantry in. There is some just outside the deployment zone yet it is towards the enemy. I split the army. Infantry will try to run to the trees for cover. The cavalry will flank the Britons line and hope to disrupt the Britons advance.
https://img149.imageshack.us/img149/...8w18pp0.th.jpg

Cavalry is going after the dog handlers. They will kill them all but not before many dogs are released. Dogs will chase the cavalry for a long time..
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/...8w19fq4.th.jpg

It took all four cavalry units to trap the chariot archers. Took several casualties. Cavalry fighting chariots is never a good thing. But I had no choice.
https://img80.imageshack.us/img80/33...8w20sj8.th.jpg

My cavalry cannot be threatened now. But my infantry never did hide in the trees. They were attacked by overwhelming British troops. They had to give ground. Here though they make a stand. Town watch face the Britons. The Cavalry has now completed its run around the whole of the British army and slams into the back of the pinned Britons.
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/...8w21mk9.th.jpg

Britons are leaderless and tired. Flanked by cavalry they don’t stand long. Their disorganised approach in ones and twos means they are becoming easy pickings.
https://img166.imageshack.us/img166/...8w22vx5.th.jpg

Ghost dogs.
https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/...8w23pe9.th.jpg

Road will soon be open.
https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/...8w24kk4.th.jpg

https://img83.imageshack.us/img83/99...8w25jo2.th.jpg

A very satisfying battle.
https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/...8w26ph4.th.jpg

https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/...8w27yf2.th.jpg
--

Patavium.

This rapidly growing town was owned by Gaul for a long time. Many of its buildings are barbarian. These are causing cultural penalties. Especially the governors building. I won’t get effective control until the town reaches 12,000 and I build the new governors building.

I ensure a high tax rate when ever I complete a building. That way the governors’ traits are more likely to become positive. Here a sewer was put on hold and a desperately needed archery range rushed through. It completes this turn. This turn the tax rate is very high, the troops moved out, and riots predicted. But I will get my archers, very high tax, positive traits, and a few less citizens (killed in riots).
https://img144.imageshack.us/img144/...8w28ft8.th.jpg

That barbarian temple gives +2 missiles. It’s Ideal for my future archers. It is not good for cultural differences nor is it the best Roman temple money can buy (Jupiter). So it’s something to watch. I wont repair the market…I will in future build the forum. I might demolish the damaged stables as Patavium is only going to be producing archers.
--
Gaul attacks us on the road to Condate Redonum.
https://img136.imageshack.us/img136/...8w29fe2.th.jpg
Julii will win.
--

Germany attack at Mogontiacum. This was going to be a tougher fight. The Julii infantry are in the reinforcements so they will enter the battle in plain view. No chance of hiding them. That’s another British faction leader (again), he has slingers and dogs.
https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/...8w30st1.th.jpg

The slingers are taken out by cavalry before they fired a shot. In the distance my infantry are marching to the high ground of that rock outcrop.
https://img236.imageshack.us/img236/...8w31ko1.th.jpg

Velites fire downhill into the first wave of Britons.
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/34...8w32yi7.th.jpg

The second wave of Britons is here. I send in the mercenary cavalry to attack the dog handlers. Got some and now leading away the dogs. Trouble is the chariot king is also after the cavalry.
https://img85.imageshack.us/img85/29...8w33cv4.th.jpg

The fight on the hill doesn’t go well. All the Britons attacked at the same time. Not ideal at all.

The enemy king is dead! Velites have a bonus against chariots. This one seems to have jumped up on the remains of the kings’ chariot.
https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/...8w34cl9.th.jpg

In the mess I had cavalry fighting both chariots and spears. Many dead horsemen.
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/...8w35mc6.th.jpg

But we won.
https://img116.imageshack.us/img116/...8w36lr3.th.jpg
--

Summer 247BC

The summer was relatively uneventful.

Our siege at Vicus Marcomannii had the German garrison sally against us.

https://img150.imageshack.us/img150/...47s1jy1.th.jpg

What then occurred was a first for me.

I got in through gates opened by routing defenders. Germans had come outside the city and were routed in battle. I followed them in through the gates they opened.

https://img86.imageshack.us/img86/19...47s2ws0.th.jpg

Once inside the town Julii captured the plaza and ran the clock down. The Germans were locked outside their own wall. Here Julii cavalry race to take control of a gate still in German control.
https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/...47s3qf8.th.jpg

Winter 247BC

We are ashore in Briton. The first recruit in Belgium had been a ship. It was to get us across the channel. There were mercenaries for hire allowing favourable odds in the first battle of Briton.
https://img301.imageshack.us/img301/...47w1qf6.th.jpg

Britons wonder how the Julii crossed the sea.
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/...47w2dt2.th.jpg
Those ships in view are Britons ships. The Julii ships are in the port in Belgium. The Julii effectively used the Julii ships as a stepping stone.

My first time ever under from fire from Head Hurlers. One of those heads caused the only Julii casualty of the whole battle.
https://img167.imageshack.us/img167/...47w3gd9.th.jpg
--

Our spy would get us into Londinium that very same turn.
https://img231.imageshack.us/img231/...47w5ed5.th.jpg
--

We march beyond Londinium to take on another Briton. Will put us in range of another city next season.
https://img97.imageshack.us/img97/32...47w7wk0.th.jpg

Chariots and densely packed spearmen in a forest.
https://img247.imageshack.us/img247/...47w8lr6.th.jpg
--

In warmer climes. A Bireme on its way to blockade Carthage (senate mission) drops off a bunch of peasant colonists. They will be disbanded and the 600 men will grow Caralis to 2000+ population.
https://img157.imageshack.us/img157/...47w9oz6.th.jpg
--

Back in the snow of northern Europe.
https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/...7w10gw9.th.jpg
Every time I kill a British faction leader it seems the very next general to fight is the faction leader again. Big chariot units and this one is the best yet….2 gold chevrons.

Killed all the Brits on foot first. Then it was a tense cat and mouse affair around these rocks. Trying to secure my flanks, height, and a good position to attack the super chariots. Even had troops inside the gap in the rocks but the chariots wouldn’t come in.
https://img85.imageshack.us/img85/81...7w11lq0.th.jpg
Had a bloody fight in the open in the end.
--

Germans counter attack against this siege.
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/93...7w12kt9.th.jpg
We beat off the attack and would capture the town next season.
--

Germans attack. I didn’t see that stack coming. 7* German General with silver chevron spearbands. Ouch. Odds of 1:10 against me. It would be a Heroic….
https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/...7w14zs0.th.jpg
…withdrawal.

Summer 246BC

It’s Raining. It’s always raining in Briton.
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/...46s1cn4.th.jpg
Thanks Mr spy for again opening gates.
--

Going to be fighting Chariots in narrow town streets.
https://img104.imageshack.us/img104/...46s2vh6.th.jpg

Not sure this was the best set up.
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/...46s3nb5.th.jpg

Street fighting
https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/...46s4gu9.th.jpg

Heroic victory. Troops becoming dangerously weak. Need some reinforcements, recruits or mercenaries….or all three.
https://img81.imageshack.us/img81/48...46s5po8.th.jpg
--

Knock Knock. One of the Vicus towns I besieged last turn is about to fall.
https://img180.imageshack.us/img180/...46s6sb0.th.jpg
--

More follows tomorrow.

Winter 246BC

--
In central and snow covered Europe we have a few threats.

https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/...46w1lp4.th.jpg

-A big garrison in Briton held Bordesholm (Denmark)
-A big and silver exp German stack is west of Damme (I withdraw from battle with it last turn)
-A 2nd big German stack east of Vicus Gothi

The mercenary army shown in the unit cards is in the fort on the Baltic. Its our main strength in Germany to oppose and beat the above enemies.

We have a force in a fort in Dacia that is not yet a match for the Dacians.
--

The Julii faction leader handed over control of the Julii forces in Briton to a new general. He cuts his teeth an a simple assault of Deva in northwest Briton.

https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/...46w2on3.th.jpg

https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/...46w3sv1.th.jpg

The place is enslaved. That is a desicion I later regreted. A spy reported that the Irish sea contained a Briton fleet and a Pirate fleet. Both would impose risks to moving our fleet round from Londinium to ferry invasion forces to rebel Ireland ( A spy in wales can spot the forces in Ireland). The alternative is to grow Deva to 2000 population, build a port and a new ship and when the 'coast is clear' launch the invasion from there. I have disbanded about 800 worth of peasants in Deva since that decision and a few more will mean a 2000+ population.
--

Summer 245BC

Summer is the better time to campaign in northern europe with Romans. Your barbarian enemies dont get a snow bonus during the summer.

I want the Britons town in Denmark and the German capital of Damme. One battle later and I nearly had nothing.

https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...45s1gv2.th.jpg

My forces at A & B will take on the Germans at Damme E & F. A spy will try to find out more about G

Ready to fight for Damme.
https://img53.imageshack.us/img53/59...45s2zk1.th.jpg


The battle for Damme

This would be a tough one. The toughest and I might have lost it at one point.
https://img53.imageshack.us/img53/26...45s3pr3.th.jpg

A Screeching unit being silenced.
https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/...45s4fb9.th.jpg
My infantry in both the initial army and the reinforcements are in plain view. There was no forest to deploy in at battle start. But there is some nearby just outside the initial deployment zone.

https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...45s5ay3.th.jpg
Cavalry ordered to mass and take out non spear units. Horse archers fire very carefully..downhill into backs of units.

A very small mercenary cavalry unit has orders to lure more units to my waiting troops. This unit is distraught at the number of enemies but should be OK due to its high experience.
https://img436.imageshack.us/img436/...45s6hj2.th.jpg

My cavalry is getting together. Main army and reinforcements converging.
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/3...45s7dw4.th.jpg

Not long before we rumble. 7 Cavalry units against 3 non phalanx units...like those odds.
https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/...45s8aj4.th.jpg

https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...5s10xw8.th.jpg

https://img118.imageshack.us/img118/...5s11tb4.th.jpg
Rain will reduce my archers effectiveness. Not what I wanted.

https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...5s12mo0.th.jpg

Despite being hidden in the forest the AI remembered where my units are and is approaching. Julii cavalry racing across the battlefield to assist.
https://img300.imageshack.us/img300/...5s13py1.th.jpg

Learner driver. Cavalry crashes by accident into a spearband unit.
https://img247.imageshack.us/img247/...5s14pv6.th.jpg

The AI is playing this combat well. My troops are getting beaten by these 4exp spearbands. Ouch. This hurts. I am getting really worried. Fight it out or make a run for it?
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/...5s15ua6.th.jpg

Despite cavalry assistance I was beaten in that forest. Decided to break off combat after loosing about half my infantry.
https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...5s16pu5.th.jpg

This mercenary unit finds some cover out in the open and rests. The German unit that was after it has turned away.
https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...5s17di0.th.jpg

Got ya. Velites javlins taking a toll. Morale of the spearband is my main target.
https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...5s18br0.th.jpg

https://img476.imageshack.us/img476/...5s19pc7.th.jpg

The four small banners show this routing unit had been upgraded 4 times (one silver chevron exp). The non routing German unit Im running towards is a 5 banner unit.
https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...5s20xt2.th.jpg

A lot of Julii casualties. Far more than normal.
https://img170.imageshack.us/img170/...5s21or9.th.jpg

Some experience gains
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/...5s22pw7.th.jpg

German city being punished
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/...5s23go7.th.jpg
--

Scythian front and again the big Scythian stack means caution.
https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/98...5s24gg9.th.jpg
--

Spanish front is open for business. Eliminated a small Gaul army and now this rebel army.
https://img65.imageshack.us/img65/80...5s25mb7.th.jpg

We make it to the Spanish capital.
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/...5s27ar4.th.jpg

Marching into town
https://img106.imageshack.us/img106/...5s28bq9.th.jpg
--

We assist our allies. I thought I was totally safe in port but here I was drawn into battle. Good job the odds were excellent.
https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/...5s29ot0.th.jpg

This is the last turn I played. The saved game is uploaded and available for the next player to take over.

Winter 245BC

https://img97.imageshack.us/img97/15...45w1dv2.th.jpg
The AI besieges two of the Julii forts. The Britons are lacking experience so will be an easy victory once the Julii from Damme move up.

Here we go
https://img506.imageshack.us/img506/...45w2bc0.th.jpg

https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/...45w3um9.th.jpg
--

A complex composite screenshot.

https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/...45w4do5.th.jpg

- The first time ive seen Bull warriors. High missile attack I see.
- A battle occurs. Odds against but should be OK
- General has a list of traits longer than my arm.

Hastati reinforcements march along the road screened by cavalry.
https://img70.imageshack.us/img70/70...45w6yw5.th.jpg

Slingers come down out of the woods to fire down on the Spanish army.
https://img181.imageshack.us/img181/...45w7zx1.th.jpg

If a Spanish unit attacks I run back. The Spanish unit which is tired or worse cannot catch me. It will turn back to rejoin its main battle line. As it does so it turns its back….
https://img142.imageshack.us/img142/...45w8sp5.th.jpg
--

After a Famous Heroic victory against Spain the Julii continue their advance. Lacking intelligence the army fails to anticipate the further Spanish threats. Two stacks will attack over the AI end of turn phase.

https://img142.imageshack.us/img142/...5w10yj2.th.jpg

Hide infantry in the forest. Cavalry will do the fighting and harassing until the Spanish are tired.
https://img102.imageshack.us/img102/...5w11qt5.th.jpg

Later after a heroic victory the second Spanish stack attacks
https://img159.imageshack.us/img159/...5w12qn3.th.jpg

Same tactics as before. Dog handlers will be the prime target for the slingers….but that won’t occur for a while. Cavalry have to do their bit first.
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/...5w13wp2.th.jpg

In the corner. Spanish following the cavalry.
https://img396.imageshack.us/img396/...5w14lk9.th.jpg

Run. Run out of the corner and along the side of the battlefield.
https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...5w15dz2.th.jpg

Famous Bull warriors break after losing 2 men.
https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/71...5w16wo9.th.jpg

https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/...5w17qe2.th.jpg
--

Here are the final finances. We can build anything we desire financially.
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/...5w18oh7.th.jpg

Graph and faction overview:

https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/...244ssf5.th.jpg

And so ends my stint in the chair playing this community game. Hope the next players have as much fun with this as I did. Thank you for letting me participate.

Best wishes.

Outside of Bordesholm, 244 BC

"Dear General Publius Maxentius,

You may not be aware of the situation but there is a large Briton army within striking distance. You are a fine commander but the odds are that an engagement with these forces will end in disaster. Your orders are to proceed to Bordesholm and take it with all possible speed.

Roma Victor,

Amilius Julius"

Publius Maxentius looked at the letter and shrugged. He had heard nothing, but orders were orders. The general, a former captain who had been promoted after showing spirit in a couple of engagements, ordered a forced march to the last Briton city. Soon it was under siege.

It was a good thing that Publius was an obedient general.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_001.jpg

Six months later, he assaulted.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_006.jpg

The Briton king Sennianus and a few of his bodyguard were the only ones inside the Saxon town. They were not to be underestimated though, as heavy chariots could cause a mess of things very quickly. Especially when these chariots had triple silver chevrons.

There was a slight unease among the soldiers that day when Publius ordered the assault, and they couldn't be blamed. However, apparently the unease was even greater among the Briton soldiers, as they left their king to meet his (heroic) death alone.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_007.jpg

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_008.jpg

Upon hearing about the death of their king and the capture of their last city, the Briton troops in the large army nearby deserted. Britannia could no longer be considered a faction.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_009.jpg

~~~~~~~

Dacia, 243 BC

"Dear Manius Oppius,

Congratulations on your recent victory outside Lovosice. Rome needs more soldiers like you. I am giving you full command of operations in this theatre, as well as a promotion. Henceforth, you shall be considered a full member of the House of Julii, with all benefits, including the escort that brought this letter.

This letter also holds your first orders. You are to take Lovosice and kill the three Dacian generals inside. Once this done then Dacia will be no more. Fortuna is with you in this task.

Roma Victor,

Amilius Julius"

Manius Oppius looked at the letter and stared. Just six months ago he had been a mere captain, playing cat-and-mouse with the large Dacian garrison inside Lovosice until reinforcements came. Then, he was in luck. About half the garrison met him in a field battle, and were decisively defeated. Word was that he was the Man of the Hour back in Mediolanium, the Julii capital.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_010.jpg

What an opportunity Amilus had given him! He was young, 20 years old with his whole life ahead of him, and the talk of the Julii. Eager to please, he followed Amilius' orders and assaulted the last Dacian city.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_011.jpg

He watched in amazement as the army went into battle mode, as the rams made their way to the walls. Decked in full battle armor (much better than the ridiculous plating he received as a captain), he realized this would be a glorious day.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_012.jpg

The only thing he was worried about were the three Dacian generals and their escorts. One of them was the few who escaped the battle that earned him his promotion. That one would be eager for revenge.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_013.jpg

Some time later, this was where the fun began. After killing the Dacian infantry desperately trying to hold the gatehouse, Manius ordered a general charge at the massed units in the center. As was proper, he was in the thick of it.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_014.jpg

The Dacians were crushed by the superior numbers of his forces. Once the last of them were killed, Manius pulled out his letter.

"Take Lovosice - check. Kill the three Dacian generals - check.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_015.jpg

"Dacia no more... check."

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_016.jpg

~~~~~~~

Tara, Hibernia

"Yes, so this was Manius' first victory as a general, and it was quite a good one. Dacia and Britannia were destroyed, but I still had to worry about Germania. Gods, things were so much easier when we only had to kill Gauls."

Amilius Julius' scribes wrote this all down. Their ruler was really into telling what had happened over the last ten years of his reign. He still told what had happened with incredible detail. It was one of the man's many qualities.

"Anyway, Germania. One battle wouldn't finish them off, sadly. Citywise, they were down to Domus Dulcis Domus, but there was a large garrison inside and they were about to take Vicus Gothi back."

The scribes were in a frenzy to take this all down.

"Wait, why am I describing it to you? Just copy a map, I have an old one of that situation somewhere-ah, here it is."

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_018.jpg

"Right, so as you can see we were preparing to assault Home Sweet Home. But Vicus Gothi fell first, which meant that a little more fighting would be involved.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_019.jpg

"I can't really blame Captain Quintis, he was outnumbered and outclassed. The man went out like a hero - he sallied out of the place and tried to destroy the ram the Germans had constructed. But they weren't quick enough.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_020.jpg

"It was around this time where I promoted another captain. This hastati centurion was leading his men to the fort near Home Sweet Home when he was ambushed by some brigands. His guys fought it off pretty well.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_021.jpg

"Anyway, that's how Oppius Pescennius became a member of the Julii. But enough about him, I had planned my retaliatory strike. Cassius Vettius abandoned his fort and went after Home Sweet Home while I scraped up a force for Manius Julius to re-take Vicus Gothi. Here's another map for you guys to look at."

He tossed another map at the scribes.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_022.jpg

"So Cassius attacked first.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_023.jpg

"This would be a tough battle. I remember reading one of the soldiers' reports about how they knew they were reaching the end of the world because of the purple glow the battlefield had.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_024.jpg

"The troops battered through in three spots. The Germans rushed to plug the holes, and the breach on the right didn't look that good for a while.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_025.jpg

"But eventually our cavalry flanked the buggers and we were advancing to the center square. The German king supposedly died bravely. I think that's all those barbarians cared about. They sure as hell weren't too keen on winning.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_026.jpg

"All looked good, but then Cassius went and died on me. Figures that the death of their king would actually make those spear-carriers fight harder.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_027.jpg

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/.../julii_028.jpg

"So we won, but lost Cassius. I remember sending a letter to Manius right after that happened..."

~~~~~~~

Vicus Gothi, 240 BC

"Dear Manius Julius,

Vicus Gothi is officially the last German city. Once you take it, these people will be no more. However, as you may have heard, Cassius Vettius died in the final minutes of the capture of Domus Dulcis Domus.

Your orders are to take Vicus Gothi but stay alive. You are one of my best generals and I would prefer it if you were not sharing wine with Bacchus in the coming years.

Roma Victor,

Amilius Julius"

Damn. Cassius had been a good commander. He had done his job in death, though, and now Manius would do his. Although he would stay alive doing it.

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Vicus Gothi had been wrenched from Roman control a year before. There was still evidence of Roman involvement. Those filthy Germans hadn't managed to destroy everything.

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Manius would be absolutely merciless in this battle. He despised anybody who wasn't Roman, especially barbarians. He believed that it was his goal in life to completely purge all barbarian influence from the face of the earth. Today would be a big step in doing so, but the Germans wouldn't die without a fight.

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His voice acidly calm, Manius ordered that these spearmen be flanked. As he watched the Germans die with glee, he spotted the man who had slaughtered the brave Captain Quintis. Boiocalus of Aduatuca was a dead man.

The two escorts charged at each other, each wishing nothing more than the other man's death.

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When the rage cleared, Manius roared with triumph.

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Three wars had been wrapped up within four years of each other. This was good, for another one was about to get intense, and another about to begin.

Tara

Amilius Julius had finished talking about Manius Julius and the defeat of Germania, and had graciously allowed his scribes some time to dip their poor hands in cold water. Ten minutes later, though, he called them back.

"Aww, already? Can't Iberia wait until tomorrow?"

Amilius looked at them and smilied. "Ok, fine. You don't want to write my glorious history and become famous writers? That's alright. I'll get other people."

The scribes groaned and got ready to write.

"So, after Lucius Julius, my father and heir, had won a heroic victory against the Iberians halfway between Osca and Carthago Nova, he was eager for more. So I sent him to besiege Carthago Nova (which the Carthaginians had never held, oddly enough). The city was about to be assaulted when they were relieved by another Iberian force nearby.

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"Really, what were they thinking? I guess it's this whole crazy barbarian belief that dying bravely is more important than winning. They certainly made this argument to Lucius, who deployed on a high hill. Lucius said he couldn't believe it when they decided to come.

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"By the time the Iberians had come within striking distance, they were exhausted. Good old Lucius though, shows no mercy. He ordered that the pila all be thrown. The poor Iberians were decimated, but still kept coming. So instead of waiting for them, Lucius decided to charge down the hill.

"From there it was a matter of momentum.

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"Because of Iberian foolishness, Carthago Nova was undefended. Lucius simply strolled in.

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"I was content to just have him stay in Carthago Nova taking care of things for the rest of his life, but Lucius wasn't done yet. He wanted Corduba. I pointed out that the route there was treacherous, but he said he could handle it. Really, I didn't need much convincing..."

At this, one of the scribes suddenly had a curious expression on his face and started scribbling (even harder than usual). Amilius snatched the paper.

"What? You think I'm a PUPPET ruler for my father? Let me tell you something, this was *my* decision to let him go through with Corduba. Everything that we have done since I became head of the Julii was because I said it would be done!"

The scribe mumbled something, probably an excuse.

"Ok, you know what? Get out. You don't get to write my history. I hear that Marcellus Aemilius is running for re-election as Consul, why don't you write about that instead? Just get out of my sight, you piece of garbage.

"Anyway, I beefed up my father's force and sent him on his way. The guy wanted to plow straight through the valley, killing every army in sight instead of taking the roads. I admired him, and wished him luck.

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"Lucius fought his first battle a little west of Carthago Nova against Captain Megaravicos. He had the slight advantage in numbers, but was definitely ahead in quality.

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"The two forces went straight for the heights, but Megavicros ceded.

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"This was pretty stupid, as Lucius charged down once again. However, he was a bit overenthuiastic and for a minute it looked as if I would be without a father.

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"But then we flanked 'em on two sides, which caused a rout. Then, due to momentum, another unit routed... then another... then another. Pretty soon Iberian forces that hadn't been in any engagement fled as if they had just faced Mars himself.

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"Lucius chased them until they hid in the hills. One army down.

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"It didn't take my father long to head straight for that second Iberian army.

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"This commander, Captain Arganthonios, was lucky as there were no heights that Lucius could charge down. He tried to mask the size of his force by deploying half of it in the forest.

"Even though there were no heights, the Julii bulldozer wouldn't be denied. The chain reaction began when the unit farthest from the forest was flanked.

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"The Iberians quickly tried to redeploy in preparation of the flank attack but then the rest of the line caught them. You know what happened next: They're all running for their lives.

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"And all of a sudden the way to Corduba was open.

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"It didn't take long for Lucius to reach the city and assault it. At this point he had built up so much momentum, I think it only took one blow from the rams to knock the walls down. The poor Spanish king Leukon didn't know what hit him.

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"Leukon had bravely sent some Scutarii to plug a gap, which managed to put a halt to Lucius' momentum - for about five seconds.

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"Next he sent slingers. Now it was just getting ridiculous.

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"Lucius plowed his way straight to the center square, where Leukon was waiting to - get this - die bravely. Stupid barbarians.

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"The Iberians were now down to two cities. Lucius was happy, because he could die in peace knowing that he had headed an incredibly successful offensive which decimated the Iberians. It was time to do some governing.

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"Ok," Amilius continued, "now it's time for Scythia-"

He paused, sensing despair coming from the scribes.

"Ok, fine. We'll do Scythia tomorrow. I guess that if I don't give you guys a break then nobody will want to write my glorious history. But I don't want to hear any complaints tomorrow!"

The scribes nodded and muttered their thanks, departing.

"Now," Amilius said to himself, "time to read this latest report. I didn't want them to get my reaction in case things didn't go right..."

He read the report, and gasped. This wasn't good.

Tara

"After the three factions in the east had been destroyed, I had kind of put that front on hiatus while Lucius went rampaging through Iberia. But then my generals were complaining, so their forces were refit and they went on the move."

It was the next day in Hibernia. Amilius Julius' scribes had rested their poor hands during the night, ready for the next round of Amilius recounting the history of his reign. Something happened overnight though, it seemed as if Amilius was more... anxious. As if something was wrong.

"Ideally I wanted the Thracian cities by the Black Sea, especially Byzantium. But there was a little problem: The Scythians held Campus Iazyges, which was right in the way.

"I sent Sextius Antio to try to buy the place but the Scythians, seeing as how they only had four territories to begin with, refused. So I was all set to have Manius Oppius take the place when this little doozy was pointed out to me in the far north."

Amilius tossed another map at the scribes, although with considerably less enthusiasm than the others.

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"But I took a gamble. Vicus Venedae was pretty far away, so I let Manius attack.

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"Obviously he won.

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"What began next was a series of complex manuvering by both sides. The Scythians outnumbered us, but it would take some time for the numbers' effect to come into play. It seemed like their king Belniari was heading for Campus Iazyges, so I sent Manius Julius to intercept. He seemed all too eager in killing more barbarians.

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"But then two other Scythian forces went after Home Sweet Home, including Captain Partatua. I've avoided him for some time, but it seemed like an assault would be inevitable.

"However, something happened that made the Scythians break off. Publius Maxentius was nearing Campus Iazyges with his brand-new legion, which freed Manius to help out in the north. Instead of relieving Home Sweet Home, he went after Vicus Venedae, causing Partatua to lift the siege."

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One of the scribes looked at this latest map with confusion on his face.

"Ah, right. Vicus Marcomanii was sieged, but it was only a little force. It was relieved soon enough." Amilius at this point was speaking in monotone. All the enthusiasm that he had showed last night was gone. The scribes were grateful, but slightly concerned.

"Then the first real battle began. Publius Maxentius, with Manius Oppius reinforcing, met a Scythian army north of Campus Iazyges.

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"The Scythians had tried to envelope Publius' forces with horse archers, but Publius chased 'em off with his equites while his infantry smashed the Scythians'. It was a good victory, with Manius helping chase the archers off. I told the other commanders in the area to remember that strategy.

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"Well, that about wraps it up. You've been great guys, thanks a lot."

"Wait a minute," asked one of the scribes, "What about you? What have you done these past ten years?"

Amilius looked surprised for a minute, then spoke. "Me? Well, I've been running the Julii operations from here and Londinium. It's been all boring stuff, really - infrastructure and the like. But if you insist on writing it, I have increased our treasury to over 100,000 denarii and we are making over 20,000 every six months. In addition, about half the settlements in Europa Barbororum have been Romanized, which means less order problems and more money for us."

He had regained a little of his swagger. A little.

"I also got a battle in; the conquest of Hibernia. Mainly I had to do it to get out of Londinium.

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"Really, there's not too much to say about it. We outnumbered and outclassed them. Although I did manage to enjoy the scenery as we chased those Celts to wherever they came from."

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Amilius paused, finished.

"Wait, one more thing sir. What are your plans for the next ten years?"

"Plans - right." He looked thoroughly distracted. "Uh, well, we're going to continue... beating the crap out of the Scythians. The Senate's annoyed me too, they act all high and mighty even though we have more land than the other Roman factions put together.

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"Morons. I know their true feelings. They hate me. They fear me. At least the people like me.

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"As a matter of fact, I think they would prefer my rule over that of the Senate's."

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This time, Amilius had definitely wrapped up. "Ok, we're done. Get out of here." The scribes left, satisfied.

~~~~~~~

After they were gone, Amilius looked at the report again. How could this happen? Especially to Manius? This would definitely throw things back on the Scythian front. He read through the report again.

East of Vicus Venedae, 235 BC

Manius Julius' legion saw what they had feared most: The Scythians were pursuing. And they brought the garrison of Vicus Venedae with them. He had nowhere else to retreat, so Manius had to stand and fight. As much as he hated barbarians, he realized that the hope of winning this one was slim.

The commander was Captain Partatua, the man whose army had put off Amilius from attacking the Scythians for years. But they were at war now, and Manius was about to face this army. It wouldn't help that a member of the Scythian royal family was coming to help Partatua help out.

In his heart of hearts Manius realized that he was the best man to kill this scum. He, along with Lucius and Amilius, were the most accomplished commanders in the House of Julii. And he burned with a hatred hotter than the Scythian orange for all barbarians. Partatua and Palacus would lie dead before the end of the day.

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Reality, however, was far different. These Scythians simply had more men. They used the exact same tactics as they did against Publius Maxentius a year earler. Manius then figured it would be prudent to use Publius' tactics in return.

But then something happened which he didn't expect. The equites assigned to chase the horse archers away were mauled. Desperately Manius blew his horn trying to reform them, and they did. But they were a shattered remnant of what they had been minutes ago. Meanwhile, the Scythian horse were moving in for the kill. Scrambling, Manius tried to cause a chain rout and ordered his infantry to charge.

It had worked, partly.

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But not enough men routed. The horse archers stayed and shot the poor Romans to pieces. The Scythian infantry, seeing this success, reformed and continued to fight, killing Manius' tribune in the process.

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"This can't be happening," Manius told himself. He - the pride of the Julii - was losing! TO BARBARIANS! Shouting the foulest of oaths, he charged his escort straight for that of Palacus. The two met with a resounding crunch.

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Palacus soon died, but the situation was hopeless. The horse archers just kept firing. The infantry closed in. The remainder of Manius' escort was swallowed up by the Scythians. A legion was gone.

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Amilius Julius crumpled up the report and tossed it against a wall. Damn. One of his best commanders gone. This would require a change in strategy. But they would survive - they were Romans, after all.

~~~~~~~

Epilogue

The Far North, 233 BC

Manius Julius and the two surviving members of his escort rode through another endless field. He had somehow survived that massacre near Vicus Venedae, although his legion was smashed and his confidence sent reeling. How could barbarians have done this to me?

They had been riding for weeks with seemingly no change in the scenery. Finally, one of his companions shouted out in delight:

"A road! A dirt road! It'll lead us to a major settlement, by the looks of it!"

A road. They were saved.

Manius Julius was plotting as his men took the way back to civilization. He cared nothing for the war in Iberia or the coming conflict with the Senate. All he knew is, his honor had been lost that day. And he would get it back. As soon as this road reached somewhere, he would inform Amilius of his survival and petition him for a new legion. And soon enough, he would be back in combat against Partatua, who had survived the battle.

And he would make sure that by the time he was buried, Scythia would be destroyed.

Londinium, Summer 234 BC

“It is good to see you, father.” Lentilus Flaminus said stiffly.

Amulius Julius embraced the awkward young man. Lentilus was in awe of Amulius, leader of the Julii faction and a man said to be touched by the Gods.

“It is good to see you, Lentilus.” Lentilus was adopted and Amulius still could not bring himself to call the young man son.

”You must be glad to be returning to Arretium, father.” Lentilus volunteered.

”There is much to be done.” confided Amulius. ”Nothing too exciting, though. We must bring our campaigns against Gaul, Iberia and Scythia to a conclusion, it is true. But other generals are tasked with that and I am sure they can see it through. No, my main task is more mundane - reorganisation. I intend to reconstitute our armies on traditional lines. Romans have done too much of the dying in our quest for expansion. I intend to make more use of our allies - mercenaries some call them. Henceforth, half of all field armies will be alae, not legions. We must also return to a historical mix of the different ranks of men within our legions.”

Lentilus listened attentively. ”The people will approve, but the Senate may fear over-reliance on auxiliaries. What if they grow stronger than us?”

“You know my feelings on the Senate. Their sniping at us, after all our great victories, is becoming intolerable. We have the support of the people - that is all that matters. I will strengthen the loyalty of the people by cutting taxes in all our towns and cities to the lowest possible rate. We will encourage Romans to settle in the provinces, giving us a strength that will extend far beyond north Italy.”

Lentilus nodded, feigning approval. In truth, none of these plans appealed to the young man. He had a Spartan character and the idea of letting Romans grow fat in peacetime on low taxes was anathema to him. Still, he knew better than to reveal his opinions to Amulius, on whom his own position depended utterly.

Amulius scrutinised the young man carefully. Was he the one? Should he be groomed for leadership as Amulius’s successor? Lucius the Victor was sixty and although Lucius was the next most influential man in the faction, it was clear he could never succeed the 49 year old Amulius.

“Have you heard from your brother?” Amulius inquired innocently.

Lentilus’ lip curled in distaste. “No. As you know, we are not close.” Amulius smiled inwardly - that was the understatement of the year. Lentilus might struggle to hide his opinions, but some were too strong to suppress. Amulius had a second adopted son, Publius Maxentus, a man as different from Lentilus as day from night. Where Lentilus was authoritarian, judgemental and Spartan, Publius was extravagant, loose and Epicurean. Amulius needed a successor and ideally he wanted to find him within his own adopted family. But who to choose, Lentilus or Publius?

Amulius smiled at Lentilus. He admired the stern young man, living his solitary life of duty. So different from Publius, married with two children and yet still living a wild life of debauchery, by all accounts. The rumours were too much - that Publius had succumbed to the embraces of other men.

“I will make a man out of your brother, yet.” Amulius said harshly. ”I will send him to join the campaign against Scythia. He will learn military virtues or he will die trying.”

Lentilus nodded heartily in agreement. The second option sounded good.

The Pripet Marshes, 234 BC, Winter

The wind lashed Manius’s face as he peered through the trees at the advancing Scythian army. This time he was ready for them. Only a year ago, he had lost a legion to the Scythians after a valiant struggle against superior numbers. Immediately, he had raised a fresh army, nearly 1000 men strong, and marched back into the Scythian lands. He confessed he was surprised that the Scythians had decided to attack his army, as he outnumbered them by 50%. But he was confident of the result. He was Manius the Victor, the greatest general in the Julii faction. News of three victories in Iberia this season only reinforced his sense in Roman invincibility.

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The attacking Scythian army consists mainly of horse archers but includes some other troop types as well.

As Manius reviewed his hastily mustered army, a faint sense of unease crept in. In line with Amulius’s instructions, half of his force consisted of allies - mainly barbarian warbands of no particular distinction. His Romans were almost all hastati, not more experienced soldiers. What was worse, he was facing horse archers with no missile troops of his own and only two companies of cavalry. This was not good, not good at all. Still Manius found a good position to deploy his army - in a crescent, hidden in light woods. The concealed Romans watched the Scythians advance. Soon, even the air from the nostrils of the enemy horses was visible and still the Scythians remained oblivious to the presence of the Romans. Manius suppressed a nervous laugh of anticipation as the enemy pressed on.

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The Scythians do not detect the Roman front line until they are almost upon it.

But what is the point of an ambush against horse archers when all you have is infantry? On finally spotting the Romans, the Scythians merely halted and began to rain arrows down on the woods. In frustration, Manius ordered some of the infantry to try to catch the Scythians. But they could not catch the fleet footed steppe horses and even the archers on foot retreated, drawing the Romans further away from the protection of the trees.

Manius watched anxiously, as the exposed Romans failed to make contact with the Scythians.

”Bring them back! Get them back! Into line … back into line!” Manius called out. But that was when the disaster began to unfurl. When the Roman infantry turned their backs to retreat, they were no longer shielded from the enemy missile fire, which became murderously effective as a result. What was worse, the many horsemen were not averse to charging retreating infantry in the back. Soon unit after unit of the Romans began to dissolve.

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The fate of this cohort of hastati is representative of that of most Roman infantry in the battle.

Sensing the battle was slipping away from him, Manius committed his horse:

“Equites! Allied cavalry! Ride! Ride now!”

But the Roman cavalry were outnumbered and outclassed by the Scythians. They failed to make contact with their evasive enemy, falling to their arrows until they were sufficiently weakened for the Scythians to turn and round on them, overwhelming them with superior numbers. Manius watched in desperation.

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Things fall apart.

Soon only a few Roman units remained unbroken on the field - routers being quickly and mercilessly cut down by the Scythian horse archers. There was nothing for it - Manius had to commit his last reserves.

“Praetoria! With me! Charge!” Bravely, Manius led his own bodyguard into the maelstrom of arrows. But even his veteran bodyguard could not turn the tide of the battle. One by one, the fine, well mounted Roman cavalrymen fell to the arrows and blades of the more numerous Scythians on their smaller mounts. Manius felt a rising sense of panic - his bodyguard were falling all around him. He cut and slashed against the Scythians but they were too many and too fierce. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a handful of hastati charging into the melee to rescue him. Could they, even now prevail?

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A depleted cohort of hastati rush to rescue their beleaguered general.

Temporarily protected by his infantry, Manius surveyed the battlefield. Dead Romans and their allies lay everywhere. No significant force of unbroken Romans remained.

”Go, Sir! Go, now! We will hold them off.” a brave centurion was holding Manius’s horse.

Manius was frozen by indecision, staring at the centurion uncomprehendingly. Then, before the eyes of the Roman general, the veteran was cut down by a Scythian horseman. Manius turned his horse and spurred it away from the battle, his heart pounding.

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Having waited until the last moment, Manius’s courage fails him an he flees.

Manius heard the whoosh of arrows as his horse struggled through the snow. Then he felt a thud to his back. His cuirass deflected the arrow, but more and more arrows found their mark. They were not aiming for him, but for his horse. His horse whinnied and stumbled, before crashing to the floor. But one Scythian was a poor shot and missed the horse. Instead, his arrow lodged in Manius’s neck and Manius the Victor, the hero of the Julii faction fell dead, his blood staining the snow on the steppes.

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Scallabis, Winter 234 BC

Gaius Lapius let the scroll slip down onto the table. It was unthinkable: the death of Manius Julius and the complete destruction of a second Roman army at the hands of the Scythians. And now it was his turn. He hand taken command of the Roman forces at Cordoba from the ailing Lucius Victor and fought his way through to Scallabis, smashing a blocking army led by Gotzon of Brigantium. But like Manius, he had been too confident and Rome’s enemies were preparing a second bloody reverse.

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The Julii are punished for their over-confidence for the second time in a year.

A substantial army led by Dunixi of the Lusitani had come to relieve the besieged Scallabis garrison. Each Iberian army was slightly less than half the size of Gaius’ force. Hitherto, the Romans had worked on the assumption that they could defeat enemies twice their number. But recent defeats at the hands of the Scythians had shattered that confidence.

Gaius left his tent and moved to the front lines of his army, deployed for battle. He had a solid force - two legion plus an alae of Spanish allies. Would it be enough? The two Iberian armies approached - the relieving force coming from the north west, the sallying garrison marching more rapidly from the west. The Roman battleline initially faced the relief force, so its western flank had to pivot to meet the sallying army.

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Roman javelins and slingshot cause significant casualties on the sallying garrison coming from the west.

The Romans held against the initial assault of the sallying garrison, but were unable to rout it before the relief force struck. Dunixi charged his heavy cavalry into the eastern half of the Roman lines, supported by bull warriors and other stout fighters. Even the Roman principes buckled and Gaius had to commit the triarii in a desperate attempt to shore up the line.

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On the east, already it is down to the triarii and the battle has scarcely started.

On the western half of the battleline, Roman steel and determination were gradually prevailing. Elements in the sallying force from Scallabis started to rout, but other parts - the elite Bull warriors and the Iberian general’s bodyguard - were made of sterner stuff.

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The tide begins to turn on the western half of the line but is it too late?

Now was the time for Gaius to commit his sole troop of equites. They were ordered to charge the general commanding the Scallabis garrison, who was locked in combat with Roman infantry.

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Equites cut down the general leading the sallying garrison.

With the rout of the Scallabis garrison, Gaius felt a surge of hope - could he pull off a victory? His infantry were terribly cut up, but so were the Iberians. The main opposition from the relief force came from two bodies of bull warriors and the heavy cavalry of Duxini’s bodyguard. They were breaking through the Roman east flank - already hastati and some Spanish allies were routing. Gaius brought his escort round to the flank of the bull warriors and ordered a charge.

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Everything hangs on the fate of Gaius’s charge - can he break the bull warriors and restore the failing Roman eastern flank?

The praetoria crashed into the bull warriors but the doughty Iberians held. A vicious melee ensued and the weight of Spanish numbers began to tell as Roman cavalry lost its impetus.

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The bull warriors defeat the Praetoria.

Gaius hacked and slashed but the situation was becoming hopeless. Soon only six of his Praetoria remained. The only Roman units left effective on the battlefield were the equites and the Balearic slingers. It was over. Faintly, Gaius heard a cheer coming up from the equites who were still fighting over on the western flank.

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The equites kill a second Iberian general.

Thought of the fate of Manius Julius pressed into Gaius’s mind. He would not throw his life away this day. He must get out now. Desperately, he spurred his horse away from the bull warriors and road to the equites, leading them off the battlefield, haunted by the screams of the doomed Roman infantry.

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The second disaster in a single season: the army of Cordoba is destroyed outside the walls of Scallabis.

At nightfall, Gaius collected what few survivors there were from the battle and began the long march back to Cordoba. When he arrived back, he nervously approached the bedroom of the sick Lucius the Victor - fearful of the chastisement he would receive. Lucius had given Gaius command of his whole army, plus all his retinue. Gaius had come back with the retinue, but without the army. Sheepishly, head bowed, Gaius stood in front of frail Lucius. The old man raised his head, as if with great effort, and peered at Gauis:

”Have you heard?” Lucius rasped. ”Three Iberian generals died in the battle of Scallabis. Their royal line is dead and squabbling nobles compete for the leftovers of their kingdom.”

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Gaius, his head still bowed, smiled. So, we won afterall?

Winter 233, the Pripet Marshes

So, we are back here for a third time, thought Publius Maxentius. Three battles against the Scythians - two infamous disasters; the third will be somewhat different. Publius was a man of extravagant taste, but made war in a simple way. Gather overwhelming force and confront the enemy. He had 1450 men; the Scythians a little over 600. This was the Roman way of war: whatever reverses are suffered, come back for more, but come back stronger, never give up - unrelenting, inexorable conquest.

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Third time lucky?

In the wake of the disasters of the previous year, Amulius, the leader of the Julii faction, and Publius’s adopted father, had ordered a wholesale reorganisation of Roman forces north of the great city. He had arranged for all battleworthy Roman units to be concentrated into eight regional field armies: Iberia; Gaul; Britannia; Germania; Italy; Illyria; Dacia and Scythia. Seeking to test his adopted son, Amulius had given Publius the most challenging command - the army of Scythia. Publius knew he was being tested and the knowledge ate away at him. I can march my men as far as any general; I can squeeze my subjects as ruthlessly as any governor. Why does my father believe I am any less a man because sometimes I prefer snails to oysters? Does he not know a real man is a creature of strong passions and does not let petty social conventions dictate his will? Did not the great Alexander show this?

Still, there were some consolations to be had from Amulius’s reforms. Stung by the number of corpulent, indulgent governors in his jurisdiction, Amulius had ordered all leading Senators to join his field armies. Every army had to have two generals. No bad thing at all. thought Publius, eying the toned physique of his second-in-command, Manius Oppius. Manius returned his glance unashamedly. No bad thing at all/

The battle was short and brutal. Publius formed up his line and marched on the Scythians, who this time included only two units of horse archers. Even so, the Scythian heavy cavalry gave a rough handling to the Roman infantry. A cohort of hastate and principes were surrounded and smashed, with the intervention of both generals’ Praetoria required to stabilise the situation. After the battle, the Romans counted 281 men dead, but Scythian losses were nearly twice that. The same year, news came of a heroic victory of Marcellus Syrus wins heroic victory over the last vestiges of Gauls, who had taken refuge in Iberia, eliminating them as a faction.

Remorsely, Publius marched his army onto Vicus Venedae besieging it in the Summer of 231. Vicus Venedae was the objective of the fallen hero Manius Julius in both his ill-fated Scythia campaigns. Where Manius the Victor twice failed, I will not, thought Publius proudly. The Scythians responded fiercely, sending a relief force to break the siege.

The Scythians who fought that day were the veterans who had twice defeated full Roman armies. The majority were horse archers. Publius was cautious. He lacked sufficient cavalry to act aggressively against this kind of enemy. So he formed up his army on a gently sloping hill, arranging them in loose order - almost willing the Scythians to enter close combat. Unlike Manius, however, Publius had three full cohorts of Roman archers as well as a corresponding force of velites. The Romans would have to endure, but the Scythians would not remain unscathed either. The battle was a bruising one. By its close, the Romans had lost 423 men. But the Scythians had lost 789, as well as Vicus Venedae.

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The battle for Vicus Venedae was a brutal, unglamorous affair as the Romans prove ill-equipped to fight horse archers.

The ruthless Publius considered exterminating the population of Vicus Venedae, but even he could not stomach such a vile act. His qualms were later a source of much irritation as the city remained restless and rebellious. Publius and his army of Scythia would have to remain at the settlement for a considerable time, stymieing the Roman offence. Impatiently, Amulius ordered the Roman field army of Dacia to join the campaign. Its commander, Decimus Domitianus, was instructed to leave Campus Lazyges and to march on the Scythian capital, Campus Scythii. Yet again, Publius’s feelings for his fellow man had managed to disappoint his adopted father.

Decimus’s Story.

My name is Decimus Domitianus and I am a simple soldier. I am no politician; I aspire to no high office. I care not for our popularity with the Senate, or even with the people. I look only to my command and my job on the battlefield. I believe only in duty, honour and loyalty.

I have fought three major battles against the Scythians en route to Campus Scythii and the fates decree I may well have to fight several more. My army of Dacia is a proud force, of stern men. Along with the Romans, it includes many Illyrians and some bastarnae and Sarmatians. It is a formidable force and one well matched to take on the Scythians.

While Publius Maxentius was trapped in Vicus Venedae, we began our own advance through the Pripet marshes. In the summer of 229, we fought our first battle against Scythia.

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Our large force of foot soldiers confronted their own infantry…

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…while our brave cavalry smashed round the enemy’s flanks.

We won a decisive victory and so we pressed on. In the Winter of 228, we fought our second major battle - assaulted by two Scythian armies. It promised to be a bitter contest between Roman infantry and Scythian archers, fought in the snow. But the Scythians had little interest in skirmishing - instead, they charged straight for our lines.

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The hastati bear the brunt of the Scythian charge.

Fortunately, our infantry did not have to endure alone. Our cavalry, spearheaded by my own Praetoria, counter-charged. Together with our archers and skirmishers, we were able to defeat the many horse archers arraigned against us.

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Decimus begins to earn the reputation of being a local hero.

Two years later, we finally reached Campus Scythii. The Scythians attempted to break our siege of their capital and so fought our third major battle. Again, it was a cold affair in the snow. I confess I took some risks that day, in my desperation to bring the Scythian cavalry to battle.

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Decimus has to be rescued by his second in command…

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… and later by his infantry.

But we prevailed and the Scythian capital was ours.

Summer, 224 BC

By the gods, he is a dull fellow, this Decimus, thought Amulius as he picked up his general’s report. A fine general, no doubt, but a crushing bore, nonetheless.. Still his report made for depressing reading. What little achievements the last ten years had brought now threatened to unravel. Decimus lay back in his chair and started to think how it had come to this.

In the summer of 228, jealousy in the Senate had further eroded the position of the Julii faction. Iberia had been taken - Gaius Lappius making a triumphant entry into Scallabis, on a mission from the Senate, six years after he had been so ignominiously routed from outside its walls.

In response to the demands imposed by their conquests, a new man had come to power in the Senate, Gaius Marius. His reforms were introducing a professional army with the potential to be more powerful than any the world had known since the time of Alexander.

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Amulius had slowly been forced to embrace these reforms, in part because of the financial crisis Rome’s northern territories had entered. The vast treasury he had accumulated ten years ago had been almost completely eroded - by his eight armies inflated with expensive mercenaries and by his low tax policy. Reluctantly, he had imposed a high tax policy and disbanded all but the most elite mercenaries. But it was not enough to provide the funds to begin hiring the professional cohorts that could now be recruited in Italy. Amulius was forced to disband first his green pre-Marian cohorts and then, in a drastic move, all pre-Marian cohorts not in combat zones. With tensions rising with the Senate and other Roman factions, it was not the ideal time for the Julii to become effectively disarmed.

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Yikes!

Still, the daring policy of disbanding the pre-Marian army seemed to be bearing fruit. A post-Marian army was slowly raised and gathered at Massilia. The Senate had called for a punitive mission to be undertaken against Carthage. Amulius saw it as the perfect time to give his favourite adopted son, Lentilus Flaminus, the chance to prove himself as the natural heir to the Julii faction.

But Amulius’s other adopted son, Publius Maxentius, had unwittingly scuppered that plan. Decimus Domitiatanus and his army were effectively imprisoned in a rebellious Campus Scythii. Riots in the former Scythian capital had already claimed the life of Julii general, Valerius Quadrigarius, and the whole of Decimus’ army was required to keep order. However, Publius had finally been able to leave the rebellious settlement of Vicus Venedae. By hard marching, he had come to Campus Sarmatae, which was believed to be the last Scythian settlement. Amulius had dreamed of completing the conquest of Scythia by 234 BC. It was not to be.

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Publius cuts his way into Campus Sarmatae - hoping to end the war with Scythia.

On storming Campus Sarmatae, Publius was downcast to learn that the Scythians had at least one more province - far to the south, in the Crimea. But worse was to come. Again, Publius could not bring himself to exterminate the captured Scythian townfolk and instead merely enslaved them. Unfortunately, vast columns of slave made their way to rebellious Campus Scythii. The sight of the slaves further angered the Scythians in their former capital and their numbers made it possible for them to move from riot to outright rebellion. Working in secret, a substantial new Scythian army was formed and in a night of violence, drove Decimus’s troops out of the capital. The war with Scythia, far from being over, had erupted in full fury again.

Amulius threw down Decimus’s report. Oh, Decimus, you old plodder. You are normally so dull. Why did you have to bring me such “interesting” news! Amulius sank back in his chair. The last ten years had not gone well. He had hoped to install at least one of his sons as his heir, but neither had yet proved themselves worthy. This was all preparatory to overthrowing the Senate and declaring an Empire, but that secret ambition was far from completion. Still, he was beginning to create a new, post-Marian army capable of making a grab for power. He doubted that it would be ready in his lifetime, but the next ten years would be crucial if he was to lay the groundwork for one of his sons to rule Rome.