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"Now that he was single, he could use that to sway the men over with a proper marriage"Quote:
Originally Posted by miotas
Well, back then people got married for political reasons, and Hamalcar could marry one of the daughters of the men of the council in order to get a blood relation. Thats what I meant.
I am very grateful. Thank you very much.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes
Thank you. :bow:Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissBarbar
:oops: I see, it's quite obvious now I go back and look at it, perhaps I need more sleep. But that would mean less EB!!! :wall: :help:Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasiliyi
Great chapter!
And don't worry about the historical accuracy, changing history is what RTW and EB are all about.
Yah, I wrote that last night at like midnight so I wouldn't be surprised if I made a silly mistake too. I've done that before.Quote:
Originally Posted by miotas
Thank you, I appreciate your comment.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus
:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:
Yes i know, Expected update is tomorrow night. Thanks for reading.Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
Lixus and Muttines
Another restless night has slipped past Hanno. He got up out of bed, dropping his exhausted feet on the floor of his tent. Getting dressed he took a peek outside. It was still dark, but one could tell that the dawn was coming. In the distance he could see Lixus, a city of the Numidians.
Hanno ached everywhere. He felt old, worn out, and helpless. He lost a lot of weight and was barely getting any sleep. His long beard, untrimmed, made him look worse than a beggar. Dressed in his full panalopy of war he woke Danel with his stirring.
"Go back to bed, its too early." Danel said, half asleep.
"Danel, I need you to do me a favor today." Hanno whispered, getting on his knees next to Danel's cot.
Danel, getting up and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, looked at Hanno and his feeble body.
"Anything for you friend. You know that." Starting to wake up.
"Today, you will lead the army against the city. I cannot, I feel as if im cursed." Hanno plead.
Danel looked at Hanno and sighed, Hanno looked terrible, not the man he knew before this expedition.
"Ok my friend, I will, but let me sleep for a bit longer." Danel said while falling back into his warm bed.
"Thank you." Hanno said. He then walked out of the tent to talk to the men who were on guard duty.
---------------------------------------
The sun was at the peak of its power when the rams finally hit the wall. The battle had started. Hanno took off his heavy armour, being able to relax his exhausted muscle. He knew what he had to do today. Leaving only the belt for his sword, he grabbed Gisco's sword and started walking to the center of the campout, where Muttines was being held.
Muttines was chained in stockes and held in the center of the campsite at all time, for fear of his escape attempt. Soldiers often hurled insults at him, but Hanno made sure he was properly clothed and fed. In all actually, Muttines ate better than Hanno.
After the slaughter at Kirtan, Hanno's health began fading. He tried his best to not show it to the troops, and for the most part he hid it well. Slaughtering was not the business of Hanno. Many a men had died to his sword. So many nights he woke up in his cold sweat, only to realize that the dead were just a dream. And then there was Muttines. He felt bad for the man. He had such pride in him, he just couldn't stand holding him hostage anymore. He needed to kill him. He wanted to, in front of the troops, but that would be unjust.
That is why he was going to kill him now. Muttines stirred as he saw Hanno walking to him with a sword in his hand. Muttiness stood as straight as he could, hands at his side, looking into the distance, ready to go.
"I understand, but please kill me quickly." Muttines said calmly.
Hanno walked behind Muttines and with a loud thud the stocks came free. Muttines jumped from the shock and then fell to the ground. Hanno threw Gisco's sword at Muttines' feet. Muttines looked at the sword and then at Hanno, still a bit shocked at the days events.
"Get up, we fight today. Man to man. If you kill me, you are free. There is no one here to stop you from running." Hanno said, pulling out his own sword from his belt.
Muttines grabbed the sword and jumped to his feet. Realizing there was no shield and armour protecting Hanno he smiled. He had met a fair man.
"Why do you do this my friend, you could have killed me so easily."
"Never mind that, fight me."
Both men were circling each other as they looked into each others eyes. Hanno took the initiative and lunged at Muttines. His body was sore, his mind, blurred with exhausted, he missed his target and fell to the ground after Muttines dodged his lunge with ease. Muttines seeing his opportunity, hit Hanno with the flat part of his sword over the head. Hanno let out a "Ouch.." and then went blank to the world.
----------------
"HANNO! WAKE UP! PLEASE!"
Hanno looked up, and then dropped his head again because of the pain. Danel was shaking him ferociously.
"Im fine, stop that." Hanno, said with a bit of disappointment.
"Lord, Muttines, he escaped!" Danel saying to Hanno.
"That he did." Hanno said while getting up. Danel helped his to his feet.
"Should we send riders?" Danel said to Hanno, getting a bit impatient.
Hanno realized that he was in his own tent, lying in his own bed. His sword was in its sheath, and Gisco's was lying next to the bed.
"No, im sure he left hours ago. We'll talk about this tommorow." Hanno saying that as he looked outside to realize it was evening. Hanno smiled. For the first time in a year or so. He smiled.
"Now lets drink to our success, Danel. Let us celebrate." Hanno saying to Danel with such happiness that Danel himself was surprised.
"Lord.." Danel started speaking.
"No, today we get drunk with wine until we pass out." Hanno stopped Danel.
And that is what they did. Hanno fell asleep in his cot and slept well into the next day. He never slept better.
Nice chapter!
love this AAR, it made me start a campaign with Kart-Hadast:smash:
Very good chapter.!!:2thumbsup:
:2thumbsup: But more pics if you don't mind.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it as much at I do.Quote:
Originally Posted by GnaeusCotta
Thanks for the comment!Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus
Ill get there buddy. I just dont want this to turn into a picture aar. I need a good background story.Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
oh good, time to see some burning romans...
Im afraid im not quite there yet, but there will be A lot of that. Bear with me, and you will see many things you want to see done to the Romans.Quote:
Originally Posted by satalexton
War and Peace
Hamalcar stood on the balcony of his home, overseeing his son, learning swordplay.
"Good! Now with the left!" Kanmi was yelling at the boy, parrying his blows.
Since sicily, Kanmi rarely left the boys side, protecting and overseeing him in this strange new land. Now, he was teaching him to fight, to avenge his mother.
"Again, don't you dare give up!" Kanmi yelled again at the boy.
Standing on top of his balcony, sipping his wine, he was interrupted by a messenger. Giving him a letter from Kart-Hadast, the messenger stepped back and bowed.
Hamalcar opened it and read it to himself. After reading the contents of the letter Hamalcar rushed inside and threw the letter into the a fire. He sat on his elaborately decorated couch and told a servant to call all the nobles of the city. Outside he could still here his son attacking Kanmi with all that the boy could.
"Good, at least I have something to look forward to in this world." Hamalcar thought to himself.
-------------------------------
That evening the nobles all arrived at Palace and waited for Hamalcar to say what he needed. They all had great respect for what he did to their city. Within only a couple of years the city was flourishing. The streets were repaved, a new bigger port was built, trade routes were well protected, and after hearing of how low taxes were people from all over Iberia flocked to live under such benevolence.
"My dear friends," Hamalcar started, not pausing after saying friends. "My brother in Kart-hadast has negotiated a peace treaty with the men who killed my wife! This dishonors me greatly, as It was my hope to raise the whole of Italy to the ground. Now, I just have to sit here and let those bastards go unpunished."
He paused, and looked at his crowd. They had great respect for him, and the fact that he never spoke of his dead wife meant that this was something he felt seriously about. They all were looking at him intently.
"My son though, he vowed to me, that he would arrest the destiny of Rome when age permit. I understand that he had a few years before he is grown, but I want to know that you all would let him lead an army when he is of age."
The words were like shivers down their spines. They trusted Hamalcar, and liked the boy, but to let him lead their sons to war, untested, was pushing boundaries.
Avero stood and spoke.
"Your son is young, and we do not know what he will be like as a commander. Infact, we do not know what he will be like as a soldier. But I will allow giving him a chance to fight with our men. If he can stand, side-by-side, with our men and show his bravery and skill, then perhaps we will allow him so."
Much whispering happened after Avero spoke. The boy himself was sitting next to Kanmi in the front row. He was much like his father, and was fluent with his silver tongue already. In fact he had made many Iberian friends, who vowed their allegiance to him already.
"Hamalcar, stand for the men." His father told him.
Hamalcar stood. A boy of twelve, but you could already you could tell he had confidence. He looked at the men in the room and politely smiled. Then he spoke.
"What my father says is true. I love this land as if it were my own, but, one day I must give my mother a proper burial. I know you don't trust my with your boys and therefore I accept the challenge to join your ranks." With that, he took off his royal ring, his belt, and his sandals and marched to the local recruitment grounds on the other end of the city.
Kanmi seeing the boy leaving jumped to his feet and followed the boy. Hamalcar, the boys father was a bit surprised at the boys actions but approved with a nod to Kanmi. The men just sat there and watched as the boy left.
"You now do not have a son, Hamalcar, until he has proved himself worthy. He is now a son of Iberia, the land of fierce warriors." Someone is the back row spoke.
Rome doesn't stand a chance!
This story just keeps getting better and better. :2thumbsup:
NAW RLY?:clown:Quote:
Originally Posted by miotas
Thanks to all for reading and commenting.. I plan to do an update tomorrow night.
Carthage rules! I am currently in the 230s with my Carthage campaign. I was attacked by the Ptolemies and have since conquered every province in Africa except the two Nubian provinces and Gaetulia, I conquered all of Spain save Celtiberia, vellika and the province next to Vellika. I control 3/4 of Italy including Rome, I control all Sicily and Cyprus and Massalia. Hamalcar Barca by sheer coincidence had a son named Hannibal! Sadly Hannibal Barca fought only two battles against the Romans, both were heroic victories but he died in the second one. In fact his death won the battle. The two lines were engaged but the Romans were on the brink of breaking, the battle held in the balance. Hannibal blew his horn and charged into the Roman line. Two things happened at the exact same time. A lucky Roman thrust slew Hannibal, and the Roman line collapsed.
Hamalcar Barca is still commanding troops in Egypt, being the conquerer of all Egypt. The current Hero of the Roman campaign is Hannibal son of Gisco who has been sluaghtering Romans in Gaul for almost ten years.
Yah this is my second serious campaign as the carthies (My first one was in v1.0) and it is so much fun to play! They just have such a variety of troops, and I love how I can have different compositions in every army and still have it be historical...Quote:
Originally Posted by Tanit
Oh, prepare yourself for my own Hannibal, Those Romans wont know what hit them.
Update is coming shortly
The carthaginian units look bad ass.
Coming of age
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1250/comingofage.jpg
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4777/hamalcarbarca.jpg
He stood there, proudly wearing the heavy chainmail on his shoulders. From head to toe he was equipped to fight. His body, lean and muscular. He was only 16, but in the past 4 years he had really grown into a man. Forgetting his Punic culture when he left his fathers palace 4 years ago, he took up studying the art of war.
He learned to throw a completely metaled javelin many yards, only to land in another mans chest. His right hand had calluses from holding and fighting with his Gladius Hispanicus. His left, was sturdy and powerful from carrying the Scutum, his shield. His feet were as strong as an oxes, for he ran many miles in his service.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2075/barcabattle.jpg
Many of his friends called him Barca, which meant "thunderbolt", for he could outrun any man. But it wasn't just his physical prowess they praised. He was smart and had fluent speech. He could lead men, that was seen in his first few months of his service. Being of nobile birth, Kanmi purchased him the armour and weaponry of true warriors of the Iberian people.
A light wind blew against his face on this hot day. Rain drizzled from the skies. To his right stood Likinos, a celtic warrior who's father migrated to Gader. To his left stood his best friend Uxentio, who's father was Avero from the council of Gader. Uxentio and Barca pledged their life to each other in battle. If one of them died, the other would commit suicide after the battle. This was their pact.
They were on guard duty, against the raiders who hurt the trade of the city. No one knew who the leader of these raiders were but there was speculation that they were working for someone.
They stood in two rows, side by side, facing the marching enemy against them. Being only 16, Barca fought in a few battle, but most of them were in dark forests where they would ambush the enemy. This was a different battle. The enemy marched out at them in a line, so they too formed a line and waited.
He could here the enemy march threw the grass, and gripping his sword, he looked at Uxentio and then Likinos. They were focused on the enemy. He too looked.
Suddenly, the enemy charged the line of Scutarii.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3348/barcabattle2.jpg
Bracing himself for the charge he threw his javelins at the enemy and watched as a man was completely knocked off his feet when his made its mark.
The enemy closed in and Barca swung his sword right at the enemies neck while the enemy was looking Uxentio.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2029/barcathroat.jpg
He quickly fell to the ground and died, and another man took his place.
Barca braced himself, realizing he lost his cover and blocked a blow made by the enemy. Uxentio gutted that man from behind. The fighting lasted for a few minutes and then the enemy ran back to reform their line and rest.
Then the enemy commander roused his men to once more. He personally lead the charge in the center of his line, right were Barca was located.
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/26...dercharges.jpg
Likinos barely managed to block a blow made by the enemy commander and was knocked off his feet. Barca swung as hard as he could at the commander and knocked his sword out of his hands.
https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/7001/eleaderkills.jpg
The commander was enraged and quickly picked up the sword to parry Barcas second swing.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6448/bestare.jpg
"Be careful there boy, I will Kill you!" The commander yelled, by now his bravery was even more noticable as the rest of his reached our line.
"I do not fear you, you dog." Barca yelled back, his voice not at all worried.
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4057/beduel2.jpg
The commander swung his sword at Barca but Uxentio managed to hit him with his sheild, knocking him off balance.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4562/beduel3.jpg
Taking advantage of this, Barca put his sword right into the mans chest, cutting threw his armor. Barco jumped back up to his feet and looked down at the man with surprise at how quickly he had killed him.
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4159/bkillse.jpg
The enemy line, seeing that there commander died, ran back to reform once again. This time the Lorica Scutarii didn't give them much breathing time and charged right into their midst.
https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4232/bcharge.jpg
The first of them enemy was competetly knocked off their feet.
The rest, didn't last long as Barca, Uxentio, Likinos and the entire group of men clash into them. Likinos yelled something in his celtic tongue as he swung his bloody sword at a man.
https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8722/bkills.jpg
There was little resistance after the charge and they finally broke free and ran.
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9889/enemyrouts.jpg
-----------------------------------------------------------
After the battle, Barca walked threw the forest alone, making sure all the routed enemy was dead. His sword was bloody from the days events and he carried it with pride. He would see his father soon, and he would present the bloody sword to him. Kanmi would be delighted.
Barca stopped suddenly when he heard moaning. He slowly walked toward where he heard the moaning and readied himself for a trap if need be. Almost killing the man, he stopped suddenly to realize that it was a scout that had been sent out to find out who was responsible for the raids. He was bleeding badly from a stomach wound.
Barca dropped to his knees craddling the mans head in his lap. The man looked at Barca with pain in his eyes.
"Water.." His cracked throat barely let out.
Barca reached for his pouch and unbuckled it from his belt. He poured it slowly into the mans mouth, not letting a drop fall out. It was in vain. The man started coughing terribly and Barca had to lean his over the side of his lap in order for the man to settle. Then the man went blank.
Barca put his sword into its sheath and tied his shield to his back and he lifted the man over his shoulders. He walked slowly and gently as to not hurt the man. He carried him all the way back to camp, singing a song of mourning for the hurt man.
----------------------------------------------
The next day Barca was summoned to the tent of the commander. As he walked in he saw the scout, who's name was Sigilo, and the commander. Sigilo looked better, recieving treated for his wound, and food for his hungry belly.
"Thank you for saving my life Barca. I am a very lucky man." Sigilo said to Barca, laying back down on his cot.
"Not only did you save a life, but you also saved some valuable information. Sigilo spied out the enemy and found out that the tribe of Lusotania is responsible for the raids. Apparently their king is jealous of the all the wealth and people who migrate to Gader. When they saw Sigilo, they chased him for day and finally threw a javelin into him, but he still managed to survive 2 whole days on that field. Thank you Barca." The commander said while giving Barca a slap on the back.
Barca bowed and left the tent. Soon, there would be war, but not with the romans... not just yet.
Boy, those Iberian troops are so beautiful. Honostly, I can still be amazed at the detail and aesthetics of the units to this day (after about a year and half of playing this mod). THANK YOU EB TEAM FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE!
Ok, so ive noticed i haven't posted a map of the world for a while so here it is.
258BC
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/...world258bc.jpg
Looks like the Romans are doing good against the Aedui, but I hope they dont expand too far into gaul as it will make my aar a bit difficult. Ive been helping the Arveni by gifting them money and using "process_cq" cheat for their cities every couple of turns. I wouldn't mind fighting a tough Arveni for a change.
A triumphant return
Barca's unit marched back home to Gader. Their 4 years of training had ended. Now they would be enlisted into the real standing army. It had been 4 years since Barca had seen the city and he could not believe what he saw. The city was enforced with large stone walls, those comparable to Lilibeo.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8063...eshamalcar.jpg
As he nears the city he realized that his father had been waiting for him. A whole host awaited him.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6077/wholearmy.jpg
Barca and his fellow soldiers marched to the heavily armed and beautifully arrayed cavalry of the Punic bodyguard. Hamalcar, his father stood motionless until Barca walked up to him and pulled his sword out of its sheath. Blood, dried crusty blood was on the beautiful blade. His armour, too was covered in blood, and was not parade ready.
"My son, you are grown." Hamalcar said to his boy as he got of his horse.
Embracing the boy, Hamalcar realized how big his son was. Strong, tall, good looking, this was not the cute boy that left his palace that left that night.
Kanmi too got off his horse and took the sword out of Barca's hand.
"A good blade, and worthy of such a man." Was all he said.
"Do you see these men, this vast arrayment of power?" Hamalcar said to his son as he walked toward the city.
"Yes." Was all that Barca could say.
"They have been prepared for you." Hamalcar said, walking toward the first group of men.
"These men, from young age are taught the use of a sling." Hamalcar talked about the Balearic slingers as he walked past them.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9294...icslingers.jpg
Many of the men made a fist and put it against their hearts as Barca walked by.
They walked further to look at another set of men.
"These are young men, raised from the tribes of many people to help you on your path." Hamalcar said to his boy, pointing out a group of men.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9233/ambushers.jpg
They walked even further toward the city. Hamalcar listened to Barca speak of his experience in the army.
"These are Iberi Caetrati, raised to run and skirmish. They are a valuable addition to your force."
https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/515/lightinfantry.jpg
They walked further, Barca noticed that as they went deeper into the ranks that the quality of the troops increased.
They stopped at the Iberi Scutari, a group of Medium infantry, ready and awaiting their young leader.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/61...iscrutarii.jpg
Barca stopped at looked into a soldiers eyes. Green eyes. He nodded and continued.
"You know these men. The Loricati Scutarri. Born and raised to defend the cheiftans to the death, they will defend you to the death." Hamalcar said while he walked past the heavily armed men.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3608...ascrutarii.jpg
They walked past those men, still furthur toward the city and stopped at the Iberi Lanceari.
"These men are from the nobility. Their horse along costs more than a years worth of taxes."
Barca stopped and admired the beautiful cavalry. The men on the horses looked at the boy and saluted.
https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5784/heavycavalry.jpg
"You will not believe how much this cost me." Hamalcar said as he pointed at the hellenic style artillery peice.
https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/990/artilleryj.jpg
"This machine can knock down this wall with ease, it will be very useful to you." Hamalcar said.
Barca silently looked at the contraption and wondered how it worked. He would know soon it enough.
"My son, I have even bought trained elephants for you. These beasts tower above all other beasts. Any man who sees them in battle will surely flee." Hamalcar said with pride.
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6808...nelephants.jpg
Barca stood in awe of such towering beasts. He had heard about them, and read about them, but never imagined them to be so big. How could men control such things.
"These are your men to control. These men will help you get vengeance." Hamalcar stopped at the gates of the city and waited for them to be opened.
Both men walked into the city only to be greeted by the citizens with cheer and flower pedals from the rooftops. A royal horse was given to the young man and he and his father rode to the palace side by side while the people cheered.
Inside the palace Barca was greeted by many nobiles who shook his hand and bowed. They drank wine and watched the entertainment well into the night.
Outside, the whole city was celebrating the return of the governors son, aswell as the return of their own boys. Much parading and singing was done. Food and wine was distributed amongst the population and people had a grand time.
Kanmi always followed the boy, keeping his distance but never letting him out of his site. He had done that once, and it nearly cost the boys life many years ago. Kanmi would never leave the boy after this day.
:jawdrop:
very nice chapter!!!!:2thumbsup:
Have a small question though, the Lorica Scutarri, where do you recruit them? and what level of MIC do you need?
Great chapter!:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
But they're called Loricati Scutarii!
Thank you very much. I was so excited last night I decided to write 2 chapters. I can't wait to get Barca going.Quote:
Originally Posted by miotas
Um, well i know you can recruit them in your 2 starting Iberian regions. I believe its the lvl 4 regional MIC... I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by GnaeusCotta
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus
Thank you, comments are always appreciated.
(p.s. i edited my spelling error.)
Ok, so if everyone has noticed, Hamalcar had a son who is also Hamalcar. Hamalcar junior will be called Barca in my stories, to make things simpler. I should have another update tomorrow night.
Thanks to all for reading.
Looking forward to the exploits of Barca. :2thumbsup:
Me 2Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
Helpless across the sea
Mago paced impatiently across the room, listening to his scribes and clerks as they scrambled through hundreds of pages of city finances from the city of Gader.
"Lord there are no errors here, Im telling you that right now!" One of the clerks finally said after annoying going through so many pages looking for a single exploit in which Hamalcar could hoard money.
"I don't believe you!" Mago whirled at the clerk and exclaimed.
"Its all there, every last piece of gold is accounted for." The clerk continued.
It was like this for 3 days now, every day Mago getting more impatient. It got so bad that the clerks had to beg Bomilkar to come to the city of Kart-Hadast to talk some sense to him. They all hoped he would arrive soon.
Just as they were about to give up, Bomilkar walked into the room and looked at everyone with surprise.
15 or so men, looking through papers, marking things down and Mago, pacing through the room. His face, exhausted and old from the lack of sleep.
"Bomilkar, what are you doing here? Who summoned you?" Mago, almost enraged said to his brother.
"Nevermind that, you look awful."
The clerk who had spoken earlier started showing Bomilkar the papers which listed very tediously the city finances. Trade, tax, army upkeep, even civil services were all clearly marked and dated to show legitimacy. Hamalcar was a very good manager and such documents proved it.
"Were at war with Lusotania." Mago said to his brother with a sigh.
"What?! Why would Hamalcar attack our allies?" Bomilkar shifting his attention from the scrolls to his brother.
"He didn't. Our spies reported massive recruitment in Iberia, and many raids performed and payed for by the Lusotanian king. Apparently he is jealous at the prosperity of our regions in spain." Mago started saying. "Hamalcar got his war. The council already voted today. He was given permission to control all of Iberia."
The news startled Bomilkar and he didn't say anything. Looking at his brother, he saw worry and a bit of hate.
"What are you making them do?" Bomilkar asked Mago, nodding to the clerks and scribes who were working on the finances.
"Hamalcar didn't get rich from nowhere, there is no way he can recruit such a large force without it showing on the finances."
Bomilkar pondered for a moment. "Could it be his personal money? From a farm or vineyard perhaps?"
Mago froze, realizing his mistake. Just from being extremely aggravated, he took his fist and cleared his personal desk of its belonging with a long swoop.
"Settle down. You know its possible. Hamalcar always held grudges. Now hes letting it get to you." Bomilkar said, trying to calm down his brother. Then he turned to the scribes and clerks and said, "Gentleman, leave us. You are free to go."
"I feel helpless with him being so far away. There is no way to control him. My informants tell me he has great influence in Gader and removing him from there would be disastrous. My only hope is that he is killed in battle."
"Come brother, let us dowse you with wine and let us forget about Hamalcar. Tonight, the world will be a blur to us." Bomilkar said, putting his hand on Magos shoulder and leading him away from his office to his personal chambers, where there was a much more relaxing mood.
Bomilkar prepared the evenings entertainment. There were numidian dancers in the city and he quickly hired them. Along with entertainment, he had the chef prepare a fine meal, complete with a good roast and many other delicacies of the Mediterranean.
But in the morning, Mago was still restless.
YA RLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:
Update coming soon!
The Heartbeat of war
It is true that I am not a great warrior. I am not dressed in proper armor, for I do not have the money for it. But i have my javelins, and my wit about me, and that, will kill many a men. I was born in the southern mountains of Iberia, the ones just south of Baikor. It wasn't a great city, but we served our king, the king of Lusitania greatly and fervently.
I didn't fear death, oh no. Many skirmishes with the enemy taught me to hate those who fear death. For I watched as many of them ran as I threw my javelin into their back. I had a good arm.
A few days ago, our local lord called us into service to protect the city. Many of us weren't rich and all we could bring into the city were our javelins a small sheild and a small dagger for last stands.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7986/eturindu.jpg
We numbered a few hundred. But what I saw outside, which wasn't much. I could tell their force outnumbered us. Our scout ran into the city in the morning, he was sweating, dirty and panting like a dog. We crowded around him and asked him many questions about the enemy. Before he could answer any of us, he fell to the ground and died.
It didn't make sense, but I think both exhaustion and fear killed him. Anyways, we heard the horn of our lord and ran toward the games to defend them. Then, from nowhere, we heard a great crash, louder than any thunder or lightning, hit our gates. With great momentum the gates fell off their hinges and our walls lay their naked for the world to enter into.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4319/gatessmashed.jpg
My heart jumped both with excitement, fear and a bit of curiosity. We ran up to the open gates to investigate.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/67...ndubygates.jpg
I looked out and saw the great host of men. I have never seen such a body of men. Thousands of them. And then I saw beasts! Great beasts, bigger than anything ive seen. The gods were truly on their side.
"The gods are on their side!" Someone yelled.
"Runesocesius, he sends them great javelins to destroy us! Surely we are doomed!" Another man yelled.
"SHUT UP!" We guard the entranced I yelled. "No one shall pass so long as Im alive!"
"Oh great Runesocesius, help us in our plight!" Someone prayed to the great and sacred site we had standing erect behind us.
It was silent ones more, until the great heartbeat of the god, that is what it sounded like to me was heard again. This time, out of the corner of my eye I could see a great stone, flying at a group of soldiers that were near me.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/70...dufireball.jpg
I tried to yell out something, but before I could, I watched in horror as the men were pummpled and thrown into the air, as if the fist of the gods came down to earth to pound these men.
https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/87...uexplosion.jpg
There we screams of terror and men started wavering. We started running , but this time the enemy had already reached our walls. Slingers let loose their great lead bullets.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2935/leadbullets.jpg
They hit us with great efficiency. The bullets killed many men around us. We tried to run, but the skirmishers let loose their javelins.
https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2461/hugemess.jpg
So many men died. And i was not one of them. Why? I didn't deserve to live. I was a coward.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1867/hugemess2.jpg
Another bolt from the gods smashed into us, killing many more. The few soldiers, and I, hid behind teh great statue of our god. We rested and caught our breath. I looked at them, they were all struck with fear.
The next moment, Our sacred site, the site of our god was too destroyed by one of the bolts of death. The heartbeat of the enemies god was a powerful and deadly tool. How could men use such things? The few men who were with me died, being crushed by the rubble.
https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/85...oyedtemple.jpg
My heart was torn. I could see our lord from the distance, watching in horror from the days events.
I grabbed my javelins, which I left on the ground and ran at the enemy. This was my end. Hundreds of bullets and javelins aimed only at me hit their mark.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/88...rindudeath.jpg
I thought of my wife and two sons as I lay their dieing. I thought of the gods heartbeat which kept beating.
Another volley from the enemy and my body was torn.
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/...indudeath2.jpg
War is hell..
The last of the weeds
Hanno sat in his tent, eating a peice of chicken thigh. He at slowly, enjoying his food. He ripped a piece of the chicken, dipped it into a sauce, which was a bit spicy and then bit off. Then he repeated that step finishing the piece. He licked his pointer finger and then thumb clean. He had a look of satisfaction on his face, as if eating a piece of chicken was something to be cherished.
"Sir, we have found him." Stepped into the tent was tall dark skinned soldier. Marks of battle were across his face.
"Yes, Danel, now sit and eat. I told you not to go looking until you were done eating." Hanno insistently said.
"Yes lord." Danel sat next to Hanno. Pouring himself some wine, he too bit off a peice of chicken, although it was a bony part and he found little meat. Continueing he said, "They are bringing him here."
"Good, we may both speak to him then." Hanno said, unfazed.
Inside the tent entered another soldier, younger, but not any younger than 25. In one had he held his spear, in the other the head of Muttines. The head was help by his left hand, and he gripped the hair with ease. A bit of blood dripped from the dead mans short neck.
"Set him on the table." Hanno said, then finished. "Thank you, you may go."
The head of Muttines was bloody and dirty. Full of sand in all the crevices. Cleaning his hands with a towel, Hanno wiped the dirt of the mans head and spoke.
"So we meet again old friend. It seems as if we are finally even. You spared my life a few years ago, and now I spared you a terrible life for a good death."
Hanno waited, as if the dead man was going to speak. Danel made no jesture toward the dead man and just looked at Hanno while he spoke, flushing chicken down to his belly with a big gulp of wine.
"Yes yes, we probably would have been good friends, had it not been for this war. But I won." Hanno continued, but then stopped suddenly.
"I WON!" Hanno yelled at the head.
Ever since Muttines escape from Hanno's camp, Muttines was nothing but trouble. He lead revolts in conquered towns killed many merchants and raided his supply trains. He created new armies, only to be destroyed by Hanno. 7 times they went to battle. Everytime time, Hanno's army would be their drums, blow their horns and march out at the enemy and Muttines men ran with fear. 2 years alone were spent in the great desert chasing Muttines from this water hole, to that one. When the final stronghold of the Numidian king fell, so fell the great king.
Garama was defeated earlier this morning. Thousands of Enemy soldiers died so that this war would end. Muttines wasn't captured alive, oh no, he wouldn't allow that. He foolishly charged through the lines of infantry to meet Hanno. And then he was slain. That was the story of Muttines.
The weeds were pulled out of Numidia. Now it was time to plant grains of all sorts into this fertile african soil.. and Hanno planned on returning home.
I find it strangely amusing to read a Carthaginian AAR then see a big Romani sig at the bottom.:inquisitive:
For some reason I thought he was going to feed the head some chicken...
I can't help it. My loyalties are always clear.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
Oh, and that would have just been strange, wouldn't it? Well, I thought about it, and what I tried to portray there was Hanno going a little bonkers. I mean, if you had to leave your home and lead an army for 10+ years across the desert, chasing some guy who killed your brother, well I think we all would have gone bonkers. Its only gonna make this aar more interesting. Thanks for reading.
As Jar-jar binks would say "mesa like, mesa like"
Thank you. :bow:Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
Expected update tonight.
The council
https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/8971/baalhammon.jpg
Mago walked through the halls of his great palace. He walked quickly and nervously. His heart was heavy and sweat was beginning to form beads on his forehead. He walked up to the stairs to an old cellar and looked both ways, just out of habit. With no one there, the climbed down, and jumped to his feet.
Walking another 100 paces toward a lit torch, he stopped when he got there. A guard opened up the underground gate and he entered. He thought to himself how many times he had done this. How many times the council called upon him. Lately, it was quite often.
The council was a secret society. The richest men on this side of the Mediterranean. Exactly 30 of them. They were smart and manipulative and they always got their way. They chose Mago to be Shophet, because he was more submissive than Hamalcar. Hamalcar was shart and quick and witty and they couldn't control him.
He remembered the first time he had meet them. It was during an election, a very close race between him and Hamalcar. He recieved a note and directions of where to go. And so he went. He walked down the into the cellar and toward the torch. The council greeted him and promised him that he would win, if he promised to serve them. Mago wanted the position and hastily agreed. He won by a big margin.
A week before voting time, they started spreading massive propoganda about Mago and his great conquests in Iberia. Plays were written, games were held in his honor. That was when Mago realized he owed these men alot. Ofcourse, he could have won the election by himself, but they wanted to prove to him that they were above the law and all it stood for.
Mago has never actually seen the faces of the Council, but he knew they had agents everywhere. They knew everything, and payed a very high price for it.
He stood there, underground, while the council gathered. They were all directly underneath the great Ziggurat of Baal Hammon, lord of the sky. Mago clenched his fists for his hatred of these men. Yet, he feared them greatly.
"Mago what news do you bring us of your brother?" The questions began.
Mago didn't even look up at who spoke, as he would not see him. It was literally pitch dark and he only recognized the voices, as he had heard them many times before.
"He is doing well, his shipments of gold are arriving on schedule. He is becoming increasingly popular in Spain. So is his son." Mago replied.
"What is his sons name?" Another asked.
"Hamalcar Barca, but they call him Barca because he is very quick." Mago replied again.
"Let us hope he is not that quick, or else he will never be able to please a woman."
The joke was crude, yet the crowd laughed.
"Has he begun his campaign into Iberia or is he waiting?"
"He has begun, but we are not aware of what his movements are." Mago replied again.
There was silence for a moment, and Mago thought they were done for today. Usually if they called him on a moments notice, they just left when the questions were answered. Mago waited some more but he knew they weren't leaving yet.
"Hanno will be returning home soon, will he not?"
"Yes, he is finishing his campaign, and will be in the City of Kart-Hadast before the winter."
"He WILL run for office, do you understand?" The voice sent chills down Mago's back.
"Yes." Mago said, he voice trembling. He hated these men with such a passion.
"Good, you are free to go. Do not disappoint us."
Mago turned around and walked through the gate and started to go back home when he fell to the ground and started sobbing. His wife would miss him for dinner, but he did not care. He sobbed for himself, his father, and any other man who would be elected Shofet. He hated those men, he wished them all very painful deaths. He felt like a used rag, a worthless stray dog. They owned him. His soul was sold.
He lay there for hours on that cold hard stone. His face had stains of tears and under his nose there was crusty snot. Eventually, when he stopped pitying himself he got up and cleaned his face and continued his on with life.
I hope Hanno will have more backbone than Mago when he is elected.
Nice development!
That move with the 30 rich man council was a suprising move.... I like it:yes:
This really seems to give the basis for a civil war. Keep up the good work:2thumbsup:
Oh, boy will you be surprised with what happens.. Im afraid this is the part of my aar where things get "unhistorical" so it might be a bit weird. But I will try to keep things interesting.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
Well, I work at a grocery store, so while I stock shelves I constantly think about scenes in my aar. So yes, this was not planned from the beginning. You will be surprised with what happens. Needless to say, Respublika Kaput!Quote:
Originally Posted by HunGeneral
Uxentio
It was a warm spring evening when they sacked Sucum-Murgi. They had laid seige in the winter and decided it was too cold to fight. Early in the spring though, several small armies of levies attacked the carthaginian host only to fall upon great numbers of stout men. Their attacks were uncoordinated and pitiful by Barca's standards.
Uxentio sat there in the room with all the war council that Barca had. Being only 17, he didn't speak too much, but when he did speak, his words were wise. Behind Barca was Kanmi, ever watching the boy turn into a real man. Kanmi was 35, 18 years older than the boy but he looked young and powerful. His biceps were bigger than a youngsters head. His perctorals were like two powerful shells of tortoises that lived along the rivers in this region. He stood tall and proud, only speaking when spoken too. He was dumb, by no means, but he was silent.
Likinos, the celt, was tall, but a bit slinky for his kind. He made up for it with speed though. There was an anecdote that he once charged the enemy and killed 3 of them before any of them had time to brace themselves and parry. Uxentio laughed every single time the story was told among the ranks, but believed it was true.
Now they were here, in the princes home, drinking the princes wine, and eating fine roast. Uxentio looked at his friend, Barca.
Barca was a strange breed of men. He was so proud, yet humble. He knew everything, yet he asked so many questions. When he walked through the streets, people would stop and wave and bow to the young man, yet he would still stop and help the little old lady with the pale of water she carried.
In battle, he was different too. He was not like the Iberians or celts. He wasn't even like the Punes. He took every casualty as a loss. He was meticulous in his setup, yet he was ruthless in his attacks. His battles were all very similar. He would set up the slingers first, followed by the skirmishers. Behind them were three lines of infantry, starting with the light infantry followed by the medium then the heavy.
In a seige, which her commanded 2 already, he first took out the gates with the greek machine. Then he wittled the enemy down with the slingers from the Balearic islands. Oh how feirce these men were. Their lead bullets could cut through metal.
After the walls had holes in them, he advance his infantry with the order they were set up in. He never engaged the light infantry in real combat, only allowed them to throw their javelins. The medium infantry would hold the first couple charges of the enemy and then retreat through the ranks of the heaviest infantry.
Meanwhile, Barca only watched. Silently. The warriors knew their orders. They obeyed them to the last bit. After the battles, Barca dealt with reports and helped with the wounded. Only when all his men have eaten would he eat.
Uxentio realized how much respect he had for Barca. He remembered the first time he had saw the punic boy.
They were in the forum of Gader. Uxentio lead a group of boys around, causing trouble with this or that stall. Being the son of a prominent council member had its perks. Barca walked through the streets and saw the boys and ran up to them. Uxentio stood infront of the boys, hands at his waist, and asked the boy his name.
"What do they call you, you dirty pune?" Uxentio said with authority.
"My name is Hamalcar, and I am not dirty." Hamalcar answered back, with a very smart tone. "Can I play with you?"
"Play with us? We don't play, we fight!" Uxentio barked at Hamalcar, and then turned to the group of boys that all watched the proceedings. "Don't we?"
The boys nodded and snickered.
"Well then, I want to fight too." Hamalcar said to Uxentio.
Uxentio was glad that Hamalcar fell into the trap. Uxentio stood a head taller than Hamalcar, even though they were both 10 years of age.
The boys surrounded Uxentio and Hamalcar and started cheering for Uxentio.
Hamalcar realized what was happening and put his fist ups to his face to protect himself.
Uxentio lunged at Hamalcar and knocked him down and his strong thrust. There was much squabbling but in the end, Hamalcar lay on the ground, blood flowing from his nose, a cut on his lip and his eye was swollen shut. Uxentio was scratched up a bit, but was able to leave without too much harm done to him.
The next day, Hamalcar returned, and approuched the group of boy.
"Did you not recieve a good beating yesterday? Or do you really hate yourself?" Uxentio roared at the boy, while the boys all laughed at how ridiculous Hamalcar's face looked.
Hamalcar said nothing and lunged at Uxentio this time. Once again a fierce fight pursued and once again Uxentio stood over his opponent as the victor.
This happened the third and fourth and fifth day. It happened for two weeks. Every single time, Hamalcar returned to be beaten again. On the fifteenth time, Uxentio, limping from the fight before, came up to the boy and kissed him on his swollen lips.
"You are my brother, for I have NEVER seen such courage as yours."
From that day one, the boys became unseperable.
Uxentio remembered how Barca talked about the revenge he seeked. How he would purge romans from the face of this earth. Uxentio listened fervently and promised to follow Barca to the ends of the earth.
And so, Uxentio sat there sipping his wine and watching his friend discuss his next move with the men in the room late into the night.
Sorry about such a long text. Ill try to post some more screenshots in my next few chapters.
Part time or full time? Or are you a teen looking for a way to make money? Not that it's bad or anything. Srsly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasiliyi
Good Chapters though. I can't wait till this really gets started with Barca kicking Roman ass.
part time, and yah the pays not too bad. actually im a college student going for a medical degree.Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
oh and neither can I, Barca is going to be awesome.
No chapter today, but I thought it would be nice if I included a list of all my characters and a small description of each. I realize they are beginning to pile up and are hard to keep up with.
https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6812/mago2f.jpg Current Shofet of Kart-Hadast. Is currently in Kart-Hadast
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7370/bomilkar2.jpg Younger brother of Mago, Governer of Atiqa
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2318/hamalcar2.jpg Currently in Gader, being the governor there. Is looking to run for Shofet in the next election against Hanno.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2433/hasdrubal.jpg Currently in Mastia is a governor there.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7018/hanno2.jpg Leading an army for one final battle against the Numidians.
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5055/carthalo2.jpg Governor of Karali
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8995/aderbal2.jpg Governer of Lepki
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4666/bacra.jpg Leading an army of Iberian units against the Lusatanian tribes. Vowed revenge against the romans.
https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6316/bisaltes.jpgHas yet to come into my story but is currently the Baggage train for Barcas army.
https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6331/kanmi.gif Kanmi: Veteran warrior who saved Barca's life. Vowed to keep Barca alive to see him avenge his mother.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6316/uxentio.gifUxentio: Best friend of Barca, currently in Barca's bodyguard.
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4025/likinos.gifLikinos: Slinky Celt who is also Barca's friend. In Barca's Bodyguard.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9384/akbar.jpg Client ruler of Kirtan.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5755/balhanno.jpg Last king of Numidian. The Youngest of Muttines 5 brothers. Is in the province of Garama looking for a fight with Hanno.
https://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4341...ytree256bc.jpg
Barca's army
https://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3706/barcasarmy.jpg
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3334/hannosarmy.jpg
Life and Death
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Hanno gazed at the the cool morning desert, scanning the horizon for his enemy. For thirteen and a half years, he spent his life in this desert, fighting. For thirteen years he spent on the road, never seeing Kart-Hadast. Thirteen years he gave his life for his country. And this was it. Today, he would kill his enemy and march home triumphantly.
He promised to meet his wife in Kart-Hadast and show her the city. He had married a woman from Garama. A gift from the client ruler they had installed there. Hanno had not ever seen a woman so beautiful! Her body was slender, but she was not too thin. Her green eyes contrasted her dark brown hair so wonderfully it tore at his heart. Her Lucius lips begged him to stay, but he had to leave. It would be three seasons since he saw her.
He spent the last 9 months chasing the last brother of Muttines. He had killed 3 of Muttines brothers who all rightfully claimed the throne of Numidia. They raised armies and fought and lost. One was left. Today, Hanno would kill him.
A little later, when the sun was in the horizon, Hanno spotted the army. He ordered his men to line up. They were exhausted, but he needed to finish this. The sun burned the metal they were wearing. The heat was truly unbearable.
With his lines in order, Hanno would make this a personal fight. Over the past years he had learned how to fight these Numidians. Kill the leader and the rest will run. He had personally watched many of the warlords fall by the sword of his veteran bodyguard. Today would be no different.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/40...lastbattle.jpg
The enemy approached under the hot son. They inched near Hanno's line. Realizing they had to fight sometime, Balhanno chose to attack today.
Hanno was watching his line being harrassed by the enemy skirmishers when he kicked his horse on the sides and ordered his cavalry to respond. Contrary to belief, the heavy cavalry of the Kart-Hadast Bodyguard was no slower than the nimble Numidian cavalry. They sped up to the enemy and Hanno realized that the enemy general was personally leading the harassment. Blowing his trumpet, Hanno ordered his cavalry to chase the skirmishers.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/434/hannochase.jpg
---
Balhanno laughed at the fool that chased him up the hill. He ordered every last javelin to be thrown at the chasing cavalry. He watched as several of the bodyguard fall by his mens dexterity with a javelin.
His cavalry knew the plan, and retreated to the top of the hill. The heavy armour of carthaginian cavarly slowed them down severly and Balhanno raised his sword for his men to prepare their attack.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8004/formuttines.jpg
The Numidian cavarly lined up at the top of the giant sand dune and charged down the hill.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/341/hannofight.jpg
-----
The clash was immense and undescribable. The sound of smashing sheilds and swords and spears cut right through your ears. It sent shivers down Hannos spine. His own horse was trapped between two horses and couldn't move. It paniced, but Hanno quickly settled it down and forced it toward the enemy. Looking for his enemy, Balhanno, Hanno didn't see a numidian dart toward him.
"HANNO WATCH OUT!" Danel yelled at Hanno, but it was too late.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7119/hannocut.jpg
The spear of the enemy ripped through Hannos upper thigh. Masked by the shock of it all Hanno only felt warm blood on his thigh. When he saw the wound, he cried out in pain, which was muffled by the sound of battle. His attacked was quickly cut up into shreds by Hanno's bodyguard. They all looked to him in horror, never seeing their general hurt this badly.
"Would he retreat? Would he run?" What should we do?" Were the thoughts on the faces of his bodyguards when he saw them.
Hanno seeing his men wavering, kicked his horse and rode out toward the enemy. His sword quickly entered a mans gut and with that, his bodyguard resumed fighting.
----
Balhanno was in trouble. Cut off from his men and surrounded by the enemy he knew he wouldn't last long. He took his sword and swong it at an enemy, only to be blocked and almost thrown of his horse. He turned quickly to stop a blow from another when he felt something sharp cut into this lower back.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/77...nnostabbed.jpg
Blood rushed to his head and he lost balance. Dropping his sword he fell hard onto the ground and was trampled by his enemy. The last thing he heard and felt was his ribs cracking from under a hoof of a horse.
----------
Cheers erupted from the ranks as news spread of Balhanno's death. Hanno, encouraged with such news started chasing the enemy. He felt his heart beat pound in his chest, like a bird in a cage, it was trying to free itself. Adrenaline surged through his body as he singlehandedly chaged another group of numidians. What looked like a routing troop soon turned out to be a trap.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/61...noswinging.jpg
Seeing him in peril his bodyguard followed, but they lost many men after the first fight. Hanno shrugged at his fortune and swung at the enemy, cutting deep into his chest. Crimson fluids splattered all over Hanno's sheild as he pulled his sword out. Another Numidian tried grabbing him and pulling him off the horse and for a moment there was struggle.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/39...ulledofhor.jpg
With a bit of luck the mans hands slipped and Hanno was loose from the enemy. Now both sides were rushing to enter the fight. The Numidians knew that Hanno was near and revenge was possible, but the royal bodyguard knew it too, and they made sure to cut quickly toward Hanno.
Fortune seemed to smile at Hanno as he saw his men nearing, he almost let out a laugh while he swung his sword hard at another foe.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/42...nofighting.jpg
Victory was so close, Hanno knew this. Soon he would be at home, with his wife. He imagined her sweet red lips.
Time stopped. Hanno felt himself fly off his horse. A Numidian skirmisher charged him at full speed. He saw out of the corner of his eye the spear the peirced his chest. He felt his breathing change. He felt strange flying off his horse. He saw his wife again, telling him he was a father. He saw it all, as if he was there.
https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/2528/hannodieing.jpg
THUD! Feeling nothing, Hanno realized he was dieing. The skirmishers were routing. He watched them rout. He was on his back. The sun had scorched the earth he was laying on. He felt the hot sand burn his neck. He saw Danel jump of his horse, and fall onto his knees.
"LORD! Oh, NO lord, you have to be alright! VICTORY IS OURS!" Danel yelled at Hanno.
Hanno didn't reply, he just stared at Danel, who grabbed his hand in his own and sqeezed it tight. Danel let out a loud cry and stood and roared at the world. The roar of a real lion. Thats the last sound Hanno heard.
----------------
A hundred miles away, in the city of Garama, another roar was being heard. The citizens of the village listened as they heard the wife of Hanno cry out in pain. Birth pain.
"PUSH! PUSH!" An old woman yelled at the young woman.
There was a moment of silence as the young woman had tears streaming down her eyes and then another cry could be heard. A childs.
The mother let out a screech as the baby slipped from her womb. The quick and smart fingers of the old woman cut the cord and cleaned the child.
"Its a boy!" She exclaimed. "What will you name him?" Holding the child in her hands, and laying him on the young mothers chest.
The mother held her child for the first time. Looking at her beautiful baby boy, she answered. "Giscon."
THAT SUCKS that Hanno died.
Was he supposed 2 in ur plot?
Very dramatic though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
Um... Ofcourse he was supposed to die. (If he died and I didn't want him to I would have reloaded the battle, His charge was completly suicidal) This will make things interesting with the council and Hamalcar.. All of this soon to be revealed. Thank you for commenting.
Just checking that your not stupid:clown:Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasiliyi
The brothers meet
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9154/magosarmy.jpg
Mago was 63 when the council called upon him the last time. He was 63 when the army he had been waiting for came marching into the city of Kart-Hadast. He was old and he felt it.
The armies rest in Kart-Hadast was short lived though, as the council called upon Mago, and made him lie to the citizens and the army, telling them that there was another Numidian army to crush, near Ippone. In reality, they sent him to stop Hamalcar from reaching the the great city of Kart-Hadast, so they he couldn't participate in the elections.
They had chosen Adherbal to run instead of Hanno. Adherbal was an idiot, but they knew this. They did not want to let Hamalcar run for office. That was the only thing they cared about.
And so, Mago was just outside of the city of Ippone, awaiting his brother. His orders were clear. He sighed, His backed ached and his muscles were weak. His years of service had worn him out. He had just one thing let to do.
He was in his tent alone, taking out a small glass veil of liquid. Poison. Snake venom. It killed slowly, as if the death were natural. No pain would the person recieving this feel. Mago nodded to himself, put on a cloak and walked to the stables they had built. He got on his magnificent black horse called Hippocampus, and rode away from camp.
--------------
When Mago neared the outcampment that Hamalcar had pitched for himself, he was stopped by two stout warriors Hamalcar had brought with himself.
"I am Mago, The Shofet of Kart-Hadast. I have come to see my brother" Mago said with authority, behaving like the usual him.
The soldiers stopped and looked at eachother, unsure of what to do. They were near Hamalcars tent and Hamalcar came out to see what the problem was.
"Stop, this is my brother, Mago." Hamalcar said to the soldiers who were holding the reins to the horse.
Hamalcar looked at Mago, who was grayed all over. Mago got off the horse and walked to Hamalcar and collapsed in his arms. Hamalcar helped Mago into the tent and offered some wine.
"Thank you brother." Mago said to his little brother.
There was an uneasy silence for a moment as both of them looked at each other and sipped their wine.
"Am I that special that Kart-Hadast sends and entire army to escort me to the city?" Hamalcar said, with a sarcastic tone.
Mago laughed at his brother, realizing that he still had a sense of humor.
"Listen to my little brother," He began with a serious tone, "You have to save Kart-Hadast."
Hamalcar turned sharply toward Mago and looked into his face to see if he was being serious.
There was a cold stone look on Mago's face. Hamalcar sat and looked intently at Mago.
"There is evil men controlling Kart-Hadast, ruthless, evil men. They threaten my family. They Made me pick Hanno and not you that day many years ago. They wouldn't let me re-enforce Lilibeo when you came and begged for help. And now, they sent me here to the desert on the alarm that there was another Numidian army, only to kill you. But I shall not. You have to take over Kart-Hadast. Kill those men and rule Kart-Hadast. Dissassemble the senate. They are nothing but a bunch of greedy old men trying to make a pension for themselves." Mago paused for a moment.
Hamalcar looked at his brother, tears were forming in his eyes as he remembered his wife polymede.
"You are lying to me, I will not be fooled! Do not think your sins of the past will be forgotten" Hamalcar, now enraged stood up and stared down at his brother.
Mago stayed silent and only started taking off his shirt. When all the layers were off, he showed a symbol that was branded on his chest by the council of 30. Shame was seen in his eyes.
"I have not layed with my wife for 20 years because of this mark. I am their slave, but not any more. I will not kill you. Instead, I have already killed myself. Tonight we shall ride out to the army encampment and I will die in my sleep and you will become the General. You will march your army to Kart-Hadast and take it. The republic failed, I fear. A strong fist is needed to control our empire. You hold that strong fist."
At that, the brothers started weeping for eachothers mistakes. Hamalcar forgave his brother for the acts that were commited and promised horrible deaths to the council of 30.
They rode out the army encampment that night together, as brothers. And sure enough, the snake venom slowly killed Mago, and in his sleep, he died.
https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6125/magodies.jpg
The next day, after enbalming Mago, they marched back to the city of Kart-Hadast, with Hamalcar in the lead.
Wow! Awesome AAR Vasiliyi! :study:
I'm reading through the first couple of chapters now; most excellent! I may have to start a Qarthadastim campaign...
Which part of MN are u from btw? It'd be freaky if we were neighbors or something! :dizzy2:
Thank you, Ive been needing to update and post for a while now.. Im honored that your starting a Carthy campaign. Those guys are really fun.. Im from The twin cities area. South Saint paul to be exactQuote:
Originally Posted by Ariovistus Maximus
Nice stuff, how are you going to play out the battle for Carthage? Are you going to use a custom battle, or have you another way in mind for Hamalcar to take control? Or even role-play him losing and having to go over to the Romani as a mercenary?? :yes::laugh4:
Well, I wasn't sure of what I was gonna do before, but I went to work and It was boring as usual and I think I have come up with a solution. A very good one I hope.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
A twist of fate
The council of 30 had heard the news, and immeadiatly sailed to Lilibeo to get help from their allies, Rome. It was strange what this self proclaimed but extremely rich group of fat men could do with their money.
After paying off the governer of Lilibeo, who was as greedy as the next man in Rome. Everything was handled quickly and efficiently. Such was the sinews of infinate gold. It was said once by the council that they had enough gold to buy the entire island of Sicily back from Rome. Such things were speculation, but they surely were proud of what they had.
These men, these 30 men were from all over. Some were from Iberia, others Citizen of Kart-Hadast itself. Others were Romans and Greeks. Either way, they all used Kart-Hadast to increase their riches. They had slowly gained position in the senate of Kart-Hadast, paying this and that man off, until they reached the top. They had forced the Shofet to submit to them.
For 20 years they made him do things he didn't entirely think was good for his Republic. They groomed him to be a peon in an endless world of shiny metals. Then tragedy had struck. He died without an heir. Hanno was going to be their next pick. But he died too, and things turned for the worse. Hamalcar was returning. The man who had tried to claim power many years ago.
They remembered it very well. The first time they set out to try to tame Mago. Hamalcar was running for Shofet, and proclaiming the greed and corrupt system of the Senate. He knew they were being payed off by someone. He wanted to completely disband the Senate or limit its power in a significant way, but failed to do so because of the council.
The people sided with Hamalcar. Stomachs were empty while the coffers of the rich were swelling with gold. He lived among them, even though he was apart of the royal family. Everyday we would stand in the Bazaars and public places and preach to them of himself. It was so strange for them to listen to this man. They could come up to him and sit at his feet and listen to his wonderful ideas of a new Kart-Hadast.
That was when the Council of 30 acted. They spread massive propaganda about Mago. Games were held in his honor, food was distributed amongst the masses, payed for by the council. Suddenly things were good and Mago, who was much more conservative toward the current government system won the election.
The council loved how easily the public was swayed. "The best way to a mans heart is through his belly." That was their motto. Ever since that election they had fed the masses of Kart-Hadast and gave the claim that Mago was responsible for such actions.
So now, they were at the gates of Rome, being escorted by a fine cohort of men. They were quickly escorted to senatorial meeting where they made their plee.
Baalshillek, the unofficial leader of these men stood to address the greedy senators of Rome.
"My dear friends, we have prospered much with our alliance. Let our past woes not trouble us. The City of Kart-Hadast needs your help. A vile and evil man, Hamalcar is marching against it. He plans to sack and it and go to war with Rome. His son pledges to avenge his mothers death. These men MUST be stopped at once. We need your help. We have no army to muster as they are being blindly let by that man. We BEG you to send a legion to stop his advancement. Your services will be greatly rewarded."
There was murmor in the senate. They had been payed off by these men many times as well. The pirates in Messana were subdued by Rome, but the legion was payed for by the council. One must remember that pirates dealt some heavy financial burdens on these rich men, and Kart-Hadast did not want to attack messana, for fear of rome. Such was the history.
The speech had swayed the Senate of Rome. They knew the council could be trusted with its financial promises. They remembered Messana and Lilibeo. It was agreed that a legion would be sent to the province of Kart-Hadast IF it would be payed for by the council. Also they would have to pay for any and all war reperations to the familys of the Legionaries. This was a hefty price, but the council agreed to whatever they asked.
And so, they sailed to the island of Sicily, to be escorted back to the powerhouse of the Carthaginian empire by a legion of Rome.
Traitors http://i.fokzine.net/s/redface.gif
Let's throw them in a ditch and let the elephants loose on them http://i.fokzine.net/s/devilish.gif
Well technically only some of them are traitors, as they are from all sorts of places. But yes, they will be "brutaly" taken care of. Actually one of the things that excite me the most about this aar is what barca is going to be doing soon... Rome will tremble, I promiseQuote:
Originally Posted by Dutchhoplite
Great AAR! I finally had a chance to spend time reading it, and I am sad I did not read it earlier: great plot, with all these characters.
Yah, I try to update every few days so that people can actually catch up with the story, or so I believe... Thank you for your compliment. :yes:Quote:
Originally Posted by d'Arthez
Well, sorry about the lack of updates recently. I am thinking of more plot thickening chapters, so please bare with me. I plan to do an update tomorow, but it wont be gameplay wise. It will be character building. Thanks to all who read.
Chains of life
"Likinos!"
Likinos shuddered as he heard his father roar out his name. It is time to go, he thought to himself.
He was a boy of 10 years old, born and raised here in the city of Gader. He knew these streets backwards and upside down, playing in then when he was still an infant.
His father on the other hand, was born in a noble family in the Island of Hibernia. He was the youngest of 6 brothers, all who were bigger than normal men. His father stood a head taller than every man in the city of Gader, and his body was well tuned and built for war. He ran away from home, after realizing his life would consist of serving his eldest brother. When the Carthaginians landed in Hibernia to trade with them their precious tin, he hid in a boat and didn't come out from hiding until he was starved. By then they were halfway to Spain.
He followed the Carthaginian merchant for the next 10 years, learning the skills to become a merchant. at 25, he married a his masters only daughter and they had a son. At childbirth, though, the mother died and Bareus was left alone with Likinos. For Likinos means "born to sorrow".
Since then, Bareus was just a trader in the city of Gader, teaching his son about his tribe. And now, he was turning 10, the grand time of a young boys life.
They walked through the streets, Likinos and his father. If you did not know them, you would never be able to guess that they were related. Bareus stood tall and handsome and proud, while Likinos was slinky, quick and skinny. He walked with a hunched back as if he was pretending to be an animal.
Likinos knew what they were going to do, but he wasn't sure how long it would take. His father told him that they would be making him his armour, but what he didn't understand was why. Gader had many great blacksmith factories that punched out beautiful armour with stunning speed, yet his father didn't order one.
They stopped at a blacksmith shop to buy a few materials. His father did all the talking while Likinos looked at a Gladius falcata, a curved short sword. He ran his finger down the sharp edge of it and cut himself. He was quite surprised when blood came dripping out of his finger.
"Dam you boy, can't you stand still for a moment?" Bareus snapped at his son.
Likinos pulled back and stood next to his father as he watched his father pack tools of all sorts into a leather pouch and then throw over his shoulder. His father was also carrying a bow and several arrows, along with his long sword, and his own set of armour, which he wore with pride.
The clerk at the shop handed Likinos metal wire. Likinos nearly dropped it from being so heavy. Bareaus helped Likinos put it over his shoulder as well and then they marched out of the city.
-------
Several hours later, after leaving civilization, they were in a hilly forested area where they camped near a river. Likinos watched as his father set up a fish trap to keep them from starving while Likinos broke a piece of bread and handed it to his father.
His father stopped what he was doing and started eating the piece of bread while he looked at his son.
"Open the pouch with the tools and lay them out on that flat rock over there." Bareus said to his son, pointing at a rock near their tent.
Likinos obeyed, and after doing he needed, he carried the metal wire there as well. His father walked to the rock and sat next to it.
"Come here boy." Bareus called to his son finding him looking at the fish trap that he set.
"Today, we will start to make you your armour." He began, arranging his tools as needed.
"But why can't the shops at Gader make them?" Likinos spoke for the first time.
Bareus, started working, and answered his son patiently. "My son, you are a Celt. And we, Celts make out own armor. When we make it, we realize what kind of work it takes to put it together, as it will later save our life. These chains will become your body as well. You must treat it as a piece of you, and not metal. That is why we make our own armor. My father taught me to make this chain mail, and I will now teach you."
And so the work began. Bareus started wrapping the thick metal wire around a round metal stake which would be used to hold a ship together. He worked slowly, explaining to his son every step. After they had wrapped the metal wire around, they pulled it off and it looked like a long spring. His father then took a pliers and cut each ring, slowly, one at a time to ensure quality. He talked to the rings as he cut them in his Celtic tongue, asking the rings to protect his son from harm in his battles.
Then he let Likinos try. Likinos was stronger than he looked and quickly took to it. They worked late into the night, and Likinos worked while his father started a fire and cooked the fish they had caught. When all the wire was made into rings they fell asleep.
Likinos woke to his right hand being sore from twisting so much metal the night before. He took a bite to eat and drank from the river and looked to his father to teach him further steps. After each ring was done, his father showed him the basic 4-1 patterns of the rings. After making the first few weaves, Likinos started it himself. He first made the chain to the the from the length of the top of his torso to the midsection of his thighs.
Then began the slow process of putting together the rest of the chain. He worked all day while his father hunted for the wild animals that roamed the forest. He only stopped for eating and relieving himself.
When he closed his eyes at night he could only chains. He was a quite boy, but this time with his father had really brightened him up and he spoke freely to the man he had once feared.
After the last ring was put together, he finally put it on. The weight of the project really surprised him, as it was very heavy. When his father returned with a deer over his back, he stood their silently watching his boy in his own armour, belt tightened, swinging his longsword playfully. His heart swelled with pride at what he saw and a tear rolled down his cheek.
He let himself calm down before he continued to the tent.
"Likinos." Bareus said to his son.
Likinos shrugged and dropped the sword with fear. Turning around to see his father smile at him, he smiled back and walked to his father.
He father looked at the armor and nodded after feeling the armor in his fingers.
"Well done, my boy. You will be a great warrior one day."
https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/...nmailarmor.jpg
Wow. A wonderfull update Vasiliyi!:yes:
This making of the armor really got me tied to the screen while I read it - fantastic work.
And that pic of the mail is great aswell - ist this THE chainmail you have mentioned in another thread? Ihave to say it seems well worked out. The belt goes with it quite well.
Here Vasiliyi have a baloon: :balloon2: (for this great story:2thumbsup:)
Nice update, just one question, why does the guy in the picture seem to be constipated? Is that a symptom of armour making? :clown:
:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
:2thumbsup: :smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:
A balloon! Thank you very much! No, unfortunatly i have barely begun making my chainmail, and am at about 4inches buy 12inches. Not much, but its a start.Quote:
Originally Posted by HunGeneral
lol, idk i just got that photo of google, but im not constipated so i doubt its a symptom of that.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
Just wanted to say this is really great stuff. Been catching up lately, and I must say it's some excellent reading for my leasure time :yes:
Maion
Thank you Maion, I figured you would like this aar alot better than my Romani one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios
To the rest of you, lurkers, commenters and readers. Thank you very much for being supportive and patient with me. Im nearing 4000 views now and I hope to reach 8000 just as quick. Stay tuned, excepted update is tonight. :2thumbsup:
Well, it was supposed to be last night, but because of the .org having troubles and me being busy tonight, ill have to postpone it till saturday night. Thanks for being patient
Sweet!
Fork in the road.
https://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2443/forkinroad.jpg
The dark night had finally enveloped the camp in which Uxentio was staying in.
Somewhere a bird of the night could be heard, making its rounds to eat.
Uxentio's mind raced through the days events, and the past years events
and how much has changed.
First off, he disliked riding a horse, and begged Barca to be put on the ground
as an infantry commander. Barca hesitated at first, but later allowed it, seeing
Uxentio's persistence. Then there were the battles.
They had fought six field battles against the tribe of Lusitani. They have
captured two major towns, but also fought six field battles which had
changed Uxentio. He remembered their first battle.
His mind drifted back to that day. He was fighting countless Lusitani warriors.
All strong and proud men. He remembered how his flank was in serious trouble,
but he did not waver, and continued to inspire the men around him with his might.
He thrust his Falcata in countless men that day. He remembered the warm blood
that flowed onto his hands from the other mans belly. Then there was the rain.
The day the Lusitani King attacked us, there was a heavy rain. One that sent
chills down your body because it was so cold. That, and it was extremely windy,
making the rain like little pebbles hitting your face with full speed. The day was a
horrid one, but Uxentio's heart filled with excitement from it. He searched the battle
field for a man worthy of him. He wished to know what it was like to lose. He wanted
another man to claim victory over him. But alas, they couldn't.
He had purposely chose his group of men to guard the most difficult and weakest
spot in the line. For his wished to be challenged. Wave after wave was defeated
by his men. He embolded his men when he cut the head off a lieutenant and held
it by the hair, waiving it at the enemy to taunt them. His men all followed, and cut
heads off the dead to throw them at the enemy. Uxentio's blood lust did not fade,
as the enemy charged once again, seeing that this man needed to be killed to win
the battle.
Uxentio remembered that for an hour straight, his hand did not stop swinging. All
the reserved of the enemy came dashing to meet him. His heart soured at the
chance to meet his match. His cut his way through many men, chopping and hacking
with his falcata. No man could stop him. He remembered a warrior cutting his arm,
but that did not stop him.
Even though Uxentio was undefeated, his men were starting to waver. Barca, seeing
that there was massive disarray in the line, ordered the elephants to flank the enemy.
Uxentio remembered as the huge beast came charging at the enemy flank. He let
out a laugh, even though he was short of breath. He laughed as hard as he could,
cutting several more men. The feet of the elephants made a terribe noise, far
worse than any other drum of war. He remembered the cries of pain that the
men let out after being stabbed in the back by the tusks of the elephants. He
saw the pure white tusks of the elephants turn to a crimson red as they killed more
and more men.
https://img156.imageshack.us/img156/...antscharge.jpg
The battle turned with a blink of an eye. Those men who wavered
were now charging headlong with the elephants. The other men, who were
fighting bravely against the Carthaginian line now were fleeing with all might.
Dropping both shield and sword and spear, in order to get away from the beasts.
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/...ntscharge2.jpg*****
Uxentio's thoughts drifted to another Heroic Victory that was won. He
remembered the Lusitani attacking three times after the first battle with the elephants.
But this one was even bigger. There was a river crossing, which they planned to go
hrough, if the Lusitani had not challenged them. Uxentio Gladly took into his heart
that he would fight today, always wearing his Armour and helmet. The enemy
had charged them once, but seeing that they were at a disadvantage, pulled back.
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/...ntioleader.jpg
Uxentio quickly seized the opportunity to charge back at the enemy while
they were bloated at the river crossing. He and 2 other officers charged
along with a few men to embolden the rest.
https://img526.imageshack.us/img526/...intheriver.jpg
The water stung Uxentio's feet as he ran through it, getting slightly deeper.
It was up to his knees when the enemy finally stopped and turned around
to meet the oncoming foe. What came next was a terrible sound of shield
smashing against sheild.
https://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7011/riverfight.jpg
To a man new to battle, the sound along could make him turn and run,
but Uxentio's men were tough and battle hardened. They loved their
leader and loved to watch him fight the foe.
https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/...ioswinging.jpg
Uxentio quickly stabbed a man and prepared to himself to parry. He bent
down low to avoid a spear thrust and cut another mans hamstring.
https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/...tiokilling.jpg
After several bloody minutes of fighting in the river, the enemy general was
pulled of his horse and killed.
https://img231.imageshack.us/img231/...eneraldead.jpg
There seemed to a be a mad dash to run away, as the enemy quickly turned to
flee. Uxentio, who was exhausted from fighting, gathered the very last of his
strength and chased the enemy several hundred yards killing many men by
thrusting his sword into their backs.
https://img151.imageshack.us/img151/...anifleeing.jpg
Uxentio had never seen so many men run away at one time, and his heart
was all the more excited at killing the cowards. He actually passed several
foes to be able let him men have some killing as he killed the men ahead.
They all seemed like helpless children, not being able to fight back. He thrust
his sword through many men before they reached the end of the river crossing.
Uxentio was about to follow them even further, but saw that Barca had mobilized
the cavalry to kill all the routers. Uxentio stayed there for a few moments,
catching his breath.
https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/...iostopping.jpg
He turned around and saw that he had done enough killing today, anyways.
https://img142.imageshack.us/img142/...sitanidead.jpg
*****
The morning came and Uxentio had not slept. Instead he marched to the
tent of Barca wear the war council gathered.
When he reached the tent he pleaded with Barca to let him go.
"My dear friend, my heart is mad with lust for blood. I will not rest until it is
satisfied. I must prove to the whole world, that there is not a warrior that can
challenge me. I will stay In Iberia, going from this village to that to challenge
any man who will fight. I Vow to you, that when you finally start off on your
journey to fight the Romans, I will come back and kill as many as I can. Please
friend, do not deny me of my right as a warrior."
The speech surprised many in the tent, but not Barca. Barca always knew
that Uxentio would learn no other trade, but war. He knew in his heart that
Uxentio would go mad with the lust to kill. He knew this and his still loved
his Iberian friend.
"You are selfish basterd, you have no right to ask of such things." Likinos barked at Uxentio.
"Likinos, that is enough," Barca interrupted. "You may go, Uxentio, but
remember that I need you as a warrior. I need you to help me defeat the
Romans. I will look for you in my journey."
That day, the entire army weeped at the loss of their greatest warrior. They
have all heard of his deeds in battle and loved him for it. Many men came to
Uxentio's tent to bid him farewell, embracing him as their brother. Uxentio was
touched by such respect, but didn't change him mind. After the morning meal,
when every one was ready, they marched out of the fort and started along a path.
After they had marched for a while they reached a fork in the road. One way
lead west to the next Lusitani city, and the other, north to the wild mountains
where many powerful and savage tribes lived. Uxentio went north, at the fork in
the road.
Well there it is, a few days late, but nonetheless its there. Sorry about it being so long though. I needed to explain a lot, as Uxentio will be very important later. Also big thanks to Miotas for pointing out that my format was a bit hard to read on smaller moniters. I hope that this will be easier for you all.
P.S. MAA, I hope you don't mind that I copied your format.
Awesome screenshot!!! Phenominal!Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasiliyi
Excellent combination of substance + pics!
All i have to say is great update!
Thank you, I was a little worried that there would be too many words.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ariovistus Maximus
Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
are you playing EB on BI?Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasiliyi
Nope, im playing it on rtw.exe not BI