And once again i have to change my pants cuz of u Chirurgeon.:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:
****** AWESOME AAR is ******* AWESOME!!!!!
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And once again i have to change my pants cuz of u Chirurgeon.:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:
****** AWESOME AAR is ******* AWESOME!!!!!
Yeah, great ^^ The Arverni are the right ones to help you *GGG* Go Go ! ^^
This is fun to read. Although, I assumed that the Lusotann would break the treaty, I didnt expect it so soon. Good luck, repelling the invaders.
:2thumbsup:
N to the I to the C to the E to the Space to the O to the N to the E but kick some Luso butts for me too. :smash::furious3:
I just read the whole thing last night. I was sad not to find an update on this page.:shame: Looking forward to updates. Until that I will read some of your older AARs. Keep it up! :yes:
Yea no kidding. I was so mad...now I have a two front war to deal with and only three cities.Quote:
Originally Posted by Reverend Joe
Man you say some crazy stuff...I love it :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes
I hope they don't stab me in the back either. I am giving them tribute so that should help.Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissBarbar
That reminds me of a movie called the Princess Bride. "Good luck storming the castle."Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruepelheinz
wow that was a creative response! nice touchQuote:
Originally Posted by Hotseat_User
Well I update daily so you will not have to wait long :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovejoy
A quick question for you?
How do you make Google Earth give u those epic pics?
It's just like keeping an alliance in the game; regular tribute. :laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes
Great update, can't wait to see how you handle the two front war.
XVII - Acquisition
257 - Arse
I stayed in Gergovia during the darkest winter months. It was noticeably colder here in Gaul. On occasion it would snow even staying on the ground for several days. The look of these towns was dramatically different than our own. They used wood extensively while we used stone. Everything looked as if it was fresh from the earth. Even their clothing could be seen with animal skins. These town were dirty, muddy, and dismal. Especially here in winter. Despite these atrocious conditions the people were good and kind. They wished us no harm and I grew used to the much different diet of the region.
We had secured an alliance from the Arvernii Confederation. They would much rather focus on defeating the Aeudii than quarreling with us. They would recognize the autonomy of Massalia. I even managed to secure a trade contract for Massalia on some wonderful jewelry. As spring came Oddyseus and I prepared to set off for Massalia. The roads were rutted and mucked. It was a miserable journey. The Rhodanus river was quite swollen but we soon came into view of Massalia.
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Upon arriving it looked like a refugee camp. Thousands of people had fled Emporion and taken temporary shelter in Massalia. The markets were crammed and their was some excitement in the air. I found my way to the palace where an appointed noble was acting as governor while Eugenios Rhodios marched to war. Several letters awaited me in the palace. One was from my wife:
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It was certainly good to know that we had repelled the attack from the Lusotann. However it was likely a temporary reprieve. I was sure that they would return. Clearly they have alot riding on the acquisition of Emporion. Without a major port to the great sea their trade would never truly flourish.
Another letter awaited me from Lugos:
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It sounds like the results of the battle were never in question. Gods I would likely need to travel to Arse. Their would be a million tasks to perform. Much work had to be done.
***
The fleet of Kart-Hadastim was patrolling the Iberian coast and we had to do some maneuvering to avoid them. Our fleet was ragged and only being held together by the craftiness of our seamen. At some point we would need a deepwater port.
I arrived in Emporion having just missed the Massalians returning to Massallia to resupply. There they would wait if another threat emerged. The Lusotann had only suffered a small setback. Our estate was in shambles. The Lusitann had ransacked the place. Slaves were being led north from Arse. No doubt I would need to purchase some in order to help rebuild things a bit.
I traveled south to Arse to find King Akratatos doing an uncomfortable job of Governance. Armin had accompanied me and joined his father. He was mad about missing the battle but apparently it wasn't much of a fight. The king was pleased that I had secured an alliance with the powerful Celtic tribes of the north. However i did tell him I preferred the more moderate climate of Iberia.
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Arse was a mess. Its residents had wreaked havoc while they were besieged. The port needed alot of work. It would be quite some time till things were restored to order. I immediately began fielding complaints from merchants who had lost everything. The King was unwilling to loan them any money. Many of them left in a furious state. Some of the merchants had traded with us for decades. War sure has a way of spoiling a good relationship. However many of the Merchants from Emporion would no doubt want to expand their business and the gaps would quickly be filled.
***
By the time winter was upon us again the armies of the Lusitann were again on the march. It looked as if we were going to be attacked again. My wife wrote me that she was prepared to leave again to Massalia.
in remind of the good old Busta : you just make it clap! :smash: :smash: :smash: :laugh4:
Yay update! :)
I just caught up with the story again. A great couple of chapters over the last couple days.
You're updating too much for me, though! (Just kidding, of course.) Keep up the work.
Now that you're at war with Karchedon, you should try going for Corsica. Make up for the war that Massalia lost to Karchedon, which gave Karchedon control of the island, back in the day. Though, I'm sure you have too many problems with Iberia right now.
Yes MAA Iberia is a handful at the moment. I am stemming the tide of the Lusitann...but just barely. I have triedn negotiating with them and they will not have it. I am crossing my fingers that the Arvernii do not storm out of Gaul and attack Massalia. I would be ruined if that happened.
XVIII - Fighting the Horde
256 BC
The defeat of the Lusitanns the previous year only seemed to infuriate them more. Several more of their armies were working their way toward Emporion. King Akratatos had taken much of the men back to defend the capital. This had evolved into a full blown crisis. The army of Massalia had also been summoned. Once again people were leaving Emporion and seeking refuge in Massalia. This was ruinous on trade. Not to mention that the besieging army would likely ravage all the new estates. This was unacceptable. Ditalkos was sending wave after wave of warbands towards our city and the chaos that it created would undue us.
I wrote a letter encouraging my wife to leave with Dorus. My eight year old son was never going to have stability in his life. It pained me greatly to constantly dig up their lives just when they were getting into a normal rhythm of life. This is no environment for raising a family.
King Akrotatos's brother had a son that had come of age. Although still young, Agis, showed great promise. Dorus's younger brother, Nicater, also came of age and when he had the necessary skills, would likely govern a city like his father and brother.
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***
Over the summer and autumn there were two major engagements. The Massalians did not partake in the action this time around. They had encamped north of Emporion in case the King was beaten. Of course this didnt happen. Lugos and his Iberians performed well. He wrote me to tell me of the battles:
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***
I was quite busy here in Arse. I was garnering trade agreements with merchants in Massalia. Ultimately I would need to go back to Rome to see what could be done with establishing trade from Arse to the Republic. Of course Rome was having its own problems as of late. Merchants tell me the Epirotes had surged in Taras and marched to Capua and were now laying siege. What a mess things had become. Nothing seemed to stop the tide of Makedonia that was sweeping the Aegean. They had conquered several cities to the north near the Danubis river. The great city of Byzantion had fallen to their forces as well. Epirus was still at war with them and they continued to trade cities. Seemed the Epirotes were the only ones keeping the Makedonians in check.
***
With the Lusitann suffering another defeat the city of Emporion was relatively safe. The King and the Massalian armies were both encamped below the Pyranees and had built watchtowers to guard against being surprised.
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The Lusitanns were somewhat hurt by their string of defeats but they still had ample resources to draw on. On the other hand we were quickly draining our resources by maintaining such a buildup. Not to mention the drop in trade because of sieges. Our people tentatively came back with the hopes that their city would not be threatened again.
:2thumbsup:
Looks like you'll need to go on the offensive.
Nice armies you have there :2thumbsup:
Wow. Look at does armies. :2thumbsup: Go kick some ass now! :smash:
Nice.
What kind of troops do the Lusotann send into the fray?
Typical Lusitann troops. Spearmen and lighter troops with Falcatas. They send a fair number of skirmishers and slingers. Not very much cavalry...just the General's horses.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruepelheinz
AWESOME!!!!!
XIX - The Tide Turns
255 BC
After spending the last year in Arse, things had calmed down enough I could again return to the capital. Peace again covered the land. Not because we had won a war or anything, however our armies were pushing the Lusitann out of our borders. Trade was again returning to our city. The King's nephew, Agis was successful in routing some rebellious tribes in the foothills of the mountains. This is a good sign. Strong military leaders are not easy to come by. This young man is not even two decades old and had demonstrated his ability to command a small force. Spartan blood runs strong through his veins
King Akrotatos has been pursuing the Lusitann. He crossed the Ebro river and pinned down a group of them as they tried to flee. This time the ground was more favorable and the enemy suffered a great defeat. Twenty thousand of the enemy had been killed or wounded. Their leader, Tanginos, had perished in the fight. They refused to engage our lines and being fleet of foot, the men had to be chased down. This latest defeat was very significant. It was the first time we had invaded their territory.
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Suffering a string of defeats the morale of the Iberian confederation would be low. As if sensing this, King Akrotatos put his men on the Ebro river and blocked passage into our lands. He put one of his veterans in charge and has returned to the city to discuss a bold plan.
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***
King Akrotatos envisioned a two pronged attack on the Lusitann and on Kart-Hadast. The Cantabrians were wavering in their support of the Lusitann in light of the recent losses. Akrotatos was going to assault their capital. It was lightly defended and if captured they would no long be alligiant to the Lusitann tribe. The king would offer a lucrative trade agreement and access to our port. No doubt that would be tempting for them. At the same time the Massalians would take the road south, past Arse, and lay siege to Mastia. This city and its port were very important to Akratatos. The advanced shipyard present there would allow us to construct true warships that could compete with the other powers of the region. The men of Athens were anxious to get back into the ship. The region around Mastia was also laden with precious metals and other resources. The mines of that region would fall into our control should we capture it.
However in a large meeting in the capital his plan was not very popular with the Massalians. They wished to return to their homes having done the job of protecting Emporion. Plus many had not been paid and the economy of Massalia was in a desperate state. Facing such a tide of discontent it was agreed to allow the Massilians a return to their home. The king would lead his army south instead. He would personally lay siege to Mastia. The invasion of the Iberian confederation would have to wait.
***
I spent most of the year at home and only worked when I had to. It felt good to have a routine and not feel threatened. Our armies were making great strides. However the headaches were not over. Financially things were in grave shape. By the end of next year our coffers would be empty. The massive expense of maintaining two armies was causing the treasury to hemmorage great amounts of gold. Our Greek soldiers would continue to fight for us but our Iberian counterparts may not. Should they desert the army it would be a huge blow. They play a pivotal role in the success of our campaigns. Let us hope it does not come to that.
Nice economic downturn.
Poor Lusitani, attacked in all AARs. Great update though ^^
I may have to launch an invasion of Iberia just so I don't feel left out, lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissBarbar
Keep updating, I'll keep reading. :smash:
How is that a draw?Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirurgeon
I forget what falcatas are. Are they swords or spears? Anyhow:2thumbsup:.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirurgeon
Very sorry about double post man.
Yes it is a rough time. I had to go on the offensive in order to try and make up for lost revenueQuote:
Originally Posted by Antinous
Yea poor guys.Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissBarbar
eeek i feel bad enough already.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mjolnir
anytime the enemy sallies no matter what their losses its a draw...not that i agree with that reasoningQuote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
didnt even notice...a mod must have grabbed it. Falcatas are swords native to Iberia. The romans liked them so much they made them standard in their armies.Quote:
Originally Posted by the man with no name
Enjoy the update
XX - The Enemies Persistence
254 BC
King Akratatos arrived in Mastia in the fall of the year and subsequently laid siege. He built lines of Circumvallation around the city and hemmed in any escape. The garrison of the city was small. The mercenaries of the army threatened desertion so the King made the decision to loot the city after we gained control. All the valuables of the city would be divided amongst the men. This was a controversial decision because it was not our way to do this. Not against another civilized culture. The people of Massalia, Arse, and Emporion were critical of this move. However the financial state of things dictated something drastic. The loot from Mastia would be significant and could fund things until we secured trade and increased the coffers. The public did not know that the state was out of money. Much of what we were doing was on credit. The capture of Bastaernae was critical to stopping our fiscal bleeding.
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***
I traveled south on the road I had traveled so many times in the past. I remember those times so fondly. I was just a simple merchant or a son following his father. I missed the old days immensely. However the current situation brought opportunities that were not there before. I suppose its just a trade off. I could see the city of Mastia on its prominent piece of land. I could also see our siege lines and the smoke coming from the fires.
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I could see the dominant facade of the palace. No doubt, Hasdrubal was doing his best to deal with a hopeless situation. I passed into the camp and was directed to the Kings tent. It was large but not overly opulent. He was talking to his advisors when I arrived. "Ah if it isn't the trade master himself." He said with a smile. I nodded slightly and he ushered me in.
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I asked him how the siege was going and he assured me that within a season all would be ready. The three rams would be ready soon and the fight for Mastia would be underway. "Any response from Kart-Hadast?" I asked tentatively. Akratatos paced the floor reading a letter in his hand. His fingers were tapping the hilt of his sword. "No they have not responded. I have good knowledge that they are dealing with issues in Numidia." He paused momentarily and passed me the letter in his hand. "All is not well in Africa it would seem." He smiled and walked past me to his desk. His strong hand squeezing my shoulder as he walked by. "However the Massalians have scored another victory against the damn Lusitann." He stated with great enthusiasm.
I looked down at the letter it was from Eugenios:
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This was a good sign although the King seemed a bit concerned. "I am worried that one day our army is going to walk into a trap with these Lusitann." I nodded my head in agreement. However I too did not want that to happen. At least our enemy will fight in the open. Well as open as a city can be.