Multiplayer Battle Campaign

A friend of mine, Edward Dunferline, and I started playing some coop MP battles in Attila, giving the AI some advantage to make it more challanging and inventing all kinds of different scenarios. That turned out to be a lot of fun and soon we came up with the idea to link up our scenarios in a kind of campaign. We were playing Franks vs. Romans and if we won, we could go on to conquer the next city but if we loose, we had to fall back and defend the previous one.

Then we thought it could be cool to track our progress on a campaign map. And this map could be posted up at a forum for other players to watch - and to join in if they want.

So here we go. Below is the first map of what we could call a Multiplayer Battle Campaign.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1534280532

We play as the Franks, with a capital at Flevum in the North. A harsh winter has driven us to cross the river Rhine and start a settlement in the fertile land near Colonia Agrippina. While the governor of the proince has given us permission to settle there, the local commander wants to drive us off and take the good land for himself. He soon finds a cheap excuse to attack our camp.

So in the first battle we now have to defend our encampment against a roman army. As Edward and I are only young and low ranking Frankish nobles, we only have tier 1 units at our disposal, whereas the Romans can use all that is available to them. Let's see if we can hold the camp or get pushed back across the Rhine.

The battle was fought and our tier 1 lvl 0 units held up pretty well.
The Roman commander, full of arrogance, only brought a medium sized army of high level legionaries to the battle. He had not reckoned that every woodcutter, every shepherd and every farmer boy would pick up arms to defend the new and fertile land that had been promised to them by Rome. So what we lacked in experience and equippment, we made up in numbers and eventually we were the ones left standing.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1534341575

We went after their fleeing army and eventually tracked them down in a nearby village, where we defeated them in a second battle. Full of joy we returned to our camp. Now we would be left in peace and could finally start the preparations for the harvest, which we will have to bring in during the coming autumn. Or so we thought....



But the local commander has escaped the battle and is now telling tall stories of the "Frankish threat". The province governor of Belgica is a wise and just statesman. He knows of the hardships our people suffer in Frisia and understands our need for good and fertile land. But he too cannot ignore the fact, that we have now defeated a Roman army. So he gives the local commander permission to assemble a new army and go on a punitive mission.

This time we cannot fight under the cover of our settlement's defences. The fields are rich with crops and we cannot allow the Romans to destroy them. If we don't want to starve in the winter, we have to go out and defeat them in the open. And so the next fight will be a field battle on a cold and foggy autumn day.

This time, the battle was much harder. The commander had learned from his previous mistakes and fielded a much stronger army (translation: the AI is too dump to choose a good army and I had to choose it for him ~:) ).


It was an eery feeling to stand on the hill and wait for the enemy without beeing able to see further than a few meters. Finally they emerged from the fog and sent in their melee troops first. We managed to defeat them in a brutal clash and thought that we had already won.

But they had still a considerable amount or ranged units, archers and skirmishers, who had reserved most of their ammunition. We knew that we had to get a move on, or else we would be shot like sitting ducks. But for our men, tired from the melee, this was easier said then done - the AI troops were kiting really well. In the end we manage to send them fleeing, but not without getting to the brink of defeat ourselves. It was a pyrric victory that we brought home.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1534449163

Returning to the camp, we saw that a great Frankish warchief had arrived from Frisia. As he learned of the situation, he summoned us before him and sad: "I want that vile Roman commander brought before me. Edward and Nigel, take what men you can still find and hunt him down. Whoever brings me his head, or brings him alive, shall be rewarded well."

We found only a handful units each, but the defeated Romans had even fewer men. When we finally found them, there was no question that we would win this battle. Instead the question was: "Who will be the first to reach their general? And who will be the one to bring him down?". The race was on.

And it was a hunt through fog and forest. My men were the first to spot him, but they could not take him alone. Edward's troops reached him just in time, as mine began to falter. And in the end it were Edward's men who struck him down and tied him up (I actually had to look at the replay to find that out - video proof was good, even in those days).



The warchief was very pleased about his new prisoner. "You have done well, Edward, and deserve your reward. From now on I shall grant you the right to maintain a unit of retainers. You can choose a tier 2 unit, which will remain with you in the future battles for as long as you can keep the unit alive."

The pyrric victory that we had won this autumn was not without consequences.
Yes, we had protected our settlement and the crops in the fields. But the high number of killed or wounded men after our battle meant, that we did not have enough hands to bring in all the harvest before the winter set in.

Now we have enough food to survive, but only barely. And in the nearby village of Colonia Agrippina (Cologne) the store houses are full and overflowing. We asked them to share, but they refused. So we are now preparing to take, what they do not want to give.

Colonia Agrippina is a colony village founded by Germanic foederati soldiers, who once served under the fameous Roman general Marcus Agrippa (hence the name). Their citizens have taken up much of the Roman way of life, but retained some of their original culture and also adopted some customs from the Gauls. The unfortified village is mainly defended by foederati spearmen and a few legionaries.

Edward and I discussed our strategy. We decided to move in under the cover of the night.

Nigel, thank you for this AAR! :bow:

Keep em coming - and please post more screenshots!

Glad you are enjoying the stories.
I really like writing them. And I will see if I can post more screenshots.


We made the attack on Colonia Agrippina - and I must say, we had our first defeat in this campaign. But don't worry. We may be bruised and battered, but we are still standing. I am off for the weekend now, but the report is going to come.

Here is our adventure in the winter 395.
You will remember, that our warchief had granted Edward the right to choose a unit of tier 2 retainers. Well, Edward decided that, rather than more foot soldiers, he would rather have horses for himself and his body guard. So he now led his men into battle on a proud war horse, while I was still maching on foot :smile:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1535388396

The battle for Colnia Agrippina started off pretty good. We decided to attack a corner of the village from two different sides. So we could crush their defenders between us. First, Edward's catapult started bombarding their tower. And seeing it burn was a truely heart warming sight.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1535388402

Then we moved in on the village from two sides. Their cavalry was beaten quickly, but their foederati put up quite a resistance and it took us longer than expected to get into the streets. All the while their archers were peppering us with arrow volleys.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Opening moves.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1537817997

We go all in.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1537817997

Their archers give us a hard time.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1537817997

Assault on the keep.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1537818018

And that prooved to be our downfall in the end. Our un-armored tier 1 units were taking heavy lossed. I had cept some men back as reserve, but they had moved too close and were getting shot before they even entered the fighting.

Edward made a heroic attempt to get at the archers - him and his guard beeing the only cav unit we had. But they were too many, and before he could reach them, an arrow pierced his leg and killed his horse under him.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1535388410


We still managed to attack the keep. But when we finally got in, we were too few and too exhausted. All we could do was a frantic push to try to reach and kill their leaders. The last thing I remember was madly swinging my sword at some legionaries. Then something hard hit my helmet and heavy hands pulled me out of the fight before hearing and vision abandoned me.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1535388418


When I came to, I saw Edward discussing the battle with our warchief. Edward had a good relationship with the leader ever since he brought the Roman commander as prisoner. He generously glossed over the fact, that I had let my men get too close to the Roman archers and gave a good account of our bravery.

"We know the Romans are coming for us", said the warchief. "We have taken may losses, but so have they. I want you, Edward and Nigel, to gather whatever men you can still find and go out to ambush them. It will be tricky to pull that off. But if you manage to beat them back before they can reach our camp, I shall reward you both with the right of a tier 2 unit as retainers."

I am putting the second battle in a separate post for better readability.
If this is considered double posting, let me know and I will merge them.

We marched out again, finding a good spot for an ambush (Ambush battles in the game only seem to work for 1v1, so we simulated an ambush with a field battle on a foresty map, fighting 14 Roman units with 7 Fankish units each). We found a perfect ambush spot, hiding in a forest just below the crest of a hill.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1535390426


The Romans moved carefully. They had one cavalry unit which they send out to scout. We were hiding in the forest and the Roman cav came dangerously close to our achers. I moved the one spear unit, that I had, closer - but slowly to remain hidden.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1535390436

But we were lucky. The horsemen did not see us and moved away to seach elsewhere.

We remained in hiding until the enemy started to move up the hill. Shortly before they reached the top, we sprung our trap and attacked. Downhill we struck on an enemy who was already tired from the uphill march.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1535390444

But their superior armor made for a tough fight. You can see that, while our axemen on the right flank were doing well, my freemen on the left flank were no match for the foederati and soon started to waver. But Edward managed to get 2 units of axemen on the Roman general on the right.

And when he fell, the Roman front collapsed - not a moment too soon.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1535390452

We immediately chased after them, knowing that we could not afford to let them re-group. Suddenly their cav unit appeared, returning from their scouting. They hit upon our archers, causing some casulties. But when they say our melee troops, they turned their horses and fled.



Now we are back in our tents. We failed to capture Colonia. But after the successful ambush, no Roman soldier will show his face near our camp for the rest of the winter. Food is scarce, but we are getting by. And we are making plans for the coming spring.

Shall we make another attempt to take Colonia Agrippina?
Or shall we move futher inland towards Durocortorum or Augusta Treverorum?

After a short discussion Edward and I decided to make another attempt at taking Colonia Aggrippina. This time we knew the city and this time we made better preparation.

With the blessing of our warchief we both selected a unit or tier 2 retainers. I chose a unit of Noble Swordsmen. Edward, this time, opted for a group of Germanic Archers. In addition to that, he collected the last remaining horses from our camp, which had not been eaten during the winter, and equipped two units of simple cavalry.
The rest was made up of various tier 1 units, including two catapults.

And this time, we were patient enough and really waited for night to fall. Unfortunately, I did not manage to save the replay. So I only have a few screenshots which I took during the battle. But you will see, they speak for themselves.

We attacked againg across the vulnerable corner, that we had seen last time. But this time we took out both of the towers on our side and kept up the bombardment until our catapults ran empty. I had also send a unit of archers, backed up by spears, to snipe at the defenders blocking the entrence.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1535577946

But the Roman troops were too well armored and my men could not do much damage with thier hunting bows. Eventually we had to get the swords and axes out and move the melee troops in. Edward maneuvered our cav units well and prevented their archers to get into position. This way we reached the keep with a great part of our army still intact.

There was a fair amount of resistance as we entered the keep. At one point Edward and I found ourselves fighting back to back in the middle of the melee.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1535577958

But now we were too strong for the defenders and soon Colonia Agrippina was ours.


What a feast.
There were storehouses full of food. There were seeds to sow the fields this spring, and lifestock of all kinds. There were weapons and building materials and pretty houses for shelter (ok, some of them had been burned down by our catapult fire). There was plenty of stuff to make for a good life for our families this year.

But our warchief summoned us for one more mission.
"Some Romans have escaped from the city and they have taken the siege equippment with them. A medium sized army are trying to rescure 4 scorpions. Take some horses from the stables - there should be enough for 4 units for each of you - and capture those scorpions. Their army is probably too strong for you to defeat, but if you can take those scorpions and run back here, I will consider it a success. And if you can also take out their general, even better."

... to be continued (need some sleep now) ...

Getting better! Make sure you resize the screenshots properly and try to add some more cinematic shots, really helps. :bow:

Maybe you can make this on the front page?

Thanks for the compliments :smile:
And good point about resizing the images. I am offline now until the end of next week. But when I get back, I will have a go at it.

That, and telling the story of how our "scorpion hunt" turned out.

Here is how our mission to capture the 4 scorpions went:

We searched for them for two days an nights. On the second night we found them. They had set up camp in a small wood on a hill, kind of lost their way and unsure where to turn to. When they saw us approaching they immediately took up a defensive formation.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1536611373

We split up and tried to encircle them. But they moved attentively and kept their weapons pointed towards us. Not an easy prey, since their spearmen outnumbered our horsemen heavily (720:320).

I decided to act as bait and moved back and forth close to their front. This eventually created the opening we hoped for and Edward could ride in and take the first scorpion. We repeated this cat and mouse game a few times - I was taking heavy lossed from their skirmishers. But one by one we took all of their 4 scorpions.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1536611387

So we had completed our mission - and lost half of our men. But as we were just discussing the best route to retreat, Edward saw the chance to capture their general, too. "Let's go for him", he shouted and we both spurred our horses. My men got through to him, but his foederati came to his aid quickly and I had to let go to save my men's lives.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1536611398


But now we had smelled blood. We kept going and eventually I got the chance to take out their leader and send his bodyguard running.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1536611408

We felt totally thrilled by this, but by now we had also taken heavy losses from their spears and javelins. Nevertheless we decided to fight on and try to achieve a full victory. With the greater speed and mobility of our horses we thought that we had an advantage over their greater numbers.

And indeed - after their last pilum had been thrown things really turned on our favor. We circled them like wolves circle a herd of bulls and with good teamwork we managed to isolate their units one by one. This was we could defeat their spear units even with our tier 1 cavalry and eventually we brought home a full victory.


Our warchief was extremely pleased, when he learned the news.
"Edward and Nigel, you have truely shown that you can handle the cavalry. Henceforth you shall be known as Horse Masters of the Franks. Go and choose some good steeds from my stables for yourselves and your bodyguards. You shall always ride into battle on horseback from now on."

But now let us look at the map.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1536611424


We have taken Colonia Agrippina and abandoned our camp for the better shelter of this settlement. The siege engines we captured will help us fortify it and we should be safe from Roman attack for some time. Time to look for the next conquest.

Augusta Treverorum (Trier) is walled in and well defended. Durocortorum (Reims) is a much easier target. But there is a Roman road leading to it, which could be guarded. If we want to take the village by surprise, we may have to defeat the patrolling Roman cohorts first.

The decision has been made.
We are going to move on Durocortorum.


But if we want to take the city by surprise, we first have to eliminate the Roman guard that is patrolling the road to the city.
Our spies have brought us information on their strength and location.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1536703405


They are a 5k army, and we will attack them with 3k armies, each. So with 6k in total we should certainly defeat them.
But our mission is more than that.

We have to make sure that none of them can make it back to the city to raise the alarm. To this end, we must not let more than 10% of the troops esape from the battle. And to achieve this, we will have to hold some of our units back, to avoid that the battle ends too early and that the enemy routs before we have taken out enough of their men. It will be tricky and risky to get that balance right.


If we achieve our mission, Durocortorum will be unprepared and we will "only" face a small Roman advantage in the assault of the city.

But if we fail, they will be expecting us and have additional defensice siege eqippment ready to greet us. In that case, taking Durocortorum will be a much harder task.

The army set off on the road to Durodocorum and we chose some troops to go ahead as vanguard to find and eliminate the Roman patrol. The site that our spies had made out offered great terrain for an ambush: a small hill next to the road with some forests.

We decided to hide in the woods and use my archers as bait to lure them into a position between our armies. with some luck they would march past my men without noticing them.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1536943163

Bravely the archers stood and awaited the Romans.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1536943163

We had one moment of fear when the Romans sent out their cavalry to scout along the right flank. If they spotted my men too early, our plan would be foiled.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1536943163

But all went well. The scouting cav returned to the army and the Romans moved out through the forest and up the hill - their archers in loose formation, the melee troops in tight formation closely behind them.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1536943225

Finally they did see my hidden units - but not until they were very close and more or less our plan had worked out. Now Edwards men broke out of their hiding and his swordmen rushed in.https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1537039730

He kept his spearmen in reserve and I started circeling my horsemen around the left flank.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1536943225

His swordmen closed the line with my archers and it looked as if our circling maneuver would work out perfectly.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1536943274

But we had cheered too soon. The Romans were not just going to wait for us to close the ring. They attacked Edwards men and managed to tear our frontline apart.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1536943274

On the left, they brought 3 units against one of his and although they had spears against swords, their sheer number was overwhelming. On the right they brought their cav and 2 swords against 2 of Edwards swordmen and in the centre the Roman general fought against a single sword unit.


My cav charged in to support the left.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1536943274

But all in all it was not looking too good for Edwards troops at this point.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1536943326

On the right Edward's spearmen were running towards the battle, but they were still soo far away. The left wing was lost.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1536944704

Edwards horses got behind the Roman archers. And my troops finally completed their flanking maneuver on the right wing.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1536943326

While my swordmen came to support Edward's, my axemen engaged the second unit of Roman swords and I myself managed to circle around them. A perfect position for a flanking charge.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1536943381


This started to turn things in our favour. While the second Roman sword unit was now quickly loosing, our own swordsmen held up pretty well against the Roman cav. They were my own personal retainers - well trained and well equipped Noble Swordsmen; standing their ground against the Roman Equites.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1536944704

Finally Edward's spearmen arrived and forced their cavalry to fall back.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1536943381

The right wing now beeing in our control, the Romans tried to re-group their forces on the left wing.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1536943482

And indeed they had some success there initially.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1536943429

Remeber that a good part of our army was tied up with trying to ensure that no Roman routers got away. But finally we managed to bring enough men from the right wing over to the left. My Noble Swordmen retainers led the charge.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1536943429

Their general fought bravely. But when he saw that we were in control of the field, he tried to get away. Edward's spearmen, however, intercepted him and brought him down.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1536943429


After this, the battle was over quickly.
We had won the battle, but had we succeeded in our mission? It was a tense moment waiting for the results screen....
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1536943482
.... and a little shock when we saw how close we had come to failing our mission. 86 out of 880 Roman soldiers had managed to escape: 9.7%.

But we made it. Those few survivors will scatter into the surroundings and will not be able to reach Durodorum in time to warn them of our apporach. The town will be unprepared and will not have all of their siege engines ready when we come.

After eliminating the Roman patrol, we urged the main army forward to attack Dorocortorum quickly, before the news reached them. I knew Edgar likes to attack under the cover of night, but we had no time to wait for nightfall if we wanted to press our advantage. We attacked on the same day.

Thanks to the element of surprise, the Romans did not have their catapults ready to use. Had we failed our previous mission, they would have had 4 catapults to counter the 2 that we brought to the battle.

But now we had the range advantage. We lined up in position and made our plan.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1537377261

It looked like a good plan: our catapults would take out their two towers first (blue circles) then we would have two possible routes of attack open for us.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1537377261


I had positioned my archers first, then my axemen to attack, then my spears as backing force. We fired the first volley and all looked good. Suddenly Edward shouted: "they are making a sortie, and a massive one. Their whole army is coming out to attack us"

And indeed it seemed the Romans had decided, having nothing to return our fire, they would not just let us shoot them like sitting ducks. The came and came, a massive moving army.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1537377261

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1537377291

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1537377291



Their cav was the first to reach our catapults.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1537377291

Edward and I scramled like mad to re-arrange our armies. I quickly pulled my archers back and rushed my spearmen from the third to the first row. They arrived just in time to beat back the charge and secure the catapult.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1537377358


The engineers of the more exposed catapult on the left wing were not so lucky.
That engine was taken out completely within seconds.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1537377358

But now our spearmen braced themselves, as the Roman army formed up ourside the city and started to press against our lines.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1537377358


I had managed to move some of my archers to the left, to fire into the flank of the attacking cohorts. But their armoured soldiers were pretty unimpressed by this and pushed hard against our front.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1537377385

With horror I watched as the spear levies on my left were loosing against the Roman cavalry.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1537377385

On the right wing, Edwards spearmen were doing a much better job.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1537377385



Edwards men were holding well. But the Romans put real pressure on the left, where my spears were defending the catapults. And they were gaining the upper hand.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1537377402

Suddenly, me and my bodyguards were feeling pretty lonely.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1537377402

This was not looking good. Why are my swordmen taking so long to reinfoce us???

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1537377402

It ended as it had to - my trusty steed, Pommers, would ride back to the camp without me.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1537377420

But finally my noble swordmen arrived to plug the gap, pull me back to safety and restore the morale of my men.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1537377420




While all this happened, Edward had sent a unit of cavalry out to bypass the Roman army and sneak into the unprotected city.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1537377420

They made their way to the city center, throwing torches into the wooden buildings as they went.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1537377440

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1537377440


And now it was the Roman front that was beginning to waver. The axemen flanking on the left wing brought them under pressure. But most of the cohorts still held their own.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1537377440

Suddenly, however, the bells began to ring from the church. And when we all looked up, we saw the banner of the Franks flying over the townsquare.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1537377463

This finally broke the defender's morale and brought us the victory.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1537377463



Many men had done brave deeds today. But special praise goes Edgars spear unit in this picture.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1537377463

We found them after the battle standing firmly in the position they were commanded to hold right from the start. The spearmen had not moved back by an inch. And the women had stood in the line as firmly as the men. This could be the day where the legend of the shield maiden was born.

And so, in the Summer of 396, Durocortorum was ours.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1537377613

Now the fortified town of Agrippina Treverorum was the only city in the province of Belgica, that remained under Roman control. But as we were making plans to secure and expand our lands, travellers brought us some news from the Romans.

The governor of the province, Flavus Agrippa, had been removed from office for letting the situation get out of hand. Rome had appointed a new governor and was sending a legion to strengthen his position and regain control. This legion would take a while to arrive. But in the meantime, Flavus Agrippa and his family had been put under arrest.

They were now held captive in a camp outside of Treverorum and would soon be deported to Rome, where most likely the arena would be their fate. Our warchief was not feeling good about this. Flavus had been the one to allow us to cross the Rhine and set up camp in his province in the first place. He had understood our hardships and wanted to help, but it had been the greed and arrogance of his local commander, which had turned it all into a mess.


Our warchief, Lord Clovis, summoned us to his room. "I want you to take some riders as well as some archers and skirmishers, break into that camp and free Flavus. He will not leave his family behind, so make sure you also take his wife and his daughter with you. You dont have to defeat the garrison, they are probably too strong. Just get a unit of horsemen close to the tent where they are held, wait a few seconds to let them mount up and get out again."

"Oh, and if you have to set fire to the camp to secure your escape - then so be it."

When we saw the camp before us, we knew this was going to be tough.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1537995141

The Romans had enough men to guard every gate with a cohort of spearmen and back them up with archers where needed. They also had one units of catapults, giving them the ranged advantage. We knew the prisoners would be held in one of the big tents in the centre.

We hid our horsemen in the forests around the camp, ready to rush through whichever gate would present an opening. Then we advanced our archers. But the spearmen at the gate were unimpressed by our taunts - their shields offered them enough protection to bear our rain of arrows.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1537995141

So we started targeting their palisades with burning arrows. It was autumn, and the wood was hard and moist. But eventually one of the towers started to burn and then fire spread. This finally brought them out of their defence.

They moved out to attack my archers. This left the gates sufficiently open to rush our horsemen in.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1537995141

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1537995172


But there were still so many of them in the camp. One by one our goups of horsemen reached the centre, searched the tents and were brought down by the guards.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1537995172

Finally it was Edward himself, who found them. Governor Flavius jumped on a riderless horse and pulled his wife into the saddle behind him. His daughter nimbly slipped into the saddle behind Edward, who - seeing that all were mounted up - gave the command to flee. His small group made for the gate in full galopp.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1537995172

But the Romans were close on his heels. At the gate he actually had to drop the flag in a last ditch effort to get away. He heared the Roman victory cries behind him, but with 14 of his bodyguard he had made it through the gate and brought his charge to safety.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1538077459




The next day we assembled with the other Frankish nobles in front of Lord Clovis' tent (I had managed to sneak out of the burning camp somehow, after my whole army was defeated). Our warchief had a long chat with governor Flavius. Now he came out of the tent to talk to us.

The nobles were not happy - least of all Erdward and myself. "That was such a costly adventure. So many men lost. And for what? To capture one Roman enemy. One man, whom the Romans did not even want to have themselves. Was that worth it?"

Our warchief replied calmly: "A powerful enemy, who changes side, can be very valuable".
There were nods among the nobles. No one could denie that this was true. Governor Flavius is a respected man in Treverorum. Many citizens and parts of the garrison are still loyal to him. With him on our side we should quickly restore public order, after we capture the city. Even the attack itself could be easier and less costly if some of the defenders can be persuaded to change sides, or at least stay out of the fighting.

Our new guest also had knowledge about the Roman troop movements.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1537995193

Rome is sending a large army to defend her provinces in Gaul. But winter is coming and they have to camp near Verona, before they can cross the alps next spring. Meanwhile the Roman fleet in the British Channnel is bringing food supplies from Britannia to Rotomagus. Britannia has rich and fertile land, while the fields in the North of Gaul and Germania are meagre. And the big army will need food supplies, so Rotomagus is stocking up before they arrive.

We know the day when the supply fleet is expected to reach Rotomagus. Ships can be brought from Flevum to be manned by our soldiers. Soon it was agreed that our next adventure should be a sea battle.
:pirate2:

After a long time afk I am now back on land to report on our sea battle adventures.

We set sail in ships and boats, which our Frankish lord had purchased or borrowed from our Germanic friends, the Alans and the Allemans (translation: I had messed up at the set-up screen and forgot to change our faction to Franks). I had a fleet of melee ships and bow ships and brought 2 ramming boats as well, just to try them out. Edward had a similar set up.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1539892068

We had spread out in a broad formation, while the Roman fleet was keeping close together.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1539892279

They had 4 catapult ships, and those proved to be really deadly. One of Edward's ships was set ablaze before we came even close to engage.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1539892279

We had chosen our wide formation on purpose.
Edward attacked them head on, while my archers and ramming boats sailed past them to turn into their flank.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1539892279

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1539892307

That part of the strategy worked pretty well. Although Edward's ships were struggeling in the boarding actions, my first ramming ship could drive her atttack home. The enemy ship sank within seconds.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1539892307

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1539892307

The part that did not work so well was, that we had underestimated the power of the catapults.
When I looked up after my ramming maneuver, several of Edward's ships were burning and while I was still triumphing over the sinking enemy, I heard the message that his flagship was going down.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1539892336

My second ramming boat suffered no better fate. She was set ablaze before she even reached the battle and went down before she had the chance to do anyting at all.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1539892336


Finally my melee ships closed in and now the gruelling hand to hadn fighting started.
The high boarded Roman ships proved superior in boarding actions.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1539892336

But as they where tied up in engagement they fell pray to our ramming ships and this kept the battle on even footing. At least somewhat - I was shocked when I suddenly heard Edward say: "I am out, this was my last ship".

It was then that I decided to turn my last remaining ramming boat to systematically take out the catapult ships. This finally turned the battle. The Roman flagship put up an amazing fight, holding out against 3 of my melee boats for a long time. But finally they too struck their colours and surrendered. We had won a pyrric victory at sea.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1539892350

Pyrric victory or not, we had won. And we had captured the Roman food supplies along with several of their ships as prizes to build up our fleet. Most importantly we had found several barrels of "Greek Fire" the special oil they use to make those deadly catapults. From this day on, we would be able to equipp our own ships with these weapons, and I am sure that Edward will not build a fleet without having several of them on board.

The remnants of the Roman fleet was fleeing back to the British coast. Encouraged by our victory, we decided to follow them and chase them down. They still had a chest of silver coins for the soldiers pay with them. If we could capture that on top of the food supplies, we would be coming home as heroes.

When we caught up with them, we saw that several of their ships had already landed and disembarked. The silver chest was on land, together with 6 units. They only had 3 ships still off the shore. We had 15 ships - this would be an easy victory.
Their catapults, of course, started firing at us immediately.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1540137615

But this time, we fired back.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1540137615


Even as we started the sea battle, Edward had sent 2 melee ships to land on the shore to scout the coast.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1540137615

Their fleet did not stand a chance and we only needed a few of our ships to sink them and kept our main force in reserve. While the sea battle was going on, Edward's swordmen at the shore discovered their land units.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1540137658

Quickly we prepared for landing. Our "fighting fleet" landed close to the enemy to support the two sword units on land, while our "reserve" landed further away to get on the shore as quickly as possible. That was perhaps not the best strategy.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1540137658

The Romans only had 1 single cavalry unit. But they took out Edward's sword units and the landing attack force one by one.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1540137658

Soon we realized that the battle would hinge on the reserve force.
And the Romans now positioned to greet them, facing 6 of our units with 5 of theirs.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1540240423

Their cavalry attacked again. Head on agianst Edward and his body guard.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1540137710

But this time, they were met with a flurry of fying francisca axes. And soon they were routing from the field.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1540137710

But their elite spearmen, the Cornuti Seniores, prooved a hard challange.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1540137873

Although they were fighting a loosing battle against 3 of my sword units, they held ...
... and held
... and held.

Until the Roman Palatina Guard came to their aid.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1540137873

This turned the fight agianst us. One of my sword units fell back, the other two struggled on but not with much hope. Eventually Edward and his remaining body guards rushed in to support them.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1540137873

This was brave and heroic. But in the violent clash, he was knocked unconscious and his last remaining body guards carried him back to the safety of our ships.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1540137894

In the end, my men managed to kill the Roman general and routed his guards, but at what a high cost.
We now only had 5 exhausted units standing against their 4 relatively fresh ones.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1540137894

And our archers had spent all their arrows, while the 2 Roman crossbow units still had most of their ammunition left. They were not stupid and instead of risking another melee engagement, they just started shooting us to pieces.

To cut a long story short, the battle was lost. We ran back to the ships to bring whoever was still alife to safety. Instead of sailing home as heroes, we were coming home with the shame of defeat.

Now I was standing at the stern of my flagship. Edward leaned next to me with a bandaged head and drowned the pain with an amphora of wine. For about one hour we stared gloomily out over the grey water. As I was just thinking what pathetic landludders we were, Edward turned to me and said: "You know, Nigel. I think we should re-build the fleet and do another naval assault. This one was painful, but I have the feeling we are just learning how to handle the ships. We do not have the silver to bring home from this trip, but we have gained a lot of experience to show for us".

I looked at him, wondering if it was the wine or the blow on the head that had gotten to him. But as my eyes turned back to the horizon, I found that the back of my mind was already going through the the coastal cities on our map, pondering which one could be a worthwhile target.

It was winter now and a channel crossing to Britannia would be very dangerous. So we decided to sail along the coast and attack Rotomagus.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1540931862


To avoid another disasterous landing, we split up and Edward landed some miles away from the city and made his approach on land, while my men remained in the ships to attack the harbour from the sea.

Edward had a mix of swordmen and spearmen and a few archers. He also had 2 catapult ships which had kept sailing with me. I had mostly axemen and two archer units on my ships (and 1 ramming boat, just in case). Edward's men had build 3 siege towers to scale the walls.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1540931862

We formed our battle plan. The catapult ships would fire first and try to take out as many defences as possble. Then Edward's land units would advance and as soon as they reached the walls, my fleet would land in the port. The ships would attack in two waves; in case the first attempt failed, I would still have some forces left.

And so it began.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1540931862

The catapults were not too accurate when it came to target land structures from a ship. Only now and then they would get a hit in.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1540931921

But yes, in this picture it is not only the tree that is burning :beam: :razz:


When the catapults had expended their ammo, Edward moved his siege towers in. They were taking heavy hits from the defender's catapults.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1540931921

But eventually, the first tower made it to the wall.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1540931921


This was the sign for my fleet to move into the enemy's port. Edwards catapult ships joined the attack to support me.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1540931956

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1540931956

I had seen that they had cavalry units waiting for us. So I sent the archers first, without landing them, to shoot at the horsemen from the boat in the hope to drive them away from the coast. But they were not too impressed and took only few losses.

So I sounded the signal to land the ships.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1540931956

This time, it worked perfectly. We managed to land 4 ships almost simultaneously. Edward's catapult men attacked the waiting horsemen with courage. The knew they had no chance to win, but would give my melee units time to get ashore and deal with the spearmen.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1540931994

But it was tough going. The spear cohorts, although loosing, were not overthrown quickly. And the Roman cav pressed in on my flank after they had dispatched Edward's crew.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1540932048

When the archers came ashore, they were in the perfect position to fire into the enemy cavalry. But alas, they had spent all their arrows shooting from the ship and were not much use now. It was then that I decided to put it all on one card and move the second wave in.

While all this happened, Edward's men were fighting on the wall.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1540931994

The swordmen on the first tower were beaten back by the defenders. But when his second tower docked, his fighters hit down on the Roman crossbow men. The gate was only 60% damaged, so there was no easy way in. He had to go over the wall with all his men.

But eventually he was able to bring his third tower to the wall and started to gain the upper hand.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1540931994


Back at the harbour, my reserve fleet had finally arrived. And not too soon. The Roman cav was putting a lot of pressure on me and getting me into a dire situation.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1540932048


My brave Franks landed their dragon boat right behind them.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1540932075

Melee infantry is usually not a great help against elite cavalry.
But these guys were Franks; they had their francisca axes.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1540932075

And the Roman horsemen made easy targets. They suffered huge losses in a few seconds. When my men joined the melee fighting, they were able to stabilize the situation.


At this point Edward's troops had captured the gatehouse. Knowing that I needed help, Edward rushed in, leading the only cavarly unit we had.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1540932075

They spurred their horses and raced across from the gate to the harbour.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1540932102


Seldom was a general as glad to meet his colleague on the battle field as I was at this moment.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1540932102


After this, the battle was decided. We were in control of a wall section and the harbour. The Romans made one more attepmt to re-take the wall, but we had already regrouped our men inside the city and moved towards the centre. And before the remaining Roman troops could do much, the city surrendered.


https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1541097191

Rotomagus was ours now.
As we took over and started to gather information, we learned that a Roman fleet was on its way here. They were bringing supplies of food and weapons, to replace the fleet which we had captured in the autumn season. At this point they must be unaware of the fact that we now held the city.

It was a splendid opportunity. We could either re-stock our fleet and sail out to meet them in a sea battle (lots of good naval equippment had fallen into our hands) or we could stay in the city and surprise them when they came. Edward and I discussed the options and decided to fortify the city and wait for them here.

Rotomagus had taken quite some damage when we captured it (escalation level 2). The towers were gone and although we had not breached a wall during our attack, one section had collapsed after the fighting, weakened by a stray catapult shot.

But the inner defence ring was still in good condition. So we set up our defence there.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1541108599


I was accompanied by my tier 2 retainers, the noble swordsmen. Other than that, our army was made up of tier 1 units.
I had placed emphasis on melee units, Edward had mainly archers and cavalry.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1541108599

Edward positioned his archers at the harbour to set the ships alight with flaming arrows as they approached. It was a spooky sight to watch the fleet emerge from the fog.

Not more than a faint shadow at first...
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1541108628

... then a distant danger ...
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1541108628

... then a tangible threat.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1541108689

Edward's archers let loose.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1541108689

But the ships came in too fast. Before the burning arrows could do any significant damage, they had reached the shore.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1541108689

And the archers did the only sensible thing. They ran back to the keep.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1541108715


Now we charged our cavalry in to attack the Romans as they came to the shore. But the Romans had executed their landing maneuver with perfect precision, landing 6 or more ships simultaneously. Our 6 mounted warbands managed to rout only 2 of their sword units before they themselved were beaten. Only 2 of Edwards cav made it back to the keep.

The Romans were taking control of the harbour. And half their army had not even come ashore yet.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1541108715

But the inner city's defence was strong. A barricade and two lines of spearmen in shield wall persuaded them that a direct assault of the harbout gate would not be a good idea.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1541108715

They decided to go for one of the side gates, where I only had 1 unit of spear levies.

Fortunately, Edward had managed to bring all his archers to the safety of the keep. They were showering the Romans with arrows as they made their way to that gate.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1541108739

Still, the Romans bore down with 6 units on the spearmen. My warband and noble swordsmen rushed in and attaked their flanks.

Their general managed to break through with his elite units.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1541108739

So I signalled my own guards and we rode in to plug the gap.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1541108739

And yes, we managed to push them back and kill their general.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1541108780

Things were truning in our favour now.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1541108780

Unfortunately, one of Edward's remaining cavs had gone too faar out from the keep in their pursuit of the Romans. They hit upon their second attack wave and were beaten badly.


Again the Romans attacked the side gate. And again they managed to break through.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1541108780

But again we managed to beat them back once more.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1541110605

Edward's archers had by now spent all their arrows. Bravely they pulled out their knives and threw themselves into the melee fighting at the gate.


Edward himself was not lazy either. He now rode out through the harbour gate and charged the Roman archers, wo at that time also had not much ammunition left.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1541110605

Then the second Roman general fell at the side gate and the battle was over.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1541110605
(There are now 2 Roman general helmets, which are decorating the door posts of that gate)

It was a great victory. We had captured Rotomagus and held it against a superior Roman fleet, which had sailed right into our trap. A huge amount of supplies was now ours: food, weapons, building materials and medicines - yes, just the kind of medicines we needed to heal our pride after the failed landing attempt in Britannia. We could ride back to our liege with our heads held high.

Just as we were making ready to return to Colonia, a rider came in with a message from Lord Clovis. He had already heard of our victories and was very pleased. But he wanted us to press our advantage home and teach those Romans a lesson. We were to ride south to Turonum (Tours) and raid that village.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1541097191

The governor of Turonum had supported the Roman fleet with soldiers and weapons. As a result, the garrison was weak now and should not be able to put up too much resistance. To set an example, we were to put the village to the torch and burn it to the ground. The Romans would learn to take us seriously.

For this mission Edward chose an army mainly of catapults and archers. I left the catapults to him and took spear- and axemen to protect his war machines. But my army, too, had more archers than usual to help setting the buildings on fire.

When we reached Turonum, a thick snow started to fall. This would not help our mission, but we felt in a position of strenght and Edwards catapults opened fire (literally). Soon the first buildings started to burn.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1541369036

This looked like easy game, but we were somewhat surprised when we saw the Romans abandon the settlement and march out in full force. Obviously the garrison had no intention to sit inside the village and get roasted alife.

The fighting was fierce and my spearmen took the main charge of the advancing legionaries. Without melee units, there was not much that Edward could do to help. But his archers were shooting at them from the flank and that gave some advantage. In the end we managed to beat them back to the village.


With the garrison defeated, we continued to set buildings on fire.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1541369036

But the falling snow prevented the fire to spread. Soon we realized we would not be able to achieve much with the catapults and flaming arrows alone. We had to go in.

The Romans put up some resistance in the streets. But their forces were too weak now.
When we reached the town centre and set the church on fire, the village surrendered.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1541369036

Turonum was now at our mercy. Half of the village was burned down, but half of the buildings were still standing. And the citizens had laid down their weapons.

What were we to do now?
It is one thing to burn a village and kill an enemy in the heat of battle. But murdering an opponent in cold blood, when he is on the ground, was not the way of the Franks.

We took the able bodied men prisoner and left the women, children, elderly and wounded in the houses, with enough food to make it through the remaining weeks of the winter. Then we set off to Colonia where Lord Clovis was now residing. Surely he would be pleased with our victories and the prisoners we were bringing. But had we actually achieved the aim of this last mission? The only way to find out would be to go and speak to him.

The march from Turonum to Colonia Agrippina was slow with the prisoners in tow. When we reached the city, the snow had melted and spring was starting. Lord Clovis was in a splendid mood when we presented ourselves to him.

After hearing our report he said: "You have done very well to conquer Rotomagus and to capture the Roman ships and all those supplies. I will decide about Turonum later. This evening you shall be guests at my dinner table."

So we dined with our liege, together with various other Frankish noblemen. The former Roman governor Flavius, whom we had rescued from ending his life in the Circus Maximus, was also now a regular guest at his table. The elder statesmen and our young warchief seemed to be getting on well and were spending a lot of time discussing the things that leaders talk about; how to conduct a war, how to organize a city, what makes a just ruler etc. The governor's daughter was also joining the dinner - at the lower end of the table, togher with her mother and the other women. Lord Clovis ignored her, as was befitting his high status and position.
Well, for a brief moment I thought, perhaps not quite as much as was befitting his high status and position. But surely I was mistaken and it was none of my business, anyway. Edward and I were so happy to sit among the higher Frankish noblemen, talk of our adventures and feel respected and wellcome.

The next day we were given a more formal audience.
"Edward and Nigel, you have proven yourselves to be worthy leaders of our armies. As a reward you shall be given the right to recruit and maintain two more units of retainers. Together with the one retainer unit you already have, this will increase the total size of your personal retinue to 3 units.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1541456822

You can choose them from the ranks of our seasoned and well trained (tier 2) warriors. Choose wisely, as these men will accompany you in many battles in the years to come."

After this he motioned us to turn our attention to the map.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1541456849

"We have taken many cities along the coast. But as a result our territory is now very stretched out. I would quite like to keep Turonum. But it may be difficult to hold. Also, now that it is spring again, the big army coming from Rome has crossed the alps and reached Octodurum. We should take this into consideration. What are your suggestions?"

After a short discussion, Edward and I suggested to try to hold Turonum. There was a forest nearby, where the Romans were gathering wood for building materials. Driving them away and taking over the material would allow us to rebuild the half-burned village and fortify it.

"Very well", Lord Clovis said. "It is a risky endevor, but you may try".

We chose our new retainers carefully. I picked a unit of axe heerbann and Frankish lancers. Edward added a unit of noble swordmen and Germanic spearmen to his Germanic archers.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1542061399

The remainder of our 5k armies was made up with varous tier 1 units.

The Romans were protecting the forest with two 6k armies. But they were all lower units, basically armed locals. They outnumbered us by 1000 men. But we felt confident that our better troops would bring us the victory.

Well, to cut a long story short, our proud new warriors would learn a tough lesson.
It looked good in the beginning and we routed the first units that we met. But then their spearmen, slingers, skirmishers and young swordmen were just too many (and my lancer cavalry was not very useful in the forest). I even ordered my body guards to dismount and we joined the hand to hand fighting on foot. But I was the first general to go down.

Edward fought on bravely, but in the end all he could do was an organized retreat.



We had to return with a failed mission. There is strength in numbers. And while elite units can give an advantage, they aren't super-heroes. We learned that the hard way.

Now spring was drawing to a close and we were discussing our options.

Should we try to defend the unfortified village?
Or should we give up Turonum and focus our strength on taking Augusta Treverorum instead?

We talked the situation over and came to the conclusion that it would be better to give up Turonum and try to take Treverorum as our next move. Turonum was too far from our centre and our supply lines would be stretched too thin to maintain it.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1542911723

Immediately after we removed our forces from the village, the inhabitants took down our flag and declared an indepentent (rebel) state. Well, let them. There will be a time for us to come back.



We are now preparing the siege of Treverorum.
The city is well defendet and has a huge cistern supplying them with water. Starving them out will not work. We will have to assault them eventually.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1542911723

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1542911723


But the preparation for this assault will now take some time, because the city walls are so strong (and because it is exam time in Real Life). Please be patient with us. I will report on the outcome of the assault eventually - one way or another.

As we set up our siege camp in front of the gates of Treverorum (Trier), we suddenly recieved some unexpected help. Flavius, the former Roman governor of Treverorum, who had been exiled by Rome and rescued by us, still had many friends among the local populance and many of his former soldiers were still loyal to him. He appeared in our camp with a contingent of Roman legionaries, who were joining our forces.

This battle is now a 3v3 with one Roman AI army on our side.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1543956723

We scanned the map and Edward identified a weak spot in the cities defences.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1544473099

The wall section close to the cistern had only one tower and no catapults. The cistern itself prevented the defenders from having many wall mounted defences there. Edward and I focused our forces on the corner shaped wall sections and the South gate. Flavius remained to attack the East gate.

The walls were well defended. But Flavius and his men attacked without fear.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1544473099

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1544473099


All the while our only capult was opening fire to bring down the tower guarding the Western wall.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1544473133


But Flvius and his men were not waiting for that. Before the tower collapsed, they were scaling the walls.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1544473133

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1544473133


Stray shots from our catapult had set several builings on fire in the city.
Finally the tower came down and we started the main attack.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1544473196

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1544473196

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1544473196

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1544473220


While we were fighing on the wall, Flavius had managed to break through the gate in the East.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1544473220

But fighting on his own, his men had come under a lot of pressure and were beaten back from the walls. It was just too much for them and they turned and fled. Only Flavius himself, with his bodyguard and a few archers, kept fighting at the gate.

He held out bravely, binding the enemy's forces, while we were gaining the upper hand at our section of the wall.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1544473220

While Edward was fighting for control of the Southern gate, I urged my men down from the walls into the streets to save Flavius.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1544473241

All the wile, the city was burning.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1544473241

Suddenly, the fire must have reaced the store houses and ignited something very combustible. A huge could of smoke covered everyting and we were unable to see for several minutes. When the smoke finally cleared, the battle was over (translation: we had a desync and were both kicked out of the game).

As the power bar was strongly in our favour, we called it a victory. The remaining Romans used the smoke to escape through the North gate. In that direction they won't have a chance to escape, but we cannot let them go marauding through our territory. Quickly we assebled a small foce to go after them, leaving Flavius and the rest of our men behind to take care of the city.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1544474175

We went after the fleeing Roman army with a light force, mainly composed of cavalry. Mainly, that means Edward had taken only cav, while I had chosen to take a few spearmen along with my retainers. But all in all we were fitted out for fast travel above everything else.

We had expected a difficult search, but when we climbed over the brim of a small hill, Edward's scouts suddenly shouted "We found them".

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1544650848


Whow, they were actually more than we had expected. And they were not as much in a "fleeing" mindset as we had thought. When they spotted us, they immediately turned to atttack.

And this is, where my decision to bring some spearmen proved to be a mistake.
While Edward's all cav army was able to move around the enemies, skirmishing and employing hit and run tactics, my foot soldiers were forced to stand and fight against the enemie's superiour numbers.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1544650848

My men fought bravely and Edward's cavalry made many of their units drop their battle standards and run from the field. But eventually my army was overpowered - and with too many enemies left for Edward to handle on his own.

He did manage to kill one of their generals, but then it was a cat and mouse game. The AI was better than we thought and almost managed to corner him. But he was able to break through to reach the Southern border of the map.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1544650848

Taking me and many of my men with him, he raced back towards Treverorum with the Romans in hot pursuit.

We reached the city through the Northern gate and when the heavy doors slammed behind us, we felt relieved and safe. But were we really? We had a desparate Roman army coming towards us and the one obstacle between them and the Roman held territory as a half-burned city and the remains of our beaten army. We made ready to defend.

Edward had rescued a good part of his army from our ill-fated chase, but my army was completely beaten. So I took charge of the Roman troops that had joined our side, while Flavius was recovering from his wounds. We were only a small army, but the attacking Romans did not have many men either.

They approached the city from the North side.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1545254486

Treverorum was still damaged from the fire we had caused while capturing it and there were some gaps in the walls. Edward and I debated whether we should try to defend forward and man the outer walls. But in the end we decided that we did not have enough men and would be better off giving up on the outer defences and focusing on the keep.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1545254486


We set up a stong position with levy spearmen backed up by javelin throwers on a barricade to defend the keeps entrance close to the North gate.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1545254486

The South entrance was my resonsibility. I placed out best Roman spear unit there.
We left the furthest away East entrance completely undefended.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1545254524


As expected, the Romans advanced towards the openings in the wall near the North gate. The North gate itself was a strong and impressive building. It's white walls had been turned black by the recent fire and our Roman troops now called this gate the Porta Nigra (Black Gate).

The catapult men opened fire on the advancing enemies.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1545254524

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1545254524


The Romans suffered some casulties, but eventually they came through the breaches of the wall into the city.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...4&d=1545254594

Their cavalry raced towards our defences. But the 2 leading units realized our strong position early enough and diverted their charge.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1545254594

They were riding around the keep to attack our undefended East entance.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1545254594

Only just did I manage to bring the Roman spearmen around to meet them.
Edward himself and his retainers joined to plug the gap.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...7&d=1545254620


Meanwhile, at the West entrance, Edwards spear levies were attached by 3 Roman sword units.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...6&d=1545254620

My skirmishers on the palisade brought many of them down, but after their javelins were spent, they could only watch with horror, as the Roman swordmen cut the spearmen to pieces.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1545254620

I pulled them back, there was no point in sacrificing their lives. Edwards freemen were ready and much better equipped to take them on.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1545254649

After the legions had broken through the palisade, the melee fighters clashed viceously.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1545254649

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...8&d=1545254649

The freemen held their position extremely well against the better equipped Roman soldiers. Our archers were in a good position to support them by firing from the walls of the keep.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...3&d=1545254674

At this point, we had defeated the cavalry charge at the East entrance and I was getting the upper hand against a force at the South.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1545254674

Edward's freemen at the West entrance had to retreat eventually. But when that happened, we had cleared all the other gates and could throw all our remaing forces in to counter the enemies charge.

I had a moment of doubt, when I ordered our Roman legionaries against the enemies general. Would they be prepared to fight their former commander?

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1545254674

But the men had chosen their side. Whether is was out of loyalty to Flavius or because they knew that a return to Rome was no longer possible, I do not know. But they were on our side now and they rushed into battle.

When they brought down the Eagle of that legion, the battle was over and we had secured Treverorum for the Franks.

We spent the Autumn months repairing the city - and there was a lot of repairing to do after two sieges.
Still, we recovered from out wounds and our armies grew back to strenght.

Meanwhile, a lot happened outside of the Frankish realm.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1545337672

The big army from Rome has come close to our border now. Only the two rivers Seine and Marne are separating them from reaching Treverorum.

But more notably, the Alamans have been encouraged by our success and also decided to cross the Rhine in search for better and more fertile land. They have conquered the city of Argentoratum. The Frankish and the Alamanic tribes have always have a - well - interesting relationship. Sometimes we have fought together against a common enemy; sometimes we have fought each other. We shall see where this will lead.

But now it is time for the feast of the winter solstice. Odin and his wife Frigga are riding through the nightly sky until finally the Light is re-born and the days will start to get brighter again. We are going to celebrate it with fires and candles in the forests and lots of mead and good food. And those in Treverorum who follow the One God of the Romans and the birth of his son are wellcome to join in our celebration and feast and be happy with us.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1545337672

A happy holiday to all of you who are following our adventure and see you again in the new year.

Finally the winter ended and spring broke through the ice. When we returned to the camp, we were summoned to our Lord Clovis' tent. Next to him at the council table sat a man dressed in the Alaman fashion.

"The messenger here is telling me the same thing our schouts have also reported. The big army sent from Rome is making preparations to cross the river Seine. They are three stacks strong. The Alamans have 1 stack at Argentoratum. We have 2 here in Treverorum."

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...5&d=1547070592

"If we agree to march out and meet the Romans at the Seine, the Alamans offer to join us. If we stay here and fortify Treverorum, the Alamans will fall back and the Romans may decide to attack Argentoratum first. This would give us time to repair the damaged walls of our city. But we would have to face the Romans on our own - whatever is left of their 3 stacks after they beat the Alamans. What is your council?"

We had a long discussion weighing our options.

The Roman army would be stong and well equipped legionaries. We only had levies at our disposal (bar a few retainers) and no idea what the Alamans would bring to the battle. Marching out and trying to stop the Romans at the river seemed too risky. If we dont get there in time, we meet a superior army in an open field battle. But turning the Alamans away and leaving them at the mercy of the legion did not sound good either. We might not only loose an ally, but also gain a new enemy that way.

We decided on a third option. We left our 2 stacks of levy troops in the command of our luitenants and tasked them to go South to aid the Alamans defend Argentoratum. Then Edward rode North to bring a new army of well equipped and higher level troops from Colonia. Our Warchief had spent the past month using the loot we had gained to raise and train them. I stayed behind at Treverorum and prepared the city for defence.

There was some risk in it, too, as the city would be undefended for some time. But our scouts kept a close eye on the Romans and indeed they marched on Argentoratum first - unaware that our men were reinforcing the garisson.


The battle for Agentoratum was fierce. The Roman army was highly superior and attacked with siege towers and catapults. We managed to stop some of the siege towers from reaching the walls by laying stone traps on which they got stuck.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...1&d=1547676908

But eventually they broke through.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...0&d=1547676908

Edward had brought 1 catapult up to the keep which fired on the enemies as they came through the breaches of the walls.

But in the end, the legion was too strong. Our men were fighting a loosing battle.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...9&d=1547676908

Still the Roman army took many casulties in this assault. Half of their men were killed or injured. It would take them until summer 398 to heal the wounded. And now they only have 2 stacks left to attack Treverorum.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attac...2&d=1547676943

But meanwhile our scouts surprised us with some news from the Alamans. While we were helping them in a hopeless battle at Argentoratum, they had sent another army South and captured Augusta Vindelicorm (Augsburg) from the Romans. I am not sure what to make of that.

Ha, I love that winter shot of the battlefield, quite atmospheric. :yes:

I've ventured myself in a Frankish campaign some time ago and all went well until the Huns came, and with no serious cavalry to contend with (Franks are not too rich if you don't expand fast), it didn't end ideal. Guerrilla tactics eventually prevail but it could also backfire.

Glad that you like it, edyz.
And nice to hear of your own adventures with the Franks - and the Huns.
Well, in our gamemastered campaign it is summer 398 now. If we keep going we could, with some luck, be in Rome before Attila is born ;)


Right now we are having a discussion what to do next.
We could stay in Treverorum and wait for the Romans to attack. We have good troops now and would probably be able to fend them off. Or maybe attacking them is the best defence. We could march out and meet them on the open field, or try to re-take Argentoratum. We could also bypass them an move on to some other target. But that would leave Treverorum very voulnerable.

Then Edward's luitenant told us that there were still many of our men held captive in Argentoratum. Those who did not manage to escape when we lost the city. They are now beeing put into slavery and made to repair the city walls.

That made the decision. We are moving out to attack Argentoratum. :duel:

Hey Nigel,

Why don't you create videos of your AAR and post them on YouTube? An AAR vlog would be good/