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Thread: S.P.Q.R. - Flight of the Eagle: Romani AAR

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  1. #1
    ETW Steam: Little Fox Member mini's Avatar
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    Default S.P.Q.R. - Flight of the Eagle: Romani AAR

    272BC Spring.



    A pleasant breeze touched the scarse scalp of hairs on his head. In front of him stood Publius Cornelius, consul of the year, giving a speech about how illegal Gnaues Cornelius Blasio was running things in Arretium. With an inward sigh he took in the faces of the backbenchers. Cornelius was winning them over.
    It took him but a small effort to keep his peace for the moment, Manius Curius was no fool. Cognomened Dentatus because he was said to be born with teeth, Manius Curius maybe was a New Man but the First Man in Rome indeed. It was he who finished the Samnite Wars, and he who gave the famous Phyrrus of Epirus a run for his money. Although he was military adept enough to not call it a victory, he knew he had made it nearly impossible for Phyrrus to maintain his campaign on Italian soil. Consul 3 times, and now censor.
    It seemed like ages ago.
    Time is running out on me’ he thought while putting up a mild expression of interest on his face, just enough to let others believe he was truly listening to the ongoing Publius Cornelius.

    He was more than happy to step aside as first man in Rome, putting up the title for whoever was able to grasp it. Not an official office by any means, being First Man in Rome meant that the man stood as a power of his own. His auctoritas and dignitas were so immense he stood above his peers, able to sway the senate his way purely on his own. Romes history hasn’t known many who could truly call themselves the First Man, but Manius Curius was one of them.
    In the meanwhile the senior consul was about to end his oration. Better to his move before the consul would ask to see a division.

    If I may have the floor?” Manius Curius said, rising. After a short nod from the consul, obviously not pleased, his old bones descended to the floor of the Curia Hostilia, home and heart of the Senate.
    “I thank the senior consul for his magnificent speech on how a magistrate should run his city, I think for the more inexperienced senators among us a learning speech. However, on the subject of Gnaeus Cornelius our senior consul comes with little evidence. To my best of knowledge –and I have campaigned with the man enough to be a reliable source- Blasio is a thrustworthy man. Therefor it comes difficult to me to hear all these allegations and believe them. As far as my sources in Arretium tell me, Blasio is fulfilling his term quite legally, nothing reprehensible. Not that it matters. I remind all of you that no imperium can be removed of a man while his term is still going. Therefor I ask an immediate cease of this discussion.” He looked around, noted many approving faces.

    Before he could continue however, a messenger stormed in, outmanoeuvring the lictors guarding the entrance of the Curia, whose gates where opened cause the senate was meeting in an open session.
    Consul, I bring magnificent news!” thundered the messenger while striding towards the center of the Curia and up to Dentatus. What joy to bring this historic news and actually come close to one of Romes greatest!
    Phyrrus has sailed the Adriatic, back to Epirus, in order to wage war on Macedon!

    A huge murmer arose among the senators. Wonderful news indeed. The messenger said Tarentum was left to mercenaries for defence.
    Publius Cornelius, awfully aware his case of accusing Blasio was about to go nowhere, took the opportunity to come out with his dignitas unharmed and spoke.

    I move that Manius Curius takes what’s left of the consular legions, Legio I, to march to Tarentum and remove the Epirote presence in Italy forever. None can say Manius Curius hasn’t fought a brilliant war against Phyrrus, but he has yet to gain a true victory against the Epirotean forces. Therefor I say let’s grant him this chance to get that victory!

    Oh, well played’ thought Manius Curius while the house erupted in frantic cheers and stamping of feet. ‘You saved your face from humiliation today, and in one swift move you removed your biggest adversary in your quest to bring down poor old Blasio.


    Dentatus had no choice but to accept. When asking the house for the Legio IV under Blasio’s command up north in Arretium, the house declined his request. The northern border should stay guarded. Dentatus would have to conquer Tarentum with a mere legion, 3300 men strong.

    Last edited by mini; 04-03-2008 at 16:12.

  2. #2
    ETW Steam: Little Fox Member mini's Avatar
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    To alleviate perpetual boredom ook week evenings, I'm rolling this new aar.
    i'm quite new to EB and the forum, but I used to run a few well-received AAR's on the old RTR board before it went down, ages ago.

    I tend to run my aar mostly story based, with nice changes from Pov's once in a while.

    As to house rules and everything, I'm not bothering you with how i'm gonna play, just know that it's on H/M and I tend to roleplay my Fm's, to the point were coward generals flee the field when the front lines hit etc, brings a lot of fun to the game ^^

    Anywayz, since i'm new, I might go down, but atleast I won't be bored. hope you won't be either. HF reading.

    Next part: capture of tarentum amongst other things, stay tuned.

  3. #3

    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    Hey Mini!

    Great start! I recognize that style of writing and that use of fonts. Did you perhaps write a couple of AARs on Paradox forum?

  4. #4
    ETW Steam: Little Fox Member mini's Avatar
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    Alass, no :) Only on RTR board.

    I always use this font, might be me but it gives me an an authentic feel when readin it :)

  5. #5

    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    I see, anyway it's great to see a Romani AAR, as I myself prefer writing more story-based AAR, and like you I tend to use the ingame traits for character building. Anyway will be following :)

    Cheers

  6. #6
    aka Artaserse (the Lone Borg) Member Obelics's Avatar
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    i remember your nick too, good look, Roma Invicta!.. or at last so we hope....

  7. #7
    Member Member Irishmafia2020's Avatar
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    Well, I hopeyou lose a couple of battles along the way....I get tired of seeing every AAR writer win every battle for generations... Even the Romans lost occaissionly. Good luck, I'll be reading this on my lunch hour...

  8. #8
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    262BC Winter

    Rome

    "Lucius, Iunia come inside! This is no weather to play outside!"
    Two pair of tiny feet started running across the battered pavement down the Aventine. Winter had hit Rome more severly than the memory of the young children could recollect, but the prospect of spending the entire day indoors filled them with dread. Of toys they had almost nothing, and the small cottage they dwelled in did not allow for the fantasies of a 10-year old boy and a 9 year old girl.
    Their mother did her best, but with their father gone, times have been hard lately. The children started milling about in the house, their joyous cries incurring a reminiscence to better times with their mother.
    "Listen sweethearts," the mother tried, "Sit down and be quit for a while, there will be a special treat this afternoon if you do!" Iunia became docile immediately, but young Lucius had more trouble calming down. He demanded to know what their mother had in stored for them.
    A knock on the door had both tiny heads swinging that way.
    A man entered, a wide grin on his face as he took in the childrens face lighting up.
    "Uncle Decius!" the children stormed forward, either cluttering around one of Decius Appius' legs.
    "Confined to the house are you now?" he ask smiling of the kids, picking up Iania for a good hug.
    "My god you're gettign heavy Iunia. You should stop eating sweets you buy from the venters!" Iunia's face clouded before she figured out she was being teased.

    Decius settled down and took in his late brothers wife. They were both widowers; and they only had eachother. The children were the only remembrance Decius had of his beloved brother; best of friends, bravest of men. His own wife had died in child birth, with the tiny sprogg dying not much later.
    Ever since his brother died, he had looked after her and Licius & Iunia. Even after almost ten years, a sadness filled him while thinking of Marcus.
    He was brutely pulled back to reality when both kids jumped on him, settling on his lap.
    "Tell us a story about our tata!" young Lucius cried out. At his age, his days were filled with performing heroic battles with his friends. His sister joined in, battering her tiny fists on Decius chest.
    "Alright alright! I'll tell you the story about your father famous battle at the siege of Tarentum" He glanced quickly at Tertulla, who gave him a tiny smile.

    "About a year after you were born Lucius, making it 8 years ago, your father was there at Tarentum with the famous Manius Curius Dentatus. You know Iunia, that man on his horse at the square where you buy so many sweets" He eyed iunia slyly.
    "Although they had arrived in Autumn, the siege continued during winter, according to your father due a malady which plagued the general.
    Probably due to the weather, which was even worse than now.



    Which in the end might have been for the better, for by summer our spies inside the city had been succesfull in sabotaging the northern gate during the early morning. Manius Curius, fully in control again, had a long word with your father.
    Your father was to be among the first to storm through the gate when it opened. To him became the responsability to form a spearhead of which the whole attack would depend upon. Junior legates are of course way to precious to send in first.
    Your father, brave lion as he was, just nodded and assured the general there was nothign to worry about. Tarentum would pay for slaughtering Roman emissaries a few years before, and seeking the aid of Phyrrus when Roman retribution was imminent. This was going to be one for all those fallen in battles against Phyrrus. Just a shame the man himself wasn't there to receive a piece of Marcus Appius' retribution' he said smiling to his general kids.
    "




    The actual battle will follow tonight, lunch break is over unfortunately ;)
    Last edited by mini; 04-03-2008 at 16:14.

  9. #9
    ETW Steam: Little Fox Member mini's Avatar
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    btw, where can I apply for a title change?

    I think me needs a bigger title to draw some crowds :p

  10. #10
    EB TRIBVNVS PLEBIS Member MarcusAureliusAntoninus's Avatar
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    Quote Originally Posted by mini
    btw, where can I apply for a title change?

    I think me needs a bigger title to draw some crowds :p
    Just ask for one and if a moderator sees it, they'll change it for you...


  11. #11
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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    Decius Appius took a sip of water, the two story-hungry children on both his knees awaiting eargly the continuation of the story...


    'A silence covered the field in front of the Tarentian North gate. A slighty warming breeze blew through and over the sleeping city of Tarentum, straight into the peering eyes of Marcus Appius. According to the infiltrators in the city, the moment was near.
    The gates would be openend, the centries not alarmed. He had instructed his men the evening before.
    They were to be the bridge head of the army, the maniple to run through and secure the entrance to the city.
    Tention hung tangible in the air, experienced as he was; he sensed the nervousness of his men, and he walked among them with a low voice, comforting them. Yes they had a difficult task, but the whole army depended on them.
    If they pulled it off, they'd be heroes. Exactly the right kind of words to impetious young ears.

    Suddenly a flaming arrow was shot over the wall. The signal! Marcus Appius rushed forward, with his maniple on his heels. They had to make it, what if the spies were detected?
    It was a mere half mile they had to run, but it seemed like 5 full miles. The wooden walls enlargened slowly as they got closer. He felt his heart beat under his chest, wasn't sure it was due the running or the excitement.
    Then in a blink they were through the gate! Home safe. Marcus Appius ran right into a wall of spears. Only a cat-like reflex of his left arm saved him from 2 or 3 jabbing spearheads. It was a trap!

    "Close rank boys, on me, on me! "he tried to pull his men together. forming a shield wall. The only way to make enough room to let reinforcements in, was pushing this phalanx backwards.
    "On me lads! Let's push this raggety sorry bunch of mercenaries back! Are we going to be thrown out by some pansy Greeks. Push boys, push! By Mars Bellona and Herculus Invictus, PUSH!"
    The ranks closed, hiding behind the big shield, and a pushing match erupted. The Greek mercenaries jabbing with their long spears, the young hastati taking the blows on their shields, trying to pierce the wall of spears.
    Marcus Appius tried to eager on his men, being in the forefront of the battle the whole time himself. They had to push the enemy back, or they would all die here, with the rest of the army shut outside the gates.
    Agonizing slowly, the phalanx gave way inch by inch. But every inch was payed with Roman blood. They almost had gained enough ground to allow some reinforcements in, but he had lost a quarter of his men already.
    A cry from the back lines got his attention. "Cavalry coming from outside!"
    Cavalry? What was going on? Why should they receive cavalry as reinforcements? Those horses would have no room to manoeuver here. He pulled himself free to take a look himself. He peered into the dust, trying to catch a glimps of what was heading his way. They doomed in front of the gate as daemons from the underworld.

    Again Marcus Appius quick thinking saved the day. He let his men form two rows, shield to the inside, while the front continued facing forward. Sort of a U upside down with the arch making the front line, and the inner part protected by shield.
    "Let them run through boys!"
    The enemy cavalry ran through alright. Losing the battle in the field against Dentatus apparently - Marcus had no idea there even was a battle taking place outside - the enemy cavalry bolted back inside to safety. They ran right into the phalanx fighting Marcus Appius men, creating nothing but chaos under the defenders and a gap in the lines.

    Marcus hesitated not, and jumped in, not seeing if his men followed
    ...






    Lunchbreak's over again, more tomorrow or tonight.
    Last edited by mini; 04-03-2008 at 16:15.

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    Default Re: S.P.Q.R.

    "Marcus Appius plowed on into the ranks of the phalanx, whom were still trying to gather themselves after their general rushing through in a frenzy. it was the turning point of the whole battle."

    Decius Appius eyed the children, who were listening with their mouths open. It was one thing to listen to stories of histories bout heros of legend, but it was quite something else to hear such a story bout one's own father.
    Even Tertulla had taken a seat for listening. Decius gave her a quick wink before continuing.

    Wether it was the confusion in the enemy ranks, or the sheer zealotness Marcus Appius showed in driving through the enemy ranks, what happened turned into a rout of the enemy. Their scrimmage line broken, the phalanx turned and ran leaving their javelin man in the path of Marcus Appius' men to slow them down.



    With the enemy running like rabbits through the streets, Marcus gave his men a break. "Water is coming lads, turn around and you'll see some very welcome faces!"
    For indeed Manius Curius Dentatus had moved the rest of his army forward to enter the city. It was the censor himself who rode up to him to congratulate him for a job well done. He had earned himself quite a few phalernae today!
    When Dentatus informed him the principes would take the lead from here, Marcius Appius reacted with outrage, while his men stood and watch.
    To let others take the front, while they had fought so good and hard to gain a foothold? Terrible! Outrageous! It just wouldn't do!
    When Marcus Appius cried out to his halved maniple, they reacted with cheers. No man was going to walk in front of them. They had fought their way into the city, now they would force the enemy out if it.
    Manius Curius shrugged, and let Appius have it his way. The hastati moved on, Marcus Appius in the lead.




    As they made their way through the streets, they seemed to near to the towns agora, the central market place. It seemed that resistance had gathered there.
    "Alright boys! We've had to grind our way in here tooth and nail, we broke their backs, and now they're standing spineless awaiting the crushing of our boots. Who took the gate?"
    "WE DID"
    "Who took the streets?"
    "WE DID"
    "Who will take this stinking city?"
    "WE WILL"
    "LET'S GIVE THEM HELL!"


    Marcus Appius understood that he needed to hype his men to their limits. he had no doubt of their fighting abilities, it was just that their numbers had dwindled in that first fight.
    Neverthless it was important that his remaining men should have the taste of victory as the first of the army, otherwise they'd never again consent to just take a beating for everyone else. They were the young boys, so they always would go first. But knowing the feel of victory made it easier to step forward.
    A good thinker he was, Marcus Appius. At the next corner, fresh skirmishes broke out with the remainign enemy forces.
    Marcus Appius didn't hesitate. this time the whole legion saw him charging the enemy head on, and it cheered him immensely, unable to aid due to the narrowness of the street.



    Whatever the enemy had left in them, it wasn't much. On the agora, the mercenary captain chose to make his final stand, as he understood the Romans would not be in a forgiving mood. In silence they awaited the coming of the Romans, who showed their face around the corner in the person of Marcus Appius.
    The hastati didn't halt. Appius swinged his head back, saw the rest of the legion had followed his carving of a pat to the agora, and didn't hesitate. For the third time of the day, he led his men into the sharp teeth of the wolf and attacked the phalanx head on.
    This time there was plenty of time to go around of the flank of the enemy. Marcus started battering down the right flank of the enemy. With great skill he took the enemy spears on his shield, forcing him to follow him outward and thus opening up the spear line.
    Sadly enough, on creeping evermore to the left, he was suprised by an enemy whom in blind fear suddenly stepped out of the phalanx line, stabbed him in the right leg, and tried to make a ron for it.
    Even on one knee, Marcus Appius succeeded to hamstring the fellow before he had made one step, hauled him down and savagely slit his throat.
    Unable to stand, he tried to be of use to keep the spirit of his men up before he passed out.





    ".. he'll be fine, it is but a flesh wound. it was probably the exhaustion of the day taking its toll. give him a month of good rest, and then start regular exercise to make the leg used to being used again. It'll do fine."

    Marcus openend his eyes and found himself in a tent, watching the camp doctor talking to Manius Curius. The latter saw him moving out the corner of his eye and walked to him.
    "Rest, you brave centurion. The city is ours, your men are safe, and the spoils are good. And as my good friend Gnaeus Cornelius Blasio is no longer a praetor, we'll soon have the Legio IV here. You and your brother are marching with me to Rhegion. Before winter, we'll have those traitors executed, the peninsula into the Roman fold, and you richly and honourably discharged so you can enjoy your 2 newly borns in peace. But now you must rest."

    Which came easily to Marcus Appius..






    On the next episode:

    The battle of Rhegion.

    Last edited by mini; 04-03-2008 at 16:17.

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