A few first words: no, this is not supposed to be a fully serious AAR. No, I do not aspire the legendary status of Parallel Pain, or think that this will be remotely interesting to read. If you, despite all this, decide to read it, you do so at your own peril. But please, if you do read it, tell me what you like and what you don't like. Heck, just acknowledging that you've read it would work as the carrot on a stick.
So without any further ado...
Introduction: The Chosen Superior
The year is 241. We are at war with the filthy Romans and the Carthaginian scum, and the Aedui aren't even neutrolized yet. Viennos is constantly reminded of their continued existance. But we do not worry. We have the god-king! We cannot fail under his mighty reign. Under him and the one before him, we have come to dominate Gaul, put a puppet in Belgae lands and kick the Romans out of Massalia while at the same time holding the Carthaginians at bay! No, we do not fear, and allying with the Sweboz was not a sign of weakness.
I am Geraint oi Picorae, and I'm the Taoi Arjos of the Arvernian tribe. I command an army of strong warriors, experienced from all the fighting we've done, fearless and fanatical, but not without it's black spot. My forces are depleted. I've seen many a good man fight valiantly, laughing at the peril of their situation and for long denying the enemy a chance to slay him, only to in the end be replaced by a green levy, or a costly mercenary. Of the 4000 spears our Belgae allies sent us, only 290 remain. The Gaedann from the Caturiges are completely replaced, and the botroas and gaeroas are but a memory past. The bataroas are better off, but not even they have escaped the attrition. Damn those Romans! May the gods spit and piss on them! But the grasping Carthaginians and their stinking elephants are even worse. They must be dealt with. But the Romans come first.
A great army of theirs, led by a captain they call Tiberivs, has recently besieged and captured one of our forts in the outskirts of Massalia, and our scouts are reporting that they're now moving towards the city itself. To get there, however, they need to pass a forest. This is the perfect chance, the golden opportunity I cannot pass by. I know the terrain, and it's like set up for an ambush. They won't even know what hit them.
The Ambush
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
- Sir, you won! How does it feel?
- "How does it feel"? What do you think I am, a football player?! My traits does say I'm sharp, you know! I can answer more difficult and meaningful questions.
- S... sorry, sir. My apologies. You lost a lot of good men today, and it was an ambush. Why do you think that happened? Did you underestimate the enemy?
- Argh! Are you even listening to me? I'm Geraint, the Taoi Arjos, the son of a god made flesh, a conqueror and a mighty warrior, the bane of many - not David Beckham! If you want to ask me some questions, at least try come up with some original ones.
- Ok, sorry sir. Just one more question...
- (Geraint grumbles) This had better be good...
- Ok. Your victory wasn't all that convincing today. What do you need to improve upon until the next battle?
(A second later a thump is heard as the questioneer's head hits the ground, separated from it's body.)
---
A few months later, a few miles away.
- Sir? Sir! Wake up!
- Ugh... this had better be good news, and not more ships. Our fleet is no longer in shape for a fight!
- You're right, sir. But the news are good! We're there.
- Aye, those are some great news!
- Yes, sir. If you don't mind me saying, it's the bestest news in weeks!
- ... damn it, Terc, you always were an idiot. It's best news, not "bestest news".
- Sorry, sir. Best news they be. News worthy of your excellence. Like golden news handed in a silver bucket of diamonds adorned with rubies and emeralds. News like the great trinket...
- Enough about the outstanding quality of the news already! Are there any sign of movement on the shore?
- No, sir. Nothing at all. It's quiet like a house.
- A mouse, Terc, a mouse... sigh. Are the men ready, yet?
- Almost, sir.
- Not good enough. They should be ready right now.
- Yes, but... sir... it's just one little thing.
- What now?
- Well, you know... we were expecting to get here earlier, sir, but now it's Salmon. The men are unnerved and uneasy about fighting at this time. They're afraid the dead...
- The dead?! Those who are dead are no more. They cannot hurt us ever - and it's called Samon, by the way, not "Salmon".
- Yes, sir. But...
- No buts! There's no reason for fearing them, and you will fight the enemy whenever I tell you to! Now get out there and make ready the men before I demote you again!
- Yes, sir... sorry, sir.
- (Muttering for himself) Why did I choose such an incompetent fool as my second in command? I'll never make a name out of Troinos moc Togodumnos if I cannot trust the judgement of my underlings.
An hour and a half later, when walking towards the city of Bocchoris, a scout returns to Troinos.
- Sir! We've spotted a small band of enemies just a few short clicks away north-east. They're greatly outnumbered by us, and even though they'll probably call for reinforcements, we should easily be able to crush them.
- Good work, soldier. Show us the way and we'll double time it there! If there's any surprise to be had, I want the most out of it. And if there's none to be had, I'd at least want them to have as little time to prepare as possible. Let's go!
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
- Sir, the enemy is fleeing towards their boats! Should we chase after them?
- No, Terc, Let them run. Let them tell their senate just how big wussies they are. Let them spread their fear the the rest of them! We'll be ready if they come back. But lo! the city is abandoned and free for the taking! Plunder and wealth awaits! Onward, sons of Great Gaul!
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