Stories Thread

[Iskander 3.1]

An Admonition

Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla and Exomnivs entered the Circvs in silence. The racecourse was little more than a long dirt track with benches of questionable construction on either side for spectators. Finding a seat, Sextvs Cornelivs thought long and hard before speaking. Exomnivs knew that he may be in trouble, and decided that speaking first would only exacerbate things.

Indeed, Sextvs Cornelivs had been quite busy. Consul Manivs Clavdivs Cicero had been kind enough to grant him a month's leave to witness the birth of his first child, but with many goings on going on, Scapvla had little time to rest. He had a wife to care for, a war to fight, and a little problem to take care of involving his representative.

After some time, Scapvla finally spoke. “Exomnivs, I am a man of importance, and I must put great thought into who I chose for which position. I chose Cacophonvs as my spear carrier because he is strong, obedient to a fault, and quite dumb. I tried sharing wine with him once and all he did was smile like the fool he is before vomiting in the tent. And it is impossible to hold a conversation with him because the more he talks, the more he drools, and then I get distracted and start to sound as stupid as him. But as my spear carrier, he is irreplaceable.

“I chose Minervina for my wife because of her health and her social standing. The marriage left me off wealthier than when I was a bachelor. She just gave birth to a healthy, beautiful daughter whom we have named Vstina. And she is healthy enough that I may still spend years away from Roma and rely on her to bear more healthy children when I return. Additionally, she turns a blind eye towards my adulterous tendencies. She is everything an officer could ask for, and more.

“And finally, I come to you. During my brief stay in Roma following my promotion I spent some time at the Academy looking for the right person to represent me. I chose you for two reasons. You are quite intelligent, and your youthful enthusiasm matches mine. I could have chosen an older, wiser man, but I knew that he would not have properly represented me. And yet now I am hearing stories that are making me look foolish for choosing you. You are changing your mind more often than you change your toga. You are insulting Senators, including my fellow officer in Legio I. You are letting your emotions carry you away, and confusing facts with paranoid speculation. Even Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs, a wise man who wishes to have an ally in you, seems to be getting frustrated with your foolishness.”

“But Cotta...” interrupted Exomnivs.

“Tiberivs Clavdivs is keeping a watchful eye on Praetor Cotta, and is not afraid to speak when the Praetor's ambitions threaten the stability of the Republic. Cotta could declare himself king in Ambrakia and with our legions already fighting the Carthaginians it would put Roma in a delicate place. But then again, Cotta could do what any other Roman general would do: place the territories he conquers in the hands of Roman administrators.

“Ambrakia must fall. The security of Roma demands it. Cotta's true loyalties will be shown by his actions AFTER he takes the city, and not a moment before. You made a bold claim much to soon, dear Exomnivs. Peace with the Epirites must happen right AFTER the city is taken. If Cotta does not wish for peace AFTER he takes the city, then your claims would have merit. But you are making allegations against a man who is still doing what is best for the Republic.

“Imagine if another Senator made the same charge against Cicero. By your logic, the taking of Tolosa would be enough to level accusations against him as wanting to become King of Volcallra.

“Exomnivs, my loyalties are as follows. The Republic first, Legio I second, and other Roman individuals third. I expect you to act in a similar manner if you are to continue representing me. No insulting my fellow officers, and certainly no mention of me sleeping with Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla's wife. Do I make myself clear?”

“Quite clear, Legatvs,” replied Exomnivs, afraid to refer to Scapvlla by name.

“Good. Then let us enjoy this race. With the Congressional Council beginning in a few weeks, we must enjoy every bit of leisure that we can.”

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

On war and peace, and the abomination it brings with it:

"I dont hate any of them you know...." Sextvs began, one hand propping up his head as he spoke to Lvcivs.

Lvcivs raised an eyebrow "why would you, we both know that the senate is all one great game, and being angry about a game is just insane." he coughed and continued, "you are just the newest player, a man thrown into something he has not yet mastered, your on your way though Sextvs, from what you tell me your learning fast. That is all your family could hope for, you are here for a reason, to help the republic. And to do that you must learn both to fight, and to Dance; the subtle dance of politics." Lvcivs smiled and took a drink from his mug froth splashing across his white beard.

Sextvs smiled back "I am sure that I have an advantage from being taught politics by the great Lvcivs!" " I will do what I must for myself and for the republic, whatever it takes to keep it all safe I am willing to do... it just seems so pointless, so idiotic, we weave around each other saying one thing while we really mean another. We blame others for lies while we ourselves lie about whatever we must... its so hypercritical. I can weave tales till my tongue swirls but none of that gives me as much satisfaction as ending the republics threat with a blade not words."

Sextvs laughs " for that I admire Caivs, He is willing to simply forget about the words, to forget about that dance all to do what he thinks is right.” Sextvs laughs all the harder “and for that very reason I must argue and condemn him. “ Sextvs smile disappears “perhaps in the end we need the words, the talk. That is what this republic is about after all…. I guess perhaps I am the biggest hypocrite of them all; I whine about the talk and yet believe we would not exist without it. Its pathetic.” Sextvs then stands walking towards the door “and finnally, to answer why I am here, Lvcivs I want to apologize for the spies I know you know I have on you, call it common practice, I keep them on everyone I take an interest in.”
Lvcivs smirks “even your best friends.”
Sextvs smiles “especially my friends. Now if you will excuse me I am heading into the city, perhaps to run into Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla, maybe to talk about our days in Legio I, or maybe to talk politics and friendship.”
Sextus face glowers “or maybe, if I deem it necessary, to talk about my wife…”
Lvcivs burst out laughing, “do you always keep spies on your loved ones.”
“Especially on my loved ones. I may hate the dance, but that does not mean I am going to be one upped in it. I will take war any day, but perhaps peace is just as interesting.

[/Bean\]

In the Curia, Caivs Avrelivs sat silently through the speeches, did not join in with the cheers or shouts aimed at the Senators. He simply sat, twidling the folds of his toga between his fingers, lost in his own melencholy.

Avlvs Aemilivs, among others, still fought for his right to lead me to war. But he no longer felt up to the arguing, the constant toing and froing of the Senators around him. He hated this hall, the constant debates and acusations. Politics, he was realising, was simply not his game anymore. He wasn't up to it.

He had been away from the Legion for less than three weeks, but he already craved it's companionship once more. He couldn't stand the city, the high rise blocks and crowded streets, the backstabbings in the dark and the calls for his resignation. They doubted his loyalty, did they? Well, let them. He'd had enough. He wanted nothing more than to return to his legion, his companions in arms, his brothers. He was a soldier through and through, a soldier playing at politics. For that was the truth of it; one could only be a soldier for so long before he was cast into the nest of vipers that was Roma. The Legion was not like that. A man made his own way through the marches, the battles, and the losses. He'd seen many good men die under his command, but many more lived on, in a safer and happier society. Life was simple on campaign: you followed your orders, defended your mates, and killed the enemy. That was it, that was all that was needed. Not like in Roma.

It wasn't as if he was unprepared for it; the days and nights Caivs Avrelivs had spent hiding during the tutoring lessons in Capua had taught him of politics, and the patronage of some of the older Senators had helped him through the first few years. But experience had taught him naught but one thing: he was not built for politics.

Caivs Avrleivs knew that, if he lost the Second, he would be finished. There was nothing left for him after that. A comfy retirement at best, maybe a few formal speeches at gatherings. But there would be no more fire, no more will to be the best that he could be. And he knew he was the best that he could be. The loyalty and devotion of the men under his command showed that. But that was never enough.

Caivs Avrelivs took a swig from a water skin-he never drank wine-and continued to count down the hours until the votings began.

[SwissBarbar]

Battle of Epeiros

Winter 257 BC

Avlvs Aemilivs, Qvintvs Aemilivs and Caivs Avrelivs traveled together to Illyria and then separated. While C. Avrelivs went to Epidamnos, the Aemilii headed southwards towards Legio II. They arrived just when winter 257 BC ended. Avlvs Aemilivs took over the commanding position of Legio II, with whose men he had fought for more than 8 years now.

After marching on enemy turf for several days, dispatch riders from his scouts reported a hostile army to be deploying only a few miles away. Avlvs Aemilivs ordered his commanders to strike camp at the next possible spot. He wanted his men to rest before battle.

In the evening A. Aemilivs summoned his commanders, among them his cousins Caivs and Qvintvs Aemilivs, in his tent to discuss the strategy. The enemy was deploying on the main street, that led from the city of Ambrakia to its great harbour, and passed horizontal to the marching direction of Legio II. The street led through a forest, and therefore was tree-lined on both sides. Avlvs Aemilivs intended to lead his men around the enemy army. There was a wood glade in the east, which led to the street. There he could turn west, and approach the enemy up the street.

The way to march was a bit further than the direct one, but the ground was much more easy to march on, since the men would not have to go through the thicket. Furthermore they could keep formation, when approaching the enemy and last but not least, the enemy most likely would not expect this strategy.

Legio II was composed of 9170 soldiers, including the personal cavalry of its commanders. Avlvs entrusted Qvintvs Aemilivs with the command over the reserve troops, which consisted of 1'640 Triarii and 600 Accensi. He had the order to march slightly behind the main force, led by Avlvs himself, and guard the flanks. Should the enemy push back the first battle line, he should drive them back with the Accensi. If the situation was desperate, he shoud bring in the Triarii to cover the retreat and reorganisation of the army.

The command over the cavalry was given to Caivs Aemilivs. The 500 Eqvites Romani and 270 Eqvites Singvlares were meant to hide in the forest on the northern side of the street and surprise the enemy.

In the morning of the next day, the army started to march. As he had suspected, the enemy did not expect the Legion to march around his flanks and approach up the street. But also the enemies had their spies and scouts, so though they had no time to cut the way, they still could regroup and face the Romans. The hostile army was composed of 1150 Hoplitai Haploi and 270 Iphikratous Hoplitai, who hid in the wood. The core of the enemy army was a strong force of 1220 Chaeonion Agema, which was the elite of what Epeiros could field. Their flanks were protected by 820 Thureophoroi 340 Celtic Enoci Curoas and 500 Hippeis. 1200 Akontistai acted as skirmishers. Furthermore the city guard of Ambrakia had joined the hostile force, led by the heir to the kingdom of Epeiros himself. He had brought with him 620 heavy cavalrymen, his Somatophylakes, which means "bodyguards" in Greek. Each and every Somatophylax was a battle-tested and fearsome warrior, mounted on the best breed that was available to the entire kingdom. 800 Illyrioi Paraktioi and 600 Toxotai reinforced the troops. All in all the enemy could field 7'530 men, 1840 of it elite infantry or cavalry. Therefore the army, despite of being smaller in number, could rival the Roman Legion.

Avlvs let array his core in traditional manner. Leves in front to skirmish, Hastati in the first battle line, Principes in the second and the Roarii at the flank. When the men got near the enemy, the hostile general ordered his archers to take down the Leves. Avlvs had reckoned with something like that and had stationed his Leves not so far from the first line as usual, and in lose formation. Nonetheless the enemy archers were quite skilled fellows and managed to kill one or two hundred of them before they could retreat.

But then the enemy made his first mistake. Since Avlvs had stationed his cavalry in the wood and his Trairii marched in compact formation slightly behind the Principes, his Legion looked much smaller than it actually was. The enemy general decided to break the small force in front of him with a single brutal attack of his superior cavalry. When over 1100 horses thundered towards his army, Avlvs quick-thinking let his lighter infantry retreat, while his commanders had the presence of mind to react correctly. Qvintvs sent his Triarii forward. Though they usually only joined battle in desperate situations, he knew that no one could stop cavalry better than these guys. Caivs Aemilivs rode with his cavalry along the edge of the forest, covered by the trees.

The Somatophylakes crashed into the spears of the Triarii, just after many of their horses had been pierced by the Pila of the Hastati behind the Triarii. Caivs Aemilivs attacked with his cavalry the Hippeis who rode behind the Somatophylakes and wore them down.

Caivs Aemilivs fighting the Hippeis

The enemy general fought bravely, but could not avoid to be killed. He fell to the spear of a Triarius. The few survivors fled into the woods. Killing the hostile general was a better start of this battle, than Avlvs ever had imagined. Still the fearsome Somatophylakes had caused many casualties.

Avlvs used the time, in which the enemy army did not move due to the shock, which the death of their leader had caused, to regroup his force and let subserve the wounded. Then the army marched towards the enemy and arrayed on the northern side of the street. The Triarii, which the enemy infantry not yet had seen, and the cavalry hid in the forest. The enemy arrayed on the southern side of the street and also had hidden units in the forest.

The enemy let his heavy Phalanx march, a quite fearsome sight. But this spectacle was only a trick to take the Roman's mind off the Hoplitai Haploi and the Iphikratous Hoplitai, who tried to outflank the Roman Legion. But Qvintvs Avrelivs took notice of them in the nick of time and ordered his reserve and Caivs' cavalry to attack. Driving them back, he personally killed many enemies and thereby saved the Roman army from being attacked from the flank.

Qvintvs Aemilivs killing one of the heavy Iphikratous Hoplitai

Again Avlvs let his troops array in the same formation as before.

Now the enemy came out of the woods and advanced towards Avlvs' formation. Facing the forest of spears of the enemy elite Phalanx, some of the Roman infantrymen in the first battle line shouted "Oh my god, we cannot break through, retreat." Many started to shout "Retreat!", and moved back. Some even started to run into the forest. Avlvs laughed. Apparently his soldiers not only were great fighters but also terrific actors. Of course they were no cowards but were ordered to fake a retreat. The Phalanx advanced to the edge of the forest, but could not go further without giving up its formation. No Phalanx could move among trees. But the eager and undisciplined Celts and Illyrians chased the seemingly routing Romans. They entered the wood, but except for their death cries, nothing of them left the forest ever again. Its flanks unprotected, the enemy elite-phalax was not as fearsome as before anymore. Outmaneuvered by the more flexible Roman troops, they got driven into the woods and surprised by the Caivs Aemilivs and his cavalry. None of the Chaeonion Agema survived, the pride of the enemy's army was broken

When the Phalanx fell, the rest of the enemies routed. Many of them were hunted down. 730 enemies survived the battle, 6'800 would never see home again. Legio II lost exactly 1'000 men, a quite small amount of casualties, if one considers that they had to fight 1220 elite Phalangitai and 620 elite horsemen. Another 700 wounded could be saved from death and garble.

It should be pointed out, that out of the 1000 dead and crippled soldiers, 290 were Leves who fell to the arrows of the Toxotai. No other unit did suffer from so many casualties. One unit of Hastati had suffered from many injured soldiers, but 330 could be saved by the excellent army doctors of Legio II.

After this victory, Avlvs let his army rest. The tired infantry could not move further. But the cavalry was able to ride to Ambrakia. The undefended city had no choice but to open its doors and surrender to the victorious Romans.

Avlvs Aemilivs wrote a letter to Rome, to let it be known that the will of the senate has been carried out.

[Iskander 3.1]

An Affair

Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla's residence, a few days after the council session, before Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla returns to Legio I

"It's really nothing special. I'll just be keeping the men in shape for a few seasons while the Senate decides who our new commander will be. I won't be leading them in glory to battle. And your husband will be right by my side the whole time."
"You are quite modest for someone who isn't wearing anything!" replied Dionysia.
"My lady, I could use some more wine. Perhaps I should fetch some?"
"Nonsense. I'll have my servant bring some."
"But we will be seen together!"
"And Florivs is illiterate and has had his tongue removed. Such is the irony of one who will know all my secrets. FLORIVS!!!"

Florivs brings some wine, and then leaves. Scapvla and Dionysia drink.

"Well I am quite proud of you, even if your own beloved does not seem to care. And please be sure to look after my Sextvs Cornelilvs Svlla for me."
"Do you ever get confused, with us both sharing names?" joked Scapvla.
"I'm just not going to answer that!" she said, hitting him playfully. "But I'm sure you two will be great leading together. Everyone talks about how you are such good friends and comrades. What could you possibly have to quarrel about?"
"You mean, besides the obvious?"

[navarro951]

Part III: The Story of Dentatvs

290 BC

Midday, the battlefield in Campania.

"Alright men this is it, lets finish this and go home!" a centurion shouted. The Latium Conscription span out in a beautiful show of Roman tactics. A fine rank of Hastati to the front, Principes had formed from two sides in to create the second rank; and the mighty veteran triarii formed the backbone of the rear. Some rorarii had been brought up as reserve. The battle field was wet, muddy, making most of the legionaries' feet sink into the soft Earth.

"Look how many men came to die today!" a lone legionary encouraged. The ranks who could hear him laughed out and cheered. Behind his units, Consul Dentatvs stood watch over his men, grinning and admiring at how prepared they were to fight and die for the Res Publica. He turned to the left and in the distance, young Cornelius Blasio nodded to him, he then turned to the right and caught Legate Marcus' eye as well. He motioned, and both equites units rode off to take their flanking position. He then faced forward and eyed his enemy who outnumbered him in one massive, ten man thick, line. Dentatvs placed his general's helmet on, raised his hand, and motioned for a full assault.

The sounds of horns rang out. First from the left flank, then the middle, and finishing in a perfect chorus. One by one, each centurion roared out, "Forward!...Forward!...Fooorward!". A perfectly on step march let loose.

Ahead of the legion, there was a small hill the samnites and sabines had positioned themselves atop. The enemy hollered out in a show of defiance. When the legion was less than one-hundred yards from the samnites, who took the front line, they were fired upon by arrows from the rear. Good training had prepared them; the first line dropped to a knee, the second followed by covering his fellow legionary with his shield. Only one arrow made it through finding a place in a centurions neck; he died almost immediately. Seventy or so yards from the enemies front line Dentatvs' legion let out with a terrifyingly accurate javelin through.

"Charge!" the senior century ordered.

Each unit clashed one by one into the samnite line scoring kill after kill. A whistle was blown, and the second line took of the hastati took over; more show of Roman tactician genius. MORE TO COME, THIS PART IS BIG.

[Iskander 3.1]

An Argument


“Steady...steady...keep marching...and...THROW!!!” commanded Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla.

The pila were tossed across the field towards an enemy that resembled a group of straw bales, landing with a series of “thuds.” Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla, the temporary legion commander, observed the drill with satisfaction. The two Legati were ordered to keep the men in shape while awaiting the arrival of a new commander, and Scapvla wished to make a good impression.

Svlla shouted, “Draw gladii! Ready...CHARGE!!!”

The men ran through the snow. They then began thrusting their swords into the straw.

Scapvla ran up to Svlla. “No no no! What in the name of Orcvs are you doing?”

“Training. Just like you asked. Do you mind?”

“I mind that you're using a gladivs like a hasta.”

“And how are the men supposed to use it?”

“A Gladivs Hispaniensis is meant to be swung. That's how the Iberians use it, and that's how I've trained my men.”

Svlla was becoming frustrated. “You realize that my men had a higher kill ratio than yours when we took Tolosa?”

Scapvla thought for a moment. “Your men were facing peasants. Mine were up against true warriors.”

“Peasants? Armed with spear and shield?”

“The equipment does not make the soldier. It's in how he uses it...which brings us full circle.”

“Sextvs Cornelivs, you've forced me to spend all afternoon training these men in the snow,” said Svlla. “It's cold, they're tired, and right now they don't give a care about how they use their gladii. I'm following your orders entirely under protest. Cicero never had us train this much in winter. You're flaunting your generalship, however brief it may be.”

The only thing that kept Scapvla from losing the argument was the approach of a messenger.

“Legati Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla and Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla! The honorable Dux Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs has been chosen to lead Legio I Apvla! He is on his way now and expects you two to be ready for him.”

“Well, Sextvs Cornelivs, you heard the man,” said Scapvla, taking the opportunity to get in the final word.