Council thread

[The Celtic Viking]

A tall, blonde man, who looks to be in his mid-thirties, enters the tent. His clothing and armour signifies his status as a nobleman, and looking around the tent he quickly identifies Visimar. He bows his head to the king before speaking.

"Sir, I must inform you that I caught some of the men trying to steal some meat from the canteen. I have dealt with them in the proper manner, but I must advice you to take steps in order to make sure others don't get the same idea."

Turning to the rest, he raises his hand as a sign of greetings.

"Hail, comrades! No doubt you're wondering who I am, and why I so suddenly choose to make my appearance here. Well, my name is Boiocalus and I'm serving as an officer in king Visimar's own army. I have, so long as He will allow it, decided that I should utilize my right to attend these councils to voice my opinion on the state affairs. I ask you to forgive any crassness on my part: I am, after all, first and foremost a soldier; politics haven't interested me much until now. In all honesty I still find politics a most dreadful task, but the gods have proclaimed to me in a dream that I must enter it. Since I am not a man to question or deny the will of the divine, I am here, honoured to have been given this opportunity."

Boiocalus nods his head, signifying that his introduction has been completed.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Duva stands..

Welcome, Boiocalus. The Council needs the advice from such men like you. So, what do you think about our current situation?

[The Celtic Viking]

"I'm glad you ask.

Seen from a military standpoint - and I shall try to stick to it and leave the politics to you - it is, to me, pretty clear what we must do. Lord Visimar should lead his army west-south-west and engage the Alemanni prince. Captain Gaiobomarus should be able to assist in the attack, moving up from behind. Outnumbered and surrounded, and guided by lord Visimar himself, this is a battle we cannot lose, and one we can expect few casualties from. While lord Visimar is away, captain Tancred is qualified enough to continue the siege in the king's stead. This should take care of the Alemanni with the least possible casualties, and remove the threat of the Alemanni prince slamming into our backs to allow a sally. That wouldn't be a pleasant fight.

I trust that Gildo and Gondegusulus are competent enough to sack Aquincum without the need for my advice.

After that..."

Boiocalus sighs.

"... after that we need to figure out how to tackle the stone wall and garrison of Augusta Treverorum, not to mention the long journey through Roman territory. Since you've been there, how much resistance could we expect if Gondegusulus and Gildo, after sacking Aquincum, moves through Cisalpine Gaul? I'm thinking that, if possible, should be the best course for them, so that they can come from the east, while we move down from the north-east after the sacking of Augusta Treverorum. This, to me, sounds the wisest of actions, though we must of course, as always, be prepared to make changes to our plans."

Boiocalus looks like he's said his piece, but suddenly changes his mind.

"One thing though, that bothers me a little, is our lack of intelligence. We could really use fresh reports on the garrison of Augusta Treverorum, as well as any other Roman forces in the area. If a Roman soldier leaves his tent to take a piss, it is absolutely vital that we know about it! Why have we no spies or scouts in the area?"

[TheFlax]

Visimar nods in appreciation at Boiocalus.

"Well spoken! It appears that Oza has gone further West, while our armies are scattered at best. Hopefully my sons will up their pace, for we shall never reach our new home if they linger so. As for the Alemanni, your comments are well noted, I moved as such to pin their garrison in their city. If one of my captains takes my place for the siege, then it will be my pleasure to handle their Prince.

As for the Romans, Duva has worked hard for a peace with them, how soon will we be ready to resume an offensive? I see no other alternative once the Alemanni are destroyed, for we do not have the supplies to feed our people during this long journey without raiding Roman settlements on the way. As it is unlikely they will feed our whole people, war will resume soon enough, yet would should take care to be in a position of strength when we renew our attack. As such we should besiege multiple Roman cities during the initial attack, as to ensure whatever reinforcement they send will have to be spread out."

[The Celtic Viking]

"But, my lord, if we split our forces and besiege several cities at once, what of those who won't be blessed by your royal presence? Who will guide them to victory? Captains may be trustworthy enough to take care of supporting roles, such as flanking manoeuvres or holding up a siege, but can we really trust them to actually take command against a sallying enemy, or - dare I say - even an assault?

If not, who else is there to do it? I count one general who could make it here in reasonable time, but that only accounts for two armies, not 'multiple'. The other generals back east, Gildo and Gondegusulus, are too far away to make it to us in a reasonable time. We'd starve before they could come, and besides, they would be bringing even more mouths to feed. That was one of the reasons why I suggested they take a different route instead.

How would you solve this, sir?"

[TheFlax]

Visimar seems pensive.

"It is true that my sons are further then wisdom would call for. This is unfortunate. However, our brave fighting men should not be belittled. It is true I have crushed the Romans on several occasions, but our captains have won all of their battles. However, if it is feared that they will not acquit themselves in the most valorous capacity, then perhaps they could be sent to besiege poorly defended targets, it would serve the same purpose, but with less risk."

[The Celtic Viking]

"Very well, sir. If you trust them, then I agree with it. It's a sound plan. Now, if I may..."

Boiocalus clears his throat.

"I propose Edict 3.1: Oza should immediately move north into Gaul to spy out the Roman presence."