EB2 Playtest: Arverni

[Kull]

Summer comes to a close, and across the land preparations begin for the harvests to come. The Arverni finances are poor.

[Kull]

As the nights lengthen and the air grows chill (Turn 3), a new Toutarjo government is established in Lugdunon. Not the best long term choice as far as High King Aneirin is concerned, but it will keep the populace content until such time as finances and troop strength have improved, and this tribe can be bound closer.

[Kull]

But graver news arrives from the West. The Aedui raiders from the South, those self same men whom Belenos let slip so as to follow the King's Command, have appeared unlooked for in the river valley south of Gergouia. Conan - summoned in haste from the north, is able to skirt the enemy forces and confirm 2 Bataroi and a slinger. These are superior to the capital's garrison, but perhaps not too much so. These Aedui are not led by those of Noble Blood and may yet bypass the city, or perhaps dither and delay while awaiting orders from the North.

The High king ponders his choices. The Arverni troops at Uiennos have finished their ram and could attack, but word has already reached them of death and attrition among the defenders. Perhaps one more season of siege will reduce the risk and bring a less costly victory. Yes, Aneirin will wait. Ever his instincts have proven true. Surely they will not fail him now. But in the far reaches of his mind, a thought rises, unbidden..."Winter Aneirin! Winter is coming!"...he forces it back. Cold and chill, what of it?

[Kull]

In all his 54 years, the confidence of the High King had never been shaken, but this news was ill indeed. Messengers had arrived from the hills above Gergouia. The Aedui had not dithered, had not passed it by. His capital city was under siege. But there was more....and it was worse......

[Kull]

For three long seasons now, the Arverni King had been unable to pay those who served in his armies. Nor had there been raiding, pillaging, or sacking of cities to serve as a substitute. The bonds of personal service are strong among the Celts, but less so at the very bottom of the social pyramid. And so, hungry, freezing, fearing for the safety of distant farms and family, the men who comprised the 5 slinger units - almost 40% of the Arverni Army - had simply melted away with the first coming of the snows.

Which meant the narrow advantage held by the besiegers at Uiennos had been lost - flipping from 9 on 7 to 6 on 7. Once word reached the defenders, surely they would sally, and then all would be lost. To give up? To walk away? To lose all when victory was within reach? This was a bitter cup from which Aneirin could not, would not drink. He stood, and the old battle fires gleamed once again in his eyes. Reaching for his sword and summoning his faithful Gargokladioi, the High King cried out, "To me! We march to join our brothers outside the walls of Uiennos! And tonight we shall drink to our Victory in the Halls within!"

[Kull]

Sleep beckons, and I must answer. So tomorrow then, we shall see what fortune and fate hold in store for our brave Arverni brethren......

And yes, there at last you will see warriors in action. The time for talking is at an end.

[Vermin]

Outstanding! Can't trust those Aedui!