Roman: Scipii

[Avicenna]

I recommend a cavalry force of heavy cav if you're fighting the Numidians. Their provinces cover alot of ground, and they have particularly light forces. It has worked for me well.

However, when it comes to the Spanish, be careful.

There's no need to commit a huge force to destroy the Numidians. After wiping out the Carthaginian presence in Africa, take and exterminate Cirta and Tingi, while wiping out the huge Numidian armies usually present in the area. The southern part of Africa in the game is usually deserted and easily taken by a few units of equites recruited from Carthage, which gives you a few general promotions as well.

[Goalie]

Numidians can be taken care of pretty easily with a small army of about 3 archers, 4 roman calvary, and 4-5 Legionary Cohorts or such.

[Divine Wind]

Once youve taken Carthage, you have an excellent base in which you can build strong troops. The numidians arnt worth worrying about. There vanilla spearmen get beaten by most roman units, and the skirmishers cant do (pardon my french) sod all! Once i take carthage one army to take the numidians is enough, concentrate your forces to the east and the eventual rise of the pharoahs.

[fallon144]

I think its essential that you take greece and the northern italian provinces as soon as possible since the brutii and the julii then have to travel further to expend their territory.

once you expand your empire around italy (greece, southern france, austria and swiss) then you can easily take the senate once you're ready without having to ship your troops from all over the map

[rotorgun]

Hey there fellow Scipii players,

Started a new Scipii campaign this weekend. It is only a short version played on Med/Med, version 1.6 patch, as I haven't played in a while and just wanted to sort of "get back in the saddle" before taclkling a major game. It also fits my crazy work schedule for the time being. The only reason I've been able to play so much recently is due to my recovering from a bit of minor surgery. But...that is my life, such as it is.

So far the campaign is going well. All of Sicilia belongs to my faction and I've already captured Thapsus, Lepcis Magana, and Carthage. Most of the battles have been rather straight forward, with sieges being the majority. Only one large Carthaginian army has made an appearance in Tripolitania up to this point. It was a twenty card force consisting of mostly town malitia from Lepcis Magna. It also contained 3 Round Shield cavalry, and 1 or 2 Iberian light infantry.

The Roman order of battle consisted of 8 Hastati, 2 Equites, 2 Generals (incuding a 4 star 2 exp. commander), 1 Velite, 1 Archer, 4 Numidian skirmishers, and 2 Numidian Skirmisher cavalry. As at least half of the Roman sodiers had at least 1 or 2 experience levels, it was a fairly decent legion for this early on. It was really no contest for this battle.

The Roman setup area was divided by a large rock formation which allowed me to hide my 2 Numidian cavalry, 1 Equite, and second in command General in a group behind it. Using this terrain feature as an anchor for my infantry line's left flank, I sort of wheeled the whole Hastati group in one line around it. Behind them where my Numidian spearchukers. To my right flank I positioned 1 Equite with the Velites in suppot. My commander was about right center, behind the infantry.

The Carthaginians, who were positioned in the center of the battlefield on a slight rise, immediately started to reposition their line in response to my manuever. Their line was similar to mine really, just a long line of Town Malita with the cavalry at each wing, General in the middle. Curiously the AI had the presence of mind to keep the Iberian infantry in resereve. I was impressed. Perhaps the 1.5 and 1.6 patches have added some tactical nuances to it's repitoire. All seemed to be going to plan for Carthage.

Advancing my infantry line at the double to within pila and javelin range of theirs, I stopped my battle line. As I had all these units in defend/fire at will mode, they began to pepper the Carthaginian Malitia grunts. Soon the calls of "Were under attack!" began to go up and down the line. While this was going on my right flank began to position itself for a charge into the enemies left flank. The Carthaginians began to attack my line. The enemy cavalry seemed uncertain about what to do. Two of them began to make their way to the left of their line, anticipating my right flank probe.

Just as I saw one of their Round Shielders charge my little combined arms team on the right flank, I sprang my surprise. Suddenly my hidden left flank cavalry group rode around the promontory and attacked the rear of the Carthaginian army. My Numidians rode hard for the Iberians and engaged them with a shower of javelins. My Magister Equitum (Seamus Fermanagh) led his bodyguard elites and the other Equites outfit straight at the Carthaginian commander, who was in the act of trying to shore up his crumbling right flank Town Malitia. The surprise was total, the slaughter was great, and the rout came quickly. His Iberians held out for a little while, but when they saw their General flee, along with about half of the Carthaginian right falnk, they folded up as well.

On the Roman right, my Equites reigned surpreme, driving off the first Round Shield riders quickly. They could not pursue yet as they came under attack by the second Carthaginian cavalry unit sent to that flank previously. They began to inflict casualties on my Roman light horsemen, despite their being supported by the Velites, who I even commited to the melee as their pilum were beginning to strike their own comrades. They didn't have to fight long however.

Seeing his soldiers so hardpressed, the commander, taking advantage of the gaps developing in the Cathaginian line, rode through a gap in the center and wheeled about to charge the Round Shield cavalry in the rear. Soon these began to flee. When they saw their left flank horsemaen rout away, the rest of the Malitia fled as well. The rout was now complete.....only three Carthaginian units escaped destruction. The General and one of the Round Shield units managed to rally, but were soon sent fleeing again by the Roman cavalry. Of these, only the General and a few of his followers escaped.

After this battle Carthage was besieged. It was a battle not worth mentioning in any way. Soon after her fall, a small Roman force was sent to destroy a rebel army in the deserts around Lepcus Magna, Carthage has only two provinces left, Baetica and the Island of Palma. When I last checked, Corduba was under siege by my Spainish Allies. As soon as an invasion force can be assembled, I plan to invade Palma.

On the diplomatic front, I have trade agreements and alliances with Numidia, Hispania, Gual, Germany, and Greece. I narrowly avoided a war with Greece over Syracuse, only because the Carthaginians took it first. That was alright with me because she had practically destroyed her army from Lilybeaum in the process, including weakening her precious elephant unit down to three animals. (I killed these off easily during ill advised attack by Carthage on my legion from Messana on the beaches outside of Syracuse) That was how I was able to take all of Sicilia so quickly in the first five years of the game.

All in all, it is a fair beginning. I am having a blast. I hope everyone doesn't mind my going on so much about that battle. I realize that it was no real great feat to win against such a force. It was that the tactics went so well, text book really, that I had to share a little of the drama with everybody. I've never seen such a large army fold up in such a way (except my own). I was impressed with how long some of the Town Malitia held out to be honest. I am just relieved that they weren't Libyan spearmen supported by Carthage's Long Shield cavalry with Elephants, led by one of the Hamilcar family. It would have been a rather different outcome indeed!

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Hey there fellow Scipii players,

Started a new Scipii campaign this weekend. It is only a short version played on Med/Med, version 1.6 patch, as I haven't played in a while and just wanted to sort of "get back in the saddle" before taclkling a major game. It also fits my crazy work schedule for the time being. The only reason I've been able to play so much recently is due to my recovering from a bit of minor surgery. But...that is my life, such as it is.

So far the campaign is going well. All of Sicilia belongs to my faction and I've already captured Thapsus, Lepcis Magana, and Carthage. Most of the battles have been rather straight forward, with sieges being the majority. Only one large Carthaginian army has made an appearance in Tripolitania up to this point. It was a twenty card force consisting of mostly town malitia from Lepcis Magna. It also contained 3 Round Shield cavalry, and 1 or 2 Iberian light infantry.

The Roman order of battle consisted of 8 Hastati, 2 Equites, 2 Generals (incuding a 4 star 2 exp. commander), 1 Velite, 1 Archer, 4 Numidian skirmishers, and 2 Numidian Skirmisher cavalry. As at least half of the Roman sodiers had at least 1 or 2 experience levels, it was a fairly decent legion for this early on. It was really no contest for this battle.

The Roman setup area was divided by a large rock formation which allowed me to hide my 2 Numidian cavalry, 1 Equite, and second in command General in a group behind it. Using this terrain feature as an anchor for my infantry line's left flank, I sort of wheeled the whole Hastati group in one line around it. Behind them where my Numidian spearchukers. To my right flank I positioned 1 Equite with the Velites in suppot. My commander was about right center, behind the infantry.

The Carthaginians, who were positioned in the center of the battlefield on a slight rise, immediately started to reposition their line in response to my manuever. Their line was similar to mine really, just a long line of Town Malita with the cavalry at each wing, General in the middle. Curiously the AI had the presence of mind to keep the Iberian infantry in resereve. I was impressed. Perhaps the 1.5 and 1.6 patches have added some tactical nuances to it's repitoire. All seemed to be going to plan for Carthage.

Advancing my infantry line at the double to within pila and javelin range of theirs, I stopped my battle line. As I had all these units in defend/fire at will mode, they began to pepper the Carthaginian Malitia grunts. Soon the calls of "Were under attack!" began to go up and down the line. While this was going on my right flank began to position itself for a charge into the enemies left flank. The Carthaginians began to attack my line. The enemy cavalry seemed uncertain about what to do. Two of them began to make their way to the left of their line, anticipating my right flank probe.

Just as I saw one of their Round Shielders charge my little combined arms team on the right flank, I sprang my surprise. Suddenly my hidden left flank cavalry group rode around the promontory and attacked the rear of the Carthaginian army. My Numidians rode hard for the Iberians and engaged them with a shower of javelins. My Magister Equitum (Seamus Fermanagh) led his bodyguard elites and the other Equites outfit straight at the Carthaginian commander, who was in the act of trying to shore up his crumbling right flank Town Malitia. The surprise was total, the slaughter was great, and the rout came quickly. His Iberians held out for a little while, but when they saw their General flee, along with about half of the Carthaginian right falnk, they folded up as well.

On the Roman right, my Equites reigned surpreme, driving off the first Round Shield riders quickly. They could not pursue yet as they came under attack by the second Carthaginian cavalry unit sent to that flank previously. They began to inflict casualties on my Roman light horsemen, despite their being supported by the Velites, who I even commited to the melee as their pilum were beginning to strike their own comrades. They didn't have to fight long however.

Seeing his soldiers so hardpressed, the commander, taking advantage of the gaps developing in the Cathaginian line, rode through a gap in the center and wheeled about to charge the Round Shield cavalry in the rear. Soon these began to flee. When they saw their left flank horsemaen rout away, the rest of the Malitia fled as well. The rout was now complete.....only three Carthaginian units escaped destruction. The General and one of the Round Shield units managed to rally, but were soon sent fleeing again by the Roman cavalry. Of these, only the General and a few of his followers escaped.

After this battle Carthage was besieged. It was a battle not worth mentioning in any way. Soon after her fall, a small Roman force was sent to destroy a rebel army in the deserts around Lepcus Magna, Carthage has only two provinces left, Baetica and the Island of Palma. When I last checked, Corduba was under siege by my Spainish Allies. As soon as an invasion force can be assembled, I plan to invade Palma.

On the diplomatic front, I have trade agreements and alliances with Numidia, Hispania, Gual, Germany, and Greece. I narrowly avoided a war with Greece over Syracuse, only because the Carthaginians took it first. That was alright with me because she had practically destroyed her army from Lilybeaum in the process, including weakening her precious elephant unit down to three animals. (I killed these off easily during ill advised attack by Carthage on my legion from Messana on the beaches outside of Syracuse) That was how I was able to take all of Sicilia so quickly in the first five years of the game.

All in all, it is a fair beginning. I am having a blast. I hope everyone doesn't mind my going on so much about that battle. I realize that it was no real great feat to win against such a force. It was that the tactics went so well, text book really, that I had to share a little of the drama with everybody. I've never seen such a large army fold up in such a way (except my own). I was impressed with how long some of the Town Malitia held out to be honest. I am just relieved that they weren't Libyan spearmen supported by Carthage's Long Shield cavalry with Elephants, led by one of the Hamilcar family. It would have been a rather different outcome indeed!

Elephants = javelins if you want to kill them.

Random, I know, but if you're facing Carthage you should know.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Ave Rotorgun, it seems like you have an interesting campaign going on so far. The battle you described reminds me of Zama, where Scipio Africanus Major's Numidian cavalry chased off the Carthaginian horses and then slammed into Hannibal's rear. Good job.

I'm curious as to who your main general was for that battle. Usually for my Scipii campaigns I bring out Julianus (faction heir at the start of the game) but I know some people use other guys.

As for the Greek situation, you lucked out with the Carthaginians taking Syracuse first but be advised that you will probably have to make war with them sooner or later. The reason for this is that all of the Carthaginian/Numidian provinces (minus Siwa, which the Egyptians are pretty quick to take) and Syracuse do not equal fifteen, the desired goal for the short campaign. Unless you were to turn on the Spanish (or any other barbarian allies but the Julii usually control that portion of the Mediterranian by then) the only real target remaining to you will be the Greek territories, such as Crete, Rhodes, and the Peloponessian mainland.

I'm assuming you will have to betray Numidia eventually to finish the game, so good luck on that. I generally find them to be tenacious when you take Cirta, their capital so best of luck there.

I look forward to more progress reports, this is turning out very interestingly.

~General Hankerchief

[Seamus Fermanagh]

North Af from LepMag to the PofH equals 7
Sicily Equals 3 (assmuing the Carths take SYra, then you have no greek war)
Add Palma and we're up to 11.

I'd try to add Caralis before the Julii can get there.

I'd try for Cordoba or Carth Nov with the army that nabs Palma.

Then all you need is 2 of the following 3 (Kydonia, Halicarnassus, Cyrene) all of which are rebel at start and tend to stay that way for a while. A few choice bribes and a quick garrison and you're in.

[rotorgun]

Ave Rotorgun, it seems like you have an interesting campaign going on so far. The battle you described reminds me of Zama, where Scipio Africanus Major's Numidian cavalry chased off the Carthaginian horses and then slammed into Hannibal's rear. Good job. :balloon2

Appreciate it. The main diferences were no elephants present, and I had a way to hide my strike cavalry. What a stroke of fortune to have a big rock promontory to hide them behind.

I'm curious as to who your main general was for that battle. Usually for my Scipii campaigns I bring out Julianus (faction heir at the start of the game) but I know some people use other guys.

One Quintus Scipio, age 52 - three command stars, 2 management pillars and 6 influence wreaths. I like to develop all my leaders if possible. This gives me better choices for faction hier if I need to change them.

As for the Greek situation, you lucked out with the Carthaginians taking Syracuse first but be advised that you will probably have to make war with them sooner or later. The reason for this is that all of the Carthaginian/Numidian provinces (minus Siwa, which the Egyptians are pretty quick to take) and Syracuse do not equal fifteen, the desired goal for the short campaign. Unless you were to turn on the Spanish (or any other barbarian allies but the Julii usually control that portion of the Mediterranian by then) the only real target remaining to you will be the Greek territories, such as Crete, Rhodes, and the Peloponessian mainland.

Indeed. Unless the Greeks attack me first (they still have a small force stationed camping outside Syracuse), or the Senate orders me to attack them, I shall try to take Palma and use it as a staging area for an invasion of Hispania. I may have to to finish off Corduba if the Spaniards fail to take it. I shall use the pretense that the Spanish failed to properly support me against Carthage by allowing the rebel pirates to attack my ships. I will do the honorable thing and cancel my treaties with them first (no Pearl Harbor trauma here). I also have a plan lurking in the dark recesses of my mind....something involving the dread Egyptians perhaps? An early strike at them, before they can become a powerhouse, and when they are engaged in a war with Parthia, Selucia, or Pontus, etc. is a consideration.

I'm assuming you will have to betray Numidia eventually to finish the game, so good luck on that. I generally find them to be tenacious when you take Cirta, their capital so best of luck there.

I will do so as a last resort, only after due consideration of previous events with Spain, etc. I will definately need them in my corner if I invade Egypt!

I look forward to more progress reports, this is turning out very interestingly.
~General Hankerchief

I'll send them. Thanks for the support.