Roma Interactive

[Patriarch of Constantinople]

Title says it all, the Roma Interactive.


Rules are the same as my Middle Ages Interactive.

Nations:

Senate of Rome- Comrade Alexeo
Gauls- Keba
Carthage- Motep
Macedon- PatriarchofConstantinople
Ptolemaic Empire- Conqueror
Seleucid Empire- Csar
Bactria- Cataphract_of_the_City
Armenia- UltraWar
Parthia- Warluster
Thracio-Dacia- Caius Flaminius
Britannia- IrishArmenian
Epirus- Ignoramus


And more....................

[Comrade Alexeo]

Oooo, I call Rome pretty please!

[IrishArmenian]

Brittania please!

[Motep]

I shall choose the Cathaginians.

[Comrade Alexeo]

Question: When is this taking place?

If we take the existence of the Etruscans and Rome being ruled as a Senate, then this must be at least sometime after Tarquinius Superbus, the Etruscan king, was expelled from Rome in 510 B.C.E. Veii, the last Etruscan city of any real importance, was sacked in 396 by the Romans, and by the end of the Third Samnite War in 90, Rome annexed the last vestiges of the Etruscans and held the entire peninsula.

Thus 510 - 90 B.C.E.

Now, the Successor States of Alexander effectively came into being in 323 B.C.E. when his generals were appointed governors of what would become the States by Alexander IV and Phillip III. If we're going by actual "empires" existing then Antigonos and Ptolemy had appointed themselves kings by 305, so we can go from there.

Thus 305-90 B.C.E.

Now, the Parthians can be taken two ways: either as a people on the move, which still fits within our timeframe here of 305-90; or as a kingdom, which happened when Arsaces decided to settle down in what are now the Turkish states (the "Stans"), which is about 250 B.C.E.

Thus, our interactive must be taking place between either 305-90 or 250-90 B.C.E.

Again, I ask: When is this taking place?

[Motep]

Question: When is this taking place?

If we take the existence of the Etruscans and Rome being ruled as a Senate, then this must be at least sometime after Tarquinius Superbus, the Etruscan king, was expelled from Rome in 510 B.C.E. Veii, the last Etruscan city of any real importance, was sacked in 396 by the Romans, and by the end of the Third Samnite War in 90, Rome annexed the last vestiges of the Etruscans and held the entire peninsula.

Thus 510 - 90 B.C.E.

Now, the Successor States of Alexander effectively came into being in 323 B.C.E. when his generals were appointed governors of what would become the States by Alexander IV and Phillip III. If we're going by actual "empires" existing then Antigonos and Ptolemy had appointed themselves kings by 305, so we can go from there.

Thus 305-90 B.C.E.

Now, the Parthians can be taken two ways: either as a people on the move, which still fits within our timeframe here of 305-90; or as a kingdom, which happened when Arsaces decided to settle down in what are now the Turkish states (the "Stans"), which is about 250 B.C.E.

Thus, our interactive must be taking place between either 305-90 or 250-90 B.C.E.

Again, I ask: When is this taking place?

nice...

[Caius]

I want to start

[Comrade Alexeo]

Europe map updated with Epirus, Asia map added; scroll up.

Csar: No one has asked to represent the Germanic tribes, so until then just regard them as "there" on your own.

Conqueror: Yes, the map is indeed correct for this period. If you want Asia Minor, you're gonna have to fight for it

[Csargo]

Europe map updated with Epirus, Asia map added; scroll up.

Csar: No one has asked to represent the Germanic tribes, so until then just regard them as "there" on your own.

Conqueror: Yes, the map is indeed correct for this period. If you want Asia Minor, you're gonna have to fight for it

Well that's just it I'de rather play as Germanic tribes

[Warluster]

I will play as Parthia please!

[Caius]

Are we waiting to all players?

[Patriarch of Constantinople]

We need Armenia and Spain, then I'll start.

[Patriarch of Constantinople]

Senate of Rome-
1. Fight Carthage for Sicily (Starts the First Punic War)
2. Attack Gaul
3. Strengthen your legions
4. Nothing

Carthage-
1. Attack Sicily
2. Attack Spain
3. Attack Egypt
4. Strengthen navy
5. Nothing

Gaul-
1. Attack Spain
2. Attack Italy
3. Strengthen army
4. Nothing

Brittania-
1. Invade Gaul
2. Unify the Isles
3. Strengthen navy
4. Nothing

Macedon-
1. Attack Greece
2. Attack Thracio-Dacia
3. Attack the Seleucid Empire
4. Nothing

Seleucid Empire-
1. Attack India (Bactria)
2. Attack Egypt
3. Attack Armenia
4. Nothing

Armenia-
1. Attack Seleucid Empire
2. Nothing
3. Attack Russia

Epirus-
1. Invade Italy (Start of the Pyrrhic Wars)
2. Invade Macedon
3. Invade Greece
4. Nothing

Parthia-
1. Invade Bactria
2. Invade the Seleucid Empire
3. Nothing

Ptolemaic Empire-
1. Invade the Seleucid Empire
2. Invade Carthage
3. Nothing

Bactria-
1. Invade India
2. Invade the Seleucid Empire
3. Invade Parthia
4. Nothing

Thracio-Dacia-

1. Invade Macedon
2. Invade Russia
3. Nothing

[Conqueror]

Ptolemaic Empire-
1. Invade the Seleucid Empire
2. Invade Carthage
3. Nothing

None of the listed options are appropiate, given the recent diplomatic developments. Ptolemaic Empire's actions will be:
- Preparing the attack against the Greek city-states (attack commences at the same time as the Macedonians do) and
- Preparing the Ptolemaic/Seleucid frontier (Judaea) for defensive siege warfare. Garrisons of the walled cities are increased, supplies are gathered and the generals in charge are instructed to use scorched earth tactics in the event of a Seleucid invasion.

[Keba]

2. The Gallic tribes launch an invasion of Roman territory, driven by the memory of the vast wealth captured when Roma fell to the Gallic forces last time.

The representatives of the Gallic tribes seek to make friends, and allies even, with the Epirotes, so that the two wage war against the Romans better.

[Caius]

I will invade Russia.

And, i will send diplomats to Armenia and Gaul for alliance.

I cant trust the alliance Thraco-Roma.At this moment, Roma and Thrace will be neutral.At this moment.

[UltraWar]

I will invade Russia.

And, i will send diplomats to Armenia and Gaul for alliance.

I cant trust the alliance Thraco-Roma.At this moment, Roma and Thrace will be neutral.At this moment.

I accept your offer of a alliance

[Motep]

The Shofets trudged their way through Cathages nobles towards their seats. Thankfully, they were surrounded by the military commanders instead of the braindead scum that dares to call themselves elite. As they reached their seats. thier speaker, Mago Milki , raised his hand for silence. This was slowly achieved, but when it finally was, he began to speak in his usual stately manner. "Now, it is time for us to decide what would be best to do against the romans. Our allies have asked for our assistance against the People of Rome, but it is not a task to be decide by just one man alone."
This created a shockwave of chatter in the hall, and on of the Powerful Merchants rose to feet. "But what of the Numidians? We surely should send our armies to stop them from harassing our trade!" This caused a murmur of agreement from the hall, But General Hastrubal Barca was appaled at such an idea and retorted back: "If we were to do that, these romans would surely take our lands from us. Besides, what will this show to our allies? Its not like we dont have trade elsewhere..." He was cut off by the merchant "But what about our goods? Surely they cannnot be ignored..."Silence, Fool! Do not make me remove you from this hall! If You think your goods are that important, take a sword and protect them yourself" With that the merchant took his seat. On of the Admirals made use of the silence and took his stand "We cannot ignore the Roman Navy. It is powerful, but it is growing daily. It will soon be hard for us to get in unnoticed, but we still have a chance now. I suggest we strike while we have the chance!" He resumed his seat and was replaced by on of the Nobels "But how will that affect the prices? How will the other nations take our agressio..." "Well, its not like you wont be able to afford it" One of the lesser generals butted in "SILENCE!!" Mago stood on his seat and raised both of his hands. "This bickering will get us nowhere...the only thing it will lead to is a headache. We Have the resources to invade Sicily AND protect the caravans. I propose we do both. General Milki?"
"I agree. We have more than enough troops. But I propose we ship the brunt of them to Sicily, and secure new lands. That would bring in more economic opportunities and will keep our allies happy" At these words, the faces of the nobels lit up with greed, and almost at once an agreement was acheived.

Long story short: I will invade Sicily with most of my army, and some of the rest will protect trade.

[Comrade Alexeo]

Home of Senator Cnaeus Marcus Antoninus
Narnia
Roman Republic

"Ah, this is an excellent roast, as usual."

"Thank you, domine," replied the servant-cook with a sigh of relief.

"Would you care to try a piece? You deserve it, after all."

"I... I would be most honored domine..."

The other servants turned and looked at each other with confused expressions. This was rather... unusual, wasn't it? Hmmm...

"Come, come, come, come and taste this..."

The servant-cook walked over to the head of the long table in the dining hall, seating but one of a possible 40, as always.

The Senator raised his knife. The servant-cook flinched, until he realized that he was meant to grab the meat on the end of it.

Again, the other servants wracked their brains; touching the Master's cutlery?

The cook was no fool, and hesitated, glancing questioningly at the Senator, who smiled at him.

"Take it! Go on, take it! It is quite alright."

Finally breathing again, the other servants watched as the cook took the meat and placed it in his mouth.

"Delicious, isn't it?"

"Mmmmrf... yes, yes domine..."

The other servants salivated. At best they got a bit of bread and cheese from the Master every so often - and here was one of their number with a prime cut of lamb, enjoying every bite.

"Yes, very good isn't it? Cooked medium-rare to perfection."

The cook's mouth was full, and so he only nodded happily. Nodding, nodding, nodding...

...oh.

No...

Oh no...

NO!

"NRF-" the cook managed to grunt even as the Senator pierced his heart with a powerful thrust from the knife. He was dead before he hit the floor.

"I asked for well-done."

He stood and flung the knife into the wall opposite the table - right between the heads of two of his other servants, wide-eyed with horror.

"And I shall need a new knife."

*

Clap, clap, clap.

Senator Gnaeus turned around furiously as he left his dining hall, and then he saw...

"Good show, Senator, good show indeed."

"Consul Lucius... I am honored that you would stop by."

"Oh, the honor is mine, Senator. You are just the man I need."

"Am I now? For what, may I ask?"

Consul Lucius filled him in on the situation with the Celts. Almost immediately his face turned red and his eyes bulged with fury.

"Those damnable barbarians! It's high time that we wipe them out, once and for all, I say! Damn Senator Gaius' talks of peace-"

Lucius chuckled.

"Are you hear to laugh at me, Consul? Laugh at me for being right? Call a session of Congress now, and I swear I'll-"

"Oh, you need not worry, I laugh not at you. I laugh at the thought of the Celts meeting you on the field of battle."

Pause.

"What?"

"Well, if we plan on defeating the Celts, then we'll need an army, won't we? And a commander ruthless enough to lead it to overwhelming victory."

"You... you would grant me this honor?"

"Would? I already have. Your tribunes are no doubt waiting for you already."

And with that, Senator Gnaeus rushed to his stables.

***
Camp Prefect's Tent
legionary fort 10 miles northeast from Narnia
Roman Republic

"...with all due respect, legatus, you're not suggesting that we move against the Gauls with but two legions under your command?"

"On the contrary, praefectus, that is exactly what I intend to do."

Praefectus castrorum Lucas Avisius frowned. As the senior military officer of Legio IX, third in command only to the Senator and his young tribune, it was his job to frown and then explain why to his generally inept superiors.

"Speak."

"The Celts are fierce warriors, legatus, but their characteristic trademark is a penchant to launch headstrong on ill-conceived offensives."

"Are you calling me a barbarian?!"

"No. I'm saying that you are thinking as one-"

Legatus Gnaeus' face began to turn from red to purple...

"-and surely a senator as wise and with such a bloodline as yours has far greater intelligence than any mere Celt," finished Lucas, who fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"Yes! Yes, indeed! You speak well, praefectus-"

Lucas nodded, though he was bored of this conversation as of five minutes ago.

"-and no man gets into your position without skill. What would you suggest, given your experience against the Etruscans?"

Much better.

"I would march northwest, as if to Arretium."

"But that would expose Narnia entirely! Perhaps even Roma! We could be cut off entirely! Are you daft, man?!"

Red.

"We need only tease the Celts, legatus, and they will follow us, as a dog might a stick. The Gauls know they are poor at the art of siegecraft, and they are at least smart enough to realize that they cannot simply march on Narnia, else we would hit them in their arses. They must defeat us first - and of course that will be exactly what they crave, a noble fight head-to-head against their sworn enemies et cetera et cetera..."

"Get to the point!"

Purple.

"And we shall oblige them, and turn to face them - right as the two legions near Asculum have arrived in their rears."

Gnaeus' face cleared instantly and smiled with a wicked gleam in his eye.

"And then we shall have them!"

"Precisely, legatus. Precisely."

***

So it was that Legio VIII and IX began their march away from Narnia towards Arretium. At Asculum, the Sixth and Seventh milled about in confusion - or at least that was the impression they would give, as they were only waiting with bated breath for their orders to march.

This would not be a repeat of the fighting against the Celts 100 years earlier. Then, the hoplites of Roma had been destroyed by the free-moving barbarians. But now, things were different... oh, were things different...

Hastati, principes, triarii. Radical departures from their hoplite forebears, not just in tactics but in armament as well: after much discussion, they had adopted the gladius hispaniensus, a short but wickedly efficent sword, in lieu of mere spears. Little did they know that the gladius would eventually be responsible for more deaths than any other weapon in history until the advent of gunpowder.*

And in the south, too. In the south, preparations were being made in expectation of the Epirotes. Here, the Romans would encounter an opponent far better organized and equipped than any Celt - but Pyrrhus, too, would fall. It was as certain as the rising and setting of the sun. Pyrrhus would fall.

As would Carthage.

And the Successors.

And the Iberians, and the Germans, and the Parthians.

And everyone else who even dared considering opposing Roma.

It was written in the stars. It was whispered by the Gods. It was as certain as the rising and setting of the sun...

...Roma would prevail.

***

OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

At left, Roman triarius. He wears a bronze helmet, a bronze cuirass or iron chainmail, bronze greaves, and is armed with a hasta thrusting spear and a gladius. At right, Roman hastatus or princeps. He wears a bronze helmet, a bronze chestplate or leather cuirass, possibly a bronze greave on the left leg, and carries two thrusting pila (one "heavy", one "light") and a gladius.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Roman cavalry. They are essentially armed as a triarius but generally forgo the greaves (awkward as they are on horseback).

*Really.

Oh, and why is Carthage invading Sicily? They own Sicily. Although admittedly anyplace that's not Italia is fine with me, since it looks like Roma's being ganged up on...

[Ignoramus]

OOC: I think they're attacking Messena, which is not Carthaginian at this time.

[Patriarch of Constantinople]

The Seleucid Empire has been facing much protest. Rebellion has occured, but has been putten down. The Seleucids need to crush any rebellion in order to continue it's iron grip of their empire. If not, your empire will be torn into civil war.

[IrishArmenian]

Carthage, it is now or never. Either you attack the Romans or you will not get any of that fertile latin land.
I urge you to fight up through Sicily, to at least Capua and put pressure on the Roman scum.

[Warluster]

Rome is no scum! if you come to face the Parthian Empire, I swear Parthia will not let you come out of Parthia without a few thousand men DEAD!

[IrishArmenian]

Parthia, I have no qaulm with you and you are on the other side of the world! I would never enter your lands. We must crush the Romans as soon as possible.
Romans, sail back to Troy! Then we will spare you. Gaul from the North, Etruscans from the East, your own back-stabbing, easily corruptible beauracracy inside Rome, there is no where to go.

[Warluster]

Argh, but Parthia will welcome them!

[Motep]

I have spoken. I will not attack Rome. I must usher you into peace. You have little cause to hate the Romans. Not enough to destroy them. If you pursue your agressions I may have to help out the Romans.