How the Pavo Family Changed the World (Rome AAR)

[alatar]

The fictional parts are great, it adds more detail, which makes it more interesting

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
Honorable Barbarians

Dearest Mother,

I start this letter, knowing that all our back mail will soon be arriving here in
Lugonesis. Even so, I know that our chance to recieve and deliver mail may
be short. Even though spring is just arriving, General Gallicvs has plans to
move north to assist our new allies and split the Aedui from any of their allies
north of Italia. It has been so long since I have written you, but at least I
am fortunate to be able to write at all.

Five long years have passed since General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
returned from the Senate to command us once more. He returned a member
of the Equestrian Order and as a Senator. A celebration was held in our fort
in honor of Senator Gallicvs. But a few days later he gave us the
news that all of Rome now knows: the Senate had declared the Aedui
Confederacy an enemy of Rome.

All representatives of Rome, demanding Aedui surrender, never returned. And
so, we marched north of our fort at Lemonum and crossed a river, I was later
told it was called the Liger. Just north of our crossing, we met an Aedui
army, willing to face us in open field. These men were different from
anything we had faced before. These men were not farmers ackwardly
holding spears. These men were armored drilled soldiers. I suddenly realized
why LegioIII was so depleted after the Battle of Oltis, where General Pavo
had defeated the last trained men of the Arverni.

Now, the battle is a haze amongst the many battle fought since. But it was
the first time I realized that victory was far off. The battle was hard fought,
General Gallicvs even had to call in the Triarii. In the end we won, with less
casualties than I had expected, but one casualty I didn't expect. As I
returned to the battle field after chasing the routers, I saw Vibivs knelling
over a fallen Roman. As I slowly and anxiously walked up, I saw that it was
Gneo.

The next few days were hard for the remaining four of us, but Vibivs took it
the hardest. He had seen Gneo attacked but was unable to get to him.
While the rest of us broke formation and saw only the man in front of us,
Vibivs held Gneo as he breathed his last breath. Once again, war had
changed us. Even Caivs remained silent and morned the death of his friend.

After the battle, we marched west. And one day we came over a hill and
saw a sight that could lift any spirit, even that of Vibivs. Streching out for
what could only be an eternity, was a great sea. The color was so dark and
the water so cold. And the sea churned at all times with Neptune's fury.

As we marched along this great sea, we came apon the sea side villages of
the Veneti. The people in this area were less frightened of us. Perhapse it
was because they thought we were not threat or maybe it was because
General Pavo Gallicvs had ordered no unothorized looting. But still, there
were some who stood and watched us march by. Along this shore they built
ships: ships for fishing, ships for trade, ships for transport, and even ships for
war. Their ships were akward and ugly, but I must say, they have my
respect. Anything that can travel that sea without disaster must have some
value.

At the unwalled inland city of Darioritum, LegioVII met with armed resistance
but took the city with relatively little effort. Here General Gallicvs had us set
ourselves up. While the Germanic scouts patrolled the countryside, we
guarded the city. But as soon as the Fifth Legion and our replacements for
our losses showed up, we headed east. Among the new men was a man
named Avlvs, who was disliked by Centurian Tiberivs Alleivs. Dispite this or
maybe because of this, Caivs befriended the man and he joined our section.

As we headed east, small armies were defeated and small hostile villages
were burned to the ground. It wasn't until we reached the Aedui city of
Cenabum that we had real opposition, though. As we seiged the city, an
Aedui army attacked us and the town's garrison joined with them in battle
against us. The battle was relatively an easy one with few losses, but again,
an unwanted loss. Our new friend Avlvs, whom we had known for only a few
months lay dead in that field in Gaul. And once again, Vibivs withdrew into
his internal darkness.

Once again LegioV and fresh men arrived and we marched forward. This time
we went south. General Pavo Gallicvs had a plan to defeat or enlist the free
tribes in the region and then head east to ensure that both sides of the
mountain passes leading into Italia were in Roman hands.

After a small battle in the middle of Gaul, a representative of the Gallic city of
Avaricum came to meet with General Gallicvs. They say that General Gallicvs
greeted the man in their own barbaric language and held the meeting in their
language as well. Where most Romans would rightfully dismissed the
messenger, our General showed the men curtosy in their own custom. And in
the end, even though some of the men we had just killed came from
Avaricum, General Gallicvs pardoned the town. And the next day, we
peacefully entered the town. There was no looting. There were no slaves
collected. And so we moved east, leaving only Gauls to defend the town,
with their word that they would stay loyal to Rome.

As soon as we were back in Aedui territory we encountered another Gallic
army. As so we fought them in the deep of winter in what has been dubed
the Battle of Lugudunum. The battle was harder than many. The Gauls had
the high ground and were attacking down on us. The bulk of their army
attacked our middle, while madmen, wearing nothing at all, even in the snow,
tried to flank us on the left. When the enemy general attacked our center,
his nerve gave out and he fled. Soon, the bulk of his army was following
him. But the naked madmen stood their ground and the princepes that were
fighting them were lossing ground. So, with the enemies ahead of us fleeing,
Centurian Alleivs lead us to assist our comrades.

It was then that they got Titvs. He did not perish, but a Gallic blade glanced
off his sword. He lost the length of most of his fingers on his right hand.
Soon, even madmen knew the battle was lost and they too fled. Vibivs and I
helped Titvs to the legion surgeon who wrapped his hand. After a few days,
when it was apparent that the wound would not turn foul, Titvs was released
from care and eventually released from duty.

When the supply train came up, Titvs and the other wounded were sent with
them. Titvs was going to be going home, to his home and his family. But he
was not quite whole anymore, and he was definetly not the man who had left
his home, nearly nine years prior. Though he seemed untroubled. He said
that reading and studying was what he enjoyed doing, and he didn't need
both hands to enjoy that. It was sad to see him go, but I was also happy
knowing that he would live in peace from now on. Titvs was the one who
had held our group together, with his combination of both logic and
understanding. Now there is only Vibivs in his darkness, Caivs in his anger,
and I with my uncertainty.

And so, here we are, beseiging the Aedui city of Viennos in the territoy of
Lugonesis. As we watch this city, we have seen many Germanian
represenatives visit General Pavo Gallicvs. As you probably know, Rome has
made an alliance with the tribes of Germanics that border the north of Aedui
territory. I have heard rumor that General Gallicvs wanted this alliance and
was key in making it. Even as Rome fights them in the south, the Aedui
invade Germania and slaughter the Germanians. General wants to move north
to assist our new allies as proof of good faith. If battle has taught me one
thing it is, we must first deal with the enemy in front of us before we look to
the next.

The city of Viennos can't hold out much longer and the small garrison will be
forced to surrender or starve to death. General Pavo Gallicvs has promised
that the supply routes will be secured, even before Viennos falls, and we will
soon be able to recieve mail from home.

Your Son,
Servivs Placidvs, 2nd Cohort, Hastati, Seventh Legion


(Servivs Placidvs fighting in the Battle of Lugudunum)

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
The Homefront


(Great Temple in Mediolanivm)

My Brother,

I write you you from the steps of the temple in Mediolanivm. I wonder what
the life of a priestess would be like. Would you be disgraced if your sister
was forced into the life of a priestess? As you know, for a long time it had
been assumed I would marry Spvrivs, but he is gone now. He was only the
son of a herder, but he was a good man. He and all his family has moved
away to Africa. At least they could afford that, at the cost of their herd.
We were farmers in Etruria, they herders, but now they are poor in Africa and
we are homeless in Gaul.

Our home is gone, stolen. I cannot believe that people can do such things.
First, they ask you to go off to war, then they steal your home while you
aren't there to defend it.

They bought out all of the debt collectors in all of Etruria, then began
collecting on the debt. Nearly everyone had some kind of loan, but they had
an understanding that it would be paid back after harvest. And what
couldn't be paid would be overlooked until it could be. It was just the way
things worked. Then these men, working with the government, bought out
all of those with money to loan and collected on the debts. When debts
couldn't be paided, they took homes and farms and villas as payment.


For those who could pay or those, like us, who did not take loans and
suffered what came at us, the began to harass. At first they just lingered
around the road, but soon workers began to run off and quit, scared. Then,
last year, the field caught fire 'mysteriously' and we lost much of the first
planting. Then, near the end of spring, I came back to the house and found
mother sitting quietly with a blank look on her face. "We have to go to your
uncle's," is all she said. I don't know what had happened, but she sold the
farm. She hasn't quite been the same sense that day, several seasons ago.

We took what little money we got from the farm and moved to Mediolanivm,
to work in uncle's shop. Mother, Gaivs, and I work as hard as we can to help
uncle, but we cannot stay here. Where do we go, then? We have no home,
no land, and there is little hope for our future.

We can't even find other work in the cities, even if uncle were unable to help
us. All across Italia, people are being left homeless and moving into the
cities. But there is no work in the cities and people are left jobless,
moneyless, homeless, and worst of all, hopeless. Governor Pavo is trying to
help people who come to Mediolanivm, but I think he fears doing too much
and attracting all of Italia's homeless and destitute. I don't know what is
happening, but it is certainly ironic that you, off fighting the enemies of the
Senate, lose your home to the Senate, and no longer even qualify to join the
legions.

I hope this letter reaches you before you march again. Though, it may be
best if you don't get this letter and learn of the fate of your family.

Stay well,
Your sister,
Honoria Placidvs


(The streets of Mediolanivm)

[alatar]

Sad

[Wolfman]

Man now you got me all sensitive.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Thanks for reading. I was wondering if anyone read this. (Though, to be honest, I probably wouldn't read this if I hadn't written it. It's too long. )

I'm trying to work in some foreshadowing with later events in the life of Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs.

[Marcus Cornelius]

It's not too long, it's just right. Keep up the good work!

[Wolfman]

does the Pavo family eventually become the Rulers of Rome?

[Ower]

It's no to long, zour posts are fun to read, exactly right.

[Warmaster Horus]

Now I understand... I hadn't seen the reason why Pavo Gallicus wasn't mentioned, but since you said it was foreshadowing...
Anyway, I still think it's pretty good, the length doesn't really matter, because if you take a book, some chapters can be long, others short. It depends of the writer's style, and if yours is long chapters, then I'm fine with that.
Also, it gives me something to read while EB loads up...

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Thanks for the support, guys. I think I'll end the Gallic Wars in two or three more entries, depending on whether I feel like adding the Germanic part of the war. Then I'll get the next major event in Nvmerivs Longvs Pavonis life, and the life of the Republic.

does the Pavo family eventually become the Rulers of Rome?

Well, Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo builds up his family providing them wealth, power, territory, and for some reason the family grows to be the largest in Rome. After Nvmerivs, basically anything is within grasp of this (ironically) Plebian family...

BTW, last time I played this campaign, I found that Casse is very vulnerable to horse archers.

[Wolfman]

I like how your tieing in historical events wth this AAR like the senate taking land from the people.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
State of the Republic


(The extent of Roman influence, 211BC)

From the office of Marcvs Babvdivs, scribe of Consul Gnaevs Nepivs Scipio Africanvs,
On the state of the Republic, end year, fourth year of the consulship of Scipio Africanvs, (211BC)

My lord,
The following is the compiled state of the provinces and military status throughout the Republic. The last decade has seen much change in the areas of autority of the Roman peoples and has gained us many provinces, territories, subjects, and allies. The last decade has also seen the fall of nations who appose Roman peace, such as the kingdom of the Arverni, the Lusatanii rebels, and the kingdom of Pontus. We have also seen the demise of the Egyptian empire and the loss of all her holdings away from the Nile.

The following is the state of each province or territory:

Italia
Pvblivs Annivs Asina - Capua

Ever since Pyhrros was driven from Italia, southern Italia has been under Roman control. In the north, gallic tribes quickly joined the Roman effort and were eventually integrated into the Roman province of Italia. There is no form of military disturbances or urest to report in Italia. Agricultural and trade profit have risen consideribly in the Italia region due to larger, more efficient farming operations. There has been some dislodged peasantry that has been causing minor problems in urban areas, but nothing of great importance.


Sicilia
Domitivs Floronivs Scipio - Syracusae

Sicilia, taken from the Carthaginians by the Scipio family and still administered by them. Carthaginian holdings in the regions fell quickly to Roma and Syracusae nearly as easily. Trade, especially through Syracusae, from Africa and the East, leads the economy of this territory still, and with the taking of Cyrenaica it continues to grow. Also boosting the economy is the grain production, also improved through agricultural reforms.


Corsica et Sardinia
Cnaevs Albanvs Fvscinvs Corpvlentvs - Carali

Ever since the Carthaginian influence was removed from these islands, half a century ago, they have contributed to Rome through their sea trade. Recently, we have seen an increase in pirate activity in the islands especially around eastern Corsica. The fleet from Capua has been successful in sinking many of these pirates, but still they return every year.


Narbronensis et Tarraconensis
Avlvs Minvtivs Cotta - Tolosa et Nabro Martivs

Ever since Avlvs Minvtivs Cotta led his forces against the tribes in Aquitae, this region has been in distress. The Cotta family had not lead men into war since Pyrrhos had been forced from Italia, and though their first action in so long was successful, it ended the alliance with the Kingdom of Arverni and brought war to the Roman north. The coast of Iberia has long been allies of Roma and provides lucrative trade from the Iberian interior. Not since the hostilities of Carthage against our allies has these region seen signifigant war.


Baetica et Lusitania
Nvmerivs Petellivs Gessivs - Gades

The Gessivs family are descended from general who was first sent to Iberia to expell the Carthaginians who were threatening Roman allies. After defeating the Carthaginian garrisons at Mastia and Gades, Carthaginian hopes in Europa came to an end. When the aging Asina aquired Consulship, he took a newly formed Legion and marched against the Lusitani, who had declared war on Roma after Roman scouting parties crossed some sort of unknown border in Celtiberia. Consul Asina managed to crush Iberian resistance, even taking the Lusitani capital in a seige, but died before he could take all of Iberia. Since his legion was depleted from fighting and since most troops were being deverted to Iberia, no further action took place.

Baetica and southern Iberia provide great military advantages to Roma, especially to the navy at the harbor of Mastia. Geographically, Iberia is the end of the world. Our geographers tell us that the furthest point west in all of Europa, and infact all of the world, is now in Roman hands. With the fleets patrolling the seas south and east of Iberia and wild, unsailable seas to the west, Iberia is secure for Roman rule.

Currently there is one Legion in Iberia (Legio VIII) and two allied legions.


Achaia et Epirus
Pvblivs Cipivs Carivs - Athens

After Carthaginians forces were removed from Iberia, Roma's interest shifted to the east, where her long time enemies in Epirus were interfering with Roman trade. Forces under Nvmerivs Helvivs Victor landed and made short work of the war ravaged, economically depleted descendants of Pyrrhus. Victor then assisted the long time allies of Roma, the southern Greeks, by destroying their long time enemy of Macedonia. The Greeks repayed Roma with treachery and attacked the garrison in Epirus. Though Roman superiority came through and General Victor and his single legion defeated all of Greece within a decade.

An ancient land of ancient peoples is now in the hand of Roma. Since its conquest, the whole of Greece has remained peaceful and content under Roman control. Serving as a midpoint between Roma and the East, Greece has a strong trade economy. With trade in Mare Aegacum, Greece is one of the richest places in Roman influence.


Macedonia
Sextvs Lucceivs Glycoricvs - Pella et Thessalonica

Conquered by Nvmerivs Helvivs Victor with ease, having suffered constant attacks by Epirus and the southern Greeks for decades, Macedonia lies separate from the rest of Greece. Because of its weak economic state, Macedonia greatly profited from the peace and trade that came with being a Roman province. Thessalonica harbors the Aegacum fleet, but Macedonia has seen mostly peace since the defeat of the Antigonids.


Illyricvm et Dalmatia
Tiberivs Arrvntivs Trifer - Dalminion et Salona

Illyricvm was originally taken as a land route between Italia and the East and in order to decrease the number of safe harbors that Illyrian pirates could hide in. With its conquest, a great reserve of Gold could be tapped by Roma, though. Income from the region originates from trade and vast number of mines that dot the mountains. There are medium sized garrisons in Illyricum to deter attacks by Pannonian celts or the Getai-Dacians.


Thracia
Amvlivs Cloativs Celsvs - Tylis

Thracia was taken from barbarian tribes of Celts, Galatians, and Thracians and added to Roman territory just after Illyricvm. With the addition of this region, Roma gained a defendible possition for Europa and her first ports on the Pontvs Euxinvs. The region has medium sized garrisons and the locals have been urging Roma to assist their Thracian brothers crushed under Dacian rule to the north.


Africa
Gnaevs Nepivs Scipio Africanvs - Carthago

Conquered by you, My Lord Consul Gnaevs Nepivs Scipio Africanvs, over two decades ago. Carthago fell to Roma after a long seige, and with the death of all of their Senate, the Carthaginian scurge on the Mare Internum came to and end. After the destruction of Carthago, you My Lord, rebuilt the city which is currently administered by your son Scipio Africanvs the Younger. The aread is fertile and exports great amounts of grain and olives to Italia and Roma. With the fall of Carthago and the rebuilding of her harbors, the western half of the Mare Internum's trade lies solely in Roman hands. Threats from Numidian raiders prevent the area from aquiring complete security and halt Roman expansion in Africa.

Currently there is one allied legion in Africa.


Asia
Titvs Maenivs Scipio Corpvlentvs - Pergamum

Pergamum allied with Roma soon after the fall of the Greeks and began trading with Roman Macedonia. When Egypt betrayed their alliance and attacked Lepsis Magna Roma retaliated in all areas of Egyptian control. The southern part of Asia was originally conquered from the Egyptians by Nvmerivs Helvivs Victor and administered by the Blasio family. However, the same year the Arverni betrayed Roma, the Seleucid Empire attacked Pergamum. The Blasio family led the legions into Galatia and Cappadocia, and a branch of the Scipio family was sent to govern Asia.

Asia is somewhat rich in resources and trade with the West through the Aegacum, inhancing sea trade in the region. The vast number of types of people in the region has caused and is still causing an amount of unrest, though the region is being to understand Roman superiority.

Currently there is one allied legion in Asia.


Pontvs et Cappadocia
Titvs Nigrivs Blasio - Sinope

A few years ago, threats from the nation of Pontus became too great for Roma to ignore, seeing as they began to expand and gain power without Seleucid interference. But their power came in direct conflict with Roma and General Titvs Nigrivs Blasio was forced to march against them. Sinope quickly fell. Amaseia fell after a lengthy seige and the last of the Pontic royal family was finally defeated in the seige of Trapezous. The war lasted only a couple years and now Pontica lies in Roman hands. General Titvs Nigrivs Blasio currently marches East to sure up the border with Armenia in a region the locals call Pokr Hayk.

The region's economy is serverly damaged from the war, but the new ports on the Pontvs Euxinvs ensure the region will be worth its cost.

Currently there are three legions (Legio VI, IX, XII) and two allied legions in Pontvs et Cappadocia.


Cyrenaica et Libya
Domitivs Cammivs Rvso - Cyrene

After Egypt's betrayal, General Domitivs Cammivs Rvso lead a single legion across the vast desert and surprised the city of Cyrene. The city easily fell and Rvso began to gather local allies and mercenaries to fend off any further Egyptian aggression in the area. With Egypt weakening in Asia and Syria, General Rvso managed to take Libya from Egypt, including their sacred oracle at Ammonivm. The region is currently under constant attack from both Egyptian forces and desert raiders. Cyrene has provided a measure of trade, but Libya remains a Roman territory only to buffer Egypt and provide a place for Egyptian soldiers to die.

Currently there is one legion (Legio IV) and two allied legions in Libya.


Syria et Judaea
Nvmerivs Helvivs Victor - Antioch

After taking Lydia and Pampylia, Nvmerivs Helvivs Victor handed over command of his legions, with consent from the Senate, to his son Domitivs Gratvs Victor. General Domitivs Gratvs Victor lead his legions to victory over Egyptian forces in Cilicia and Syria, including a grand seige of the great city of Antioch. After the army at Antioch fell, it was an easy task for General Victor to take Damascus and surrounding cities. Soon after, General Victor liberated Judaea, making the region a Roman protectorate, buffer state, and ally.

This area is one of the newest territories of Roma, and suffers by being surrounded by enemies on all sides. Trade, especially through Syria, have provided a good amount of income to Roma. With exception of the Nile Delta, all trade in Mare Internum is now in the hands of Roman traders. With the ceasefire declared with the Seleucids, the Victor family has begun to settle down and is administering Antioch with defense in mind.

Currently there are two legions (Legio V, X) and five allied legions in Syria.

Gallia
Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs

An uncharted place of barbarians, trees, and cold weather.

Currently there are five legions (Legio III, VII, XI, XIII, XIV) and four allied legions in Gallia.

On the subject of Gallia:
This region is newly conquered by General Pavo Gallicvs and is a matter of concern to the Senate. So far, only those in the legions under General Pavo's command and those in his family have been to Gallia for extended periods. The region is still unstable and threat of Gallic attack are still present, even in areas allied to or under Roman rule. Soon geographers, merchants, and even colonist will begin to move in to the more secure parts of southern and western Gallia. So far we have not yet set up extensive trade in this backwards place.

General Pavo gained a great amount of popularity when he defeated the Kingdom of Arverni and was awarded a possition in the Senate. When he requested to invade the territories of Roma's long time enemy, the Aedui Confederacy, it was granted. He continues to succeed, though. He has yet to lose a battle and with every season, his popularity with the people and soldiers of Roma rises. But the men in his armies have homes to come back to and can be trusted to be loyal to the Senate and to Roma...

[Warmaster Horus]

Very, very, very nice update. That was absolutely great!
In the "Roma's Bulls" thread, you said there were plenty of roman AARs here, and you were right, but few of them are as good as yours...
Keep it going!

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Thanks!

I think the next update will be back to Servivs Placidvs, Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs, and the Gallic Wars.

[Wolfman]

For a minute I was scared that you had decided not to continue this AAR. Its good to see another update!

[Chirurgeon]

Very good indeed!

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Yeah, I thought this was dead too. I decided to start this up again because I was thinking of playing this old campaign again. I played a Makedonian, Hayasdan, Holy Roman Empire, and Fatimid campaigns and got bored. Besides, I still need to crush Parthia.

I just want to thank those who read this and especially those who commented.

I'm going to continue this now with another post. And I'll try to force myself to at least finish the current story before another long gap.

EDIT:
Now that that is done. \/ I'll get back to the war, next time...

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
A Noble Noble



My Dear Sister,

I have just had an audience with General Gallicvs himself. He is an even
greater man than that which is told of him.

I had been quite low since your letter arrived and was lax in my duties and
drilling. Centurian Tiberivs Alleivs had noticed and before I was flogged he
asked why I had been so lax. I told him of the loss of our farm and of yours
and mother's distress. He said that of those who recieved letters from their
families, this was becoming a common story. And so I was flogged.

And so it came that Centurian Alleivs told others of our story when speaking
with others and the story made it to General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs.
He then sent for me and I was to appear before him in the command post.
At first I assumed I was to be repremanded for my poor behavior, but soon
realized that that was an issue way below a General.

And so I was silently escorted by a well adorned soldier to the General's
command post. In the siege of Viennos, the largest buildings had been
burned, so General Pavo Gallicvs had his normal field post erected outside the
city. Not that those Gallic structures would be adequate for any Roman.
The General's command post was simple, made of canvas, like that of us
legionaries. Though his was large, nearly the size of our old home.

When we reached the opening, the guard motioned for me to enter and
turned to stand guard at the entrance. I entered and saw in this place in
the middle of barbarian lands, more exquisite items than I had ever seen. On
the 'walls' hung animal skins and banners. On one side there was a map of
Roman lands, as they stood several years ago. On the ground there were
more animal skins, so that in much of the room you did not stand of the dirt
below. Along the back of the room I saw the standard of LegioVII and a suit
of detailed armor apon a chest. In the middle of the room stood a table, as I
approached I noticed another map, this one had strange markings all over it.
I believe it was a map of the area around the Viennos, marked in the
barbarian tongue.

In the room stood three men. One man stood in the back looking forward
and not speaking. I assumed he was part of the bodyguard of Gallicvs. Near
the table stood General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs, whom I had seen
many times in camp or on the battlefield. Next to him was a bearded man.
He was not nessecarily dirty or anything, but he wore trousers and I knew
him to be a Gaul or Germanian. When I was noticed, Gallicvs said something
in an uncivilized tongue and the barbarian left through the back of the room.

The General turned to me and I salluted. He simply asked my name. I gave
my name, rank, and position. He began by telling me that he had been
corresponding with his uncle Spvrivs Cvrativs Pavo, governor of Mediolanivm,
who had written of the increase in homeless peasants filling the streets of
the major cities. General Pavo Gallicvs said his uncle had found the the great
majority of these displaced people were farmers pushed off their land. He
then asked me to tell our tale and so I told him of all that you and mother
had written me.

I was suprised at the informality of the General. It was nothing like speaking
to a friend and equal. And it was more formal than a business deal. Though
the conversation was far less formal than what I would suspect of a Senator
of Rome. As I told our story, he seemed to understand and honestly convey
empathy to us. He spoke of how this is something that shouldn't happen.
He said spoke of his belief that it was the duty of the Senate to take care of
the people. Then, I realized I spoke not just to a member of the Equestrian
Order, not just a General, not just a Senator, but a great man that cared for
the common man.

We were interupted for a while by one of the General's advisors. Though,
when he turned back to me an hour later, he said something that I will
remember. He said, "How can Rome have soldiers if no man holds his own
land?" For, if I were to go home after this war, I could never reenlist. Rome
is surrounded by Gauls, barbarians, and Greeks, and nobody is left to defend
her. General Pavo Gallicvs said things in Rome were changing, and a new
change would have to come or Rome would fall.

But now I come to the part of my tale that would shock even the gods.
General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs told me that as thanks for my tale he
would give my family a home and a livelyhood. I tried to refuse a gift too
noble but he said he would send word to his uncle. As you read this, a letter
is being read by Governor Pavo, ordering him to send an escort to our uncle's
shop. Mother, Gaivs, and yourself would be sent to one of the small houses
and work on the Pavo farms. It is not our own land, but it is a home and
place to be secure. The General said in the future it may be a good idea to
grant land to his soldiers who have lost theirs.

I was told to not tell any of this to fellow legionaries, especially the part
about helping my family, for many legionaries have lost their homes. Caivs
won't leave me alone, though. Always asking about what the General
wanted with me. Soon we head north, but please write me and tell me,
especially if things are worse on the Pavo farms.

Your Brother,
Servivs Placidvs, 2nd Cohort, Hastati, Seventh Legion

[Warmaster Horus]

Nice update!
It's good that you picked this up again. Nice to see this back in action!

1000th post, who'd have guessed it would be on this?

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Thanks.

My 1000th post was on this thread too (second or third entry). I've nearly doubled it since then.

[Wolfman]

Good to see this AAR back up Marcus. For a while I thought you had decided not to continue this. I'm happy you proved me wrong.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
Gaul to Germania to Belgae and Back Again


("Winter in Gaul")

My Dear Sister,

I have spent nearly a third of my life in the legion now. For a decade now, I
have killed Gauls. I am approaching my eleven harvest away from Rome. But
our task is nearly done. We have fought hard and shown that Roman
strength will always triumph over the barbarian. City after city falls. Army
after army flees before us. The last few years have been hard. General
Pavo has pushed us to our limit, but we have always been victorious. Soon,
the sack of Rome, nearly two centuries ago, will be avenged.

I have received many letters from you and mother. I am glad to hear that
your life goes well. I am glad that you are being treated as land owners and
not servants on the Pavo estates. The Pavo family is truely great, and with
Gallicvs leading the family, they are even greater. I'm sure you've heard that
General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs continues to be promoted in the
Senate, even though he spends little time in Rome. Perhaps the Senate
hopes to appease him, and thinks he is but a General. I have heard Pavo
Gallicvs speak, though. He has great plans for Rome after he has insured her
safety.

Last time I wrote you, a single mountain range separated us. Now, vasts
expanses of land lay between us. We are camped in a region that was
dominated by a tribe called the Belgae. It is winter now, and it is colder than
I thought possible. We will be marching south in the spring and finishing this
war. But it has been a tough road getting here.

Soon after my last letter, LegioV and the newly formed LegioXV, under the
command of General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs' cousin Manivs Placidvs
Pavo, arrived at Viennos. The Fifth's engineers went to rebuilding the city
and the Seventh and Fifteenth marched north, to the areas where the lands
of the Gauls meet the land of the Germans. General Pavo Gallicvs decided
that the best course of action would be to devide the forces of the Gallic
counsel and leave them to fend for themselves. So we cut off those in
Noricvm and those in Germania from the core of Gaul.

The Germanian mercenaries fought several small battles, but the Legions
didn't face resistance until the Gallic fort city of Vesontio. The defenders of
the town had nearly abandoned the city. The rumor went around the camp
that they were campaigning in Germania, trying to make the Germanians
submit so they could turn their whole force on Rome. And based on what
happened later that year, it would seem that the Gauls were winning.

Because the garrison was light, we assaulted the walls and broke into the
city. General Gallicvs had usually waited for cities to surrender or until they
were reinforced, so this was my first time fighting in a city. The defenders
fled back the the city's hill once we were through the walls, but kept
attacking and retreating as we tried to form up. In the city, men didn't listen
to their Centurian and many men fell needlessly due to the disorganized loose
formation. Eventually the enemy retreated to the hilltop, where we
surrounded them. We threw our pila and charged. The enemy was
surrounded and confused, but they fought to the last man. The day was
ours and the city was sold into slavery.

I know not why, but within a week we left the city. LegioXV was left to
defend the town, under the command of one of General Gallicvs' captains.
We, in LegioVII were put under the command of Manivs Placidvs Pavo and
General Gallicvs rode with the German mercenaries, who had just had the
addition of Iberian mercenaries. They say that Iberians are some of the
greatest horsemen west of Babylon. I wish I could have seen them fight, at
least once.

We marched east to a great river called the Rhenus and crossed by way of
several bridges and fords that the cavalry had secured. We were told that
the Gauls had enslaved a Germanic tribe called the Hattoz and were forcing
them to fight their brothers and against Rome. Eventually we fielded against
an army of barbarians. Some were Gauls, but many were different. They
had different clothes, different weapons, different hair, and when they
screamed it too was different. But they died the same as Gauls. After some
light skirmishing, the enemy charged our lines, only to break and run moments
later. General Manivs Placidvs Pavo and the cavalry hit them from the side
and soon they were all running. The battle had been so short that there was
enough time for us to have another battle before the sun went down.

We withdrew back to the western side of the Rhenus and waited for General
Pavo Gallicvs to return. As we waited, a messenger arrived from the
LegioIII. The Third Legion had managed to repel an invasion of Roman Gaul
from the Belgae and had crushed the entire army. General Manivs Placidvs
Pavo's brother, Galerivs Pitvanivs Pavo had defeated nearly the entire army
left in Belgae.


(Nearly a century later, the victory of Galerivs Pitvanivs Pavo, over the Belgae, is still remembered)

A week later, General Pavo Gallicvs returned with the cavalry. Apon hearing
of his cousin's victory, he ordered riders sent to Gergovia, Avaricum, and
Vesontio. Soon the Fifteenth was marching north and reserves, fresh
recruits, and Gallic allies were marching toward the Rhenus to secure the
border with Hattoz and Germania. Hattoz had been weaken and could easily
be finished off by the Germanic alliance, so all Roman forces were withdrawn
to the west side of the river and forts were established alone it's length.
Even the Germanic and Iberian cavalry was left behind to defend the
frontier. Only the Fifteenth, under General Manivs Placidvs Pavo, marched
north and the Seventh, under General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
marched west. We were forced to march at top speed, so as to have the
seigeworks and encampment built around their forts before the winter hit.

And here I am, more than a year later, sitting inside that fort. Both Legions took a fort and the Belgae surrendered to General Gallicvs. General Gallicvs
had ordered that LegioIII attack the great hillfort of Bibracte in the spring
and the Seventh will arrive soon after. With two Legions, the city is fated to
fall quickly, and with it the Gallic council. Hopefully, by next harvest, I will be
heading back to you to start our lives again. I should be getting married
soon after, I hope.

Your Brother,
Servivs Placidvs, 2nd Cohort, Hastati, Seventh Legion


("Winter in Belgae")

[Warmaster Horus]

Raah! Lovely!

Great update, you know it.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

2000th Post!

Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs
The Long Siege

My Dear Sister,

Lately, we have had much correspondence. And little has changed since my
last letter. When we started the siege of Bibracte, the legion was already
overdue to be disbanded. And now it is more than a year later and nothing
has changed. In a few more years, General Gallicvs will forced to disband the
Seventh, by Roman law. I am beginning to think we will be disbanded before
this town surrenders.

Bibracte is the largest Gallic town that I have seen. Built like a fort, General
Pavo Gallicvs has decided that the cost of assulting it would be too costly
and decided to besiege it. So, here we are, a year and a half later. I am
sorry that I complain about this every letter, but the complete lack of
activity here is difficult to bear. Our days are basically set up into patrolling,
drilling, and building more fortifications.

The fortifications we have built around the city have reached the point that I
believe the wall we built around the city surpasses the city's wall itself. We
have now built two walls completely incircling the city, one facing the city
and one facing out to fend off raids from the countryside. Three legions are
stationed here and construction is nearly constant. We will rebuild Roma
herself out here before these barbarians realize they are beaten.

The Aedui military leader and mostly likely the majority of their barbarian
counsel are within the city. Though, I don't see how they can last so long in
there. How can you store and perserve enough food for a whole city that
will last two years? Perhaps they have all starved to death and we seige a
ghost town.

Vibivs and I were facing off against eachother the other day while drilling and
practicing. I knocked him off his feet and thought the fight was over but he
quickly parried my practice sword and jumped back to his feet. I noticed
that the fire was back in his eyes, that day. He has been spending large
amounts of time with the new soldiers who have replaced the loses in our
unit. He has been teaching them and they seem to look up to him. Many of
our replacements are quite raw and need all the help they can get. Vibivs is
like an elder brother to them. I believe that the horrors he saw have finally
been pushed aside.

Centurian Tiberivs Alleivs, who used to be very tough toward us, has been
more approachable lately. I believe that we have spent enough time in the
legion to prove ourselves to him. Caivs and I have talked to him a few times
and learned of his older days before the Gallic Wars.

Caivs has been his usual self. He has been playing as many games of chance
he can find time for. Caivs has the uncanny ability to deprive any man of
any coin that they have. Although, Caivs is running out of people brave
enough to risk a game with him. Caivs mentioned that he wanted to move to
Roma and open a tavern near a market so that he could deprive all of the
foreign merchants of their coin. I warned him of the state of the cities in the
last few years and the risk you take by going into the lower part of the
cities, but he didn't listen. For one thing, I believe Caivs is one of the people
that you have to look out for, in places like those.

General Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs continually takes trips to Roma. From
what we hear, he is continuing to move up in the Senate. If things keep up
like this, he will be the youngest Consul in Roman history. I believe he has
big plans for then too. Whenever he gives a speach, he mentions the poor
and the homeless and speaks poorly of how the Senate is handling the
matters. There are many in the Seventh that would die for him, especially
since with the loss of their homes, they have nothing left to lose.

Though, this siege continues. I hope it will end before I die of old age.
Hopefully I will be coming home after the fall of Bibracte and I can begin to
rebuild my family.

Your Brother,
Servivs Placidvs, 2nd Cohort, Hastati, Seventh Legion


(The Gallic Wars of Nvmerivs Longvs Pavo Gallicvs - Ranging from early days Near Mediolanivm until the seige of Bibracte)
(Yellow=Arverni War - Green=Aedui War - Aqua=LegioVII's march to Gergovia)
(Dot=Battle - Large Dot=Siege - Red=Gallicvs - Orange=Other Generals)

[Warmaster Horus]

Nice! I like the map of the Gallic Wars.

Well done on your 2000th post!

[Swordmaster]

Excellent! I'm fond of big campaigns and large empires.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Thanks for the comments. I almost didn't post that map. I'm not too good at picture editting/making and thought it looked poor.

I'm going to finish up the Gallic Wars in the next update (or two). And for the next update, I did use cheats. It will be easy to guess what by the title of the next part.

[Wolfman]

Hahaha! Awesome!!!

[Jesus_saves]

Wow. How much 'Cheating' did you have to do to get that AI expansion? It's so realistic. Great AAR.