The Sands Of Africa

[Chirurgeon]

Another great chapter! You really do manage to bring a strong human element into you AAR's, making all the characters more lifelike and believable.

Thanks Cash. I want you to think all this actually happened. I am trying to balance realism with entertainment. This story is more than just an AAR to me. Its become an exercise in passionate expression. I find myself getting attached to the characters. I really enjoy writing this stuff up and doing all the screenshots and movies. It provides a wonderful escape to everyday life. I am glad you enjoy it.

Edit:
Wow five pages

[Wolfman]

again I feel like one of those robots that been programed to say only a few words but EXCELLENT UPDATE!!!

[Rundownloser]

I see the Iberians returned for the spring.

Kudos on the victories and the great story.

[Treverer]

Another great chapter! You really do manage to bring a strong human element into you AAR's, making all the characters more lifelike and believable.

[Sassem]

excellent

I'm so eager to read this that i forced myself to check this thread only once a week so i'm sure there is a update. really excellent

[Chirurgeon]

Good to know Sassem. So your saying i should do just one update a week?

[Bobolicious]

I check every two days!

[Bootsiuv]

I check every 12 minutes, 37 seconds.

[Wolfman]

I check every half hour

[Chirurgeon]

Wow...you guys are on it! So wolfman if i updated this once a week, and you check it every 30 minutes....calculating...168 hours in a week...then you check it 336 times in one week! now that is dedication.

[Sassem]

Good to know Sassem. So your saying i should do just one update a week?

That's Ok for me let's say every saturday 3 or 4 chapters

[Wolfman]

Wow...you guys are on it! So wolfman if i updated this once a week, and you check it every 30 minutes....calculating...168 hours in a week...then you check it 336 times in one week! now that is dedication.

[Cash Staks]

I usually check whenever I get the chance. And that comes out to more than a few times per week. I think an update once a week would be perfect. Especially with school coming up. I don't know how much free time I'll have then. I'll have to worry about my own campaigns plus schoolwork plus work. It's going to be a busy semester.

[KuKulzA]

damn, you've inspired me to start my own AAR!

well since you do Kart-hadast, I will probably AAR either Getai or Lusotanna, or Saka Rauka or Sauromatae
Carthage is awesome but their super economy spoils me... I get onto the non-celt barbarians or the nomads and I see the debt and I am like "OH MY HOLY CRAP!" but it's all good, I just go on a roll conquering until it evens out... problem is if your losses are too high you'll be left with a few cities and no army and angry neighbors

but I think my first AAR will be a lot of fun, I see it has been for you

[Bootsiuv]

Carthage might have a "super economy", but I've really been struggling fighting a war on two fronts. The Romani are brutal, just brutal. I've conquered most of southern italy, but following a crushing defeat, I may have to fall back to Sicilia, because I can't train anything but Lucanian Light Infantry and Rorarii in Italy. Shipping armies from Africa is becoming increasingly difficult because the Romani have a huge fleet, and I can hardly afford one. Qarthadastim is actually pretty tough.

[KuKulzA]

i agree i mean it can be pretty damn tough but say as a nomad faction, when you go against a powerful faction, if you don't sweep 'em you could be screwed big time... but as a more advanced and settled group your chances of recovery are higher

at least you have the economy to fight the brutal romans (hopefully)

[Chirurgeon]

Carthage might have a "super economy", but I've really been struggling fighting a war on two fronts. The Romani are brutal, just brutal. I've conquered most of southern italy, but following a crushing defeat, I may have to fall back to Sicilia, because I can't train anything but Lucanian Light Infantry and Rorarii in Italy. Shipping armies from Africa is becoming increasingly difficult because the Romani have a huge fleet, and I can hardly afford one. Qarthadastim is actually pretty tough.

This is why I let them have Sicily. I have to pick my battles. Things are well now but one problem is that geographically the size of my empire and the distance from Kart-hadastim so great I have to keep taxes super low in cities in Egypt. Otherwise the populace starts to get nasty. I really only have enough money for a "holding" army in Egypt and a conquering army in Iberia. I only have a couple of grand left over each turn. Sometimes I bank it so that I can upgrade markets, farms, etc

[Bootsiuv]

That's been my problem. Hell, even Gader in Iberia requires quite a large garrison just to keep them happy, and, until recently in my campaign, Iberian governors were hard to come-by. I hear what you're saying about saving for upgrades, but, due to constant fighting in Italy, I haven't been able to do as much with my infrastructure as I would like. I could be training Hoplitai in Rhegion and Syrakousai if I had the money to upgrade my MIC's there. Those Liby-Phoenician Heavy Infantry have also alluded me, due to the fact that it costs 12,000 to upgrade my MIC in Kart-Hadast. It is probably one of the funnest EB campaigns I've ever had, though, so it's all good.

[Chirurgeon]

I have yet to fight Rome...Update tomorrow night im hoping :)

[pseudocaesar]

coming out of lurking, i must say, as a roman fan (flame suit on), i tend to hate carthage out of principle. Your aar however, has made me realise how cool they are, in fact, i might even start a campaign myself! good work!

[Wolfman]

I like both Carthage and Rome. They Represent to very different distinct cultures.

[KuKulzA]

i dislike romans for political reasons, but i respect their troops, after Polybian and onward... fair enough?
as Getai or Lustotanna, or Saka or Sauromatae... gets a lil tougher to kill 'em when they get their tougher armors, and I tend to not have to deal with them till LATE game... as Kart-hadast its easier to keep neck-to-neck and go toe-to-toe with them, usually

but the Roman soldiers can be tough and flexible, which i must respect

[Pius Curus]

Hi Chirurgeon,

your AAR Kartago is perfect! Could you write me, pls, on what level did you start Kartago campaign? It was Very hard(strategy map)/Medium or Hard battles? Did you use other mods or add-ons to EB like Redmeth's Mini-Mod?

[Chirurgeon]

coming out of lurking, i must say, as a roman fan (flame suit on), i tend to hate carthage out of principle. Your aar however, has made me realise how cool they are, in fact, i might even start a campaign myself! good work!

I wasnt much of a Carthage fan either...Until I started playing I realized what an amazing civilization existed before being destroyed. Update in a little while!

[Chirurgeon]

199 BC - Celtiberia
Progress has been frustratingly slow. At each turn there is an army of the enemy. Poorly equipped but highly motivated the continue to rally the cause. I feel as if we have killed every last man in this land. Truly this is a country of warriors. My spies indicate that many of the cities are void of men of fighting age. This area called Celtiberia is the most rugged landscape I have yet to encounter. Full of hills, canyons, and streams it makes marching difficult. We fought no less than three battles over the course of the year. Each battle easily won but each one taking its toll on the numbers of my men. I have had to constantly pay out for new recruits. Iberia has yet to turn a profit and the senate is demanding tangible results. In my meeting last autumn with several prominent senators they indicate they want an end to this war that is leeching the treasury. These idiots do not know that it takes many years to get the sort of production they are asking for. We have been fighting for 8 years! Eight years is nothing for a war. In that time half of the Iberian peninsula has fallen into my hands. They will see that Iberia will be carressed of its riches.
There is going to be more hard fighting come the next campaign season. Large bands are migrating to the capital of the Lusitanns, Numantia. By spring we will again be facing scores of these warriors. Margish tells me that a great chieftain is residing in Numantia and is working to defend the heart of his lands. We are but a seasons march from this city but it seems as if eternity seperates us further.



Winter 197 BC -Celtiberia
For much of the last year we continued to endure repeated attacks by tribes owing their alligiance to chieftain of the Lusotanns, N Cartetocoi. Having arrived at the capital in the heart of this unforgiving land we encircled the city with lines of circumvallation, assuring that no one escaped the seige. In a desperate battle a relief army engaged my men. I again put Margish up to task and had him engage them. As they fought the substantial garrison of Numantia poured out and I placed my Liby-Phonecians in their path. They ran into the spears of my African troops and were utterly destroyed. At the same time I spurred my own personal cavalry and the lighter Iberian cavalry and made for the Lusitann King who had taken a view of the battle on a hill off to his right flank. He turned to run when he saw our cavalry coming. Unfortunately it was not enough and we caught him as he was trying to flee and regroup. There was a brief fight in which he was slain. Highly demoralized his army routed and the relief army that Margish was engaged in also began to rout. A true blood letting was underway as the Iberian assault infantry and Margish's men covered the green grasses with sticky crimson.
After the battle the city surrendered.
Images From the Battle for Numantia:


^^Enemy troops, poorly trained and highly motivated











I let the men plunder and much gold and other precious items were brought before me. I had a plan with what to do with the loot.
I addressed my quartermaster, "I want you to send envoys and this loot to Emporion up the Iberian coast."
puzzled he looked at me, "For what reason would we do that? That city is in the hands of our gracious allies the Aeudi."
"I am well aware of that. I want the Aedui to give us that town."
A look of incomprehension overtook the members of my retinue, except of course Margish. He seemed to grasp my plan.
Looking at the men I explained, "The Aeudi need funds to continue their fight with the Romans. They are not using troops from Emporion. The king of the Aeudi will be grateful that they dont have to babysit another town." Pausing I noticed a few nods. I continued, "The envoys will also set up a tribute for our good friends of the north and that will also help finance their war."
Half of the men agreed with the idea and the rest wished we kept the bribe for ourselves. Later that year i recieved word that the Aeudi had accepted my offer and looked forward to a continued relationship with us.



Carthage would need the aide of the Aeudi in the future. In the spring I would meet with the Aeudi King and discuss what I wanted to do. He and I have the common interest of revenge against the Romans.


Winter 196 BC - Asturia

The king of the Aeudi could not meet because of continued fighting in Southern Gaul. His armies have been attacking with success the Romans in the area. I should hope to meet with him in the future.
We spent the last year moving north towards the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. We crossed the Duero river and besieged Pallantia. About a week ago we assaulted the city. Another brutal battle ensued. The Iberians fought the lusitanns amongst the buildings of the city and we suffered more losses than I was comfortable with. Again however my men's superior training and rigid discipline allowed them to carry the day.
Battle for Pallantia:







I am hurried for time. The northwest region of Iberia still has yet to be subjucated. My men signed on for a 16 year committment. I am 11 years into the campaign to control this land. That leaves me a scant five years before my veterans are to be retired. The senate is not enthusiastic about raising another army. They feel that when they gain control of Iberia that we will have progressed far enough. Granted, that we are the undisputed rulers of Africa and the Iberian Peninsula will likely be ours as well. It seems the loss of Sicily and Corsica becomes a more distant echo as time goes on. No one is still alive that remembers that. Sicily has become so "Romanized" that our own mark on the land is fading. The only reason we control Sardinia is because Rome is so Embroiled in the war with our good friends the Aeudi. I'm afraid the senate will not permit me to campaign beyond this land. It will likely be up to my protege to continue the fight.


In fact Himilcar Barcino has arrived in Numantia and will be joining me soon. He is serving as governor of Numantia, until proper order is established in that restless region.




Winter 194 BC - Asturia
Upon the start of the spring campaigning season I sent my protege to take down one of the last cities of the Lusitann. Tyde lay on the extreme northwest coast of this rich land. I stayed here in Pallantia and made sure that governance was expedited effectively. With some basic institutions in place and after nearly nine months I heard from Hamilcar Barcino that Tyde had fallen and regional administration was being implemented. As I write this he has sent as many men as he could spare to join me here. They should arrive by the summer and then we march on the last refuge of the Lusitann. The remaining tribes have gathered north of the Ebro River and have centered their last hope of resistance in Velika. I have left my most trusted friend and Advisor make preparations for the assault. For myself I have met with the most gracious King, Diviciacos and his son, Mandubracious of the Aeudi Confederation.

^^Prince of the Aeudi

^^King of the Aeudi
We dined and the two battle-hardened men talked candidly.
"I see your control of Iberia is nearly complete." stated Prince Mandubarcious.
The king was ill and likely would not survive the journey back to the north of the Pyranees.
"Yes we have but one last region of resistance before we have military control of Iberia. However there is much work to do. The Lusitanns are defeated but I will need them to fight side by side with their enemies." I pointed at myself as I stated this.
The Prince looked back at me. "Gaining the trust of the defeated is a great feat but I see you have allies here in Iberia. I have no doubt that the Lusitanns and the other tribes will aide you despite being under your thumb. Defeat leaves a bitter taste...but all tastes fade with enough time."
I admired the prince. Being ten years my younger he would do well for his people.
Looking around at the pages, advisors, and others in my tent I dismissed them. I waited for the men to leave before continuing.
"My lord I know you are ill and your journey has been very taxing. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible before you depart." All three of us knew deep down that I did not reference the king's journey home but rather to the planes of his ancestors.
He managed a weak chuckle and spoke, "Your words are laced with many meanings. I will take this as a gesture of good will between two cultures with a common interest. I have no doubt I will be taking a journey. I have fought well and served my people with honor. What I want to know is what you will do with your new found land?"
He paused only to continue after collecting his thoughts. "This was a one way journey for me and I have to know what I traveled so far to hear."
I nodded slowly and went over to a chest with a map of the Lands north of the Pyrenees. Placing the map before father and son I pointed at two large swaths of land on the northern side of the mountains. "I understand the Romans have taken your lands here."
They both nodded and I continued. "I want to give them back to you."
Silence enveloped the room as both men sat quietly. Only the winter winds rustling the tent could be heard.
The king spoke, "You would do this for us?" he seemed astonished.
Walking around the two men I explained to them that they have held Rome at bay for our own advancement.
"Rome could have come to Africa. They could have taken Sardinia. They could have had Iberia. Your confederation has thwarted their plans." I looked at both men sincerely. "You have sacrificed much and gained little. So many brave men and women and children have vanished from this Earth because of your stoic resistance."
I had nearly brought myself to tears but the King did not hold back. Tears streamed down that proud man's face. In this intimate moment he felt vindicated. No one would know of what transpired in our meeting and he did not hold back his pride and sadness. Mingling together they produced tears from a people that had suffered much and had never known peace.
The prince was overwhelmed but managed his emotions.
I told the men that this would make them stronger and hurt Rome. "You will no longer have an enemy in your lands, and we will not be threatened. For as long as you hold the land West of the mighty Rhone river, Rome, shall never prevail."
The men looked relieved. The king dismissed himself and the Prince and I continued to talk about the future of his nation and of mine. Later that week , King Diviciacos died peacefully in his sleep. The man was truly at peace knowing that his people were safe and Carthage a steadfast ally.

Winter 193 BC
It is finished. The last chieftain of the Lusitanns is dead.
Before the battle ensued we met on the ground in front of Velika. He rode up with his horse and his body guards as I did the same.
I allowed him to speak, "I see you brought your traitor dog with you." Pointing at Margish accusingly he continued, "It is nice to see his loyalty doing so well to protect his own people." He stated mockingly. Margish sat motionless in his saddle. His imposing demeanor ever present.
King Nertobricoi looked out at my army and shook his head. "So you are using Iberians to exterminate Iberians? And what do they think of that?" He swept his hand in front of him at the long line of Iberians assembled.
Margish spoke slowly and deliberately, "I should think they are ready to kill you and return to their womenfolk."
A small cadre of men behind Margish smiled and laughed.
The King glared at Margish with a deep hate but was silent.
I let Margish continue, "We have served Castullo for 14 years and he is the best commander I have ever seen. He respects the Iberians and wishes only our help against a more menacing threat."
At that point I spoke for the first time, "King Nertobricoi you are in the most unfortunate geographic position. You sit on top of rivers of gold and silver and other resources. You also happened to be between two Empires that will, in due time, come to a great struggle to the death. Only one will survive. Your land is no longer yours to defend. I am afraid the world has changed and your independence and reluctance to thwart the Roman menace will only hamper our goal." I paused briefly and the cool breeze of the morning swept over the grasses in front of the town. "Ultimately the fate of Iberia is no longer yours to control. You can resist, but you cannot prevail."
The King sat on his horse. A long silence ensued. The light clinking of armor and weapons could be heard from both armies...almost musical the sound carried across in the wind. The king knew that these were the last moments of his people. "So this is the new world eh? A world where the 'civilized' destroys the barbaric? You too are barbarians. You think us primitive and yet it is you who do the senseless killing. We are protecting the lands we have lived on since the dawn of time itself! Who is the true barbarian here? A barbarian loots and destroys, and that is exactly what you have done to our lands!" I sat quietly while the king stammered on. "If this is your new world then I don't want to be a part of it. You will have to kill me to take my freedom, and you can be damn sure many of your men will join me in my new world."
With that he reigned his horse towards the town and his bodyguards followed.

Without even walls to protect him I ordered the Iberian troops in and they set about their bloody business. The Lusitanns put up a fierce fight. King Nertobricoi fought with reckless abandon. His men fell all around him and they fought to the last. His guard cavalry broke free from our lines and attempted to run up the hill to renew his defenses at the heart of the town. It was not to be. A unit of Iberian Assault infantry released their javelins and no less than six struck him in the back. With the king dead, the resolve of the defenders broke. Many tried to run to the middle of the town but were cut down as they fled.

Death of the Lusitanns:

^^Castullo and Margish ready for their last battle

^^Defiant King Nertobricoi




As we cleaned up the bodies I met with my protoge, Himilcar Barcino. The son of a senatore this man would do well for our people. He has learned from me and understands the value of the Iberians. His mother is an Iberian and his father Phonecian. Some would call that a tainted mixture...however after seeing these Iberians in ferocious battles throughout the last 14 years I can say with great confidence that their blood is worth having in your veins. Himilcar will no doubt use the vast resources of Iberia for the Armies benfit.
Ah the army! It has saddened me but I am releasing my men. The men deserve to be with their families. And I will travel to Gader to be with mine. My wife and her children I have barely met. I should take the last years of my life raising my family. My sons are of age and perhaps one day will be named Shophet.
Margish left this morning with the Iberian cavalry to at last go home to their families. He is a good friend and insists i come by his village for some "stomach stew". I will surely take him up on that. This land has intoxicated me with its beauty and harshness. It is the harshness that makes the men such good fighters and the Beauty which makes the land worth fighting for. I have disbanded my vaulted Liby-Phonecians and Iberian Assault Infantry. My slingers have departed for their home on the various islands off the coast of Iberia. It is just me and a small garrison. I will tour the various cities and im sure when the time is right Himilcar will carry out my wishes regarding the Aeudi.

[Treverer]

... and I remember one tale-teller in fear of not keeping that level of tale-telling ...

[Bootsiuv]

Impressive....Is it time to finally take on the Romani? Or does Qarthadastim covet the Levant and Asia Minor? I'm interested in seeing where you decide to go next.

[Basileus Seleukeia]

Another great piece of art, Chirurgeon. But the first picture with the title is too dark, I can barely read the words.

[Chirurgeon]

Another great piece of art, Chirurgeon. But the first picture with the title is too dark, I can barely read the words.

Ok I fixed it :) enjoy

[Cash Staks]

Impressive....Is it time to finally take on the Romani? Or does Qarthadastim covet the Levant and Asia Minor? I'm interested in seeing where you decide to go next.

Me as well. Although his general promised to return lands to the Aedui taken by the Romani. So I'm guessing that it is finally time for a glorious conflict between the Romani and Qarthadastim.