Rise of the Scipii

[Horseman]

Hi all,

I intend to write an AAR/story of a Scipii campaign. I've never done anything like this so bear with me whilst I find my feet.

I'm playing almost Vanilla.....the changes I've made to the game are:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Academy bonus added (5%, 10% and 15% to law)

Temple of Epona (the horse temple) top 2 tiers only buildable by the Romans and only if a sacred circle of Epona existed previously.

Happiness & Law bonus's added to walls series ala BI. 5% happiness at palisade & wooden wall. 5% hap & 5% law at stone and large stone wall with an extra 5% happiness at epic stone wall.

Roman Town Watch & Carhaginian Town Militia unit size set to 60 and costs increased.

Triarii unit size set to 60 and cost increased (partially to make them more appealing but also see below for the main reason)

Legionary cohorts not buildable by any roman faction (partially to make it a little harder for me)

Praetorians take their place in the 4th tier baracks but have been slightly nerfed (still better though) Legionary 1st cohorts are now Praetorian 1st cohorts still only buildable in Rome.

Early Legionary 1st Cohorts buildable anywhere in Italy and slightly increased stats (mainly to allow me to role play as will be outlined in a second)

rules I will follow:

1) No peasants, not not even 1. I don't like building these so I wont, not even for population transfer

2) I will do my best to complete any and all Senate Missions (upto the kill my faction leader 1 at least!)

3) I wont start any wars unless the senate asks me too.......I might retaliate if attacked though.........

4) No exploitation on purpose....ie no setting up using the nice red line to cover a flank

5) No reloading if something goes wrong

6) I will build all buildings in all cities (or aim to at least)

7) I will use Legions.......

Pre Marius Legions will be composed of the following

3x Velites
3x Hastati
3x Princeps
1x Triarii
1x Equites

This gives approx the correct ratio (remember Triarii are 60 strong) I will not buy any of these units unless to create a legion at which point I will make a full Legion ASAP. Or to reinforce a legion to correct size. Obviously my starting armies will not comprise these ratios - I wil rectify that ASAP.

Post Marius Legiosn will be comprised of the following

1x Early 1st Cohort
max 1x Praetorian Cohort to represent the best of the Legion
8-9x Early Cohorts (8 if Prats used 9 if not)
1x Leigonary Cavalry

When the reforms hit I'll gradually replace old with new. Each legion will work as 1 stack, though I can and will break of elements but these must remain withing 1 turns move of the main force. No Legion will be used to attack/go on campaign without a family member to lead it. A full Legion is therefore 12 units (The Gen and 11 units from the legion itself) the other 8 slots can be filled with merc and/or auxillary types (any recruitable unit not included in the Legionary setup)

Well think that covers it I'll have start the story in the next post, feedback welcome but please be kind hope you enjoy it

Mike

EDIT: Now I have the edit function I have ammended this to include any rules I forgot to put in 1st time round and will add to them as and when other rules im following crop up.

Oh and im playing VH/M

[Horseman]

Prologue

It was late in the year 271bc and Cornelius Scipio stood at the entrance to the senate chambers waiting for his call to enter, he had been summoned by Servius Maxentius the Punifix Maximus who was the elected leader of the Roman Senate and therefore unofficially at least the ruler of all Roman domains. His four sons Julianus, Quintus, Gaius and Aulus stood with him.

The youngest Aulus (who at a mere 14 years had not yet come of age to manhood) was the first to break the silence that had fallen “Why have you been summoned father?” before Cornelius could answer Julianus (the eldest at 36 years and heir to the family estates) interrupted “Don’t bother father with pointless questions little brother. You ask him to read the future” Aulus felt the colour rise in his cheeks, it was always like this. A full 15 years younger than even Gaius he was (he felt) always treated like a child and teased by his three older brothers but before his mind had prepared a retort his father spoke “The question is neither pointless or a waste of my time, seeing how we are just stood waiting for me to be taken inside. However the truth is I am not 100% sure why I am here. However if the rumours are true then we could be stood on the brink of greatness”
“What do you mean father?” before Aulus’s next question could be answered the five Scipii were distracted by another group of Roman nobles arriving.

“CORNELIUS!!” The head of the Scipii family smiled with warmth and moved to embrace his old friend Flavius Julius. Flavius was head of the Julii family and had served with Cornelius in the Legions. They had fought in many battles together and both rose through the ranks, even obtaining command of their own legions on the same day. “So old friend what brings you here on this morning?”
Cornelius pulled back from the embrace before answering “I was summoned by Servius but no reason was given”
“The same for me, do you think the rumours are true?”
Before an answer could be delivered the doors to the senate chamber opened, Decius Maxentius (the senate Censor) strode out and spoke “Ah Flavius, Cornelius, good you are both here. Please only yourselves and 1 other may enter” No more words were spoken, Julianus moved to stand beside his Father and the two of them accompanied by Flavius and his eldest son Lucius followed Decius inside, the doors slamming shut behind them.

A full 12 hours passed before Cornelius and Julianus emerged to be greeted excitedly by Aulus “So father, why were you summoned? What is going on?” before any more questions could escape his youngest sons lips Cornelius spoke “Here is not the place, let us hurry home and all will be explained”

Back at the Scipii family residence he explained in full. The Senate has decided in all its wisdom that to ensure the safety of Rome and its rightful place at the heart of the world to conquer the lands of her barbarian neighbours. The three greatest Roman families had been chosen to lead the assault. To this end they had each been given direct control over two provinces and the armies they supported. The Julii would assume control of the provinces of Etruria (main settlement Arretium) and Umbria (main settlement Ariminum) The Brutii would have Apulia (main settlement Tarentum) and Bruttium (main settlement Croton) whilst the Scipii were blessed with Campania (main settlement Capua) and Sicilius Romanus (main settlement Messena)

It was clear from the discussion that The Julii would be expected to push north into the barbarian lands of the Gauls, indeed their 1st target as dictated by the Senate was to take Segesta off the Ligurians . The Brutii would push east into Greek and Macedonian lands, their 1st target was Apollonia located in Epirus.
We were expected to secure the island of Sicilia from the Carthaginians and also the Greeks who lived there. The 1st target was Syracuse. Cornelius was a little disappointed, he would have liked to have been given control of the Greek campaign for those lands were rich and would have given much prestige to the conqueror. Still Sicilia was better than the Gallic lands and he was sure that from there he would be asked to take the fight to the Carthaginian mainland, he relished the opportunity to destroy those vile baby eaters. He did feel a little sympathy for his old friend Flavius and he suspected that Tibius Brutus had used his position of Quaestor (Low ranked but still within the Senates ruling council) to influence the decision to give command of the eastern campaigns to his family.

The five Scipii talked tactics and strategies late into the night. Cornelius was impressed with his son’s ideas and their knowledge on these matters. Julianus was a gifted tactician and had even shown his father a few tricks, he had served in the Legions and had proven his worth in the campaigns to secure Messena from the Carthaginians only recently. Quintus like his older brother had served in the Legions and had learned a few tricks of his own. He was however not as naturally gifted. Gaius had not served in the military but he did posses a keen natural gift for leadership. As for Aulus, well he had not yet reached manhood so naturally had no experience of war he had also not shown the natural aptitude that Julianus and Gaius possessed, though there was still time. Of course all four of his boys had wanted to accompany him to Sicilia and onto the campaign against the Syracusans but Cornelius had had to tell them that this campaign of conquest would also require for our cities to be well managed to ensure logistical support remained at all times.

After a sleepless night spent in deliberation Cornelius addressed his sons “My sons, to stand before you now I am proud, proud to look upon 4 true Roman men such as you. Tomorrow we set off to our new homes, provinces granted to our family to rule with only one aim, to conquer the world in the name of Rome herself” He allowed a pause for his sons to cheer then went on to detail his plan. The Senate had advised that there was a Legion stationed in Campania and two stationed on Sicilia. Further more they had given the Scipii command of two squadrons of Biremes currently anchored in Rome’s harbour.

Quintus was to sail to Sicilia with his father and assume command of the 1st Legion. Julianus would travel to Campania to assume command of the 3rd Legion and await the Bireme squadrons to escort the transport ships safely across. Gaius would travel with him to Campania and assume governorship of the province. Cornelius had expected some argument from Gaius as he had been given arguably the lesser role with little to no glory to be won but Gaius uttered not a word of complaint. Cornelius was glad for he had deliberated long and hard at which of his sons he should leave on the mainland to govern and did not relish an argument. He had reasoned that Quintus though arguably not as gifted a commander as Gaius had more experience. Gaius had also yet to find a wife and Cornelius figured that to remain in Italy provided him with far better opportunity to correct this. Aulus was to accompany Cornelius to Messena to learn from his father. The rest of the day was spent in preparation and then finally in celebration for soon the sons of Scipii would part company and who knew when next they would all be together.

[Horseman]

The sons of the Scipii

Cornelius – 54 years old and head of the Scipii family. Married to Metella (52) and blessed with four sons. Cornelius served in the Roman army for many years during the campaigns to dominate the Italian peninsular. His skills in battle eventually led to him achieving the rank of Legionary commander before he chose to retire from the military and pursue a political career. He is often accompanied by his old friend and one time mentor Julianus (aged retainer)

Traits – Faction Leader, Good commander, Politician, Skilled bureaucrat, stern and skilled infantry commander. Command=3, Management=4 and Influence=4.

Julianus – 36 years old and faction heir as Cornelius’s eldest son. Married to Antistia (30) with two sons, Flavius (11) and Lucius (8) Julianus served in northern Italy with the Legions. Although much of his time was spent on garrison duties he did fight more than one battle against Gallic tribes looking to settle in Roman lands. He rose to the rank of Tribune before retiring from the army to join his father in Rome and learn all he would need to know in order to one day lead the family. He is often found in the company of one Marcus Agrippa, a stern disciplinarian and friend from the Legions (Drill Master)

Traits – Faction heir, confidant commander, natural born general, Political animal and Chancer. Command=4, Management=0 and Influence=2.

Quintus – 35 years old and 2nd son of Cornelius. Married to Crispina (30) with a daughter Placidia (6) and a son Publius (2) Quintus joined the army shortly after his brother Julianus. He was posted to the same legion and followed his brother through the ranks. When Julianus retired from active service Quintus was promoted to Tribune in his stead. Although not a naturally gifted leader of men Quintus was well suited to command and eventually won promotion to Legionary Commander. Shortly afterwards he was recalled to Rome by his father, ready to participate in the Senates new grand scheme.

Traits – Command talent, political animal, sharp and open handed. Command=2, Management=0 and Influence=3.

Gaius - 29 years old and the 3rd son of Cornelius. Unmarried. Gaius shares his eldest brother's gift, he is a natural leader of men and has an excellent grasp of campaign strategy as well as battle tactics. Despite this he had up to now not chosen a life in the military but instead put his sharp mind to work in the political circuits of Rome. When Julianus retired from active duty Gaius enlisted (to do his duty as he has often been heard quoting) but before he left to begin his training his family was entrusted a new great task.

Traits – Natural born general, political animal, sharp, open handed and authoritarian. Command=4, Management=0 and Influence=3

Aulus – 14 years old and 4th son of Cornelius. Aulus has not yet come of age and so has not yet had much experience beyond his tutors, his parents and of course his brothers. He has of yet to show any great qualities like his elder siblings but there is still time. Quite recently Aulus was taken down with a fever and was thought unlikely to survive at one point. Thankfully he pulled through in the end, perhaps showing an inner strength.

[Ferret]

good start, the focus on the characters should develop interestingly.

[Horseman]

Chapter 1 – And so it begins (summer 270bc)

Two men were riding hard through the Roman province of Campania. Suddenly the lead rider reined his horse in, his companion only just avoiding a collision, “GAIUS! The gods be damned, how would it look if we both arrived in Capua muddy and dishevelled from falling of our horses?”
“Oh relax Julianus, you avoided me didn’t you?” Julianus, the eldest son of Cornelius Scipio was not impressed “Why have we stopped anyway?” Gaius pointed into the distance “There brother, the great city of Capua just visible beyond those hills” Julianus squinted into the distance, gods be damned his vision wasn’t what it once was, but he wasn’t going to admit that to his younger brother, he’d only tease him relentlessly. Instead he spurred his horse on into the distance “Last one there buys the first round”

The two brothers had only recently been dispatched by their father. Julianus to assume command of the garrison Legion and Gaius to take over governorship of the province. As the 2nd province gifted to the Scipii to govern was on Sicilia, an island that was still disputed by the Carthaginians as well as the Syracusans (a Greek people) it was decided that the family’s household would be set up in Capua. This had led to a rather large and slow moving convoy which both the brothers had decided was just too slow. To this end they had left their personal guards under the command of Marcus Agrippa to escort the household whilst they rode on ahead. They had been told that the city had suffered in the past years with a string of inept Governors so were not surprised to find on their arrival a rather dirty place with a feeling of malcontent hanging in the air.

“Gaius, my 1st task is to inspect the Legion and get them ready to move, father will want these men in Sicilia soon enough” Gaius, not overly relishing the task of going through years worth of accounts decided to join his older brother. One hour later the inspection was complete and with Julianus barely able to speak Gaius offered to help “Did you want me to write to father for you?”

Cornelius Scipio was furious. It had been a few weeks since the Senate of Rome had outlined their great plan for Rome to rule the world. His household had been given governorship of two provinces as well as ‘three’ Legions under their direct command. Cornelius had heard rumours about the state of affairs in Campania but trusted his 3rd son Gaius would soon have that straitened out. What he did not expect was the almost total lack of defences at Messena, a paltry wooden palisade, he had expected more for a City on the boarders of two dangerous nations. There wasn’t even a proper port constructed here meaning his transport ship had literally had to “beach” to allow him to disembark. Jumping into the sand was not how he envisioned his arrival.

But all of this paled into insignificance when measured against the quality of the two ‘legions’ stationed here. The 1st ‘legion’ (the larger of the two) had an established strength of 1600 men. 400 of these were Velite skirmishers and the remaining 1200 Hastati. There were no older and therefore more experienced Princepes let alone any veteran Triarii and not even a stable to house horses existed, so they were also without any Equites. And if all this wasn’t bad enough the 2nd ‘Legion’ was even smaller. 400 Hastati were barely worthy of being called a legion. In addition to these two ‘Legions’ there was also a company of 400 archers on Sicilia. Cornelius ordered the fleet to make all speed to escort Julianus and the 3rd Legion to Sicilia, the one thing keeping him sane, surely no Legion garrisoned on Roman soil would be in such a state.

After two days Cornelius’s worst fears were confirmed. He had received a letter from Julianus (though the hand writing looked like Gaius’) the 3rd ‘Legion’ was only 1200 men strong all of whom were Hastati. Julianus advised he was going to bring the legion up to strength before he departed and in the mean time Gaius was having a port built. An hour later a message arrived from the Senate, he was ordered to begin operations to secure the south east of Sicilia and take the city of Syracuse. To this end he dispatched a return letter to Julianus ordering the immediate deployment of the 3rd Legion to Sicilia. Gaius was to begin mustering new forces to bring the army up to strength. He then called for Aulus Ovdius.

Aulus Ovdius was 20 years old and had a great knack for overhearing the right conversations at the right time. He serves the house of Scipio and is very good at what he does. What he does is gather intelligence.
“Ah Aulus, I have a job for you”
“What would you have me do master?”
“I need information on the city of Syracuse”
“What information exactly do you require?”
“The strength of her defences, the size and quality of her garrison and competency of her military commander” Aulus did not miss a beat
“I will not ask why, but your will master, is my pleasure. I will have the information for you as soon as possible” With that Aulus was dismissed. Cornelius truly hoped the garrison was not large.

After a full month of waiting Cornelius was becoming impatient. He was sure Aulus (the spy, not his son) would not fail him and he knew the information he had asked for would not be easy to acquire but still he was hardly able to concentrate on anything else. Quintus understood his father’s impatience and was himself, itching to get into the field, “I was thinking, maybe I should take the 1st Legion south from the city, not into Syracusan lands but close by”
“For what purpose?” Quintus paused to think before he answered, “So that when Aulus reports back I am already in position to march on Syracuse” Cornelius could not stifle the laugh “And it’s nothing to do with being bored? Or you wanting to get out there and do, well something?” Quintus could not help the grin that now spread across his face, “Well the sooner we can pacify Sicilia the sooner I’ll feel happy to ship Crispina and the children over, and I’m sure you miss mother?”
“Oh you know me well enough, but what would you do if we spotted a force of Syracusans on our boarders?” Quintus needed no time to think on this question, “Take my Legion into the field and prepare for a bat….” Quintus realised his mistake. To do as he was suggesting could alert the enemy of their intentions. All well and good if the enemy garrison was small, but if it was larger than his own, well it is not good to start a war until you are ready.
“Thank you for the lesson father, I think I’ll go and see if Aulus is well enough today to practice his sword”

In a small bar on the outskirts of Capua three men sat drinking. Julianus Scipio, Gaius Scipio and Marcus Agrippa. Only two days had passed since they had received word that Julianus was to sail at once for Sicilia but already the 3rd Legion was enroot to embark on the transport ships. With them was a single company of Samnite mercenaries numbering 400 men, Julianus had figured he’d need all the men he could muster. And now he had one more duty to perform before he departed, “Marcus, I need you to remain in Campania” Marcus was shocked, how could his old friend even envision heading into battle without him? “And who will watch your back Julian?”
“I do have my bodyguard you know” Marcus shock his head, “And who will ensure the men don’t slack off, who’ll drill them all the way to Sicilia for you?” Julianus had expected this so was well prepared, he gestured to Gaius “Marcus the men here are already well trained, but if you come with me who will help this useless lump make sure our reinforcements are well trained?” Gaius sounded hurt, “Hey no fair” but he’d already had this discussion with his brother “To be honest Marcus I could use your help, I have barely enough hours in the day to ensure things are being done in the city. If I’m sending new recruits to Sicilia to reinforce my brothers it would be nice if I knew they would stand and fight. And there is none better than you at drilling men” Marcus knew he was beaten, “You cry no fair and here I am with two sons of Scipii outflanking me!!!” The three friends drank long into the night saying their goodbyes not knowing when they would again see each other. The next day at first light Julianus departed to embark on his transport and sail to Sicilia.

Quintus hurried to his father’s chambers, upon arrival he entered without knocking as he had just been summoned, “Father, what news?”
“Word from Aulus Ovdius or rather a fairly detailed report” Quintus took the parchment from his father’s hands and read.

Syracuse was defended by a sturdy stone wall, Aulus had made sketches of the layout for them. The garrison was large but not overpowering. There were 1600 Hoplites, half were professional and the other half only Militia. There were also 400 Archers and 400 Peltasts. Quintus gasped, “It says here the garrison is commanded by Dionysus of Sparta, I know that name?” His father nodded, “Yes Quintus, he is a prince of Sparta” Quintus was confused, “Why would the Prince of Sparta be commanding the Syracusan garrison?” Cornelius prompted his son to read the rest of the report.

It would appear that many of the old Greek city states had entered into an alliance for mutual protection and that the Spartans had been elected to lead the combined military force. Sparta, Thermon, Pergamene, Rhodes and of course Syracuse had all agreed to join this pact.
“We must inform the Senate father, it is not just Syracuse we will be declaring war on but a Greek alliance” Quintus was not surprised by the reply.
“I have already sent a message, they will know soon enough. And now my son it is time for a show of strength, take the 1st Legion south to the boarder”

Later that day the 1st Legion marched out of the gates of Messena south towards Syracuse. Aware that his force was outnumbered Quintus had hired 400 mercenary Hoplites and 400 mercenary Peltast. In addition Quintus had hired a mercenary captain to command these two companies, his name was Alexander and he was a Greek but seemed to have little trouble fighting for the Romans (just so long as the pay was good)

As the summer came to a close the 1st Legion was camped on the Roman/Syracuse boarder whilst the 3rd were at sea. Soon war would come

[Horseman]

good start, the focus on the characters should develop interestingly.

I hope so - of course as the family tree gets larger it may get more complicated!

Still I plan to only focus on certain "major" characters. Namely the Faction Leader and heir plus there immediate families. The others will only be bit parts (aka supporting actors!)

I wanted to stay away from the "this turn I build x in y settlement" AAR and wanted to write a story!

Nice work, i'll be looking forward to this!

Thanks - nice to have feedback and to know its being read!

Some other things I thought I'd point out before someone notices it and wonders whats going on.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1) I'm not the best general in the real time battles, I find a good portion of my battles are won via the Stratigic map - I rarely find myself having to fight vastly superior armies (and when I do I tend to lose) So please no "how did you lose so many men!" comments

2) As you'll already see my amies are 1000's strong. No I'm not runing some suped up computer with moded unit strengths i'm simply telling a story. A legion coprised of 120 Velites, 120, Hastati, 120 Princepes, 60 Triarii and 27 Equites for a grand total of 447 men just sounds naff!!!! Hence unit sizes are approx multiplied by 10 in the story (kinda how its done in table top wargaming!)

3) Similarily I always look at settlement population as only counting adult males (again story wise multiplied by 10)

4) If you spot any spelling errors let me know, I am using word to write and therefore spell check bu of course some of these words just aint in the dictionary

5) Another rule that I didn't mention in my 1st post (sheesh I hate not having an edit fuction!) is when defending setlements I will try to hold the walls....no camping in the central square - thats for heroic last stands. The way I see it is you just dont let the enemy walk through your town unopposed!

6) Oh also I'm going to try not to take settlements unless order to do so by the Senate (until the cival war of course!) This is to mainly slow me down and present more of a challenge at Cival war stage (I find the Senate normally tries to keep the 3 Roman facions kinda balanced)

7) And finaly (for now at least) I dont envision every turn being 1 chapter - you know what its like some turns nothing happens and other times you can have a few turns in a row with nothing happening. We shall see if that pans out as the difference with writing a story like this is that inevitably something is happening (births, marriges, elections)

[Ferret]

if you really feel the need for the edit button for corrections and such like you should contact TosaInu, he should help you out. And yes it is being read and enjoyed.

[The Wandering Scholar]

Nice work, i'll be looking forward to this!

[Horseman]

Chapter 2 – To War! (winter 270bc)

Cornelius was sat in his chambers mulling over the reports from the Scipii provinces. He was worried, he had less than 500 Denarii left in the treasury and if the projections were correct he’d need all that just to pay the army over the next season. Still he had commissioned a port to be built here in Messena last summer and Gaius had done the same in Capua so that should encourage some trade to pass through the two cities, trade that they could of course tax. In some ways it was good that his three legions where somewhat under strength as they probably would already be bankrupt if they weren’t. His thoughts were interrupted by a faint knocking at his door and before he could call enter the door swung open.

The aged Scipio smiled, aside from his sons only one man would dare enter his chambers without permission, “Ah Julianus, it is good to see you. Please tell me these financial reports are not accurate” Julianus was an old man, he had schooled Cornelius many years ago and the two had grown close. Now he was a trusted advisor and friend (Cornelius was so found of his mentor he had even named his 1st born son for him) “I’m sorry old friend they are as accurate as I could make them” Cornelius cursed, “That means we’ll be bankrupt within a year if we don’t increase revenue!” Julianus took a seat and smiled “Then it’s a good thing Syracuse is wealthy, it shouldn’t be long before our flags fly over the city” the old man caught his breath “but that is not why I have come. Your son Aulus has returned from visiting Quintus on the boarder, it would seem the journey has taken its toll and he has retired to his bed” Cornelius sighed, “still the effects of that fever he had, do you think he’ll ever get his old strength back?”
“I’m afraid he may never fully heal, but time will tell”

Quintus Scipio cursed, it was cold and one of his men had roused him from his bed and some ungodly hour, “What is it Centurion?”
“We have spotted ships on the horizon Sir, moving towards land, possibly those damned Greeks trying to outflank us” This was news worthy of waking him indeed, Quintus threw on some clothes and followed the Centurion towards the sea, he laughed when he arrived, “I wouldn’t panic just yet, see those sails? That’s a Scipii squadron, I think our reinforcements have arrived”

Some hours later the transports of the 3rd Legion where beached and two brothers were reunited.
“Welcome to Sicilia big brother” Quintus was overjoyed to see Julianus, who in turn was equally happy, “Ah LITTLE brother, its good to see you, Crispina asks me to remind you to look after yourself”
“We all know which part of me she really wants safe” A smile broke out on Quintus’s face even as he answered until at last both brothers could not stop the laughter.

Gaius Scipio was sat bored watching 600 men, newly raised into a town watch parade around the drill square, “Very good Marcus, but really are we going to send these men to fight in the Legions?” Marcus shot his friend a look that could have killed if looks could indeed kill, “Gaius really, we don’t have the coin to outfit professional fighting men at this time. Besides the people in this city don’t seem to happy, it is prudent to have some sort of force to police the streets with the Campanian Legion now on Sicilia” Gaius knew Marcus was right, still it irked him that they could not yet send reinforcements to his father and brother.

Several weeks had passed since Aulus Scipio had returned from his journey to visit Quintus and still he was poorly. But he had for the 1st time in those weeks roused from his bed and was now walking with his father through the grounds of their villa. “What use am I to be if I can not even undertake such a small journey without falling ill, how am I too lead your armies in battle?” He was understandably upset, he had always dreamt of following in his fathers and brothers footsteps and joining the military. “Aulus my son, we are in need of more than just generals if we are to succeed in the Senates quest. We will need governors and diplomats too”
“I know father, but where is the glory in that?” Before Cornelius could answer his old friend Julianus appeared, “News from Rome, news from Rome!” Cornelius was glad as this had diverted Aulus attention immediately and the young Scipio was first to respond, “What news Uncle?” (Although not related, all of Cornelius’s sons called Julianus Uncle)
“It would appear that Rome’s domain has expanded, the house of Julii have successfully taken the town of Segesta and now hold the province of Liguria”
Cornelius was pleased for his old friend but also concerned. Although no one had said it, this was as such a popularity contest, if the Julii had gained territory then this would no doubt increase their standing in the Senate as well as with the common plebs (the people really do love a winner) He knew that his family could not afford to fall behind, “Send word to Julianus and Quintus. I want the 1st and the 3rd marching on Syracuse before the week is out.

Julianus and Quintus were on the move less than a day after they received word from their father. As their armies broke camp they received word from Aulus Ovdius. The majority of the Syracuse garrison had left the city and marched to the Carthaginian boarder, maybe they had not spotted the Romans massing to the north. With this news it was decided that Quintus would take his Legion west to intercept the Greek army whilst Julianus was to march direct to Syracuse. As the 3rd did not have any Velite skirmishers to cover the army the mercenary Peltasts that Quintus had hired some months ago would also transfer to march with them.

Quintus’s Legion had marched for a month before they managed to find the enemy force but they could not bring them to battle. The Greeks fled into Carthaginian held lands and Quintus did not want to risk starting a war by following them.

With only one week left until the end of winter Julianus Scipio and the 3rd Legion laid siege to Syracuse. He was confident of victory but would need some time to build some siege equipment before he could breach the walls. One day later the Scipii fleet blockaded the Syracusan port. The war had begun.

[salemty]

plz keep writing because there is a definite lack of rtw AAR's and i dont want this one to stop

[Horseman]

Dont worry I wont stop untill its finished!

Serious lack of free time at the mo. And believe it or not it takes well over an hour per chapter not including the playing time!!!!!!

Should get some time tomorrow if not later on tonight to finish the next installment

[Horseman]

Chapter 21 – The garrison of Lepcis Magna (summer 260bc)

Lucius Scipio was bored. He had been sent to the northern boarders of Byzagium by his father. He was tasked with supervising the construction of watch towers to watch for approaching Carthaginian armies. It was he knew a vital task but none the less it was not exactly exiting.

Aulus Scipio in contrast was enjoying himself. He had recently arrived in Capua and had busied himself getting the family villa in order. He was due to travel to Rome in a few days to represent his family within the Senate. Although he held no office save as governor of Campania he wielded some power for he was also tasked with speaking as proxy for his brothers Gaius and Quintus both of whom held high office, he was looking forward to this task even more.

The spy Aulus had managed to infiltrate into the city of Lepcis Magna some days ago. He had been busy talking to strangers in back alleys and creeping around the garrison barracks. Earlier today the city had gone onto full alert and his job was made all that harder as civilians stayed inside whilst soldiers rushed to and fro preparing the cities defences. Aulus smiled to himself, they were no doubt concerned about the approaching 1st Legion. Still it would make it hard to get the information he had gathered out to General Quintus. Aulus smiled to himself again, he loved a challenge.

Lucius’ boredom had been temporarily relieved. He had spotted a small Carthaginian force moving south across the boarder. It numbered less than a thousand men made up of Libyan spearmen, round shield light cavalry and Numidian mercenaries but outnumbered his small force considerably, he decided to shadow them at a safe distance and sent a rider to Thapsus. He would need help.

Quintus Scipio studied the report from Aulus. The garrison at Lepcis Magna numbered some 160 light round shield cavalry, 4200 light militia spearmen and 600 peasants who had armed themselves for war. He sent orders to his centurions, the enemy garrison was weak and the city ripe for plunder, march onwards.

Julianus Scipio had received word from Quintus. The 1st neared Lepcis Magna and the city would be under siege before the year ended. Quintus was confidant of victory and Julianus was confidant in his younger brother’s abilities. Slightly more worrying was the arrival of a small Carthaginian force to the north. The numbers did not concern him but what if this was just the vanguard of a much larger force?

Lucius was relieved. Yesterday the enemy had spotted his small force shadowing them and turned in pursuit. Riding hard he had managed to keep them at distance for some hours until night fell but he knew it was only a matter of time before the enemies light cavalry caught him. The arrival of 400 Hastati 400 Velites and 270 Equites from the 3rd Legion had bolstered his courage and once more he turned to shadow the Carthaginians.

[Chloe]

Sounds cool!
I cant wait to hear more...