Rise of the Scipii

[Horseman]

Thanks for the feedback guys, glad you're enjoying it. I'll try to keep a good pace but it takes me longer writing the story than playing the game!

[Horseman]

Chapter 4 – A new mission (winter 269bc)

Two months had passed since he first heard the news that Syracuse had been taken (and he was still amazed that they had learnt of it through the rumour mill a full two days before word had reached them from Cornelius Scipio) and still Marcus Agrippa was struggling to find the funds to train reinforcements for the Legions. He had spent the past 30 minutes trying to ascertain the whereabouts of the governor of Campania, Gaius Scipio. He hoped to persuade his friend to part with some money from the city treasury to help but first he had to find him.

A female voice called out from behind, “Marcus, don’t rush away dear” Marcus turned and forced a smile, he did not dislike Metella as such, he just found that the elderly wife of Cornelius Scipio could sometimes go on a bit and he had little patience for this, “My lady, how can I be off service?” Metella smiled sweetly, “I was wondering if you had seen Gaius? I was hoping he would actually manage to join us for dinner this evening” Marcus shook his head, “I’m sorry my lady I was looking for him myself as we have urgent business” Metella sighed, “I’ve hardly seen him this past month, and even then not since the celebrations. Well if you do catch up to him, please remind him that I am due to leave for Sicilia tomorrow with Antistia, Crispina and the children. It would be nice to see him before I leave” Marcus recognised the implied ramifications in that last sentence. Poor Gaius would have hell to pay if he did not dine with the family before they left, “I’ll be sure to tell him if I see him” And just as Marcus thought he’d managed to extract himself without the loss of too much time the young Placidia came bouncing around the corner, “I know where uncle Gaius is, I saw him leave this morning with a girl and it looked like they were going riding” Marcus groaned, “That’s the third time this week, we wont see him for a few hours yet then” Even as the sentence left his lips Marcus knew he had made a mistake.
“Gaius has a lady friend? And you know all about her Marcus? You will have to fill me in…” Metella took his arm and led him down the corridor. Oh well thought Marcus, there goes most of this day.

Cornelius Scipio was in a good mood. It had been some time since Syracuse had fallen and although the 3rd Legion was tied down keeping the peace there he had recently received work from his son Julianus that he had begun training a force of Watchmen, when these were competent the 3rd would once again be mobile. On top of that his wife was due in Messena any day now and even better she would be accompanied by his grandchildren including Placidia. He had he would admit a soft spot for her, she was his only grand daughter and he had only sons so she was often spoiled. My little princess as he calls her. And if that wasn’t enough it was now only a matter of months before his youngest son Aulus came of age. He had planned a big party and all his family would be together for the first time since the Senate had entrusted his family with this task.

“Now that’s the look of a contented man” It was Julianus his old friend, “Ah my friend I take it you have the seasons reports from across our lands?”
Well the news was good, revenue was up, they had over 2000 Denarii in the treasury and after paying the army they’d be making a profit of over 1000 this season. Cornelius thought this day could get no better, “Well things are looking up for us, any other news?” Julianus rustled through the pile of parchments he had bought before he spoke, “Ah here we are, we have heard rumour that the Thracian and Scythian empires have declared themselves friends and allies. Not a great deal of effect on us at present.” Cornelius nodded in agreement before Julianus continued, “And it would appear that the Brutii are flavour of the month. Following their successful attack on Apollonia they now control all of Epirus, though I hardly think that little backwards country compares to the prestige of Syracuse” Cornelius of course agreed with this too, “Anything else?”
“Just this, it arrived under an hour ago” Julianus passed Cornelius a letter with the Senate seal it must be important.

Alexander was pleased. It had taken him only two days to locate the Greek army and he had got close enough to the enemy camp to confirm the full force was present. He sent a runner to inform Quintus whilst he remained in place with the remainder of the detachment that had been sent ahead.

Quintus Scipio received the message from his friend with great relief. Only three days ago his father’s orders had arrived. For the glory of Rome they had been ordered to march on the Carthaginian city of Lilybaeum and take it by force. Julianus and the 3rd Legion were still tied up in Syracuse keeping the peace so this task fell to Quintus and the 1st. It had taken him this long to gather his troops as they had been spread across the boarder in small detachments watching for the Greek. Now they were ready to march and Quintus had listened to Alexander’s council, “We must destroy the Greek army before we move on Lilybaeum or they may come to the Carthaginians aid”

It was a week before the 1st threatened the Greeks and they followed their previous form and withdrew. Only this time Quintus harried them relentlessly until at last he forced them to give battle.

The 1st Legion had 400 Velite Skirmishers and 1200 Hastati medium infantry. In addition to this Quintus also had his own personal guard numbering some 140 men, 400 Archers and 400 Mercenary Greek Hoplites commanded by his friend Alexander the Greek. Facing them were 1200 Syracusan Hoplites of which only a third were of any good quality, 400 Archers and 400 Peltasts.

Quintus deployed his Velites in the lead, as was customary there job would be to chase off the enemy skirmishers before they could damage the main infantry. The Hastati formed the main battle line with the archers deployed behind to give ranged support. With a lack of Triarii to form his reserve line with he placed the
Hoplites in this position, well they had spears like Triarii and Quintus wasn’t 100% sure about deploying them against their country men. Quintus deployed on the right flank with his cavalry bodyguard. He trusted Alexander to hold the centre if needed.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Greeks for their part did not deploy all their Infantry in one line. The 800 Militia Hoplites formed the first line with the Archers and Peltasts behind. Finally the 400 professional Hoplites made up the reserves.
The Roman army marched forward as one, a deafening roar sounded for 2000 men marched in time. As they entered bow range the Greek archers fired a volley at the lead unit of Velites, a score of men fell and they marched on. Another volley and another score of men lay dead or dying. In the distance the enemy Peltasts could be seen moving forward to add their own javelins to the arrow barrage, Quintus ordered the signal and almost at once the Velites responded. They surged forward and drove the enemy back with one thunderous volley of javelin fire. The Roman archers now in range, at last answered the Greek bows with arrows of their own. Another volley from the Velites was all it took to convince the undisciplined Militia Hoplites to begin their own advance. Quintus smiled, the Greek commander would no doubt be tearing his hair out for they were now far ahead of their reserves. Another signal from the horns and the Velites withdrew behind the Hastati who marched with a terrifying calm onwards. The enemy Militia no doubt realising their predicament turn to march back to where they had come. Too late, another blast from the horns and the Hastati break into a run, the Militia turn to face them but are disordered, their misery further compounded by a thousand Pila and as they attempt to untangle themselves from this mess twelve hundred Romans come within sword range, unable to properly form a Phalanx the Syracusans are cut to pieces by the well trained swordsmen of the 1st legion.

The Greek Captain, surely despairing by now orders forward his final throw of the dice. The Hoplites close in an attempt to screen the Peltasts and Archers withdrawal. But it is too little too late, the brave Hoplites are quickly surrounded.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the last of the enemy heavy infantry now engaged Quintus leads his bodyguard in a charge. The Greek light troops offer little resistance and as the last of them falls Quintus turns to see his men cut down the last of the Hoplites. The battle is over and it is a clear victory to Rome.

Later that night the piles of dead Greeks are set alight, the plumes of thick black smoke serve as a warning to the Carthaginian garrison of Lilybaeum. Be afraid, the Romans are coming. Quintus and Alexander count the cost, 70 Velites and 160 Hastati are confirmed as dead. Quintus was happy (well as happy as one could be with loses of any kind) that loses were not too heavy and he felt they were acceptable. The following morning the 1st Legion is back on the road marching for Lilybaeum, at their head rides Quintus Scipio who now knows at his back he has an army of true Romans.

[The Wandering Scholar]

Ohh you do know how to please

[Horseman]

Glad you're enjoying it

Anything in particular you like, and anything you're not so sure on/dislike?

And thats for everyone not just Tom0

[Horseman]

Chapter 5 – A new foe (summer 268bc)

Cornelius Scipio was happier than he had been in a long time. His wife had arrived in Messena several months ago along with all his grandchildren. Whilst Flavius and Lucius had only stayed a week before moving onto Syracuse to visit with their father Julianus both Publius and (even better) Placidia had remained with their mother here. This was of course because their father Quintus was currently in the field with the 1st Legion. Not just in the field but in enemy lands, that was no place for children. Further more it was now only a week until his youngest son Aulus came of age and a huge celebration was planned, all his sons would be here with of course his grandchildren and Metella had told him that his third son Gaius was also bringing a lady to meet his father. This was good news as one of the reasons he had left Gaius to govern Campania was to allow him to find a suitable wife before he began his military career. And to complete this feeling of sheer joy Cornelius had just read a letter from his eldest son Julianus. Antistia (Julianus’ wife) was with child again, their third and another grandchild for the elderly Scipio and his wife to dote on. The pregnancy had been spotted late and the child was due in only six months time.

Quintus was looking over a rough map of Lilybaeum provided to him by Aulus the spy, “How accurate is this Aulus?” Aulus knew Quintus would be pleased with his response, “I sketched the street plans myself my lord when I was in the city” Quintus was pleased, “Good, now what can you tell me of the garrison?” The spy grinned before responding, “The garrison is lead by Theages of Carthage. He has 140 heavy cavalry that act as his personal guard, 2400 Militia and a company of 400 Skirmishers. Surely no match for the mighty 1st” Alexander the Greek coughed, “Tell me spy, how sure of these numbers are you?” Aulus looked at once to Quintus who gestured for him to answer the question, “100% my lord, I made enquires with some of the local merchants and finally scouted their barracks myself to be sure, I would stake my reputation on it” Marcus coughed again but this time it was Quintus who spoke, “My father places great stock on your skills, I will take you at your word. I want you to go back in, see if you can stir up some minor trouble to distract them” Aulus had guessed this would be asked, “It will not be as easy to get in this time my lord, the garrison was called to heightened readiness as I left, I suspect they have seen your army approach” None of those gathered here was really surprised, over 2000 men marched with the army, not easily hidden. Alexander smiled to himself, “I have an idea”

Julianus Scipio was getting tired of Syracuse, true enough it was a nice enough city and almost as civilised as Rome but the Greek architecture just made something shudder deep inside of him. He was looking forward to a chance to get away, even if it was only for a few weeks to attend Aulus’ coming of age celebration. He could of course make the trip quicker but his wife was with child so travel would be slow and he didn’t want to tire her out to much by forcing a return trip on her the day after they arrived. Julianus’ mind was snapped back to the present by his eldest sons voice, “Check mate” They were playing Latrunculi (A game not to dissimilar to modern chess) Julianus studied the boarded intensely before he spoke, “By the gods Flavius that’s the fourth game in a row” Flavius grinned at his father, “You play too defensively father, you need to be more aggressive in your style and attack me first” Julianus could see an element of truth in this, “Ok, rematch”

Alexander the Greek was smiling to himself as his party rode out of the gates of Lilybaeum. He had been sent with an escort of thirty men to try and negotiate the surrender of the city. The Carthaginians had of course turned him away trusting in their wooden walls to hold the enemy until Carthage could send aid. Plus Theages himself had pointed out the garrison outnumbered the Roman army. Alexander couldn’t help finding it amusing that the enemy thought their militia would stand up to professional fighting men. Still no one had noticed that the Roman party was short one man when they left.

Quintus ensured the siege lines were in place before he left for Messena. Alexander was to remain behind to command the Legion as he had proven himself a very capable tactician. Some of the Centurions complained but Quintus was adamant, he had no doubt that Alexander was a better leader than any of them and it made him happier knowing that if the Carthaginians did try something a man of Alexander’s calibre was here to make sure the appropriate action was taken. Quintus would be back before the end of the month, then the plan they had hatched with Aulus would be put into action.

It had passed midnight and the party was all but over, there had been a great feast and enough wine had been drunk to sink a Bireme. Tales of battle had been told and retold a hundred times, each telling becoming more and more exaggerated. The children had been sent to bed, the Scipii woman had retired of their own acord and the majority of guests had also turned in for the night. The remaining revellers though had no intention of calling it a night, the five Scipii men along with Marcus Agrippa and Julianus the aged had not all been together for a long time and tonight they were determined to make the most of it. “I’m telling you, those Greeks are no fighters and even the MIGHTY SPARTANS” Julianus Scipio stood and raised his hand to emphasis the last words, “are no match for good honest Romans” Quintus shook his head, “No no no, these Greeks they aren’t so bad. Why I know a Greek who knows his stuff” the others groaned but it was Gaius who spoke, “Not again, Qunity you’ve told us about Alexander a thousand times already, if I didn’t know better I’d say you were in love” Quintus joined in the laughter with the others but it was Aulus who spoke in his defence (in between fits of giggles) “Well Gaius would know all about love, Gaius loves Fabia, Gaius loves Fabia, Gaius loves Fabia, Gaius loves…” With one final hiccup the young Scipio finally passed out. “Youth, they have no stamina” noted Julianus. The others agreed. Marcus had to concentrate to get his mouth working, “Young and drunk he may be but by the gods he actually had a point. Gaius you spend more time with your lady than with me!” The six men talked long into the night, one by one passing out until finally they all slept.

A week later Aulus was finally able to rouse himself form his bed, the party had taken its toll on his health. He was up and about in time to say farewell to Julianus and Gaius before they returned to Syracuse and Capua respectively. Even more importantly he was able to attend the ceremony that proved his drunken prediction was correct. Supervised by Cornelius Scipio, Gaius & Fabia were married. Gaius had expressed discomfort going ahead without Quintus present, he had naturally left as soon as he was able, with the 1st Legion currently maintaining siege lines around Lilybaeum he did not want to be away for longer than necessary. Cornelius had advised that Quintus would understand and why wait longer than was needed, Gaius was swayed.

Alexander made sure a full hundred men where ready to greet their general on his return. In less than an hour Quintus had been fully briefed. It had been quiet, the siege lines had not been crossed and soon the Carthaginians would start to feel the bite of reduced rations. Further more Aulus had been in touch, the plan would go ahead as scheduled, all Quintus and Alexander had to do was make sure the Legion was ready at the predetermined time.

It was the last day of summer and Julianus was comfortable sat in his chair. In the bed next to him lay his wife, tired and half asleep. In his arms he held his third son, Marcus Scipio. Truly he was blessed by the gods.

A son becomes a man

Aulus – Feeling poorly, untruthful, plain and publicly loyal. Command=0, Management=0 and Influence=0.

[The Wandering Scholar]

Nice update, the family is quite an intereting one, I suppose that makes writing abou them far easier.

[Horseman]

Yes it helps to have 1 or 2 defining traits to build a character on.

Taking the starting family members as an example.

Gaius had natural born general, Quintus had command talent and Julianus had both lines of traits. So from the start I saw Julianus as a gifted leader with experience, Quintus as a not so gifted leader but still with experience whilst Gaius was gifted but had no military experience - an interesting mix.

As you can see with Aulus (normally I'd curse getting such a useless whelp come of age!) I picked out his feeling poorly trait as his defining trait - though untruthful may get into his character a bit later in the story (way I see it, we dont really know hes untruthful until he's been caught lying!)

Lets see if anyone can pick out what Flavious's defining trait will be before he comes of age

Woooo I just noticed I've been promoted to a member, wonderd when thaht happened! YEY and and 100 posts already!