Rise of the Scipii

[Horseman]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Sorry for the delay in an update - as often happens real life events conspired to eat up my time....but its back (for better or worse!)

Only a short chapter but more to come!

Hope I haven't lost to many readers

Chapter 8 – Consolidation (winter 267bc)

Gaius Scipio missed Capua a great deal. Although it was still his home he currently spent most of his time in Rome. This was because several months ago he had gained a position on the Senate floor and now he had his eye firmly on the Senates inner circle, if he could get elected to a position there he felt sure he could help his families position. Part of him still longed to serve in the Legions and he did hope that some day his father would give him command of a Legion, until then he would serve his fathers wishes the best he could.

Cornelius Scipio was back in Messena and whilst he liked Syracuse (and did enjoy visiting with his grandchildren) he was happy to be home. His eldest son Julianus along with the 3rd Legion had arrived in Lilybaeum several weeks ago and had reported that it was still secure, there had been no trouble even with the absence of Roman troops to keep the peace. That news had cheered him no end as it freed up the 3rd for action elsewhere if required. Syracuse was a different matter, Cornelius had not left there until his second son and the 1st Legion had returned to maintain a military presence in the city. Still they were resting and refitting now and would be ready to move again in several months. They were still a long way from full strength but had recently been reinforced with a detachment of 270 Equites increasing their power in battle. Additionally the Spy Aulus had been recalled to Syracuse. He had been tasked with finding the rebel leaders for Quintus to hopefully put down these damned riots once and for all.

Flavius Scipio was sat playing Latrunculi with his father Julianus. He was of course winning though this time it was closer than usual, “Tut tut father, do you really want to make that move?” Julianus frowned, “What’s wrong with this” he stopped himself mid sentence as he spotted what was wrong with that move, “Damn the gods Flavius, who taught you to play this game?” Flavius grinned, “I believe that would be you Father, still at least your have proven to be a great teacher!” That was small consolation thought Julianus, one of these days he would beat his son.

Quintus was in a rage, “Bring this blasted Carthaginian to me, I want him to suffer” Alexander the Greek was far calmer and was thinking of a far better way to deal with this matter, “Better to have him watched my friend, we need to ensure we capture all his co conspirators to truly ensure this matter is dealt with” Aulus the spy agreed, he had been recalled to Syracuse to help Quintus find the ring leaders of these riots, it had taken him three weeks and he hadn’t found the ringleaders but he had found a spy in the employ of Carthage, “Alexander is correct master Quintus. Better for me to watch this barbarian for a little while longer and find who is helping him, then we strike” Quintus knew he was being impatient and that this was indeed the best course of action, “Very well, but don’t fail me Aulus, I want this scum dead” Aulus gave a short bow before retiring and returning to his work. Alexander reassured his friend, “Aulus lacks honor as a true warrior but he IS good at what he does. Don’t worry my friend this treacherous Carthaginian will soon be in our hands”

Tertius now truly believed his was a life cursed by the gods. After suffering a humiliating defeat against the Greek navy he had somehow managed to steer his ‘fleet’ to a safe port. To compound his woes Cornelius Scipio was in Syracuse at the time. Well he had thought that would be it, failure was rarely tolerated, especially considering he outnumbered the enemy fleet. But against the odds Cornelius had accepted his apology and had even given instructions to repair and reinforce both his Bireme squadrons to full strength. Now Tertius looked at his orders. He was to take all available ships across to Africa. Once there he was to initiate a full blockade of the port facilities that serviced Carthage and allow no ship to pass. Considering all that had happened Tertius did not consider it prudent to point out that the Carthaginian navy was considered the strongest in the known world.

[Horseman]

Chapter 9 – The 1st elections (summer 266bc)

There was much activity in and around the Scipio Villa in Messena. Unexpectedly Aulus had announced that he intended to wed and had asked for permission from his father to do so as soon as possible. Cornelius Scipio was happy for his youngest son, not only was the girl Fulvia pretty (although maybe a touch young for his own tastes) but she was also extremely caring. Only recently Aulus had again fallen sick, Fulvia had stayed with him throughout this time and had helped nurse him back to health. Further more such an occasion was all the excuse that Cornelius needed to summon all his family back to Messena.

Quintus Scipio had left Syracuse only several days ago. The going was slow as he travelled with his family as well as his older brother’s wife and younger children. He had mixed feelings. On one hand he always looked forward to these occasions, he would have a chance to drink into the night with his father and brothers which these days were far too rare an occurrence. On the other hand the plot to capture certain rebellious characters in Syracuse was coming to its conclusion. Still he trusted in Alexander and to a lesser extent his fathers favourite spy Aulus to see it through.

Cornelius was finding it hard to concentrate, by the end of today all his sons would again be with him in Messena. “I’m sorry Cornelius, am I boring you?” Cornelius caught that and looked sheepishly at his old friend and mentor Julianus, “Sorry old friend, I’m just thinking of the wine that will be consumed over the next few days” Julianus grinned, “Well maybe today isn’t the day to be going over these report, there’s nothing we can’t pick up next week” Cornelius was glad, “Shall we start on the wine whilst we wait for the others?”

Several hours later Julianus Scipio along with his eldest son Flavius arrived at the Villa, “Drinking so early in the day father?” Even as Cornelius thought of suitable retort Julianus the elder spoke up, “Well young man, we thought it sporting to start early to at least give you youngsters a chance of lasting longer than us before passing out” The group fell about laughing. Aulus rushed to join them as soon as he heard his older brother had arrived, he had exiting news that he couldn’t wait to tell. The brothers embraced before the news was shared, “Father has placed me in command of the 2nd Legion” Julianus was surprised, Aulus had never really shown any real talent for military command and his sickness would prevent him from much activity during campaign, still he wasn’t about to second guess his father or show anything but support for his younger brother, “Well its about time” he turned to his father, “Campaigning with the army is hardly a job for an old man” Cornelius felt obliged to defend himself, “Well its not that I am incapable, more that I just don’t have the time to get down to the barracks regularly. And it’s good for the men to see their commander once in a while!” Julianus understood the decision, the 2nd Legion was based in Messena and was unlikely to take to the field anytime soon, not with the 1st and 3rd ready for action at any rate. But it gave Aulus something to do and made him feel like he was doing something for the family.

In Syracuse Alexander the Greek couldn’t believe it, “Aulus we had a hundred men surrounding the place so how in Jupiter’s name did the scum get away?” Aulus shrugged, “Looks like he had a bolt hole, it leads to a small opening in the west wall so at least it looks like he is no longer in the city” Small consolation thought Alexander, Quintus would not be happy. His personal desire to see the Carthaginian spy captured had escalated when he read some of the graffiti scrawled over the walls of the city, “Well I’m sending riders out to scour the country side, and someone get that gap in the walls filled in”

Gaius Scipio woke to find someone pounding on his door, it did not help that his head was a little sore. He’d been in Messena for a week now and he figured he’d drunk enough wine to last the rest of his life. Still he was together with his father and brothers so rarely now and it made a pleasant change to the company of old and conservative senators. “Ok, ok, I’m awake, what is it?”
“Message from Rome master Gaius” That was Julianus, his fathers old friend and as close to an uncle as Gaius knew. He forced himself to his feet and once he found his balance he moved to open the door to his chambers, “How long is this master rubbish going to last?” Julianus chuckled, “Well you ARE the Quaestor now. Surely I should show due respect?” Gaius took the parchment and fixed Julianus with the meanest stare he could muster, “Well ok then, I order you to stop this master business” Julianus gave a short bow before he turned to leave, as he rounded the corner Gaius heard him break into laughter. Gaius shock his head and muttered to himself. He’d been had, Julianus was just having fun at his expense. He remembered the parchment and opened it up. One hour later he was on a ship bound for Capua. An army of the Greek alliance had landed in southern Italy and whilst he expected the Brutii to be able to deal with it he wasn’t going to take any chances.

Cornelius and Julianus at last caught up on the briefing that had been interrupted earlier in the month. The treasury was not as healthy as it once was and profits were down. This was partially due to increased military wages as the Legions were slowly brought up to strength so it was not a great blow. Gaius had of course bought a full list of the recent Senatorial elections. There weren’t any great shocks. Tiberius Brutus (head of the Brutii family) had advanced his position and was now Aedile, this didn’t please Cornelius but at least his son was now in a position to support the Scipii in the inner circle. The position of Praetor had gone to Marsias of Pythion. The new Consul was Marcus Maxentius. The Censor was Publius Maxentius and the Pontifex Maximus was Lysippos of Same. None of these men were affiliated with any of the three great families so could be relied upon to be at least somewhat impartial.

“One last thing, we have at last received word from Quintus Caecus. He has sent detailed reports of the world he has seen. Most importantly he has sent detailed maps of Macedonian and Thracian lands as well as a promise from both kingdoms to treat traders bearing the mark of the Scipii with due respect”
Cornelius smiled, “That’s good, though I don’t see too many of our sponsored traders going that far a field it could prove useful in the future” Julianus nodded in agreement, “Oh he also reports that the barbarians of Dacia and Scythia are fighting amongst themselves, doesn’t really concern us at this point but it might be an opportunity for the Brutii to exploit?” Cornelius shock his head, “Maybe in several years time. The Brutii have barely secured control of Epirus at the moment so I can’t see them moving that far north for a long time” Julianus wasn’t going to argue the point, “And finally it appears he heard a rumour that Parthia has attacked Seleucid lands” Well if the Seleucid empire was half as big as he had heard that might be a good thing in the years to come thought Cornelius.

Tertius thanked Neptune for the storms that had halted the Carthaginian pursuit of his fleet and thanked him again for sparing his ship from the storms wrath. As ordered he had initiated a blockade of the port of Carthage. For four days all had gone well. On the fifth the Carthaginian navy came to break the blockade. A full half of his ships had been sunk, either in battle or by the storms that followed, the remainder were badly damaged but had managed to remain together and now limped towards friendly waters, he hoped this time they wouldn’t be sent back out without further reinforcing.

[Horseman]

Chapter 10 – My kingdom for a fleet (winter 266bc)

Cornelius Scipio sat staring at a chest full of 1000 Denarii. The good news was that the Senate had received words from various traders that a blockade had been put in place around the port of Carthage by squadrons flying Scipii flags, the Denarii were reward for achieving this. The bad news was that he still had not yet heard from his fleet. No doubt the Carthaginians had recalled their own fleet to break the blockade. Cornelius hoped that the fool of an Admiral Tertius had the good sense to run as soon as he saw the enemy approaching.

Gaius Scipio was nervous. He had attended many Senate meetings and a few of just the inner order to date but this time was going to be different. This time he was going to try and sway opinion on the floor to issue a new mission to his family, a mission of his fathers choosing. “Well here goes nothing” he spoke to no one in particular before he entered the Senate chambers.

Julianus Scipio sat with his son, Flavius, “Son, you have a great mind and will soon take your place in the family. Are you ready? Do you know all that you need?” Flavius nodded, “Yes father I am ready, I hope to do you proud” Julianus smiled warmly and clasped a hand on his sons shoulder, “You have made me proud from the very moment of your birth” Father and son embraced before parting. Julianus did however have one nagging doubt. He had heard some of the slaves talk, they said that Flavius sat in his room on an evening making owl noises. He could scarcely believe it but he remembered back to the night back in Syracuse. The slaves in question had of course disappeared but still that would not be enough.

Alexander the Greek cautiously entered the room where Quintus Scipio sat reading, “General, reports from the watch have come in” Quintus looked up, “Anything interesting?” Alexander shook his head, “Well we haven’t had any real trouble since we chased that Carthaginian spy out, it’s all peaceful” Quintus took a swig of his drink before replying, “Chased out? You mean since you let him escape?” Alexander sighed, it had been several months and still Quintus was in a mood with him.

Cornelius was pleased for he had received a message from Rome. Gaius had been successful and the Senate ordered the Scipii to attack Africa directly. Better yet, their first target would be the city of Thapsus. This would allow them to gain a stable base of operations on the African continent before they moved onto the real target. Carthage herself would not fall easily and Cornelius had been worried that the Senate would expect the Scipii to take her before they were established in Africa, he was sure this would not have gone well. He called out for his friend, “Julianus, stop skulking around back there” Julianus moved forward and took a seat, “Thapsus?”
“Indeed, how are our Legions looking?”
“Well the 1st and the 3rd both have 1200 Hastati and 270 Equites. The 1st also has 400 Velites. The 2nd Legion is weaker, only 400 Hastati and 270 Equites. We also have 400 Archers, 400 mercenary Peltasts and 400 mercenary Hoplites In our employ” Cornelius scratched his chin, “Even backed up by the mercenaries and the archers I’m not sure any one of our Legions are strong enough to take the fight to Africa”
“No my friend, I fear you are right. I’d recommend sending the 1st and the 3rd together”
“Agreed, Julianus can lead the combined Legions and I’ll keep the 2nd back on Sicilia in case of problems here, send for my sons”

Gaius couldn’t suppress the smile as Tiberius Brutus spoke to the Senate, “Those damned Greeks need to be crushed. Even as I speak they have squadrons blockading the ports of Tarentum and Croton” An elderly Senator whose name Gaius did not know spoke up, “We should send word to the Brutii, they need to bring their fleets home to protect our waters” The colour rose in Tiberius’ cheeks, “The Brutii navy is heavily engaged further east with other elements of the Greeks navy, I propose we send assistance at once. If not the fleet still under the direct command of the Senate then maybe we could order the Julii or the Scipii to send aid?” There was a general murmur of agreement at that last sentence. Gaius knew the Scipii currently had no navy so to speak but he also knew that to admit that could effect his families standing, “My esteemed colleagues, I don’t see how we could ask the Scipii to send their fleets east to support the Brutii. Why only recently we have issued directives for the invasion of Africa to begin. I fear the Scipii navy is currently fully tied up preparing to escort their transports across the sea in the face of the far superior Carthaginian fleet” That speech led to more than one cry of “Hear, hear” but it also led to the suggestion that the Julii should direct their navy east to secure the Italian coast. The debate raged on but at least no one else suggested the Scipii send aid. That would have stung, to have had to aid the Brutii.

Nothing like the promise of action to spur Quintus on thought Alexander. It had only been a day since Quintus had returned from Messena and already the Legion was preparing to move out. And best of all Quintus had appeared to have forgiven him for failing to catch the spy. “Looks like we’ll be gutting Carthaginians again my friend” Quintus had said to Alexander on his return. Well that was good news. There were two things that troubled Alexander though. The first was that they would be linking up with the 3rd Legion and that Quintus would defer to his older brother whilst they were operating together. Alexander was not sure where he’d fit in here. The second thing was that they would be trying to cross the sea against a vastly superior Carthaginian navy. Already sufficient transport ships were being assembled in the port of Lilybaeum but the Scipii currently had no war ships to escort them across. Alexander knew a few new Bireme keels had been laid but he felt it would take more than that to ensure a safe passage.

Tertius was thirsty. The storm had blown them massively off course and the fleet had ended up no where near where he thought they had been. They had spent 3 months hugging the African cost looking for safe berths to effect repairs and also easy targets to raid to resupply. Once he was confidant they then made a dash north towards Sicilia and a safe port. If he had got this right they’d be arriving at Syracuse harbor in one week. If he had it wrong, well best not to think about that with the water supply already running low.

[cassu]

good story but how long will it be when your done? . when i played i took the risk with the ships and quickly moved to thapsus and hoped that no chartagian ship would notice

[Horseman]

good story but how long will it be when your done? . when i played i took the risk with the ships and quickly moved to thapsus and hoped that no chartagian ship would notice

No idea how long it will be or how long it'll take me to finish! The good thing is that I normally abandon a campaign before I hit 50 provences because I find the early game more exiting, but by doing this story I will maintain interest until then at least so this will be my 1st completed long campaign in a long time!

As for getting to Africa...well its not normally that difficult, but I'd imagine in real life there would have been some concern over crossing the seas in the face of a superior enemy fleet!

And as the story shows, the Scipii navy still exists...the main characters just dont know it yet!

[Horseman]

Chapter 11 – A new governor for Lilybaeum (summer 265bc)

Tertius waited patiently outside the offices of Cornelius Scipio. He had returned to Sicilia only a short time ago, his fleet finding refuge in Syracuse harbor. He had already given his report on the events that immediately followed the blockade of Carthage and now Cornelius and his trusted advisor debated what to do next. Surely they can’t think badly of me following my defeat by a far superior fleet thought Tertius.

Julianus Scipio was making a lightning tour of Lilybaeum port. He was inspecting the transport fleet that was being assembled in preparation for the invasion of Africa. His eldest son Flavius accompanied him, “Will I be joining you in the invasion force father?”
“No Flavius you won’t” before Julianus could finish his sentence his young son interrupted him, “But father! I come of age next month, surely you would trust me to undertake this journey with you?”
“Son it’s not about not trusting you. The province of Sicilia Poeni will be without a governor. Your grandfather has asked for you to assume that mantel when I depart and I agree with his decision” Flavius was pleased that he would be assigned such an important role so young, but he was disappointed that he would not get to prove his manhood to his father, “Thank you for your faith. But I’d like a chance to prove myself as a man” Julianus laughed, “Flavius there are more ways to prove your self than battle. Learning to except and obey orders for example. Even those you don’t agree with or like” Flavius grudgingly accepted what his father was saying, “Well I guess we had best get started with handing over the duties then” Julianus laughed, he was thinking the exact same thing.

“Come in Admiral” Well here we go thought Tertius. He entered the office of Cornelius Scipio. Coming to attention and snapping of a smart salute. Cornelius gestured to a chair and spoke, “Please Admiral take a seat” Tertius did as requested and waited for the head of the Scipii faction to speak. “Well Admiral, it would appear you did well, not only did you successfully complete your mission but you managed to extract a good number of ships from a potential disaster. Well done” Tertius couldn’t help smiling, this he thought was going far better than he’d imagined, “Than you sir” The aged man who was sat to one side now leant forward and spoke, Tertius did not know his name, “Indeed admiral, a worthy feat. I take it you are not aware of our invasion preparations?” Tertius had not heard any news on this, “No sir”
One hour later Tertius was in a wagon returning to his squadron’s berthed in
Syracuse. He had retained his command but was now expected to escort who knows how many slow transport ships across the sea to Africa all the while apposed by the strong Carthaginian navy. Still at least the Fleet was to be strengthened. A large number of Bireme keels had already been laid he just hoped it would be enough. He didn’t fancy his future if he lost the Scipii army.

The Scipii family was gathered in Lilybaeum at the residence of Julianus. They were celebrating the coming of age of Flavius the new governor of Sicilia Poeni. “I’m glad you could make it Uncle Gaius” slurred Flavius (as always at these gatherings the wine flowed freely) “You know me Flavius, any excuse for a party! Besides I though now would be a good time to impart some of my knowledge onto our newest governors” Flavius hiccupped, “Governors uncle?” with the emphasis on the S. Gaius glanced over to his father. Cornelius filled his cup with more wine before speaking, “Yes governors Flavius. With your uncle Quintus joining your father in Africa I’m going to move to Syracuse to govern Sicilia Graecus. Aulus will assume control of Sicilia Romanus”
Flavius raised his cup, “Then to the two new governors of Sicilia” All the men present repeated the toast.

The following day the Scipii men once again gathered. Despite their sore heads they discussed the current situation. “The 2nd Legion will need to be reinforced, as it stands I’d have a hard time defending Sicilia if any serious army lands”
Cornelius agreed, “Yes Aulus you are right” There was a general murmur of agreement in the room. “Any interesting news from Rome?” Gaius decided he’d be best placed to answer this question from his eldest brother, “Well the Brutii have signed an agreement of mutual cooperation with Macedon. This they claim will give valuable allies against the Greek alliance. Though the Greek ships that were harassing the southern coast of Italy appear to have withdrawn, maybe in response to this new threat” Aulus snorted, “I thought they were supposed to be conquering the region for the glory of Rome. Not making peace with its inhabitants!” The others all laughed and it was Julianus the elder who replied, “Well the Brutii don’t appear to be making much progress against the Greek alliance so maybe this is best for Rome. I do fear that if they don’t make some headway soon we will be asked to send a Legion or two in support”
Gaius growled. “Well if it does come to that I’ll make sure the Senate does not expect us to hand over any conquered lands to be administrated by the Brutii. And with the way most Senators speak of them I doubt it’ll be to hard”

A son becomes a man

Flavius – Natural born leader, Drillmaster, Confidant Attacker, Hooting and no Enemies. Command=2, Management=0 and Influence=0.

[cassu]

No idea how long it will be or how long it'll take me to finish! The good thing is that I normally abandon a campaign before I hit 50 provences because I find the early game more exiting, but by doing this story I will maintain interest until then at least so this will be my 1st completed long campaign in a long time!

As for getting to Africa...well its not normally that difficult, but I'd imagine in real life there would have been some concern over crossing the seas in the face of a superior enemy fleet!

And as the story shows, the Scipii navy still exists...the main characters just dont know it yet!

i seldom finish campagins because after some growth it just gets boring with multi front wars and with many citys you get too much cash and everyone gets corrupted and it gets hard to maintain your empire

but keep on wrighting and i will be reading

[Horseman]

Chapter 12 – To sea (winter 265bc)

The port of Lilybaeum was alive with activity. A huge armada had been assembled and the ships were almost ready to launch. Yesterday two squadrons of biremes under the command of Admiral Tertius had arrived to further add to the growing confusion. It would be these war ships task to escort the slow and unarmed transports across to Africa and protect them from any Carthaginian attempts to stop them making landfall. No one was under any illusion, if the main Carthaginian navy caught them it would go badly. So they would attempt to slip through quietly and unseen and given the sheer size of the seas there was a very good possibility that this would happen. Once the transports were beached in Africa the Bireme squadrons would immediately attempt to withdraw back to Sicilia for any attempt to remain off the African coast would invite the Carthaginians to wipe them out. So once they landed the army would be cut off from any help for a while. This added further burdens to the fleet as it meant that they also needed sufficient space to transfer a large amount of supplies.

The camp of the 1st legion that was located less than a mile away was in contrast relatively calm, the soldiers there drilled and rested. They were preparing for the difficult task that lay before them. Quintus Scipio was stood in the central tent with his older brother Julianus, Alexander the Greek and Aulus the spy. They were studying maps they had obtained of Africa and the area around Thapsus. “How accurate are these maps?” Julianus as the elder was in command of the expedition, his own legion the 3rd was a day’s march away from joining them but he had ridden on ahead. His question was answered by Alexander, “I managed to obtain them from an old friend in Syracuse, he used to travel to Thapsus a lot in his youth, they should be fairly accurate” Quintus was not as optimistic, “They’re not as detailed as I’d wish for planning a military campaign. I’d feel a lot happier if Aulus here had mapped the area” Both Julianus and Alexander nodded in agreement but it was Aulus who spoke, “Fear not General. I’ll be with your Equite squadrons making sure your path is suitably scouted. I suggest we land here” He pointed to a section of the African coast before continuing, “From there we can follow this rough trail west, that should take us directly to Thapsus” Julianus wasn’t so sure, “How do we know that trail even exists as a visible landmark we can follow? It may just be the route this Greek friend of Alexander’s used in his travels” All eyes turned again to Aulus, he was the expert here, “We don’t. But I find it highly unlikely that it would be marked on a map like this if there was no trail to follow. In any case, I’ll get you to Thapsus” That pretty much ended that discussion. All three men knew trusted that if Aulus said he’d get them there that he wouldn’t fail. Alexander had one more comment to make on the subject, “Well with the land so flat at least we won’t have to worry about an ambush. We’d see an approaching army from miles away!”

Cornelius Scipio was in a restless mood. He had just finished another briefing with his friend Julianus and things were looking ok. The treasury was looking better than last season and projected profits were stable. He had a chest of Denarii ready to transport to Julianus and Quintus to help them hire more mercenaries once they reached Africa. He had this morning chosen to escort the chest personally as he wanted to see his sons before they embarked on what was the most dangerous campaign to date. Before he left he visited the shrine of Neptune to make offerings in return for his son’s safety.

Quintus Caecus cursed the name of Scipio. Sure they were paying him very well but was it worth this? He had just spent the best part of the week in a small barbarian village. He endured their hospitality through gritted teeth, by the gods had these men never heard of washing? Still he had gained useful information. A travelling trader he had met was heading for Rome to try and sell his wares. So Quintus paid him well to deliver his latest report. He had attained maps of the local region as well as a trade pact with both the Dacian’s and the Scythians. These men will have to learn to bathe before any good Roman will do business with them he thought. He had also heard rumours that the barbarian tribes of Germania were engaged in boarder skirmishes with the barbarian tribes of Briton. This was good news for Rome for as long as the barbarians were fighting each other they weren’t looking to spill Roman blood.

Almost the entire Scipii family sat round the table located in the camp north of the port of Lilybaeum. They had come to say their goodbyes to Julianus and Quintus for soon they would depart to Africa. All present knew that to take the war to Carthaginian soil like this was a dangerous move so the mood was sombre but still somehow joyous. Only Gaius was missing, his duties in Rome had prevented him from travelling but he had sent a huge vat of wine for his elder brothers with strict instructions that it was only to be opened once the city of Thapsus was taken.

The following day the chaos reigned. The camp was slowly dismantled whilst troops moved to embark on their designated transports. Over the course of the day Julianus and Quintus both said farewell to their families until at last of the Scipii only their father remained. He was determined to stay with his sons until the last ships had left harbour.

The day wore on until at last late into the night all the troops were embarked. The three Scipii men strode along the dockside before Julianus stopped abruptly, “Well here’s my ship” Cornelius clasped a hand on both his son’s shoulders, “You have both made me very proud. Never once have you failed me and your victories in battle will honour the family name for generations to come” Cornelius took a step back and raised his right arm into a sharp salute, “You honour me with your loyalty now go, win fame and glory in Africa” The two brother returned their fathers salutes and spoke together, “For Rome and FOR THE SCIPII” The three men embraced a moment before Julianus turned to embark on his ship. Quintus gave his brother a wave before he turned to find his own transport (it had been decided fairly early on in the planning that it would be better for the two to travel on separate ships)

Cornelius Scipio stood on the harbour side as the last of the great ships surged towards the open seas. As the 1st rays of light pierced the darkness he couldn’t help but smile to himself. The first day of summer he thought. What better time to take this fight to enemy soil.

[Horseman]

i seldom finish campagins because after some growth it just gets boring with multi front wars and with many citys you get too much cash and everyone gets corrupted and it gets hard to maintain your empire

but keep on wrighting and i will be reading

Nice to know I have at least 1 guarenteed reader.....just 1 makes it worthwhile for me.

And I knwo what you mean with later on in the campaign. Too much money little real challenge. Still i'm hoping with my restrictions on army content and always having full legions will make the money harder to make. Im already feeling the pinch with 3 Legions and they're no where near full size!

[cassu]

its been quiet Horseman, dont tell me that the story has ended

[Horseman]

No the story certainly has not finished, finding it difficult to play during the week at the mo let alone write any chapters!

Next installment either tonight or tomorrow morning