Thassalokratia- A Carthaginian AAR

[johnhughthom]

Nice update, just one question, why does the guy in the picture seem to be constipated? Is that a symptom of armour making?

[the man with no name]

[Vasiliyi]

Wow. A wonderfull update Vasiliyi!

This making of the armor really got me tied to the screen while I read it - fantastic work.

And that pic of the mail is great aswell - ist this THE chainmail you have mentioned in another thread? Ihave to say it seems well worked out. The belt goes with it quite well.

Here Vasiliyi have a baloon: (for this great story)

A balloon! Thank you very much! No, unfortunatly i have barely begun making my chainmail, and am at about 4inches buy 12inches. Not much, but its a start.

Nice update, just one question, why does the guy in the picture seem to be constipated? Is that a symptom of armour making?

lol, idk i just got that photo of google, but im not constipated so i doubt its a symptom of that.

[Maion Maroneios]

Just wanted to say this is really great stuff. Been catching up lately, and I must say it's some excellent reading for my leasure time

Maion

[Vasiliyi]

Just wanted to say this is really great stuff. Been catching up lately, and I must say it's some excellent reading for my leasure time

Maion

Thank you Maion, I figured you would like this aar alot better than my Romani one.


To the rest of you, lurkers, commenters and readers. Thank you very much for being supportive and patient with me. Im nearing 4000 views now and I hope to reach 8000 just as quick. Stay tuned, excepted update is tonight.

Well, it was supposed to be last night, but because of the .org having troubles and me being busy tonight, ill have to postpone it till saturday night. Thanks for being patient

[d'Arthez]

Sweet!

[Vasiliyi]

Fork in the road.

The dark night had finally enveloped the camp in which Uxentio was staying in.
Somewhere a bird of the night could be heard, making its rounds to eat.
Uxentio's mind raced through the days events, and the past years events
and how much has changed.

First off, he disliked riding a horse, and begged Barca to be put on the ground
as an infantry commander. Barca hesitated at first, but later allowed it, seeing
Uxentio's persistence. Then there were the battles.

They had fought six field battles against the tribe of Lusitani. They have
captured two major towns, but also fought six field battles which had
changed Uxentio. He remembered their first battle.

His mind drifted back to that day. He was fighting countless Lusitani warriors.
All strong and proud men. He remembered how his flank was in serious trouble,
but he did not waver, and continued to inspire the men around him with his might.
He thrust his Falcata in countless men that day. He remembered the warm blood
that flowed onto his hands from the other mans belly. Then there was the rain.

The day the Lusitani King attacked us, there was a heavy rain. One that sent
chills down your body because it was so cold. That, and it was extremely windy,
making the rain like little pebbles hitting your face with full speed. The day was a
horrid one, but Uxentio's heart filled with excitement from it. He searched the battle
field for a man worthy of him. He wished to know what it was like to lose. He wanted
another man to claim victory over him. But alas, they couldn't.

He had purposely chose his group of men to guard the most difficult and weakest
spot in the line. For his wished to be challenged. Wave after wave was defeated
by his men. He embolded his men when he cut the head off a lieutenant and held
it by the hair, waiving it at the enemy to taunt them. His men all followed, and cut
heads off the dead to throw them at the enemy. Uxentio's blood lust did not fade,
as the enemy charged once again, seeing that this man needed to be killed to win
the battle.

Uxentio remembered that for an hour straight, his hand did not stop swinging. All
the reserved of the enemy came dashing to meet him. His heart soured at the
chance to meet his match. His cut his way through many men, chopping and hacking
with his falcata. No man could stop him. He remembered a warrior cutting his arm,
but that did not stop him.

Even though Uxentio was undefeated, his men were starting to waver. Barca, seeing
that there was massive disarray in the line, ordered the elephants to flank the enemy.
Uxentio remembered as the huge beast came charging at the enemy flank. He let
out a laugh, even though he was short of breath. He laughed as hard as he could,
cutting several more men. The feet of the elephants made a terribe noise, far
worse than any other drum of war. He remembered the cries of pain that the
men let out after being stabbed in the back by the tusks of the elephants. He
saw the pure white tusks of the elephants turn to a crimson red as they killed more
and more men.

The battle turned with a blink of an eye. Those men who wavered
were now charging headlong with the elephants. The other men, who were
fighting bravely against the Carthaginian line now were fleeing with all might.
Dropping both shield and sword and spear, in order to get away from the beasts.

*****

Uxentio's thoughts drifted to another Heroic Victory that was won. He
remembered the Lusitani attacking three times after the first battle with the elephants.
But this one was even bigger. There was a river crossing, which they planned to go
hrough, if the Lusitani had not challenged them. Uxentio Gladly took into his heart
that he would fight today, always wearing his Armour and helmet. The enemy
had charged them once, but seeing that they were at a disadvantage, pulled back.



Uxentio quickly seized the opportunity to charge back at the enemy while
they were bloated at the river crossing. He and 2 other officers charged
along with a few men to embolden the rest.



The water stung Uxentio's feet as he ran through it, getting slightly deeper.
It was up to his knees when the enemy finally stopped and turned around
to meet the oncoming foe. What came next was a terrible sound of shield
smashing against sheild.



To a man new to battle, the sound along could make him turn and run,
but Uxentio's men were tough and battle hardened. They loved their
leader and loved to watch him fight the foe.



Uxentio quickly stabbed a man and prepared to himself to parry. He bent
down low to avoid a spear thrust and cut another mans hamstring.


After several bloody minutes of fighting in the river, the enemy general was
pulled of his horse and killed.


There seemed to a be a mad dash to run away, as the enemy quickly turned to
flee. Uxentio, who was exhausted from fighting, gathered the very last of his
strength and chased the enemy several hundred yards killing many men by
thrusting his sword into their backs.



Uxentio had never seen so many men run away at one time, and his heart
was all the more excited at killing the cowards. He actually passed several
foes to be able let him men have some killing as he killed the men ahead.
They all seemed like helpless children, not being able to fight back. He thrust
his sword through many men before they reached the end of the river crossing.
Uxentio was about to follow them even further, but saw that Barca had mobilized
the cavalry to kill all the routers. Uxentio stayed there for a few moments,
catching his breath.



He turned around and saw that he had done enough killing today, anyways.

*****

The morning came and Uxentio had not slept. Instead he marched to the
tent of Barca wear the war council gathered.
When he reached the tent he pleaded with Barca to let him go.

"My dear friend, my heart is mad with lust for blood. I will not rest until it is
satisfied. I must prove to the whole world, that there is not a warrior that can
challenge me. I will stay In Iberia, going from this village to that to challenge
any man who will fight. I Vow to you, that when you finally start off on your
journey to fight the Romans, I will come back and kill as many as I can. Please
friend, do not deny me of my right as a warrior."

The speech surprised many in the tent, but not Barca. Barca always knew
that Uxentio would learn no other trade, but war. He knew in his heart that
Uxentio would go mad with the lust to kill. He knew this and his still loved
his Iberian friend.

"You are selfish basterd, you have no right to ask of such things." Likinos barked at Uxentio.

"Likinos, that is enough," Barca interrupted. "You may go, Uxentio, but
remember that I need you as a warrior. I need you to help me defeat the
Romans. I will look for you in my journey."

That day, the entire army weeped at the loss of their greatest warrior. They
have all heard of his deeds in battle and loved him for it. Many men came to
Uxentio's tent to bid him farewell, embracing him as their brother. Uxentio was
touched by such respect, but didn't change him mind. After the morning meal,
when every one was ready, they marched out of the fort and started along a path.

After they had marched for a while they reached a fork in the road. One way
lead west to the next Lusitani city, and the other, north to the wild mountains
where many powerful and savage tribes lived. Uxentio went north, at the fork in
the road.

[Vasiliyi]

Divided they fall



"Make way! Make way for the messenger!" A group of horsemen yelled
at civilians as they galloped through the streets.


Civilians stopped what they were doing and watched the handful of men
on horses race through the city, riding toward the palace. Some waved
their fists at the oncoming men, as they were being completely disruptive
of the markets movement laws.

Bomilkar stood at the top of the palace stairs, awaiting the horsemen,
which he knew were coming. He ran down the stairs with great urgency,
to read the message which was being delivered. The man got of his horse,
and without saying anything, handed Bomilkar the papyrus.

The Romans are coming, leave the city, and meet us at the base of the
mountain west of the city. If you do not, the council will kill you.
Hamalcar


Bomilkar stared at the note. He realized there was a huge decision
to be made. He could admit defeat to Hamalcar, allow him to rule,
and end his political career. Or, let the Romans come, allow them
to sack the city, and beg mercy from the council. This was his choice.

Bomilkar looked up at the Five men who had rode through the city.
There were Five men, but Six horses. Hamalcar was good on his word.
The moment lasted an eternity, as Bomilkar looked out at the city. It
wasn't Kart-Hadast, but It was still a great city. Much would change
if He left with Hamalcar. And still, much would change if he didn't.

His country was divided. With the army under Hamalcar's authority,
and with reinforcements coming from spain and Numidia, Hamalcar
called the shots. Already most of the family members acknowledged his
right as Shofet for life. Just Aderbal, the Governer of Lepki and Carthalo
the governor of Karali resisted.

The Romans had landed an entire Legion on the coast of Africa that is
near Kart-Hadast. They took the city peacefully, but extract taxes
from it as if they conquered it. The senators were all killed when they
were lured into the great hall to speak with the council. Thirty Rich
men ruled the city with an Iron fist, using the legionaries to make people
submit to them. The consul of the Legion Publius Cornelius Scipio.

Being a corrupt and greedy man he submitted to the will of the Council of 30,
and readily used his army to quell all rebellion within the city. The council
had also captured Atiqa, as there was no force within the city that was
able to withstand the onslaught. Now they marched here.

Bomilkar, even in his old age, jumped onto the horse and immediatly the
entire entourage of men galloped west, toward the setting sun.

[Ariovistus Maximus]

I finally caught up on this AAR.



WOOOOOOOOOOOOW

Some things I REALLY thought brought a lot to this story:

1. Hanno's handling of the Numidian king. Challenging him to a duel really brought out Hanno's character and showed he was much more than a monster.

2. The way you unfolded the story of the evil council (and how they will receive their just deserts I'm sure). Very engrossing! An aspect I never would have thought of.

3. The shift from perspectives as you tell the story from different viewpoints; especially during the battles, showing them from the "enemy's" point of view.

4. And I loved the irony of having P.C. Scipio be a stooge for the council!!! A Hannibal that really does destroy Rome, and a Scipio that is no better than a political puppet! That makes it so awesome to represent historical characters but give them TOTALLY different careers! Makes you think "what if?"

5. Personally, I like it that you have created a story, and are using RTW as a medium to tell the story. This is in contrast to an AAR that simply reflects what happens in the game. Playing the game to a story makes it so much more authentic, and you still get a grand dose of RTW!!!

Yes, it definitely shows that you have thought this all through! And for all that, you need another balloon for your collection: .

Hey, have you received some literary training or does it come naturally to you, as a result of long hours stocking shelves as you ponder your storyline?

[Vasiliyi]

I finally caught up on this AAR.



WOOOOOOOOOOOOW

Some things I REALLY thought brought a lot to this story:

1. Hanno's handling of the Numidian king. Challenging him to a duel really brought out Hanno's character and showed he was much more than a monster.

2. The way you unfolded the story of the evil council (and how they will receive their just deserts I'm sure). Very engrossing! An aspect I never would have thought of.

3. The shift from perspectives as you tell the story from different viewpoints; especially during the battles, showing them from the "enemy's" point of view.

4. And I loved the irony of having P.C. Scipio be a stooge for the council!!! A Hannibal that really does destroy Rome, and a Scipio that is no better than a political puppet! That makes it so awesome to represent historical characters but give them TOTALLY different careers! Makes you think "what if?"

5. Personally, I like it that you have created a story, and are using RTW as a medium to tell the story. This is in contrast to an AAR that simply reflects what happens in the game. Playing the game to a story makes it so much more authentic, and you still get a grand dose of RTW!!!

Yes, it definitely shows that you have thought this all through! And for all that, you need another balloon for your collection: .

Hey, have you received some literary training or does it come naturally to you, as a result of long hours stocking shelves as you ponder your storyline?

Well, thank you for such a well thoughout comment. I actually really enjoy them, as they show me what I have accomplished and maybe what isnt getting noticed. Anyways, Yes I have recieved no literary training besides highschool english (BLAH!), so im guessing it comes naturally, while I stock shelves.

Update coming soon.

[Vasiliyi]

Ok, well as we near the end of Part 1 of this (probably 3 part) aar, I would like to thank all my readers. Thank you, for bearing with this aar and its lack of pictures at times. Thank you for commenting and Lurking (4700+ veiws).

I understand there are lack of pictures, and I try to make up for that with my use of wording and descriptions. I hope its successful, but ofcourse Im not sure how much of the story you all understand. Am I missing out on some details? What is confusing in the current plot? Please do ask questions if you have any. If you dont want to ruin the story for others, feel free to PM me.

One last thing. The next 3 or so weeks are going to be hectic for me. I will try to post some updates, but they may be short and stale. I hope you all have enjoyed Part 1 as much as I have, and I hope to see the views grow steadily when we enter Part 2.


SPOILER ALERT :

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Part 2 will be the detailed Campaign in which Hamalcar Barca will invade Italy

Once again, thank you all.

[johnhughthom]

Part 2 will be the detailed Campaign in which Hamalcar Barca will invade Italy

Oooh, fun times ahead.

[Ariovistus Maximus]

Well, the only trouble I had was keeping track of which FM was who; how they are related and stuff.

I got a little mixed up between Hanno and Hasdrubal and Bomilka and Mago sometimes. But now that two of them are dead it's easier to keep track of.

And then of course there's the occasional grammatical error. Nothing a run through microsoft word couldn't fix, if you wrote it on there and then pasted it into your post.

But truly very awesome stuff! A++!