Thassalokratia- A Carthaginian AAR

[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]

Well there it is, a few days late, but nonetheless its there. Sorry about it being so long though. I needed to explain a lot, as Uxentio will be very important later. Also big thanks to Miotas for pointing out that my format was a bit hard to read on smaller moniters. I hope that this will be easier for you all.

P.S. MAA, I hope you don't mind that I copied your format.

[Ariovistus Maximus]

Awesome screenshot!!! Phenominal!

Excellent combination of substance + pics!

[the man with no name]

All i have to say is great update!

[Vasiliyi]

Awesome screenshot!!! Phenominal!

Excellent combination of substance + pics!

Thank you, I was a little worried that there would be too many words.

All i have to say is great update!

Thank you.

[AttilaDerHunn]

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.

are you playing EB on BI?

[Vasiliyi]

Nope, im playing it on rtw.exe not BI

[the man with no name]

There is a cool thing called 'Invasio Barbarorum' that is basically EB except it's for BI.

[Vasiliyi]

@ the man with no name, Ill have to try it sometime.

To the rest of you, I plan an update tonight, but I might not be able to do it. Thanks for your patience.

[J.R.M]

Great, just Great, Congrats for you!
Cheers for that!

[Vasiliyi]

Great, just Great, Congrats for you!
Cheers for that!

Thank you very much.

[miotas]

Grrr. Stop posting in here unless you have an update Vasiliyi! It gives me false hope of an update!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Maion Maroneios]

@ AtillaDerHunn: Dude, don't quote the whole post man.You're making some people's lives a hell loading the page.

Maion

[Lysimachos]

Finally took the time to catch up. You have a nice mix of text and illustration. I'll be following to learn about what the future brings for those brave men

[Vasiliyi]

To a new land



"Lord, we are ready to depart."

Biurtilaur Beliricoi, the dead kings Second man stood at the shores of Iberia.
His leather boots stood in the rocky beach, protecting his feet from the cold
morning water. He looked out at the burnt city of Oxtraca. He set fire to it
last night, burning all things useful to the enemy.

Six times he had fought next to his king, and he had the scars to prove it. Six
times he lost to this new kind of General. Barca, he believed was his name, for
that is what the enemies war cry was.

Five times he had looked unto his king, and uttered "Defeat". On the Sixth battle,
there was no king. He had died, in that river. He had always thought his king a
fool for attacking the Carthaginians, yet he said nothing. It was not in his place.
The kings 3 sons all died consecutively in the First, Second, and Third battles.

Biurtilaur was named Heir to the king, because the king had no one else. When
the king had died, he was left in charge of a destroyed people. He knew he had
little time to make decisions. Barca would come, and he would win. This Peninsula
had not known an army that could match him in a hundred years.

And so, when asked what to do, he told them to burn all the villages, kill the
livestock, and cure the meat. They would journey away from the forsaken land.
North, using the sea as their means of movement. All the people that wished
to follow him gathered here with all their precious belongings. They burned
Oxtraca the night before and traveled to the sea, where the boats were
ready and waiting.


And so, He stood there looking out at his homeland for the last time,
not knowing when the next time he would see it, if ever. He stepped
into the boat and they were off. Hundreds of boats filled with many
people pushed themselves away from the land and drifted into the water. North.



(Sorry about not updating for so long, Ive had a busy weekend.)

[Vasiliyi]

Finally took the time to catch up. You have a nice mix of text and illustration. I'll be following to learn about what the future brings for those brave men

Ah, so Lysimachos does read my aar. Im very honored.

[johnhughthom]

A nice, bite sized update. Liking the new style, keep 'er lit.

[Lysimachos]

Ah, so Lysimachos does read my aar. Im very honored.

Sure I do . I just seldom comment on AARs, especially if I haven't read them to the end (of what's there) and lately I had little time to read, but since you bother so much about me continuing mine, I felt obliged to leave a small comment at least.
Oh, and: The honour is mine!

[Vasiliyi]

A nice, bite sized update. Liking the new style, keep 'er lit.

Thanks, It was recommended to me by Miotas, so I tried it. I like it very much actually, but I hope MAA doesnt mind that im using it, seeing that I took it from him.

Sure I do . I just seldom comment on AARs, especially if I haven't read them to the end (of what's there) and lately I had little time to read, but since you bother so much about me continuing mine, I felt obliged to leave a small comment at least.
Oh, and: The honour is mine!

Ah, I understand. I hope you don't mind me bothering you about continuing yours, as it is very good. I would hate to see it go unfinished. Still, don't feel like your being rushed.

[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]

Unite we stand

The desert sand was cool in the morning. Bomilkar felt it against the
soles of his feet. He stood there, looking out at the encampment of
Hamalcar's army. He found it strangely funny that the army that Hamalcar
had once asked the senate to control, he now controlled without the
senates consent. Even so, the senate was dead. And so was the republic.

He stood there, the rising sun to his back, along with the Five stout men
facing Hamalcar, who eagerly awaited them to return. He smiled as he
walked over to his older brother, who had really aged since the last time
he had seen him.

"Good morning to you brother, forgive me for getting you in such a way,
but it was the only way."

Bomilkar fell to his knees and bowed down to Hamalcar. To his great
surprise Hamalcar fell to his knees aswell. "Get up brother, we may have
fell when we were divided, but we WILL stand United."


Bomilkar got back up, unsure of what would happen next. All night he
thought if he had made the right decision when he sat atop that horse.
Would Halamcar kill him? He was a dangerous foe if kept alive, surely
Hamalcar had thought of that. His voice had gotten hoarse and dry over
the long day and night of riding and he could hardly utter

"Good morning."

"You must by tired brother, please come in and dine with me this morning?"

Hamalcar was smooth, the words rolled off his tongue. Even Bolmilkar could
be swayed by him. He did not follow his brother into the tent, no he actually
walked next to his brother into the tent. Hamalcar even opened the flap to
the tent for him. The cook had already cooked the morning meal and they sat
to eat.


"What is your plan?" Bomilkar tore through the silence as they began eating.

"My plan? They will come here. The entire army, I know it. Publius Cornelius
Scipio, That's his name, right?" He took great care pronouncing the name correctly.

"Yes, He is their conquering hero. He defeated their Gauls in the north, and
took Sicily with ease." Bomilkar answered, realizing he may have said to
much when it came to sicily.

"It must have been difficult for him to take sicily, considering there was no
General or army there to defend it." Hamalcar answered with Sarcasm.

Bomilkcar, putting down his wooden spoon, that was full to the brim with
cooked eggs, spoke with sorrow in his voice. "Im sorry for your loss brother,
I can only imagine what is was like."

"Do you apologize for the dead? Or for that swine council that rules Kart-Hadast?"
Hamalcar threw a look at Bomilkar, then continued. "Because I need neither. Mago
and I have made peace, and I buried him with Honor. The council, well, they still
have to pay."

Bomilkar nodded and went back to eating. Hamalcar looked at his aging brother.
Seeing his tension, he spoke again. "Do not worry, I am more Honorable that
some in my family. I am not going to kill you. I need you."

"You need me? If im not mistaken, you are the one who gives me refuge." Bomilkar
said with a smile. He always thought Hamalcar was sneaky and full of cunning, but
he couldn't help not liking him. "How do you need me?"

"While I will be busy ruling our empire, I need someone to make sure no money
is being slipped in anywhere. I want our Finances to be sealed tight. If the
council survives this war, I want them to be banished from our empire forever."

Bomilkar now understood, as there were few men who could handle such a task.
Even in his old age, Bomilkar was an excellent Administrator. He knew when
extortion was at play, and even though he usually allowed it, he could just
as easily cut it off.

They ate in silence for a bit longer, then Bomilkar spoke again. "How is your son?
Has he taken wife yet?"

"Yes, although he is very busy on campaign. My latest reports are that he has
taken two cities, and defeated the Lusitani Six times on the field."

"A young hero he is then, and what do you plan on doing with him when he is
done in Iberia?"

"He has sworn an oath, that he will destroy Italy." Hamalcar said with such calmness
that it caused goosebumps to run all over Bomilkars back.

"You mean Rome?" Bomilkar said in a joking way.

"No, he will burn the entire Peninsula down. He will not leave a single city
unburned. Oh, you do not know the things he will do to avenge his mother,
and to fulfill his oath to me."

Bomilkar searched Hamalcars face. He could not believe what he was hearing.

"Do not be trouble brother, I am only doing the Romans a favor. Their senate
is just as corrupt as ours."

Bomilkar ate some more, and took a drink of water before he asked his final
question. "How long till the Romans come?"

"If Im lucky, they will be here tomorrow. There are no places to camp an
army out here, and there is even less water. We stand between the Romans
and water. If they come quickly, like I suppose they will, they will be exhausted
and tormented from the summer heat. Then we will strike."

Hamalcar was barely able to finish his sentence when a scout was let into the room.

"Lord, the romans, we've spotted them. They will be here tomorrow."

Hamalcar looked at Bomilkar and smiled, "See, I was right.
Prepare the men for battle Danel."

[AttilaDerHunn]

@ AtillaDerHunn: Dude, don't quote the whole post man.You're making some people's lives a hell loading the page.

Maion

sorry i like the damn story so much i forgot i added it with my post

[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++!