[IB AAR] AAR --- The Gothic Wars

[midnite]

Chapt1


Viderichus hurriedly rose from his bed and pulled on his tunic. The meeting with all the Goth warlords and their leader Alaric was about to begin and Viderichus did not want to miss it. Alaric had traveled to Salamantica and was going to speak about his new vision for the Goth people and their current situation in Iberia.









Viderichus lived with his family in the town of Salamantica a province in the Iberian Peninsula. His father, Theodoric, was the governor there.




The Gothic tribes had settled much of Iberia. The central and western parts of the peninsula were completely under Goth rule. The eastern side still had a large garrison of legionnaires from the Eastern Roman Empire stationed in Carthago Nova.











For the moment, there was very little contact with the ERE except for small skirmishes along the border that separated Iberia from Gaul. For you see, the Goths and ERE were mortal enemies and had been so since before Viderichus birth. It had not always been this way though, for at one time the Goths and the ERE had been allies. With the Roman populace staggering under heavy taxation and with a declining pool of Roman citizens to serve in the Roman legions, the Roman emperors began to employ foederatti; Barbarian irregular troops under Roman command. Alaric served as leader of the Goth foederatti and with his help the ERE fought off the enemies of Rome. Large numbers of Goths settled within the imperial boundaries of the empire. Eventually the Roman emperor broke his word and refused to pay the Goths the wealth they had been promised. This and the ill treatment by the Romans caused a rebellion resulting in the sack of Rome. The ERE legions eventually pushed the Goth armies out of the northern provinces and drove them eastward into Iberia. The hope had been that the current barbarian tribe in Iberia, the Vandals, would crush Alaric and the Goths removing their threat to Rome once and for all. Alaric proved to be a great leader and instead led the Goths to victory after victory crushing the Vandals driving their remaining forces into North Africa. Now Alaric had come to speak and everyone was anxious to hear his words.

Viderichus ran to Alaric’s tent. When he arrived many of the company captains were already present and Alaric was about to speak. Alaric addressed his captains “These Romans have no concept of honor, no respect for a man's word. They refuse to give us what is rightly ours. They spit on us and call it rain. They cut off our food supplies and laugh as our children go hungry. They dishonor our people. They drove us out of Roman land to this place, hoping that the Vandals would destroy our people and our names be forgotten. The Vandals were weak and now the last of their people join their ancestors in the fields of the dead. They will trouble us no longer. With Tingi and Siga now secured we have land for our people in North Africa.




The tribes to the east call themselves Berbers. They have not taken sides in our war against the Roman dogs. Soon they will have to make a choice, for I propose our armies drive farther west. There are Roman settlements in the west that can be sacked. With this gold we will be able to create an empire that will make Rome tremble with fear. Our final victory will be to sit on the throne of the Roman emperor himself. I will lead you there. The road is long but all I ask is will you follow me!!!”

The Goth captains raised their swords and shouted Alaric’s name. He would lead them to the steps of the emperor’s palace in Rome and there they would proclaim him king.

The following morning Viderichus accompanied his father Theodoric and Theodoric’s companies as they marched south to re-enforce Alaric’s army in North Africa.

[Ramon Gonzales y Garcia]

nice.

[midnite]

Chief of spies, Ariaric and his fellow ambassadors, or so they called themselves, traveled back and forth across the plains of North Africa gathering information for their lord Alaric, their mission; to prepare the way for the Goth armies that would follow soon. Strength of fortifications, numbers and types of enemy companies, availability of new Goth re-enforcements, all of these would play an important part in Alaric’s plan. Ariaric knew this and so he made careful details along his travels. The Roman town of Saldae was garrisoned by a few Roman companies due to the fact it had only a small local population. A few infantry companies and light cavalry occupied the quiet town. The Romans had never envisioned any threat to this town or the other towns they occupied along the North African coast. The Goth armies would soon wake them up.



The small town of Lol Caesarea was settled by local tribesmen, the Berbers they were called. They were of no immediate threat to Alaric but the Goths would have to cross their lands to reach the Roman towns for as yet the Goths had no seaworthy vessels. The only threat Ariaric could see was the large armies of tribesmen wandering the African plains.



In the east coast of Iberia near the town of Tarraco, Roman legions were scouting the area possibly for new settlements, possibly for the Goth armies that had escaped them.





The Roman settlement of Carthago Nova was also showing increased activity. The fortified city had a few veteran companies of legionnaires stationed there. Outside the gates an equally large army of Romans guarded the bridge leading to the city. Ariaric’s men had followed the Romans closely reporting their every move to the local Goth generals. Alaric had ordered his army to stay hidden in the forests and the troops that garrisoned the Goth towns were not to venture forth into the neighboring regions. For now let the Romans think the Vandals had dispersed the Goths. Once sufficient gold and troops had been raised, Alaric would begin his march towards Rome. Surprise would be essential.



To the west of Saldae, the Vandal warlord Ricburgis had raised a small army from the remaining Vandal tribes not slaughtered by the Goths. In the days that followed they laid siege to Saldae. When the spies reported this news to Alaric it caused him no alarm. “Let them fight” he had said. “They will weaken each other making our conquest that much easier.”





Viderichus woke early today before the sun had fully risen. Enthusiastically he woke his father Theodoric urging him to rise quickly. After traveling for over one years time, Viderichus and his father had reached the southern coast of Iberia and had taken some transport vessels and crossed into North Africa. Shortly they would be at their warlord Alaric’s encampment. Viderichus was in particularly high spirits because today he would celebrate his coming to manhood. At Alaric’s encampment, Viderichus would now serve under the warlord’s command as one of his subordinate cavalry commanders if Alaric found him worthy. It had been Alaric’s custom that all the sons of Alaric’s generals could earn the right to earn a command position. Viderichus hoped he had spent enough time studying the art of war during the long journey south.



At the gates of the town of Corduba, a Roman envoy sat astride his mount impatiently awaiting entrance. The envoy carried a message from the Roman emperor to Filimer, one of Alaric’s generals and now the governor of the town. “Open the gates. Your master in Rome has a message for you”, shouted the envoy. “We have no master but Alaric,” shouted one of the burly guards at the gate, “Leave before we send you back to Rome tied to your horse with your head in a sack”. Angrily the Roman envoy shouted back, “You will bow to me the next time I return and call me master or the army I bring will tear down your walls and the lamentation of your women will be so great that it will be heard all the way to Rome.” The Roman took a wrapped parchment out of his cloak, threw it on the ground, turned around and sped off. The Goth guards took up the parchment and glanced at the message. “General Filimer will roar at laughter when he sees this”, spoke one of the guards.




Ariaric had been very active the past three months. With all the information being passed to him by his subordinates he barely had time to sleep. He knew his master Alaric depended on him. The future of the whole Goth nation depended on him and his collection of spies. Any movement by the Roman legions or even the movement of the other tribes around the Goth settlements could endanger them all. Swiftly his group worked. Outside the town of Saldae, a newly emerged Vandal army marched across the African plains.



The Roman town of Hippo Regius was lightly defended by a small garrison of Roman legionnaires. This was supposedly Alaric’s next objective. Ariaric’s spies had not been able to breach the town’s defenses but it was rumored that the town stored a large amount of gold and supplies for the Roman Empire’s African legions.




Alaric’s generals had not been idle over the past year. The garrison commanders of each town had been hurriedly training new recruits for the anticipated offensive. These consisted of mostly skirmishers and spearmen. They were stout men, their hearts full of courage and bravado only lacking battle experience. Alaric had reassured his generals that these men would do; they would get much experience in small skirmishes before any large scale offensive against Rome began.



Alaric’s spies had brought him some troubling news about the Berber tribes to the east. These desert tribesmen had managed to form two sizable armies and these armies were now directly in the Goth’s path to the town of Saldae and then Hippo Regius.



Alaric called a meeting of his captains in his tent and assured them that this would pose no problem for them. New recruits were on their way and soon they would march east. As he spoke a sentry ran up to him and spoke, “There are clouds in the distance my lord, with all the dust kicked up by the wind we cannot tell if they are foe or friend, they come from the west.” “Quickly”, Alaric shouted, “Form up the men. If these are Romans I do not want to be caught by surprise. Go!!” His captains ran out of the tent. Alaric picked up his sword and horns of the sentries began to blow loudly across the encampment.

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

This is shaping up nicely, Midnite!

[midnite]

The Goth warriors took up their arms and quickly fell into formation. As speculative words passed amongst them that the Romans were attacking, vigorous shouts and boasts rang out from the warriors as to how many men they would kill and all the manners of way they would do this. Slowly the dust settled and Gothic flags and banners belonging to the approaching companies became visible. With a loud shout of disappointment Alaric’s men broke formation and returned to their encampment. The banners belonged to the Goth warriors Viderichus and his father traveled with.



The journey had been long and his anticipation of meeting Alaric had grown immensely. After settling their horses and shaking the dust from their clothes, Viderichus, with his father Theodoric, immediately visited Alaric’s tent. Alaric welcomed them both and studied Viderichus intently. “Theodoric, it seems you have brought your son up well. He looks to be a sturdy warrior. We will soon see. For one full moon he will train with some of my captains and then I will decide. For now I must speak to you alone.” Alaric turned to one of his guards, “Take young Viderichus to see captain Euric of my guard so he can start his tasks.” The guard led Viderichus out of the tent and they walked a short distance through the encampment to where the Alaric’s captains were settled down.


Under the guidance of Euric, Viderichus trained intensely in riding for the passing of one full moon. His father Theodoric had traveled back to Salamantica one day after they had arrived in Alaric’s encampment. Alaric’s spies had warned of the movement of Roman legions in eastern Iberia and Theodoric wanted to make preparations by chance the legions marched westward towards the Goth towns.

On one particularly rainy morning, Viderichus was awakened by one of Alaric’s guards. “Come quickly” the guard said, “Alaric is waiting for you at his stables”. Dressing quickly, Viderichus ran after the guard down towards the stable areas. As he walked into one of the shelters he found Alaric standing there. Alaric motioned Viderichus to follow him to where a large brown stallion with a golden mane stood quietly. Alaric spoke to Viderichus, “It has always been my custom to give my commanders a horse from one of my stables. This horse shall be yours.” Viderichus spoke with much pride in his voice, “I will not let you down my lord.” Alaric nodded “See that you don’t” and walked towards the doorway of the shelter. At the entrance he turned back to face Viderichus, “Prepare yourself, young Viderichus for tomorrow we ride forth.”


Viderichus dressed quickly. Outside his tent, the sun had just appeared in the eastern sky but the breeze was already warm. Today the Goth warriors would march forward into unknown lands. These were the territories of the Berbers, desert tribesmen who occupied these desert lands. Soon these lands would all belong to the Goths.

Even though they were heavily laden with arms and food supplies, the Goth army traveled quickly through the desert sands. Alaric wanted to cross into Roman territory before another full moon had passed. The Berber tribesmen had seen them passing in the desert alerting the local tribal chief. Now Berber companies trailed a short distance behind them ever watching.

As the days passed, the Berbers drew closer and closer. One evening a Berber envoy rode out of the desert and into the Goth camp. His face covered he did not speak; he only stopped long enough to throw a parcel to the ground and then turned his horse around and rode off. One of the sentries took the parcel and opened it only to find the head of one of Alaric’s spies.




News of the warning did not deter Alaric from continuing the march. Within a few more days the Goths reached the outskirts of the town of Lol Caesarea.








Viderichus wondered why Alaric had veered so far north. He had not been present when Alaric called a meeting with his advisors. At the meeting the conclusion came that it was dangerous to leave these Berber armies unhindered behind them. If the Goths were to take the Roman town of Saldae, their supply lines might have to stretch through enemy territory. Alaric and his advisors formulated another plan; they would take the Berber town of Lol Caesarea. They would leave no enemy settlements behind them. Two days after reaching the outskirts of the Berber town the Goth army laid siege to it.




Alaric’s men did not have long to wait for Berber reprisals. The following day an angry host of Berbers attacked the Goth encampment. Horns sounded and the Goths ran out to the hillside above their camp.




Satisfied that his armor was properly fitted, Viderichus climbed onto his horse and took his place with the cavalry company he would command. In the distance dust clouds rose and the angry cries of Berbers filled the silence.

[midnite]

Alaric had learned the advantage of formed ranks and steady lines during his service with the Western Roman Empire. With a little discipline and lots of patience his men now assembled in an orderly formation on the hillside. If he were to defeat the Romans his men would have to learn the Roman ways better than the Romans knew.



A few companies of Goth infantry and cavalry skirmishers were hidden in a grove of trees on the left flank. These were some of his more experienced troops. He would not use them in the beginning of the battle today.







Today his new recruits would be tested in battle for the first time. They would taste blood first. Alaric rode over to where the men from the new companies were standing. “He called to their captain “Wulfgard, your men will form the first line right behind the archers. Today we will see what they are made of.” With a little hesitation in his voice, Wulfgard shouted, “Yes sir. Skirmishers forward” and his men marched forward and formed a line, many of them apprehensive at being in the front.






Alaric rode back to where the heavy cavalry was formed and ordered the company to re-enforce the right flank in support of Viderichus’ forces.



Alaric rode over to Viderichus and spoke “Viderichus these men have fought valiantly in many battles for me. Today I want you to follow them and learn. Real battle is never like the training you have endured these past months. Do as they do. You will be fine.” “Yes sir, I will do my best” Viderichus spoke nervously. Viderichus watched Alaric ride over to his bodyguard. His attention turned to the approaching Berbers. Their main force was much closer to the Goth army.




The captain of the heavy cavalry rode over to Viderichus, “Get ready to ride young commander. A company of Berber cavalry has tried to circle around and get behind our right flank. We will show them the error of their ways.” He smiled at Viderichus, rode back and took a position in front of his men. Viderichus looked over his men. His father had sent a handful of his own cavalry guard to ride with Viderichus. These were stout men, their bodies bearing scars from many a battle. They formed a half circle around Viderichus. The rest of his cavalry were new recruits much like himself. Today they would get their first taste of killing.

The Berber cavalry came into view on the right flank of the Goth army. The captain of the heavy cavalry raised his sword and shouted “Victory or Death” and charged forward towards the Berbers with his men following closely. Viderichus imitating him raised his sword and shouted “Forward” and he charged after the heavy cavalry with his company.

The Goth cavalry quickly closed the gap between themselves and the Berbers. They struck hard only allowing the Berber cavalry to hurl some of their javelins.



These Berbers were no match for the Goths. They were lightly armored with only short swords for close combat. The Goth cavalry charged forward with their lances straight ahead and speared many of the Berber riders on their first pass.



Viderichus’ cavalry had also reached the Berbers. His rider, who carried the standard for his company, was impaled by a Berber javelin causing him to nearly fall of his horse. Viderichus rode up to the rider and took the standard. Holding it high he charged into the fray.




In the midst of the fighting men one of the Berber cavalrymen spied Viderichus and charged to meet him. Using the standard, Viderichus parried the man’s sword strike and quickly slashed downwards with his own sword. Blood sprayed him and the Berber tumbled from his horse. With the blood lust engulfing him, Viderichus charged forward into the crowd.





The main Berber army had reached the foot of the hill where the Goth lines were formed. The Gothic archers aimed upwards and let loose their first barrage of arrows. The battle began in earnest.

[midnite]

The Berber warriors reached the bottom of the hill where the Goth army waited in formation.




The new Goth recruits, mostly formed into skirmisher companies prepared to launch their javelins. The Berbers waited hesitantly, no company willing to go first. Their numbers increased until finally their general rode up to the front lines. Even he hesitated, not sure if he should sound the charge or not.








Alaric watched from the rear of his lines. It appeared that the Berbers had lost their bravado. None were racing up the hill to clash with his men. Very well, if they would not attack then he would take the fight to them. He signaled the captain of his archers to fire. The archers put fire to their arrows and fired; hundreds of them brightened the sky and fell into the ranks of the Berbers.








The arrows found their mark turning men into flaming torches. Their screams carried up the hill as the archers fired a second volley into the throng of Berbers. Panic began to spread among them and companies began to run from the battlefield.





The Goth skirmishers marched down the hill towards the Berber lines and began to hurl their javelins.




Seeing some of his companies starting to rout, the Berber general signaled for the rest of his army to follow them. The whole Berber army turned from the hill and began to march back the way they had come.








Alaric watched the retreat. His army had suffered no losses and the battle had been won. Where were these Berbers retreating to he thought? Would they regroup and pose a new more dangerous threat to his men? He could not let them leave. He shouted to his captains “Send in the skirmishers, we can’t let the enemy escape. Now”. Alaric’s cavalry commander mounted his horse and hollered to his troops, “Mount up, the Berbers are escaping. Ride now.” Swiftly the cavalry rode out from their hiding place among the trees and raced down the hill. With them ran the Goth skirmishers. A few of the Berbers looked behind them as the marched. The hill behind them had become alive, a screaming mass of men waving sword and lance. Terrified they quickened their steps, hoping to reach the tree line quickly.

[midnite]

Out on the right flank, surrounded by the heavy Goth cavalry, Viderichus sat impatiently on his horse. His encounter with the Berber light cavalry had been brief but bloody. The Goths had slain many of the Berbers putting the rest to flight. Few of the Goths had been wounded and even fewer had been killed. During the ride from the Alaric’s encampment to the siege of Lol Caesarea, Viderichus had waited anxiously for his first taste of battle not knowing if fear would gain the upper hand. His trust in his general Alaric and the fearless bravado of the heavy Goth cavalry around had boosted Viderichus’ courage. With his father’s men around him, Viderichus had fought well and survived the battle without any injury. His clothes were stained with the blood of his enemies; he had been baptized into the warrior cult of the Goths. Now he watched as the Berbers ran from the field pursued by the Goth skirmishers and light cavalry.





The captain of the heavy cavalry, Gunther, rode over to Viderichus’ side. “You did well young Viderichus. The day is not over yet though, prepare to ride. The general will soon give the command. Follow me and stay close.”

Viderichus did not have long to wait. Alaric, fearing the Berber army would escape, signaled to Gunther to advance the cavalry. Gunther rode out in front of the cavalry sword raised shouting “to victory” and the Gothic host followed him racing down the hill.






The cnihte, Gothic heavy cavalry, quickly surpassed the Goth skirmishers and overtook the Berbers unlucky to be at the rear of the fleeing army. Swords slashing to the left and to the right, Berber infantry fell and what had been a simple victory turned into a slaughter.



Fearlessly, Viderichus rode with the cnihte. The Goth cavalry forced their way through the ranks of the Berbers slaying many of them. The few Berbers who tried to resist were swiftly cut down.







Alaric was greatly pleased with his veteran warriors. They were easily crushing the enemy force. His new young cavalry commander, Viderichus, son of Theodoric was also showing promise. Alaric had remembered his own first time in battle many years ago. How he had conquered his fear and remained calm. Viderichus, no doubt, had felt the same anxiety and fear. Much like Alaric, he had displayed none of this anxiety to his men and had fought well. Good, when the time came for the Goths to march on Rome he would need young commanders such as these to lead his men.

With the battle winding down a few of the Berber companies were making a last stand at the edge of the tree line. Alaric called to one of his aides, “Tell Gunther to retreat the cavalry and also tell Wulfgard to advance his men. They have been training in camp and now I want them tested in battle. Those who fight well will survive. As for the others, they will die honorably. Also, tell young Viderichus I wish to speak with him.” The aide rode down to where the cavalry was entangled in the fighting and quickly passed Alaric’s message on to Gunther. Gunther signaled to Wulfgard to charge his men forward and the cnihtes fell back from the Berber line and rode behind the skirmisher infantry. With a great shout the Goth infantry charged forward. “Viderichus”, shouted Gunther, “ride back to the lines, Alaric wishes to speak with you.” Viderichus, nodded, took a last glance at the fighting and sped of towards the hill.




Eager to prove themselves, the skirmishers fought valiantly. In the ensuing melee a few of them fell but the Goth infantry held, their lines did not break. Slowly the Berber line began to fold. Panic spread and soon the Berber infantry were running from the field pursued by the Goths.







Quietly sitting on his horse by Alaric’s side, Viderichus watched the battle progress. At the tree line the Goth infantry stopped their pursuit. Alaric had cautioned his commanders about having their men follow the Berbers into the woodlands, afraid that they might be ambushed. Viderichus watched the last of the Berbers disappear into the tree line deep in thought over the men he had killed. Still in thought, Alaric spoke to him “Well done young Viderichus. You fought ably today. That is all I ask of my commanders. Your clothes are stained with blood. Are you injured?” “No sir” replied Viderichus, “This is the blood of the men whose lives I have taken. I knew I had to kill them otherwise they would have ended my life. Yet I can’t stop thinking about them, I still see their faces in my mind.” “It will pass young commander” spoke Alaric, “come, ride with me, the siege has not ended. I believe we will need to fight another battle before Lol Caesarea is ours.”