[RS II AAR] Sons of Jupiter: The Beginning of the End of an Era [UPDATED 11/2/2013]
Sons of Jupiter The Beginning of the End of an Era
This is my first attempt at an AAR, and of course, I chose Roma Surrectum. I apologize for the lack of pictures in the beginning of the AAR, due to the fact that I decided to begin this quite a few turns into my campaign, and failed to take any screenshots. Also, since abandoning this project since December, I am greatly relying on my memory for the period between the conquest of Pella and the capture of all of Greece. I once again apologize for perhaps the bland material I will provide you with until I get myself up to date. I would like to add something new and innovative to this AAR, so keep reading! More screenshots will be sure to come.
Playing as Rome, this AAR began as a specific project dedicated to telling the story of my conquests in Greece, fighting the Macedonians and Greek City States. However, it grew to eventually encompass my entire campaign.
So let us begin, Permissum nos Suscipio!
Faction: Rome Difficulty: H/H Playing: Roma Surrectum 2.1a
A sharp summer breeze moves across the banks of the Tiber as clouds gather over Rome. Quintus Fabius Maximus, beloved leader of the Roman Republic, a man loved by the Senate and adored by the citizens of Rome sits upon the grass. He has survived Rome's most dangerous time of crisis to date. ROME, has survived. And Rome has only survived because of his leadership, the decisions he had made as Dictator. Now, he must continue to make difficult decisions. He is no longer Dictator, but his influence extends over all of Rome's provinces. He has just ordered the legion in Southern Italy under the command of Gaius Terentius Varro to assemble his troops and board a fleet bound for Dyrrhachium with the approval of the Senate. Rome now extends its territory into Northern Italy, and the Macedonians have their eyes on a Roman settlement in Greece.
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Gaius Varro had just recently defeated an army of Roman Rebels in Southern Italy, and his army has not fully recovered from their losses. Varro is a competent leader, one who has displayed both courage and bravery in battle. He has crushed the Roman Rebels in Southern Italy, and is loved by his troops. Gaius has painstakingly tried to forget the terrible losses he suffered at Cannae, where Hannibal humiliated him and killed tens of thousands of Roman soldiers. At the age of sixty two, he is still one Rome's most capable generals. Despite its losses, Varro's legion lands on the Greek peninsula, prepared to fight the invaders. The Macedonians however, prolong their attack. They leave the Roman province, and begin to assemble more troops from within Greece to defeat the new Roman legion that has just disembarked.
Six months later, a large Macedonian Army appears in the region. Gaius Varro must decide whether to attack the Macedonians and begin a war with Rome's strongest neighbor, or sit back and discover the Kingdom of Macedon's true intentions. The Successor state's armies will prove to be a worthy match for Roman legionaries. However, with the encouragement of his soldiers and tribunals, Varro engages the army and defeats the Macedonians in a bloody battle. The victory comes at a dire cost, and his legion is severely limited in numbers. Varro employs local mercenaries to fill the gaps in his legion, including Levy Pikemen and some missile units.
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Meanwhile, back in Italy, Publius Cornelius Scipio campaigns in Northern Italy, capturing Genoa. He then marches his army South to Rome where his units can be retrained, re-equipped, and re-supplied. Little does he realize that his legion will play a crucial role in defeating the armies of Macedon.
On the Greek peninsula, Varro's tattered legion lives off the land. They are ill-equipped, tired, and in serious need of reinforcements. The citizens of Dyrrachium send them food and supplies, but they are almost starving themselves. The situation in Greece appears to be desperate, so the Senate orders Publius Cornelius Scipio to assemble his re-equipped legion and march for the shores near Cannae, where a Roman fleet awaits them.
Another Macedonian army enters the region around Dyrrachium, and Gaius Varro retreats to the shores of the Greek peninsula where he hopes reinforcements will soon arrive. For six months, the Macedonians pillage and roam the landscape around Dyrrachium, destroying towns, plundering villages, and murdering women and children. However, Varro cannot engage his enemy, for he will most certainly be destroyed. By the grace of the gods, in the summer of 541 AUC, Publius Cornelius Scipio disembarks on the shores of the Greek peninsula. He commands the strongest legion in Rome, grizzled veterans who fought the Carthaginians and captured Genoa. Together, they meet the Macedonian Army on the Greek shore. The Macedonians are trapped by the sea, and must fight the Roman legions in order to continue towards Dyrrachium. Publius Cornelius Scipio will face his first test in campaigning against the Macedonians in Greece, in what may be the biggest battle of his life so far...
Chapter II The Blood Of Many
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Summer, 541 AUC
On the western shores of Illyria, situated on the Greek Peninsula, Publius Cornelius Scipio stands side by side with Gaius Terentius Varro on a humid, sunny afternoon. Behind them stands the Roman camp, with officers and clerks running back and forth distributing orders, filing last minute logistics, and preparing for battle. The two Generals contrast each other greatly, Varro, a veteran, and practically an old man, has fought many battles throughout his life. These include his humiliating loss at Cannae, where his soldiers were massacred by the Carthaginians. But he has come to redeem himself, with multiple victories in Southern Italy against the Italian Rebels, and he has recently defeated a Macedonian force six months earlier that outnumbered him greatly. Scipio, on the other hand, has little battlefield experience. His father is a respected man throughout Rome, and Publius has a lot to live up to. But he has already proved himself, representing his military genius in the Siege of Genoa where his forces defeated the last Carthaginians in Northern Italy. He is young, rash, and willing to take risks, unlike Varro, who tends to be a bit more conservative. Together, however, they will prove to be some of Rome's most brilliant military strategists of the early Republic.
Roman legionaries begin to assemble in their respective positions. Republican Polybian Cohorts, made up of the Hastati and Principes, take positions at the front of the line, accompanied by Phalangilite Mercenaries and Levy Pikemen recruited by Varro. Behind them stand the triarii, grizzled veterans who fill the gaps in the Hastati and Principes. Cavalry stand at the flanks, and other mercenaries Varro has employed accompany the flanks. Rome's armies are prepared for battle.
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The Macedonian Army can be seen in the distance, the sea at their backs. Varro signals the command to advance the line, and the entire Roman legion lurches forward. Scipio's legion will enter the battle from the Macedonian left flank, encircling the Macedonians, and driving them into the sea.
"Forward!' Yells a centurion, and the Macedonians begin to come more clearly into view. Their rows of phalanx intimidates some legionaries, with their points of the numerous pikes glistening in the sun. Soon, the legionaries realize, they will come into contact with those spear points.
The Roman line continues to move forward. To the right of the battlefield, (and to the left of the Macedonians) Scipio's legion can now be seen. This inspires Varro's legionaries, who press on.
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Soon, the legionaries are within fifty yards of the enemy pikemen. Both sides rush skirmishers to the front line, and javelins are exchanged for over twenty minutes. Finally, the Romans are given the order to throw their own javelins, and directly assault the Macedonian center.
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Scipio's army moves closer. Roman legionaries begin to fall, and the triarii move closer to the front line. Roman cavalry engages Macedonian Companion Cavalry on the flanks, and Varro's mercenaries also engage the Macedonian line.
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Within moments, Scipio's legionaries now reach only one hundred yards from the Macedonian left flank. Varro's cavalry retreats behind the Roman line in order to allow Scipio's forces to destroy the Macedonian left. In seconds, Varro's legionaries can hear the crash of shields and swords as Scipio's men attack.
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Varro and Scipio, standing far behind the Roman line, move their bodyguard units forward in order to witness more of the battle. They are pleased by what they see, Scipio's legionaries begin to encircle the Macedonian line. Victory will soon be achieved, and the Macedonians will be driven into the sea, finally expelled from the region around Dyrrhachium.
The battle continues for hours, however, because the Macedonians refuse to route. Finally, encircled, outnumbered, and exhausted, the Macedonian line breaks, and their warriors begin to flee towards the sea. Roman cavalry cuts them down, and Varro and Scipio smile towards one another, knowing they have achieved ultimate victory. Rome will be quite pleased.
After the battle, bodies lay dispersed across the battlefield. The Romans begin to bury their dead and head back to camp.
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[LEFT][LEFT]
Varro and Scipio know they have achieved one Roman victory together on the Greek peninsula, but in order to defeat Macedon, many more will need to follow. However, they enjoy the winnings of the day, and send a scout back to Rome to report the good news. Little do they know their victory may soon be threatened...
Chapter III The Crumbling Of An Empire
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Gaius Terentius Varro and Publius Cornelius Scipio had sent word to Rome via scout over one month before of their recent victory over the Macedonians. In no need of reinforcements, and two legions reinforced with local mercenaries, the two Roman generals decided to take the fight into Macedonia itself, threatening the very heart of the Macedonian Empire. They would cut across the Greek peninsula, separating the Northern Macedonian provinces from its Southern cities in Greece. This, they knew, was a great risk, but hopefully, should they achieve victory, they will receive praise and recognition from the Senate.[LEFT] Meanwhile, back in Rome, news of the victory over Macedon has cause conflict within the Roman senate. Although in good spirits over the triumphant Roman victory, two camps have formed within the Senate; those who wish to continue the war with Macedon and those who wish to fight a defensive war. Ultimately, with the approval of Quintus Fabius Maximus, the decision is made to fight an offensive war against the Macedonians. Maximus begins assembling a legion which he will command and aid the two legions already present on the Greek peninsula.
***
Over the next few years, Varro and Scipio campaign across the Greek peninsula, first capturing Apollonia to the South, then marching North and capturing Edessa. During the summer of 544 AUC, Quintus Fabius Maximus arrives in Dyrrhachium accompanied by his legion. He is informed by the locals of the decision made by Varro and Scipio, and begins to march his army East.
At 65 years of age, and commanding the weaker legion of the two general's armies, Gaius Terentius Varro decides to retire and govern the newly acquired province of Edessa. Fortunately, the citizens of Edessa seem to enjoy Varro, and his reputation there is in very good standing. The remaining troops in Varro's legion combine with those of Scipio's, who then marches the legion towards the Macedonian capital of Pella. He will soon be accompanied by Quintus Maximus, who is pleased and utterly surprised at the newly acquired provinces and conquests as he marches his legion towards Pella.
Chapter IV The Fight For Greece
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Publius Cornelius Scipio has made the decision to besiege the Macedonian capital of Pella without the help of Quintus Fabius Maximus, foreshadowing his future acts of acting alone and without permission. His decision to do so results from his inability to remain patient, and he will take whatever risks necessary to achieve his goals. After a three month siege, and relatively little resistance made by the Macedonians, Pella is finally captured. The victory pleases the Senate and people of Rome, for the capital of Macedon is now in Roman hands. The map of Greece has been significantly changed by Roman conquest.
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The neighboring Macedonian city of Thessalonike is also captured by Scipio with little resistance by the Macedonians. Scipio's legion, further reinforced by native mercenaries, moves North. Scipio and his army fortify themselves on the Macedonian border shared with Pella. There, the young Publius Cornelius Scipio remains and awaits further order.
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Rome now controls almost all of Northern Greece and Macedon. However, Rome's generals have no intention of stopping there. To the South, the Greek city-states are prime for conquest, full of riches to be plundered. Two legions are constructed in Rome, one, to complete the conquest of Sicily which will require the capture of Syracuse, and the second to assist in the conquest of Southern Greece.
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Quintis Fabius Maximus disembarks on the shores of Western Greece near Thermos. Hearing of Scipio's successful capture of Pella, he feels no need to reinforce Scipio's legion. Instead, he quickly marches his army east and besieges the Greek city-state of Thermos. He has brought upon Rome another war, this time with the city-states of Greece.
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After another costly Roman victory, the Roman general's legion has been severely weakened. He turns from Thermos to head back to Rome, where he is needed. Frustrated that his conquests are interrupted by politics, Quintus embarks on the same ships that brought him to Greece.
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In response to the violence provoked by Quintus Fabius Maximus upon the independent Greeks on the Greek peninsula, the Greek colony of Massilia sends an army of both Greek soldiers and barbarians to attack Genoa, the northernmost Roman province on the Italian peninsula.A legion commanded by Marcus Antonius Varro, the son of Gaius Varro, intercepts the Greek army outside of Genoa. The battle will determine the outcome of who controls the city.
Marcus Antonius Varro has no experience in battle, this will be his first time commanding an actual legion. He is expected of great things being the son of a famous Roman general. Marcus has had experience fighting with his father in Southern Italy, where he learned basic battle techniques. Now, the Senate and people of Rome count on him to save the city of Genoa. Should Marcus be unsuccessful, his father and the Roman people may disown him. Marcus knows he must be victorious.
Marcus will receive reinforcement from Decimus Fabius Maxmimus, the governor of Genoa. His small force of Romans may play a crucial part in the battle.
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The two armies meet on a flat plain outside Genoa. Marcus's legionaries are arranged in checkerboard pattern, with the Velites positioned at the front of the legion. Roman cavalry position themselves on the flanks.
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Marcus Varro gives the order to advance, and the legionaries lurch forward.Marcus notices the barbarian soldiers amongst the men of the Greek lines. "How pitiful," Marcus thinks to himself, "that these pompous Greeks employ the services of useless Celts. These Massilians are quite barbaric themselves!" At that moment, a courier approaches the general. "Sir, the reinforcements have been delayed. We must fight without them for the time being." "No matter", responds the general, "I do not think we shall have any difficulty in defeating these worthless Greeks." The velites sprint toward the Greek line, and hurl their javelins at the idle enemy. Javelins rain down upon the line of soldiers, and a short burst of screams can be heard as the sharp objects pierce through armor and flesh. The velites continue their attack while the legionaries continue to advance toward the Greek line.
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Finally, the Roman legions come within striking distance of the Greek line. For many of the young soldiers, this is their first battle, and their first time witnessing barbarian soldiers. The Celts wave their weapons in the air and hurl insults towards the Roman legionaries. They gnash their teeth and spit at the Romans. Surely, these men must be animals. A centurion raises his arm for the javelin attack. The legionaries hurl their javelins at the Greek lines, and attack their thin center. The Greeks have strengthened their flanks at the expense of their center. The barbarian troops know nothing of battle tactics, and throw themselves at the Roman legionaries. The Romans crush the Greek center, and begin to form a large gap in the Greek line. Victory has almost been achieved.
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Finally, Decimus Fabius Maximus and his reinforcements arrive. Ironically, they appear on the horizon directly behind the Greek line, and quickly advance towards the Greek rear. The Greek army is now trapped. The reinforcements clash with the pitiful Greek reserves, who are easily routed, and then smash into the back of the Greek flanks.
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Within minutes, the Greek army is routed. Marcus Varro has saved Genoa. However, he does not celebrate his victory for long. He marches his army north and west towards Masillia, then fortifies himself along the coast near Masillia between the sea and the Alps. He will prevent any further invasion by the barbaric Greek colonists.
Last edited by Audacia; March 01, 2013 at 08:04 PM.
[RS II AAR] Sons of Jupiter: The Beginning of the End of an Era [UPDATED 11/2/2013]
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