ROMANI
A Historical Roman Campaign
House Rules and Goal of AAR
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
- I hope to be able to update this AAR twice a week (if not maybe even three times a week).
- The first couple days of this AAR should see multiple posts so you guys can see if you would be interested in this AAR or not
- Comments and feedback are most certainly welcome (of course) and do not be afraid to be harsh with criticism so long as it is constructive (I doubt I would see anything less from you all)
- This AAR will stick to a historical Roman timeline as far as conquering and many diplomatic cables are concerned.
- Legions will consist of a standard Roman Legion with the addition of the Socii Alae (Allied soldiers of Roma). I am still trying to figure out the best way to integrate them into the army (whether they should be in a different army and just follow the legion or if they should just be integrated in with the Roman units.
- While the aim of this AAR is to be as historically accurate as possible, I am still human and ancient history is still difficult to replicate so expect a couple of slip-ups here or there
- I know that this is a tall order to fulfill and that many have probably tried and failed before me, but I almost always try to play my Total War games with a higher degree of historical accuracy, so this isn't really anything new to me (except the AAR, this is my first)
- Because the aim of this is to be historically accurate, I plan to toggle fog of war on and off every so often to make sure that there isn't any crazy ahistorical expansion going on (I'm looking at you Ptolemy)
- Also, I will occasionally use force diplomacy to help aid a struggling nation or slow down an overly agressive one (I will not use force diplomacy to benefit myself unless it pertains to peace treaties and specific diplomatic engagements)
- Remember that the letter 'U' was replaced in latin by the letter 'V'. Therefor, in this AAR, wherever there is a 'U' in a name, expect it to be replaced with its latin alternative 'V'. I also plan to use the historically accurate names for factions (i.e. Epeiros, Karthadastim, Roma, etc.)
- I will let you know as this changes, but my plans right now are to try and play through to the end of the game (of course that may or may not happen)
Sources and Research
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
- The Roman Army: The Greatest War Machine of the Ancient World by Chris McNab
- UNRV History: The Roman Empire
- Quintus Sertorius' Guide to Conduct Becoming of a True Roman (Redux for EB from Quintus' Guide extended by Candelarius)
- Wikipedia's SPQR Article Series
- ZombiVoziKombi's EB Historical Conquest Timeline
- The History of Rome (Weekly Podcast)
- The Art of Battle: Animated Battle Maps
Index
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:I). Capitulum 1.1 (A New Threat Emerges)
II). Capitulum 1.2 (The Battle of Asculum)
III). Capitulum 1.3 (Turning of the Tide)
IIII). Capitulum 2.1 (Consequences)
V). Capitulum 2.2 (The Gathering Storm)
VI). Capitulum 3.1 (War with Karthadast)
VII). Capitulum 3.2 (The War on Sicily)
VIII).Capitulum 3.3 (The Siege of Syracuse)
IX).Capitulum 3.4 (The Siege of Agrigentum)
X).Capitulum 3.5 (The Battle of Agrigentum)
XI).Capitulum 3.6 (The Roman Navy)
XII).Capitulum 3.7 (Corsica Contested)
XIII).Capitulum 3.8 (Preparations)
XIV).Capitulum 3.9 (Incursio Africae [Part 1/3])
XV).Capitulum 3.9 (Incursio Africae [Part 2/3])
XVI).Capitulum 3.9 (Incursio Africae [Part 3/3])
XVII).Capitulum 3.10 (War Without End)
XVIII).Capitulum 3.11 (Renewing Roman Efforts)
XIX).Capitulum 3.12 (The Road to Victory)
XX).Capitulum 3.13 (An End in Sight [Part 1/3])
XXI).Capitulum 3.13 (An End in Sight [Part 2/3])
XXII).Capitulum 3.14 (An End in Sight [Part 3/3])
CAPITVLVM I: A New Threat Emerges
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:“Roma. That such a simple word could be so complex. It is not one man who has forged Roma- it is thousands. An obvious statement on the surface, but what you my fellow Senators fail to realize is that I am not talking about distinguished Romans. No, it is the thousands who lay dead in our fields and the countless others who now live under our rule who I am referring to.”
A befuddled look came over quite a few of the old men of the Senate as they leaned in closer to hear what words next be spoken by the old, blind man.
“Those who lay dead or under our rule used to oppose Roma. No longer. They once thought that they would defeat us. They thought that they would be the victors. That THEY would be the ones blessed by the gods! Look at them now. They are our subjects, our citizens and allies, our slaves.
You all know of our history. You all know of our triumphs. Our cities. Our people. Our culture. What word would you use to best describe them other than Roma? For what word is a better compliment? To our allies it is welcome. To our foes it is feared. And you know what Roma and fear both have in common?”
“They both have four letters?” Jeered an old Senator to the approval of many chuckles including the man atop the podium.
“I suppose you are right Senator.” Remarked Appivs Claudivs Caecvs from his position at the center of the Senate Chamber. “However, the point I am getting across is that those who oppose Roma are like those who oppose fear: brave, yet foolish. Do you think that just because one acts unafraid he is fearless? Is it true that one who walks in a pit of snakes will never be bitten? NO! It is as much a fact of life that fool-hardy words and actions against Roma will not go unpunished as it is that we are the sons of Mars!”
The Senate Chamber began to fill with cheers and applause.
“That is why, I, Appivs Claudivs Caecvs refuse to even think of surrendering to a tyrant such as Pyrrhos!”
Many of the Senators were now on their feet and more yet were vociferously agreeing with him.
“So that is why I tell Cineas to bring word back to King Pyrrhos that Roma shall never surrender to the likes of him or any who oppose her! Remember this my fellow Romans: qvisqve faber svae fortvnae (every man is the architect of his own fortune). Just as I sealed the greatness of Roma with the construction of the Via Appia, Pyrrhos has sealed his own failure by demanding surrender from Roma!”
Not a word could be spoken that would be heard in the Chamber. The old Roman had made his opinion quite clear and thus sealed the fate of the two nations. There would be no peace between Roma and Epeiros despite the loss at Heraclea for the Republic. It was now up to the legions of Rome to defend the city against the Pyrrhic King and his army.
Thanks for reading and this should be updated with some actual in-game footage shortly!