Page 4 of 4 FirstFirst 1234
Results 61 to 72 of 72

Thread: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

  1. #61

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    After building siege equipment, Caesar's forces make short work of the outnumbered Carthaginian defenders of Gader.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    The garrison of Mastia is even smaller.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    221BC

    The Lusotannan tribe have long been allies of Carthage. Their response to Roman invasion of Lusitania is swift and aggressive.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

  2. #62

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Perhaps the Lusotannan are unaware of how Caesar forged his reputation? Long years of fighting the Gallic tribes in Cisalpine Gaul have given Caesar all the experience he needs to deal with barbarian invaders. This force, consisting in large part of skirmishers, poses few problems for Rome's greatest general.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    The army besieging Mastia is another matter. Led by the chieftain Tirtano, this force contains cavalry, infantry and skirmishers and will test Mugillanus' mettle.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Lusotannan hold a commanding position on top of a hill overlooking the city. This makes deployment difficult for Mugillanus - his troops are at the mercy of the barbarian slingers as they leave the city to take their place in the line. Mugillanus therefore orders his slingers and Kretan archers to screen his forces as they deploy into battle formation.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Numidian cavalry use their speed to attack the Lusotannan flank with javelins. Although their missiles do little damage, the primary purpose of this attack is to divert attention while the Roman infantry form up.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Lusotannan chieftain spots an opportunity and rides his cavalry towards the vulnerable Kretan archers. The equites intercept just in time.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The arrival of the Lusotannan infantry prevents the equites from prolonging the cavalry battle.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Roman javelinmen are next to engage. The peltasts and velites attempt to disorder the barbarian front line.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Finally the infantry are ready. Mugillanus orders each acies to run up the hill to minimise the time they are vulnerable to the barbarians' missiles.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    As the lines close and engage, the Lusotannans have the advantage of fighting downhill and the Romans have the advantage of numbers. The pedites extraordinarii attempt to flank the barbarian line on the right.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The barbarian response is like the awakening of angry insects. The extraordinarii are swarmed from all sides, as though their attempt to flank is an affront to the barbarians' honour.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    At the same time the equites engage the Lusotannan cavalry on the flank. Despite the slope being in favour of the Romans, the Lusotannan cavalry are fierce warriors and soon gain the upper hand.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    On the other flank, the Numidian cavalry attempt to relieve the pressure on the extraordinarii.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Lusotannan chieftain, embroiled in the infantry battle in the centre, pays the price for leading from the front.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    His death weakens his warriors' resolve and soon the entire barbarian army turns its tail.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Despite significant losses, Mugillanus has not been found wanting.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Caesar briefly returns to Africa to deal with a rebellion in Mauretania.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



  3. #63

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    220BC

    Another Lusotannan army led by the chieftain Melmunos besieges Gader. Caesar sallies immediately to face the threat.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Kretan archers take advantage of the walls to loose their arrows into the mass of Lusotannan infantry.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Roman skirmishers hurl their javelins from closer range.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    The infantry lines meet with both sides concentrating their strength on their right flanks.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Numidian cavalry redress the imbalance on the Roman left flank by charging into the rear of the engaged Lusotannan infantry.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    It is the beginning of the end. Caesar orders the line to be rolled up and soon the barbarian infantry are fleeing for the hills.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Caesar wins a heroic victory.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Valerius Messalla, the successor to Caesar in command of the 16th legion, continues to defend Cisalpine Gaul. This battle is notable for the fact that it is the first time the Gauls have fielded Neitos (heavy swordsmen). I wonder if this is a consequence of the March of Time? There is still no sign of Solduros, Arjos, or Gaesatae.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Caesar, with his force bolstered after hiring local mercenaries, faces another large battle in Turdetania as a field army led by the Lusotannan chieftain Skirtunos threatens Gader.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Lusotannan have the slight advantage of higher ground but otherwise Caesar is happy to fight on a grassy plain.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    One of the barbarian noblemen leads his cavalry companions in a chase against the Roman skirmishers. The Roman cavalry are initially not in a position to counterattack, but finally they catch the reckless chieftain and trap him against the Roman infantry line.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The skirmishers on both sides continue to probe for weaknesses in the opponent line.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The infantry lines close to within a few yards and both sides hurl their javelins.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    As the infantry clash in melee, the Roman cavalry are unopposed and can flank the enemy: the consequence of a nobleman's earlier foolishness.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Caesar wins another heroic victory.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


  4. #64
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,244

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Rome's advance continues in impressive style, despite the appearance of Gallic Heavy Swordsmen. It looks as if the battle against Tirtano Termocoi at Mastia was a good one, with a sensible mix of infantry, cavalry and skirmishers in the enemy army and the enemy using the advantage of high ground. I enjoyed reading about how the Roman commander at Mastia responded to these challenges with his own skirmishers and cavalry. (I like the way that you describe one moment in the battle at Mastia:"The barbarian response is like the awakening of angry insects. The extraordinarii are swarmed from all sides, as though their attempt to flank is an affront to the barbarians' honour.")

  5. #65

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    The legions in Iberia advance on two fronts. Caesar's forces storm the city of Sucum-Murgi.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    And Papirius Mugillanus' new recruits take Baikor.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    219BC

    Atilius Serranus leads a force of local militia to quash a rebellion in Numidia.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Caesar counterattacks a Lusitanian force led by the chieftain Tauros.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    After the victory the imperator wastes little time marching into the heartlands of Lusitania. The bold action draws the remaining barbarian forces in the area towards him, and another victory ensures the gates of Oxtraca are wide open for the victorious Romans.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    The Aedui have stepped up their game in Cisalpine Gaul, sending more impressive troops against Mediolanum.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Treachery in Venetia

    Barbarians remind us of their vile cunning, no more worthy of trust than a poisonous snake. As more Gallic raiding parties invade Cisalpine Gaul, the Getai tribe take the opportunity to launch a surprise and unprovoked attack on Patavium.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The timing could not be worse. It is the heart of winter and the 16th legion must already defeat 3 Gallic armies to clear Cisalpine Gaul. Rome is not prepared to defend its northeastern border, nor can the heroic 16th legion defend singlehandedly on two fronts. Can Rome mobilise in time to face this new threat? We live in troubled times.

  6. #66
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,244

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Ah, just when Rome seemed to be advancing easily in Spain, the Aedui send more challenging forces into northern Italy and then a surprise attack comes from an unexpected direction at a bad time. You have left me wanting to know what will happen to the heroic 16th Legion and whether Rome will be able to send reinforcements in time to make a difference. Looking forward to your next update!

  7. #67

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Valerius Messalla leads the 16th legion into action against the barbarian invaders in Cisalpine Gaul. The first Aedui army is led by the chieftain Convictolitavis.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    The second Aedui army is a smaller band of spearmen.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    And the Arverni are repelled from Liguria.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    218BC

    A state of emergency is declared in the north. The Celtic tribes allied to Rome are instructed to muster whatever forces they have, callow youths and old men included. Rome sends a contingent of hastati who have barely finished their training. Funds are allocated to hire mercenaries. Valerius Messalla leaves the 16th legion with only his cavalry in tow and rides with all haste to take command of the hastily assembled forces.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Getai army, under the command of the warrior-chief Dikomes, is a formidable and experienced force containing many swordsmen and spearmen.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Valerius Messalla orders his Celtic slingers to provide covering fire while his troops get into position and the militiamen of Patavium, under the command of Sergius Esquillinus, join the fray.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The infantry lines close at the very edge of the woodland.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Above the deafening din of warcries and exhortations, the horns to charge are sounded. The hastati hurl their pila and prepare to engage.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Getai warrior-chief seeks to strike an early blow by charging his cavalry straight into the Roman hastati.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    As the infantry lines engage, Valerius Messalla orders his Roman, Gallic and Ligurian cavalry to flank the enemy on both sides in order to capitalise on the paucity of cavalry within the Getai ranks.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The inexperience of the hastati betrays Roman courage: they are the first to break, devastated by the blows laid down by the Getai chieftain's cavalry.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Within a short space of time the Roman right flank collapses as the battleline is pushed back into the woods.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The situation is dire and the fortune of the battle is on a knife-edge. Valerius Messalla rallies his comrades and rides to confront the Getai warrior-chief himself.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Valerius Messalla's bravery shames the fleeing infantry. Stirred by the sight of the commander riding alone, some of the routers recover their nerve and form a second battle line.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The tribunes hurriedly reorganise the formation. Valerius Messalla retreats behind the infantry line and to the barbarians' amazement, who had thought the battle over, a solid line of infantry once again stands in their path.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    However organisation alone will not win the battle. The Roman right flank again collapses as the onslaught of the barbarian charge breaks the Illyrian levies.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    But with the Getai chieftain engaged in battle against the Roman cavalry, Valerius Messalla sees an opportunity for the decisive blow to be struck. He manouvers his cavalry around the Getai line and charges into their rear.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Roman cavalry are also victorious against the Getai chieftain, and now ride to surround the first line of the Getai infantry.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The second line is broken in similar fashion.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The final Getai troops are surrounded and slaughtered mercilessly.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    After a long and brutal battle which could have gone either way, Valerius Messalla finally emerges victorious.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


  8. #68

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Papirius Mugillanus defends Mastia against a Lusitanian incursion. He has 3 legions and allies under his command and this battle proves little trouble for a general rapidly gaining experience in the brutal warfare of Iberia.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Spurius Octavius quells another rebellion in Africa.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    After defeating the barbarians near Mastia, Papirius Mugillanus advances to capture Saguntum.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    217BC

    Papirius Mugillanus is on the march again and faces a large battle in Celtiberia.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Lusitanian force comprises light and medium units, with many archers, javelinmen and spearmen. Mugillanus instructs the tribunes to keep the legions in formation at all times. Through his experience he understands that Rome's strength lies in the discipline of the infantry, whereas the barbarians excel in cunning and skirmishes. To this end, Mugillanus deploys in the clearest part of the battlefield and the legions are in close formation as the barbarian vanguard advances.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    One of the many barbarian chieftains on the field leads his cavalry from the front, charging straight into the Roman front rank.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The barbarians threaten to overload on their right flank, the Roman left. Mugillanus resists the urge to weaken the centre by reassigning the infantry. Instead, the allied Tarentine peltastai are ordered to support on the left.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The peltastai station themselves in a long line, 4 ranks deep, and the immediate threat to the Roman left flank is expunged.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    With the flanks secure the battle is determined in the centre. The barbarian spirit is fearsome but their infantry is no match for Rome's legions. Once the first wave has been repelled and the lesser skirmishers join the fray, Mugillanus finally gives the order to attack.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Mugillanus' victory is decisive.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


  9. #69
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,244

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Great updates! I particularly enjoyed the state of emergency in the north and the hard-fought battle with the Getai war-chief. It looks like Rome's generals are doing well in Iberia and Africa.

  10. #70

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Just want to say thank you for the comments! Glad you are enjoying it, makes the writing and reports worthwhile

  11. #71

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    Sergius Esquilinus has Iuvavum under siege when the Getai chieftain Burebista, raiding to the west, returns to battle for the city.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Romans have a slight advantage in numbers but Esquilinus' troops are green while the barbarian warriors have fought in many battles.

    Having received word of Burebista's advance from his scouts, Esquilinus is able to position his troops in an advantageous position, on high ground away from the cover of trees.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Roman skirmishers take advantage of the high ground to weaken the infantry advance.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Burebista leads from the front, charging his cavalry into the centre of the Roman line and into the waiting swords of the extraordinarii.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    After Burebista's raiding party is repelled, the Roman line wheels to the right to face the bulk of the barbarian force, the defenders of Iuvavum.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The infantry meet in hand to hand combat all the way across the line.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The superiority and discipline of the Roman infantry is brought to bear as the barbarians are put to flight.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Esquilinus had told his troops they would dine in Iuvavum that nightfall; the commander delivers on his promise.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    216BC

    Rome's northern border has been extended.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The Getai heartlands lie to the east of Iuvavum and the city will have to be fortified to repel invasions. The Sweboz tribe control the territory to the north and west, but they have not yet shown open hostility to Rome and an uneasy peace persists. Meanwhile the Epeirotes have finally captured Segestica and are already threatening Patavium. The senate orders new legions to be raised to defend against the multiple threats in the north.

    In western Iberia, Caesar has marched his troops north to capture the Lusitanian town of Tyde.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Emboldened by Rome's distraction in so many foreign adventures, rebels march on Roma itself to demand concessions from the senate. Papirius Cursor acts swiftly to strike down this revolt, and the rebellion leaders are crucified on the steps of the forum.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Caius Octavius, in charge of the garrison of Augila, battles Carthaginian forces attempting to blockade the road to Lepcis.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    215BC

    Papirius Mugillanus intercepts a small Lusitanian force threatening Saguntum.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



  12. #72
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,244

    Default Re: EB AAR - Rome v1.21

    I certainly am enjoying it, and the latest chapter is a good one. Esquilinus sounds like a skilled commander, taking advantage of the high ground and reacting quickly to engage the main enemy force after defeating the raiding party. The current MAARC will move on to the voting stage in about a week; feel free to submit your AAR, if you would like to.

Page 4 of 4 FirstFirst 1234

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •