EB AAR - Rome v1.21

[Alwyn]

Good updates! The triarii do seem to save the day surprisingly often and they seem to have had a devastating effect on the Aedui warband. I am sorry to hear about the glitch with the bridge battle, that sounds frustrating.

There is nothing wrong with keeping the text to a minimum, if that is what you prefer. An AAR can involve creative writing, but it does not have to.

You asked whether people prefer pictures in spoilers. I prefer not to have spoilers for pictures.

I don't see building paved roads or a forum as interesting in themselves. They might illustrate a particular plan or strategy which you have in mind. Building a paved road in one location rather than others might indicate where you are planning to march armies for your next phase of expansion. Yes, it would be good to hear what the other factions are up to.

Losing deliberately is not necessary. As I see it, what matters is that there is some variety in the way that you present battles and that the battles are not just one easy victory followed by another.

[Nad]

Point of feedback for v1.21: hoplitai, triarii and some other spearmen have the "spear" attribute in weapon properties. This is far too powerful - you can see the result in every battle where the triarii get involved, such as the last bridge battle where a half-unit of triarii inflicted 544 infantry casualties. I have also seen single units of hoplites destroy a phalanx head-on in other campaigns I have tried. The pushing / penetrating power from the spear attribute is way too powerful for line infantry.

Recommendation: change to light_spear.

[Nad]

246BC - Diplomatic / Faction Progression Update

We are 25 full years into the campaign (100 turns) so this seems like a good spot to see what is happening in the world.

Rome

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My approach to diplomacy is twofold:
1. Diplomacy is totally broken in RTW/EB so we will not engage in any. It is far too easy to exploit and nonsensical for the human player.
2. We will not declare war on another faction. But if they declare war on us, it is a fight til the death.

[NB: although we violated the treaty with Carthage, they declared war on us rather than vice versa. So that doesn't count :p]

The Barbarians

Casse

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Allies: Arverni and Aedui
War: none

The Casse are doing ok, in line with what you might expect from the AI at this point in the game. They have 2 or 3 good size stacks in play and should be able to capture the remaining rebel settlements without too much trouble.

Aedui

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Allies: Carthage, Casse and Arverni (!) - the 3 Celtic factions are having an allied love-in.
War: Rome

The Aedui are currently the stronger of the two Gallic factions, controlling most of northern and central Gaul. They took Viennos from the Arverni fairly early on which was a major blow for me - if the Arverni had held on to Viennos, I would not currently have a border with the Aedui and as a result the Gallic factions would still be fighting each other. But since I have a border with both, they made peace, became allies, and are now throwing everything at me.

Arverni

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Allies: Aedui and Casse
War: Rome

The Arverni territory is split in two following their loss of Viennos to the Aedui. They are therefore determined to take Mediolanum to reunite their lands. They have tried and failed to take Emporion many times. Since they have 3 settlements with borders next to me, they are the most persistent in sending troops against me.

Lusotannan

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Allies: Carthage
War: none

I am not quite sure what the Lusotannans are doing. They have a solid base of 5 cities but do not seem to be attacking any other settlements. It seems like they have no stacks in the above screenshot, but it is likely they are all hiding in forests. The Ptolemaioi for one would be quite happy if the Lusotannans got off their butts and put some pressure on Carthage in Spain.

Sweboz

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Allies: none
War: none

The Sweboz have been content so far in carving out rebel territory in central Europe rather than mixing with other factions (NB: I have turned the Central European Defence mega rebel stacks off in this campaign, in case you were wondering how the AIs had captured settlements like Eburonum). How long this persists remains to be seen. I for one am praying the Sweboz do not capture Veldideno any time soon (they have tried and failed a couple of times already).

Getai

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Allies: Hayasdan
War: none

The Getai are doing ok in carving out rebel territory in eastern Europe. Surprisingly they not warring with any other faction. In other campaigns I have seen them embroiled in many early wars, whether against Makedonia, Sweboz, Sauromatae or even Rome. Slightly worryingly I do have a border with the Getai (they have Iuvavoaeta) - so war is probably not light years away. My best hope is they fight with the Sweboz instead of coming at me; otherwise Cisalpine Gaul will get even messier.

Western Greece

Makedonia

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Allies: Seleucids, Pontos and Sauromatae
War: Koinon Hellenon and Epeiros

The Makedonians are in a handicap match against the other two western Greek factions. They have lost Demetrias and Korinthos to KH but taken Athenai to compensate. They have a large stack attacking Pergamon but the Epeirotes are becoming more persistent in besieging Pella, which is cut off from the rest of the Makedonian settlements. If they can hold on to Pella and take Pergamon, the Makedonians could yet come out on top - but as it is, there is quite a pleasing stalemate in Greece.

Koinon Hellenon

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Allies: Baktria, Ptolemaioi and Epeiros
War: Makedonia and Sauromatae

The KH have had an interesting time so far. They have been at war with Pontos after Sinope flipped (Pontos has now recaptured and peace has been made). They have been at war with Epeiros after Pyrrhus attacked Thermon (they made peace after Epeiros took the city and are now allied). They have recently become embroiled in war with the Sauromatae after Chersonesos flipped. They have captured Demetrias and Korinthos from Makedonia but somehow lost Athenai. They almost lost Demetrias back to Makedonia and in turn almost captured Pella. They made several unsuccessful attempts to take Thermon before the Epeirotes succeeded. And amid all else, that starting stack in Krete simply will not leave the island, nor attack Kydonia .

Epeiros

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Allies: Koinon Hellenon
War: Rome and Makedonia

After being kicked out of Italy the Epeirotes have consolidated their holdings in western Greece, adding Thermon and Dalminion to their starting settlements. Their main focus at present is on Pella, and it seems only a matter of time before they take it. They have made a couple of half-hearted attempts to take Segestica, which would reignite the war vs Rome.

Africa

Carthage

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Allies: Seleucids, Saba, Aedui and Lusotannans
War: Rome and Ptolemaioi

Carthage is fast becoming a monster, despite losing its Mediterranean islands to Rome. The Carthaginians have united Africa and are now pushing east. They first went to war with the Seleucids over Kyrene (later making peace and signing an alliance). Now they are tearing into the Ptolemaioi, who seem powerless to resist, surrounded as they are by the Seleucids, Saba and Carthage. Carthage has several stacks on the march and it is only a matter of time before they reach the Nile. The Ptolemaioi's only hope is if another faction can somehow distract Carthage and alleviate the pressure...

Saba

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Allies: Seleucids and Carthage
War: Ptolemaioi

The Saba have benefited from the southern Ptolemaioi settlements rebelling to them. They have established a firm grip on Axum. Meroe has twice flipped from the Ptolemaioi to the Saba, but each time the Saba failed to hold on to it, letting it rebel again. It is unlikely they have sufficient troops in the area to benefit from the imminent Ptolemaioi collapse.

Ptolemaioi

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Allies: Hayasdan, Pahlava and Koinon Hellenon
War: Seleucids, Saba and Carthage

The Ptolemaioi are close to folding. They lost their Asia Minor settlements very quickly to the Seleucids, which meant the Seleucids could focus their forces in the east and south without worrying about a Ptolemaioi counterattack in the west. They took upper Egypt only to see the settlements flip to the Saba. And now with Carthaginian armies swarming through the desert, it seems only a matter of time before the Nile Delta is lost, and all hope with it.

The Middle East

Pontos

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Allies: Hayasdan, Pahlava and Makedonia
War: none

Pontos is doing rather well. They have benefited from not becoming embroiled against the Seleucids or Ptolemaioi, and are instead expanding west. After some initial trouble capturing and holding Sinope, Pontos' territory now extends into Thrace, as far as Macedonia. What will happen next might be interesting - they are running out of rebel settlements to target, so they may have to war against another faction soon.

Hayasdan

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Allies: Baktria, Pontos, Pahlava, Getai and Ptolemaioi
War: Sauromatae

It seems no matter what you do, you can't keep Hayasdan out of the steppes . Instead of going south against the Seleucids, or west aginst Pontos, Hayasdan is embroiled in its usual pointless steppe conflict against the Sauromatae.

Seleucids

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Allies: Makedonia, Saba, Carthage and Sauromatae
War: Pahlava and Ptolemaioi

Thanks to the Ptolemaioi's troubles, the Seleucids have managed to avoid their customary fate of being torn apart from all sides. Instead, they managed to captured the Ptolemaioi Asia Minor settlements easily and could then focus on giving the Pahlava a kicking in the east. None of Baktria, Pontos or Hayasdan has declared war against the Seleucids either, giving them a free hand to consolidate. The Selucids have been trying (and failing) to capture Bostra and Sidon for some time.

The Steppes & Far East

Sauromatae

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Allies: Seleucids, Makedonia and Saka Rauka
War: Hayasdan, Pahlava and Koinon Hellenon

The Sauromatae territory is vast in size but poor in wealth. The barbarians of the steppe have been rudely interrupted in their customary fight against the Hayasdan by rebellions. First a Pahalva steppe settlement rebelled to them, putting them at war with one of their main allies. And recently Chersonesos flipped away from them to the Koinon Hellenon, putting them at war with the Greeks.

Pahlava

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Allies: Baktria, Hayasdan, Pontos and Ptolemaioi
War: Seleucids, Saka Rauka and Sauromatae

After some initial success, where the Pahlava managed to take some Seleucid settlements as well as expand into the steppe, it has all come crashing down for the nomads. They have just 3 settlements left, each split off from the other. They have lost their starting settlements to the Saka Rauka and Seleucids and it seems only a matter of time before the enemies they are surrounded by take their remaining territory.

Saka Rauka

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Allies: Sauromatae
War: Baktria and Pahlava

The Saka Rauka are not doing particularly well, although the recent capture of Khiva from the Pahlava may help to change their fortunes. In their main war against Baktria, the eastern Greeks have the clear upper hand, taking Gava Haomavarga and Sulek from the Saka Rauka. It remains to be seen whether the nomads can strike back.

Baktria

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Allies: Hayasdan, Pahlava and Koinon Hellenon
War: Saka Rauka

The Baktrians are doing quite well. They have the upper hand in their battle against the Saka Rauka and they have recently beaten the Seleucids and Pahlava to capture Antiocheia-Margiane, after it rebelled from the Seleucids. They have not yet expanded into India - if they can do that while holding on in the north, the Baktrians could become a major force.

[Caillagh de Bodemloze]

That looks like a very thorough overview, Nad. Thank you!

[Nad]

246BC

Papirius Turdus fights several battles against the Gauls, of which the most notable is this engagement against the Aedui chieftain Barrivendos moc Vindex for control of the Po.

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After numerous messages to Rome requesting reinforcements, Turdus' pleas have finally been heard. The senate has dispatched a legion of new recruits to bolster Turdus' forces, under the subcommand of the tribune Aurelius Cotta.

Turdus deploys his fresh levies of hastati and principes at the front of the line, with the allies covering the wings. The slingers are deployed on the left and the archers on the right. The battle starts with the skirmishers firing across the river.

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The barbarian infantry march across the bridge to engage. Turdus issues orders to hold the line. Once all the barbarian infantry are committed, finally Turdus puts his plan into action. The troops on the flanks surround the barbarian bridgehead, and the slaughter begins.

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Turdus wins another heroic victory.

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[Nad]

245BC

Several great debates are held in the senate concerning news from home and abroad.

In Thrace, Pontos has allied with the Epeirotes and declared war on the Sauromatae.

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In Greece, the Koinon Hellenon have taken Pella from Makedonia. Athenai is also attacked by the Epeirotes. However the Makedonians have captured Pergamon.

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The Seleucids have taken the Ptolemaioi's Asian settlements and dominate the East. Some senators are concerned about the dominance of the successors, but their arguments for intervention are quickly dismissed. Rome already has too much on her plate to be worrying about problems from half a world away.

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The most important piece of business was to appoint a new commander for Rome's foreign legions. The debate raged for days and several candidates were discussed, though only 2 carried much support within the senate. Finally, by a small majority, Cornelius Arvina was given the command. His forces consisted of two legions and allies, as well as a large fleet of quinquiremes. Kaeso Cornelius Scipio, the second son of Rome's first man, was appointed as his tribune.

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Arvina's appointment was not without controversy. He had little military experience and few obvious qualifications for such an important position. Many in the senate felt Papirius Turdus, as a proven commander who had earned his spurs in fighting the Gauls, should have been given the command.

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Before the final vote, some senators had asked Scipio, Rome's first man, to intervene. However Scipio was adamant in not taking sides. He pointed out to those who would question his position how exactly he was supposed to choose between his cousin (Arvina) and his adopted son (Turdus). Thus the majority vote in the senate carried the day. Unsurprisingly, the accusation quickly arose that the senate had favoured the patrician over the plebeian.

While the senators wrung hands and postulated their self importance, Turdus continued his fight to protect Rome's borders from the barbarians.

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He was joined in this battle by Iulius Caesar, who had recently been appointed governor of Mediolanum, in order to free Turdus from the administrative affairs of government.

The Roman skirmishers attempt to lure the barbarian infantry away from the woods.

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The barbarians show their ill discipline. Some of their spearmen decide to charge the Roman lines while others hold back.

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On the right flank, Iulius Caesar is in command of the equites and wastes little time in charging some spearmen that are pinned against the Roman line.

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After the battle, the soldiers whispered that Caesar fought like a man possessed. After seeing off one group of spearmen, the governor wasted little time in rallying his cavalry to charge again, even without the equites in support.

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The remaining barbarians decide to leave without fighting. They have seen enough. Turdus decides not to pursue.

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It is a clear victory.

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In the south, Arvina lands his forces in Africa. The war against Carthage has now truly begun.

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[Nad]

After a short siege, Arvina storms the city of Atiqa.

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244BC

The Carthaginians do not respond. They have an army near Adrumeto which does not move to counter the Roman threat. Arvina is determined to force the Poeni to battle, so he can defeat their army and claim the glory of conquest. He immediately sacks the former capital of Carthage, Kart-Hadast.

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[Nad]

Pontos has betrayed the Makedonians, taking Pergamon and laying siege to Mytilene. The Makedonians are also on the verge of losing Athenai to the Koinon Hellenon.

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The Ptolemaioi continue to be carved apart. The Seleucids have taken Alexandreia and Carthage has captured Memphis.

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The Battle of Adrumeto

The Carthaginian general Abdosir's army consists mainly of Numidians and Libyans. Finally he gives battle in the plains outside Adrumeto.

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Arvina deploys on dusty ground directly facing the city, so that his men can see the prize of victory. It is a sweltering day, with heavy cloud cover. Arvina's troops are well drilled and experienced but they are already struggling with the unaccustomed conditions. Arvina now realises why Abdosir has so may local troops under his command - they may not be trained at fighting in line with armour and shield, but they know the lay of their land better than anyone and will seek to use the conditions to their advantage.

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The view from the front: the Roman slingers survey the approaching Carthaginians, silently selecting their targets.

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As the battle lines close and the skirmishers begin the fray, some of the Carthaginian heavy cavalry decide to chase the Roman leves.

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It is an inexplicable mistake. Arvina's mercenary Gallic cavalry on the left flank counterattack immediately.

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And the tribune Cornelius Scipio leads his cavalry behind the lines to support the Gauls.

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With the largest part of the Carthaginian force consisting of skirmishers, Arvina seeks to dominate the centre of the battlefield with his infantry.

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Disjointed skirmishes between individual battalions are taking place all across the battlefied. But the battle in the centre is won.

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Arvina wins his first major battle.

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[Nad]

The Fourteenth* Battle of Mediolanum

* Who's counting? Even Turdus has no idea.

Papirius Turdus sallies from the city to face the Aedui chieftain Vertico.

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Turdus was in a black humour. News had reached him several weeks ago of the senate's decision to prefer Cornelius Arvina as commander of Rome's foreign legions. And while Arvina was claiming glory in Africa, Turdus was left to face another large band of ferocious Gallic warriors, outnumbered as always. How many miracles did the senate expect him to work?

Turdus' mood is not helped by conditions on the battlefield. Firstly, a large copse of trees separates the armies, making it difficult for him to see what is happening.

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And then, just as Turdus gives the order for the skirmishers to engage, an unseasonal summer snow begins to fall, further hampering visibility and making it difficult for the slingers and archers to grip their weapons and select their targets.

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Despite the conditions, the Roman skirmishers inflict some damage on the Gallic front line. More importantly, they provoke the Gauls into charging.

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Iulius Caesar, commanding the equites in the position of honour on the right flank, immediately spots an opportunity. Unopposed by any Gallic cavalry, he wheels his cavalry around to charge into the flank of the Gallic front line.

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The first charge puts the Aedui levies on the left flank to flight. Caesar disengages and charges again.

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The second charge is just as successful as the first. However the Roman cavalry are unable to chase away the routers. The Aedui chieftain Vertico is keeping a second line of troops waiting behind the trees, and the cavalry cannot risk running into this line without the Roman infantry in support.

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As soon as the first wave is seen off, Turdus orders the infantry to advance.

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Meanwhile the tribune Aurelius Cotta, stationed on the Roman left flank and in command of the Ligurian cavalry, has circled around the Gallic infantry. Bravely he leads his men into a direct confrontation with Vertico's noblemen. Iulius Caesar, never one to miss an opportunity for glory, wheels around the right flank to support Cotta and to try to kill Vertico himself.

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The Roman cavalry have the clear upperhand and Vertico's noble cavalry take severe casualties. But Vertico himself is saved when several bands of Celtic slingers charge into the fray.

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The Roman infantry engage the second line of Gallic infantry in the woods.

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On this day the advance of the legions is unstoppable. The Gauls are soon put to flight. Vertico himself is slain somewhere in the confusion.

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Turdus' aggression has won the day. Rather than suffer the siege or allow the Gauls to charge the Roman lines, the advance of the Roman infantry forced the Gauls back. Once again the disadvantage of numbers did not stop Turdus from winning a decisive victory.

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[Nad]

Papirius Turdus has finally got his wish. The senate has recalled the commander to go to Africa to support the war against Carthage. Iulius Caesar takes command of the northern legions, with his first task to defeat a large Arverni warband.

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The Roman skirmishers engage first, firing at the barbarian front rank in an attempt to disorder their line and provoke a charge.

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Here they come.

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The barbarians throw themselves against the Roman left flank. The hastati and Ligurian allies are ordered to hold the line.

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The next wave of barbarians clashes against the Roman centre. Caesar orders the troops on the right to wheel around and attack the barbarian flank.

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While the hastati hold the line, the small contingent of Ligurian infantry on the left flank are swept away by the ferocity of the barbarian charge. Caesar throws his Celtic levy spearmen into the fray. He then seeks to exploit his cavalry advantage by ordering the equites and Ligurian cavalry to charge into the rear of the engaged barbarian infantry.

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Despite the efforts of the cavalry, the Roman left flank disintegrates and the centre begins to buckle. Caesar throws his final reserves into the fray - the Celtic spearmen are ordered to hold the centre while the triarii assist the principes on the right flank. Caesar's only hope is that the strong Roman right can defeat the Gallic left and then turn to the centre.

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And thus it transpires. With all the infantry battling in the centre, the Roman cavalry deliver the coup de grace with a final charge into the rear of the Gauls that sends the stricken barbarians into flight.

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Caesar wins the battle but at severe cost. His infantry have taken many casualties and are significantly weakened.

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243BC

aka the year sh!t got real

Cisalpine Gaul is invaded by a massive force of barbarians. Aedui and Arverni warbands besiege Mediolanum and Segesta, while another huge Aedui army is reportedly not far behind. Caesar's army is significantly weakened and no reinforcements from Rome are imminent. Can the Roman occupation of Cisalpine Gaul survive this threat?

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And in Africa, the Carthaginian armies that were fighting the Ptolemaioi have all been recalled to respond to the Roman occupation of Carthage. The first of these armies, a large force led by a prominent Carthaginian nobleman, besieges Adrumeto. Can Arvina's legions defeat this foe?

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[Alwyn]

Great updates, this looks like a very enjoyable campaign! I look forward to finding our whether the legions of Caesar and Arvina can defeat their dangerous foes. (I like your overview of how different factions are doing).

[Nad]

Cisalpine Gaul

Caesar sallies to repel the Aedui warband besieging Mediolanum. His tribune is Cornelius Scipio, the firstborn son of Rome's first man.

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The Roman skirmishers provoke the Aedui infantry into coming forward and leaving the shelter of the trees.

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The Roman battleline is not fully formed when the first wave of attackers makes contact. Caesar hurriedly gives the order to push back the foe.

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Eager to demonstrate his bravery, and without even waiting for Caesar's order, Scipio flanks the Gallic front line and charges his cavalry into their rear.

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The Gauls at the front break and flee. But the larger part of the Gallic army, waiting in reserve, has not fought yet. Seeing that they are now outnumbered after the failure of the initial chargers, they decide to retreat rather than fight.

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Caesar was reportedly furious with the tribune. His plan was to crush the Aedui warband completely so that he could focus fully on the much larger Aedui army which was fast approaching, without worrying about survivors from this battle carrying news back about troops or plans. Instead, those fleeing this battle would now surely report to the Aedui chieftain at the first opportunity about everything they had seen. Any element of surprise that Caesar may have harboured had now surely disappeared.

But as angry as he was, Caesar dare not discipline the tribune publicly. This was the firstborn son of Lucius Cornelius Scipio he was dealing with, and this was therefore a battle he could not pick. Instead, words were exchanged in private. And when a few days later Caesar marched his troops to chase away the small Arverni warband in Liguria, it was noticeable that Scipio fastidiously awaited Caesar's order before leading his cavalry into action.

[Nad]

Africa

Aurelius Cotta, having been assigned as tribune to Arvina's legions, marches reinforcements from Kart-Hadast to Adrumeto. Arvina awaits the arrival of the additional troops before sallying to fight the Carthaginian nobleman, Timasion.

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Timasion's army is impressive as well as large. He has a powerful, well-balanced force including skirmishers, infantry, phalanxes, cavalry and elephants. Arvina knows he will have his work cut out, even with the reinforcements Cotta is delivering.

Timasion deploys his army in a manner Arvina has not seen before. The Carthaginians form an extremely long but thin line, only a few ranks deep, all across the battlefield. Only the centre of the line has depth, with phalanxes, skirmishers, heavy cavalry and elephants concentrated in one place. In response, Arvina deploys his archers and slingers on the walls of the city.

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Arvina's reasoning is straightforward but calculated. He will deploy his army in a central bloc. Should the long Carthaginian line therefore attempt to wrap around the Roman formation, the slingers and archers will be able to counterfire from the height of the walls. Thus he hopes to deter the Carthaginians from such a flanking manouver.

The Carthaginian army has the advantage of the higher ground. The difference between the formations is plain to see from this vantage point - the length of the Carthaginian line vs the concentration and depth of the Roman maniples.

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Arvina begins the battle by ordering his javelinmen to weaken the Carthaginian elephant screen.

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The leves and peltasts throw the javelins with all their might...but after all their efforts, only 6 of Timasion's 24 elephants are incapacitated.

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As soon as the Roman infantry move into position, the elephants charge down the slope.

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Such is the impact of their charge that one maniple of hastati is obliterated in the blink of an eye. But many of the javelins thrown by the Roman infantry find their mark. The elephants are also routed.

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Timasion orders the Carthaginian infantry to engage. He also calls the long lines of troops on the flanks to come towards the action in the centre.

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While the remaining hastati and principes engage the Carthaginian infantry in the centre, including the phalanxes, Rome's flanks are under severe pressure as soon as the Carthaginian troops posted on the flanks come infield. The Samnites on the left flank are being pushed down the hill. In response, Arvina orders the Gallic cavalry to sweep around the side.

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As soon as they are in position, the Gallic cavalry charge into the flank of the Carthaginian light troops.

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Matters are much worse on the right flank. The Samnites and rorarii are routed before Cotta and the equites are even in position to offer a relief charge.

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Instead Cotta leads the cavalry into a fight against Timasion's Liby-Phoenician cavalry.

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As the cavalry disengage and regroup, the Samnite spearmen on the left can also hold no longer. The Roman flanks are now wide open.

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The battle turns into chaos. All sense of order, discipline and strategy is lost as men fight simply for their lives. Amidst all the confusion, the Roman cavalry manage to find their way to Timasion and his sacred band cavalry.

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But Timasion is not the only commander fighting for his life. Arvina himself is forced to fight when the Liby-Phoenician cavalry manage to find their way into the back of the Roman line.

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Timasion's companions are all slain in the brutal cavalry melee. But somehow the Carthaginian commander alone escapes with his life.

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In a battle of attrition, the Roman troops have ground their way to victory. The majority of the Carthaginian force is in flight. Only one Greek phalanx remains in good order.

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It has been a brutal fight and it is a Pyrrhic victory. Fully half of the Roman army has perished. Timasion escaped with only a handful of survivors.

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Roma Victor!

[Nad]

Caesar receives a stroke of good fortune in Cisalpine Gaul. The Arverni besiege Mediolanum (with a tiny force), which prompts the huge Aedui army to return to Gaul.

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After clearing the minor Arverni threat, Caesar fights another Aedui warband in the winter, this one led by the warlord Arandio.

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Caesar's skirmishers are significantly outnumbered by the barbarian slingers, but do what they can to weaken the enemy.

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The infantry lines close for battle and javelins are hurled by both sides.

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Arandio personally leads the barbarian charge.

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Caesar has the advantage in infantry and soon outflanks the Gauls.

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The Gallic infantry are crushed in the centre.

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It is a comfortable victory for Caesar, though Roman casualties are again high.

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[Nad]

242BC

A number of small Carthaginian forces are threatening Roman supply lines in Africa. Arvina defeats the Carthaginian nobleman Giscon.

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Papirius Turdus has been tasked with defending Byzacena with a single legion and allies. He rides out to defeat a small force of spearmen and cavalry.

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The Polybian reforms are achieved, though it will take some time for barracks to be upgraded.

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Possible bug alert: I cannot build any factional barracks in any city outside my original 5 provinces. In v1.2 the Polybian reforms enabled barracks in other Italian settlements such as Taras, Rhegion, Bononia, Segesta etc. Is this a deliberate change in v1.21 or a bug?

Arvina marches west to besiege the Carthaginian city of Ippone. It is easily captured as soon as siege towers are built.

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And the imperator wastes little time before advancing into Numidia.

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[Alwyn]

Rome's successes in battle are impressive! I like the contrast between the stark colours of the latest winter battle and the green and brown of the previous battlefield. Your explanations and images make the battles easy to follow and these look like exciting battles. The moment when Timasion's elephants are charging downhill and the leves and peltasts are having limited impact, is particularly good. As well as being enjoyable to read, your AAR looks like a great introduction to the Europa Barbarorum mod (and a helpful report for the mod developers.)

[Nad]

The 18th Battle of Mediolanum

The large Aedui army led by the chieftain Acco has finally arrived at Mediolanum. It is a powerful force consisting mainly of spearmen and slingers. Caesar surveys his men, says a few words to hearten their spirit, and gives the order to form into battle ranks.

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The Gauls use the woods in front of the city as a screen, as so many of their predecessors have done before. The Roman skirmishers engage in ranged combat as the infantry form up behind them.

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After the skirmish Caesar orders the infantry to march at the double. He wants his first rank in position beyond the treeline, so that the legion can fight without being hampered by broken ground. But the Gauls do not co-operate; they charge forward as soon as they see the Roman line coming through the trees.

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As more and more battalions of barbarian spearmen pour forward, Caesar abandons his plan to hold two lines. Instead he orders his hoplite and Celtic spear reserves to plug the gaps in the line and form a solid front.

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The battle turns into a fullblown infantry melee. Stratagems and manouvering are soon of little use. Every man is fighting for his life, and victory will be achieved hand to hand.

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The barbarians throw most of their strength at the Roman right flank, where the Ligurian and Celtic allies are stationed.

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The fortune of the battle hangs in the balance. The Roman right flank is being pushed back by the weight and strength of the barbarian spearmen.

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But while the Ligurians and Celtic levy spearmen are pushed back, the Greek hoplites demonstrate their virtue. They push through the barbarians, creating a bottleneck from which the Gauls cannot escape.

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After a long, exhausting battle, the barbarians are finally put to flight.

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Roman casualties are severe but it is nonetheless a heroic victory for Iulius Caesar.

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[Nad]

Rome's successes in battle are impressive! I like the contrast between the stark colours of the latest winter battle and the green and brown of the previous battlefield. Your explanations and images make the battles easy to follow and these look like exciting battles. The moment when Timasion's elephants are charging downhill and the leves and peltasts are having limited impact, is particularly good. As well as being enjoyable to read, your AAR looks like a great introduction to the Europa Barbarorum mod (and a helpful report for the mod developers.)

Thank you for the kind words, glad you are enjoying it! Yes, the graphics (which are from RS2 btw, these are not the vanilla EB1 graphics) are superb, and winter battles in particular have breathtaking scenery.

Part of the intention of this playthrough is for feedback on the v1.21 build of EB1, which is why I am looking out for bugs and such. And if people haven't played EB1, it is one of the best mods imaginable. I am concentrating on the battle side of the game, but the campaign map action is also fantastic, with the different factions, buildings, development and so on massively improved from vanilla RTW.

[Nad]

241BC

Iulius Caesar leads the legion of Cisalpine Gaul into battle against the Arverni chieftain Orro.

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The Arverni army is ensconced in the woods and the terrain is uneven, with many small hillocks. But Caesar's scouts identify an opportunity. By marching north instead of moving to confront the Gauls, the Roman army can circle around and approach the Gauls from higher ground. Caesar quickly gives the order to march.

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With the advantage of higher ground the Roman skirmishers are able to weaken the enemy front rank.

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The Roman infantry march down the slope. The Gauls are beginning to realise they have been outmanouvered - the men in the Roman front line can see the fear in their eyes.

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Javelins are hurled and the horn announcing the charge is sounded.

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The barbarian chieftain becomes embroiled in an infantry battle.

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The tribune Cornelius Scipio leads the charge into the rear of the Gallic line.

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The impact is devastating. The barbarians, already demoralised, begin to flee.

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It is a simple task to roll up the line and secure victory for Rome.

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Developments from abroad

The Lusotannan have finally woken up. They have taken Arse, have Baikor and Emporion under siege with full stacks, and another full stack headed towards Vellika.

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The Getai are massing troops at Iuvovaeta. This usually means only thing.

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Makedonia is down to just one settlement, Chalkis. It is unlikely they can hold the Koinon Hellenon back for long. The Epeiros-Pontos alliance did not last long - they are now at war and Epeiros has taken Serdike.

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In Libya and Egypt, the Ptolemaioi, Seleucids and Carthage are in a threeway war (provoked by Kyrene flipping from Carthage to Seleucids). This is good news for Rome.

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[Nad]

240BC

Another year, another fight against the Gauls. Caesar crushes an Aedui warband near Mediolanum.

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The Carthaginians launch a surprise attack in Numidia. Kirtan has no walls and is garrisoned only by skirmishers, with Aurelius Cotta and Octavius engaged in pacifying the local tribes. The Carthaginian nobleman Naravas attempts to retake the town with his small army of skirmishers.

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Cotta takes charge of the defences. He posts the akontistai and leves in the centre of town to deal with the Carthaginian skirmishers.

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Meanwhile Cotta and Octavius lead their companions, bodyguards and advisors outside the town to confront Naravas directly.

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As soon as the Carthaginian footmen approach the town square the akontistai hurl their javelins.

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Octavius and Naravas charge head on.

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But with Cotta immediately bringing his cavalry from the rear, it is an uneven fight.

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The Roman skirmishers continue to hold the Carthaginian foot.

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But as soon as Naravas is slain and the Roman cavalry attack the Carthaginian skirmishers, the battle is over.

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Barely weeks later another Carthaginian nobleman, Gisgo, attempts the same attack. But with his force even smaller, and with the Romans now seasoned in defending the town, this is an easy victory.

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As winter sets in the Arverni chieftain Tredain besieges Mediolanum. But with the Gallic army consisting mainly of levy spearmen, Caesar has little trouble in dispatching this threat.

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