[RTW AAR] The Fourth Punic War - A Carthage AAR

[Bona221]

The Fourth Punic War
Mod: RTW Vanilla (1.5)
Faction: Carthage
Status: Expanded

Hello everybody! As you can tell by looking to the left of your screen, you'll see I'm a fairly new member, however I lurk these (and the official) total war forums quite often.

I recently saw the AAR competition and I decided to make this for two reasons, either enter it into the competition itself, or receive criticism to further benefit my writing/illustrating skills so as to make an AAR worthy of entering and winning. :original:

So, without further ado, let us begin my first ever AAR! I hope you enjoy!


Giscon marched back and forth in his room, he couldn't stop thinking about the possibilities of his future. He had captured Italy almost completely by himself, and now the Romans were on the brink of destruction. He remembered the time when his brother cowered in fear because of the Romans, and now look at him. He was the leader of the empire he was carving out for him. No doubt, Giscon hated this, but Baal chose his brother, and Giscon had respect for the god. Footsteps were heard approaching...

*Knock*
Giscon: Enter

A man stepped in, no older then Giscon. A well built man, strong and sturdy looking, he could probably kill any normal man without much effort. But this was no normal man, this was Giscon's wrestler, a personal bodyguard, and a great soldier by any standards.

Wrestler: Sir, the reports have come in from Arretium. They have resupplied and reinforced their forces, and they ask for orders.
Giscon: Orders? Hah, what a true bunch of Carthaginian bunch they are. I tell them to rest for a few months and they want Orders.
The wrestler did not budge. He had found out very early in his career that even appearing emotionless had it's benefits.

Giscon: Tell them to find out any information they can about the North, we cannot advance without knowing what lies beyond our borders. It would be foolish. Tell them to look for Barbarians, Romans, even Macedonians, we don't know how far they have come.
Wrestler: Sir!

He saluted and turned.

Giscon: Wait, leave the scrolls, I'll add them to my collection later. A great man needs to keep records of his deeds, no?
Wrestler: Of course, sir.

The wrestler left them on his table, saluted again, and left. Giscon walked to his table and poured himself a cup of wine. He sipped it as he walked over to the table and retrieved the scrolls. He opened them up and looked at the military reports on them.


Arretium's Forces

Giscon: Well, atleast they remembered the correct report this time.

Giscon then opened up another scroll, this one detailing his own army.

Giscon's Army

Giscon's force was large enough that he could defeat the Romans himself, but they were so spread out now it would take him years to do it alone. After his Niece, Khilletzbol, and him had invaded Italy and taken Rome, the rats scattered. The Scipii to the West, the Brutii to the East, and the Julii to the North. So, a plan had been formed. Giscon would march North to defeat the Julii, though this had proved a more difficult task then first thought.

Another one of his Nieces, Milkherem, is currently attacking what is hopefully the last Scipii stronghold. The island town of Carals which was taken from the Carthaginians in the early years of the Fourth Punic War.

Milkherem besieging Carals

The Brutii though, they had to be taken care of another time. After the Macedonians almost beat the Greeks into their graves, they marched North to fight the Thracians, leaving their rear exposed to the Brutii. After several years of fighting, the Brutii had become a major super power in Greece. After the Julii and Brutii had been dealt with, Griscon would take his army East, and defeat them personally. They may be the last real challenge the Romans will give him.

Another scroll stuck out, it was a little torn, suggesting many hands had been laid upon it. Griscon pulled it out and looked at it...




Captain Teturus: You call yourself an assasin!? You couldn't even kill a stupid Diplomat you fool!

The whip cracked again, and the assasin cried out in pain. The soldiers watching laughed at the poor fool, even one of them could have done a better job then this pathetic 'assasin'. The doors slammed open as Griscon blew through as if he himself were the battering ram that brought down the gates of this very city. Captain Teturus and his men immediately stopped what they were doing and stood at attention. Griscon waited until everything was quiet...

Griscon: What is the meaning of this!?!?

Griscon held out the scroll which he had seen earlier

The Scroll's contents

Captain Teturus: Um... Sir, we were just working on that, as you can see here, were disciplining the man now.

Griscon looked at the man, unaware of his presence until now.

Griscon: That's not the point. At what time did I authorize an assasination attempt, ON A DIPLOMAT!?!?!? You crazy FOOL! Of what use are our resources spent on DIPLOMATS!?
Captain Teturus: Forgive me Sir, I thought... He was a minion of Rome, I didn't think his life was necessary Sir!
Griscon: He is a Diplomat, of course his life isn't necessary! But don't you think you should be trying to do something else with your abilities? I don't know, find out where important members of the Julii are? Assasinate THEM perhaps?
Captain Teturus: Of course Sir, I apologize, I will take the assasin down immediately and have him off by tomorrow.

The assasin obviously sighed with relief.

Griscon: No, wether or not they were my orders, he failed. He should be punished as such. Fifty more lashes ought to to it. If he bleeds too much though, do stop. We need him alive. And clean up this place would you? It looks disastrous, this is the officer's lounge, not a barracks.
Captain Teturus: Of course, Sir.
The assasin gave no audible expression, but you could see on his face his dislike of Griscon's decision, and you could see on the soldiers faces the love for Griscon's decision. As Griscon left, he could hear the screams of pain of the man.

The next day.


Griscon got up out of his bed, beckoning his slaves. As he got up, they put on his clothing perfectly, it was as if they were being put on by the very air itself. Once he was dressed he walked down to the main hall to eat. Once he got there, he found his officers talking amongst themselves. He sat down at the head table with the other commanders. As he was about to begin eating, a messenger approached him with a scroll in hand. The messenger wisely stood silently by Griscon. Griscon ate for a few minutes before speaking.

Griscon: What news do you have for me messenger?
Messenger: We have information that tells us the leader of the Julii is currently garrisoned at Segesta, just North of Arretium.
Griscon: Really now? Well, let me think... Send message to Arretium that they are to prepare their force to attack Segesta, but make sure they leave a garrison within the city.
Messenger: Sir.

The messenger left Griscon to his food. After he had finished eating and discussing the current state of the Carthaginian Empire with his fellow officers, he returned to his room. Just as his bodyguards were leaving, he turned to the wrestler, who was easily recognized because of his sheer height.

Griscon: Wrestler, summon Amilkas for me.
Wrestler: Sir.

Griscon sat at his table, filling out forms of declarations of heroics in battle for many of the troops under his command. He kept a large amount of notes of this type. The door opened as two of his bodyguards entered, allowing entrance of a shady looking man. But you would only know he was shady when it was too late, or so Griscon hoped.

Griscon: Amilkas.
Amilkas: Sir.
Griscon: You may leave us.

The guards promptly left the room as ordered.

Griscon: I have recently discovered that the leader of the Julii family is in the town of Segesta. I will have troops attacking the town within months, and I need that man dead. His troops will fight thrice as hard if he is there. This is where I need you.
Amilkas: With all due respect, Sir... I have not assasinated such a target before... eh, merchants, thugs, thiefs, people like that I have dealt with. But a great man like this, I don't know if I would necessarily be able to do it, Sir.
Griscon: I have complete faith in you, my friend. Now, you best be on your way, have a safe journey, to and fro.

Griscon gently pushed him out and closed the door, denying him any means of protest. He smiled as he returned to his desk to fill out more paper work.

Then he stopped and looked up... paralyzed in thought...

Griscon: I should get an elephant for my mount in battle... think how menacing that would be...

He stayed like this for many seconds, staring out of his window into the sky in deep thought. It seemed like an eternity he was there.

Griscon: If only I wasn't so far from home...

Several weeks later

Arretium...

Captain Slopius and his men marched out of the city gates, pushing off all of the women who wanted his men so badly before they left.

Soldier: Captain, can I ask you a question?
Captain Slopius: Oh what is it?
Soldier: Why do you hate us so?

The soldier pushed off another woman trying to kiss him as many times as she could before he left. Many soldiers laughed at this comment, more then likely agreeing with them.

Captain Slopius: Hate you? Why, I love you! If you think the women HERE love you, think how women in the town we are going to will feel about you. There are fewer of us, and more of them. There will be more sex then you can handle, that is if you live through the fight, eh?
Soldier: Die? Me? Ha! Sir, the god's love for me is too great to let me die now! Perhaps fighting the Spartans in Greece or the Elephants of the Seleucid Empire, but not this, no. This would be an insult to the Gods. I'll live a good long life, you'll see.

More laughter from the soldiers, they were completely out of the city now. Captain Slopius ordered the scouts forward, he didn't want to run into an ambush after all, or bandits for that matter. They were rampant on the road from Rome to Arretium, constantly stealing soldiers shields and swords and spears. One man's horse was even stolen. Yes, it was the Captain's horse. Captain Slopius had developed an intense hatred for thieves. It was the most embarrassing moment when he announced to his spearman he would march with them instead.


Ariminum

Griscon had just finished sparring with his fellow bodyguards and giving his wrestler a fair beating, that was before he had gotten tired and received a beating himself. The wrestler had some amazing endurance. As Griscon wiped the sweat from his brow, a messenger came up to him.

Griscon: What is it?
Messenger: I'm sorry Sir, it seems the assasination attempt you had set has failed.

The messenger held out a scroll. Griscon took it and opened it and unrolled it.


Griscon: Well, that was the plan. Too bad, but atleast we had an assasin on hand that didn't have a family.
Messenger: If I may Sir...
Griscon: Go ahead.
Messenger: You had him killed purposely, Sir?
Griscon: Well, of course. A man like that isn't just killed by any assasin. No. But think how he feels now that he knows we can put a man with intent to kill him near his home? He will be distraught, and his men will sense this. Our battle will be easier now.
Messenger: Brilliant, Sir.
Griscon: Oh please, get out of here.

The messenger left him. Griscon walked back to his room. He stopped at his door.

Griscon: Wrestler, assemble the officers in the main hall, we will be marching soon.


Just outside of Segesta

Captain Slopius ordered the building of rams by his engineers as his men rested, camped just outside the poorly defended town. Somewhere in that slum was the leader of the Julii. How pathetic they looked now. But what worried him was what lied beyond this town, to the North. Captain Slopius had heard stories of the barbarism of the savages that lived up North. He knew that sooner or later, Griscon would have his troops march onto their lands. And this thought frightened them, because Slopius had a family to care for. And if he died, they would receive an extra 20 denarii that month, but after that, no more pay would be given to them for his service. And that, he could not accept.

Captain Slopius: Keep an eye on the city, if the gates open, tell me immediately.

He walked away before seeing the acknowledgement of his men. He didn't care right now, he just wanted to rest. He walked into his tent and let himself fall onto his bed, crash and fall into darkness. The months to come would prove challenging.


Captain Slopius and his troops besieging Segesta

[Bona221]

Thank you very much! :original:

The Fourth Punic War

Carthaginian Controlled Rome


Captain Chaeremon was sick of all of these poor traders asking him to deal with the brigands camped just outside of the city. Every day, more and more were asking him to send troops south to deal with the threat. Chaeremon had no doubt he could easily defeat them, but he was told to stay in Rome, which he had then told every concerned citizen who entered his chambers. But did they listen? No. They continued to come, every day, sometimes the same people from the day before. The whiners seemed to be done with when another twenty entered his door. That was enough, Chaeremon couldn't handle this. Chaeremon stood up quickly, knocking his chair over.

Captain Chaeremon: Enough! Leave my chambers immediately! LEAVE!

The crowd of people immediately shuffled their way past his bodyguards and out his door as quickly as possible. A slave quickly returned his chair to the upright position, and Chaeremon returned to his seat. Chaeremon snapped his fingers and a messenger from the corner of the room approached.

Captain Chaeremon: Tell one of your riders to find the location and number of these brigands. Return to me with this information as soon as possible.
Messenger: Sir.

The messenger left the room, leaving Chaeremon to his thoughts. Khilletzbol was just to the east, in Capua. Why didn't he deal with these brigands? Was he not the greatest Carthaginian general alive? No, that was his cowardly uncle, Griscon. If only the people knew what Griscon had done, that would change their minds about him. But the point of the matter was, Chaeremon now had to deal with these brigands himself.

One week later

Chaeremon was in bed, dreaming about a beautiful Carthaginian girl. She was every man's perfect dream. Kind, loving, an extremely good cook, and an extremely good lover. This woman was Chaeremon's wife. Or... so she had been, before the savage Scipii had taken their home Caralis and executed everyone there. Captain Chaeremon had been at war with the Scipii at Capua at the time, and was unable to defend his family. Ever since he had heard of the executions, Chaeremon's hate for the Romans had increased tenfold every day. Captain Chaeremon was... somewhat famous for his deeds in the battle against the Senate army. But he didn't dwell on it, it wasn't something he liked to think about...

His door opened as one of his bodyguards came close to him and whispered something in his ear.

Bodyguard: Sir, a messenger begs permission to enter.
Chaeremon: Very well, send him in.

The bodyguard left the room, and a few seconds later the same messenger from a week earlier entered. He politely bowed and approached with his arm outstretched, holding a scroll.

Messenger: Sir, my riders have returned with what information they could gather of the brigands. Unfortunately, they were attacked and some killed before they could find out their exact numbers. But, they are currently camped just outside Rome.
Chaeremon: Well, give it here.

Chaeremon snatched the scroll from the messengers hand and unrolled it.


The brigands forces

Chaeremon: This shouldn't be too difficult to deal with. Assemble my troops. Leave the groups who have suffered the most casualties here.
Messenger: Sir.

Again, the messenger left. Chaeremon got up out of his bed, moving to the window to look out into the city. Rome... The capital of what used to be the greatest super power in Europe. Chaeremon beckoned for his slaves. They dressed him and donned his armour. Once he was done putting on his belt and sword, he moved out into the courtyard, his bodyguard following suit. Chaeremon reached the courtyard and observed his troops arranging themselves in traveling columns. Slaves brought horses for Chaeremon and his cavalry-men. Once he and his troops were mounted and arranged, they moved out. Soldiers opened the gates for Chaeremon and his troops, and they marched South.

The next day


Captain Chaeremon and his troops enter battle

Chaeremon ordered his troops into the standard formation for this battle. No outstanding tactics would be necessary... rogue Hastati and Equites did not concern him.


Captain Chaeremon and his troops

Chaeremon ordered his troops to advance on the enemy force, knowing full well the cowards would not advance on him.


Carthaginian troops advancing

Captain Chaeremon squinted, trying to get a look at the enemies force from afar.


The brigands arrayed for battle

Captain Chaeremon: Ha! Peasants are supporting their right flank. Cavalry, to the left, with me!


Captain Chaeremon's Cavalry element moving to the left flank

Captain Chaeremon then sent a rider to tell his slingers to advance and attack the center of the brigand line.

Within minutes, the slingers were attacking the rebel town watch.



In seconds, the battle began. The enemy captain charged Chaeremon and his cavalry element, but it all happened so fast. Soon, everything was in chaos. Chaeremon's left flank was rolling up the brigand line, but his right flank was faltering. The combined force of the Hastati and the Equites against his Spearmen was too much for them to bear.


The brigand left flank disentegrates as they put pressure on the Carthaginian right

Chaeremon broke off from his current fight and moved his Cavalry-men to the right flank, where his infantry had begun to rout. His Iberian Infantry then followed suit, helping to crush the Equites and Hastati. His routed infantry then returned to the fray, crushing a unit of routing Equites.



The enemy was routed, Chaeremon decided not to chase them down. His men and horses were tired and needed to rest, and he felt enough blood had been spilt today.


Captain Chaeremon crushes the rebel forces


Caralis

Milkherem studied the map that lay on his table intently. His officers, who were standing in his tent with him, talked quietly among themselves about the strategies that would be used in the upcoming battle.

Milkherem: No particular strategy will be necessary. A frontal assault would be our best bet, it will minimize casualties by completely overwhelming the Romans, rendering them unable to fight. If we send a flanking force around the city, we will have fewer troops fighting the Romans head on, and will thus sustain more casualties while the flanking force moves into position. The mercenaries will be the first wave, taking the blunt of the first charge. The hoplites will be first in the attack column.

His officers had no complaints...Heh, of course they didn't. This meant that they would be in a relatively safe position if all went according to plan.

Milkherem: Gather your men, it's time to begin the attack.

His officers left, and soon yelling could be heard as they shouted at their men to get into formation.


Milkherem assaults the Scipii at Caralis

Milkherem took a look at his force before he ordered the advance.


Milkherem's army ready and willing

Milkherem: Battering rams, forward!

The Iberian infantry began to advance torwards the town with their rams.


Carthaginian siege engines advance

As they moved forward, Milkherem gave another order.

Milkherem: Skirmishers, forward. Hoplites, prepare to advance.

The skirmishers advanced torwards the town, covering the Iberian infantry. Milkherem had more skirmishers in his army then the Roman force had infantry and cavalry combined. It was pitiful what they had been reduced to.


Skirmishers advancing

The battering rams reached the walls and prepared to begin destroying the defences.


Carthaginian battering rams about to do their duty

Milkherem could hear the sound of the rams from his position. The skirmishers were now just behind the rams, but they heard nothing beyond the wall. No footsteps or horses, nothing. The Romans must be cowering in the town square.


The Romans cower in their town square, awaiting their imminent destruction

After several minutes, the walls came down. Soon, Carthaginians would poor through the gaps like water through a broken dam.


The walls fall to Carthaginian might

Milkherem: Forward, into the gap Carthaginians!


Carthaginian troops advance into the small town

Milkherem then ordered the mercenary hoplites to run to the front of the column. Behind them the rest of the army slowly approached the city.
The troops begin to move torwards the town square.





Mercenary Hoplites make their way through the crowded streets to the front of the attack


The Mercenary Hoplites make their way to the front of the column, ready to attack the Romans

Then the Roman general did something Milkherem did not expect. He charged the Hoplites head on. The Iberian infantry attempted to help them, but it was too late, the phalanx was broken.


Iberian infantry and Mercenary Hoplites fighting side by side

Milkherem ordered the entire army to charge the square immediately.
The peltasts threw their spears into the fray as more Iberian infantry and cavalry charge into the fray.


Soldiers fighting for their lives


Milkherem himself leads his army into the fight

Soon, Carthaginian cavalry surround the Roman general and kill him


The foolish Roman is killed by soldiers who have never seen combat before

The General's Bodyguard are soon dealt with, and Milkherem focuses on the town watch who are still in the town square.


Milkherem's cavalry about to decimate a unit of town watch


The town watch are all but destroyed

Soon, the battle is over. Milkherem's troops cheer in the town square as the last of the Romans are killed off. This is a seemingly insignificant battle, but it is a great victory.


Milkherem's victory is complete

Milkherem: If I had been outside of the city, my voice would not carry itself to the troops. More then likely, those hoplites would be dead and we would have suffered many more casualties. It is good I was there, but I need a way to fix this, just incase I am ever seperated from my force.


Milkherem recruits a galloper into his retinue

Several days later

Milkherem was enjoying his days in Ciralis so far. The women here were plentiful, and actually very beautiful for such a small place. One of Milkherem's bodyguards approached him with a scroll in hand.

Bodyguard: Sir, this came by rider.

Milkherem took the scroll and opened it up. He could not help but form a smile across his face.



Milkherem: This is the beginning of the end for the Romans.

[Bona221]

The Fourth Punic War

Ariminium

Griscon found himself at his desk, like he often did. He was just finishing filling out paper work to pay the families of soldiers their pay. It really was a very complicated business, for Griscon had to do it himself because of Carthaginian law. Ever since Roman spies were able to infiltrate the Carthaginian political network at the end of the Third Punic War, pose as high ranking Carhtaginian officials and steal money, only trusted family members of the Faction Leader could manage the transfer of funds. And this job was difficult indeed. Griscon had to find out who died, who was about to die, who may or may not die, who wasn't dead, where their families lived, and if the money was to be split between several households. Finally, Griscon finished. He sealed all of the scrolls in one long rope, and imprinted his seal upon them. He opened his door to find his bodyguards standing at attention, as usual.

Griscon: Wrestler, take these papers to the riders at the stables. Only give them to the riders, no one else. Do you understand?
Wrestler: Yes Sir!

The wrestler saluted and walked off at a fast pace. He was a good man, and Griscon was lucky to have him by his side. He returned to his chambers and closed the door. He was tired and wanted to rest. He beckoned to his slaves to bring him wine. He was handed a cup and he drank heartily from it. Roman wine may be some of the best Griscon had ever tasted. The door opened and a bodyguard entered.

Griscon: What is it?
Bodyguard: Sir, a messenger begs permission to enter.
Griscon: Yes, yes, enter.

The bodyguard left and the messenger entered, he was sweaty, more then likely he had been riding very fast for a very long time. Griscon took another drink from his cup before speaking.

Griscon: What is it?
Messenger: A small Roman force under the command of the Julii is heading for Arretium, Sir. The garrison there is very small since you ordered them to besiege the faction leader and his troops. They will most likely not-
Griscon: Yes, ok I hear you. Summon my cavalry, have them ready in an hour.
Messenger: Sir.
After the messenger left, Griscon rubbed his eyes. They were tired, but this was actually just what he needed. A good fight always brought up ones spirits.

An hour later

Griscon arrived in the courtyard, his cavalry force prepared to march. He mounted his horse and ordered the march. Once they had left the city he decided to pick up the pace. They maintained a slow gallop for the rest of the day.

The next day

Captain Teturus: To arms! To arms!

Barbarians had been sighted approaching the camp from the North. Griscon exited his tent, just finishing strapping his armour on.

Griscon: Captain, how many are there?
Captain Teturus: I don't know, Sir. Perhaps thirty.

Griscon thought about it, why were these barbarians so far from home? Surely they would be fighting the Julii? Griscon had an idea.

Griscon: Captain, hold the camp. I will take fifty men to meet them.
Captain Teturus: Sir, are you sure? If you are going to fight we might as well take every man to battle.
Griscon: I'm not going to fight, I'll see if I can buy them over. Even if they won't be bought, I believe we can still defeat them in open combat.
Captain Teturus: Yes Sir, I'll be prepared to charge if necessary.

Griscon gave another look at the captain, and then gathered his bodyguard and fifty Long Shields. They moved out torwards the barbarians. He could see they did not seem intent on battle. Once they could tell Griscon and his men were approaching, they held their ground and waited for them to close.

Griscon: I am Griscon Chullu, of the mighty Carthaginian Emp-
Barbarian Captain: What business do you have here?

Griscon took obvious offense to this outburst while he was talking. Griscon moved closer to the barbarian.

Griscon: You would do well to learn your place when speaking to royalty, savage.
Barbarian Captain: What puts you so far above us all the way out here?
Griscon: The great god Baal has granted me my royal status, and you would do best to respect it. But in any case, I have a deal to make you. Would you join me and fight the Romans? I know they have caused you and your people much pain. We are going to attack an army of theirs now.
Barbarian Captain: Heh...How much?
Griscon: Seven.
Barbarian Captain: Nine.
Griscon: Eight.
Barbarian Captain: ...Nine.

Griscon turned and whispered something into the closest soldiers ear. The soldier readied his spear. Suddenly the barbarians found themselves surrounded by Griscon and his men. They formed a complete circle around them, spears and shields ready.

Griscon: Eight.
Barbarian Captain: Hah, very well great lord.


Griscon hires barbarians into his force

After the tension level had been lowered, the barbarians were returned to the camp. Griscon and his men actually enjoyed their company. They all shared the same hatred for the Romans. That night Griscon and the Barbarian Captain shared stories of war against the Romans.

Two days later, near Arretium

Griscon: Eighty cavalry-men will take the right, another fifty with the barbarians will take the left. I will take fifty and attack the center.

Griscons officers grunted in acknowledgement. They left his tent to prepare the men.

Griscons: And here we go...


Griscon attacks the Romans head on


Griscon and his troops prepared for the fight

Griscon orders the advance. As he moves forward, he can see the Romans on their hill.


The Romans take up the high ground

A full frontal assault would be a bad idea on the terrain where the Romans are holding. So Griscon will use a basic tactic, he will assault on both flanks while holding the Romans at the center.

Griscon: Right flank, off!

Griscon's right flank slowly peels off to surround the Romans.


Griscon's cavalry move into position

Soon Griscon's left flank cavalry do the same, and the Romans cannot move to intercept the seperate wings of cavalry without rendering themselves completely vulnerable to attack. So they hold their position. Then, as Griscon draws closer to the Roman center, the Roman general faints an attack on Griscon, but then attacks Griscon's right cavalry element.


The Roman general tries unsuccesfully to scare Griscon by faking a charge


Griscon's right cavalry element attacks the Roman general head on

Griscon: Charge!!!

Soon, all turns to chaos, as is the norm in battle. All elements come together, as if the pieces fit into the puzzle. Soon the Romans are surrounded by cavalry and being cut into pieces. Then the general himself is cut down by Griscon's right flank cavalry.


Another Roman leader dead by Carthaginian hands

Griscon's cavalry then moves in for the kill, and the Romans begin to flee.



The fighting is fierce, and Griscon pushes forward.


Griscon advancing into the enemy units

Soon the entire Roman army is in flight, and Griscon wants them all dead. He orders the troops to run them all down like the savages they are.


Griscon about to cut down another Roman soldier

Griscon wins the battle, though no one really thought otherwise.


Griscon's victory delivers another blow to the Romans

Griscon and his troops set up camp, resting up for the journey home. The difficult thing now will be introducing the barbarians into civilization. They may need to be disbanded before they return. A horse is heard approaching camp. Several soldiers grab their swords and spears, suspecting an enemy scout. Though it is not, this man bears the symbol of Carthage.

Soldier: Sir, Galloper Tiberius brings a message from his greatness Khilletzbol, Sir.
Griscon: Khilletzbol? Ah, what does my niece say, soldier?
Tiberius: Sir, Lord Khilletzbol brings word that he is travelling North with his force to further the expansion of the might Carthaginian Empire.
Griscon: Oh good lord... Why Baal? Why? Galloper, tell your 'Lord' that we do not need his assistance, and that he may turn back to Rome.
Tiberius: He said you would say that, Sir. He told me to tell you Sir... to... Uh, shove it up your arse.

Griscon stared at the galloper for several seconds, the troops staring at Griscon. Realistically, Griscon should have killed the man, but there was something about this soldier he liked.

Griscon: Very well, go back to Khilletzbol, tell him I shall await his arrival in Ariminium.
Tiberius: Yes Sir, oh and I was also ordered to give you these scrolls. I was told to tell you upon delivery that knowing your allies is just as important as knowing your enemies.
Griscon: It is definitely my niece you speak of. Very well, off with you.

Griscon walked back to his tent, scrolls in hand. He unrolled them in his desk and viewed their contents.


Khilletzbol's force

Griscon: I guess it was too much to ask that he resupply and reinforce his army before coming here.

Griscon then unrolled the next scroll.


Khilletzbol's status and retinue

Griscon: Ugh... very well niece, I will see you soon.

[Bona221]

The Fourth Punic War

Northwest of Arretium

Griscon and his troops were still camped near Arretium, where they would meet Khilletzbol and his army in several days. It had been quiet, with no sightings of barbarians or Romans. Griscon had briefly showed the barbarian cavalry some Carthaginian military tactics, which they caught onto very quickly. It had been very calm in Italy ever since the Julii had been forced to retreat to the North, but Griscon was sure that was all about to change...

Five days later

Griscon awoke to the unpleasant noise of cavalry and men marching. khilletzbol must be here, Griscon thought. Griscon arose from his bed and had his slaves clothe him. He walked out of his tent to find Khilletzbol's army greeting Griscon's and setting up camp just next to his. Griscon looked to the road, where Khilletzbol's army was coming from, to see Khilletzbol himself come over the hill, his personal bodyguard just behind him. Griscon walked up to his niece, arms outstretched.

Griscon: Ah! My niece, how are you good Khilletzbol?

Khilletzbol smiled and removed himself from his horse.

Khilletzbol: I'm fine, uncle. Moving up in the world, I suppose.
Griscon: Yes, yes I see. Come, my tent is just here, have some wine with me.
Khilletzbol: Actually, my troops have set my quarters further down the hill, I'll be going there. We need to plan for our actions in the near future.
Griscon: Actions? What actions? All is well, the Romans are being dealt with by our forces further North.
Khilletzbol: Ha... Poor, poor uninformed uncle. One of my galloper's spotted a small Julii force heading North, I assume to attack the army you sent to besiege Segesta. They will more then likely require my assistance.
Griscon: No need, Captain Slopius is more then qualified to deal with two small Roman forces.
Khilletzbol: About that... I sent one of my own captains, Ashtzaph, to replace him.
Griscon: What? But that was my force, you cannot go and replace my military commanders as you see fit!
Khilletzbol: And yet, it has been done.

Griscon wanted to kill him... he wanted to kill Khilletzbol. He had never liked him, and this action was unbearable. How could he merely replace one of his captain's, without even asking him?

Khilletzbol: I will be going to my camp now, feel free to visit me if you wish.

A slave lowered himself to the ground so Khilletzbol could step on him, then up to his horse. Griscon wanted to grab a spear and thrust it into his niece's side, then chop off his horse's head. If only he could... if only Baal would allow it.

Griscon: Very well, I will... speak to you later...

Khilletzbol rode off with his bodyguard's down the hill. Even if Griscon would kill Khilletzbol, his force was much smaller. Khilletzbol's captains would rally their troops and destroy Griscon's army. Then two Carthaginian generals would be dead.

Griscon: You! Slave! Summon a whore to my room...

Griscon walked back to his tent in desperate need of wine.


Khilletzbol's force camped near Griscon's, with the small Roman force nearing closer to Captain Ashtzaph's forces.

Ciralis

Milkherem and his troops were mobilizing themselves again. Although they destroyed one Roman faction, the Julii still had a stronghold to the West, on an island, called Palma. Milkherem would be sailing there by the end of the day. Hopefully this was their last fortress, for Milkherem was growing tired of jumping form island to island. A man was approaching, it was Captain Verinus, a half Roman half Carthaginian who fled Rome when he was sixteen, to come to Carthage. He proved himself as an excellent military leader and a great fighter, and was soon put into the position of commander of the Poeni infantry guarding Carthage. Now he travelled with Milkherem. Captain Verinus saluted.

Verinus: Sir.
Milkherem: Speak, captain.
Verinus: The troops are loaded and ready to sail, Sir. We have enough escorts to defend our transport ships from attacks if the Julii fleet is at harbor when we get there.
Milkherem: Very well, we should begin our trip then. Get everything ready, we're leaving.
Verinus: Sir.

Verinus saluted again and left. Milkherem hated traveling by sea...


Milkherem and his troops ready to travel the sea's.

One week later

Griscon and his troops were packing up camp. They would be heading back to Ariminium. Khilletzbol and his troops began their march three days earlier. Captain Teturus thought that they should march with Khilletzbol, but Griscon would sooner eat a living dog then march with that man. Once all of his men had their items strapped to their horses, he ordered the march to begin. He almost hoped Khilletzbol would die in the upcoming battle, but that would take the pleasure away from killing him himself.

Carthaginian camp, just outside Segesta

Captain Slopius and his spearmen looked on at Captain Ashtzaph, giving orders as if he deserved the authority. Several days earlier, Captain Slopius was about to begin the attack when this man showed up with his troops, bearing the symbol of Khilletzbol on their banner. He immediately removed Captain Slopius from command and began to order his troops around like they were his to do with as he pleased. This was Captain Slopius' army, not THIS captain's. Captain Slopius turned to his men.

Slopius: Once the battle begins, stick together and follow my lead. I don't trust that man, and I am going to bring each of you home. You let me deal with him. You take care of the Romans, and I'll take care of you. Don't follow any of his orders.

Ashtzaph saw Slopius talking to his men and walked over, several Poeni infantry who he had brought with him in follow.

Ashtzaph: What are you doing?
Slopius: I don't really think it's any of your concern, Captain.

Ashtzaph took another step closer, so that his face was right in front of Slopius'.

Ashtzaph: Do we have a problem, Captain Slopius?
Slopius: Not at all...

Slopius took a step forward, somewhat pushing Ashtzaph back.

Slopius: ...Captain.
Ashtzaph: Good, because if you do not do as I say when the time comes for fighting, I will have you executed.

Most of the troops in the camp were on Captain Slopius' side. In fact, Ashtzaph only had twenty men with him. Slopius' troops looked like they would tear Ashtzaph and his men up in an instant if given the order.

Slopius: Understood...Sir.

Captain Ashtzaph turned and walked away, his troops following him.

Soldier: We should kill him Captain. We are under your command, not his.
Slopius: Then Khilletzbol would show up and execute us all for murdering one of his officers.
Soldier: It wouldn't be murder, it would be-
Slopius: Enough, we won't do it. His time will come. Get some rest, I'm sure the fighting will start soon.

Two hours later

Captain Ashtzaph moved to greet Khilletzbol as he arrived at Segesta. He finally caught sight of him and moved torwards him.

Ashtzaph: Sir, we are ready to begin the assault.
Khilletzbol: Very well, I have pushed the other Julii force back behind the town. They ran as soon as they saw my cavalry.
Ashtzaph: Ha...Of course they did Sir! Only a fool would-
Khilletzbol: I will take my position on the other cide of the town, where I can hold the flank from the reinforcing Julii army.
Ashtzaph: Uh, yes. Of course Sir.

Khilletzbol moved his army to the other side of the town.

Khilletzbol: Men, it is our duty to hold this side of the town. While Captain Ashtzaph and his troops break the gates and enter the city, we must hold off another small force that is threatening to break the siege.

He could see the men understood. Khilletzbol turned around. On this hill, he could see the Romans in the city scrambling into defensive positions as Captain Ashtzaph got into position to begin the attack.


Captain Ashtzaph and Khilletzbol engage the Roman faction leader and his son at Segesta.


Captain Ashtzaph's force, with Captain Slopius commanding the left battering ram

Captain Ashtzaph: Begin the attack! Break the walls!

The battering rams began to move forward as Khilletzbol, on the other side of the town, was about to engage the Romans.


Khilletzbol and his force on the opposite side of the town

Khilletzbol saw the Romans coming down the hill, their cavalry about to charge his own.

Khilletzbol: Cavalry, charge! Hold them there!


Khilletzbol's cavalry charge the Roman cavalry

Khilletzbol's cavalry are fighting uphill, so he orders his spearmen to aid them in the fight.


Khilletzbol's spearmen charge into the Equites

The Roman cavalry are about to rout, so the Roman general orders another unit of his cavalry to engage the already engaged Carthaginian cavalry. Soon, the fighting escalates. One group of Roman cavalry routs and the other is left to die.


Khilletzbol's forces holding the Roman army at bay

Soon, Roman wardogs are charged into the fight. Infantry are dragged down and viciously attacked by these savage beasts, unable to strike them with their spears due to their speed.

On the other side of the battlefield...

Captain Ashtzaph's forces continue to batter the gates, ready to fight the Romans.


Carthaginian troops battering down the gates


What waits for the Carthaginians behind the gate

Soon, the gates are destroyed, and Carthaginian troops are hit with a wave of pila.


Carthaginian troops poor into the gap

Captain Slopius' battering ram breaks down the wall to show a group of Equites waiting for them. Slopius' troops ready their spears, bracing for a charge, but the Equites do not attack, but rather charge right, torwards the gate. They are attacking the Poeni infantry there.


Poeni infantry fighting Roman Hastati

Soon, the Equites hit the Poeni infantry and the brave Carthaginians are struggling to hold on. Captain Slopius and his troops are too far to reach them in time, so Captain Ashtzaph charges his cavalry through the gap and into the fight. Captain Slopius is stunned by this act of bravery, he had no idea Ashtzaph would do such a thing. Soon, the Equites fleed, and reinforcing infantry arrived to help the Poeni infantry who originally breached the gate. Ashtzaph and his cavalry follow the Equites.


The Carthaginians begin to make progress through the Hastati


The sheer number of Carthaginians is too much for the Romans, and their line starts to break

Soon, the gate is captured


Carthaginian bravery and valour have proved themselves once again

On the other side of the battlefield...

Khilletzbol and his cavalry engage the enemy general's bodyguard, and immediately he begins to run, overrun by the Long Shield cavalry. Galloper Tiberius is in the fray, and spots the enemy general fleeing. He reverses his grip on his spear, and throws it as hard as he can at the cowardly Roman. It hits him dead on the back, and the general falls off of his steed, dead.


Galloper Tiberius proves he is capable of more then delivering orders

Soon, the entire reinforcing army is in flight. No doubt the Julii faction leader sees his son's army running, and now knows his doom is imminent.

In the town

Captain Ashtzaph and his cavalry finally kill off the last of the Equites, and decide to go down a side street so that they can flank the Romans.


Carthaginian cavalry flank the Romans

Captain Slopius leads the infantry down the main road to attack the Roman general in the square head on. Captain Ashtzaph comes up with an idea to lure the Roman general into a trap. A group of Roman skirmishers passes the road Ashtzaph and his cavalry are hiding in, and he orders his cavalry to follow them. Ashtzaph stays behind with his men and hopes to see the Roman general pass the road, hoping to save his skirmishers. But the Roman general does not take the bait. Regardless, that's another group of Romans dead.


The Carthaginian cavalry get into position


The Roman velites stand no chance

Ashtzaph's cavalry then charges head on into the another group of skirmishers, who are just in front of the Roman general.


Another group of Romans heading to the afterlife


Captain Ashtzaph joins the fight

Then, the enemy general is felled by one of Ashtzaph's fighters.


Another dead Roman leader
Captain Asthzaph and his cavalry are fighting a hard battle, and it is made even harder when another group of Hastati charge into the fight. Then, Captain Slopius and his spearmen arrive at the square, and charge into the battle themselves.


Captain Slopius shows no fear

The Roman infantry are pushed back, and begin to waver.


The last of the Romans being dealt with

The battle then ended. Every last Roman in the town was dead.


The troops give out a cheer

Khilletzbol enters the city with his troops. Soon, slaves are given the job of removig bodies and cleaning up the town.

Khilletzbol: Well done, Captain Ashtzaph, as well as to you Captain Slopius. I saw both of you from the hill, you fought very bravely.
Ashtzaph: Thank you, Sir.
Slopius: Thank you, Sir.

Khilletzbol gave a small laugh then turned to supervise the after battle duties.

Slopius: You fight well...
Ashtzaph: Heh...
Slopius: For a woman.

Slopius walked away as Ashtzaph turned to him, a look of somewhat genuine worry on his face.

Ashtzaph: Woman?


Another great victory for Carthage



Ariminium

Griscon and his cavalry returned to the city, women and children standing at the gates to greet them, throwing flowers. The barbarians were given many odd looks, but nonetheless were considered heroes. Griscon's troops returned to the stables to visit their leave their horses and visit their families, and Griscon took the barbarians to his palace.

Griscon: You will stay with me, I have rooms made up for you all.
Barbarian Captain: We are staying? I thought we would get pay and leave.
Griscon: No, you are good fighters. I don't want to take the chance that you will be used against me, and besides, I enjoy your company. For now though, I will be going to sleep, I will see you tomorrow.

Griscon stopped and snapped his fingers. Five slaves approached from the doorway.

Griscon: Make sure to show them their rooms, and where the food is.
Slave: Yes, Lord.

Griscon walked inside, tired. A slave handed him a cup of wine. He drank and removed his clothes. He got into his bed and almost instantly fell asleep. He had many things to do tomorrow.


Milkherem's fleet

Captain Verinus: Wake up! Wake up you dogs! Time to move, get up! Let's go!

Milkherem's fleet had finally reached Palma. It was still held by the Julii, which may or may not be a good thing. Atleast it would give Milkherem a chance to kill more Romans. His troops began to jump off the boats, landing on the beach, still strapping on their armour.

Captain Verinus: Sir, there are some men down here who wish to speak to you.

Milkherem looked down to the beach, some eighty men not wearing Carthaginian uniforms were looking up at him. They looked like mercenaries.

Milkherem: What do you want, mercenaries?
Mercenary: We wish to fight for you, the Romans have no money to hire for work, and we must feed our families.
Milkherem: Have you fought before, mercenary?
Mercenary: Yes Sir, we have. We fought the barbarians up North with the Romans, and the Numidians to the South, also with the Romans. This was before you invaded Italy.
Milkherem: Verinus.
Verinus: Sir.
Milkherem: You were a mercenary once, no? What do you think of these men?
Verinus: They seem to be good men, Sir. Most of the mercenaries already in our army have told me they have fought along side these men as well.
Milkherem: Very well, how much mercenary?
Mercenary: Fifteen for the eighty of us
Milkherem: Very well. Captain, give them their money, then get them into formation.
Verinus: Sir.


Milkherem arrives at Palma, and hires mercenaries to strengthen his force