[EB AAR] The Sands Of Africa - A Karthadastim AAR

[Chirurgeon]

Over on the EB forums I posted this AAR some time ago. It was suggested that I post it over here as well. I have been using EB for several years now and must say it is one of the best mods out there for RTW. The EB team is now working to use the MTW2 engine in making EB2. Considering what they have done within the limitations of the RTW engine its an amazing mod. The history alone is worth playing for. The AAR I am posting here is done on the .80 version. The current 1.1 version is a further improvement and is very stable. I hope you enjoy this and I will post the whole AAR over time. I would also encourage you to go to the EB Forums and check out the other fantastic AARs available(http://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=128). Here is the Introduction and the first installment.


(TWC has its own EB AAR forum too:
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109
PW)

[Chirurgeon]

Since we know that the Carthaginians were eliminated by the Romans there is no real history to report after the ending of the third Punic War. This gives me a little more freedom to do what I want with this nation. One theme will rule this AAR and that is Commerce. Motivated by trade Carthage became an Empire of Merchant might not military supremacy. Motivations for Expansion were not to necessarily defeat another empire but rather to secure their continued trade. The overall theme will be that of commercial dominance. Of course this will lead to conflict which is why the Carthiginian military will have to be a professional and competent machine. Ports will be a great priority as maritime supremacy is paramount to controlling a merchant empire. Having finished several books on the history of Carthage, or the Phoenician colony, and having read a biography of Hannibal I feel I have enough background knowledge to get started. I played with the faction for about 25 game years and have a feel for the mechanics. I have a rudimentary foundation of how the Carthaginians waged war and their tactics. Combining Phalanx with more mobile troops and Cavalry gave them a sort of Hybrid between Roman Maniples and Hellenistic phalanx.

The format of the AAR will not be like a history book like that last AAR but rather from the perspectives of the Commanders themselves. Sometimes they will be commanders and other times they will be governors. It will be in Journal format that I may add third person perspective to when needed to show additional goings-on. Overall I want to give a rich and encompassing aspect to the game. As much as I enjoy the battles, there are so many other treasures to this game and I will make an effort to expand on them.

Without further delay here is an Introduction to get us up to date on the situation with Carthage and her interests:

"Around 814 BC, Carthage - meaning 'new city,' was founded by the Tyrian Queen Elissa, fleeing the tyranny of her brother King Pygmalion in Tyre. Her flight from the island city was prompted by her brother's assassination of her husband, the priest of Melqart, leading a number of prominent nobles and former royal attendants to accompany her in flight.

After traveling for some time, Elissa's party landed in Libya, within a short distance of the older the older Phoenician city Utica. Upon their arrival, Elissa secured land from the local Libyans for temporary use, but eventually settled in the area after some encouragement from the Uticans and the discovery of good omens in the land where the city would be founded.

The first trading empire of Carthage was built initially on a strategic position for trade within the central and Western Mediterranean, and eventually building up most of it's clout by trading heavily with the wealthy Iberian peoples of Tartessos. After the fall of their older Iberian trading partners, the Carthaginian merchant ships bypassed the ancient cities location, and approached the major tin producers in North-Western Iberia and among the Southern Britons directly. To supplement a newly invigorated trade relationship with the Iberian tribesmen and the Celtiberians in the North, Carthaginian merchants also moved along the Mauretanian coast and even farther south towards Senegal to establish informal trading relations.

During the ensuing years, increasing dependency on Carthage as well as the great trading empire's reasonable military aptitude, led to the political assimilation of the Balearic Islands East of Iberia, as well as Sardinia and Corsica, and parts of Sicily. Their burgeoning prospects also found them in lasting alliance with the Etruscans of Italy, who would trade with Carthage for centuries, and even enter into military alliance with them.

The Carthaginians dominance in the Western Mediterranean was finally challenged however, by a maritime power closer to their own former homes in Pheonicia: Greece. This conflict finally culminated with the first Carthaginian attempts to finally secure Sicily, and ensure their guard against the Greek armies there.

The war in Sicily began when Carthage's general Hamilco led an enormous army onto the island, landing first at Panormus. His numbers, reduced to an extent by storms during their transport, were virtually wiped out by Gelon, the ruler of Syracuse, at Himera. Hamilco would be one of the earliest Carthaginian generals to partake in suicide for failure, and would not be the last.

Peace between Carthage and Syracuse ensued, though it was tenuous at best, and it was quickly ended. By 410 BC Carthage had lost it's colonies in Iberia, but had replaced them with new ones in North Africa, as well as an expansion of their territory beyond the great inland Sea of North Africa and into the Libyan coast. In addition to their great territorial expansions, they enjoyed another re invigoration of their trading partnerships throughout the whole of the Mediterranean, and new territories discovered by previously unmatched efforts of exploration throughout Africa.

With a burgeoning power base at his back, Hamilcar's grandson Hannibal Mago, renewed the war in Sicily by seizing several cities in the South, as well as the site of his grandfather's defeat. Despite his initial success, his siege at Agrigentum was broken, and his forces thrown back - suffering from the plague.

Hannibal Mago's successor, Himilco, managed to continue the war farther into Sicily by defeating the Syracusean tyrant... but was eventually forced to sue for peace after his forces had been weakened by another plague. After this, the peace would again disintegrate, and leave Carthage to war with Greece for many decades - leaving them finally restricted to a Southern corner of the island.

In 311, the tyrant Agathocles of Syracuse renewed the war against Carthage, seizing most of their remaining Sicilian holdings and laying siege to their only strong positions. In response, the Carthaginian general Hamilcar was dispatched to raise the siege and take the offensive against the Greeks. Within a year of his arrival in Sicily, Hamilcar had raised the Greek siege, and made himself master of much of the island. Without any recourse against his superior opponent, Agathocles moved against Carthage itself, prompting Hamilcar's recall to the African coast - where he crushed the Greek army. Despite an admirable position, Hamilcar concluded a peace with the Syracusean tyrant, leaving his home-city as the final stronghold of Greek power."

-Taken from the Introduction at the EB page at: http://www.europabarbarorum.org/ebco...m_history.html

[Chirurgeon]

Winter, 272 BC - Western Sicily
After conferring with the senate for what seemed an eternity and having been given my brothers (Mago's) best Libyan troops we have left Carthage and arrived in Sicily.

My name is Bomlikar. I am the younger brother of Mago and second in line to head the Senate of Carthage. I have been given the most important task of securing Sicily. A task that my ancestors failed to do on numerous occasions. The trip was most pleasurable in the early spring and after following local trails we have arrived at winter quarters. We are encamped near a large mountain and have a commanding view of the countryside. I have put my men in charge of building a road from Lilybaem to the Central area of Sicily so that we may move a little quicker on the Island. As beautiful as this island is the Coast is rugged and ships have limited areas where to harbor. The countryside is spectacular and rugged.
I have brought Libyan recruits and loyal Iberians who are quite dependable and have requested some Numidian cavalry as well. It will not be till next season that they arrive however.




Sicily has been a thorn in our side since our ancestors first settled Carthage(new city). Every army that tries to defeat Syracuse winds up dying from some strange disease. The plague it would seem is an ally of King Hiero II. Having taken over after the Epirotes left the island he is quite powerful and put himself in quite the prosperous position. This city is one of the most powerful in this part of the world. Our agents have discovered that his army is not as great as it was and the city does not expect an attack. This will certainly play to our advantage. Attempts to further broker a trade deal have collapsed.

With the great port of Syracuse not trading with us it hurts our ability to conduct business with our allies. There is much business to be had. This island offers much. The soil is remarkably black with long valleys full of grains. Small streams criss cross the landscape. Olive trees grow wild on the hillsides and contained in those hillsides are rich minerals like lead and iron. The grains alone will bring much wealth as Rome has an insatiable appetite for it. Possesion of Sicily will grant us ports in the heart of the Meditereanean. We cannot fail to capture this land.

***

Winter, 271 BC - Beseiging Syracuse
This ancient city is massive. Its great walls and high ramparts would cost us dearly to directly assault it. The heart of the city is on an island that is impregnable. Arriving late in the summer during the early harvest we were able to dig lines of circumvallation and trap the king and his men inside. I have set up towers and strongholds and its hopeful that they cannot holdout for too long. In addition our fleet has blockaded their port and we have confiscated much loot from this action. Syracuse is cut off. It is uncertain how many men they have to fight but it could be as much as us. Assuming their ally of the Plague does not rear its ugly head this plan should work. Word will get back to Hiero's allies in Greece but with the infighting the Greeks are so good at achieving it is doubtful they will intervene. We have now but to wait to see the results of our actions. I could find hardly a man that was willing to fight against the Syracuseans so it is up to my men to achieve this siege. Mercenaries seem to be a precious commodity. Lilybaeum is working to expand the port as to accomodate the extra trade we will recieve should we capture this great city.

***

Winter, 269 BC -Royal Palace of Syracuse
After an ardorous and exhaustive two years of waiting and with great excitement I can now say that Syracuse belongs to Carthage. On a crisp morning emissaries from inside came out to say that King Hiero II had taken his life along with many of the garrison. We were free to enter the city and take what we desired and the populace was at my mercy. Although the population is restless, with time they will learn their new rulers. So many of the citizens resisted i had to put them to the sword as a lesson to those remaining. The spoils of war are ours. I have sent word of our victory to Mago in Carthage proper and have requested a governor and a substantial garrison. It will not be till next year at the earliest that I can leave. I am busy setting up an appropriate government and we have to assess what goods we have acquired. A city this size has treasure that will appease the greatest of all kings for sure. Just yesterday some of my men discovered a room stacked full of gold. Much of it has not been refined but nonetheless there it is. I have sent it back as a gift to the senate who will hopefully use it to the betterment of Carthage. The port is in operation and the trading vessels we have secured are already moving goods to elsewhere. Capua in Italy is willing to buy grain and wine is being sent back to Africa.
I have also requested stone workers and carpenters to travel to the city to repair damaged and run down areas and to begin much needed repairs to the port. I have sent diplomats north to speak with representatives of Messana and hope they will join our glorious Republic.

***

Winter, 268 BC - Beseiging Messana
Our diplomats appeals fell on deaf ears as the men of Messana refused to give up their independence. The fleet was sent north to blockade the port but was involved in a large battle with an Epirote fleet off the Toe of Italy. Although battered, the ships survived and have returned to Syracuse for repairs. Our fleet fared better than the Epirote fleet as the latter is currently at the bottom of the sea. Although a bit discouraged we trekked north with the main army that has grown quite large with mercenaries.


The capture of Syracuse has allowed me to buy the services of local men who owe alligiance only to gold. They will be useful should Messana refuse to surrender. Some of the men fled the city when our army came into view. Passing by a magnificent Volcano, called Etna, on the way and seeing other wonderful sites has truly made me love this land. Its beauty is a resource all its own.


I have ordered the construction of several rams to be used to knock down the minimal defenses. If they have not surrendered before the harvest I will take the town by force. The choice is theirs.
I have sent diplomats to the City-state of Rome to offer a tribute to our allies. I hope that this will seal the alliance we have maintained for some years

***

Harvest, 267 BC - Forum of Messana
As the fields of grain turn their predictable golden hue ready for cutting my men stormed into Messana and did cutting of their own. It was a brutal fight and the men fought well. I first sent in my mercenaries. Each unit with their own ram. Two of the units routed but the others broke through and a brutal street battle ensued. Eventually the fighting ended up in the center of the town where every man who could hold a weapon did just that. They died holding that weapon. The remaining men and other able bodied women were first employed to remove the bodies and then they were sent to gather the harvest. After the harvest is over I will send them to Carthage to be dealt with where they will be divvied up amongst the various nobility of the Republic. The Senate has asked me to build a great port outside the city and to bring the roads and other infrastructure up to minimal acceptable standards. The skilled builders which helped in Syracuse will be employed here. Having repaired and expanded the port in Syracuse their experience will be valuable. The major cities of this rich Island have fallen into our hands and Karthadastim will be properly rewarded for her persistence.
Battle Of Messana:


Short Video of Battle:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...t=47e6c2e4.flv

[D.B. Cooper]

That`s really good reading, makes me want to reinstall Rome and EB again. I like how thorough every description and action is; makes it all the more believable and realistic.

[Chirurgeon]

That`s really good reading, makes me want to reinstall Rome and EB again. I like how thorough every description and action is; makes it all the more believable and realistic.

You really should. The EB 1.1 version is major eye candy. A lot of fun to play.

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter II - The Numidian Menace

Winter, 266 BC
Having placed Aderbaal, my son, as governor of Messana and supplying some militia from Lilybaeum as a garrison I have departed Sicily and are now encamped for the winter West of Carthage. I spent much of the year in the capital resting and conferencing with various senators. While there I have been kept abreast of our position. Mago has told me that Rome is Beseiging Taras in southern Italy and it is likely that if they succeed they will not stop and will likely aim to capture the independent city of Rhegium, less than a days sail from Messana. "The Riches of Sicily are not only cherished by our eyes my brother.", he told me shortly before I left. Senators privately expressed concern that these Romans are like a cancer and will continue to spread. Although the Romans could be a distant threat more urgent problems have occured. Several Rebelious tribes to our south and west are wreaking havoc on our trade with the deeper areas of Africa. Mago has requested i deal with these mauraders and to find out where they are coming from. In the Spring we march to meet these rebels.

***

Winter, 265 BC encamped on the Medjerda River
We are currently awaiting more to replace the brave men that lost their lives in our campaign. Two large unruly groups of Numidians and other tribal avoided us for quite some time. Finally in the late summer we trapped them against the Aures Mountains where they were subsequently destroyed. They were but a third the number of men and a quarter the quality. The ones that did survive either fled or were captured and sold into slavery in Kart Hadastim.




Few Carthiginians have been this far south of the coast and it is quite splendid. Juniper trees cover the hillsides and other plants seem to flourish quite nicely. There is valuable timber here and should a road reach into this area it would behooth us to harvest it. Although they are not as large and valuable as the Corsican pines from Corsica, nonetheless their value cannot be overlooked.


Spies have indicated that the source of many of these mauraders and bandits is a sort of nomadic town to the west beyond the great Medjerda River. We will follow the base of the Aures mountain range and work our way to the west until this town is discovered.

***

Winter 264 BC, Besieging the Numidian City of Kirtan
Having discovered the city and trapping many of the inhabitants inside we will wait for them to fight, surrender, or starve to death. Three bleak options if you are the one inside the city. After conferring with officers I have decided not to assault the city due to the fact that I do not want my army becoming a giant pin cushion. The men inside are expert at throwing javelins and i dont need to sacrifice lives just to be done with this sooner. Spies have followed the men that escaped and they have taken refuge in Siga, on the coast. Kirtan is located on a hot plain between the Aures mountains in the East and the Central Atlas mountains in the west.

The Atlas mountains being much larger. Even from here there snow capped peaks can be seen. The cold seems to flow off the mountains at night and brings an incredible chill.
Men have to break the ice for the horses before they can drink from their pails in the early morning hours. As the day progresses and the sun rises the temperature reaches an oppressive level. For my part i will be glad to be back at the coast as soon as possible.
Obtaining supplies for the men has been aleviated a bit by the hunting prowess of the Numidian horse riders. Apparently they are just as good as killing game as they are men. As a result, we have been feasting on the local animals that run wild in these areas.

As dry as this area is there are hidden water resources and the Numidian Cavalrymen have a knack for finding these water spots. This fact adds yet another dimension to employing them in my service. Our foodstuffs from Kart Hadastim has been difficult to procure as the natives of the mountains still resist the Carthiginian way. They have a nasty habit of attacking our caravans enroute which slows down delivery of food. I have sent the Geographer with these Numidians to map out these water sources.


Spring 262 BC, Kirtan, Numidae
The inhabitants mainly surrendered and were sold into slavery. One-thousand of these will go to the new gold and silver mines in Mastia in Southern Iberia.

^^Army of Kart Hadastim
Apparently the mountains there are full of gold and silver. I have been called back to Kart Hadastim to meet with my brother and the Senate to discuss the Numidian problem. No doubt if Siga does not turn over the cowards who escaped the capture of Kirtan the Senate will be most upset. Another reason I wish to return to the capital is to see my new grandson. Born on my birthday he will be one year old. My sons, Aderbaal (the father) and Himlicar, will also be in the capital with their wives.

Alas I will be able to rest. At the age of 45 I am not Young anymore. Mago is nearly 55 and apparently feeling his age. As I am in line to be Shopet I know the Senate will wish me to possibly stay in Kart Hadastim. It is likely the senatores are debating who should follow me as the next leader....politics is something i have no love of. With the exception of the Numidians our borders remain secure.



Winter, 261 BC - Lilybaeum
It would seem that the father has joined his sons so to speak. I met for the better part of the day with the senate and they thanked me most noteably for my service to the Republic. After a discussion that lasted another day a vote came forth and a new commander was voted in. This is how it works I suppose. The politicians always want a fresh young noble face to tie to its mighty army. After having seen my grandson and my family united I realized I had no time to be a father. Several of my friends being senatores knew this and undoubtedly told others that it is time I settle down. Hamalcar will control our armies now. At the age of 33 he is much younger than I. He is the youngest of us brothers. Although I was his age once. I can hardly fathom how far I have come since those early days 11 years ago. Being nominated to travel to Sicily to finally crush the Syracuse tyrant Hiero II. Then achieving that goal. Moving to Messana to capture that very important city. I am not one for self promotion but it would seem without me Carthage would still be struggling and who knows what would have happened had Syracuse been allowed to exist. I have no regrets and history will remember me fondly. From Sicily back to Africa to deal with the new menace, the Numidians. It started with desert brigands and wound up becoming a war. War is something I know longer wish to deal with. I have seen enough men die. Hamalcar is ambitious and green and wants to make a name for himself. So be it. I get to govern a paradise here. Somehow I knew I would end up here in this rich land of Intoxicating beauty. As the governor here my goal is peace and with my two sons governing the other cities of this great Island I sleep well. Very well indeed.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Excellent update! I think you should wait for a little, let Rome steam up, and then start a grand epic Punic war with her.

edit: Oops, I forgot, it is an already prepared AAR.

[vizi]

Good update. I'll keep my eye on this. And yes you should let the Roman beast build up a little steam and then turn the Western Med into a meatgrinder. Only fun way to play.

[Chirurgeon]

Thank you all for following. I will be posting chapter five soon enough

[Chirurgeon]

Winter 246 BC - Lepki
With the blessing of the Senate I have left Karthadastim with our great army towards Kyrenia. Our diplomats have failed to broker a trade agreement with the Kyrenians and as a result we are sending a convincing message. My father, nearing 50, the smartest man I know is entrusting this important mission to me. He wants me to make sure that Kyrene becomes successful and prosperous and to quench doubt of the Egyptians that our move is a malicious act. They are a valuable ally and i do not intend to do anything to threaten that. Many prominent men including my father fear that the Ptolemies will respond to this threat and may attack us. if that is the case we will be ready. My men have been fighting in the desert for years and are battle ready. I hope my father doesnt realize that I prodded the senate into this action in his absense. Although I suspect he knows me better by now.


Winter 244 BC- Beseiging Kyrene
We have landed and after some failure to come to agreement we have since besieged Kyrene. Kleon was not willing to enter into the republic.


After the harvest we laid seige and in the spring I intend to attack. The country here is almost like the far west but behind the city a vast plateau erupts from the earth and is a teeming forest of such density i have never seen.


It is hard to believe that beyond this plateau or Jebel Akhdar as it is called is a vast desert. There is alot of timber to be had here. Using some of this timber I have constructed three rams to deal with the walls of the city. Made of sturdy Cedar and other materials they will fall. They have Greek trained hoplites and other various troops as a garrison. This will be the first time since my uncle battled for Messana will we have fought a Greek garrison. No doubt this will sour our relationship with the Greeks even further. Other developments have come to my attention as well. Rhegium in southern Italy and Taras in the heel of Italy has fallen to the Legions of Rome. It would seem that the Romans are offiicially our neighbors.
My meeting with Kleon revealed an enigmatic man. He actually did not care that we assaulted his city. He almost challenged me.
"Dont you see Hamalcar? Even if you turned around and left today the damage is done. Peace is shattered for my kingdom. Even now the army of the Pharoh will be marching west to capture my city in the name of their 'god'."
"Why would the Pharohs do that? We have an alliance"
"Alliances are nothing more than illusions to cover up your true actions. An alliance is nothing more than admitting that an adversary is stronger than yourself. Alliances are a realization that you cant beat another civilization and its better to not fight." Pausing briefly he continued. "Better not to fight till one or both members of the alliance thinks they are strong enough to conquer the other. Your naive view is almost childish. Your easy control of my city once I am gone is an illusion. You will see".
Speechless and some what furious I left and prepared the men for the upcoming assault.




Winter 243 BC - Enroute to Karthadastim
After a bloody fight in the streets of Kyrene we have successfully Destroyed any hope of independence of this city.

^^Death of Kleon




I should like to stay longer. However more urgent problems have arisen and the senate has requested I return to the capital immediately. Messengers reached me not long after the capture of Kyrenia to inform me that the Romans are beseiging Messana.


My forces are strong but they are weakened from the bloody fight and I will need fresh recruits to replace the men I lost. After picking up the fresh troops and consulting with the senate I will likely be sent to Sicily to defend our interests there. For the first time we face a competent enemy. Whats worse is that we may not be able to save that city if the Romans decide to attack soon. I fear the worst.



Winter 242 BC - Mount Etna, Sicily
Messana has fallen to the Legions of Rome.


We spent the bulk of the year acquiring new troops and a new weapon. A new terrifying weapon that will instill fear in the Romans. We have acquired 24 war elephants to aide us in the fight. Additional men are being trained in the capital and Agrigento in preparation for this war. Emissaries have sealed a deal with the Aeudi confederation in Northern Italy to attack the Romans to force them to deal with two threats simultaneously.


There was no debate on the floor of the senate. None of the normal quibbling of tired old men. They were unified and resolute about evicting the Romans from the soil of our lands. My father has told me that the Legions of Rome are no Numidians. They do not fight like Greeks. They are a flexible and capable force that is extremely disciplined. "Keep them in front of your spears at all times and use your superior cavalry. Make use of the Iberians as a flanking force. Pin them down and they will wear down. Eliminate their abilty to move freely and you will win the fight."
Father suggested using the elephants to scare the enemy cavalry. "Horses naturally fear elephants" he told me thoughtfully. Use that fear to your advantage. With those words we boarded the fleet and set off for the journey to Sicily. Upon arriving I had to deal with my uncle who was on his deathbed. It is never a good sign to have the one who is to welcome you, die upon your arrival. I hope this is not indication of our future journey. I usually enjoy the spring. But this time i fear the fresh growth after this winter will be fed with the blood of Romans and Carthiginians alike.