[RS AAR] Journey of Rome ~ A Roman AAR

[Applesmack]

Hey everyone! I haven't posted here in a VERY long time. I think it was about December 2006
I've been mostly doing other things and playign other games(got an XBOX 360) but now im back and playing Rome Total War once again. im loving every minute of it and have decided to do my FIRST AAR after being enspired by such awsome stories my fellow posters have presented in this forum. Remember that this is my first attempt so don't be too harsh. I appreciate all criticism, especially at my grammar cause I definately need to improve my story writing skills . Nonetheless I'm sure you will all enjoy it .

AAR will be told as a story!

Mod: Roma Surrectum 1.5 (obviously)
Difficulty: H/H, 0 turn recruitment.
House Rules: None really, althought I will purposely lose battles to create a more thrillng, realistic and unpredictable tale to you all. I'm also not planning on historical accuracy whatsoever in my campaign.


Part One-The Pyrrhic War
Chapter 1-A Time of War



Tiberius Maxentius stood in front of the Roman Senate as Consul. The Senators sat around him wearing their usual white Togas’ and tense expressions on their faces. The situation in Rome was serious. Pyrrhus of Epirus, hailed in Greece as the greatest general since Alexander landed in Italy to defend Tarentum from Rome. The Romans desired domination on Italian soil and without the conquest of Tarentum, they may lose everything they have gained throughout the Samnite wars.

“Roman, Senators!” Tiberius began as he surveyed the men around him. “Rome has never before been in brighter light than she is now. Since the last Italian King has been overthrown, we have lived in peace and prosperity. But now that happy time of peace has ended. War is on our doorstep! Pyrrhus of Epirus leads a mighty Greek army in Italian soil to support the damned city of Tarentum. They block our trade, rape our women and burn our land! The Greeks are nearly in striking distance of Rome! Never before have we been in such danger!”

He paused. The Senators looked at each other, processing his words. The Romans did not like war, but what little choice did they have? It is either fight the Greeks for Tarentum or risk being invaded and annihilated themselves. Gaius Cato stood up before the Consul and addressed the Senate.

“Senators, Although Consul Maxentius is correct about the threat from Epirus, we are definitely in a sticky situation. The rest of the Greek states may take our hostility against Tarentum and this foul Greek as a declaration of war against them all. We must send negotiators to the rest of the Greek cities, promising our friendship and support.”

The Senators murmured in agreement and looked at Tiberius for his response.

“I completely agree Cato,” said Tiberius enthusiastically. “The support from the rest of Greece, especially Athens and Sparta will give us much influence. Our victories against Epirus will be known far and wide.”

An old man whom Tiberius did not recognize stood with a defiant and frightened expression.

“Victories? Consul Maxentius, with respect, but we are talking about the most skilled Greek general since Alexander. His force is mighty and his skill has no equal. What can we possibly achieve against such odds?”

As the Senators looked at him, fear began to spread like plague across the men in the room as they realized the truth of his words. Maxentius said nothing for a few second then addressed the Senate defiantly.

“Will we let danger thruster and grow? Or will we act as Romans and stand against the threat? Nearly 280 years this city of ours has stood and was never defeated in war! They may have a superior general, but the spirit of the Roman people will prevail against him! Can any of you even remember the day when a Roman legion broke and fled from the enemy? You should take heart Senators. The Greeks are definitely more afraid of us then we are of them.”

The cheers that followed his speech were deafening. Even the old man that spoke against Maxentius smiled with respect and confidence.

“It’s time to vote Senators,” said Maxentius confidently. “The future of our city waits. All those in favor of standing against this threat through force of arms, rise now!”

Nearly all of the Senators rose in cheers and the few that remained seated rose as well after a few seconds.

“Excellent! I will inform Legio I under my son, Amulius Maxentius, to head deploy himself near Cannae. The city is a plagued with the enemies’ of Rome. Every breath that these Samnites and Greeks draw is an insult not just to Rome, but the gods themselves. My son will punish them for their treachery.”

More cheers followed him as he bowed in respect to the Senators and walked out of the chamber, his Senatorial guards following behind him.

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Legatus Amulius Maxentius stood on a hill overlooking the Roman camp with his officers and his young, but naturally gifted commander, Tribune Titus Vellius. Over a thousand tents, each holding 10 men were spread over the land below them. It was morning and the legionaries were having breakfast over the thousands of camp fires throughout the encampment. A messenger approached them and saluted.


“Breakfast is ready sir; we also have news from Rome. It is the Senate’s will that Legio I engage the rebel Samnites and Greeks at Cannae. War has been formally declared by the Senate against the army under Epirus.”


Amulius raised his eyebrows in surprise. Only a couple of weeks ago had he won a battle against a large Samnite army, which killed 1/8 of his men and now the Senate wants him to take a city against the Greatest Greek general since Alexander? He lived for war but fighting Epirus was not something he found welcoming. He would never admit it to his men, but fear clouded his mind at the thought of fighting Epirus’ host.


“Is Epirus defending the city of Cannae?” He asked quietly.


“No sir, scouts report that he is still fortifying the city of Tarentum and tightening his hold in southern Italy. However, we have no information about the defenders of Cannae. The Senate has sent spies and they will inform you of the situation when you are in striking distance of the city. “



Amulius nodded, relieved and the messenger saluted once more before heading towards the Roman camp.


“Centurions, inform the men of the Senates orders. We march to Cannae at dawn tomorrow,” Amulius said grimly as he turned his officers. “Now I must go eat and ponder on the most efficient way to handle the situation.”


With this, he left turned and followed the messenger to the camp.

End of Chapter One!
Chapter 2 Coming ASAP!
Tell me how you liked it and where I should improve!

[pirates_say_arrgg]

Keep up the great work!

[Blackshamrock.]

Its fine. Don't worry about it, and your grammar is fine. May I make one suggestion. When telling a story like this, when it comes to the anshall Battle some screen shots are aways good. Keep up the grate work. Can't wait for chapter two. And because I have enjoyed what I've read here's some rep for ya.