[RTR-FOE] Mysteries of the past (Finished)

[Maurits]

Mysteries of the Past: the Turdetani Wars

Prologue: ‘a day at the museum…’

In the middle of a sweet dream, there started a shrill noise behind his head. At first he tried to ignore it, but after half a minute he slowly opened his eyes and put out the alarm clock. When he jumped out of his bed and looked at his calendar, his eyes went back to the alarm clock. ‘Ow……, you fool’ he mumbled to himself, when he saw that it was only six o’clock. It was Saturday morning. Finally, he got his long waited for Christmas Holliday, but now he’d forgotten not to set his alarm. All this was left behind when Maurits looked out of his window. A red burning sun came up above the fields, and the first rays were hitting the roof of his little place.

For a while he stood there gazing at the beautiful view, and after that he made himself ready for the coming day. In daily life, he was studying at the Leiden University in the Netherlands as a history student, and his spare time he put in reading and music. While eating some bread with so called hagelslag (typical Dutch, little pieces of chocolate to be put on a slice of bread) he wondered what to do that day. At that very moment his eye fell on a part of the book he was reading. It told about the Carthagian conquest of Iberia. In the museum of Leiden, he knew, was part of an ancient tomb of a Carthagian general. He decided to go there to pass the day, interested as he was in such things. He finished eating, and after a while jumped into his car, heading for the museum.

After he’d passed the entrance, he couldn’t resist the temptation to take a look at the temple of Taffeh, an Egyptian god-house taken to the museum. When he had seen the Egyptian collection, he went to the piece of the Carthagian tomb. There was a barrier of ropes to prevent tourists from touching the thing, but at the moment it was so early in the morning that there weren’t any other people in that part of the museum. Maurits stepped closer. Than something stirred in his heard. He stood there silent as if carven out of stone, gazing in wonder at the inscription at the ancient stone. It changed! He breathed heavily when he stepped over the rope very carefully. Then he saw it. The Punic runes had changed to Latin, in front of his very own eyes! When he looked a little better, he saw the following riddle:

‘In strange times that have now long past
A glorious leader led his great hosts
While the die was cast
Along the mountains and coasts
Of Iberia his days past

Now wandering far from home
In the darkness of history
He’s asking you to come
And go forth with him in agony’

Then there were a few lines so filled with dust, that he couldn’t read them. Eager to know how the verse would end, he touched it in order to put it away.

Suddenly he heard a great rumble, and all became very silent. He wasn’t able to see or touch anything, and wondered what had befallen him…

[Maurits]

Chapter 1: Stranded in history

When Maurits woke up, he soon realized that he wasn’t in his bed. Instead, he felt grass under his skin! When he opened his eyes, he saw that he was naked. A little puzzled he stood up, wondering what had befallen him. First the museum, then the dark and now… Suddenly his eyes caught a sign of people. At the other side of the plain there was a cloud of dust, probably chucked up by some vehicle. He wondered where he was. He saw mountains, and a little river. ‘Strange… it’s like I’m in Iberia’, he thought, not knowing that he had guessed the truth. After some time he saw it: there was a company of horseman, and they were heading in his direction! When a sea-breeze started to blow, he saw the Punic banners unfolding in the middle of the company. He knew it: he was stranded in history.

When the horseman where close, they stopped, and a young Punic noble stepped forward. He asked who he was, or so guessed Maurits, because he could only understand a few words of his language.


(Musnari Ptolemais)

Then he tried to answer in his best Greek: ‘Noble lord, please look with pity upon a poor man that has lost everything.’ What he said was all to true: he had indeed lost everything, in a way that those people wouldn’t be able to imagine. Luckily the noble was well-educated, and answered him in the same language: ‘Man, have you been attacked by those rebels? You need to care no more, for I’ve killed them with my patrol’. A laughter went up between his men. They were all strong, with proud faces. I realized that this had to be the elite- Carthagian Cavalry. ‘Indeed, my lord,’ I answered, ‘could you please grand me some food and attire?’ A smile softened the face of the young commander. ‘Of course. Give him some spare clothing of mine!’ he shouted to one of his men. ‘We’ll take you to Gadir, the city from which we’re operating. There you’ll get food, and a sleeping place in my own house. You can tell the Governor your story, for I’m sure a man that speaks Greek must be of noble family’. I thanked him for these kind words, and rode with them to Gadir.

At the end of the day they reached the gates of Gadir, the mayor Punic holding in Iberia. After he had washed himself with Musnari Ptolemais, the man that had rescued him, they ate some bread, olives and wine. At last they went to the great hall of the palace. Maurits’ breath staggered when he saw the beautiful room. At either side rose like trees enormous pillars, painted in indigo and gold. At the end of this vast hall there rose a throne of stone, covered with gold, and there sat the mayor authority in this part of the world: governor Gero the Elder. He could read nothing from his well-shaped and stern face when he was asked some questions.



‘Stranger, welcome to my halls,’ sounded a noble voice, ‘what does one from noble kin, a Greek, do in my lands?’ Maurits’ face darkened when he answered: ‘Where I come from no one of us can go now. My names are many, but for you it would be Gershammon.’ A moment it was silent, in such a way that you didn’t even hear people breathing. Than Gero rose from his throne, and said: ‘In your face I can see that you bear a great pain with you. For you won’t tell us, please tell me your capabilities and intentions.’ For a moment Maurits was silent, and thought. When he had cleared his mind, he said: ‘My intention is to ask you to accept my services. In my own country I was well-schooled. I speak Latin, Greek and some other languages that aren’t known to you. I have great knowledge in the arts of mathematics and history, and am well-known to battle strategies.’ For a moment Gero thought. Then he sighted, and said: ‘Although I don’t know you, I’ll accept your offer. Musnari will depart to Sicily in a few month’s time, and I’ve got no other commanders to take his place. I’ll give you a test. North from here lie the lands of the Turdetani. Two others went there before you, they were killed and their armies routed. Now I’ve got some new troops. You’ll lead them. Either die, or flee, then I know that you’ve lied to me. But when you succeed, and are able to hand over to me the keys of the silver mines of Rio Tinto, then I’ll load you with honour and adopt you as a son of mine.’ Long Maurits (from now on called Gershammon) thought in silence. At last he accepted the offer. He was doomed. Either he would win, or die in the coming campaign…

[Maurits]

Chapter 2: The Battle of Urso

The army that had been drawn from the Punic colonies was gathering in the open, sharpening their swords for the comming battle. Six months ago, they had got a new leader, captain Gershammon. After a period of training he had brought his forces to the gates of Urso. The small place was merely more than a village, but it had a stone wall surrounding it. Gershammon laughed. This would be an easy training ground for his men! Inside the settlement, there were only a few boys to man the towers and an old fool, that called himself a Turdetani Noble. Ha! His army consisted of thirteen bodyguards. Men that had long past their good days, and now could barely sit on their horses. This was no match for his hoplites!

When his men had finished making the siege-tower and ladders, he let them march to the gates of Urso. 'Brave men of Carthage,' his loud voice sounded, 'Today will be a great day. A good day to spill the blood of the fools in this settlement! Be brave, and earn the gold and women that you'll get when we're finished with this place!' A great rumour rose among the ranks, and people were shouting his name. Then Gershammon called for horns to be sounded, and once more a dreadful silence took hold of the army.



Then he gave a blood chilling cry, and the men started attacking. Two groups of Liby-Phoenicians would man a tower and ladders, and kill the boys inside the gateway. Then he would lead his Carthagian Cavalry behind them, in order to finish off with the old fool inside the walls...



Before long the men reached the walls, and started to climb them. The Iberians tried to set his tower on fire, but they didn't succeed. Gershammon wouldn't be caught by that old trick. Before the battle, his men had wettened the tower with water. In a few minutes time they would give those fools the price for their arrows!




With much noise the first hoplites reached the walls. Soon they had regrouped, and marched in the direction of the gateway.



A little later cries were heard from within the gateway, and bodies where thrown on the streets. 'The gates are taken!', the men on the field cried, eager to participate in the battle. But they wouldn't have to. Already men were streaming through the gateway into the settlement, and more arrived from the towers. This was his moment.



With a good feeling of show Gershammon and his cavalry streamed through the gates. A loud screaming went up into the air, while his men regrouped. Soon the settlement would be theirs.



The bronze shields of the hoplites glimmered in the sun when they marched through the streets, heading for the center of the town. In the houses they sometimes saw faces looking out of the windows, but they didn't care. Soon the settlement would be theirs! There they saw the Turdetani Noble, to frightened to move. Hah, soon he would follow his men to the afterlife!



Suddenly, when they had reached the plaza, the old fool charged into their ranks, killing two of their comrades. The men were filled with fury, and killed more and more of the enemy.



Finaly Gershammon charged into the mess with his cavalry. One after one the enemy's bodygards where hit with spears, until at last the leader himself felt on the ground, his body pierced with Punic steel.



Finally, it went silent in the settlement. Then a great shouting arose, while men were putting their spears in the air. Urso was theirs! An easy, well deserved victory!

The day after the victory, a messanger reached the town. Immediately he was brought before Gershammon, but he could hardly speak. 'Lord...,' he stambled, 'the Turdetani have called upon their allies. A very large army is gathering in Ilipa!' Dark clouds rose at the horizon. They had won this battle, but the outcome of the war still laid in the hands of the gods...

[Gath]

Good job so far. There are a few spelling errors, but nothing that takes away from the story.

[Maurits]

I've always had some trouble with spelling...

Plz pm them to me so that I can make the quality a little higher. Thanks for the feedback!

[Maurits]

Chapter 3:First blood at Ilipa

The men screamed his name, so loud that the air was filled with the sound of it. 'Gershammon! Gershammon!', their cries went up towards the sun. Gershammon smiled. This would be the first proof of his army. Half a year ago he had conquered the settlement of Urso, which was only garnisoned by an old Turdetani noble. Now, he had marched in the direction of Ilipa, and sent out his spies. When some of them returned, they told him that the city was so full of troops that some had to camp outside the walls. Then Gershammon knew enough. Instead of making open war against the Turdetani king, he made his troops march towards the region between the two rivers that guarded the city's sides. Only half-way, a young captain had waylaid his forces, and he planned to destroy him. It would be easy, or so it seemed to be... A man came riding towards him as if the whole army was after him. Gershammons' face was troubeled by this sight. The man's steed died when he reached Gershammon, and the man himself could only stammer the following words before he died: 'They have come, lord, they have got some reinforcements. Their elite cavalry and some Scutarii wariors are assailing our flanks.' With those words on his lips he died.



Still his men where eager for the fight, wishing to cover their swords in their enemies' blood. Now he knew that he would be flanked, the battle would most likely end in a victory for him. Only a fool would loose such a battle! But with how many casualties? How many men would be able to march with him to the gates of Ilipa?



His main line turned towards the Turdetani's main force, but Gershammon send some of his men towards the army on their rear. This force consisted of some of the most experienced Liby-Phoenicians, helped by some local Caetri and his elite Carthagian Cavalry. These would surely be able to handle these fools!



Their leader immediately charged into the wall of Liby-Phoenicians. The fool. In the meanwhile Gershammon's second had driven off the enemy cavalry, and now charged the Turdetani into their flank.



Soon they broke, and fled away before the thunder of the cavalry. All were slain, and so the first part of their foes had been killed. The other Turdetani force had been manoeuvring around his main line, in order to approach unseen through the thick woods. Luckily this was spotted by his cavalry, and the main line turned swift enough to form a front towards the new enemies.

Soon the first troops marched out of the woods, distraught by the number of enemies, that they had hoped to find unexpected. Instead, hundreds of missiles wisstled towards them, and made many a gap in their ranks. Soon they charged the line, and for a moment it seemed that they would break through it. But then Gershammon sent his last reserves forward, and they rushed into the flanks of the already engaged enemies. This was a little too much for the Turdetani, and when the Carthagian Cavalry killed their leader, they fled away.



When all thought that they had won, suddenly the enemy's cavalry charged unexpected out of the woods in which they had been hiding. For a moment the enemies' spirits rose again, and there was some scattered fighting allong the field. But then Gershammon lead his horsemen into theirs, and routed them. Soon all Turdetani where fleeing, and many where slain before the sun went down again.



This first battle of Ilipa, as it was afterwards called, was a great victory for the Carthagians. Therefore, when his troops camped in the land between the rivers, a messanger from Gadir came to Gershammin. He told him to come back to the city, to be honoured for this first great victory against the Turdetani. But both Gero and Gershammon realised that this had been a mere trial of their strenght, and that the great hosts of Ilipa where yet to come forward...

[Finn]

Good job Maurits! I like the fact that you put yourself into the story, kinda reminds me of my younger days daydreaming at school.

A couple of suggestions - You've been spelling Carthage and Carthaginians wrong. I'm not sure if that is the correct spelling in Dutch or not, but it's not the proper English spelling.

Also, if you could disable the green arrows in would help with the immersion immensely.

Keep up the good work!

[Maurits]

Thanks, Finn! But how do I disable the green cursor arrow without not being able to play the battle??

[Finn]

You need to go to edit the preferences text file which sits alongside the data folder. Then just change the DISABLE_ARROW_MARKERS:FALSE line to DISABLE_ARROW_MARKERS:TRUE

[Maurits]

Chapter 4: Return to Gadir

Now that he had won the first major victory, Gero granted Gershammon his parade through the city. For days the feast had been prepared, and when Gershammon and his staff rode into the city the air was thrilling because of the uncountable masses shouting his name. 'Well, here we are,' he wispered at Amanor, who was riding at his flank, 'I suppose this is why we try to survive the onslaught of the battle.' Amanor, the son of a Carthagian Nobleman, had saved him in the last battle. Gershammon shivered when he thought about the moment.

Arrows came wistelling down. Now that the enemies' cavalry had charged into the rear of his line, Gershammon rode forward with his bodyguard to save his troops. There was dust in the air, thrown up by the horses that were coming like thunder, driven forward by reckless teens, longing for honour and blood. His sight was blocked, and when he attacked a spearman, he saw a rider appearing from his left. This would be his end. With no chance to turn, he would be pinned to the ground... Just at that moment he heard a fierce battle cry, and there Amarok appeared out of the clouds. Blood spat all over them when he pierced the young Turdetani warrior. He would live and see some more battlefields before joining his ancestors...

After the battle Gershammon had given him a leading position, so that he now had his heroic saviour in his bodyguard. When all this went through his head, the crowds threw flowers in front of his horse, so that they road over a many-coloured road. Once they arrived at the palace, all went silent, and Gershammon sprang from his horse.

Then, while trumpets sang their proud tones into the city, Gero appeared out of the shaddows. He descended slowly until he was halfway the stairs, and Gershammon climbed towards him. 'You know that you haven't fulfilled your task yet,' he said with a stern look on his face. 'But, you know, sometimes you'll have to give them something to celebrate.' With this words a smile came upon his face, while he spoke to the people: 'Carthagians, this day is a special day. For today, this city's got a victory! This day, this city's got a new general! And this day, I've got my son!' After a moment of silence, the crowds started shouting, and it lasted ten minutes before someone could understand one another again.

Gershammon stood there, as carven out of stone. 'Thanks, my lord', he wispered, 'I hope that I'll be worth your trust and generousity'. Gero smiled once again. 'I hope that too, my friend. For when we do not succeed in defeating the Turdetani now, we'll be lost. We won't get any more reinforcements. We're at war with Rome, and I'll have to survive with the few men that I've left. Alea iacta est, those damned Romani would say. You'll have to hire some mercenaries, and win that battle. The fate of the Punic colonies in Iberia lies in your hands!'

[Finn]

Short, but sweet

[Maurits]

It will be a short story, but still I need some small chapters to glue the battles together

[Maurits]

Chapter 5: Strange allies

The next day, Gershammon rode out with a few bodyguards and the new mercenary captain that had been add to his staff. They were heading for the dense forests near Ilipa, where they hoped to find some Celtiberian tribes. He new that he was taking a risk. In those unknown woods, they could easilly be ambushed, but without mercenaries it was impossible to take Ilipa...

When the sun sent its last golden rays into the world, they reached the outskirts of the wood in which Carrhavan, the mercenary captain, believed to find some local tribes. Between the age-old trees there was an impenetrable darkness, for the thick leave-deck shut out all light of stars and moon. With torches they were able to see a few meters ahead into the mists that came up from the near swamps. It was in this desolate area that they first saw a flickering on a distant hill. 'Be very careful,' Carrhavan said, 'we're drawing near their holdings now.' A dreadful silence took hold of the men, when they rode towards the light. The nearer they came, the louder became the drums and voices from the Celtiberii. Suddenly, a men sprang before them, pointing his bow at Carrhaven's head. He spoke a few words, that sounded like cries of a starving animal to the Carthagians. Carrhaven told, that they were surrounded by their warriors, and that they would have to lay down their weapons. Gershammon commanded his men to do whatever their guide would say, and like that they went to the leader of the Celtiberii.

Suddenly they came to an open place in the dark woods, and in the middle of it there burned a great fire. A men stepped forward, clad in hides and gold jewelry, and from the reactions of the people arround them Gershammon could make up that this had to be the leader of the tribe. They bowed, and Carrhaven spoke: 'Greetings, great warrior. We came here to seek your aid in battle, for we do not dare to fight without the help of the mighty warriors of Gashnaw!' The man smiled. 'You don't need to use such nice words, my lord, nor speak in a tongue that isn't understood by your friends.' All where amazed that a barbarian could answer them in their own Punic language. 'A long time ago, I served in the armies of Carthage, and we captured the holdings to the south. I know the true reason of your mission: you need men to fill your ranks, because your senate isn't able to gather enough valiant men to fight. Hah! We will, but not for nothing...' Gershammon was shocked by his words, for the Celtiberian had analised and explained every single problem they had in these few moments. He signed to his men, and answered: 'A wise men you are, for indeed I need the valiance of your people. Here I've got gold, enough to cloth you and all of your people in the finest attire, for I do value your strenght highly.' A smile broke the carven face. 'Why wouldn't I kill you, and keep your gold without loosing my sons in battle?' For a moment Gershammon watched his face, and then he spoke: 'Because your honour would forbid you to slay a few unarmed men.' 'Well spoken, Carthagian,' he said. 'Once again, I will ride to war to your aid'.

With those words, the conversation ended, and Gershammon rode out of the woods with his staff. The Celtiberii would aid them with some heavy cavalry, and their young men would serve as light infantry, after the manner of the Caetri. The cards where laid on the table now, and fate would show who would gain victory...

[Finn]

Looking forward to seeing those Celtiberian mercs in action

[Maurits]

You'll get your battle soon... I hope to finish the update this week

[Conqistador]

wow very good... Hope Gershammon can win the incoming battle...

already subscribed +rep!

[Maurits]

Chapter 6: The last battle

It was early in the morning when Gershammon's forces deployed on the battlefield. Two months had past since he had hired Gashnaw's men, and Amanor was at his side. They had been lucky, for he'd been able to force the Tudetani to fight at the place he wished to fight on. But that was their only luck... the numbers where against them, for the Turdetani had been able to field many more warriors. But still, they had a good chance to win this battle. If the enemy would follow his plans...

At the other bank the first enemies could be spot, a small group of elite infantry sent out to spy on them. Immediately Gashnaw reacted, and send some of his light cavalry to them in order to take some out with their javelins.

Elite Iberian Scutarii, seperated from the enemies' main force

The Elite Scutarri where able to handle a few light spears, and soon the cavalry rode away from them. Now Gershammon ordered some of his Liby-Phoenicians to finish the job, and after a heavy fight they succeeded. Quickly the troops moved back over the bridge, because the large enemy force from Ilipa was drawing near...

Liby-Phoenicians defeating the Iberians

Gershammon ordered his men to form a sort of half-moon formation. The whole day he had been thinking of a way to defeat the Turdetani, and now he knew it: he would try to surround them, so that they might loose heart and flee!

Gershammons' battle formation

The main line consisted of Liby-Phoenician hoplites, and the flanks near the river were manned by Gashnaws' young Caetri. The slingers and a few Keltoi archers where deployed behind the hoplite-screen, and at both flanks there was a unit of Carthagian cavalry. The center was defended by Gershammon and Gashnaw, who would be able to make some great cavalry charges together.

Although their formation was perfect, Gershammon despaired when he saw their foes. Great numbers of elite infantry where charging towards his men. These warriors wouldn't flee when they saw themselves surrounded! When the cup was filled, and the Carthagian men where pushed back, the Turdetani king rushed forward and charged into the hoplites. One moment it seemed that the line would break, but at once Gershammon and Gashnaw sounded their horns and rode forward to chalange their enemy.

The Turdetani king charges into the line

There was a great clamour of weapons, and many brave men died because of the strong Iberians. But, finally, one of Gershammon's bodyguards rushed forward through a gap in the line and pierced the king.

A Punic bodyguard kills the Turdetani king

Now the battle was soon over. Although some groups of Iberians fought scattered allong the field, the main body of the army routed when they saw that their leader was dead. Gershammon and his men persued them untill the evening came, and they couldn't see their foes anymore. A great shouting went up into the air when Gershammon's horn sounded. The battle was won, but many good men laid death on the field. Ilipa was theirs, but the victory was dearly paid...

Gershammon gives the sign that the battle is over

[Caligula Caesar]

Nice AAR

BTW, there are a few spelling mistakes in there - when you make your next installment (if there is one?), I'll proof read it if you want. Whilst I'm at it, I might as well do the same for the existing updates...

[Maurits]

If you'd like to, please do so! English isn't my native tongue you know, and sometimes mistakes might come in...

[Conqistador]

Yeah, some battles are hard to fight, sometimes you pay an high price by your victory. But it's good, you've taken one city