=== Mighty Rome, a campaign history - part 5 ===

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

I'm going to start posting here my SPQR 6.0 campaign as it evolves with links to any battle walkthroughs I do. It's purely for my own enjoyment as I like writing it, but if some of you also like it and get a laugh from it that's great.

It is played under SPQR house rules, the main ones are:
1) No blitzing
2) No expanding beyond 20 provinces before Marius
3) Don't take major enemy settlements Pre-Marius
4) Legions should have only 10 cohorts split evenly between Hastati, Principes and Triarii + cavalry/light infantry/auxiliaries
5) No merc armies

A few of the other features are:

• Roman troops can use a shieldwall formation, this puts them super-close to each other but house rules allow it to be deployed only in 2 ranks deep
• Greeks & Macedonians have Sword Hoplite units, basically heavily armoured sword armed troops which support the phalanxes
• Spartans are homicidal killing machines that never rout, fear them lots
• All recruitment is 0 turn
• Rome has no blacksmiths, weaponsmiths or temples that upgrade anything other than public order, all AI factions have these in spades (later in the campaign AI factions can recruit double gold chevron troops )
• Don't know how LT has done it, but SPQR 6's AI is showing signs of intelligence

I'm also putting here any links to walkthroughs I've done (not necessarily from this campaign):
=== Battle of Larissa - Brutii vs. Macedon ===
=== Battle walkthrough - Rome vs. Carthage (144 armoured ellies!)===
=== Battle against the Gladiators - a walkthrough ===
----------------------------------------------------------------------

'Carthage is here, Hannibal is here', the scout screamed his warning as he whipped his horse through the gates of Messana. The Tribune looked on and nodded. 'We could have done with more time but we've had more than we expected'. He turned and looked down to the shore, a long line of townsfolk snaked down to the ships taking them across the straights to Italy. 'Thank Jupiter the navy got blown off course, we'd never have known they were coming otherwise. Shame the legion isn't here yet'.

Two days later the town was empty, all citizens and the vast majority of the garrison had been withdrawn across the straights. The remaining guard, all volunteers, watched grimly as Hannibal sent his elephants against the walls. An hour later is was over, all 241 of the city watch had died taking 23 Carthaginians with them.

A week later, Vibius Julius led his legion ashore, bolstered by the Velites of the Messana garrison. Marching quickly they massacred a unit of Carthaginian city watch who had strayed outside the city. The Carthaginians desperately signalled Hannibal to come to their aid, but to no avail, Hannibal remained in the city and the Carthaginian guard were slaughtered to a man, first blood to Rome. Vibius quickly moved on and laid siege to Messana, trapping Hannibal inside.

Meanwhile in the north Quintus Julius forced marched his legion, his orders to prevent any Gallic armies crossing the rivers. He had strict orders to maintain a holding, defensive position and, while that grated, he could see the logic: Rome wasn’t strong enough to fight on two fronts, yet. As he marched north his scouts warned him of an approaching Gallic army, raising the pace of the legion even further the Romans arrived at the ford a mere hour before the Gaul’s. Taking up position at the fords the legion faced Maglocunus and his 3561 warriors. The battle was short and sharp Gallic bravery proving no match for the discipline of the Hastati shieldwall, even though the Gallic army split and attacked across both fords the Romans held. Not a single Gaul made it off the field for the loss of only 76 Hastati. The senate awarded Vibius laurel wreaths, the Northern frontier was safe for the moment

Meanwhile at home a huge building programme was put in train, mines, roads and city defences were the priority and merchants encouraged to set up their premises. Rome needed money and it needed it fast.

270BC
Quintus sighed; his scouts had reported more Gallic armies heading south, things were going to remain interesting at the ford. Two hours later the trumpets sounded and the legion took up position facing Legotrix and 2689 Gallic warriors. This time the Gaols concentrated on one ford and managed to punch through the Hastati shieldwall, but the Principes behind prevented the breakout. Legotrix was pulled from his horse and slaughtered and the Gauls broke. Again not a single one escaped and only 121 Romans lay dead.

In the south Vibius smiled, he had Hannibal bottled up, the man had showed a total lack of tactical awareness and basic courage in refusing to come out to confront the legion. Vibius ordered the assault on Messana to begin. Hannibal was keeping his men back from the walls so the Romans had no opposition reaching them. The gates soon fell to the ram and Vibius ordered two units of Hastati through. The units formed up just in time to face the full force of the Carthaginian counter-attack. Lead by one of the elephant units the Carthaginian infantry crashed into the Roman lines. The Hastati fought incredibly bravely but were gradually overwhelmed, it was then that Vibius' plan became clear, lured within range of his velites the elephants and Carthaginian infantry were massacred. 8 Hastati made it safely back through the gate and were carried with honour from the field.

Again Vibius ordered two more Hastati in through the gate, and again Hannibal responded, this time both remaining elephant units leading the counter-attack. As the battle raged and the Carthaginians and Hastati died by the gate Vibius ordered the remaining two rams to smash through the walls. Principes poured through, trapping the Carthaginian forces and cutting them to ribbons. As the reaming 22 Hastati withdrew the Triarii greeted them with roars of noise, inspired by the bravery of the Hastati.

Hannibal watched with despair as his army was massacred. With the Romans pushing deeper into the town he lead his guard in a last charge, dieing heroically on the spears of the Triarii. Messana had been retaken and the Carthaginian field army destroyed 3676 Carthaginians dead for 935 Romans. Of the four Hastati units who had gone through the gates only 104 men survived.

In the midst of victory tragedy struck, the Roman fleet sitting off Messana was attacked and sunk by pirates. Meanwhile, the senate ordered Sparta to be taken, much to everyone’s amusement.

269-268 BC
With Vibius rebuilding his army in Sicily, Quintus remained protecting the northern frontier against waves of Gallic troops. Over the next year and a half Quintus and his legion held off three waves of Gallic assaults. First Vindonioruaiis of Dubris lead his tribe south, 3483 Gallic warriors swarming across the river to their deaths, this time they didn’t breach the Hastati shieldwall and 3483 Gauls fell for the loss of only 74 Romans, another Honour wreath for Quintus.

Vindonioruaiis was closely followed by Captain Vercingetorix, 1607 Gauls falling for only 19 Romans and yet another honour wreath for Quintus. Finally Vindex lead his warriors south. This time the Gauls changed their tactic and held no troops in reserve, pouring the entire army across the ford. Their sheer weight of numbers (aided by large numbers of Chosen Swordsmen) broke through both the Hastati and Principe lines before being finally stopped by the Triarii.

In a snapshot of the battle one of the first rank of Hastati was forced out of his shieldwall by two of Vindex’s bodyguard. Forced backward deeper and deeper into the centre of the river by the horsemen he gave ground step by step, fending off the horsemen’s lances with his shield and awaiting his opportunity to strike. On the banks the unengaged warriors on both sides roared their men on. Suddenly an opening appeared and the Hastati struck, the first of the bodyguard fell and the watching legions screamed their approval. The second bodyguard pressed forward and then it was the Gaul’s turn to shout as the Hastati fell, disappearing under the water. The bodyguard turned and spurred his horse back to the battle while behind him, rising from the water appeared the Hastati, sword and shield still firmly grasped in his hands. Moving quickly he came up behind the bodyguard and chopped him to the ground. The battle belonged to Rome, 4125 Gauls falling for 56 Romans.
With the economy starting to bear fruit a second third legion is now being formed under the command of a 4 star 16 year old. They are expected to be sent to the second ford on the northern border, but this will depend on how successful Vibius’ campaign in Sicily is.

[lt1956]

Yep 6.0 its understandable. lol It still wont help Our kill ratio though. lol Even with them it will be a 4 o r5-1, I just fought a battle in the woods against gaul and I lost 1/3 my army watch the woods and winter! Its twice as bad as in 5.0! I forgot I was in woods and was wondering why I took such a beating then I realized I was in the woods and they get a bonus.

I do love the way the AI skirmishes more now with missile units. I dont know about you but I am having a Blast in my current campaign. I am playing on M/M and I havent had to fight 2-3 battles per turn so the campaign difficulty absolutely effects how many battle per turn you fight, of course lateri n the campaign you will fight more battles, but the ones having too many battles are usually playing on Hard or VH. I like a breather once in a while also. lol

[Freddie]

Yep 6.0 its understandable. lol It still wont help Our kill ratio though. lol Even with them it will be a 4 o r5-1, I just fought a battle in the woods against gaul and I lost 1/3 my army watch the woods and winter! Its twice as bad as in 5.0! I forgot I was in woods and was wondering why I took such a beating then I realized I was in the woods and they get a bonus.

Can you tell me how the bonus system works please? If the barbarians are fighting in the woods do they that a morale bonus or +5 attack or +3 defense? And is the bonus greater if the battle is in the snow.

[lt1956]

OH I forgot to mention something. Your casualties on the bridge were most likely MORE than what you thought they were. I use a calculator to see the difference of how many are left over what I started with, Reason being that Bridge battles have more Friendly Fire than land battles and also men falling in Water and drowning. Something to think about because the game doesnt show the kills for FF or drowning. lol So if your using the killsheet you should use a calculator or pen and pad to see how many men you started with and how many men are left.

Lt

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

it's ok, those casualties are including friendly fire, I'm very carefull where I put the slingers and don't let them fire at will.

I'm really enjoying 6 at the moment, particularly the map, it's beautiful. I'm going to play this campaign differently in that I am going to sit back and build the economy and not really go for expansion until after Marius.

Now, off to find that gladiator army and have my first field battle (with the greeks in Sicily)

[lt1956]

Yes snow and winter they get a bonus, It varies between different units and factions, just as the Eastern units gets bonuses for fighting in deserts. But the barbarians get a VERY healthy bonus in the winter and in the Woods, so think of Varus and remember that Italians were Summer people. lol This reflects fighting in foreign areas and why sometimes you far better than others. Try not to fight in the woods are winter or you may take HEAVY casualties. I guess I would say its like fight battles in VH for Winter and Woods, give or take. So thats why I laugh at people playing at hard or VH they hav no idea what they will face in winter or Woods, they may make the battles impossible for them to win, all because of their battle choice. No matter the campaign setting I really always recommend medium for the BEST and MOST BALACED Battle gameplay. I play the campaign on medium because I feel its more realistic and I know it can be won.

Lt

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

Part 2

268BC
With his army rebuilt Vibius struck swiftly south from Messana towards Syracuse. Catching the Greek field army outside the walls he immediatley engaged. However, the Greeks swiftly withdrew after the Romans out maneuvered them leaving 309 of their dead behind. Vibius held his cavalry back as the area was heavily wooded, otherwise the Greek casualties would have been far higher. Pursuing hard, Vibuis laide seige to Syracuse.

In the north Quintus chafed at the ford, he had just destroyed another Gallic push south (3368 Gauls dead for 65 Romans and laurel wreaths for Quintus) but reports were coming in from the south of Italy of two large rebel armies. However, with the Gauls continuing to press south Quintus could not leave the border.

266 BC
Quintus' frustration at the inactivity on the northern border was slightly lessened by his appointment as Aedile. As he admired his new robes, his scouts reported a delegation of Gauls approaching the ford. Quintus quickly ordered his legion into battle formation and then rode to meet the Gauls in the middle of the ford.

As he listened to their proposal, Quintus was at first outraged. They had the affrontary to offer Rome their protection! Rome a protectorate of Gaul? Outrageous. However, then his political mind cut in. As a protectorate of Gaul Rome would have a ceasfire with all their enemies excepting Greece. Add that to the presence of the rebel armies in the south and a way to release the northern legions was opening up. Knowing that the Gauls desparately needed their manpower for their wars in Spain, Quintus bargained hard opening his demands at 10,000 in gold. Finaly the deal was struck, for 3,000 in gold and a copy of the Gallic maps Rome became a protectorate of Gaul. The northern army was free to move south, and the Sicilian army was free to operate without fear of attack from Carthage.

In the south, Vibius attacked Syracuse. Using his rams he smashed down the gate and threw forward 4 Hastati units. The Greeks responded instantly and soon a fierce battle was raging by the gate as the Greek infantry, lead by the dreaded Spartans, attempted to break down the Hastati shieldwalls. Vibius then smashed holes through the walls on either side of the gate and threw forward his Principes and Triarii. As the Principes attacked the Greeks at the gate from the rear, the Triarii held off the second Greek counter-attack, again lead by Spartans. Surrounded and outnumbered the Greek forces broke and ran, being cut down by Roman swords, all except the Spartans who stood and died to a man. The battle was won and Rome controlled Syracuse but the losses caused by the Spartans were huge, 1027 Romans lost their lives to 2724 Greeks (including 3 units of Spartans). In honour of their bravery Vibius ordered the bodies of the Spartans to be buried with full honours and their war-gear to be sent back to Sparta.

265 BC
Freed from the Northern border Quintus marched his legion South to confront the first of the rebel armies under Julianus Scipio. Supported by the half-formed 3rd legion Quintus engaged the Sammites. Maneuvering carefully he got his army uphill from the rebels, and ensured that the supporting legion was on the other side of the enemy. Caught between the two legions, Julianus was forced to split his army and Quintus pressed home the attack immediately.

Initially the Hastati and Velites threw volley after volley of spears into the Sammite ranks, while the slingers kept the Cretan Archers from settling and loosing their devastating arrows. When the spears were gone the Hastati charged and engaged the Sammite battle line, while the Principes and cavalry moved around the left flank and attacked the Sammite line from behind. The Sammites battled hard but their right flank broke and ran, pursued by the cavalry, and the Roman infantry moved swiftly down the rebel line overwhelming and routing the infantry. Behind the lines two Triarii units swiftly cut down the Archers, forcing them to flee.

As the first half of the army broke Quintus quickly moved his forces to engage the second half of the rebel army, attacking them from behind just as the supporting legion launched their attack from the front. A massacre ensued as the Sammites broke and ran, the rout gaining speed after Julianus had lead his cavalry against the Triarii in a vain attempt to defend his archers.

The victory was complete, 4,441 rebels killed for the loss of only 180 Romans. A truly heroic victory and a monument to it was quickly errected.

266-262 BC
Two spies have been recruited, one in Sicily to keep an eye on the (large) Cathaginian army there, and one in Italy, initially to look at the Gladiator army ( ) and then moving north to keep an eye on the Gauls. A diplomat has also been recruited to get maps from Macedon (for the senate) and he is now moving north to deal with the Germans, Dacians (whats left of them, Macedonia seems to be wiping them out) etc.

In Italy the economy is coming on well with 4 towns having now expanded and a 12k a turn income after expenses. The third legion is now at full strength and a fourth one has been recruited, split in half and is guarding the two river crossings on the northern border (not that I don't trust the Gauls or anything, oh no....)

In the South, Quintus has moved to the Gladiator army and will soon attack, supported again by the second army.

In Sicily, Vibius has rebuilt his army and is now seriously looking to attack the final Carthaginian presence.

The Senate, meanwhile, has ordered Mediolanum to be attacked. This is going to be ignored as the legions confronting the Gladiators will move to take Corsica and Sardinia first and support Vibius in Sicily before any move is made into Northern Italy. Assuming they beat the gladiators.........

[Freddie]

God you have no shame do you? Rome protected by Gaul……please.

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

God you have no shame do you? Rome protected by Gaul……please.

none, it frees up my legions to deal with the rebels, and keeps Carthage out of the loop for a while (plus 3k and maps) Plus, one of the reasons my diplomat is heading north is to see if I can persuade the germans to attack Gaul

and frankly with casualty figures of 15,123 Gauls for 411 romans (36.8:1) the Gauls need all the protecting they can get :laughing:

[Freddie]

none, it frees up my legions to deal with the rebels, and keeps Carthage out of the loop for a while (plus 3k and maps) Plus, one of the reasons my diplomat is heading north is to see if I can persuade the germans to attack Gaul

and frankly with casualty figures of 15,123 Gauls for 411 romans (36.8:1) the Gauls need all the protecting they can get :laughing:

Trying letting them cross the bridge once in a while and see what happens to your ratio! :laughing:

Anyway 3K? That's nothing, I pursaded the Greek Diploamt the give me 10K just for a ceasarfire!

[repman]

Interesting campaign old boy (from another old boy),
maybe you can make some screenshots of the gladiator battle (use the tool fraps) to see your tactic

repman

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

Standing in the square in Tarentum Quintus stared at the man, contempt written across his face. 'Aulus Brutus, you have betrayed your family, your people, your class and worst of all you have betrayed Rome. You sided with escaped slaves and gladiators, you have aided them to rape and despoil the countryside, nothing you can say can possibly excuse that.'

Quintus paused and looked around the square, his legion and Cassius' half legion were formed up in perfect order, all their battle harness gleaming in the sun. In the centre of the square were the 400 or so ragged gladiators that had been found alive on the battlefield, not a single one of the rebels had escaped. Beyond his legionaries seethed the mob of local citizens, the were baying for blood and no wonder, they had endured 10 long years of rape, torture and killing at the hands of the gladiator army, they wanted revenge and they wanted it badly.

Quintus turned back to Aulus and held up his arms for silence. In the hush that followed he pronounced the senate's judgment.

'Aulus Brutus, in the name of the people and senate of Rome you will be taken from here, your lying tongue cut out, your treacherous ears removed, your nose fed to the dogs, your hands thrown on the dungheap. Finaly you will be tied up on a cross and crucified in the center of this square. Your family is hereby struck from the lists of the Patricians and all its property forfeit. All surviving male family members will be crucified, all females will be sold into slavery, now take him from my sight.'

Aulus howled in despair and disbelief as he was dragged from the square by the legion's torturers. They would do a good job, Quintus had informed them that if Aulus died too quickly they would take his place.

Turning to his legions Quintus gave the pre-arranged signal. The legions immediately broke formation, reforming around the edge of the square. There was now nothing between the townspeople and the gladiators. Raising his hands again Quintus spoke,

'People of Tarentum, people of Apulania, people of Croton, people of the South, I Quintus Julius pronounce you freed from the tyrany of the Brutii and these gladiators. However, I am but a warrior, I have not had to endure the yoke of these scum for so many years, losing wives, brothers, fathers and friends to their depredations. Therefore I hand these few survivors over to your mercy to do with as you wish.'

There was a stunned silence, then suddenly with a animal scream the mob ran for the gladiators. Quintus turned away, he had no wish to witness what happened next. Turning to one of his tribunes he said,

'Julius, hold the legions back but ensure three things, firstly than none of the gladiators survive, secondly that this mob does not break out of the square and riot and thirdly that our medical facilities are put at the disposal of those citizens that require them. I want full patrols in all parts of the city tonight, but not a curfew, the people have a right to celebrate'.

Turning to Cassius, Quintus said, 'come my friend, we have defeated the rebels and I think we need a drink while we write our dispatches'

With that Quintus left the square, 3485 rebels had died, none had escaped. For the Romans the gladiators had killed and injured 636 on the field of battle, though the final death toll was 549. A ratio of 6.35:1.

Quintus was a happy man as he sat dictating his report and sipping his wine.

[Trajan]

Pinned.

[spiers]

Hi, About 250BC and i havent been doing to well. I lost about 3 cities to the Gauls in central Italy early on and have just reclaimed them. Dont know wether to go for the Gauls now and push North, Probs will have to as ive just taken one of their towns, cant remeber which one but its North-West of Italy. Think im going to play defensive until i can get some real seige weapons bought. Got about 15,000 Denrii but thats because im playing on Large unit settings. Got about 15,000 from Diplomats aswell, so quite lucky.
Got no navy at all, so going everywhere by land, taking my only spy to help me not get ambushed.
Thanks.

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

262 BC
After the defeat of the Gladiators Quintus moved swiftly south and destroyed a small group of bandits that had risen up, encouraged by the success of the Gladiators. Destroying their army (867 dead for loss of 103 Romans) Quintus turned west to the coast and prepared his legion for the attack on Corsica. A spy had already been landed there and was scouring the country for enemies.

259 BC
The guards on the Northern frontier were tense, the treaty with the Gauls had lasted 7 good years but lately had shown signs of breaking down. A new group of Gallic chieftains had come to power, they had had no experience of the power of Rome and were contemptuous of their elders for agreeing peace with Rome. Their covetous eyes turned south, all that stood between them and the rich Roman towns were a handful of legionaries, not even a full legion.

The first attack struck the guards on the bridge north of Segestica, 2571 Gallic troops poured out of the woods and across the bridge. Facing them was Captain Hericus and 1699 troops. In blizzard conditions the Gallic charge was lead by the chosen swordsmen, driving the Roman lines back further and further things were looking desperate until the Captain lead his equites in a charge into the rear of the Gallic tribesmen. Panic ensued and the Gauls routed, 2571 being killed for the loss of 264 Romans. The bridge ad been held but only just.

In the East, 3 Gallic armies launched an attack on Captain Quintus and his 1519 Romans at the ford. 5064 Gallic tribesmen poured forward and across the ford. Sennianus and Caticos led there smaller warbands (966 men) across the ford without waiting for the main army. They were destroyed for the loss of 144 Romans, but most of the Roman's javelins and pilums had been used.

At this point the head of the Julii, Flavius Julius appeared on the battlefield. He had been inspecting the border and had seen the Gallic armies attacking the ford and had ridden hard to offer his support.

The main Gallic army had now arrived and split off 2 Heavy warbands that moved to the 2nd ford, which was guarded by only 70 Hastati. Flavius immediately lead the Triarii and Velites (who had used up their javelins) in support. The Hastati were being driven back step by step when the Triarii arrived to support them. As the Triarii and Hastati held the line, Flavius and the velites charged the Gauls from behind, routing and then killing them all. But there was no rest for them, the main Gallic army had hit the Roman shieldwall at the other ford. Unhindered by pilums or javelins the Gauls crashed into the Roman lines and drove them back. The Triarii again arrived in the nick of time and held the line but the situation was desperate.

This battle lasted for an hour, again and again waves of Gallic troops through themselves against the Roman lines, pushing them back, and again and again the day was saved by Flavius breaking the attackers with charges into their rear. The Roman infantry then re-grouped in time to face the next wave of attackers. Routing Gauls were hunted down and killed by the Velites and slingers.

Finally the Gallic general fell and the last of the Gauls routed, only 12 made it off the battlefield with 5052 dead to 584 Romans. A very close run thing.

258 BC
In senate elections Vibius Julius was elected Praetor, Lucius Julius Aedile and Flavius Julius Quaestor.

The units at the northern fords were brought up to legion strength with Flavius retaining command of the Eastern legion. Soon after reinforcements arrived it was attacked again with Senaculus of Tolosa leading 2514warriors against the legion. After a heroic victory 2273 Gauls lay dead for the loss of only 123 Romans.

Meanwhile Quintus Julius landed his legion in Corsica and besieged the rebel town of Caralis.

257 BC
In Corsica a second rebel army (missed by the scout) attacked Quintus as he besieged Caralis. The undisciplined and poorly armed rebels could do nothing against Quintus' experienced legion and 1730 of them were killed for the loss of only 11 Romans. Caralis fell and 7818 slaves were taken.

The plan now is as follows:
- in Sicily, Vibius Julius will take his legion and capture Lilybaeum, thus gaining complete control of the island.
- Quintus Julius will lead his army north and attack Massilia, thereby hopefully relieving some of the pressure on the northern frontier
- 2 new legions will be formed and moved north, ready for the assault into northern Italy.

256 - 255 BC
Flavius Julius held off two further Gallic incursions killing 5496 Gauls for the loss of 543 Romans. In Sicily Vibius Julius led his legion to the outskirts of Lilybaeum, and in the north, Quintus Julius has his fleet and legion sitting off Massilia.

254 BC
New senate elections, Vibius Julius is Pontifex Maximus, Lucius Julius is Praetor, Flavius Julius is Aedile and Quintus Julius is Quaestor.

In Sicily, Vibius lays siege to Lilybaeum and in the north Quintus lays siege to Massilia.

On the northern frontier Flavius wins a heroic triumph when Morinex of Lutetia leads 7375 Gallic warriors in a night attack on the ford. 6893 Gauls were killed for the loss of 212 Romans (Morinex actually fled the battlefield, not even routing, 1st time I have seen this happen) and the first victory monument was raised on the battlefield.

In the second half of the year Massilia fell to Rome, 258 Gauls being killed and 7315 slaves taken for the loss of 75 Romans (garrison script didn't seem to fire, don't know why). The Gauls responded quickly and besieged Massilia immediately, but the attackers were routed when Quintus led his legion out to confront them. 1397 Gauls fell for the loss of 101 Romans.

253 BC
On the diplomatic front the first empire to be destroyed was the Seleucids. Meanwhile our diplomatic mission to the German had born fruit with trade rights being swapped for their maps.

On the northern frontier, Lucius Julius (now 68) hands over command of the legion to Flavius Julius and returns to Arretium. His retirement only lasted 6 months before he died, Lucius Julius becoming the new head of the family.

Amulius Julius, commanding the eastern border legion, held off a strong attack by Budic of Isara and 3042 warriors. A heroic victory was achieved with 2362 Gauls falling for 86 Romans. This attack was quickly followed by a second one as 2611 Gauls attacked the ford. All were slaughtered for the loss of 85 Romans.

On Sicily, Vibius' legion captures Lilybaeum after an epic struggle (took 2 hours real-time), 3720 Carthaginians falling and 8052 slaves being taken for the loss of 484 Romans.

Finally, in a busy year, Massilia was again attacked by 3 Gallic armies. Again Quintus led his men out, destroying the first army of 778 Gauls for the loss of only 20 men. Thoroughly discouraged, the other two armies withdrew and the siege was lifted.

252 BC
The Massilia armies have been reinforced and there are now two legions protecting the town. The first of these, under Quintus himself, beat off a strong Gallic attack winning a heroic victory and killing 3419 Gauls for the loss of 402 men (the Gauls around Massilia seem to be a lot tougher than those in Northern Italy!).

Meanwhile, Amulius Julius destroyed the army of Tasciovanus, 2313 Gauls falling for 196 Roman losses.

In Sicily, Ainius Cossutius destroyed a small force of 727 rebels for no losses.

Finally, the Greeks have asked for a ceasefire, which was granted on the basis that they provided us with their maps and 3,750 denarii’s a turn for 6 turns.

251 BC
The Legions around Massilia have been reinforced and the new legions are moving into position north of Segestica.

At the other ford, Amulius held off another foray by the Gallic chief Tasciovanus, winning a heroic victory and killing 2507 Gauls for the loss of 66 men.

250 BC
In the senate elections Vibius Julius was confirmed as Potifex maximus again, with Lucius Julius also retaining his position as Consul. Quintus the infantryman became Aedile and Decius Julius Quaestor. Our stranglehold on power is continuing!

Summary
Kill Ratio – 11.86:1 (though it doesn’t mean much ‘cos of all the ford battles)
Numbers - 6,653 Romans have been killed for 78,926 enemies, of which 56,288 have been Gauls

On the military front we are now supporting 7 and a half legions, 2 in Massilia, 1 and a half in Sicily, 4 on the northern frontier. In addition, 3 spies are operating (one in Gaul, one in Macedon and one outside Carthage) and our diplomat is traveling into Spain to try to get a Carthaginian ceasefire.

Economically we have an income of just over 10,000 a turn (although 3750 of that is from the Greeks). All the roads in Italy are highways and all towns are now building pro-consul’s palaces (12,000 pop) except Segestica, Ariminium, Asculum, Messilia and Lilybaeum,

We are the 4th most powerful country after Macedon (which is miles in the lead), Gaul, Briton and Greece.

Going forward:
The plan is to take Mediolanium, Aventicum and Patavium. To do this 5 legions will be deployed:
- Nero Julius will hold the western bridge at Massilia, leaving Quintus the infantryman free to lead his legion north from Massilia towards Aventicum.
- Amulius will continue to hold the ford North of Ariminum
- The three legions north of Segestica will then strike north, Cassius Ofonius leading his legion to hold the ford south of Aventicum while Quintus II, supported by Spurius Vulso’s legion, will attack Mediolanum

It’s gonna be interesting!

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

248 BC
The legions had waited until the summer of 248BC before they had struck, at long last going over to the offensive. First blood had gone to Cassius Offonius who lead his legion north and cleared a Gallic army out of the way, 868 Gauls falling for 112 Romans. In a change of plan, Cassius then turned east, leading Quintus’ legion towards Mediolanum, forcing 3 small Gallic units to retreat back into the city. Passing the city by, Cassius then took up a position east of it to prevent any Gallic reinforcements reaching it.

Meanwhile, moving swiftly northward Spurius Vulso lead his legion to the ford south of Aventicum, co-ordinating his move with Quintus the Infantryman who had marched north from Massilia to block the alpine passes. The western route into northern Italy was closed.

Squinting in the sun Quintus Julius looked at Mediolanum. His legion was drawn up around him with the ballista to fore, everything was ready for the assault but he hesitated. The town itself seethed with Gallic warriors, looking like an angry ants nest. Should he merely lay siege or even call upon Cassius to lend support?

Angrily shaking off such doubts Quintus ordered the attack. The ballista quickly destroyed the watch towers and the velites and slingers were sent forward to engage the large numbers of Gallic archers inside the town. A short, sharp exchange of missiles ensued with the archers retreating having lost 2/3rds of there men, but not before severely mauling the velites. With the archers cleared out and the wall breached Quintus ordered forward his Hastati. They poured through the gate and took up position just inside the city. The Gallic counterattack was swift, lead by a huge contingent of heavy cavalry the Gallic infantry poured forward and attacked the three Western hastate units. Velites in turn attacked the Gauls, this fight would run for some time with neither side getting the upper hand.

In frustration Quintus ordered the eastern Hastati to engage the single unit of spearmen facing them. He then personally led the cavalry through the breach in the wall and charged the spearmen from behind, routing them. The focus of the assault had now switched. Leaving the Hastati and two supporting Principes at the gate to hold back the bulk of the Gallic forces, Quintus led his Principes and Triarii around the inside of the walls. Reaching the second gate before being blocked the infantry took up defensive positions to stop the approaching Gauls, while the cavalry was able to continue around the walls and repeatedly charge the Gallic infantry from behind, eventually destroying them all.

The battle back at the gate had finally turned in the Romans’ favour, the velites and slinger had taken a terrible toll on the gallic infantry and the Principes were finally able to pour through the walls in the rear of the Gallic troops. While one unit blocked off the Gallic retreat, the other finally dealt with the remaining archers, cutting them down with huge satisfaction. With the archers gone the Principes launched and attack into the rear of the Gallic infantry and a massacre ensued, the gate had been captured.

The two sets of Roman forces then charged up the hill to take the city square, guarded by the few remaining Gauls. They quickly fell to the slingers and the city was taken, 4575 Gauls killed and 9436 slaves taken for the loss of 643 Romans.

Seeing the success of Quintus, Cassius led his legion further east and besieged Patavium, while Amulius led his legion north from the ford north of Arminium, taking up position to the east of Patavium to guard against any relief force.

Though stunned by this reversal in Roman policy the Gauls weren’t slow to respond. As the summer came to an end two full armies marched into the alpine passes, but refused to take on Quintus the Infantryman or his experienced legion. Less cowardly was a small force of Gauls who had been hiding in northern Italy and now attacked Cassius from the rear in an attempt to raise the siege. Moving swiftly, Cassius managed to get his army out from between the two gallic forces and annihilated them one at a time, 1540 Gauls falling for 269 Romans. Patavium was taken and with it 8963 slaves.

247 BC
A third relieving force attacked Amulius’ legion, but against these experienced troops they were no match and 1447 of them fell for the loss of only 89 Romans. 248 BC was a good year.

Meanwhile, plague had broken out near Rome. Lucius Julius quickly ordered the recruiting of agents to carry the plague into the Macedonian and Greek heartlands (an attempt to carry it into Rome was prevented as the town is totally surrounded by SPQR armies).

246 BC
The year started well with Lucius Julius being promoted from Consul to Pontifex Maximus, Vibius Julius becoming Consul, Quintus the Infantryman Praetor, Decius Julius Aediele and Marcus Julius Quaestor. Rome was bowing to Julii authority.

Stage two of the plan now took shape. A fort was built to the east of Patavium to deter Macedonian adventurism (even as the plague continued to be spread in their towns). A large Macedonian army has turned up there so Cassius Ofonius is remaining at Patavium in case he is required to counter it. Amulius Julius has meanwhile led his legion north from Patavium and is besieging Luvavum. If taken, this will represent the north-eastern point of the pre-marius empire.

In the east, the Gallic armies are still refusing to attack Quintus the Infantryman and Spurius Vulso has moved down from the ford to confront them. Quintus Julius has moved his legion, equipped with ballista, north from Mediolanum and is about to attack Aventicum.

If the two sieges come off then the final boundries of the pre-Marius empire will be set. Sicily and Corsica in the South, Massilia in the West, Aventicum in the North West, Luvavum in the North East and Patavium in the East. Spies will continue to spread plague as widely as possible in Macedonian and Greek lands (hopefully it will help the Dacians in their fight against Macedon), and the diplomat is headed for Germany to try and broker an alliance.

Roll on Marius!

[John Wayne]

I like hearing of your exploits, keep it comming!

[Drunken]

Sounds good, nice report.

The senate can be strange sometimes LOL
And im impressed by the 4 star 16 year old (a new Alexander in the making )

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

Trying letting them cross the bridge once in a while and see what happens to your ratio! :laughing:

Anyway 3K? That's nothing, I pursaded the Greek Diploamt the give me 10K just for a ceasarfire!

I fear no Gauls, now the Germans and their chosen axemen, them I fear , but the Gauls, pah, barborous scum that are mere cannon fodder for my troops

I agree his game just started and he wont be forever allowed to use the bridges, Thats nothing but about 4 Bridge battles. lol I cant wait till your game progresses, its nothing to brag about because you will suffer for your folly later. ;-)

I know, but I want to give Gaul a chance to build up before I take the post-Marius legions north.

Plus, the only field battle I have had (against the Sammite rebel army) resulted in 4,441 rebels killed for the loss of only 180 Romans (24.7:1), so must still be doing something right.

Tomorrow I'll see how I fare against the Gladiators.........

[Tacticalwithdrawal]

Battle with the Samnites
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The Sammites are sitting on the West coast so on the strategy map I put my main legion to the North of them and my 2nd legion (AI controlled, mainly to see what would happen) to the south of them. Then attacked with the northern army. main legion is 2 Slingers, 4 Hastati, 4 Principes, 2 Triarii, 5 Velites, 2 Equites and a general. Can't remember what the 2nd reduced legion was but I think it was 6 Hastati, 4 velites, 2 slingers and a general.

Now at setup I put my legion at the extreme left of the setup area because that was where the hill was, rebels set up in the middle. On starting, I moved my entire army running along the red line on the left of the battlefield and gained the advantage of the hill. I then set it up in the formation I usually use (see either of my battle walkthroughs for more detail), but didn't bother with the left flank as all the rebels wer to my right:

Army setup
..................SSSSSSSS..SSSSSSS
.................HHHHHHHHH.HHHHHHHHH.HHHHHHHHH
.................VVVVV.VVVVV.VVVVV.VVVVV.VVVVV..H
......................................................................H
...............................GGGGGG..............................H
............PPPP.PPPP.PPPP.PPPP.................................H
............TTTT.TTTT
........EEEE.EEEE

Battle positions

..............................................................................................R2
................................................................................................R2
.................................................................................................R2
............................................................................S
..............................................................................S
................................................................................S
...........................
......................................SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

.......................................Main Roman legion

What happened
My main worry was the Cretan archers, but I found that if the slingers fired at them they didn't cause huge casualties, but the archers changed formation. I has 3 archers facing my main army, the 4th was facing R2, and I just alternated between them. In the whole battle I tink they fired 2 volleys (strange, but I wasn't complaining).

Anyway, my battle-line closed to within pilum range and the Hastati and Velites loosed all their javelins. Then the Hastati charged to engage the Sammites, to pin them in place. The Velites moved en mass to the left, sitting between any routing units an saftey. 2 Principes, the Triarii and the Equites moved around the left flank and attacked. Triarii went for the archers, mainly because I wanted them deep behind the lines to keep an eye on the rebel general. Equites also charged the archers.

Meanwhile, Principes attacked the Sammite unit on the extreme right of their line from behind. Pilums thrown then the charge, Sammites held for a while but broke when the equites joined the attack. Principes then moved down the line with the help of the freed up hastati. Equites joined the Velites in wiping out any routers.

The 2 other Principes and my general then moved past my right flank and linked up with the Triarii, forming a shieldwall between the other half of the rebel army and my main army to ensure that my Hastati weren't attacked while dealing with the Sammites.

What I was surprised about was that my AI general hadn't attacked yet with his army. It was a very pleasent surprise! Anyway, as my Triarii and Principes formed up behind the remaining rebels the AI general attacked. I immediately attacked with the Triarii and Principes from the rear, and threw in the Hastati who were now freed up having routed their half of the army (equites, velites and slingers were killing the routers).

Rebel general attacked my Triarii and got wiped, with that and being attacked from front and rear the rest of the rebels routed.

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Anyway, that's how it happened. Nothing spectacular, split his army in half, overload one flank, pin his main battle line and then go around the back.

Then move the velites so they can wipe out any routers.

As I said above, my main surprise was that my AI general didn't attack immediately but waited until my legion had destroyed the first half of the rebel army before piling in.

The same two armies are about to take on the Gladiator army. For a laugh I auto-resolved it (saved it first) and got a heroic victory with 1000(ish) losses plus my general dead.