A Landing in Lycia

**RVFVS** · August 03, 2011, 11:36 AM

Caesar landed in the middle of the day. The Asian sun beat down on him like a mallet does a drum. He rode off the ships first to inspect the landing sight.

"This will do."

He gave the order for the men to begin to unload. Thousands of infantry came swarming out, quick to get into attention. No haste was to be wasted to get out of the ships, lest the enemy have an attack waiting.

Meanwhile, Caesar was being updated on events from Rome by Trasco.

"Yes, yes, your son performed quite well. As did Senator Silanus."

Caesar glanced over the report.

"The Consul spoke. Interesting. We shall have to visit this Consul and see if he cannot be convinced to change his mind."

"Consul Cincinnatus? He is an ardent Optimate."

"Perhaps, but he is not the same as the rest. He is an Optimate because he believes it is RIGHT not because it means he can fill his pockets. Honorable men are the most easy to corrupt, Trasco. Remember that and you will do fine."

Trasco nodded.

"Whatever you say Dominus."

Caesar rode over to where the Thracian cavalry were being unloaded, the final preparation. He then moved to the Legate.

"Legate, have the legion prepare to move. We will arrive at Lycia then pitch camp outside the city. Understood?"

"Yes, Pro-Consul."

The sound of "Move out!" echoed the beach. Caesar went to the head of the column. Victory was at hand.

**RVFVS** · August 03, 2011, 03:44 PM

Caesar sent two scouts ahead to try and get a view on the enemy troop composition and the exact numbers.

**Pontifex Maximus** · August 03, 2011, 04:00 PM

The Cilician infantry was encamped 2 miles away. The scouts are able to ascertain that the army is composed of almost wholly poorly trained and equipped brigands. Their weaponry is mixed. Some are lightly armored, others wear antiquated bronze plate armor. Several appear to have more modern Seleucid looking equipment, possibly due to the Seleucid tendency to hire mercenaries from Asia Minor. They are, however, incredibly large men. Long hours working in the fields and docks has given them impressive physiques.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**RVFVS** · August 03, 2011, 04:06 PM

Caesar reads the report intently. He smiles, happy with the scouts report. He stands and looks to his legate Titus Cornelius Metellus Scipio, his nephew.

"Titus it seems Mars has blessed us."

Titus, a brutal man but skilled in the martial arts, smiled.

"Aye, we will give them a good beating."

Caesar sits back, thinking deeply.

"Trasco, take a note...'To the Senate and People of Rome...'"

**Pontifex Maximus** · August 03, 2011, 04:29 PM

Word reaches Caesar that the Cilicians have begun to mobilize and draw themselves up for battle.

The Battlefield:

Roman Side

Cilician Side

**RVFVS** · August 03, 2011, 05:00 PM

The men are assembled and they march onto the field and form up. Caesar rides to the front.

"Men of Rome, Comrades in Arms! Few are the chances we humble citizens have to do truly great service to the Senate and People of Rome. However, today is one of those days. Across from us sits a ruthless, Asian horde. This horde has slaughtered thousands, murdered innocent Roman citizens! In a time where Rome has never been stronger, a time when being a 'Roman Citizen' is not simply a privilege but a right to trial and freedom such as no other nation has ever known, this cannot be allowed to stand."

He points to the army.

"General Anicetus, a harsh Asian from the desert, has demanded every Roman citizen be crucified. Do you hear that? Crucified! Crucifixion, a punishment reserved only for the lowest of the low and he order is on Roman citizens? Today is the day..."

He rides up and down the lines.

"For the GLORY and HONOR of Rome and it's People the WE, yes WE shall crush them! Even then we fight not simply for Rome and it's glory and it's honor but also for the sacred Republican principle of freedom. Let the watchword be: For Rome! For Freedom!"

He drew his sword.

"FORWARD! FOR ROME! FOR FREEDOM!"

**MuttonChops** · August 03, 2011, 05:48 PM

"Theatrics have no place in battle! " hissed General Anicetus. His advisers watched the growing Roman lines with anxiety. And as the distant speech grew silent, the General took that for its end. Turning to his men,he offered a silent prayer for victory. The sacrifices had been made, and in a moment all will know of the result. "Forwards MEN!! TO VICTORY!"

**Pontifex Maximus** · August 03, 2011, 06:15 PM

The Battle of Lycia

As both sides made their way onto the field, Caesar's archers took up position. Within moments the Cilician army moved into range and volley after volley fell into the ranks, modestly thinning them. Even less than fatal shots required the brigands to grit their teeth through the pain and press on or crumple to the ground gaping at their hemorrhaging wounds.

Wanting to cut down on these sorts of casualties, the Cilicians broke into a jog. The Roman lines advanced at half speed and consistently, as per their famous discipline. A few dozen Cilicians had fallen with barbed arrows sticking from various points in their body before the Roman archers were forced to retreat behind the heavy infantry. The first line of the I Adiutrix advanced at the double quick, loosed their pila, and before long both lines met in a clash of steel. Several Cilicians fell with the spears firmly embedded in their bodies and penetrated shields were cast away. So it was that a reduced body of the Cilician army, 4,000 strong, engaged the first line of the Adiutrix.

Meanwhile the Roman cavalry sprung into action, attacking the right flank of their enemy. The Decurion noticed that the Cilicians had detached 200 men to guard against just such a tactic, but it was too late to cease the charge. The horsemen slammed into the Cilician right flank and was immediately engaged by the 200 men in reserve. The result was carnage. The Thracian cavalry broke off the engagement and fled the field, badly bloodied by the unexpected Cilician counterattack.

The right flank began to cave against Caesar as a result of the added force of men. A signal horn blew and additional legionaries joined the fight. Encouraged by the addition of their comrades, the tiring men of the first line gained new hope and fought all the more viciously. The Cilician left flank began to crumble and eventually started to give way. The center was buckling, the ground slick with blood. To seize the momentum the third and final line of the legion was added to the fray. This effectively broke the back of the Cilician resistance. At this point in the battle Anicetus himself entered the fray with his bodyguard. he thrust his spear into the neck of a young legionary and received an arrow in his outstretched arm. Undaunted, he brought his sword down upon the helm of a centurion, killing him instantly as his crown exploded in a flash of red. It was at this point that Legionary Decimus Milo stabbed Anicetus fatally in the abdomen. The leader crumpled under this blow and almost instantly bled to death.

The Cilicians began to flee immediately. Several hundred were slaughtered before the rest surrendered. The head of Anicetus was severed and brought to Caesar.

Result: Total Cilician anihilation
Prisoners: 300
Camp loot: 5,500 denarii
Roman Casualties: 500 Legionaries, 100 Cavalry

**RVFVS** · August 03, 2011, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by Pontifex Maximus

The Battle of Lycia

As both sides made their way onto the field, Caesar's archers took up position. Within moments the Cilician army moved into range and volley after volley fell into the ranks, modestly thinning them. Even less than fatal shots required the brigands to grit their teeth through the pain and press on or crumple to the ground gaping at their hemorrhaging wounds.

Wanting to cut down on these sorts of casualties, the Cilicians broke into a jog. The Roman lines advanced at half speed and consistently, as per their famous discipline. A few dozen Cilicians had fallen with barbed arrows sticking from various points in their body before the Roman archers were forced to retreat behind the heavy infantry. The first line of the I Adiutrix advanced at the double quick, loosed their pila, and before long both lines met in a clash of steel. Several Cilicians fell with the spears firmly embedded in their bodies and penetrated shields were cast away. So it was that a reduced body of the Cilician army, 4,000 strong, engaged the first line of the Adiutrix.

Meanwhile the Roman cavalry sprung into action, attacking the right flank of their enemy. The Decurion noticed that the Cilicians had detached 200 men to guard against just such a tactic, but it was too late to cease the charge. The horsemen slammed into the Cilician right flank and was immediately engaged by the 200 men in reserve. The result was carnage. The Thracian cavalry broke off the engagement and fled the field, badly bloodied by the unexpected Cilician counterattack.

The right flank began to cave against Caesar as a result of the added force of men. A signal horn blew and additional legionaries joined the fight. Encouraged by the addition of their comrades, the tiring men of the first line gained new hope and fought all the more viciously. The Cilician left flank began to crumble and eventually started to give way. The center was buckling, the ground slick with blood. To seize the momentum the third and final line of the legion was added to the fray. This effectively broke the back of the Cilician resistance. At this point in the battle Anicetus himself entered the fray with his bodyguard. he thrust his spear into the neck of a young legionary and received an arrow in his outstretched arm. Undaunted, he brought his sword down upon the helm of a centurion, killing him instantly as his crown exploded in a flash of red. It was at this point that Legionary Decimus Milo stabbed Anicetus fatally in the abdomen. The leader crumpled under this blow and almost instantly bled to death.

The Cilicians began to flee immediately. Several hundred were slaughtered before the rest surrendered. The head of Anicetus was severed and brought to Caesar.

Result: Total Cilician anihilation
Prisoners: 300
Camp loot: 5,500 denarii
Roman Casualties: 500 Legionaries, 100 Cavalry

Caesar allowed the men a days rest and then had them assembled in camp.

"Comrades, we have crushed the resistance of the enemy. YOU have crushed the resistance of the enemy!"

He rode back and forth in the middle of his men.

"Legionary Decimus Milo, step forward!"

The legionary stepped forward.

"Here is 100 Denarii for you, for killing the murdering general and a promotion to Centurion of your current century! And 1,000 Denarii shall be distributed amongst the legion for their valour! But we will not stop here, no. We will take the lands that were once Cilician back into Rome and destroy those who oppose us! Are you with me men?"