The Gallo-Germanic Wars (46 BCE-?)

[Pontifex Maximus]

The stage has been set for the Roman intervention in Central Gaul. In 47 BCE the Aedui appealed to the proconsul of Gallia Transalpina, Severus Vipsanius Magnus, for aid against an invading tribe of Germans. The Senate sent aid, a total of seven legions, north to aid the Aedui. The ramifications of a loss were almost unthinkable. It would be a disaster for Rome's reputation among the Gallic tribes. A victory, however, would secure Rome a permanent presence in Gaul and give her the opportunity to extend political boundaries even further. If the most powerful tribe in Gaul relied upon Rome to maintain control, the de facto leadership of the region would be shifted south, towards Rome.

As the chieftain of the Aedui summarized, the situation resembles the following:

"The war is not going well, I led my main army against Ariovistus last month. At a river crossing on the River Meuse I thought we could hold it but the Germans crossed it and broke our lines. They fight like demons.

The Sequani, who invited the Germans to help them now finally realize the enormity of their mistake. The Germans have pillaged their lands too, and conquered the northern territory. The sequani are merely german vassals now, they invade us at Ariovistus' bidding and are making progress.

I have retreated my entire army to my capital of Bibracte, and all of my enemies are now descending upon it.

The sequani advance from the east with 50,000 warriors, while the Germans are 70,000 strong. I have 50,000 warriors, and I can lend you 1000 cavalry."

Severus had marched his seven legions to within several miles of Bibracte and now prepared to launch an assault.

The disposition of the forces already arrayed within and outside Bibracte are as follows:

Aedui - Dumnorix

5,000 Veteran
15,000 Regular
25,000 Levy
3,000 Cavalry

---

Romans - Severus Magnus

Legio IX Primigenia*** - Full Strength
Legio X Gallica*** - Full Strength
Legio XII Ferrata* -Full Strength
Legio I Victrix*** - Full Strength
Legio II Italica* - Full Strength
Legio XIII Rapax* - Full Strength
Legio XIV Fulminata* - Full Strength

24,000 Veteran
18,000 Regular
1,000 Cavalry

Sequani - Casticus

5,000 Veteran
10,000 Regular
30,000 Levy
2,000 Cavalry

---

Sebui - Ariovistus

10,000 Veteran (Reduced from 15,000)
20,000 Regular (Reduced from 25,000)
25,000 Levy (Reduced from 30,000)
Several battering rams/ladders (low tier siege)

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus called a meeting of his senior staff as the legions were beginning to file into the grove of trees meant to mask their arrival on the scene. There was little hope in absolute secrecy, but at least it may make estimating his strength more difficult. While he waited for the Praetor and the other legates to arrive Severus took more care to ensure his uniform was presentable. He wore a sword at his left side and a dagger on his right, the hilts of each were lined with silver. He secured his breastplate, a steel plate bristling with crafted muscles, giving him a more physically intimidating appearance than his age warranted. Luckily his advancing age had not affected him as adversely as he had feared. Admittedly his joints ached after only several minutes of drill, but he had not yet been afflicted by the protruding stomach so many men of his age and wealth were characteristic of. He pulled his leather belt tight over his tunic and donned his helmet, plumed with long peacock feathers.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Severus called a meeting of his senior staff as the legions were beginning to file into the grove of trees meant to mask their arrival on the scene. There was little hope in absolute secrecy, but at least it may make estimating his strength more difficult. While he waited for the Praetor and the other legates to arrive Severus took more care to ensure his uniform was presentable. He wore a sword at his left side and a dagger on his right, the hilts of each were lined with silver. He secured his breastplate, a steel plate bristling with crafted muscles, giving him a more physically intimidating appearance than his age warranted. Luckily his advancing age had not affected him as adversely as he had feared. Admittedly his joints ached after only several minutes of drill, but he had not yet been afflicted by the protruding stomach so many men of his age and wealth were characteristic of. He pulled his leather belt tight over his tunic and donned his helmet, plumed with long peacock feathers.

Praetor Lucius Titus Regulus dresses in his tent and heads out. Marius Vitellius had already taken his spot with the other Centurions, overlooking the battlefield before heading to the meeting. Lucius had donned his old Legatus armor from his days in Greece...it was a good thing he had stayed in shape the best Lucius could. He wore a Mainz-style gladius with a smaller knife-like dagger hidden on his person. His breastplate was steel plated that had to be refitted due to the years of non-usage. It had been polished and refitted and restyled to fit a more current Legatus. A swirling crimson cape waved behind him as Lucius walked towards the main tent. A leather belt fitted around his waist where his sword and secondary weapon were held. Lucius's helmet however had a long plume that was made of a black fur-like material that stretched down behind the rear of his helmet. Different than other helmets of the time.

looks similar to this


Lucius enters the main area where the other senior officers had gathered, at the call of the Proconsul. He removed his helmet, situating it under his armpit and saluted the Proconsul, before moving to area to wait. He looked around the landscape.

Good afternoon, Proconsul. Marius Vitellius is currently with the other Centurions...he should be here momentarily.

[Dark Storm]

Bellum
Septum Soles
Deployment Stage

The trees stood, silent sentinels enshrouded by cloaks of grey. Great boughs, lined the forest paths, and the tracks of the animals ran deep in the layer of the fallen leaves. Masses of them, buried the land, and crackled under the feet of those who walked upon them. The light was dim in the misty world, and all seemed silent, peaceful even, covered in the layer of fog.


Peace would never last long, even now, the machines of war, churned out even more manifestations of cruelty to plague the earth. Opposing each other, blocked by the dense trunks of the forest, and the close fog, that had fallen upon the earth, stood the some of the mightiest armies that had ever set foot upon this fair world. The Gauls were split from their Germanic allies by 38 miles of dense forest. These Great weapons of death, wielded with deadly efficiency, by those who stood as their bearers. Gaul pitting their prowess against the might of Rome. Seven legions, brought to bear against those who would seek to overthrow the republic first to strike against the Gallic and then the Germanic men, brought to fight against those who would be the conquerors of the world.


The humans, had woken a raging beast, Fortuna herself was at a loss, the fates had not taken sides and the men of either army were non the wiser to the danger they were in. This is were battles were won and lost, in the moments before a fight. Falter, and your men would flee, crumble and your ranks would break lose all hope, and your men would die.

There would be no end to the despair this battle would cause, but that is the nature of battles, for without despair, there would be no end to it. The die have been cast, the course is set, now only the gods know the outcome.

ooc- Your on either side of the woods, in the centre is a low hill , the woods aren't large, about 500 metres across. The terrain is mostly the same on either side, however the biggest differences are that on the Roman side, the trees are further apart from each other, and the foliage isn't as dense, whilst it is opposite on the Gallic side. Send me your orders as soon as you can please, and if they consist of one line of text, with nothing else, i shall personally ensure, that you lose every single one of your soldiers, and the only casualty on the enemy side is the man, who walked into a tree in the mist. Don't disappoint me That is all

Ps- sorry the start is quite short, however the battle is going to be extremely long, and i didn't want to waste everything on the deployment

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus went to address the gathered men.

Hello, Lucius, I hope you are ready. I have decided to place you in command of the Gallic allies, but do not squander them. They have 50,000 warriors that we need to wield carefully or risk repeating the errors of various commanders in Spain.

After the battle we will attempt to insert you with several cohorts into the city so that you can lead the sally. But we cannot get ahead of ourselves. For now you are needed with the cavalry.

Severus withdrew a map of the general vicinity and started to speak...


(Essentially RP the Aedui as your character, I did negotiate to have the alliance under the leadership of Rome )

[Lucius Malfoy]

(Thanks for clearing that one up with me.)

Marius walks in as Lucius nods. He explains to his friend about their command currently and the Proconsul's plans. The Centurion nods. The Praetor then looks at Severus.

Understood, Proconsul. I will be commanding the whole 50,000 Gallic army correct? In cooperation with their respective commanders?

Lucius approaches the table to listen to Severus and listen to his plan.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus nodded

Essentially yes. Unfortunately this plan cannot be put into effect until after this battle, the Sequani stand between us and Bibracte. An unforeseen complication, but at least the Germans will only know of our arrival after they see their allies fleeing before us. The Aedui are in a weakened state but their hearts will be lifted when we arrive. You must rally them and ensure they will not abandon us if things do not go well.

After this battle we must not allow the Germans to ambush our tired legionaries.

Severus donned his helmet and ordered the legions to muster in battle array before the forest. Will you be joining the cavalry, Regulus?

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius nods in agreement to Severus's plan. He dons his helmet as well. Marius does the same. The Praetor looks to the Proconsul.

I am about to go join the cavalry, sir. I will be seeing you on the battlefield shortly. To the glory of Rome!

Marius and Lucius salute Severus before heading off to meet with the one thousand Gallic cavalry, supplied by their Aedui allies. Lucius watched the camp bustling about, preparing for their battle ahead. A lot of responsibility on their shoulders now.

Lucius approached the area where the Gallic cavalry were and introduced himself as well as Marius. It was somewhat bitter, seeing as these were warriors of the Aedui...it was always this way towards Romans. However, Lucius got down to business and explained the battle plans made by the Proconsul. The cavalry was one of the essential components of this battle...and they needed to make sure this plan worked down to every point and nitch.

[Dark Storm]

The Lone Centurion Stood, and, by the blackened stumps of trees long fallen, watched. A thick fog, encroached upon the land, carrying with it the bitter bite of a winters morn, and as the frost descended, a call to war was heard. From above the battle, on his mighty steed, waited the great commander, Magnus, the mightiest leader of Rome’s Silver Legions. Surrounded by his chosen guard, clad in the finest metalwork, and armed with the mightiest weapons. Each man, ready to die before a blow fell across their master. Below them, marched the most honoured and revered of all Romans, the Legionaries. Brothers, Fathers and Sons of Rome, but to the enemy, they were death.
　

A single rider, from out of the mist rode. His armour, coarse fur, his weapons, fear. With a war cry at his lips, he roared his piece to the Gods and, to his enemy. He would not back down, the men from the South would see that no Gaul, was frightened of them, no Gaul would back from their fight, and above all, that no Gaul would ever bend his knee, to the iron will of a Roman Senate. His cries, fell across the Romans like lead, sending a chill up the spines of many, that had nought to do with winters spite. The rider, walked like this for a time, until, as the fog, broke over the back of his steed, he disappeared.
　
The armies readied themselves for the coming horror of the fight. Legionaries, masked by their own numbers, countless men, faceless in their closed ranks, stood in defiance, of the Gallic men. The barbarians prowled the woods restlessly, waiting for the Romans to come. Neither side would come forward, out of their defensive positions, and the wait began.
　
Hours passed, and the fog remained thick upon the ground. Silence reigned as the normally vibrant forest, felt the great chill, not only of a winters day, but of the malice shared between both sides of an immense force. The Romans time was running out though, soon the German allies of the Gaul’s would arrive, and their force would be so outnumbered that the ground would be stained red with the blood of forty thousand Legionaries. A decision had to be made, and it had to be made by one man. Pro-Consul Severus Vipsanius Cincinnatus or ‘Magnus’ as he was known, so now would be the hour, in his mind, for the battle. The would strike hard, and fast among the trees, and woe betide any men that came against him, and his Legions on this day.
　
Between the trees, neither hide, nor hair could be seen of the Gallic army. But that wasn’t to say that they weren’t there, a light shuffle in the scrub, a snap of a branch, amplified by the surrounding fog, showed the real positions of the Gauls, and none but the greatest tracker would have found them, among the silent sentinels, of tree trunks.
　
　
Litaviccos, had always been a great rider, he had spent most of his life on horseback, and when his chance to serve his tribe had come, he had taken it. There were ten patrols, consisting of ten men each made up from the Allied Gallic cavalry who had joined Rome, to help them drive the invading barbarians off their lands, and now he, Litaviccos would lead one of these patrols into the woods, to scout for the enemy, and warn the Romans of any surprise attacks. Ten patrols left that morning. Among the trees, the fog grew thick, and their horses shied away from distant shapes in the mist. A man could lose all sense of time in that forest and the patrols would have to be careful, not to lose their way. As the afternoon drew to a close, and evening descended upon the land, the Gallic commander of the cavalry approached ‘Magnus’, “I bring bad new sir, my men report of a great number of enemies within the forest,” The man spoke “Those that returned anyway, we are still waiting upon four patrols,” He said gruffly, “I do not know what has become of them.” Severus thought for a moment before turning to the Gaul, “There is no time to wait for your men sir, we must attack now lest, we lose the advantage of numbers. I am ordering an attack now.” The Gaul sighed, “Very well sir.” And so it was that the Legionaries were prepared for battle, and lined up for the attack upon the Barbarians who threatened their Gallic allies. What had become of the patrols though? What of those Gallic men? Litaviccos led his men, through the light scrub, that carpeted the floor of the immense forest, his patrol shadows behind him in the dreadful mist. He ordered a halt, it was getting dark and they had seen no sign of their enemies, and he turned his back upon the path and faced his men. The shadows came out of the fog, nine horses, but that was all, of their riders, there was no sign, the beasts raced past him into the distance, and Litaviccos stepped down from his horse drew his sword, and went to discover what had become of his men.
　
The entirety of Romes armies, moved forward at a steady pace into the hidden treeline, the Legions of the 13th, 12th and 14th along with 960 Gallic cavalry stayed in reserve, 480 cavalry on each flank. Making up the main battle line were the 10th, 1st, 9th and 2nd legions. There men soon clouded by the mist that hung among the great forest, leading away, into the grey oblivion stepped the great Roman legions, among the trees they marched to meet there enemy. They cam to a great clearing among the trees, more of a pasture than anything else, and they were confronted with a sight so vile, that it rendered many of them speechless. Forty men, were standing tall above the field, the Gallic Sentries, yet no man was upon his own two feet, hastily constructed crucifixes, made in a shoddy mockery, of Romes favourite punishment to Gallic prisoners, now used against the Republic. Their sentries had been crucified, but no man had anything upon his neck, no in front of them, atop wooden stakes lay the Sentries heads, impaled, blood still pouring from them. The Legionaries balked at the sight, their own allies, slaughtered mercilessly, this had been the fate of their sentries, this would be their fate if the Gauls had anything to do with it.
　
The Legions may have deserted their commander in that moment, if what happened next hadn’t of occurred. Across the great pasture, the wind shifted, and the fog eddied and swirled, breaking apart, displaying for the first time that day, the sun. Which now shone upon the frosted ground. But the sun was not the only thing uncovered. Across the meadow, partially hidden in the shadows of the forest, stood the proud men of Gaul, armed to the teeth and roaring for the blood of the Romans. The Legionaries fear, was quickly place by something else, a great anger, for their fallen men, their lost allies. And as the two armies finally came face to face, the battle began.
　
A swift order, ran out amongst the Legionaries ranks, and they quickly formed up within the meadow. The enemy slowly moved forward, from the opposite treeline, entering the clearing, no more than a hundred metres from their Roman enemies. The Legions finally formed up, the newly uncovered sun, shined clearly upon their armour, the armour of twenty four thousand legionaries. And as the shine blinded the Gallic army, as one the great mass of Romans raised their pilums, and flung them with all their might into the packed ranks of the Barbarians. Their furs providing little protection, their weapons unable to block the wooden spears. Many fell underneath the deadly hail, the ranks of the Gauls started to crumble, men fell upon their friends, spears embedded deep within them. Terrible screams rang out as the shafts cut through skin, sinew and bone, taking the lives of many young soldiers, before they had a chance to fight back. Suddenly urged on by the blows of whistles from their Centurions, the Roman army, charged the Gallic line, shields in front, swords above their heads, ready to rain blows against the unprotected heads of their enemies. The Romans crashed into the enemy with such a force, That many were lifted of their feet, thrown back onto the ground, before being crushed under the feet of the countless Legionnaires.
　
The Gallic Commanders plan had worked though, as the Romans had charged the had funnelled right to the centre of his line, the Gallic flanks pushing them there. The Legionaries broke through the centre of the line, coming behind the Gallic flanks, however this did not put them in as good a position as they had thought it would. Behind the centre of the lines, lay the greatest of Gauls warriors, their veterans, men who had seen countless fights, and had achieved victory over all other men. Battle scarred and ready for a battle, these men now charged the Romans who had broken through their lines. Delivering swift deaths to any who got in their way. At that moment the flanks consisting of ten thousand men each, attacked the Roman legionaries at the centre. The flanks pushing the Romans together, squeezing the Legions, into small groups, before cutting off their escape routes and killing them. The Gallic Commander then moved his men to attack the Romans from behind. Two thousand cavalry made the great charge, their horses riding down armour clad Romans, blows rained down upon their heads, spears found their targets between gaps of steel plate.
　
The Roman reserves, had no choice but to enter battle, Three Legions alongside almost one thousand cavalry charged into the clearing. The cavalry formed themselves into one huge mass, to take the Gallic counterparts, from behind, and force them to either leave the Romans they were attacking, and concentrate on them, or withdraw back to the relative safety of their own lines. The cavalry hit the Barbarians with an almighty crash, men dismounted by the force of spears, driving into their bodies, thrown into the air before landing with back-breaking crunches into the ground. Blood streamed upon the ground and the dead lay, like the fallen leaves, covering the frostbitten land.
　
　
The Gallic cavalry tried to retreat back, they had accomplished their mission and bought out the Roman reserves, but they had made a fatal mistake. They had waited to long to retreat, and the Roman reserve Legions had now surrounded them, pressing them into the centre. One by one, the cavalry fell, the proud soldiers, once resplendent upon their great steeds, above all other soldiers, now lay at the feet of their Enemies. Blows came from below and above as both Roman Legionnaire and Allied Cavalry, slaughtered the Cavalry, until finally, the last man fell, his horse, alongside him, peaceful, in the quiet embrace of death.
　
Whilst this was happening, the Romans had regained some degree of control over their first attack, and aided by the reinforcements, were now pushing the Gauls back, towards the treeline. Many of the Gauls were newly levied, and for them, fighting against fully armoured, fully trained Roman Legionaries, was like pitting a Chicken against a Wolf, huge gaps appeared in their flanks, as the Romans eroded, their lines. Pressing deep into the centre of their men.
　
The elite of all Gaul, still stood firmly against the Romans, their great swords, spears and battle axes, ending the lives of many Romans. Battle scarred veterans, crushing into the Romans, some had blood pouring from stumps of limbs, which had been hacked off during the vicious fighting. Still continuing their mad charge, some so injured that had they not been so full of adrenalin they would have died in an instant. But even these great men soon fell, against the cold might of the Legionaries, and soon enough they too were being pushed back.
　
A horn sounded among the trees, an order of retreat for now, and the Gauls, who could, melted back into the forests, which were now covered in darkness. Those that were not lucky to escape however, soon fell to the enemy swords, and as the last of the Gauls retreated to reform, the dead and disfigured littered the ground. The Legions reformed, they knew it was only a temporary retreat, and soon the Gauls would return. But for now they were safe, all eyes were turned to the Roman Commander for new instruction.
　
Casualties and info;

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Gallic

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

2000 Cavalry
3245 Veteran Infantry
4982 Regular Infantry
12365 Levy Infantry

Roman

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1221 1st Legion
879 10th Legion
1679 2nd Legion
1342 9th Legion
213 12th Legion
198 14th Legion
79 13th Legion
369 Allied Cavalry

1st 223 injured
10th 256 injured
2nd 166 injured
9th 232 injured
12th 289 injured
14th 290 injured
13th 296 injured

Why things are as they are;

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Forty, cavalry were obviously lost in the start, they were the men that didn’t return from patrol. When the Romans fired their Javelins, they caused many casualties, this is because twenty four thousand were thrown, that’s an awful lot of spears. When they charge, they would have gone for the centre and so got pushed in by the more numerous Gallic, flanks, this is where they gained most of their casualties. The veterans, the flanks and the Cavalry attacking were all part of this movement. The cavalry, did what the Gallic commander wanted they drew the reserves out, yet the cavalry were quickly surrounded by the huge amount of Romans and were swiftly killed. In the end the Gauls broke, for cover because the Romans were better armoured and better trained. Though they still inflicted many casualties.

Please Read;

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Because they retreated this is not the end of the battle, this is only the first part, granted it is the biggest bit, but this was part of the Gallic plans, retreating and reforming should things go wrong. So Pontifex, can I have the rest of your plans, and if the Gauls would like to change theirs could I have them too. This next part of the battle, shall take place at night, and their will be more fog. Thank you.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus rides up to survey the battle. The battle had not started favorably but the benefit of having his crack troops up front had paid off. Flanked by bodyguards Severus surveyed the carnage. Thousands of dead Gauls lie in front of him, but number of his finest men lay dead as the price. Calling for the cavalry wing Severus waited for the Praetor to find him.

A message is sent with a Gallic rider for the leader of the Sequani

Severus Magnus requests an audience with Casticus. Ten armed men may accompany each leader to a small clearing in the woods. Safety is guaranteed.

ooc: Can I get a random number of wounded who won't be able to fight the next battle but will be ok for the one after? Or is that asking too much...

Also can you calculate what's left of each legion? Essentially its 6,000 - casualties = leftovers

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius approaches the battlefield with what was left of the Gallic cavalry under his command after the carnage. He found Marius to be alright, but wounded in the shoulder by an arrow. He told some soldiers to take him away to the camp to be attended to. Lucius wiped his sword...splattered with the blood of their Gallic enemy.

After some time...Lucius was seen riding up to the Proconsul along with a small detachment the Gallic cavalry under the Roman's leadership.

Marius was badly injured...an arrow in his shoulder. He was sent to the camp to be attended to. What is next, Proconsul?

[Dark Storm]

ooc-

Remainder for each legion
1st 4779
10th 5121
2nd 3321
9th 4658
12th 5787
14th 5802
13th 5921
cavalry 631

These are for the Romans

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus clasped the Praetor's hand

Praetor, we have performed well. More than half the enemy forces have been destroyed, by my estimate. Our front legions took heavy casualties, that I did not expect. I do not understand how the Gallic cavalry surrounded us, damn these woods. The Sequani have suffered a terrible blow. We will give them the opportunity to leave the field with their weapons and return to their homeland. I hope they will see the sense of our offer, for if they refuse I shall slaughter them wholly and vow that I will remember their obstinance towards Rome. We will not suffer them to oppose us on the field again

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius looks back at the carnage and nods in agreement.

Those Sequani have tasted our swords and they will fear us. I hope that their leader sees light of this battle and will retreat...seeing the better of our offer and his judgement. For Roman arms have won the day indeed.

Lucius looks back at the Allied Gallic Cavalry.

And also...with help from our newly founded Aedui allies. I believe they should go seek what loot they can carry from those bodies of the dead Sequani. A good reward for their services, wouldn't you agree, Proconsul?

Some of the barbarians had a satisfied look on their face from the recognition.

[Pontifex Maximus]

We certainly have no use for their weapons, let the Aedui have them if they want. The legion must pitch camp immediately, have the 9th stand guard, the fourteenth and twelfth will begin digging the moat.

Severus motioned to the 9th.

My legion performed valiantly on the front lines. They will be honored above the rest after this campaign.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius relays this response to the Aedui. They then head for the battlefield to find what they could. The Praetor nods and has a Legionnaire relay these orders to the Legates of the 9th, 14th and 12th legions. Then Lucius looks at the battlefield.

What is next, Proconsul? I believe a message should be sent to the Senate and the Aedui Chieftain about our success here.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Communication with the senate must wait, there is too much to be done. We will send riders attempting to communicate with the Aedui, however, dispatch a team of your cavalry to see if we can establish contact

ooc: This means I want to meet with the Aedui leader and Sequani, so whoever is playing them should respond in some way to my attempts at communication

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius nods in agreement with the Proconsul's orders. He calls for three squads of their Allied Aedui cavalry. He tells their orders, explaining how they need to establish contact with their comrades. It was vital that communication is to be established. Lucius gives each squad a different route to take to get to the Aedui camp, ensuring that at least one can make it without detection. The three squads then gallop off and split into three different directions. Lucius returns to Severus.

Three squads should do the trick at least...it will confuse pursuers nonetheless and ensure that at least one squad makes it without detection.

[Aetius]

Casticus, King of the Sequani

Casticus agrees to the meeting, but this was not common in Gallic warfare. As he walks out into the meadow to meet Severus he remains very wary, and is armed. His men and his face reveals some weariness, but no fear. He speaks first;

"Roman!

This isn't your fight, but you have shown yourselves worthy to Camulus this day, that I cannot deny.

Why have you called me here, you wish fight me in single combat?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus called out from a distance as he continued to slowly walk forward.

Casticus, we know you were brought to this field by the force of the Germans against your will. Already the ground has been watered with the blood of half your army, but it need not be weakened any more. We ask only that you leave the field. You may keep your arms and return to your homes. Gaul can be preserved, but the Germans must be destroyed. They stand no chance against the power of United Gaul and Rome, they will be destroyed. I beseech you not to make the error of making an enemy of Rome and forsaking your tribe to subjugation under a foreign master. What say you?