A Gallic Invasion (97-94 BCE)

[Pontifex Maximus]

Allobroges
Leader: Chieftain Dumnorix
Gallic Forces: 21,000

4,000 veteran infantry
17,000 infantry (regular)


Roman Forces
Commander: Maximinus Regulus

Legio X Luculli - 6,000
300 archers
Legio IX Rapax - 6,000
Legio XII Fretensis - 6,000
Legio XIII Classica - 6,000
Legio XI Tranquilli - 6,000
Legio XVI Gallica - 6,000
300 archers
600 cavalry
3,553 cavalry

Political situation:
The Allobroges, enraged that the Romans would send tribes through their land without permission, attacked and massacred the Suebi en route to Spain. The effort decimated the Suebi army. Their chieftain saw this as an opportunity to expand his territory. Since the cause for war and revenge had gained momentum, the Allobroges have decided to press their advantage and attack southern Gaul (Narbonensis II)

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Allobroges have sacked Narbonensis II, and have begun moving east.

[Lucius Malfoy]

IX Rapax's Camp

Consul Maximinius Regulus rode north to where IX Rapax had been stationed and camped. The gates swung opened as the Consul rode to the command tent and entered. The various Centurions and the Legion's Legate immediately snapped to attention at the sight of Consul Regulus.

What news of the Gallic Army and their position, Legate?

The Legate was IX Rapax long-standing commander, Galus Mallius Licinius, a citizen from southern Italy. He would lean down and point to the various main roads leading from the recently sacked province of Narbonensis II into Cis-Alpine Gaul.

Consul, we aren't exactly unsure of where they plan to move, but we know that the general direction is East.

Maximinius examines the various place and then points to the boundary between Narbonesis and Cis-Alpine Gaul. He ponders some still.

Our best hopes are to either slow them down by harassing their advance forces...or luring them into a trap. If we can neutralize any cavalry they may have, we can make it more even in the odds of mobility.

Legate Licinius and the Centurions were agreement with the plan. The Consul ordered the immediate preparation for IX Rapax to march and that regular scouts keep the camp updated on the Gaul's movement.

[Pontifex Maximus]

A number of Gallic raiders have entered Cisalpina II. Reports seem to indicate the army's numbers have risen due to the promise of loot, but there can be no reliable account.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maximinius ponders on what can be done. He decides to have IX Rapax withdraw to a more defensive area that would suit their infantry well and render Gallic cavalry useless or hinder them. Until the other legions arrived, they were on their own. Maximinius prayed to the gods that his reinforcements arrive soon...he would not risk his men without accurate information.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Update:

Gallic Forces have moved into Cisalpine II after a long march through the snow-capped mountains. They are tired but in good spirits, all things considered. Meanwhile, the Gallic advance guard finds the remains of a Roman camp. The tracks lead south.

[Sonke]

A messenger approaches with a letter from Rome.

Consul,
The Legio X Luculli and the 300 archers have been trained and now they are ready for combat.
Tetius Ateius Burcanius

[Lucius Malfoy]

IX Rapax cheers at the news of reinforcements arriving. Maximinius grins and is glad to Legio X Luculli as well as 300 archers would be joining this campaign. He had the legate send out scouts to find the position of the Gauls and to see if they could get an accurate report on their numbers. He sent a reply to Burcanius.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Update: Almost as soon as crossing the Alps, the Gauls descend into nearby town and begin terrorizing the local populations, raping, pillaging, and forcing slaves and freedmen to join their cause or die. Although unwilling recruits, they have swelled the Gallic ranks. Meanwhile, the Roman levies are complete and have gathered in Italia III. It would appear, from confused reports, the that the barbarians are travelling fast, destroying everything in their wake. Villages are burned to the ground, wells poisoned, wholesale destruction.

[Sonke]

A Legion arrives to the Roman Camp. It was the Legio X Luculli accompanied by 300 archers. The Legate steps in front of the Consul.
''Sir, Titus Publius Lucullus, Legate of the 10th Legion. We have arrived from our Training Camp and now are waiting for new orders.''

[Lucius Malfoy]

A Legion arrives to the Roman Camp. It was the Legio X Luculli accompanied by 300 archers. The Legate steps in front of the Consul.
''Sir, Titus Publius Lucullus, Legate of the 10th Legion. We have arrived from our Training Camp and now are waiting for new orders.''

Consul Maximinius immediately turns to welcome the Legate.

Blessed the heavens you have arrived. Our situation has become better with the arrival of reinforcements.

He glances around and inspects the legion. Maximinius would not let this legion go to waste at all.

Do you know of any word from the other two legions that were supposed to arrive here?

Then he blinked and looked at the Legate.

Titus Publius Lucullus? You are his son aren't you?

[Sonke]

''No Sir, we finished training a few weeks before I think. After camp we immediately rushed to this position under the orders of Pro-Consul Lucullus and Senator Burcanius.''

[Lucius Malfoy]

''No Sir, we finished training a few weeks before I think. After camp we immediately rushed to this position under the orders of Pro-Consul Lucullus and Senator Burcanius.''

Maximinius cursed slightly and stroked his beard. They were in a good defensible position, but with the reports of such horrors arriving from the scouts, the Consul would need to act fast and swiftly. He had a mere two legions and 300 archers at his command. It would do for now.

Get your troops fed and ready, Legate. We shall be on the march soon.

Maximinius returns to his tent, preparing a speech to give to the legions while Legate Licinius rode south to fetch Legion XII Fretensis and XIII Classica as well as the 4,000 cavalry. It was time to go on the offensive. After reading some many books and manuals that his father had left behind...and receiving lessons on command from his Uncle and Father, it was time to utilize them to their fullest potential.

[Sonke]

Titus answered
''Yes Sir. These barbarians are ruthless and we must attack them quick.''

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maximinius sent out scouts to find the whereabouts of the Gallic army, which he told would need to report back immediately with the army on the move soon. Within a couple hours, Licinius returns with Legio XII Fretensis and XIII Classica as well as a component of 4,000 cavalry. This was indeed a boost for their might! The Consul then had the troop fed and they began their march to meet the Gauls. The cavalry wings, which were on either side of the column, were used to keep an eye out for any movement while the four legions and archers marched in a standard column formation.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Siege of Mediolanum

The entirety of the Gallic force, finding the Romans fleeing before them, have set their eyes on destruction and turned north-east. The great city of Mediolanum, in northern Italy, has closed its gates upon spotting the approach of a large Gallic force. Defensive forces within Mediolanum will be unable to hold out for long against any sustained assault, their number being very low. Unless relieved soon, the Gauls could press the attack and enter the city virtually unopposed. The regions of Northern Italy have been absolutely devastated, but should any of the major northern cities fall, the slaughter will be massive. In addition to this, several thousand freed slaves have joined the Gallic forces.

The Gauls can attack the city with ladders in 24 hours, victory is almost guaranteed if they are not reinforced.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maximinius's scouts reported of the siege. Though the news was sad, this indeed could prove to be an attack of opportunity upon his enemy. He spoke with his legates and decided upon their battle plans. The Consul ordered his men on a brisk march for Mediolanum.

[Pontifex Maximus]

update:

The Gallic forces have abandoned the siege and hastily moved west into a forested area near Novaria. The Romans are only hours' march away.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maximinius immediately gives his orders and continues on the march. The doors were slowly closing.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Update:

The armies meet in a forested area outside Novaria. The trees are tall but the area is not densely wooded. The Gauls have concentrated in the woods. Both armies are relatively exhausted from their continuous marching.

Send some orders for the battle in