The Second Iberian Wars

[Magicman2051]

Armies

Roma

Legio II Alaudae* - 5,520
Legio IV Aduitrix** - 5,025
Legio I Italica* - 5,025
Legio IX Rapax** - 5,025
Legio III Hispania* - 5,025
Legio XVI Gallica* - 5,025
Legio I Frater Hispanica - 5,025
Legio II Calcix Ferrus - 5,025
Legio III Ursa Hispanica - 5,025
Heavy Cavalry - 850
Light Cavalry - 2,200
Archers - 1,300

Celt-Iberii

Spoiler for Setting: 

((Done exclusively though the arcane math of rolls with a simple balancer put in there to make it a fun engagement for all involved. I'll do the troop number rolls once I know how people are getting involved on the Spanish side. I'll need at least two people to RP the Spanish, I can do some of the basic stuff but I'd rather more player involvement here. Obviously going to need at least one person to do the Spanish orders.

Anyone who is interested, and isn't already involved, PM me.))

Reacting to perceived Roman aggression the Lusitani quickly moved to counter it. Chieftain Punicus sent an envoy to the Romans as well as opening discussions with the other Iberian tribes.

The Catabri, feeling threatened by the arguably superior forces of both the Romans and the Lusitani, diplomatically declined to come to the aid of the Lusitani. Choosing instead to trust that their mountainous home would be sufficient defence against any aggression.

The Celt-Iberi have stated that they would join the Lusitani cause if the Romans were overtly aggressive and were shown to have designs on all of Iberia.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Roman command met the Lusitani envoy in Tarraco, where the hosts of Rome were gathering.

[Dark Storm]

The diplomat shivered slightly, his face was drawn and white, "Roman" he spat, in greeting, "Why do you come now, a preparation for war? You gather your armies, do you wish to attack?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Lucius had almost forgotten just how much he loathed the Spanish. He curled his lip and spoke slowly, so this dimwitted barbarian could understand him. Lucius had learned Punic, fortunately, so there was no need for a translator.

The people of Rome will that the dishonor and shame wrought by defeats earlier in the decade should be avenged. The Cantabri have offended us, and shall now pay the ultimate price for their indiscretions. The Roman people have little concern for the Lusitanii. Our quarrel is with the Cantabri, not with the people of your homeland. You need not fear invasion if you cooperate by staying out of our conflict with the Cantabri scum.

[Dark Storm]

The diplomat smiled reluctantly, but then masked his emotions immediately and he drew himself up to his full height, "Then we would need gold," he said face blank, "No, you will have broken terms of an agreement, terms you yourself placed down, you cannot attack the Cantabri, for then it is as if you attack Spain itself."

[Pontifex Maximus]

I have assembled a force three times as massive as the one the coalition of Spain faced three years ago. To oppose it is to welcome death with open arms. I do not believe that you suddenly find yourself closely allied to the Cantabri, a people that refused to fly to your aid in the previous war and whom you have warred with continuously for years. If I must pay an indemnity to ensure that the Lusitanians do not interfere, I would do so grudgingly. Rome will not forget this insult, however. We take a dim view of extortion.

[Dark Storm]

"Can you repeat the terms of the treaty Roman?" The diplomat asked, "To the letter?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Roman people have decided that the treaty is unsuitable, therefore it matters not to me. If you value your honor more than your lives and freedom, do something about it. The Cantabri will be attacked due to the disrespect and brutality they have shown towards Roman citizens.

[Dark Storm]

"The people of Rome have decided that it's unsuitable, is that a declaration of war, Roman? For if one part is unsuitable all must be, do you listen to idiots Roman? Though I suppose in Rome you can pay speak with none other"

[Pontifex Maximus]

You would encourage your people to war, to break a peace that has been enjoyed by both sides, due to hostility against a tribe you neither respect or love? A violation of the treaty has been made by Roman military actions in Spain, but we consider that worthwhile to defend our own. The Cantabri have violated the peace by abducting and torturing Roman citizens. This insult must be met by force of arms. If this means war with the Lusitanii then so be it, but it is a war we do not wish to happen. The decision is yours, but if you decide to break the peace between our people, there will be grievous consequences.

[Dark Storm]

"And what happens when you lose? when we have stood idly by..." the diplomat sighed, "draw up a new treaty." he concluded, "I will return to my master and he shall sign it...or decline it."

[Pontifex Maximus]

If you wish to decide this contest through force of arms, I will force a new respect of Roman might into the hearts of all the Spanish, should they rise. If you decide to take the more civilized approach and spare your people a lot of time, join us in the fight against the honorless Cantabri or do no interfere in our business.

[Dark Storm]

"Fine" the diplomat sighed, "but we shall have no part in this, we do not condone your actions, but how can we stand against you, with what little strength we have. I pray to the Gods you will lose but we cannot stop you."

[Magicman2051]

((OP updated to reflect current known troop numbers. Roman numbers have been subject to an attrition roll.))

The full might of Rome is brought to bear on the Cantabri as their troops march into Tarraconesis XIV. Several smaller and disorganised bands of Cantabrian forces are eliminated as the Romans advance. The Cantabri rely on a knowledge of the terrain and continue to harass Roman forces during their advance. Winter brings with it freezing winds and overcast skies, with the long nights benefiting the Cantabri.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The VI Adiutrix is to send cohorts to reinforce all other legions, making it the only understrength legion. The territory is to be sacked, and the main Spanish force found in the field. If the Cantabri are remaining in fortifications they are to be cut off from the outside. Foraging should occur in groups of several cohorts nevr straying more than two miles from the main body.

[Magicman2051]

((Applying damage done during the ambush, updating the OP for the Catabrian numbers.))

A Cantabrian force has formed into a rear guard to either prevent or harass any Roman advance through ambush. They hold a naturally defensible position atop a broad escarpment and have erected some simple fortifications, their position directly overlooks a key pass that the Romans intended to use to mount this escarpment. To circumvent this defence would take several days and in that time the Catabrian forces would be able to rally further into their territory, other nearby passes are even more defensible and unsuitable for large numbers of infantry and cavalry to pass though.

Though initially having the advantage of surprise against potentially the entire body of Roman forces an overly eager Cantabrian unit ambushed and routed one of the foraging groups, which then warned the army as a whole. A few scouts were sent out and they identified the Cantabrian position.

[Magicman2051]

Unwilling to waste the men necessary to root out the Cantabrian rear guard from their position the Roman army diverted west to find another clear pass. The Cantabrians remained in their position for a few days before falling back to hopefully join up with the main force and spend the winter in their strongholds further west. Roman advances have been hampered by the worsening weather.

Tarraconesis XIV is now occupied by Roman forces. The attempted sack backfired as previously docile farmers flocked to the banner of various Chieftains and the Romans gained little. Romans supplies are running low and that, combined with a harsh winter, is causing their morale to drop considerably.

The remaining Cantabrian positions in Tarraconesis XIV are entrenched but are unlikely to support any broader war effort, some individual clans and tribes have chosen to sit the war out entirely. Influenced by their now romanised neighbours they see the advantages of Roman security and strength, in exchange for being left to their own devices (or perhaps as bribery to illicit that result) they have generously supplied the Romans with some furs and food.

((Overall Roman morale is down, but the boost of supplies and warm clothing has lessened the impact. The "Winter" will end in two days.))

[Pontifex Maximus]

The legions are ordered to build a series of forts stretched out five miles apart to increase foraging ranges while remaining relatively secure and close to one another. They will wait for winter to end before continuing to the last remaining Cantabrian territory.

[Lord Damien]

Envoys are sent to the other tribes inviting their Representatives to the Catabri Village . Back at home the Chief of the Catabri gathers everyone in the surrounding villages and waits for the other tribes Representatives to arrive. He then will make a speech to them in the hopes to rally support and to drive back the Romans once and for all

[Pontifex Maximus]

With Winter ended, the Roman army continues to push into the last Cantabrian stronghold