Raising a Spanish Army

[Pontifex Maximus]

The call went around the Spanish province for fit men of a young age to present themselves in Carthago Nova for recruitment into the Brother Legions. This was in many ways a blessing for the Spanish provincials, as opportunity for service in the legions held many potential benefits. Service for twenty three years would mean their registry as citizens, a hereditary position that would ensure the enfranchisement of their children and their grandchildren. Not only citizenship, but steady pay and meals would also accompany registry in the legions. As a result thousands flooded the forum in Cathago Nova, eager to register. The Pro-Consul himself had traveled south for the occasion, temporarily leaving his troops in camp. Centurions organized the raw recruits, many of them merely boys who had only just trimmed their beards.

These recruits were of a mixed origin. Some were the Punic descendants of the peninsula, the unfortunate descendants of the wretched immigrants fro norther Africa, who made the mistake of attempting to settle this wild land before it was ready. They had paid the price in blood and tears over the centuries, first at the hands of their Celtic neighbors and then under the iron heel of the legions. This was their chance to redeem their long-lost honor by service. Other rabble that would become the crack troops of Lucius' new Hispanic army would include the bastard sons of Spain's misely and subjugated barbarians. Some even appeared in the city with their braids still long. That would soon change.

Lucius rode into the Campus to survey the recruits. He was not overly impressed, but with some training they could be shaped into exactly what he needed: an army of crack troops loyal to only him and his goals. He made himself ready to address the troops as the company commanders and Centurions herded the rabble into a large group to listen. Lucius stood out on his horse, a long red cloak trailing from his back. His ceremonial armor with a long black plume on his steel helmet lacked even the slightest mark of tarnish. His elaborate breast plate was adorned with jewels to befit one of the richest men in Rome. This sort of ostentatious display of wealth would be completely disallowed in Rome, but here in the provinces there was nobody to complain to the censor. This kind of freedom appealed to Lucius, perhaps moreso than it should.

He did not climb down from his steed, but instead addressed the troops in Punic, their preferred tongue, from horseback.

"Men of Spain, you are about to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Many of you will not survive to reap the benefits of your service, but for those of you lucky enough to have been smiled upon by Mars will also find themselves in not only one of Rome's most respected politicians, but in the service of a great commander. You shall be brother legions, the rabble of Spain risen to such heights as you could not have possibly imagined by faithful service. Under my patronage Spain has already risen from the ashes. Now the forges of Spain will roar to life and once again Spanish steel be held in the hands of her mighty warriors, but now under the command of Rome and with Roman discipline.

You shall be separated into three divisions. The first Legion shall take the name of I Frater Hispanica. This first Legions, the vanguard, will always be forever called upon as my most loyal, most worthy soldiers. To receive promotion into their ranks will be the highest of honor. But with great honor comes great responsibility. Service in this most honored of divisions will carry great danger. Its symbol will be a Lion, to symbolize its majesty and ferocity in combat. The legion will fight with the same ferocity as the Bull-Warriors of old, the old Spanish stock. The revival of the warrior's way, under the direction and regulation of Roman command, will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies.

The second legion shall be named the II Calcix Ferrus, the Iron Heel. Just as your ancestors were trodden underfoot by conquerors many centuries ago, so will the Punic fighting spirit be revived, and don the same caligulae as their oppressors of past centuries. The Legion of the Iron Heel will carry an untraditional banner, with the image of the Caligulae, to serve as a constant reminder the pains to be suffered when defeated. For the enemy will walk across your corpses if you let them.

The third legion will bear the name of III Ursa Hispanica. Their symbol shall be the bear. Such a reputation of ferocity that they sould strive to uphold. When the banner of the 3rd legion races into combat let it strike fear into the hearts of her opponents, and let the Spanish steel of her sons strike with the same deadly force as that of the bear's claws.

These three legions, the brother legions, will serve the house of the Claudii-Libanii faithfully through the wars. The conquest of Spain shall be our first goal. Let us now avenge standing blood feuds that have stretched across the centuries. The wild tribes of Spain will be brought to heel. The miserable, the slaves, shall rise to be the masters of nearer Spain. You will train and you will train hard. That is all for now."



Recruitment and subsequent training would last for nine months. Not only would these dregs of society and unwanted sons learn the art of swordsmanship, but they would train in unarmed combat as well. The mark of a good soldier is the ability to fight in any condition, whether with spear, sword, or bare hands. The brothers of Spain would learn these lessons quickly. Meanwhile the blacksmiths of the region were kept employed with the manufacture of equipment. Armor, swords, spears, everything three legions would need to march to war. Grizzled centurions of many years drilled the youths into submission. Before long they would take on the attributes of proper legionaries.

On the seventh day of their training each legionary swore an oath of loyalty:

"I attest that I will serve the Pontifex Maximus, Lucius Claudius Libanus, with great attention. Whom he considers his enemies I shall also consider my enemies. Whom he considers friends I shall likewise consider friends. My life I will willingly sacrifice in order to save his. If I should break any of these oaths let Mars the Avenger strike me down. May the immortal gods curse my endeavors and that of my children to the seventh generation."

[ArkocentoArisen]

As Lucius ended his speech, Danius finally let out a sigh of apathy. as he sighed a few recruits looked at him dumbfounded
What? we are going to war. we do not need any speeches, we need to fight...simply tools to be used up and tossed aside. simple and forgotten are we, the Soldier of the Senate.

For a moment the men still looked at him, incapable of fully understanding him. finally annoyed Danius pushed the men out of his way and shouted at Lucius
Labra lege! Tools do not require a speech! we simply needs are blades sharpened, and the arm that wields us must be wise.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Lucius reared his horse about and trotted back to where the impudent man stood. He took his horse whip into his hand and riding nearer, struck Danius on the cheek with it. A Legatus rode up bedise the Pro-Consul and addressed the man

"You will address the Pro-Consul by his appropriate title of Imperator, or not at all."

Lucius raised his hand, to cease any further chastisement, and spoke directly to Danius

All the legionaries will train with wooden, weighted blades. But learning to fight is only one element of learning to be a soldier of Rome. You will also drill and learn the discipline of the legions. Identify yourself.

[ArkocentoArisen]

Corelis Loquitur Solus Danius glorious son of the famed drunkard Marcius Garigus Danius
His voiced dripped deeply with Sarcasm, but with no Malice at all, rather it was the Same apathy that seemed to combine with everything he said.
Forgive me Imperator but I am both a humble fool and not. there is nothing that we may gain here but death, and that is why we are simple tools, used by a noble man in conquest of another. Am I false in what I say?

[Pontifex Maximus]

Lucius clapped his hand to the pommel of his gladius

This is a tool. Legionaries of Rome are men that will carry themselves with dignity. There are benefits to be reaped by those that fight with honor for their general. Fame, wealth, citizenship, and lands upon retirement. Corelis Danius then, is it? Son of Senator Danius? Your father is in poor health, from what news trickles in from Rome. Why has he sent you here?

[ArkocentoArisen]

I have given you the very same answer that he gave me Tools do not require a speech! and then he walked back into the estate leaving me alone on a walk that took me over the alps...and eventually here.

Corelis clasped his hands together before simply letting them fall.
I was the tool of my Family since the day I was born, my father simply turned me over to a new arm. I do what my Imperator wished, I follow my duty to the letter, and then one day I am in the dirt awaiting use from a new master.

Corelis whispers yet his words still ring clear
Does no one know of the things my father says?

[Pontifex Maximus]

Your father has been absent in the senate for some time, we have been deprived of his words and input into matters of state.

Lucius placed his helmet back on his head

Very well then. You will be enrolled in one of my legions then, to restore your family's honor. I will give you your choice of them and give you a commission as a Centurion of the first line. Which shall it be then?

[ArkocentoArisen]

If it pleases you Imperator I shall join the Frater Hispanic, the First Legion. I promise the death of every Cantabri from Carthago Novo, to the Pillars of Hercules, and Beyond. If I fail in this task then I am unworthy of life and shall surrender my body to Gaia, and my Soul to Hades

[Pontifex Maximus]

You take these oaths at your own peril. The Spanish Brothers will face many hardships in the coming war. I will count on you to lead them to victory. You may begin your training immediately by taking command of the third cohort.