The Cotysian Wars

[Pontifex Maximus]

Pro-Consul Lucullus

Roman Forces

Legio XII Fretensis** - 6,000
Legio XIII Classica** - 6,000
Legio VI Ferreta - 6,000
Legio VII Achea - 5,900
Legio X Luculli** - 6,000
800 archers
Legio XV Augusta - 6,000
Legio VIII Macedonia - 6,000
Legio XVIII Gemina Firma - 5,980
2 Scorpions
1 Catapult
500 Archers
4,198 Cavalry

King Cotys I

Thracian Forces

Lancer Cavalry - 2,000
Skirmisher Cavalry - 750
Thureophoroi (skirmishers) - 1,300
Rhomporoi (Shock, heavy infantry) - 5,000
Spearmen (Light phalanx) - 10,000
Household Guard (Elite Heavy Infantry) - 1,000
Heavy Phalanx - 7,000
Light infantry - 20,000

[Pontifex Maximus]

Roman forces move into western Thrace. Cotys I, taken by surprise at the recent arrival of Roman forces in his Kingdom, has quickly called together his forces to meet the Roman threat. He has played upon the emotions of his people, that this unprovoked and cowardly Roman sneak attack must be stopped, and then a Thracian counter-invasion may take place at which time the reconquest of Macedon may occur.

[Sonke]

The war had begun. Publius with his Legions crossed the border between Rome and Thrace. Some less experienced Legions were a bit restless, as they had never crossed this border. The more experienced Legions were already preparing themselves for battle. Thrace was unknown to most of the men. All they knew is that the Thracians are one fierce warriors and they will defend their homes to the death.
Publius sent out his scouts to find the Thracian Army and also Publius tried to avoid moving through dense forests. The last thing he needed was an ambush. This quick Invasion was very important to him. Publius knows, that he needs quick success and he must obliterate the Thracian Army.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Roman scouts report small bands of Thracian cavalry to the northwest. Meanwhile, Thracians scouts have mor eor less determined the size and strength of the Roman force. The Romans appear to be heading towards Secos, about half way between Macedon and Byzantion.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Roman army arrives outside Secos. The town is lightly defended, but does have walls.

Meanwhile, reports reach the Pro-Consul that a small number of Thracian cavalry have been spotted far in their rear, lightly raiding in Macedonia.

[Sonke]

Romans, after having camped a few days, now start cutting down Timber. In the Roman Camp, battering rams are being built and also Publius has ordered the construction of 2 Scorpions and 1 Catapult.(-2,000 Denarii). Romans still keep their eyes open for any enemies. The Building of these war machines will take 1 Day

[Lucius Malfoy]

Romans, after having camped a few days, now start cutting down Timber. In the Roman Camp, battering rams are being built and also Publius has ordered the construction of 2 Scorpions and 1 Catapult.(-2,000 Denarii). Romans still keep their eyes open for any enemies. The Building of these war machines will take 1 Day

From the West, a few riders came forth. A Legate along with a couple Centurions. The Legate was Tiberius Flavinius Regulus, nephew of Pro-Consul Maximinius Atilius Regulus and son of the respected Decimus Regulus. Tiberius approaches the camp and looks for Publius Lucullus. He salutes the Pro-Consul and pulls out a letter.

I am Tiberius Flavinius Regulus, Legate of Legio XVIII. This is for you, Pro-Consul.

The letter read...

To Pro-Consul Lucullus,

Just as you had lent your private legion to me during the last Gallic war, I shall repay the favor. My new legion, Legio XVIII Gemina Firma, has been levied and marches for your camp. They will be under the command of my nephew, Tiberius, son of Decimus. This is the first legion to be comprised of Gauls and Romans from Northern Italia and Southern Gaul, the first of many to come, my friend. The combine ferocity of the Gauls and discipline of the Romans will ensure that this unit is strong. Take good care of Tiberius and my legion. And may Mars be with you and our legions.

Maximinius Atilius Regulus
Pro-Consul of Gallia

Moments later, Legio XVIII Gemina Firma arrives at camp. They march to the outskirts of the area and stand in perfect array for the Pro-Consul as they awaited instructions. Though they were green recruits, inexperienced and untested, it was clear upon their faces that they were ready to fight for the Republic and defend her lands from the barbaric tribes that ever threatened the Pax Romana. Legate Tiberius bows to Publius.

We are at your humble service, esteemed Pro-Consul. What are your orders?

[Sonke]

Publius looks at the Legate, who was infront of him.
''Greetings Legate. I have good relations with your Family. Walk with me.''
Publius moves into his tent. On the table is a map. Titus is now also in the tent, having recently arrived from Rome. Titus looks at Tiberius
''I haven't seen you here before. You must be the Legate of the 18th Legion. Your Family is very gracious''
Publius now stops Titus and starts speaking himself
''Currently we are trying to take that Settlement, but recently I got some disturbing news. Some Thracians have gotten to our Rear and are raiding Macedonia. These news aren't good. Firstly, this small Raiding Party consists of Cavalry and we have got no idea how much. I can't move on, when the rear is not defended.''
Titus looks at his Father
''What are your plans Father.''
Publius now looks at the Legate and Titus
''It is obvious, that this threat must be eliminated. I have a plan: I am splitting our Forces into two. Titus you'll command the second army, that is being sent back to Macedon. Tiberius, your Legion has a task. You will move with Titus back to Macedon and you two must win the Thracians there. A lot is counting on you two. Failure is not an option. Tiberius, prepare your Legion to march to Macedon with the other Forces, that are joining you! Later you two will join me and we'll move on.''

[Lucius Malfoy]

Tiberius strokes his chin as he listens to Publius' plan. He examines the map and then looks at the Pro-Consul.

You must keep majority of the forces, Pro-Consul. I believe that two legions should be enough to eliminate the cavalry. We cannot pull too many forces away with the Thracians nearby. And perhaps send small detachments of cavalry to scout the area of Macedonia...see if the enemy can be located. The sooner that can be done, the better.

He stands up and salutes the two before leaving to prepare Legio XVIII to march. They were given a good meal though before Tiberius gave the preparation orders to march.

[Sonke]

Publius looks at the Legate. He now looks at Publius
''You must go now too. Remember, that our Family's honor is at stake. You mustn't fail.''
Titus puts his helmet on.
''I won't Fail you Father. I will see you in some months.''
Titus moves out of the tent. He takes his horse and starts moving for Macedon. With him are two Legions and 1,500 Cavalry. While moving to Macedon, Titus moves to Tiberius
''Have you ever commanded men before?''

[Lucius Malfoy]

Tiberius put his helmet on and nodded.

Served in the Allobroges-Roman War as commander of the Second Cohort, Legio XVI Gallica. After that, I went home to help my father with his advanced age. When Legio XVIII was levied, my Uncle Maximinius gave me the title of Legate and made me commander of the 18th legion.

He pulls out a whistle and bows it. The centurions bark their orders as Legio XVIII begins to march once more. Tiberius looks at Titus.

I know who you are...Uncle told many good things about you, Titus Lucullus, Legate of the 10th Lucullan Legion.

[Sonke]

Titus now looks at Tiberius.
''The Allobroges-Roman War. The Battle near Novaria was really bloody. This Campaign will be different. Thracians are amongst the most feared warriors in the world. They have a Great Reputation, but we'll soon see, if their pikes will be a match for Roman Legions. This war will be more difficult, as Thrace isn't a very small country. What do you think, How long will it take for the war here to end?''

[Lucius Malfoy]

A couple years or three...I feel that it will be longer depending on the ability of the Thracian commanders and their leader. The Allobroges had strange tactics such as the Second Battle of Mediolanum. I doubt we will face something like that slaughter of Gallic soldiers.

[Sonke]

''They had strange tactics, but some tactics were somewhat effective. They had to somehow compensate their small amount of soldiers. Thracians on the other hand have plenty of men. They may be better in 1v1, but we work as an effective unit and we don't scream like a bunch of barbarians.''

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lets just get this job done before the Thracians can assemble anymore troops to overpower us.

[Pontifex Maximus]

A breakaway Roman force tasked with bringing the raiders to heel has made contact with them just north-east of Kumanovo.

Terrain: Gentle rolling hills with some jagged rocks may make large-scale cavalry manuevering difficult or dangerous. The trees ad scrub are thin and negligible. A spring drizzle has started with overcast skies.

1,500 Thracian Skirmisher cavalry vs. Legio XVIII Gemina, Legio VII Achea and 1,500 Cavalry

Waiting for orders from both sides to continue.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Kumanova Engagement

A light rain fell gently on the soldiers of the 7th and 18th. It was only several days before they were marching eastward through this same territory, but they had been forced to turn around and deal with raiders to their rear. Now that they faced the Thracian raiders it became obvious rather quickly that the presence of two legions was overkill. Regardless of the Legionary's personal opinion, here they stood, ready to do battle as their commander had ordered them to.

Meanwhile, the Thracians waited for the Romans to make their first move. When it became clear the Roman cavalry wouldn't be responding, they put their plan into action. Half of the force immediately turns around and begins to flee while the other forms a vanguard. Clearly the Thracians preferred to sacrifice half of the force then potentially lose it all. The Roman infantry advanced with their shields raised at a slow march.

The Thracian cavalry attacked using their javelins, raining them down on the Roman formation. Even with their shields raised, some of the Javelins found their mark.

But still the Romans came, the Thracian cavalry inching away as the Romans got closer. Finally the Decurion tired of this woman's game of retreat and engagement, and the Roman cavalry spurred into action. With most of their missiles spent, they were forced to close with the Romans or risk not giving their comrades enough time to escape. Moments later the legionaries caught up and the slaughter began in earnest.

Result: Roman victory, half the Thracian cavalry escape.

Roman casualties:

20 - 18th legion
100 - 7th legion
Roman cavalry - 2

Thracian cavalry: 700 killed, 50 captured

ooc: The dice gods were with Sonke today for once! Rolled the lowest possible thracian defense to a cavalry charge and the most powerful possible charge.

[Sonke]

After having finished building the siege equipment, Publius orders them to start firing at the enemy wall.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The city will be starved out within 4 months (48 hours).

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Battle of Secos

With the Siege almost complete, the entirety of the Thracian army appears outside the walls of the city. Although the forces sent out against the Thracian raiders returned in high spirits, the march has left these forces exhausted. (+1 morale for winning a battle -1 morale for being tired, = 0 modifiers for Romans). The Thracians, by comparison, have been marching at a moderate pace, and have arrived fresh but discouraged by the news of the defeat in Macedon (+1, -1, =0 modifiers for Thracians)

The Thracians approach the Romans along the north-east side of the wall, along a flat rolling plain flanked in the north by thick woods on the right flank. The Romans hold the north-west side of the field with the woods on their left flank. The noon-day sun shone overhead. The areas near the wall opposite of the forest have been made marshy by recent rainfall and poor drainage.