Scouting Gaul

[Pontifex Maximus]

ooc: Based on rolls for the tribes/confederation and how the war is currently progressing, as well as estimates based on rolls for their army sizes. Gauls have a negative modifier due to weakness after wars with Rome in the last decade

After the Prefect dispatched riders into Gaul, reports filtered in regarding the progression of the German invasions. The Teutones has invaded the Gallic Confederation, and thus far the fighting had been constant and brutal. The Germans had been winning with slight advantages and have been wearing the Gauls down considerably. They have managed to hold their own but are nearing the breaking point.

Meanwhile to the south, the Marcomanni have sacked large swathes of Sequani territoryand more or less destroyed their military capabilities. While the Teutones are bent on occupation and annexation, the Marcomanni seem interested only in raiding and looting. The Averni have largely been spared.

[Dance the older]

Equite Cavalry Officer, Titus Avitas reports for duty (ooc: Assumingly a Decurion until told otherwise)

[Pontifex Maximus]

Publius Salvius Aper appears with the assembled men, prepared to lead the expedition into Averni territory. They needed to size up the strength of the Averni forces before petitioning the emperor for permission to invade. With the rest of Gaul in turmoil, aggressive action never looked so ripe. Publius rode up and addressed the party in a low voice.

"Men, we are to size up the strength of the Averni forces to the north. If we can get a good estimate of their capabilities, it may be possible for us to overrun their defenses during this opportune time. Men have bled and died for the past two decades over the same land, with neither side emerging as a clear victor. We can finally justify the death of Romans by seizing the initiative now and taking this land by conquest."

[Dance the older]

Knowing of his father, Lucius' experience in the past wars, and his survival of the Faustum campaigns, Titus wishes to prove himself worthy, and create a military legacy for himself as well. He finds himself amongst other Equite officers, awaiting orders from the Prefect

[Pontifex Maximus]

Aper wastes no time in selecting a small party to travel north. He approaches Avitus with a confident air about him.

"Avitus, is it? Did you serve in Gaul?"

[Dance the older]

"Yes, Prefect. Titus Avitus of the Scribonii. My father was granted land by State, outside Narbonensis, for services rendered in the previous wars. My father and his have both served in previous wars in Gaul. I myself have some experience in scouting, but little in actual combat. My father has taught me a alot in which a man of Equite status should know in commanding in the field. I will do all within my power to achieve success, Prefect. I am your loyal subordinate."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Publius snorted

"You don't need to kiss my ass, man. Any loyal idiot can be ordered to charge to his death. I would rather surround myself with competent and experienced soldiers. I served in every Gallic campaign, and lost many such men. Let's get moving north. You'll be with me."

Publius spurred his horse, turning north.

[Dance the older]

Titus nods, feeling somewhat a fool, and spurs after the Prefect

[Pontifex Maximus]

After some time the smaller parties disperse, riding in separate directions in order to survey the largest amount of land possible. Publius and Titus, left on their own, near a great walled city of the Averni. Alesia loomed in the distance, resting upon a hill. The wooden palisades, although primitive looking, seemed to leer down at them.

"Behold, our stumbling block. It is the key to the north."

[Dance the older]

Titus looked at the hill in slight astonishment, knowing full well it would be quite a settlement to assault.. Cavalry would play a minimal role on such formidable defences, he thought to himself..

"It is quite an architectural accomplishment... For Gauls. Quite impressive. Impressive enough to test Roman artillery, I suppose. I can see by the time and resources put forth to make these formidable defences, the Averni seem to know this is the key to the north as well." Titus inspects it keenly

[Pontifex Maximus]

They've built it on a plateau, you'll notice. Just as difficult to assault from every side. The city itself is large enough to hold several thousands of defenders as well as a large larder for a siege. It will take months to take.

Publius mounted once again, taking advantage of the cover of the trees to do so without being seen.

And yet this is the opportune moment, Avitus. If we trap them inside the rest of Gaul will be too preoccupied to notice.

[Dance the older]

Avitus mounts and follows the Prefect. Listening keenly to the Prefect's words

"The cavalry will be very useful in keeping the region, and defenders contained, whilst the infantry and artillery can deal with the prolonged siege of Alesia, I presume.

I have the utmost in confidence in your command of this siege, Prefect. That is merely my personal belief in the matter."

[Pontifex Maximus]

If the emperor allows it.

Publius spurred his horse, wanting to make progress in the hours long journey before nightfall.