Romam Vincimus (Romani AAR)

[Ownager]

Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asina, son of the great Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio Asina, was sent to govern Bononia. However, he did not see eye to eye with his father on many occasions. Profits in Rome were past 8000 denarii. This would also help in funding the roman attack. Cotta overran the city of Bibracte with only 25 casualties. He was forced to hire nearly 600 Gallic mercenaries to replace the roman dead. And to top it off, his father named him the heir to the dictator poisition. Cotta knew that without reinforcements from Rome, he would be overrun. He took a rare trip back to Roma, traveling as swiftly as possible, with no stoppages. He reached Rome exhausted. His father came running outside when he heard what had happened. The next day, Cotta spoke to his father. He explained the situation. "Father, the Aedui are still holding us off. We shall march on Gregovia, but we will not hold for long. Gauls constitute a large part of our army. On top of that, the Arverni are not fools. They will watch us. Why have no Arverni envoys approached us?" Cnaeus knew the answer. "Because they are barbarians. They do not care for us." "No." Caius replied. Cnaeus was shocked by his bluntness. He had changed after all his battles. "The Arverni will watch us fight the Aedui, watch as we weaken them and effectively weaken ourselves. Then they will strike. They will honor no alliances, nor will they listen to any peace offers." The threat was obvious. Cnaeus couldn't possible ignore this. "Son, the Senate hates me. They hate me because you have been giving the Plebians rights that they don't need. When you chose to live a frugal life as a Plebian, I didn't expect it to go this far. They might not listen to me." Caius Aurelius Cotta had grown. He knew how to win, both in battles and politics. "Make it seem as if the Gauls threaten our very cattle. Tell them they have hordes of men. Tell them that I'm being overwhelmed. Tell them that with my fall, the republic will fall." Cnaeus had been in politics for a long time. He knew a lot about politics and the senate. And it would work. When Caius grew older, he would make a fine leader.


"And I now propose something. Something that seems crazy. But may work. While it doesn't matter whether a Plebian or Patrician is the war leader, it does matter that we sit here and argue when we could be acting." A Senator called out, "What do you propose?" Cnaeus smiled. "I propose naming Caius Aurelius Cotta a consul." Immediately there was an uproar.
"Hah! Why not make you a King! Or better yet, an Emperor!"
"You want to rule like a dynasty?"
Cnaeus raised his hand. "Senators. If we name my son as Consul, I shall relinquish my powers as Dictator." That got their attention. Usually the senators hated being controlled. But knowing that hordes of barbarians had forced them to turn to a single ruler, one strong enough to defend Rome. But now, they had a chance to recover their lost power. With a unanimous vote, the Senate passed the decree.




Consul Caius Aurelius Cotta was now marching to Gregovia. He watched the defenders struggle to close the gates. He watched them blow their trumpets. He saw the soldiers of Gregovia lining up from his high vantage point upon a hill. On the outside, he exuded the confidence his men knew him for. "Dig in men! Eat hearty. We will have time to battle yet." He continued to stare at the city. Its fate depended on his will, and that of the Arverni.

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So, this is about 260 BC. Caius Aurelius Cotta was a 20 year old when he was given command of an army. Now he is about 30 or so. This army, called the second legion, is now in Gaul. I couldn't post the entire story, but I can post a short explanation if you need it.

[Ownager]

So anyways, here is the explanation. Caius traveled with his father, Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio to the South of Italy, defeating the Epirotes and the traitors of Rhegion. Then they marched west, and defeated the Mammertines. There, Cnaeus stayed behind while Caius and his brother, Lucius Conrelius Scipio, marched on Syracuse. The garrison was damaged from Carthaginian attacks, but since Messana was vulnerable, Lucius turned towards Lilibeo. Then, Caius left for Rome, where he began to take command of an army. Lucius managed to subdue Lilibeo, and wait out a siege at Syracuse. He chose to remain there, while Cotta took the new army north. Here, I wanted to use a mercenary general to replace Cotta, because he was pessimistic and depressed. However, my mercenaries sucked, so I used him. He subdued Bononia, then marched on Patavium and Mediolanum. After a short discussion, he was the first roman to take an army into Gaul. However, he recieved a triumph from the senate, just as his father was named consul and governor of Sicily. He marched once again to Gaul, where he took the Aedui by surprise. They had not yet heard of the disasters at Mediolanum and Patavium. Now he marches on Gregovia. I will post a list of conquered cities soon.

[The_Judge]

I don't want to be rude at all, but what do you want to say with "Romam vincimus"? AFAIK it means "we win/defeat Rome".
No insult intended.

[Ownager]

Oh, damn. I hate google translate. Does it really mean that? I hate myself so much now. Thanks for pointing that out. I wish I could edit the name right now.....
I guess since I love Carthage, this could be some sort of redemption for making an AAR on their enemies. Don't mind if I glorify Carthage later on.

[Duncan III]

Quite amusing, I think you should slow it down a bit and write up every year without rushing through it.

In the Makedonian one I loved your scene with the Roman diplomat and the story you made up about his visit- this sort of imaginitive scene makes an AAR much more entertaining.

[Ownager]

I wrote this quickly because I had to summarize three years in 6 minutes. This was something I wrote a long time ago. And I do enjoy scenes like the Makedonian one. By the way, the senator, he's here too. Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio, father of Caius. I guess I could pretend that already happened, and Cnaeus wants revenge. By the way, conquered cities include Syracuse, Taras, Bononia, Rhegion, Lilibeo, Messana, Mediolanum, Aventicos, Viennos, Bibracte, Patavium and soon Gregovia. I don't want another battle of Alesia with Arverni full stacks on my back.

[Duncan III]

I wrote this quickly because I had to summarize three years in 6 minutes. This was something I wrote a long time ago. And I do enjoy scenes like the Makedonian one. By the way, the senator, he's here too. Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio, father of Caius. I guess I could pretend that already happened, and Cnaeus wants revenge.

Yes, but don't just pretend it happened- as the Romans, send a diplomat to Makedon and make an arrogant, unreasonable request for military access and tribute, the Makedonians will refuse and you've got your story.

You should start it at the beginning so we see the development of personalities and relationships, keep a close eye on traits and suchlike (like you are already doing) and make those characters really believable.

If you start one from the beginning of the game I will read it, I think you could do something really funny if you put some time and effort into it, the seeds are there .

[Ownager]

I have done from the beginning. Only it is 9000 words long. If you can read that, I'll be more than happy to post it. However, the thing happened to Cnaeus Cornelius himself. I can't remove him from Sicily or he loses the title of Governor of Sicily.

[Duncan III]

If you post it, I'll read it- break it up into 'episodes' so it's not too many pages all at once.

That thing with Caius Cornelius is why it might be best to start a new one, so there are no inconsistencies.

One of the best AAR's I've read was a MIITW Scotland campaign called 'a Scotsman in Egypt'- have you ever seen that? He makes the characters seem very real and it's got a bit of humour in it.

[Ownager]

It might take some time to divide it, but I feel I should just continue from here. Maybe not include the Makedonian part? I guess Im too lazy to divide it. If it really matters, I can, but I'll have to plunge myself back into the Stone Age of my writing. Plus I might have to start the campaign again. (Figurative)

[Duncan III]

Just post it Ownager .

[Ownager]

Here you go. Good luck.
Romam vincimus
The motto of Rome, one that would hopefully last for ages. One that was embellished in every door and every consular guards shield. Because men would not last forever. Only Rome. The eternal city would. All a man could aspire to do is to contribute to the welfare of Rome.


Negotiation with the Sons of Queen Dido had not gone well. After a furious bout of negotiations, the resolution had been partial to the Carthaginians. They would ally with Rome, on the condition that Rome did not march its legions into Sicily. The boundary was set to Messana.


The great head of the Roman senate at the moment was Manius Curius Dentatus. A wise man, yet far ahead in years. At the old age of 65, he would not be fighting many battles. The armies of Rome had been severely depleted during the wars with Pyrrhus. His favored senator and heir, Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio had arranged a meeting in the glorious city of Rome. All the senate members, governors and generals of more than 16 years had to be present. The youngest of these was young Caius Aurelius Cotta. At 16, he was a mere child, but he was required to attend the meeting. Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio Asina was the second oldest of the four men assembled, at the age of 30. The last consul was Lucius Cornelius Scipio. He was a general by heart, one who was well learned in tactics. He was young, but would prove his worth soon.


At the main senatorial building, the family gathered. Cotta sat idly as the rest of the family members strode in. Dentatus waited for all of them to sit down, then began to speak. "My fellow Romans.. As you know, things are now going good for us after Pyrrhus left the shores of Italy. Our forces have been weakened, but luckily we face no immediate threats. However, now is a chance to expand. The traitors in Rhegion will have to be dealt with, as well as the Epeirotes still in Italy. However, our financial situation isn't good. We need to start disbanding those men who we do not require. I propose a motion to disband the fleet." Lucius Scipio immediately spoke up. "What about our spy in Sardinia? How will we take him back off the island?" "I have an idea!" Cotta spoke out a bit rashly. Everyone turned to stare at him. Shyly he continued. "We could ask the spy to go into the city of Caralis. When he has stayed there and earned their trust, he can charter a boat to Italy." "A good plan young one. Send orders to disband the fleet." Nodding, Cotta left the room. The remaining men began to argue. "Those traitors in Rhegion must be defeated!"
"Not with Epeirotes in Italy!"
"What about the Aedui in the North?"
"Who will defend the North?"
"The Seleukid empire falls. What happens when the Diodochi turn west?"
"Carthage still stays strong. How do you expect to face them?"
"Men! There will be answers to all these questions. For now, organize the Legion in Southern Italy. Blasio will lead the army forth. I want Lucius Cornelius to join him and Cotta. There will be no more discussion."


Cotta prepared his men. It was the beginning of the 272 B.C. The sun beat down mercilessly, but no delays would be accepted. The entire legion had been camping in a fort. They would stay there till Winter, when Blasio would arrive from the North with more supplies and men.


By winter, the entire legion, along with reinforcements from Roma had mustered. The army of Lucius Scipio marched out and met them.


A small Epeirote scout force had been sent out of Taras or Tarentum. 60 extremely well trained men were scouting the area around Arpi. The Legion chased them, but couldn't catch them. They ended their chase and set up camp.


By Spring of 271 BC, the legion had arrived outside Taras. The forces there refused to sally forth, but the small scout party attempted to cause casualties in the roman ranks. The garrison of Taras marched out to face them in open battle.


As the archers of Captain Polynthanes marched forth, the Consular guard of Lucius charged them. The guard smashed into the archers even as they raised their bows with arrows aimed at their hearts. Nearly 10 men flew in the air. The guard began to slaughter the archers, and soon had cut them down to 33 men. However, two guards fell, and Lucius ordered a retreat. Shocked, Polynthanes ordered his men forward. At the same time, Reinforcements from Taras arrived under Captain Lysias.


The archers of Polynthanes came under the fire of Lucius' Ascensi. They inflicted many casualties, and soon the archers routed. However, the Ascensi made sure that none escaped. Polynthanes fell while running, struck by a bullet from a string. But this small skirmish gave Lysias time to surround the Legion. His hoplites had formed on the right side, his peltasts and skirmisher on the left, and his phalanxes right in front. First he sent his Tarentine cavalry to skirmish with the roman cavalry.


Lucius maneuvered his cavalry with expertise. He took all the cavalry to the right of the Tarentines, and Blasio charged right into them. The Tarentines, who were supposed to run away had no time, and soon the other horsemen pounded into their rear. While they routed, Lysias himself charged them with his Tarentines. They met in a glorious yet short battle. There were simply too many Romans. Lysias was in a trap.


On the right flank, the hoplites began their assault. All their marching and running had left them exhausted, while the Roman maniples were still fresh. When the hoplites came in range, the Hastati let loose a great barrage of pila. They then charged them. The hoplites were no march for the huge wave of Romans that attacked. When the hoplites attacked one unit in the line, two more enveloped them from either side. Soon the hoplites were half surrounded. They routed in one mass, and the cavalry chased after them.


On the left flank, the Peltastai and the regrouped Tarentines under Lysias were being held off by the Triarii and the Roman cavalry. These units were all that stopped the Tarentines from swooping down into the flanks of the Hastati. The Triarii charged forth, along with the cavalry. The cavalry annihilated the peltasts, while the Triarii scared off the Tarentines. The cavalry pursued Lysias, using the chase as a distraction to get around the Epeirote flanks. There, the leves had drawn away one of the two phalanxes. The leves continued to retreat while the Triarii and Hastati charged the phalanx's rear. The phalangites had also been tired out from their earlier exertions, and now they routed. But they had nowhere to go as the roman cavalry smashed into their rear. The routers were left, as the infantry raced to help the Principes who had engaged in a deadly duel with the last unit of Levies.


The infantry were outstripped by the cavalry, who helped the roarii flank the phalanx. Again the phalangites routed, but seeing themselves surrounded, they fought to the death, hoping to take down as many roman as they could. However, they were cut down, and the battle was won. 76 Romans had fallen, compared to the 902 Epeirotes that littered the field.


However, news of this victory would reach deaf and lifeless ears, for Manius Curius Dentatus died at the age of 67. With Taras under the control of the new Praetor, Cornelius Blasio, the legion stabilized the city and marched towards the traitorous city of Rhegion.


Cotta paced idly outside the camp. It had been a year of starving the defenders of Rhegion. Now the defenders had opened the gates. The roman army was preparing to march inside. All the people inside would be sold to slavery, with the exception of a few thousand.


The massacre and looting inside the city was immense. Cries of men and women alike filled the streets as they were slaughtered. The three generals refused to take part, and stayed in the main governors villa, after the governor had been disposed of. Blasio had been offered a man to accept into his protection. He had rejected him. However, the second man who offered himself was a much better candidate. Quintus Claudius Marcellus was accepted into the elite class, however, as a Plebian, he was regarded with contempt from some senators. He was appointed governor of Rhegion, and he gathered some militia to defend the city.


The Legion was now in a dillemma. Would they march west to Sicily? The small crossing of water was easily navigable, but the might of Carthage was piled up on the other side. Already a Carthaginian army had attempted to take Messana. They had failed, but if Messana was taken, what would happen to Rhegion? It was in striking distance of Messana. The I legion Victrix, as it was generally called, would have to make the decision.


They had no choice. Carthage could not be allowed to grow too strong. They would have to strike where the Carthaginian navy would not be able to help. Sicily. They marched on the city of Messana. Quarthadast declared war on Rome by Summer of 268 BC. Meanwhile, a diplomat had wandered to the Far East, where the Seleukid empire battled the lesser successors. They offered an alliance, which was accepted by the Seleukids. The diplomat marched south.


With the Mamertine in Messana coming forward to break to he seige, the Legion prepared for war. They were led by Ennychos, a strong general. As the enemy hoplites charged forward, the Hastati overlapped them as usual. What Blasio did not see was the Tarentine cavalry rushing out of the city. He barely managed to order the Hastati to turn about, but they still took casualties. He meanwhile faced the Tarentines under Ennychos. However, the remaining Roman cavalry easily trapped the Tarentines between the Hastati and themselves. The unit routed. The duel in the left degenerated as Ennychos retreated. He was cut down, and the roman cavalry flooded into the back lines of the defenders. The Triarii cut down the other unit of Tarentines who had regrouped.


The sound of Hooves pounding the ground were not lost over the din of the battle. Even as the Romans pushed forward, the Greek commanders kept yelling orders. "Hold!" Yelled one. But the cavalry charge ended their hopes, and as the commander was cut down, the Romans had won. The people of Messana were enslaved.


Cnaeus Cornelius lay in his bed. He was deep in thought. Not without reason. The mighty Carthaginian empire marched against them even now. Luckily their position was sound. If they lost Messana, they could still retreat to Rhegion. But if they lost there, the entire Peninsula would be wide open for attack. Should they march on Syrakousai? Or march straight on to Lilybaeum. What if the Syrakusans allied with Carthage? The key would be in the great city of Carthage.


Summer, 267 B.C.
Quintus Marcellus recieved a position as a military tribune. Lucius Cornelius laid seige to the city of Syracuse. However, by Autumn he had pulled off. Despite the warnings of Cornelius Blasio, he marched on Lilibeo, trading outpost of Carthage, during the winter.
However, what he had not known was that Carthage has sent another army, led by Hamalcar. A great general, and an excellent swordsman, Hamalcar commanded an army of 458 men. From the other side, Captain Ashtzaph sallied out of Lilibeo, breaking the one season seige momentarily. The sons of Aeneas were surrounded.


The battle began in a regular fashion. Lucius, noting that the army of Hamalcar was far away from the battlefield, marched on the Captain. He wanted to meet the enemy at a clearing, but Ashtzaph purposely marched faster to keep the Romans in the forest. His men would fight better in the forest than the Romans. Sensing this, Lucius halted his men. However, the enemy were upon them. The army was organized into three lines. Hastati forward, Principes behind them, and the Triarii forming the rear with a solid block.


The two battle lines crashed with a roar. Amid the din, the unit captains shouted orders.
"Roman Vincimus!" One man roared. The roman cavalry was not sitting by idly. As the three units charged to the rear of the Carthaginian infantry, they were countered by a unit of cavalry. Lucius quickly charged them, and in a routine maneuver that Lucius drilled his cavalry to do, the two other cavalry units swept into the back. The unit of cavalry was routed.


"For Rome!" Came a cry. The Carthaginians turned to see Lucius Cornelius Scipio at the head of exactly a hundred horses bearing down upon them. Some units fled on sight, others held a little longer. But they all routed when the roman cavalry hit them. Lucius had no time to celebrate. The Carthaginian army had reached the starting deployment area of the roman army. The tired men turned around just in time. They formed a line to repel them. The guard of Hamalcar charged into the right side ofth e Roman army. The infantry charged the left. Hamalcars plan was clear. The Romans would have to commit many troops to hold off his cavalry. That would give his inferior infantry a better chance. On the left flank, a cavalry unit charged the Hastati there. They were repulsed, but then they gave the infantry time to charge the unit. At the same time, the Accensi had retreated far away, where they were dueling with 4 cavalrymen.


The roman right flank was being overwhelmed by the blue riders of Carthage. The Principes were also sent forth , and after a few moments, even the Triarii were committed. They had not been expecting to fight, but now they charged forth with vigor. Lucius Cornelius repeatedly charged into the rears of the Carthaginian guard, killing a few every time. Slowly the Carthaginian numbers began to dwindle as they were surrounded by more and more Romans. However, the gamble by Hamalcar was paying off. The Carthaginian infantry had broken a single unit of Hastati, and the Principes were barely holding. Shocked at losing a unit, Lucius ordered his other unit of Triarii to help out. Some people say that it was a rash move, but it held the Carthaginians.


Meanwhile, the Carthaginian general was in real trouble. He was down to nine guards, and although those 9 sold their lives dearly, he was soon left alone. But he did not stop. At that moment, some soldiers say a glow emitted from his shield. He continued to bash Romans with his shield, and slay them with his sword. Romans charged up, eager to kill him, then ended up dead, trampled by more eager Romans. This miraculous last stand was working. The Triarii on the other flank needed cavalry support, for their numbers were far too few to hold the enemy alone. But Lucius was busy trying to finish off the greatest Carthaginian general the world had ever seen. Eventually he turned around. Leaving behind his Triarii and some Principes to kill Hamalcar, he charged the rest of the men at the Carthaginian infantry.


"Hold! Hold for the great Hamalcar and your families!" Yelled a Carthaginian commander. But the Carthaginians weren't holding. They were pushing. They had almost broken through the gap of stoic Triarii when a huge cry erupted, followed by a vigorous cheer. "Hamalcar is dead! Fight harder men, for he is not a god, but a mere mortal!" Yelled a centurion. The Carthaginian commander wiped a tear from his eye. "One final charge men! One glorious charge in the name of Carthage and to Baal the protector!" And so they charged. The Roman cavalry charged into the Carthaginian rear, and roman infantry poured in from the flanks. The remaining Carthaginians routed, the unnamed Carthaginian commander falling while attempting to rally his men.


144 Romans were killed that day in Elimya. 54 at the hands of Captain Ashtzaph, (who escaped and fell later at the Battle of Lilibeo) and 190 had fallen to Hamalcar. The glorious general was given a proper funeral. The Carthaginian army had been utterly broken, with a force of about 100 men escaping. 682 of their number would never walk again.



And so Lilibeo was taken with much bloodshed. Inside the city, the blood rain didn't stop. However, trade in Lilibeo would continue uninterrupted, and a Client ruler was appointed there. And Quintus Claudius Marcellus chose two men from his trusted friends to join the elite, under his name of course. They were Decimus Fabius Ambustus and Titus Julius Jujus. At the same time, a huge roman army, the largest ever fielded was marching towards the rebellious border settlement of Bononia.


Bononia was led by a dictator named Cadwalador. Due to his harsh personality, people didn't tend to like him, but had grown accustomed to his rule. The Boii Galla as they were called feared Cadwalador, but they hated the Romans even more. He was also a great commander, probably because the men he commanded feared him, and therefore respected him, in their own way. But when a Consular army under a roman military tribune arrived outside their gates, the people of Bononia gathered whatever weapons they could to sally forth. But Cadwalador ordered them to wait. So the seige went on, until the Boii could hold no longer. They burst forth in a torrent of fury, and though they had lost many men to starvation and the winter, they fought like cornered animals.


The army of 1000 Gauls had been reduced in number to just about 675 men. The huge roman army consisted of 1400 men. A huge number. Caius Aurelius Cotta lined his men up so that the three battering rams obstructed the enemy attack. Hastati, Principes and Triarii. He imediately marched his cavalry along with him to the enemy right. Though the battering rams would obstruct the enemy's infantry attack, it would also render the roman cavalry useless. In this situation, many a general would use his cavalry to protect the flanks. However, Cotta kept them in a position to see everything and capitalize on weaknesses.


A powerful horn sounded. Cottas attention was diverted to a unit of 60 cavalry marching out of one of the city gates. He spurred on his own horse, and led the roman cavalry against the Brihentin of who he knew was Cadwalador. They charged and engaged in a ferocious struggle. With the ene roman numbers beginning to tell, a unit of spears ran up behind Cotta. He ordered his cavalry to retreat, and Cadwalador was spared for then. The cavalry retreated, to where the two infantry lines had clashed. Just as Cotta had suspected, the enemy had been bottlenecked and slowed down. His Hastati were holding them pretty easily. He saw Cadwalador overtake his men and charge the reserve Principes. His guard nearly disintegrated facing the 5 units of Principes. He waded through the organized lines, until a Principe stabbed him. Cotta reorganized his line further back. They had arrived at a lull in the fighting, and most of the Gauls were regrouping. He lined up his Principes to take the next attack. His Hastati waited behind. The second time the battle lines joined, it was only a small clash. This time the Gauls routed completely. But Caius and his cavalry followed. They stopped in front of the gates. A hundred Gauls were running from the slaughter behind them, only to meet the iron points of the roman cavalry. A hundred had tried to escape. A hundred lay dead near the gates. Satisfied, the cavalry turned around and charged through the gates, the gatekeeper already slain by a stray javelin. They charged right into the center, where they faced the last remnants of enemy men. One slinger. That was all that waited there. The Romans played with him. Stabbing him here and there, seeing how long he would last. The poor slinger collapsed after the third strike. Laughing, Cotta began a victory speech. However, his first words were drowned out by a horn. Gallic cavalry charged them, along with swordsmen and slingers. Imediately, Cotta sounded the horn of Rome, given to all elected officials, governor or general. The Hastati outside the city charged in. However, some remaining Gaesatae managed to kill many Principes before reinforcing Hastati cut them down. By the time the Hastati arrived, the town square was littered with Gallic dead. The last few Boii Galla were cut down, and Rome had finally triumphed!


The people of Bononia were enslaved, under orders from the senate. Caius Aurelius Cotta could not help but watch. At his young age, he had begun to question many things, including the moral conflicts that the senate had created. He realized at that moment, watching the Bononians being taken away, that he had not achieved anything. Barely had one dictator been killed then another one took his place. But this one held a roman seal. He realized that there was no point. He had killed so many men for nothing. His own losses had been for nothing. And so his mind had been formed.


The battle is of conflicting importance. Some say that it is the beginning of a Roman age, others say that it was a Pyrrhic victory, for 178 Romans had died. Many curse young Caius, but they forget the 658 Boii Galla that littered the field as well. Whichever way it is, Bononia is now roman. Syrakousai will fall in the next season if its defenders do not take up arms and sally forth. Things are looking up for the small nation.


Plinus was hunched over a wax tablet. Next to him was Lucius Cornelius Scipio. "And there was a glow? As if the gods had blessed him?" He questioned, his voice filled with sceptism. "Yes." Said Lucius in a cold voice. "Or atleast the soldiers believe it to be true." "Sire, would you mind telling me why we don't seek help from the Arvernri or the Getai to counter the Aedui?" Plinus asked, smoothing over the previous exchange. "Never ask a barbarian for help. They may think your better off dead." Lucius said, smiling. "Excellent sire, Excellent." Plinks remarked, writing on his tablet. Lucius looked outside the tent flap. The Hastati were practicing their maneuvering skills, and a few Principes were watching. Word had got out that Quintus Marcellus Claudius had adopted another man from his friends. Lucius pondered over this. Sextus Sempronius Blaesus. Quintus could make an army with all his "adopted" friends bodyguards.




Syrakousai fell that winter of 263 B.C. The people of the city were expelled to other lands within Rome. In Lilibeo, Lucius Aurelius Cotta, the client ruler, watched the sea for enemies. However, Carthage had been silent for some time now. He was confident that the roman defenses would hold, even though he wasn't a roman, he did not want to lose his job and be kicked out of the city.


After the fall of Syrakousai, the I Legio Victrix was disbanded. If Carthage attacked, Sicily would be defenseless. Even now, Cornelius Blasio wondered why they didn't attack. The senators of Rome had deemed it fit that Cornelius be named the Provincial governor of Sicily. He had, after all attacked and defeated the Greeks at Messana. He had also organized the rag tag army into a strong legion, all until its disbanding. Now the second legion, the II Legio Gallica, led by Caius Aurelius Cotta was marched strong in the North.


The Senate had made another decision. They had decided that Liguria could wait. Instead, they ordered Caius to march the II Legio Gallica on the Aedui. Their city of Mediolanum was besieged. However, in Autumn, the second legion was attacked by Captain Liscos. Catamantaloedis of the Aedui also marched out against Cotta. He was a very distinguished man who had lots of battle understanding, but little experience.


The battle began as the army of Cotta faced off against the army of Liscos. The enemy army had two units of Gaesatae. Cotta wanted to finish them off with a cavalry charge, but his cavalrymen didn't get enough momentum, and they lost 7 horses, compared to the 6 dead fanatics. The enemy infantry advanced, but they were shredded apart by the Roman pila. The enemy infantry was crushed. However, Liscos and his cavalry survived, and continued to harass the Romans. A unit of cavalry finally engaged them in combat, where they began to get the upper hand. The roman cavalry retreated, and the Gallic cavalry followed. They charged straight towards the Triarii, while the roman cavalry turned right. They were caught between them both, and soon routed. They regrouped, fought again and routed again. They soon regrouped once more. They would strike again at an important moment.


The army of Catamantaloedis had lined up already. They waited patiently. Caius turned to face them, and with a cry, 640 Hastati charged towards the front lines of the enemy. Nearly 40 fell dead to the Gallic javelins before the two armies clashed. Immediately it was known that the Hastati couldn't hold. The Principes rushed in, struggling to hold the line. The Gallic forces stayed in formation remarkably well. The roman cavalry charged behind the enemy lines. Caius Cotta could see a detachment of about 300 men waiting near the battlefield. They were waiting for Catamantaloedis to arrive. If they joined in, the battle would be lost. Safely behind enemy lines, he charged individual units. But he had underestimated the enemy. If the right flank was under pressure, then the left flank was under a mountain of pressure. Soon two units of Hastati had broken. Caius was shocked. He had not expected to lose so many men so quickly. He continued his charge, and routed one unit. The units fighting that unit broke through the line and surrounded the enemy next to them. Caius continued to charge repeatedly. Suddenly, Liscos the snake had arrived. He charged the roman left flank, and it crumbled. Hundreds of Romans lost right there. Caius could not continue fighting. The battlefield was piled with roman dead. A few units of Gauls made it into the enemy rear, but faced the roman Triarii there. The battle increased in intensity. Units dueled and dueled, and finally the main Gallic line broke. The roman masses charged after the next group, the 300+ Gauls. They held very well, holding the Romans. The Triarii were fighting like demons, their Medusa shields coated in blood, making them more hideous. Caius Aurelius Cotta was in the center of it, killed here and there, striking whenever needed. Liscos was cut down by his guard as the main line had collapsed, but now Catamantaloedis charged the Roman infantry. The huge amount of Romans could not break through the enemy any more, and their advance grinder to a halt. Catamantaloedis charged again and again. But when the Triarii finally joined in, he pulled out, just in time to see Cotta charge the remaining Gauls. They routed in a mass, and Catamantaloedis lost all but 5 of his guard. Cotta followed him and they clashed in an epic battle. Howeve, the snake escaped, and Cotta turned around to help some Triarii. Such was the difference in their personalities.


Soon, Catamantaloedis faced Cotta again. This time he wouldn't be so lucky. Romans flooded into the Gallic city of Mediolanum. 50 Romans fell, but 175 Aedui tribesmen joined their comrades in death. The people of Mediolanum were enslaved. After seeing this, Cotta began to sleep much less. However, he had gained in command. He had never had any real aura of command, but now he had earned a star. He was a good manager.


I hope you are in good health, Consul. All is fine in Gaul, though we have taken extensive losses. I heard that you were named Pro-Praetor of Sicilia. It is a great achievement, worthy of a man like you. However, your son is also doing his fair share in the republic. He has been recently named as the "Vanquisher of the Galli" by the II Legio Gallicus. I hope he gets a triumph us, for he is a very hardworking young man.


Your friend,
Placus


The second legion had been marching north their last reported whereabouts was near the mountain pass of Gaul. There they had encountered a small Gallic army. The Gallic legion needed a large amount of money if they were to march ahead. Only 3600 denarii was coming into the treasuries and staying there. Funds were going low, and if the legion fell, Rome wouldn't be able to muster enough men to defend herself. All hopes rested upon Caius Aurelius Cotta.


"What is this?" "What is this!" Cornelius Blasio roared at the messenger. The messenger cowered before Cornelius's wrath. "600 men! Half the legion gone? How did he get a title for this?" "Sire, I only know that the legions survivors lifted him upon their shields. They say he charged repeatedly, and nearly died of exhaustion near the end. His guard took heavy losses, and he had been left with only 6 guards sire. They consider him a hero for saving hte legion from destruction." "Aghhh! I killed thousands of enemies. Our legion never lost 600 men." "But with all due respect sire, you didn't fight 1400 bloodthirsty Gauls." Cornelius would have struck the man down for such insolence, but he stopped. Caius Aurelius Cotta may have save the day after all. Dropping a few coins in the messengers palm, he walked out onto the balcony. His son was finally doing something of use. Maybe now was not the time to insult him, especially when Placus himself admitted to the boys bravery.




Another council was held, this one was to decide about the course of war in Gaul. No roman had dared march into Gaul willingly, as none had come back alive. However, the II Legio Gallicus was doing just that. Caius Aurelius could not leave his legion, but the remaining governors arrived. They met in Messana, where Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio waited.


"Senators! Viri Elite! I have called you here with good news. While Carthage remains hostile to us, we have managed to come to an agreement. Sicily is ours! I myself am the governor of this province, the first new province in our Republic!" The men clapped with vigor. "Carthage has renounced its claim on Sicily and has chosen instead to keep its territory in Iberia. And with this I can conclude that the first Punic war is over!" More applause rang out. One senator got up and began to speak."Nunc esse in Gallia habeat liberam regni nostri legionis, ius? Segesta et introducere oportet Patavi nobis." "Yes, That is definetely the next step. The Aedui are pulling back to fight their rivals the Arverni. We can establish our power to the northern barbarians. With the Aedui on the retreat, I propose the raising of another legion." Most of the men looked shell shocked. It was as quiet as night. "Legio una et pecuniam ad nos vix sustinere vis alium tollere? Ingressus es insanus?" One senator cried out. Lucius Cornelius Scipio stood up and spoke. "This is our chance to strike. Carthage has given up Sicily, so we have consolidated our power here. However, there is another island, to our North. It is called Corsica. Even further north, another small island named Sardinia is also present. The two trading outposts on these cities will be our first targets. Once our control over Northern Italy is absolute, we may march on Carthage with the funds we gained from the conquest. Then it will be a simple thing to march on Carthage herself." "Amentiæ. Hoc est furor! Martii Carthago? Classem ibi submergetur te medium. Stationes duas dignum non est." A senator protested. Cornelius Blasio got up. "L. Cornelius Scipio his praesidiis pergemus. Exercitusque eius loci, ex dilectibus, non pecuniam, haurientes triariis. Sexterius memini, non facile navigant mare nostrum. Contra labi po possimus. Haec est finalis." He walked out, and the Senate was dismissed. "I hope this plan works Cornelius. We are in a precarious position right now. Enemies in all sides. If the Aedui, Epeirotes, and the Karthadastim come back, we will be crushed." An elderly senator said and left.


But until that time, the II Legio Gallicus was the sole army. The Summer of 260 B.C is were our story continues. The blooded Caius Aurelius Cotta lives on, and with him, Romes hopes of a greater future. He had been scarred many times by the barbarians in his battles, yet he carried his scars with honor and pride. During that year, a diplomat to from Iberia arrived. The largest tribe of Iberia, the Lusotan were offering trade rights. Their offer was accepted, for there was no reason to deny them. During this year, Lucius Cornelius Scipio was named Praetor. He was an energetic man though, and sitting around in a city was not his style. He was forced to accept it though, living in Syrakousai at the time.


It was at this time that a small Gallic expedition force besieged Mediolanum. Their intentions were clear. They wanted to distract Cotta and force him to break of the Second seige of Segesta. But Cotta knew the Aedui plan. So instead, he sent a small detachment of 320 Hastati under Appius Sempronius Tuditanus. He was a mercenary general from Lilibeo. Though he had next to no talent at battle, he was ambitious, and ready to prove himself. He faced off against Cocovictolitavis, the commander of the Gallic detachment. The garrison of Mediolanum marched out to help.


The army of Appius immediately faced the enemy. Two units of levy spearmen and one unit of swordsmen where Cocovictolitavis was commanding from. The barbarians charged, and the roman pila flew true. Many fell, but one unit of Lugoae charged the Hastati. The rest of the Gauls began retreating. The one unit had been a sacrifice, so that the rest of the Gauls could escape. However, the unit panicked, and the Hastati broke through, after taking some losses. The Gauls retreated into the forest. Now it is hard to explain just how bad visibility was in the forest. The Gauls navigated fairly easily, but for the Romans under Captain Numerius, the forest was impenetrable. Still, the thirteen Principes that made up the melee infantry body of the garrison managed to snare the enemy. The second unit of Levies were caught between Numerius' Principes and Appius' guard. They were cut down easily. However, that turned out to be another sacrifice, so that the Captain and his swordsmen could escape. They managed to, although they retreated deep into Gaul. Appius returned to the second legion. Only 17 Romans had perished, compared to the 228 Gauls that littered the forest and field.


However, Appius considered himself a hero for winning the battle, and became treacherous and untrustworthy. But Caius had bigger problems. Conan, a military genius, was facing him. He still had an army of 800 men, but it was significantly reduced. Cotta had with him 1108 men. The 320 men he had sent off, along with the large guard of Appius had left him vulnerable, but not weak.


Caius Aurelius Cotta was a genius. Sharp and Vigorous, he imediately realized how he could win this battle. He would stake everything on his infantry. He lined up his Hastati so that they were a few paces away from the rams he had built. When the Liguriae came out, he ordered the Cretan archers, who had been brought by Appius, to fire on the Gaesatae. They began to inflict significant casualties. The Ligurians came out in two waves. The first wave charged the left flank. It was small, yet significantly strong. They were forced to charge into a narrow corridor made by the rams, and they piled up behind each other. Before they could spread out and attack the other Hastati, Cotta ordered his left and right hand side Hastati to attack the vulnerable roman flanks. Cotta couldn't charge well himself, but that didn't stop him from trying. Repeatedly he charged, along with Numerius, another mercenary general. The Ligurians broke. However, on the other side, the second wave of Ligurians was charging. Nearly 500 men charged the right flank. They also piled up, but the Gesatae began inflicting casualties. At this time, the Pedites Extraordinarii moved to the flank. One unit of them held off some Gallic light cavalry, the other flanked the right wing Ligurians. Then the left flank Hastati charged in, along with the Principes. The roman equites charged in, along with Numerius' guard. They started a rout of two units. The rest held their ground, stoic and strong. However, the Brihentin of Conan had chased after Cotta, where the other roman cavalry charged into the Brihentins flank. The Brihentin were cut down, with one man escaping. Conan was cut down. Almost immediately, there was a huge rout. The roman cavalry blocked off the gates so they could slaughter at will. Cotta charged inside, and soon the streets became a killing zone as the roman equites and the Consular guards cut down any Gaul they saw.


The Pedites Extraordinarii marched into the city. They faced the few Gauls remaining, and slayed them with ease. Soon only two units of Gauls remained. They had been running all the way from the battlefield to the town square to fight, and they were exhausted. They charged the prepared Pedites, and they were slaughtered. They continued to attempt to push forward, but were slaughtered without a single casualty to the Pedites. The battle of Segesta was won. The people were sold into slavery.


144 Romans fell. However, 755 Ligurians, along with Conan had fallen as well. In Rhegion, a large mining project was being established to support the Gallic legion. Cotta was given the position of Quaestor. Now, Caius marched on the second city in Northern Italy that defied roman rule. Patavium.


This city was guarded by Caratwac, a smart and ambitious tribe head. The Venetians fielded a decent army of 900 men. However, this time, the roman army had something special. It was at its absolute height of power. 1463 men, two Socii units of Pedites, 9 Hastati, 4 Principes, One unit of Triarii(the other was disbanded after much discussion), and one unit of 48 horsemen. Along with that, the Guards of Appius and Cotta were present, as was a unit of Cretan archers.


One unit of Hastati was severely depleted, almost at half the size it used to be. This unit led the attack, and would be remembered for ever for their bravery. The roman army formed a column. It was huge, stretching for more than 2000 paces. Once the gate was broken, the Hastati in from threw their pila. The Pedites Extraordinarii charged in, and the Hastati unit followed. Half the column followed as well, leading to a standstill. At first, only a few slingers were defending the walls. However, swordsmen came charging down from the central hill, and the Pedites charged back. The men behind them were stuck, unable to move forward till the Pedites cleared some room. Cotta ordered them to move over to the side, so they wouldn't block the invading force. Two units of Hastati, one of them the depleted one were fighting inside the walls. All hell had broken lose the second the Romans entered the gates. The Pedites were cutting a large swathe of destruction, and the Hastati were providing backup. It seemed backwards, but the Hastati were few in number, so they were fighting at the sides. Fighting and winning, along with the Pedites. Cotta charged into the gate, attempting to get into a charging position. At this time, Appius was there as well, while Numerius had been left in Segesta. Appius began to fight the enemy infantry head on, and dragged the roman equites into the battle too. Cotta signaled with his horn, and Appius pulled out. They repeatedly charged for some time, then attempted to get behind the huge mass of Gallic bodies now pressing onto the Romans. The Pedites were hacking through them, but they were getting exhausted. Soon the Brihentin of Caratwac charged into the battle. They began to sway the Romans, that is, until the brave Cotta charged them. Again and again he charged, and now more Principes were coming into the battle. There were no more units. The Romans had filtered out in the battle, and now some captains were commanding units that they were near, not their own. Caius tried to flank the Venetians, but they turned a few units of spearmen around to guard the rear. Soon, the Pedites were breaking through. A Pedite killed Caratwac, and the Venetians routed. The roman cavalry followed, mopping up. The entire roman army entered, where they split up. The fresh Principes on one side, and the fresh Hastati on the other. Those who had been fighting were left behind to rest. Some Pedites even collapsed. The Principes threw their pila, but then the last remaining units of 200 men, who had made a brave last stand charged them. The Pricnieps pushed them back to the town square, where the Hastati charged from the other side.t he last man surrendered, and the city was taken. The people were sold into slavery, including the last man. The Cretan archers had done massive damage, killing more than 200 men from afar. The end result was such. 209 dead Romans. 913 dead Venetians.


After the Assault of Patavium, the Legion raised Caius on their shields and named him Imperator. He was a prospective triumphator! All that was required was the senates blessings. Cnaeus Cornelius could not believe it. A triumph? That was magnificent. He knew his hardworking son had deserved it. In the same season, Lucius Cornelius Scipio was named Consul, and Cotta was named a tribune of the Plebs. Cotta recieved word that there would be a Triumph in his name! He was required to leave his legion behind, though he hated to do that. Where would he be without his battle hardened legion? The Gallic legion had earned the trust of every Roman in the Senate, and it was a symbol of roman power. He travelled to Roma alone, and at the same time, a unit of Equites Extraordinarii marched to join the legion. The mines in Rhegion were finished in the same year, and right now, Caius Aurelius is partying in Roma. A well deserved reward for a very deserving man.


There was even talk of Caius Aurelius being named the Heir to the Dictator position. With a triumph to his name, the current heir, Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio Asina had a slim chance of holding his title, especially when Cotta was the son of the current Dictator, Blasio.


A man, named Numerius Claudius Crassus, asked for the hand of Placidia, a beautiful maiden. A Patrician, he was accepted into the Elite. The triumph of Caius Aurelius was over, and after a bit of debate in the senate, he left for Patavium, to march his legion once more. He had managed to make many enemies in the Senate, being a Plebian, he had vetoed many of the Senates bills, and many a Patrician hated him for that. However, he marched far from the jealousy of the senators, to the North, where his legion protected him. Numerius was given the position of a Miitary tribune, being the son-in-law of the consul, he was given the position early. Lucius Aurelius Cotta, like the other two mercenary generals had become an impostor. Enraged, he was kicked out of Lilibeo by Cornelius Blasio. Cornelius himself had to arrive to stabilize the region.


At the same time, the second legion had begun its long march North. They set up a fort in 255 B.C. The first thing they saw was a small Arverni scout force. Cotta didn't attack, because he wanted Arverni support against the Aedui. Divide et Vincas. By Winter he had marched out and laid seige to Aventicos, a large village and home to the Elwit Joi. The Aedui had a huge amount of men in the area. The Arverni had an almost equal amount. If they both attacked Cotta, then he would easily be overwhelmed. However, they continued to fight against each other, and Cotta assaulted Aventicos.


The Pedites broke down the wall as the entire Roman army shifted from their camp to the breach. The Pedites charged in, and a huge tide of Gauls surged in from the other side, hitting the Pedites from the front. The two units were bolstered by a unit of Hastati. The Gauls were pressing hard, but a Hastati unit broke down the gates, and the cavalry charged in. The two units of Equites Extraordinarii began to charge, but they didn't managed many casualties. However, more men put more pressure on the Gauls, and son they routed. A unit of Mori Gaesum held the street, but the Romans cut them down. They charged the center for a long brawl, but ended up winning, with the last Gaul going down among the Romans. The people were enslaved, and they followed Cotta willingly. They knew his power.


636 Elwit Joi fell, along with 114 Romans. To replace the losses, a unit of Samnites and a unit of Hippeis replaced a unit of Hastati that stayed in the city and the 100 lost men. Cotta wasted no time. News of his arrival in Gaul would be spreading. By the winter, he had set up a fort between Bibracte and a small army. He realized that the Aedui would reinforce Bibracte as soon as possible, so he attacked the small army. The army of Bibracte marched out as well. This time, Caius Aurelius Cotta was outnumbered by 600 men. Still, he faced the enemy with courage.


The first army was led by Captain Geraint. The roman army marched forward. The Lugoae charged ahead at the Hastati. However, the Hastati charged them back. At this time, the roman cavalry was circling around the Gallic line. One thunderous charge and the enemy army routed. A few units came back, but the Samnites dealt with them. The Second army was positioned on a high hill. The Hastati charged once more. The Princioes ran to the left flank, so they could overpower the enemy there. One unit of spearmen was what was stopping them. If they were defeated, the roman cavalry would be able to deliver thundering downhill charge from behind the enemy. The Principes did not fail. They flooded into the enemy rear, and began to surround the right flank of Gauls. The cavalry charged into the rear.


Words cannot express how powerful the roman charge was. A large clump of Gauls who had rallied to their captain were the first target. They routed in one mass. The rest of the army was dealt with charges as well, and the enemy routed. They were chased till they escaped, and even then the Pricnipes threw their pila after them. However, the battle had been hard. Hundreds of men lay on the field. Without a final count, it would be hard to tell who had gained the upper hand.


The final report said this. "It upsets me to say that more than 600 Gauls escaped to Bibracte. However, 1501 lay slaughtered by the Legion. 258 of our men have fallen though."
Unit Captain, V Maniple


In the next season of Spring, a man named Cunovindos moc Moritasgos stood in Cottas way. He had 1600 men, including the garrison of Bibracte.


Cotta lined up near the outskirts of the battlefield. He had a solid infantry line prepared, and kept his cavalry to the left of his army, to ambush the Gallic rear. There they hid in the thick forest. The Gauls came closer. A unit of Gauls was almost on top of the cavalry, and the ambush was found. The cavalry rushed to the Gallic rear before the alarm could be sounded, but couldn't charge. Cunovindos made sure to keep them occupied by attacking them himself. He soon routed from the field.


The Gauls charged in groups. The first group very nearly overpowered the roman left flank. The intervention of the Principes stopped that from happening. The second group was combined with the third and fourth to deliver a smashing blow. The Samnites attempted to attack the right flank of Gauls, but they themselves were attacked by the garrison of Bibracte. Soon the roman cavalry began their charges, and a large chunk of Gauls routed. However, the final charge sent the Captain of the Bibracte garrison, Berdic, running. Soon the Gallic advance was breaking up. The Gauls were on a massive retreat, with a few exhausted Gauls attempting to fight. Soon the battle was won. 1169 dead Gauls. 243 Romans had fallen to kill those men.


I didn't start I depth role playing here. I wanted to start now.

[Ownager]

Next main update will be up on Friday. Smaller teasers may be added.

[Duncan III]

I really enjoyed reading that and looking forward to more- the stuff about Hamalcar's glowing shield was a nice touch.

Edit: and try to get into what the characters are thinking as much as possible,make us believe these characters are real, you have done it a bit already, I want a feel for the different personalities.

If you get a character who drowns spiders in vinegar or suchlike you can make the most of his insanity and weave stories around it.

[Ownager]

That sa great idea. I'll work on a mini trailer for tomorrow. Its 11 PM here.

[Ownager]

Sorry Its late, went bowling all day yesterday with some friends. Here, A diplomat from Carthage arrives at Messana to ask for a ceasefire. Cnaeus orders Caius to make peace with the Gauls and march on Iberia. Caius has to choose to accept these orders or or to ignore them. If he ignores them, he'll lose favor with his father, and then he would lose his only true ally in the senate.

In the villa of Cornelius Blasio, a diplomat arrived. While it was rare for diplomats to speak directly to the head of Rome, it was more impossible still that he come to Messana instead of Rome. Cnaeus knew this was something important. "My name is Bomilkar, Consul of Rome." Cornelius was unimpressed. "State your business and leave." Bomilkar smiled and began. "The trading empire of Carthage has a proposal for you." "Why bring this to me? It must have been a long journey from Iberia to Sicily. Even by horse." "Sir, you Underestimate our naval strength. I came by ship from Carthage." Cnaeus' heart raced. If the Carthaginians could land a diplomat here, they could surely land an army if they wanted. "What do you propose?" Cnaeus asked, knowing that whatever the diplomat had to say would change everything. "The Empire does not wish to fight profitless wars. All we require from your republic is a ceasefire, profitable trade and assistance." Cnaeus straightened up. "Assistance? What assistance?" He questioned. Bomilkar seemed to tense up. "In Iberia, one upstart tribe is attempting to control the area. With your help, we can unite Iberia, crush that tribe, and engage in profitable trade once again." Cnaeus knew that denying them this help would result in another war, one were the Romans would be on the loosing end. "Why not speak to the council on this matter?" Cnaeus asked. The senate would not take it kindly if he accepted such a proposal without their consent. "You know the senate. They would have killed me on sight. They are afraid of us." Bomilkar replied. Cnaeus pondered over the matter a little more, then accepted. "I guess there is nothing more to say. We are obliged to help you. My son will arrive in Iberia once he has finished with his campaign in Gaul." Bomilkar smiled, bowed and left. And so, the two greatest powers of the Mediterranean ceased their fighting to decide the fate of one Penninsula. Iberia.


"Iberia!" Caius roared. "We are to march to Iberia? So why did I make my trip then? Why did I ask for reinforcements? So I could march to Iberia? With all of Gaul behind us, nibbling at our heels?" Caius' long time friend and helper, Titus, put a calming hand on his shoulder. "Sir, with all due respect, I believe your father does not know of our situation. Despite your explanation, your father has not been in the same position as you are in now." "My father fought battles too." Caius mumbled. Even in his anger at his father, he still defended him. "But sire, your father was never pushed into the heart of the enemy. If he had landed in Carthage, then I wouldn't say this, but your father always had reinforcements behind him." Caius nodded. "So what do you think?" Titus took a deep breath. "Inform your father that you cannot do as he asks. Tell him that you will first subjugate all of Gaul before marching to Iberia." Caius frowned. "But you know that subjugating Gaul will take atleast 10 more years. Maybe more if we have to face both tribes at once." Titus smiled a cunning smile. "Obviously your father does not know that." Caius smiled, but it was a weary smile. The rest of his life would be spent subjugating people, against their will, into the republic.

[Ownager]

Just reminding you fair people that this AAR is not dead. Actually, next update is tomorrow, inspite of the lack of feedback on the mini trailer. Make sure you read it! Or else

[Ownager]

Yoohooo. Thread still open. AAR working. Someone please reply. I feel so lonely. One AAR in the middle of so many other threads. Where is everyone? Why can't you answer? Do I even exist? I'm not sure, but I'm sure you guys do.

[Duncan III]

Post some more then!

[Ownager]

How was the mini trailer? The one with Caius and Cnaeus? I know it wasn't too long, but it sets the stage for the future. I don't want to spoil the rest, but watch Cnaeus' actions. I wanted to update tonight, but I might not get the time. If I don't update tomorrow, I will probably end this AAR. I don't want to dilly dally around and waste others and my time. I might get in some playing time today, and be able to write a little.