Freedom Under the Kings of Syracuse (Chap 32)

[Alavaria]

Chapter 13: Unlucky Romans

The Roman collaborators in Rhegion were most unfortunate.

After the Roman general went up in smoke, the remnants of his forces retreat to the building-surrounded central square. But our firepots did them in there, as well. We burned down some of the buildings around their heads.

While the heavy Roman horsemen charged out to meet a quick and relatively honorable death on our spears....

The other Italians huddled together. They guessed correctly that we had run out of our quota of ammunition (still needed it elsewhere, after all), and were determined to prove themselves to no one in particular, with a last stand among the rubble.

We had no real choice, but to engage. Victory was of course ours.

Spoiler for Details: 

Now about the Romans north of Messana... they were possibly even more unlucky, though their situation was in many ways reversed.

• They were mostly heavy Roman-style infantry, with the usual magnificent mail armor and super-heavy shield.
• They were outside a settlement's walls
• They were the attackers
• They were expecting a fight

But, too bad for them, contingency plans for such a situation had already been put in place. As soon as Roman ships were spotted, Sicilian militia forces prepared to fight a defensive action. While these still-in-training Thureoporoi units were not expecting action so soon, the Libyan ones in particular were very courageous.

The time the landing forces had actually established a camp, all of the disassembled siege engines intended for the Fortress Sicily seawall were set up on the walls of Messana. Construction on extra-high lookout towers (to also be equipped with small ballistae) proceeded at top speed while the civilians began encircling the Romans with a variety of trenches, ditches, stakes, wood palisades and so on.



The situation was tense, but the Romans had intended to establish a base by surprise, then hold it until more supplies and reinforcements came from Rhegion.

Due to the failure of the Roman covert operation "Sacred Band" to cause a Carthaginian withdrawal, they had planned on staging supplies and reinforcements just across the water, minimizing the risk of encountering a joint Carthaginian-Sicilian naval force. But now they were out of luck.

Heironymos: A messenger? Are reinforcements on their way? What is the situation in Sicily?
Messenger: The Romans are contained. I have a record of the first action of the United Cities of Sicily (and Carthage).
Hieronymos: Quick, give that to me, it must be important.

Hierynumos: Hmm... hmm, I see.
Officers: What is our next move?
Hieronymos: We must secure our foothold here. Northwards!

Hieronymos: Somehow it feels risky to advance, but at the same time I just know the Romans can't do anything for a while yet.
Hieronymos: This will secure our beachhead and then I guess it's the Romans' turn.
Officer: But we have the advantage, both in terms of a front and supply lines.

Hieronymos: Yes, we even brought all our horsemen across, which should help. I hear the Romans have some powerful horse.
Officer: The Campanian Cavalry, who proved very loyal after Hannibal's defeat at Cannae.
Hieronymos: Our own Syracusean Cavalry will show them who is better.

Hieronymos: I guess I actually meant our Royal Hoplites.

The thureophoroi dance...

Hieronymos: Gather the men, there are some important things to share about our Italian campaign.

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 14: 

Chapter 14: Shock and Awe

Soldier: We spotted Roman infantry within the walls of Tarentum!
Hieronymos: No, those are only their allies.

Hieronymos: Who are, however, amazingly well armored, equipped and trained as always.
Hieronymos: The Romans must only live and produce for war.
Soldier: How amazingly single-minded in their destructive impulses.
Hieronymos: Still, this will test our anti-Roman small unit tactics.

Hieronymos: Can someone clear this ridiculous fog?
Hieronymos: I want to inspect our brand-new....

Hieronymos: Mercenary pikemen, fresh from service with the Spartans!
Hieronymos: They look very formidable, hopefully we can modernize and adopt these methods of warfare.

Hieronymos: Still, the expertise and dedication of our Thureophoroi units will lead the way to victory over the barbarians this day.
Hieronymos: The first unit will assault the settlement now!

Captain: Roman forces spotted!
Captain: Deploy Javelins!

A dark shadow hangs over the enemy forces, they can see that they are doomed. As the settlement burns around them, there will soon not be anything left to defend anyway.

As their general tries to rally his men for a last defense of the town square, he is hit by artillery and killed.

His surviving men were shocked by the suddenness of their defeat, and awed by the sight of the Sicilian fire that was coming down from the sky.

The first unit marched though the smouldering ruins after the rain of fire ended. Roman horse attacked, even in the face of deadly javelins, flung into their face.

For a moment, it looked like they might defeat the greeks, who were armed only with combat knives, but Hieronymos always used a combined arms approach...

His second arm, consisting of a second unit of Thureophoroi, used their javelins to great effect against the backs of the Roman horsemen. They had to hurry, however, as the Roman infantry were not going to stand by...

The Greeks turned as the Roman-trained infantry prepared to throw their heavy pila. Indeed, despite the great difficulties these javelins could cause, Hieronymos' plan was simply to take the missiles head on with infantry.

Many thureos shields were heavily damaged, the enemy closed in expecting an easy win!

The light thureos was quite useful in a melee, however the Greeks' lack of appropriate melee ability proved a liability in battle. The roman forces were reaping a grim toll with their swords.

But once again, combined arms...

They probably didn't see the charge that was moments away from ending them.

Rather than try to pull back to their defense line to the south, Hieronymos marched his men to the east.

In the distance, they could see the sails of an approaching... Macedonian fleet!



Hieronymos: Get the men in order. It's time for a speech.

[_Tartaros_]

nice update

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 15: 

Chapter 15: Legio I

Hieronymos: The situation in Sicily is serious, but not desperate.
Hieronymos: Our heroic Sicilian Homeland Defense Force has contained and pinned down the enemy.

Hieronymos: King Hiero II of Syracuse has hired Antiphus of Athenai to provide additional support.
Hieronymos: However, it is not for us to leave a job unfinished. Regarding our mission...

Hieronymos: The strategic situation is excellent, and very much in our favor.
Hieronymos: Our combined Sicilian and Carthaginian fleet is causing the Romans considerable distress on the west coast.
Hieronymos: Meanwhile, with the logistical help of our Macedonian friends, we have access to two avenues of supply.

Hieronymos: Victory is well within our grasp, if we should be so bold... and so foolish.
Hieronymos: The Romans must be handed a war they never thought to have to fight, and so...

Hieronymos: We have received word from Sicily.

The League of United Cities of Sicily, and Cathage,

Condemning the Empire's illegal occupation of territory and illegal settlements therein,

Remembering other crimes committed by the Roman "Empire," especially against citizens of the League,

Recognizing the habit of the Empire to regroup and recover their strength in times of peace, before resuming hostilities,

Acknowledging the nature of the Empire to consider itself superior to the League and indeed all free peoples,

Considering the otherwise decentralized nature of the League,

1. Demands the Empire's immediate disbanding of any occupying forces;

2. Commits to take corrective action against all identifying or identified with the Empire in the case of non-compliance, without limits on extent, time, or use of force;

3. Declares a state of Total War throughout all Its collective territories, in anticipation of hostilities with the Empire;

4. Binds Itself via the dual clauses of "Existential Threat" and "War to the Triarii", such that no peace or ceasefire shall be negotiated on Its behalf with the Empire;

5. Mandates the Kingdom of Syracuse to spearhead any and all relevant offensive, covert or diplomatic endeavors in this conflict with the Empire;

6. Empowers the Kingdom of Syracuse to employ strategic level force in order to liberate said occupied territories whenever and wherever necessary;

7. Frees the Kingdom of Syracuse from any and all of the usual obligations of war during or following actions against the Empire;

8. Pledges support for the Kingdom of Syracuse in its extraordinary role;

9. Establishes the First Levy Army of the Kingdom of Syracuse as Its military arm in this time;

10. Names Hieronymos of Surakousai to command of the First Levy Army.

Hieronymos: Our objective is nothing less than to teach these northern barbarian neighbors of us to properly fear us, as they should.
Hieronymos: Together, our forces must succeed where Hannibal failed.
Hieronymos: For us to succeed, nothing less than total devotion to the cause is necessary!

Hieronymos: It is our hour of glory, it is day of judgement,
Hieronymos: The Romans will doubtless seek to bury us under their numbers, we will bury them instead.

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 16: 

Chapter 16: Ticket For Two To The South

Hieronymos: Are you prepared to fight, comrades?
Hieronymos: Ahead of us awaits the elite Roman levy army that defeated Hannibal's Iberians.
Hieronymos: This will not be another Roman victory in Cannae.

Scout: General, here!
Hieronymos: Oh really? Hmm, that fog must've misled us.

Hieronymos: The Roman army was the one we bypassed with the help of the Macedonians.
Hieronymos: By the time they return, Cannae will be ours!

Siege Engine Officer: Orders are to burn it all down. After we breach the walls, load firepots.
Siege Engine Crew: Death to the imperialists! Burn it all down!

Hieronymos: It seems the locals remain cowed and subservient thanks to Hannibal's disastrous campaign.
Hieronymos: If they hoped to escape death, too bad for them.

Officer: Clear a way to the central square!

Officer: This Roman architecture looks horrible...
Thureophoroi: Good thing we burned the rest of it, at least!

Thureophoroi: Javelins!!

Romans: That's right. Our special Roman pila are deadly armor-piercing projectiles.
Romans: And of course every man has TWO!

Thureophoroi: Heh. Javelins!!

Romans: Oh no, this was -completely unexpected- arghhhh!!

Romans: But you hadn't counted on our amazing mail armor, which every one of us is equipped with!
Romans: And now, our amazing gladius!

Slingers: Shut up and die.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Hieronymos: We will be able to move some of these refugees to Sicily.
Hieronymos: The Macedonian fleet can take them back safely, because...

Hieronymos: We shall now head west. Our own fleet will support us in this second phase of Operation Evacuation.

My fellow citizens, at this hour Sicilian League forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm the Roman Empire, to free those under its occupation and to defend the world from grave danger, as per the "Existential Threat" clause.

On my orders, League forces have begun striking selected population centers of importance to undermine the Empire's ability to wage war.

These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign, as per the "War to the Triarii" clause.

[Doge Almighty]

Greek soldiers literally in thick of the battle;

Officer: This Roman architecture looks horrible...
Thureophoroi: Good thing we burned the rest of it, at least!

I'm luvin' it man, both your way of writing and your passion to keep these "strories" coming

[Alavaria]

The image for that in particular was amusing because the officer is apparently facepalming.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It's also a reference to DVK's new settlement work, which of course isn't in the game at this point.

It's also probably some sort of statement of implicit cultural supremacy, since they don't like Roman "stuff" in general. The Sicilians don't even like using Roman swords, though the later Italian soldiers do use Roman-stye swords. The "Sicilian sword" used by the Greek-background troops is something like a Rondel (though I only found out a proper name recently), except it is a main weapon like the gladius is.

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 17: 

Chapter 17: Anti-Climactic Buildup Battle

Hieronymos: Capua, the home of the Roman Empire's elite heavy cavalry.
Hieronymos: It also has a very suitable port, allowing seaborne lanes back to Sicily.
Hieronymos: It also has...


Hieronymos: A population that doesn't like Romans anymore.

Citizens of Capua: End their arrogance!
Hieronumos: Although Hannibal failed to deliver on his promises, take heart in the United Cities.


There was a parade as our liberating force showed the citizens of Capua our formidable force. However, some Roman sympathizers tried to interrupt the ceremony...

No guesses what happened to them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

We were worried about overcrowding in Sicily. Many of the Greeks from South Italy had already evacuated there. Though they found that their new neighbors had been busily building homes for the new arrivals, the consensus at Surakousai was that "Fortress Sicily" should not be overloaded.

As an odd result, we thus began plans to colonize (or re-colonize, I suppose) the areas of South Italy. These had been left relatively unravaged out of respect for the Greeks still living there, but now it seemed like a deliberate plan.

Citizens of Capua were registered (for later return, if possible) and began evacuating to the relatively underpopulated settlements behind the fortifications in South Italy.

Rhegion would be the first one, as it had been under Greek control for the longest.

Hieronymos began planning for an ambitious push on Roma itself. We expected Roman reinforcements from the northern provinces of Italy to establish a defense line around the city proper.

This meant that we could reduce their forces somewhat by fighting them around the city, before committing to an assault on the walls.

As reinforcements began landing, the Romans also made their move. While a strong force was anchored near Roma, the legions that had destroyed Hannibal returned to retake Cannae.

A decision had to be made soon if we were to withdraw, otherwise the ships would not be able to carry us back before the Romans broke through.


Tensions were high as we watched the civilians boarding the same transport ships that had just ferried over men and materiel from Sicily. We took careful measure of the defenses of Capua and began setting up ballistae and other machines as they arrived. In particular, some of the larger pieces needed specially reinforced places that gave them protection and a commanding view of any potential Roman counterparts.

Aa: I could've told you not to bother.


Sorry guys...

[_Tartaros_]

nice progress

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 18: 

Chapter 18: Jericho

Gelo: Siromos, I have a new assignment for you.
Siromos: Where am I needed?
Gelo: I was initially headed to Italy, I will be needed here in Sicily for a while longer.

Siromos: Yes, we've all heard the news.
Gelo: The next logistics fleet will be sailing for Capua.
Gelo: It shouldn't be hostile, but things change quickly on the front.
Siromos: We will be prepared for anything.

Gelo: When you arrive, quickly join King Hieronymos' forces.
Siromos: It will be good to see the general again.

Meanwhile, the desperate fighting on the Roman front continues; various Romans began arming themselves, ready to join any of the major Roman forces.

Of which there were still quite a few in Italy, it must be noted. And men were joining them daily.

However, some of these forces, were making a hasty strategic retreat. In some corners it was whispered that they were even now crossing the Rubicon...

These Romans prepared as best as they were able. The wealthiest, led by one Quintus Caecilius Metellus, formed an elite heavy cavalry unit, nicknamed the "Praetorian Guard", while others armed themselves from the armories of the city and were monikered the "Urban Cohorts".

They were determined to fight to the death to protect all those left behind.

Along with reinforcements and supplies, the ships from Syrakousai also brought several new siege engines. Improvements in Ballista technology had resulted in much smaller units that only sacrificed slightly on power and accuracy. An engineering unit could crew three of these new engines, compared to only two of the older ones.

Improvements in stone technology also allowed for more ammunition to be carried. Firepots were also improved to make them smaller but just as capable of burning structures and enemy units.

Not only was the mass of wood for three of the new units much lower than two of the older ones, critical moving parts were also much smaller, allowing more spares or replacements to be brought.

Heironymos would bring all five available engines to the assault on Roma.

Hieronymos: Yes, I know the walls are very thick.
Hieronymos: With these extra siege units we should be able to handle more than just one breach.
Aa: Look, I'm telling you there's hardly anyone in the city to put up an organized resistance.
Aa: Just make a hole and go in already.


Aa: I'm not going to wait for you.


Soldier: General! A portion of the Roman wall suddenly collapsed!?!
Hieronymos: Wait, what?


Hieronymos looks around in surprise. The engineers have only finished setting up the first battery of ballistae, but sure enough, the fortifications of Roma have already been breached.


Hieronymos: We should probably take advantage of this... carefully.
Hieronymos: Have the engineers take down the towers next to the breach and try to open a secondary breach.
Hieronymos: Hoplites, move in and probe their defenses. Carefully.

Thureophoroi 1: It seems like there was some massacre here?
Thureophoroi 2: Did the Romans kill one another or something?
Officer: I doubt Roman swords are normally able to take off limbs or cut people into parts like that.
Thureophoroi 2: It looks like they were butchered like animals for sale.
Officer: Keep your eyes open... and hope whatever or whoever did this isn't hostile.
Officer: Bannerman, move up and make sure no one mistakes us for Romans!

Quintus Caecilius Metellis: You may have made it though my urban cohorts, but now you are ended!
Quintus Caecilius Metellis: Remember, we are the sons of Mars!
Royal Hoplites: General, get back, the Romans are ambushing us!

Quintus Caecilius Metellis: Charge those Greeks and grind them into the walls!

Aa: No, I think not.
Quintus Caecilius Metellis: What? Who?
Aa: Too late, look behind you.

Quintus Caecilius Metellis: Noooooo

The mounted unit of Syracuse passed so quickly though the Romans that they ended up knocking over many friendly hoplites. This caused their infantry compatriots to be rather confused.

When they looked back at where Quintus Caecilius Metellis's horse guard had been, the ground looked like a slaughterhouse's had been emptied on the spot.


Cavalry Officer: How do lances shred people and armor like that?

Hieronymos: ... a...ha...ha. Secure the city.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

5 years (10 turns) later, Roma... is no longer Roman.

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 19: 

Chapter 19: No Stranger To The Deaths Of Cities.

(The first 80 seconds is this is pretty great stuff)

Hieronymos: When the need was made evident, I did not hesitate.
Hieronymos: By my hand, Roma burned.

Hieronymos: But I have no regret in this.
Hieronymos: The threats to mankind are eternal and ever-present.
Hieronymos: An ocean seeking a single crack in the dam.

Hieronymos: As I travel there now to face the monstrosity that was once the Roman Empire, I am conforted by this much:
Hieronymos: Whether I am victorious or slain, their sins will know retribution.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Soldier: General, are you well?
Soldier: As you ordered, we herded the barbarians into the lower slums of the city.
Soldier: The fire continues to rage uncontrollably.
Hieronymos: It is just because there is a lot of fuel.

Soldier: Some of the soldiers on picket duty report that liquid metal is flowing through the streets...
Hieronymos: It is just because there is a lot of fuel...
Soldier: Of course General.

Hieronymos: How goes the spoiling of Roma?
Soldier: Their "Aerarium Stabulum" is still being systematically cleared.
Soldier: Should it be destroyed afterwards?
Hieronymos: No, leave some of these large buildings.
Hieronymos: As they are.
Soldier: There's blood and Roman corpses all over the place though...

Soldier: We also burned that field you mentioned, though there was no military equipment there.
Hieronymos: The Romans took it north with them, doubtless.

Soldier: Still, we did capture a number of useful things from their Foundry.
Soldier: It is still a little hard to take in just how industrious these barbarians are.
Hieronymos: It won't save them.

Hieronymos: The Arena also bolsters Greek happiness to know that they are a superior people:
Hieronymos: When even the condemned Roman slaves die with something like courage...
Hieronymos: Actually wait no.

After we captured some of their "extraordinary" horsemen, a series of games, later called "jousts" were held.

Hieronymos:The Romans gained a new appreciation for the lethality of our two-handed lances.

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 20: 

Chapter 20: Activated My Trap

Publius Cornelius Scipio: You Greek, there! We demand you cease this senseless assault on the Senate and People of Rome!


Hieronymous looked behind them. You could still see the smoke rising from the districts of Roma that had been set ablaze, a mass grave, sacrificial pit and altar in one.


Hieronymous: We are not at war with the dead.
Publius Cornelius Scipio: Barbarian! You will pay, as did the Carthaginian.
Hieronymous: ...


Hieronymous: Scipio, this must be the one that defeated Hannibal at Cannae.
Hieronymous: Should we attack?
Aa: No, I had you make camp here because-


Officer: My King, we--- we?
Hieronymous: Is something wrong? Besides the Romans at this moment crossing the bridge.
Officer: Er, well who is... she?
Hieronymous: What she?
Officer: Ah-


Aa: I think your man can see me. Is he one of your elite guard?
Hieronymous: Well, yes.
Aa: Hmm, I see.
Aa: Have your artillery fire at the rear of the Romans.


She turned and with a light jump flew upwards, landing somewhere in the middle of the bridge amidst the massed ranks of the Romans.

Romans: What?!

Hieronymous: ...I didn't know she could do that.
Officer: Ah. I will inform the siege engineers.

Chief Engineer: Orders are to target the rear of the Romans.
Line Engineer: But won't half of our shots hit nothing?
Chief Engineer: I suppose the issue is if we shoot too close, some of the shots will hit our own people.

Spotter: Another direct hit!
Line Engineer: Did these firepots make men fly up into the air, or instantly char the corpse?
Chief Engineer: No... are these the new upgraded ones?
Line Engineer: We're still using up the old supplies.

Spotter: The Romans are past the middle of the bridge!
Chief Engineer: Cease fire.

Encouraged by their general, the Romans rushed forward. The first ranks cleared the bridge and hit Hieronymos' pikemen.

Scipio: We have the barbarians now, men! Push through them!
Scipio: Maximus seems to be about to flank the enemy, don't let any of the enemy escape!

Pikemen: Luckily we have this standard issue sword.
Pikemen: Hiyah!

The Romans seemed undeterred, but the slingers reported something in the distance...

Some of the Romans were retreating. The siege engines fired at them but only landed a couple of hits.

[_Tartaros_]

hiyah!
nice update

[Doge Almighty]

The secret is revealed, hide your kids! ;O

[Alavaria]

It was a very nice screenshot of the pikemen about to take a swipe at the general.

[Alavaria]

Spoiler for Chapter 21: 

Chapter 21: Who Let The Dogs Out

Hieronymos: Those Romans are running!
Hieronymos: Come back here you dogs! Let me send you to a wretched end!

Publius Cornelius Scipio: Some of my Romans are running?!
Publius Cornelius Scipio: Come back here you dogs! We can defeat these wretched invaders!!

Roman Officer: General, you must retreat before the Greeks overwhelm us!
Publius Cornelius Scipio: I will not abandon Rome to these barbarians!
Roman Officer: Indeed, I knew you would agree; the Greeks think to deprive Rome of your leadership.
Roman Officer: Please make the right decision!

Publius Cornelius Scipio: Damnit, if only I had my veteran legions from Cannae...
Hoplite: My dory broke. Damnit, if only I had... wait

Hoplite: Luckily every standard issue dory has a bronze spike at the end.
Hoplite: Hiyah!

The butt of the spear was capped with a spike called a sauroter, Greek for "lizard killer". This spike had several uses. It could be used to stand the spear up or used as a secondary weapon if the spearhead was broken off.

If the shaft of the dory was broken or if the iron point was lost, the remaining portion could still function.

Hieronymos' men surrounded the fallen general and pierced him through repeatedly until they were certain the Roman was no longer breathing.

Additionally, any enemies that had fallen could be dispatched by the warriors marching over them in the back ranks of the phalanx who were holding their spears in a vertical position.

The Greek general released his anti-router troops (cavalry reserves) and had them seek out any Romans they could safely intercept.

Spoiler for Details: 

Hieronymos: A few more victories like that and...
Hieronymos: The Romans will run out of men.

Greek Soldiers: Hieronymos, Conqueror of Italy, lead us to conquer Italy!

Ships were being massed for a decisive battle against the Roman fleet. Elements of Syracusean and Carthaginian fleets were gathered in hopes of cutting off Italy from any overseas reinforcements.

Though the armies already in Italy were enough of a problem...

Though no ships were lost, a great number of sailors were. Still, this was a worthy victory.

Quintus Fabius Maximus: So Scipio has failed. And fallen.
Quintus Fabius Maximus: Perhaps this Hieronymous of Syracuse is a greater threat then Hannibal of Carthage...

Praefectus Urbanus: The city has been burned by the barbarians. Again.
Praefectus Urbanus: All is lost...

Quintus Fabius Maximus: Shut up, why do I even keep you around.
Quintus Fabius Maximus: You should've stayed in Roma.

Courtesan: Please forgive him. Everyone here trusts in your strategy, I am sure.
Quintus Fabius Maximus: Where are those reinforcements from the Gallic Front? And did we get any news of the Cannae legions?

Quintus Fabius Maximus: This is terrible, but I know Rome will arise again!
Roman General: Terrible news!!!
Quintus Fabius Maximus: What could it possibly be...

Roman General: Hieronymos is at the gates!


(Outside the gates)

Italian Herald: What should I announce?
Hieronymos: Simple. We are here to kill all of them. No Roman is to be left alive in our wake.
Hieronymos: I am willing to compromise though; if they commit mass suicide, it will be a lot faster and less painful. For them.

[Alavaria]

Chapter 22: Compromise In The Face Of Annihilation

Herald: No response from the Romans...
Hieronymos: Maybe we should meet them halfway, be a real parter for peace.
Hieronymos: This is what we'll do. If half of the Romans commit suicide, we'll let the rest go into exile instead!

Later:

(Yes, this discussion is happening as they are shooting firepots into the settlement)

Herald: No response from the Romans...
Hieronymos: Oh well, in any case, I'm not sure Our Lady would approve of letting half of them go.
Hieronymos: Maybe if only a quarter were to be allowed to leave?

Herald: I think in the first place, the issue is with the Romans.
Herald: "Kill yourselves or we will kill you," just aren't attractive terms for them.
Royal Hoplite: Er, with respect to all stakeholders involved:

(There is a reason why these units are pressing themselves against the wall)

Royal Hoplite: It would be best to prepare ourselves for battle.
Royal Hoplite: And kill them all, before Our Lady takes to mind our delay.
Hieronymos: Yes, safest that way.

Quintus Fabius Maximus: What is with these Greeks, they call for our total destruction, then want to negociate?
Greek Herald: King Hieronymos is generous, up to half of you will be allowed your lives!
Quintus Fabius Maximus: Their idea of compromise and accomodation is having only half of us dead instead of all of us...
Quintus Fabius Maximus: And who the hell is this Lady they refer to? Are they even talking to us?

Greek Herald: Since you have not responded, we must assume that an agreement is beyond reach.
Greek Herald: Make peace with your Roman gods, for one way or another your mortality will reach its end.

Cry From The Front: The Greeks are within the walls. Romans, to battle!


As the Romans surged forth to beat back Hieronymos' assault, the greek slingers began a deadly barrage. Obviously no few of the friendly thureophoroi were caught in the rain of projectiles...

Bannerroman: We are pushing them back! Do not relent!
Thureophoroi: Take this! Hiyah! (Stabs Bannerroman in the thigh with his throwing spear)
Bannerroman: Aaaagggghhhh. Do not forget me!!

As the fighting continues, it becomes obvious that there must be more than just a few greeks, though the volume of rocks coming over the wall would suggest otherwise...

For some reason, Quintus Fabius Maximus decided to take a look. From his saddle, over the heads of his men, of course.

The general hardly noticed when his horse stopped in the middle of the street, nudging the animal forward a bit more. Until it shied away from something rather low on the ground. Much shorter than a Roman soldier, that is.

He distinctly heard a soft but high voice address him. It definitely was not Roman.

???: Watch where your horse tramples, Roman.
Quintus Fabius Maximus: What the hell?


In that instant, Quintus Fabius Maximus's horse, his men and himself were shredded as though by some unseen wall of razors. That could slice though bronze, iron and wood.

She probably didn't realize he was any different from his bodyguards.

As more Greeks joined the fight, the leaderless Romans could only give way before them.

[Alavaria]

Chapter 23: No Retreat

Isolated resistance continued in the streets of Arretium, however it could not be called either organized or competent.

Though many of the thureophoroi picked up Roman swords to use, the Roman shields were considered too cumbersome and were ignored.


Thurophoroi: Finally I can use my knife to eat rather than fight.

Any significant Roman concentrations were blown apart by heavy missile attacks. Hieronymos wanted to minimize the risk to his men, while stones were in plentiful supply.

The strategy of "Rapid Attack" and various tactics based around "Missile Assault" would prove to be a potent toxin to the beast that was the Roman Empire.

The last remaining Romans gathered behind the cover of the various buildings surrounding the city square. Their officers debated about their chances of holding out until reinforcements arrived.

However, they were interrupted!

While the fighting continued around the edges of the settlement, Hieronymos' engineers began sending firepots high up, to splash down into Roman buildings and men.

Thureophoroi: Do you Romans think you can just run away?!

Thureophoroi: Don't let them regroup, attack!

(Lone) Thureophoroi: Uh oh...
Romans: Wait a moment where did all the others g--

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The news spread quickly of the massacres: the celebrated Scipio and then the dictator...

Hope was rapidly becoming a rarity among the Roman legions, even as they prepared to counter-attack.

Hieronymos: Destroy it all. And purge everyone.

Hieronymos: These Romans can conjure mail armor and heavy shields out of the air.
Hieronymos: Let us not make it any easier for them.

Arretium, the military headquarters of the Roman dictator, became another mass grave on the path to true freedom.


Upon his return, construction was proceeding on Nea Roma. Hieronymos paused to address some of the newest units; thureophoroi units raised from the South-Italy Greeks, as well as the Middle Italian allies...

[_Tartaros_]

poor romans, they suffered alot

[Alavaria]

Confirming that it is pretty terrible to be overrun by a bunch of bloody-minded maniacs whose patron goddess has specifically ordered to murder every one of your kind.

Luckily, the Spartans are the manics in the story.