[AAR]: Mithridates and the Destiny of Rome

[Garbad]

The Roman Wars: Year One

Our opening strike went exactly as planned. We broke all treaties with Rome, then rounded up and slaughtered thousands of defenseless romans throughout greece and africa. The civilized world recoiled in horror at this necessity, but it must be done. Horrific, but it binds the killers together - we know rome will never forgive this. Therefore we must stand together and win, as we have no alternative.

Combined with some substantial bribes...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/maqq913gyb...221_1.jpg?dl=0

...I won several key allies to my cause. The coalition of the shythole Countries now includes The Holy Mithridatic Empire and my satraps, the Selucid Empire, Carthage and its client state Syracuse, Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Knoss, Macedon, and Epirus. Our combined might must strike terror into their hearts.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/swwi0cohrl...304_1.jpg?dl=0

AFRICAN FRONT

As expected, my legion liberated cyprus without trouble, but the civilians in the area hate greeks so much I was compelled to leave a legion there for peacekeeping.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bhkwm4sg60...015_1.jpg?dl=0

GREEK MAIN

I liberated greece to the cheering of thousands...but my allies are still weak. I positioned 6 of my legions in a holding pattern along the coast to allow them to build up and join the assault. As per the instructions of the council, I sent north only the False Center legions. In addition, in concordance with the agreement with my brother greeks, I will take no more land without the express permission of the League. This means I must liberate ANY faction I come across, and also my supply lines will be perilously wan. Nevertheless, this limitation is necessary to avoid the appearance of tyranny. My fleet is also inadequate to cross into italy, and this compelled my armies to stop and rest for a time.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qqfrl1sr8q...458_1.jpg?dl=0

THE CELTIC NORTH

The hellenized barbarians (is that a contradiction?) quickly fell in line, offering assistance in exchange for liberation. However, one tribe was not so willing.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/s15ye8hrw0...505_1.jpg?dl=0

This presents a problem.

NOTABLE BATTLES:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tp854jjl7l...029_1.jpg?dl=0
I have only one naval legion. Although it fought heroically, defeating three roman fleets, it was forced to withdraw, giving the romans temporary command of the sea.



https://www.dropbox.com/s/oiyuxw8ln4...348_1.jpg?dl=0
One of my false center legions met a standard roman legion...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5z4bpmj35v...843_1.jpg?dl=0
...they foolishly attacked my fortification, and were promptly ambushed inside and out.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mb99xkynbj...036_1.jpg?dl=0
For a comically one sided rout. I think in the future I'll avoid fortified stance, even on VH.



https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o8h292bzt...700_1.jpg?dl=0
Another legion met a group of greek traitors and slaughtered them to a man.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dfvboqxwj5...947_1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9qlg8oifwm...628_1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/geb4axpot4...750_1.jpg?dl=0

CHOOSE YOUR PWN ADVENTURE


https://www.dropbox.com/s/zprz6ugel6...%201.save?dl=0

So at the close of the first year of the campaign, the war is moving along extremely well. Here is the overall situation:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/26infzmoif...343_1.jpg?dl=0

- We achieved complete surprise and completed all objectives in the opening phase of the war
- Rome is facing an extremely large coalition of greek, celtic, and african forces "attacking" from multiple fronts
- Morale is high, cohesiveness is good, supply is acceptable
- Rome has limited command of the sea
- My allies are weak and slow to advance. Rome is still smashing down iberia.

Problem #1: The Unwilling Allies

Brucia, an insignificant Celtic faction I liberated, refuses to join the war against Rome. This prevents me from receiving supply, shows disunity among the allies, and ungratefully snubs their nose at us for liberating them. How should we respond?

A. SERVE THEM FIRE AND DEATH. If they will not fight for their freedom, they will serve as slaves. This will show the fence sitters, especially the celts, that they must join us or die. Of course, this makes me look like something of a tyrant, but...

B. LET THEM BE. Freedom must include the freedom to refuse to help even us. This demonstrates a sincere commitment to our ideals, but hurts our already poor supply situation and might encourage our shaky allies to sit out rather than risk the wroth of Rome.

C. ??? You tell me.

Problem #2: An army marches on its stomach

Our supply situation is acceptable, but its getting difficult to replenish even the very limited losses we have taken thus far. How should we address this issue?

A. CAPTURE TARA. This well fortified port would allow close, easy supply and replenishment for an assault on the Italian main. Of course, us capturing a city in europe is explicitly what we promised the other greeks we wouldn't do.

B. PAY A GREEK ALLY FOR SUPPLIES. Syracuse has offered us the use of its port as a staging area. However, this is a much worse tactical location than tara and will be extremely slow to replenish our troops.

C. DO NOTHING AND RAISE LEVIES. Recruit more troops at home and march them to the front. This will be time consuming, difficult to pull off, but at least we would maintain our elite and ethnically superior greek army. The largest risk is that we would be caught with our armies weakened and reinforcements not yet in the area.

D. DO NOTHING AND RECRUIT LOCAL TROOPS. Use mercenary and any other available AOR troops to fill gaps. Although this will likely weaken our army and cost a good bit, its close and available.

Problem #3: ROME

Rome is apparently defending Italy and attacking in Spain. By contrast we are currently defending Greece and advancing into celtic territory. What should our overarching strategy be?

A. CUT THE HEAD OFF THE SNAKE. We cannot take land in Italy, but that doesn't mean we can't land, destroy any armies, and sack/raze their cities. This should both drastically increase morale and also clear the path for our allies to take the land behind us, fulfilling our treaty obligations. Of course, if we are unable to replenish troops, or just fail...we lose the war in one stroke.

B. CUT OFF ROME IN THE NORTH. Leave a few legions defending our greek allies, then move the bulk north and west. Liberate and conscript barbarians, deny rome resources, and tighten the noose. Once Italy is cut off, we can overpower it at our leisure. The down side is this will dramatically strain our already difficult supply situation and expose us to a breakout attack on multiple fronts. Our main goal will be the liberation of celticdom and the political isolation of rome. No doubt the celts will prove a trustworthy and unified people to negotiate with.

PROBLEM #4: IBERIA

Rome is slaughtering our outmatched "allies" carthage and spain. This gives them a rich, powerful base to draw from and also means that even if we take Italy, we don't win the war.

A. ATTEMPT A NAVAL ATTACK ON IBERIA. If we are very lucky, we could run a few legions out of greece across the mediterranean before the roman fleets caught us. This would give us a powerful strike force with which to liberate Iberia. Of course, if we get caught in the open water without an escort...

B. SEND THE LONE LEGION TO SPAIN. The cypriot legion is currently just preventing riot. It could rapid march through africa and arrive in Iberia, which would completely surprise the romans. Then again, its one legion...with no hope of backup, reinforcement, or supply...and its forbidden from taking land.



What should I do, wise ones?

[nduske]

Well, very nice start of the Great War, well done. Your allies on the Balkans, with the exception of that one tribe, are all preparing armies. However, I have not expected Carthage and Iberia together to be smashed that fast. There are 2 roman armies or fleets that i can see near Syracuse, which can cause some problems, attacking Syracuse or Greek mainland. Regarding problems:
#1 I would let them be for the moment. That will show your allies your honest intent. Should they join Rome, destroy them
#2 Capture Taras. If you spared the Celts before, I am sure Greek commanders will see wisdom in capturing a well fortified port. Also, that should also relieve Iberia a bit, and the Senat will certainly send all they can muster.
#3 Capturing Taras creates a staging ground for Rome. However, I think there will be relentless assault on Taras.
#4 If you capture Taras, I think one legion in Ibera should not encounter major problems.
Hm..., now i see that my advices all revolve under assumption that Rome will defend Italy at all costs... Also, I think using mercenaries and AOR units may be inevitable at some point.

[Lord Oakenthrone]

[QUOTE=Garbad;15491136]

Problem #1: The Unwilling Allies

Brucia, an insignificant Celtic faction I liberated, refuses to join the war against Rome. This prevents me from receiving supply, shows disunity among the allies, and ungratefully snubs their nose at us for liberating them. How should we respond?

B. LET THEM BE. Freedom must include the freedom to refuse to help even us. This demonstrates a sincere commitment to our ideals, but hurts our already poor supply situation and might encourage our shaky allies to sit out rather than risk the wroth of Rome.

then

B. PAY A GREEK ALLY FOR SUPPLIES.

D. DO NOTHING AND RECRUIT LOCAL TROOPS.

A. CUT THE HEAD OFF THE SNAKE.

followed by

A. ATTEMPT A NAVAL ATTACK ON IBERIA. I

B. SEND THE LONE LEGION TO SPAIN.

/QUOTE]



I cut and pasted some of your options in a certain order, what do you think of this?


what you do is leave that pesky state alone instead of serving them FIRE and DEATH, and just be the shining example of democracy and leave them be, wether they like you or not. show the world you are not just another Tyrannical despot and lead the example...

of course crush them if they misbehave (or send spies in to ...ahem encourage a rebellion which you can "liberate")

Ask the fellow Greek allies for supplies, then recruit a fast expandable army in mercenarys/auxilleries and loot the belly of italy with them, giving you enough time and funds to expand into Iberia with hopes of dwindling down Romes chances of getting too rich and powerful.

Then start on Gaul and try and sweep up to Britannia, having ports from Spain all the way up to Britannia will give your armies some loveley supplies,

Maybe you can work down to Italy after subjecting the barbarians and coercing/bending them to your will!

then onwards to Rome from the North!

[Stilldead]

You're seeming to get into this, and many seem to enjoy it, keep it up.

[Garbad]

Looks like we have a split vote -- how should I secure supplies? Capture Taras despite promising not to do so, or purchase supplies from Syracuse? Need more votes!

[Colest]

Purchase supplies from Syracuse else you are asking the Greeks to choose the lesser of two tyrants. You are the "good father" so live up to that name.

[Iridium31]

B, C and D get my vote for your supply problem. Doing all three maintains relations with your Greek allies, strengthens them with Syracuse and provides long-term insurance for unforeseen circumstances. So, pay Syracuse, start scrapping together some more men at home to send to the front and sprinkle some mercenaries in where needed.

Let Brucia do as they wish. You did liberate them. Turning around and demanding they join the war against Rome is trading one tyrant for another.

Since it sounds like you're in a good position I'd play the long game against Rome. Cut them off in the north. Pressing the attack in Italy is an unnecessary risk. One not worth taking.

The Iberia problem is tricky. Out of the two choices #2 seems best since the risk is somewhat isolated to that single legion. Unfortunately, I think either option over-extends your military, and carries too much risk with it. I think you need to let Spain be for the time being, as painful as it may be. Keep the legion where it is to control any potential rebellions. Perhaps your new troops from the supply recommendation could be directed toward Spain later down the road.

The coalition of the shythole countries and hellenized barbarian comments made me laugh uncontrollably for a good 5 minutes by the way .

[Garbad]

The Roman Wars: Year Two

As per the Counsel of the Geriousa, we will:

B. Spare the Brueci.

B. Pay Syracuse for Supplies and reinforce from our home territories.

B. Cut off Rome from the North.

B. Send the lone legion on a long march to attack Spain.


Emperor Mithridates II, Avatar of the Gods Incarnate, Savior of Greece, The Eagle Eater, King of the Holy Mithridatic Empire and First Among Equals of the Shytelord Nations Coalition moved as directed to begin landing the legions at Syracuse. However, misfortune struck almost immediately, with several large Roman fleets intercepting our unescorted convoy at sea. Moderate losses were incurred, and only the brilliance of our Great Leader saved us from complete loss of the invasion fleet. We were compelled to retreat to greece and recoup our losses. This will not be fast, and thus, our greece legions are out of commision for at least a year. Perhaps more.

To further worsen the situation, the northern flank, suffering from a lack of supplies, winter attrition, and minor battle attrition was almost down the half strength. The romans had two full legions waiting at Noria, and rather than risk losing the army, Mithridates III retreated back to thrace. It is hoped this wing can get back into action within 6 months, but for now, that flank too has faltered due to lack of local allied support and supplies.

My blitzkreig attack has thus completely petered out. My greek allies are rapidly gaining strength, but are unwilling to jump the channel alone. My armies are withering, and I lack the sea power to ensure a crossing. My celtic "allies" are refusing to fight at all, allowing the romans to march uncontested on our northern flank. The african/iberia forces are still squealing for help as they are flattened by the roman war machine. And suddenly, it seems as if all I can do is hold what I have, not attack.

We had one major battle, where Mithridates III's false center squared off against a legion.

The Roman Wars: Year Three

CELTIC FRONT:

After my legions pulled south to replenish, the breuci were left undefended. The romans quickly overpowered the natives, and took the city...just as Mithridates III rolled back into the area. With tears and bended knee the Celts thanked me for the lives of their children. An object lesson even a barbarian can understand, I think. My reputation soars among the Celts, as a liberator, true friend, a warrior without peer. Their young men are clamoring to join with us, not just as allies, but as brothers. But not everyone is pleased with this development. My greek allies, particularly Sparta and Athens, are muttering about how this is supposed to be a GREEK coalition for the preservation of greek culture, not a pack of mongrels. Phrases like "the error of alexander" are being tossed around.

A representative of the united celtic clans has approached us with an offer -- in exchange for gifts of jointly shared citizenship and guaranteed independence, they will join our coalition as true allies and unleash their armies from the north against rome. They swear to us Rome cannot withstand the shock, and this can usher in a lasting peace.

SHOULD I ACCEPT THE CELTIC OFFER?

A. Yes, allying with the Celts will open a second front against the romans, give us a huge supply of manpower and material, and more importantly ensure hegemony of the Holy Mithridatic Empire for generations.

B. Decline the offer and remain friendly neutrals. Our coalition is and must remain greek.

After we struck off the chains, our armies began moving north to attack Noria, the fortified city. After a fierce battle, the city fell and my legions punched through. We are beginning to encircle the north.

SPANISH MAIN:

The lone legion arrived in Spain.

GREECE:

After a repulse of the Roman fleets at Epirus, a Cretean invasion fleet, assisted in person by The God King himself, took Cosentia. We are finally gaining ground. With a sack sack here and a sack sack there, the greek forces are rolling forward, the eternal city is within sight!!

Then Taras and Crete went to war. -_- Both are important allies involved in the assault on rome. How should I deal with this?

A. Declaring war on an ally during a joint war is simply unforgivable. Exterminate Taras, install a military governor.

B. Let the greeks handle their own affairs. Independence and all.

-_-

Final Save Game:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7amfabqt6u...%203.save?dl=0

Final Record:
140-1

Screenshot Gallery:
https://imgur.com/a/fJ0IJ

And now, the extended celebration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_My...ature=youtu.be

_____________________________

So although I won, just to share my plans...I kept trying to force you voters to pick between greeks and multinational empire. If you picked multinational, I would make all the greek factions declare war on me at once and fight them all off with reluctant allies, at best. If you had picked greek, I would have gone full donald trump and genocided all nongreek factions, declaring war on every single nongreek faction at once. I even had a slogan -- REMAIN GREEK, AND NO OTHER.

By far the biggest challenge was advancing with literally no supply or regen. The terms (only historical borders, greek liberation, etc) were pretty good, fun, and reasonably challenging. I think I made it too easy when I allied with nongreeks though. Plus even on VH the AI just had no chance against me. I think next time I will impose some self gimps on army composition to keep it closer.

Hope you enjoyed.

[Balor]

This was great, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[struckat]

Excellent work Garbad, a most enjoyable read.

As to the false center, I have not used such a strategy but wonder how it works when the AI army shows up in one extended line of nearly all melee infantrymen. This happens to me a lot when fight Gauls or Hyak.

That usually forces me to turn my flankers into rounded ends of my main line and keeping my ranged units protected. Otherwise I end up dropping ranged unit for more melee.

I envision difficulty with false center when faced with an extended line of enemy.

You have motivated me to try Pontos again. Although I was crushed again last night.

[♔Greek Strategos♔]

Still a great read. I hope to see more of your story-guides (soon) @Garband

[Jake Armitage]

Yeah, quite some time I don't see Garbad around.
Everything's fine, man?

[Garbad]

Everything is great, thanks for asking. I have been playing TW:3K mostly now plus a little bit of WH2. I was very hesitant to try WH2 because I don't like fantasy much but the game mechanics are a big improvement over RTW. Same with 3k - I deeply miss the unit and cultural variety of the classical era but the diplo and romance mode is great.

[Jake Armitage]

Good to know

[♔Greek Strategos♔]

Everything is great, thanks for asking. I have been playing TW:3K mostly now plus a little bit of WH2. I was very hesitant to try WH2 because I don't like fantasy much but the game mechanics are a big improvement over RTW. Same with 3k - I deeply miss the unit and cultural variety of the classical era but the diplo and romance mode is great.

Sounds good buddy

[Basilius]

I was very hesitant to try WH2 because I don't like fantasy much but the game mechanics are a big improvement over RTW. Same with 3k - I deeply miss the unit and cultural variety of the classical era but the diplo and romance mode is great.

God it hurts to hear that.

[Garbad]

Why do you say that? I'm excited with the improvements as a game the franchise is making. For example the small missions and such to keep yourself busy while city building up and such. For example the diplo in 3k is fantastic. Just as a game engine its a nice improvement after years of essentially no real gameplay improvements (let's face it RTW2 is 95% identical to RTW1 just prettier).

[Basilius]

That's what I mean: I'm still sore over Rome 2, to the point where I don't think I can ever get over it. While I appreciate 3k, seeing a warhammer game get more attention and love than Rome is depressing.