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Thread: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

  1. #1

    Default ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0


    Season 1
    Part 1 - The Plan

    It was the year 278, in the center of Rome at the heart of the Senate it was chaos! One week ago a foolish Patricii diplomat shattered all Rome's hope of peace with its rivals the hated Etruscans to the north and Epeiros to the south-east.
    For the past two years, the Roman Republic attempted to negotiate a peace treaty with both kingdoms with whom Rome had been wagging wars for control over different zones of the Italian peninsula in which all 3 states had control over trade and influence.
    The senate decided to send 3 influential senators from the 3 main parties of the senate assembly to negotiate a treaty and salvage something as Rome was losing its position during the negotiations. The third man diplomatic envoy from Rome was formed from Furius Medullinus of the Nobiles, Servilius Priscus of the Patricii, and last but not least Quintus Trebellius Ralla of the Equites branch.
    The republic’s main demands centered around trade control and fixed taxation of merchants around Rome’s territorial waters and a clear guarantee from Epeiros and Etruscan that they will reduce their military presence near roman borders, while the combined alliance of the Etruscan and Epeiros kingdoms’ main demands centered around Etruscan control over trade in Rome’s Tyrrhenian
    sea territorial waters in the west of the peninsula while Epeiros control trade in the Adriatic sea to the east of the territorial waters, to have full control over the Taras region that included trade, diplomacy, and influence and the republic must hold any military force at 200km away from any enemy main cities in which the senators flatly refused as this would leave Rome unguarded from a direct attack.
    As negotiations were going nowhere the senators departed arretium but never reached Rome and while the Republic demanded answers for the disappearance of their envoys the enemy alliance continued to say that they had nothing to do with the unfortunate dissaparence despite information started to surface that the Epeiros king during a banquet toke a remark from the senators as a thread and arranged the assassinations while the envoys left the Etruscan territory.


    The situation became worse when the two rivals both united against Rome to stop its ambition of securing full control of Italia. Tensions were at their peak because the republic did not have the funds to fight a war on two fronts. The Senate was split between arguing who to blame and what to do, but when there is chaos, there also lies opportunity...
    During the extraordinary assembly, the Roman senate had to combine in full numbers for the first time in the past 30 years and as a result, the senate rotunda was packed with every representative elected. From the 500 senators gathered each was part of a faction, the Patricii, Nobiles, Equites, and Plebeians.
    The most numerous faction at the moment was the Equites who had 158 senators to their side while the Patricii, Nobiles, and Plebeians had 119,113 and 112 senators dispersed among the other factions.

    A young man stepped forward and asked the acting Consuls to speak to the gathered senators with a strong voice! Despite some skeptic looks from some senior members attending he was given the floor and approved to speak.
    He spoke loud and confident so that everyone there could hear him and so he laid out his plan for securing the borders, refilling the republic coffers, and also managing the war effort.
    - Esteemed Senators! With your support, I wish to lay down a plan I formed with my colleagues to combat this crisis we find ourselves in at the moment.
    - My name is Decimus Rufus of the Sextilius family son of murdered former senator Quintus Trebellius Ralla!
    - As many of you knew my father as an honorable man, I ask you to honor my father and his colleagues who were brutally murdered by these barbarians to listen to my plea and help me exact revenge ..NO! Exact JUSTICE against me this treachery.
    After different low conversations started among the different groups, he waited patiently as they died out and began again.
    - I am aware that the Republic at the moment does not have apple funds to raise a new army to combat this threat and while diplomacy is failing us I have come up with this solution.
    - My family the Sextilius! -making a point to emphasize the name.
    - Will fund in full the raising of a new army 32000 strong.
    - We will also fund half of the necessary equipment including military and non-military.
    - I will be elected by the senate acting commander of all the Republic forces for the duration of the war but I will also elect generals from the different factions to balance things out and find a stable and functioning compromise.
    - From the cities, we enforce our peace the senate will allow me to subtract 50% of the confiscated gold for me to recover half of the investment I make while the last 50% will be paid by the republic in settlements that we will decide later to not put huge pressure on the economy.
    After the senate assembly debated about the plan presented to them while they were happy to receive such help from a private citizen, age was a factor that many put in question but relented afterward since the acting Republic commander would be surrounded by many veteran generals who could advise him properly.
    After long debates that took 3 days, the assembly decided to appoint Sextilius Rufus and Gaius Fabricius Luscinius Legates with the former as acting commander of all Republican forces while acting Legate Quintus Aemilius Papus would relieve command of Legion I Apollinaris and assume the position of Consul to appease the Patricii faction who wanted more gains in this debates and were making things difficult. As the senate ratified the plan and put it into action messengers were sent to inform every party involved that they should return to Rome so they could put the plan into action.
    At the first formal meeting of the acting Legates, they laid out the plan for the coming campaigns. Legion III Vulcania will come under the direct command of Rufus and his men while Legion II Adiutrix would be commanded by Fabricius Luscinius. It was decided by Rufus that the second legion would give 3000 veteran Triarii to the third to have some men with experience until the third legion would have gained its own.
    - Fabricius! I will take the third and move them towards Arretium, those are some 221 miles from Rome but I think I can move the troops in about 12 - 15 days.
    - I want you to take the second and move close to the Bridge crossing into Taras, which is a natural chokepoint and you could hold a far larger army at bay if attacked.
    - After I have dealt with the Etruscan and secured that major settlements including the capital of Arretium I will return in a forced march from Arretium to Rome and continue at a normal pace from Beneventum to Taras to link with you and your forces.
    -I have already sent spies all around Rome to intercept and send false rumors about Rome plans but I will leak some of the plans to our enemies to give them a pretense of being a step in front of us.
    -If everything goes to plan the Etruscans would find out about our movements too late to make any real effort to stop us and we could cut off their communication with the Epeiros king.
    -It’s a bold plan, Rufus! Simple and efficient I have no objections.
    -I will also use the second as a decoy to keep the Epeiros King in Taras and deter him from moving away from the fortified city making him think that I would move and set up a siege if he plans to move its armies towards the center of Italia.
    After both generals decided the rest of the details they left for their respective positions, Fabricius took his 16000 men Legion towards the Taras regio and left Rufus the 3000 Triarii veterans that the latter requested Rufus returned to Rome to oversee the recruitment and short training of the recruits.


    After almost 2 months have passed, III Legion was fully mobilized and made last preparations for the military operations. As it was the end of April general Rufus was in making demands in haste for last preparations to be resolved so that he could start moving the army before the beginning of May.
    On the fifth day of May Legion Vulcania departed for Etruscan territory. III Legion had a total number of 35000 men comprised of 20000 Triarii, 6000 cavalry, and 6000 Velites. This also included the 3000 Veteran Triarii from Legion II and 7500 auxiliaries that included slaves, engineers, cooks.
    The march towards Etruria took 15 days before the legions commanded by Rufus Sextilius reached the first minor cities and without much resistance took control one after another until the legions reached 15 miles away from Arretium. Rufus was surprised to hear from his spies and informants that the senate attempts to negotiate a deal with the Ligurians worked and forced the Etruscan army to move north past the rubicon river if their enemies to the north would try to invade. As he found out about this informed his spies to work on damaging the bridge over the rubicon so that the Etruscan army would be blocked off while his army would attack their capital of Arretium.
    On 25 May 278 general Rufus stormed the Etruscan capital and while some low fighting took place within the streets of the capital with the few garrisons the city had it was easily subdued and martial law was enforced on the population. The casualties were low among his men and the death toll among the enemies was reasonably low with mostly civilian deaths.
    After several days passed and his army was rested he rounded up all the senior nobels from the city and brought them inside the city hall.
    - Many of you are wondering why I have gathered all of you here so I will explain in a moment!
    - My name is Decimus Sextilius Rufus, son of former murdered senator and envoy Quintus Trebellius Ralla.
    - While on a diplomatic mission he was assassinated from orders of the Epirot King, I want you to tell me who carried the assassination and where it happened! Confess and I will show mercy.
    While the nobels looked in terror at the general and avoided speaking while he was starting to threaten them with torture, one of the oldest ones took a step forward.
    - The assassin’s name is Antonigou the blind, he is the second man in command of the king’s bodyguard unit.
    - He and his men followed the senators near the roman border, kidnaped them, and took them near the Tyrrhenian sea where they beat them up and executed them, and threw their bodies into the sea.
    Rufus listened carefully to the information and when the elder finished made a call for one of his senior Centurion.
    - Thank you for being honest and as a sign of being a man of my word I will show you mercy!
    While turning towards his centurion he whispered in his ear.
    - Have them all executed and given proper burial rights and as for the senior noble who gave me the information, well cut off his head and put it in a spike outside the city hall as a reminder for all those who try to create chaos in my absence.
    - It will be done in general.


    Three days later III Legion left Arretium for the rubicon river to confront the Etruscan army stuck there, 1500 Triarii were left in the city to police the region while the remaining 1500 were dispersed among the other main cities.




    See you in the next part …
    General Rufus finds out firsthand that events change quickly during battles and his inexperience could cause more harm than good.





    I decided to not add images on this first part as I will add them slowly while the story progresses.

  2. #2

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Part 2 - Honor and Death


    It was around May 30, 278. During the early rays of sunshine, general Decimus Rufus ordered Legion III Vulcania to break camp and head towards the Rubicon river in pursuit of the Etruscan army. The exact location was unknown but they had received some scraps of information that the army was holding fast somewhere around the banks of the river some 40 miles west from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
    The main core of the army formed out of the 20000 Triarii marched in a column stretching for 3 miles in the center with the 6000 Velites split into 2 groups of 3000 each in front and rear to guard against possible cavalry strikes while a core of 3000 Equites commanded by Crassus second in command of the legion and Captain of the generals personal household bodyguard unit went ahead of the army for scouting while the rest were in the rear and flanks of the main collum to guard the equipment and supplies.
    The army marched for 4 days straight until they reached the crossing over the rubicon. While spies and scouts were sent ahead, the army was broken into groups while crossing to avoid an unexpected attack and risk an ambush. Everything went well and around 5 miles from the river the roman legion was ordered to form the main camp while some were ordered to patrol and search for fodder and wood.
    The next day Crassus returned with news of the position of the enemy army and relative count of the units they possess.
    The enemy army was positioned just inside a steep hill with a light forest behind them. The enemy army had maybe around 1500 cavalry excluding the general personal guard, some 2500 skirmishers mostly slingers, and a core army of poor hoplites numbering somewhere between 12000-14000 men.
    Receiving this information Rufus decided to send his trusted second Crassus to meet their enemies and arrange a meeting between the generals and after some time it was decided that they will meet on the middle ground between the armies to discuss terms.
    Each party was allowed to bring 10 members of their cavalry with them for protection and meet face to face to talk. Rufus broke the ice of the conversation to come.
    -My name is Decimus Sextilius Rufus, commander of all the Roman Republican armies and Legate of Legion III Vulcania.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    -With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?
    A middle-aged man around the age of 50 dressed in a ceremonial Etruscan army armor dismounted his horse and presented himself.
    -My name is Marcus Furius and I am the general in command of the Etruscan city-states army.
    As Rufus saw the man dismount his horse he did the same as a sign of respect for the man’s elegant gesture and approached him.
    -As you may have found out the Republic has seized control of your state’s capital and all cities near your south border, you are cut off from your main supply lines, have no reinforcements to count on and the situation is critical for you and your men.
    -You have a great opportunity here and now to surrender your arms with respect and dignity! He made a great gesture to emphasize the words respect and dignity.
    -And the opportunity to save the lives of every man that accompany you.
    -If you surrender now you have my word that no harm will come to you and your people, you will be safely escorted to Rome to await the conclusion of this war, and afterward, I can give you sure guarantees that the people’s assembly will not try you for military actions against my people.
    After the older man took a few moments to ponder the words he looked the roman general in the eyes and said.
    -This is indeed a generous offer and while I am responsible for the lives and wellbeing of my men I will refuse your offer General!
    Taken aback by the response Rufus added cutting the man off.
    -You know my armie outnumbers you 2 to 1 maybe even more, you have no chance to win. We are more numerous, better equipped, and supplied.
    -The only result of a confrontation with our 2 armies would result in your deaths!
    Marcus Furius looked at Rufus and said calm and composed.
    -I am almost 60 years old my boy, I am already at death’s door, but it is more important to me and my soldiers how we face death when we cross over.
    -I would rather die a man in battle than live the rest of my days as a prisoner of the guilt for betraying my people.
    I respectfully decline your offer and tomorrow we will have a battle!
    The roman general nodded his head in respect and before returning to his horse and men said.
    -I understand you all too well and if our situation would have been reversed I would have probably taken the same course of action as you do today.
    -You have my utmost respect, and I hope to have the same steely resolve you show now if I ever get to live to your age.
    Both men returned to their respective parties and headed back to their camps to make final preparations for the battle that would unfold tomorrow.


    Back in the general tent, Rufus gathered all his officers to form the battle plan for the upcoming battle. The Roman Legion had a clear numerical advantage in all departments, soldiers, cavalry, and skirmishers but he did not want to lose more men than necessary.
    He was pleased that his army would have the high ground on the hill but was concerned why the enemy chose such terrain and place to do battle where the Romans could use their full numerical strength and also use the terrain to their advantage.
    From the advice given by Crassus, he speculated that Marcus Furious planned to use the light forest as a natural wall defense against roman superior cavalry and skirmisher numbers. The light forest would give the hoplites some cover from direct skirmish fire and would prevent the cavalry to hit their flanks or rear directly without risking the horses sustaining injuries and also making the units move more loosely and disorganized as a unit lowering their effectiveness.
    Legate Rufus decided that their army would stretch the battlefield on a 4-mile line. Crassus would take command of 2000 cavalry and position themselves on the left flank and hide in a small light forest and act as reserves and join battle only after the main enemy army was pinned in place by the Triarii.
    Third, in command Lapsus would take command of the main triarii line 12000 strong and position themselves on the center of the battlefield and will be the main battle regiments. While the remaining reserves 8000 strong would be split into two units.
    The first unit of reserves 6000 strong would form behind the main Triarii regiments and would engage in battle only to act as encirclement units while the rest of 2000 would move as supporting units for the main cavalry commanded by Rufus himself who decided to take the honor position on the battlefield on the right side.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    After the general laid out his plan turned to Crassus for some final words.
    -Crassus I want you to refrain from joining the battle until you see that our mainline engaged the enemy on the center.
    -When our enemy is engaged I want you to take your men and attack their rear and keep them pinned in place while I will maneuver our reserves to encircle and destroy their pikes.
    -If we destroy or rout their pikes you have free rain to move your men where ever you decide on the battlefield.
    Crassus listened silently and agreed with a nod of his head.
    After the meeting was adjourned the officers were sent to explain the plan to their respective sub-officers and make last-minute preparation for the battle that would take place tomorrow.
    The next morning as the first rays of sunlight appeared on the horizon III Legion Vulcania deployed for battle and started advancing on their pre-described positions.
    Rufus took his main cavalry and marched them in a fast step towards the highest hill on his right flank with his support Triarii following on an orderly march behind. While he reached the top of the hill he was shocked to see the enemy was also moving towards their position with a large number of men.
    The situation was precarious because while the enemy soldiers advancing were relatively weak units they would outnumber his triarii reserves following his cavalry and could use their numbers to overwhelm them.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    He had to make a quick decision and had 2 options, to either charge to units moving towards him and keep them in place while his 2000 reserves reached the battle or relinquish the position and bring more men from his center and move slowly up the hill from 2 sides and destroy the units on his right side while they harras them with the cavalry in the process. He decided on the latter and sent a request to Lapsus to send him 3000 reinforcements.
    While the enemy units on the right hill were deploying Rufus 2000 Triarii reached their enemies and engaged them in combat but were having trouble as the enemy’s superior numbers were starting to encircle the legionaries and were pushing them back getting a steady advantage on the terrain as the Triarii had to steadily fall back and face the low pikemen in disadvantage positions. While the triarii were fighting hard to hold their position Rufus started to use his cavalry to chase and destroy skirmishers who joined the pikemen while also making slow hit and run attacks on the flanks of the pikes to stall their momentum.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    At the center of the battle, Marcus Furius noticed the Romans were moving troops from their center to their right flank in support and decided to move its main heavy pikemen and engage the roman center thinking that now their numbers would be close even and there longer pikes compared to the ones used by the Romans would negate there disadvantage from climbing the low hill. In response to this sudden move, Lapsus gave the signal for the triarii to regroup and form tighter formations to meet the enemy pikemen.

    The battle in the center was somewhat evenly matched and neither side had a clear advantage. On the right side of the battlefield, the 3000 Triarii reinforcements joined the battle and were starting to turn the tide in the roman favor as this move hit the enemy in the center and flanks while Rufus and the cavalry were making hit and run attacks on their rear. The pikemen gave a decent fight but slowly were giving ground and in the end, they started to rout in mass. Unfortunately being surrounded general Rufus did not manage to take control of his troops and stop them from killing the fleeing enemies and most of them were slaughtered.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    As the battle on the right flank was concluded Rufus gave orders for his Triarii contingent to move towards the center of the battlefield and engage the main enemy on their flanks and rear while he moved his cavalry in position to support and finish off the remaining skirmishers that Marcus Furius still had in his center.
    Lapsus was holding his line well but he was making low gains and his troops were getting tired so he decided to keep his men in the same position in a semi defensive position and wait for the rest of the reinforcements to join the attack.
    The battle was raging in the center but in the end, Rufus reinforcements joined the battle and engaged the heavy pikemen in the flanks, and started to position in the rear to encircle them. At this moment Crassus and his contingent joined the battle and attacked the enemy on their left flank. As the Etruscan main army was now pinned in place and surrounded they slowly started to falter in their resolve.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    While Crassus was moving along the line he spotted Marcus Furious in the center of his army trying to keep his men from routing and headed straight for him to engage him in direct combat. He dismounted and charged towards the general slaying couple of foolish pikemen who tried to stop him and started to battle the enemy general.
    To his credit, Marcus Furious put up a good fight but in the end, the difference in age and fighting prowess Crassus bested him and killed the older man with a kick in the leg that forced the general to fall to his knees, and at this moment Crassus stabbed him in the neck with his sword.
    News that the Etruscan general has fallen spread quickly and the heavy pikemen started to rout in mass giving Rufus and the Romans a clear decisive victory,

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    While the battle was bloody and hard III Legion Vulcania proved their mettle and gain precious experience that would serve them well when they would engage the more superior Epeiros army.
    Later on, this day while the roman auxiliaries were cleaning the battlefield of dead and wounded a centurion returned to the Legate temporary tent with the body of the fallen general Marcus Furious. Taking a glance at the corpse Rufus bowed his head for a moment and said:
    -Centurion, I want you to take the body of Marcus Furious to a medic in the camp and have the body cleaned, have his armor washed and placed in a carriage to be transported back to arretium and delivered to his family for proper burial rights.
    -After you finish this task start making a headcount and by tomorrow afternoon I want full casualty numbers so I can start making plans for replacements.
    After the centurion left with his orders Rufus turned to his sub-officers and said :
    -Congratulations men, this is a great victory for the republic!
    -I want to personally thank you all for your excellent work.
    -Finish the tasks you still have to perform and then go and get proper rest.
    -The legon will have 5 days for rest and recuperation after that we move towards Taras.


    After 5 days have passed Legion III Vulcania broke camp and started their forced march back towards Rome. Messages were sent to the capital with the outcome of the campaign against the Etruscans so that the republic could start preparing envoys that would move in the region and start applying the roman law and the will of the senate.

  3. #3
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

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    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    General Rufus is ruthless, I look forward to seeing whether this trait will help or hinder him and the Third Legion in these chaotic days for Rome. It's great to see a new Rome AAR, and the maps and text give me a good impression of the action, and I'm interested to see how your characters and campaign will develop.

  4. #4

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Thank you very much for the kind words. Already working on part 3 and insight on part 4.
    Already re-started part 3 third time as ideas became changed and more interesting xD i am realy drawn into this project.
    Every part will take about a week or so as i don't want to rush them and try to implement most of my ideas and plots as i can.

    As a hole characters are not fixed nor will they have plot armor as i want to give in time a sense of real world instant events and dramas. Or something like that.

    Next part will focus more on the political part of the republic and how the different people and mechanics interact.

    Part 3 coming soon - Behind the shadows of politics

    Edit: Part 2 took almost 3 days more than planned since before being ready to post it i had an idea to have the storry apear on a parchment to try and give it a more antic vibe but i failed in my first attempts and decided to scrapecit for later parts.
    Last edited by AVGVSTVS07; March 29, 2022 at 10:20 AM.

  5. #5
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    You're welcome, as you said you don't need to rush. I'm looking forward to the next part!

  6. #6

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Part 3 - Behind the shadows of politics




    It was around 7 June 278 in the Roman calendar, and while the early signs of light were showing on the horizon III Legion was already on the march. After the decisive victory at the Rubicon valley battle, General Rufus reviewed the casualties suffered after the battle.
    The losses were relatively light compared to the legion numbers before the battle. The losses amounted to somewhere around 2200 men, 700 were severely injured resulting in their inability to continue their service in the legion, 300 were declared missing and 1200 were dead.
    These numbers seemed reassuring as he concluded that he could get some fresh recruits from Rome to replenish the losses sustained in the Etruscan campaign.
    Messengers were sent to the capital so that he could inform the senate of his demands regarding recruits, fresh new supplies for his legion, and information about the loot and gold he acquired from his vanquished enemies.
    As Legion III Vulcania moved at a forced march pace they managed to reach Rome in 9 days and formed a camp 2 miles away from the city and started preparations for resupply and replenishment. While Rufus was dealing with different details regarding resupply he was informed that acting consul Quintus Aemilius Papus was on his way to the Roman camp to meet the supreme commander.
    Hearing this news the Legate gave orders for the camp to be cleaned, the soldiers to wear their cleanest clothes, and every aspect to be in perfect order. He also instructed Crassus to make a point to keep the Consul and his entourage outside the command tent for some time before leading them into the general headquarters.
    When Quintus Papus arrived at the camp he was led thru the camp and arrived at the center of it and kept to wait for some time before being asked to enter inside. The consul entered the command tent and found the Legate at a large desk writing something on parchment and while he wanted to say something Rufus raised his hand and cut the consul off for a little more before putting his pen down and raising from his chair.
    - Welcome Consul Papus, I apologize for keeping you waiting but my duties at the moment require all my attention!
    - What I can do for you !?
    As the Legate stood from his chair Aemilius noticed his armor being in superbly cleaned, his face shaved and his tent being in pristine order.
    - Salve Rufus!
    - Do not worry, I understand that a man in your position has a lot of work on his hands, but I must say I have never seen the legions in such good shape!
    - Every aspect of the camp is in order and this gives me enormous pride to be a Roman and more so to be the elected Consul.
    Giving a nod of his head General Rufus extended his hand towards a chair near his working table and addressed the Consul.
    - You are too kind Consul, I am a very meticulous man and I take great pride in how a manage things.
    - Every man is responsible for the image he projects and everyone is responsible for the image the Legion leaves.
    - I don’t want to waste your time with the details as I understand that your time must be very valuable!
    - So Consul, what can I do for you?
    Taking the chair and leaning towards Rufus he said in a low whisper.
    - I wish to discuss with you a private matter but I wish to do it only between us! While nodding towards Crassus who was standing by.
    Turning towards Crassus.
    - I can assure you Aemilius that anything said here would not leave the tent but to ease your concerns I will respect your request.
    - Prefect leave us and make sure we are not disturbed until me and Consul Aemilius finished our business!
    Crassus made gave a swift nod to his head and left the tent.
    - Thank you, General!
    - I came here to meet with you today because I want to solicit your support regarding a matter and to find a compromise that could help both of us.
    - I wish to run for consulship again and I want to request your support!
    - As you are the man of the hour and your faction enjoys the greatest support in the Senate at present an alliance between our factions and ourselves could help me win the consulship election.
    - Of course, I will support you for any position you intend to run and will also continue to support your command ship over all the Republics forces.
    - And I will remain indebted to you for this service!
    - The Nobiles have a candidate of their own but with our combined strength they will not be able to make us too much trouble for the duration of my consulship.
    Taking some time to make a pretense of thinking about this proposition Decimus stood up to his full height before responding.
    - I am willing to lend you my support Papus!
    - But I want to make a better proposition.
    - I will talk with members of my faction to support your consulship!
    - I suggest we also negotiate with the Nobiles and Plebes and make sure that the senate is not divided after you ascend to the position!
    Putting a hand on his chin and rubbing it Aemilius began to say.
    - I am willing to listen, what do you have in mind?
    - I am keen to hear your proposal !!
    Rufus made a point to pace around the table and began :
    - I suggest we offer the Nobiles’ governourship over a core region of the republic!
    - We should also let Gaius Fabricius Luscinius in command of the remaining forces after the war is over to further gather their support.
    - Luscinius is a militant and this position would sway him to our side even more.
    - We should also negotiate with the plebs and offer them the position of Tribune!
    Hearing about this last proposition Papus stood up sharply and started to protest!
    - While I understand your reasoning my friend, I protest about giving the plebs the position of tribune!!
    - The tribune can veto the consul and while they are the ones with the lowest support among the senate that position would elevate their power beyond what they deserve in this negotiation.
    - I know Papus, but we will find some plebeian candidates and make sure they will follow our orders not the orders of the plebian faction members.
    - I will also fund your campaign!
    Consul papus smiled in a relaxed manner and bowed his head in agreement but had a question on his mind.
    - Rufus my friend, there is something I don’t understand!
    - You made a good proposition for everyone aside for yourself.
    - What do you want in return, what position do you aspire to?
    Looking at the consul the general smiled and calmly said:
    - None, I have no interest or intention to pursue a position at the moment!
    - I am a businessman Aemilius, my heart lies with denarii - throwing a gold coin into the hands of Aemilius Papus.
    - During your consulship you will make sure that I will have an exclusive right to all major republic building projects and that you would talk to the senate about creating a position of Magistrate of the treasury and offer me as a candidate.
    - Why would the senate create this position? Said Papus raising his eyebrows
    - I noticed during this brief campaign that the senate does not properly manage the Republic treasury and misuses them in the detriment of the military and civilian needs.
    - I will work with the senate and you and make sure that the treasury is always used properly and always increased in size
    .
    Hearing this last sentence papus nodded his head again and stood up while servants were called in with food and wine.
    Both men dined and both drank to their health. After the eating was done Papus and his party left and Rufus returned to his duties.
    Later that night he informed Crassus of his discussion with the acting consul and what the proposal was about.
    - But dominus I agree with Papus about this deal, everyone wins except you.
    - I understand that you will be able to gain lucrative projects that will increase your wealth but you could increase your wealth without offering so many favors.
    Turning from Crassus to his windows tent and staring at the moon and clear night sky he said :
    - Because you my brother only look at the tree, not the entire forest, you look at this deal and see the short run but I work on the long one.
    - Everything was done to position myself for the future and I will explain everything because while your warrior skill and decision making in battle are equal to none your political experience is weak at best, while I am a decent to good warrior my political and business prowess is equal to none and we will work together to negate our weaknesses.
    - Becoming Magistrate of the treasury I will have access to the republic’s gold and silver and will be able to make sure it’s always full or not depending on my plans for the republic.
    - Gaining more wealth is essential for me to be able to make gifts and raise legions when necessary.

    - Also by investing in construction works I will also gain support from the common people which will help me later in my future political career
    - About the Legate in charge of the republican legions after the war, well while Fabricius will command the legion I will talk to him and make sure he appoints you as his second in command so that I have a man of my own inside the legion.
    - And about the more important position of Tribune of the plebs, well neither Papus, Fabricius or Lucius Calpurnius know that you are a close friend and so I will use your impeccable military command, your reputation of an honest pleb, and make sure you are proposed as a candidate and elected as tribune!
    - While Papus, Fabricius and Calpurnius will think that they gained the most from this arrangement, behind the shadows I will have the power they crave.
    After Rufus finished his information to Crassus he made a point that he needed to talk to a scribe and send a message to Fabricius to inform him of the Etruscan campaign and future III Legion movements and also to ask him to meet him near Beneventum.
    Before Crassus managed to leave, Rufus stopped him giving him some final words.
    -Crassus after this plan gets into motion you need to remember 4 things, in public I am Dominus, in the legion I am General, in the senate I am Magistrate and in private I am your brother!


    As III Legion was almost ready to depart for Taras and in pursuit of the missing Epeiros army, Legate Decimus Sextilius Rufus decided to marry a young woman called Pompeia of the wealthy Gemelia family. His wife was a beautiful woman strong-willed wealthy thanks to her father and family with a strong bloodline that would help both of the families to increase their influence in Rome and surrounding regions.
    The ceremony was costly and grand but many high-ranking senators, magistrates, and important businessmen were invited to attend the marriage of these 2 young people.
    As the 7 days passed Rufus returned his wife to his father-in-law and left back to the Roman camp to supervise the preparations for the eventual departure towards Taras.
    3 Days before departing Rufus requested Crassus and handed him 2 parchments, one sealed with the Sextilius house sigil and one unsealed.
    - Crassus take 10 loyal men with you who are discreet and silent!
    - Go to Rome at the address I gave you inside the unsealed parchment.
    - When you reach the capital change your military clothes and take regular ones then head to the address.
    - When you reach the address of Calvus Lucan give him the sealed scroll and instruct him to read it.
    - After he finishes tell him that he owned my father 7500 denarii and you came to collect in full with no more delays.
    - If he accepts peacefully, take the money pay 50 denarii to each of your men, and return to the legion.
    - If he refuses you have my permission to use any means necessary to recover my money, including torture and killing.
    - By any chance you are forced to take the latter option, try and let Calvus live but kill his wife and kids and burn his estate to the ground.
    Crassus nodded took his gear, a fresh horse selected 10 loyal men and headed to the address.




    By 15 June 278, III Legion Vulcania was heading towards Beneventum. Using a new method of movent developed by Rufus while he noticed the flaws of moving the entire army in a long column and followed by auxiliaries.
    Now the Legion was moving in smaller columns of around 2500 men, every one of them was moving independently while still being part of the Legion. This new movement in the army was inspired by Rufus’ childhood during hunting with his father. During one of the hunts in the winter, he and his father spotted a pack of wolves moving in a straight line and following each other’s footsteps in the snow so now he decided to base some movement on that memory.
    Each column was responsible for its rations, water, food, and foder. Rufus decided that if the legion would be suddenly attacked or ambushed using this system of movement it would be easier to retreat or avoid destruction.
    He also concluded that his military Tribunes would be able to act more swiftly and decisively commanding smaller troop numbers. Using the wolf pack movement, he placed the best veterans at the front of the army columns while the recruits were at the back.
    Each soldier now was required to carry rations for 7 days and take care of his equipment while marching. This was also changed so that the army would rely less and less on slow-moving carts.
    The legion was moving towards beneventum when distressing news was coming from all surrounding areas of the great city.


    [url=https://ibb.co/3zYzGFq]

    Stay tuned for Part 4 - Elephants and spears.
    Rufus needs to be prepared to face an enemy with professional soldiers and incredible beasts.

  7. #7
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

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    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Good update! Rufus is ruthless to those who owe him money.

    I'm looking forward to seeing the professional soldiers and beasts in action, and to seeing how Rufus will deal with this threat. It sounds like his wolf pack movement is well-planned (unless, perhaps, ambushers attack the recruits in the rear).

  8. #8

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Quote Originally Posted by Alwyn View Post
    Good update! Rufus is ruthless to those who owe him money.

    I'm looking forward to seeing the professional soldiers and beasts in action, and to seeing how Rufus will deal with this threat. It sounds like his wolf pack movement is well-planned (unless, perhaps, ambushers attack the recruits in the rear).

    Thank you, i try to focus on fewer battles were possible as major battles were more scares as skirmishes and raids.. As no major general wanted to conduct huge battles unless there position was strong and worth it.
    Using dei population management want to also reduce the amount of people used as army's did not have unlimited amount of people at there disposal, and this is a flaw in the total war series.

  9. #9

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    This is a small preview of Part 4, the episode eill be posted in 2 days as i finish some last details.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    It was around 13 June 278 and 10 cloaked figures were seen in the distance. The sun was bright and the men decided to use their hooded cloaks to block the sun’s rays.
    It was a calm and warm day but they marched in a straight line with a purpose in mind slowly reaching the huge estate of a former senator and known wealthy merchant living outside the outskirts of the great city of Rome.
    The estate was huge and surrounded by plush fields full of grass and managed by well-dressed slaves of the best quality available.
    When the 11 men reached the estate entrance, the first man of the group was stopped by a master of the slaves who politely asked about the men and their business. Taking his hood off his head Crassus demanded to be taken to the head of the Lucan family so he can deliver a message. Despite protesting about the unannounced visit the slave master relented and went inside the estate to summon his master.
    After some time an old but well-built man who was starting to have grey hair on the sides of his head stepped out of the house and moved towards the unknown visitors. Reaching the men outside his estate, Calvus Lucan glanced at the men before saying.
    -Salve citizens, who are you, and what is your purpose here?
    Taking a step forward and making a nod with his head in a sign of respect Crassus reached behind his cloak to reach a sealed parchment and said.
    -I was instructed by my general Decimus Rufus Sextilius to come and bring you this sealed parchment!
    Raising his eyebrow Calvus said :
    -I know no Decimus Rufus Sextilia ..Sextilius, what message does the parchment contain?
    Crassus extending his hand with the parchment towards the old man said:
    -I don’t know the content inside the parchment sir but I insist that you read it.
    The old man took the parchment ripped the seal and started to read and after finishing it looked straight at Crassus with some hate in his eyes.
    -I don’t care what your master demands, trowing the parchment on the ground and stepping on it with his expensive sandal.
    -The loan I have taken was from Quintus Trebellius Ralla not from Decimus Sextilius!
    -So by Roman Republic Law I owe him nothing, my debt was to Quintus, and when he died my debt became void.
    I strongly recommend you leave my estate now before I take your master’s threat and use my self-defense against you and your men.
    The Tribune listened attentively to what Calvus said and reluctantly directed his gaze straight into the old man’s eyes
    -I was authorized to use any means necessary to retrieve my ‘Master’ money.
    -Don’t force me to use violence to achieve my goals, showing his sword inside his cloak
    -Surrender the money now and this is the last time we will see each other ever again!
    Seeing the sword and the coldness in the soldier’s eyes, Calvus relented his steadfast resolve.
    -Shame people act this way and in such a manner threatening someone for a debt they don’t own.
    -It will take some time to count the money please take a seat at the table on the far end of the field and il have my servants bring wine and food while you wait as I suspect you are exhausted from your journey.
    As time passed and passed some more Crassus and his men started to become important but in the end, 4 men were seen leaving the estate with a crate and 1 bag in their hands. Reaching them the 4 men threw the crate on the ground and placed the bag in Crassus’s hand.
    -What is this? Said Crassus feeling the wait of it.
    -500 Denarii, my master instructed me to give it to you and your men.
    -He said that you had 2 options!
    -Take the money and leave intact
    -Or insist on the debt, while opening the crate reviling daggers and swords.
    Looking straight at the leader of the 4 men Crassus noticed Calvus Lucan on one of the windows on his estate watching the discussion taking place.
    -And if I refuse to leave? Said Crassus!
    Taking a sword from the crate and signaling 12 more men to join them the leader of the group said
    -I will chop off your head and use it to scarecrows on the fields.
    While listening to the leader make his treats, Crassus put his hand on his sword and with a split second spin sliced the head of the leader. The unexpected move caught the estate guards by such surprise that before they managed to regroup Crassus’s men were already on them killing them before they could counterattack or defend themselves properly.
    Taking a moment to look around he ordered his men to kill the rest of the guards and to round up all the mansion slaves and family members. When all the people were before him he addressed all :
    - I give all of you a chance to help me find Calvus Lucan money, help me and I will spare you from a quick death.
    - Defy me and I will slaughter you all to the last man, woman, and child.
    As no one told him anything he ordered his men to start killing slaves until one scared for his life promised to take him to his master’s money location.
    After the money required was counted and taken Crassus ordered his men to set the fields and mansion on fire.
    Calvus started to curse and insult everyone for what they did to him and his family and that he would have his revenge in this life or the other until Crassus hit him in the back of his head and knocked him out cold. He also ordered his men to put a bag over calvus head and tie up his mouth so he could be transported back to the Roman army camp.
    After his men finished burning the estate and put Calvus on a horse he asked what to do about the remaining slaves and Lucan family members alive :
    - There needs to be no evidence that could link us to this ‘accident’.
    - Kill them all and make it seem like pirates or thieves attacked them!
    Turning to the slave who helped him threw him a bag with 500 denarii :
    - As you helped me I decided to spare your life, there are 500 denarii.
    - Take the money and leave Rome and go as far as you can so that we never meet again.
    Taking the bag of denarii the slave promised he would leave as far as he could and that he would never speak to anyone about what happened there today.
    Giving the slave a cold stare Crassus said some parting words :
    - For your sake, I hope that you don’t as the man I serve would make you suffer in a way you could never imagine!
    As the night was showing in the sky the military Tribune and his men left the Lucan estate with huge flames showing behind them as they burned the last remnants of this once proud and old family.
    The group took 8 days to reach Legion III Vulcania who was marching orderly towards a possible position of the Epeiros army. During Crassus’s absence, he found out from briefings that the Legion furthest Collums had low clashes with the enemy army who attempted to march towards Beneventum and who also tried several times to ambush the Roman army but failed every time thanks to Rufus’s new movement method.
    This cat and mouse movent kept going for almost 20 days until the Epeiros army made some mistakes and managed to give the Romans a chance to attack their rear and destroy their supplies and supply lines. Cornered into a situation with no return King Pyrrhus of Epeiros decided to stand and face the superior numbered Roman army in battle here rather than face both Legions in Taras in a siege where he could not use his war Elephants.
    The king decided to give battle on a large area covered with 3 steep hills on his side and with few forests around him so he could have time to react if the enemy army had any intention to surround him as their superior numbers would be a problem in this situation.
    In the Roman temporary camp inside the main command tent, the officers and sub-officers gathered to be briefed on the battle plan. Rufus joined them all and having a map made by his scouts of the area they will give battle the next day said :
    - The Epeiros army chose a very good position, 3 steep hills on their position and almost no forest near them.
    - So a surprise attack or envelopment is out of the question but I think this could work to our advantage in the end!
    - The main problem is those Elephants, I suspect Pyrrhus will likely keep them in reserve and deploy them only to break our cohesion or to smash units who are isolated on the field so had a discussion with Tribune Crassus and made this plan.
    - 3 units of Triarii will move on the left flank and join 3 units of Equities.
    - The equities will harras the enemy flank and try to draw the elephants out during which the 3 triarii units will form a 2 unit block and engage the elephants and pin them into place while the 3rd unit of Triarri will engage the pinned Elephants from the rear while the equities will hit their flanks to keep them in the middle until we destroy the unit.
    - When the elephants are engaged our entire mainline will advance on the enemy main line and attack them head-on.
    - By this time the phalanx will be deployed but we will have to attack them head-on despite their advantage in terrain and position.
    - I want no reserve units to try to encircle the enemy army until I have received orders that our left flank has destroyed their right flank.
    - When our cavalry is free to join the main battle I will give you the go-ahead to advance and encircle the enemy.
    - Last part of the plan is the Javelin units, which will be kept in reserve and used only after we encircled the enemy army.
    - Do you have anything to add men?
    As no one said anything and agreed with the plan they started to leave the command tent to discharge their orders to their sub-officers.
    The next day on 15 July 278 in the early morning both armies started to deploy to their positions. The Epeiros army as expected by Rufus deployed on the hills and was formed of around 14000 phalanx units, 2000 mercenary swordsmen, 2000 cavalry, and 80 war elephants.
    Legion Vulcania positioned itself on the base of the hill some 2 miles away from the enemy army. The Roman army was formed of 20000 Triarii, 5000 Equites cavalry, and 4750 Javelin men.
    III Legion deployed in the specified formation, on their left flank 3 units of Triarii 6000 strong positioned themselves behind 3 units of Equites 3000 strong.
    In the center, the mainline was formed of 5 units of Triarii 10000 strong followed by 4750 Javelin men and 2 units of Triarii in reserve. Rufus’ guard unit and 2 units of Equites 2000 strong positioned themselves on the right flank


    Please enjoy and i welcome feedback and suggestions for further parts.

  10. #10

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Part 4 - Elephants and Spears





    It was around 13 June 278 and 11 cloaked figures were seen in the distance. The sun was bright and the men decided to use their hooded cloaks to block the sun’s rays.
    It was a calm and warm day but they marched in a straight line with a purpose in mind slowly reaching the huge estate of a former senator and known wealthy merchant living outside the outskirts of the great city of Rome.
    The estate was huge and surrounded by plush fields full of grass and managed by well-dressed slaves of the best quality available.
    When the 11 men reached the estate entrance, the first man of the group was stopped by a master of the slaves who politely asked about the men and their business. Taking his hood off his head Crassus demanded to be taken to the head of the Lucan family so he can deliver a message. Despite protesting about the unannounced visit the slave master relented and went inside the estate to summon his master.
    After some time an old but well-built man who was starting to have grey hair on the sides of his head stepped out of the house and moved towards the unknown visitors. Reaching the men outside his estate, Calvus Lucan glanced at the men before saying.
    -Salve citizens, who are you, and what is your purpose here?
    Taking a step forward and making a nod with his head in a sign of respect Crassus reached behind his cloak to reach a sealed parchment and said.
    -I was instructed by my general Decimus Rufus Sextilius to come and bring you this sealed parchment!
    Raising his eyebrow Calvus said :
    -I know no Decimus Rufus Sextilia ..Sextilius, what message does the parchment contain?
    Crassus extending his hand with the parchment towards the old man said:
    -I don’t know the content inside the parchment sir but I insist that you read it.
    The old man took the parchment ripped the seal and started to read and after finishing it looked straight at Crassus with some hate in his eyes.
    -I don’t care what your master demands, trowing the parchment on the ground and stepping on it with his expensive sandal.
    -The loan I have taken was from Quintus Trebellius Ralla not from Decimus Sextilius!
    -So by Roman Republic Law I owe him nothing, my debt was to Quintus, and when he died my debt became void.
    -I strongly recommend you leave my estate now before I take your master’s threat and use my self-defense right against you and your men.
    The Tribune listened attentively to what Calvus said and reluctantly directed his gaze straight into the old man’s eyes
    -I was authorized to use any means necessary to retrieve my ‘Master’ money.
    -Don’t force me to use violence to achieve my goals, showing his sword inside his cloak
    -Surrender the money now and this is the last time we will see each other ever again!
    Seeing the sword and the coldness in the soldier’s eyes, Calvus relented his steadfast resolve.
    -Shame people act this way and in such a manner threatening someone for a debt they don’t own.
    -It will take some time to count the money please take a seat at the table on the far end of the field and il have my servants bring wine and food while you wait as I suspect you are exhausted from your journey.
    As time passed and passed some more Crassus and his men started to become important but in the end, 4 men were seen leaving the estate with a crate and 1 bag in their hands. Reaching them the 4 men threw the crate on the ground and placed the bag in Crassus’s hand.
    -What is this? Said Crassus feeling the wait of it.
    -500 Denarii, my master instructed me to give it to you and your men.
    -He said that you had 2 options!
    -Take the money and leave intact
    -Or insist on the debt, while opening the crate reviling daggers and swords.
    Looking straight at the leader of the 4 men Crassus noticed Calvus Lucan on one of the windows on his estate watching the discussion taking place.
    -And if I refuse to leave? Said Crassus!
    Taking a sword from the crate and signaling 12 more men to join them the leader of the group said:
    -I will chop off your head and use it to scarecrows on the fields.
    While listening to the leader make his treats, Crassus put his hand on his sword and with a split second spin sliced the head of the leader. The unexpected move caught the estate guards by such surprise that before they managed to regroup Crassus’s men were already on them killing them before they could counterattack or defend themselves properly.
    Taking a moment to look around he ordered his men to kill the rest of the guards and to round up all the mansion slaves and family members. When all the people were before him he addressed all :
    - I give all of you a chance to help me find Calvus Lucan money, help me and I will spare you from a quick and pointless death.
    - Defy me and I will slaughter you all to the last man, woman, and child.
    As no one told him anything he ordered his men to start killing slaves until one scared for his life promised to take him to his master’s money location.
    After the money required was counted and taken Crassus ordered his men to set the fields and mansion on fire.
    Calvus started to curse and insult everyone for what they did to him and his family and that he would have his revenge in this life or the other until Crassus hit him in the back of his head and knocked him out cold. He also ordered his men to put a bag over calvus head and tie up his mouth so he could be transported back to the Roman army camp.
    After his men finished burning the estate and put Calvus on a horse he asked what to do about the remaining slaves and Lucan family members alive :
    -There needs to be no evidence that could link us to this ‘accident’.
    - Kill them all and make it seem like pirates or thieves attacked them!
    Turning to the slave who helped him, threw him a bag with 500 denarii :
    - As you helped me I decided to spare your life, there are 500 denarii.
    - Take the money and leave Rome and go as far as you can so that we never meet again.
    Taking the bag of denarii the slave promised he would leave as far as he could and that he would never speak to anyone about what happened there today.
    Giving the slave a cold stare Crassus said some parting words :
    - For your sake, I hope that you don’t as the man I serve would make you suffer in a way you could never imagine!
    As the night was showing in the sky the military Tribune and his men left the Lucan estate with huge flames showing behind them as they burned the last remnants of this once proud and old family.
    The group took 8 days to reach Legion III Vulcania who was marching orderly towards a possible position of the Epeiros army. During Crassus’s absence, he found out from briefings that the Legion furthest Collums had low clashes with the enemy army who attempted to march towards Beneventum and who also tried several times to ambush the Roman army but failed every time thanks to Rufus’s new movement method.
    This cat and mouse movent kept going for almost 20 days until the Epeiros army made some mistakes and managed to give the Romans a chance to attack their rear and destroy their supplies and supply lines. Cornered into a situation with no return King Pyrrhus of Epeiros decided to stand and face the superior numbered Roman army in battle here rather than face both Legions in Taras in a siege where he could not use his war Elephants.
    The king decided to give battle on a large area covered with 3 steep hills on his side and with few forests around him so he could have time to react if the enemy army had any intention to surround him as their superior numbers would be a problem in this situation.
    In the Roman temporary camp inside the main command tent, the officers and sub-officers gathered to be briefed on the battle plan. Rufus joined them all and having a map made by his scouts of the area they will give battle the next day said :
    - The Epeiros army chose a very good position, 3 steep hills on their position and almost no forest near them.
    - So a surprise attack or envelopment is out of the question but I think this could work to our advantage in the end!
    - The main problem is those Elephants, I suspect Pyrrhus will likely keep them in reserve and deploy them only to break our cohesion or to smash units who are isolated on the field so had a discussion with Tribune Crassus and made this plan.
    - 3 units of Triarii will move on the left flank and join 3 units of Equities.
    - The equities will harras the enemy flank and try to draw the elephants out during which the 3 triarii units will form a 2 unit block and engage the elephants and pin them into place while the 3rd unit of Triarri will engage the pinned Elephants from the rear while the equities will hit their flanks to keep them in the middle until we destroy the unit.
    - When the elephants are engaged our entire mainline will advance on the enemy main line and attack them head-on.
    - By this time the phalanx will be deployed but we will have to attack them head-on despite their advantage in terrain and position.
    - I want no reserve units to try to encircle the enemy army until I have received orders that our left flank has destroyed their right flank.
    - When our cavalry is free to join the main battle I will give you the go-ahead to advance and encircle the enemy.
    - Last part of the plan is the Javelin units, which will be kept in reserve and used only after we encircled the enemy army.
    - Do you have anything to add men?
    As no one said anything and agreed with the plan they started to leave the command tent to discharge their orders to their sub-officers.
    The next day on 15 July 278 in the early morning both armies started to deploy to their positions. The Epeiros army as expected by Rufus deployed on the hills and was formed of around 14000 phalanx units, 2000 mercenary swordsmen, 2000 cavalry, and 80 war elephants.
    Legion Vulcania positioned itself on the base of the hill some 2 miles away from the enemy army. The Roman army was formed of 20000 Triarii, 5000 Equites cavalry, and 4750 Javelin men.
    III Legion deployed in the specified formation, on their left flank 3 units of Triarii 6000 strong positioned themselves behind 3 units of Equites 3000 strong.
    In the center, the mainline was formed of 5 units of Triarii 10000 strong followed by 4750 Javelin men and 2 units of Triarii in reserve. Rufus’ guard unit and 2 units of Equites 2000 strong positioned themselves on the right flank.
    As the armies positioned themselves in their designed places the Roman army started the battle when their left flank advanced towards the enemy’s right hill and flank. As the Cavalry was advancing at high speed the Triarii were lagging and started to become dangerously disorganized to keep up.
    While the left flank was advancing the Romans of III Legion found out firsthand what a proper professional army was capable of despite their numerical disadvantage. As the Romans were advancing on the left flank they noticed the entire enemy line was descending on themselves from their great position on the hills.
    This was a problem because while the legion was in their designated start position this forced them to change their angle and this maneuver of such a high number of men on such a large area made the ranks become condensed and were at the risk to be hit by the steamroller that was approaching them, an impenetrable wall of spears.
    King Pyrrhus seeing this opportunity from the slight disorganization of the roman center ordered his elephants to charge the Roman Left flank who was now exposed. The charge was so furious and unexpected that one of the Triarii units on the left was almost routed and started to panic and retreat.
    As the Equite cavalry was a bit far from the units they could not join the fight and stop or slow the Elephants from hitting their melee comrades so strongly.
    Noticing that his army was in a real danger to be encircled by a smaller army Rufus decided to leave the command of his right flank to the commander of his cavalry guard and head to the center to recapture control of the center while Crassus was sent on the left flank to save his men from routing. While Crassus was racing towards the left of his army Rufus joining the center started to order his army to retreat slowly to stabilize the line and regroup the center.
    As orders were moving slowly on the battlefield 2 units of triarii were caught by the Phalangites and were fighting for survival as the direct attack caught them in a disorganized slow retreat and were suffering high casualties.
    Seeing the danger in trying to bring the entire center forward to save those two units despite hating his decision left them to fight alone until he could advance and save what he could.
    The battle in the center was brutal and the roman army was slowly pushed back by the aggressive phalanx who was pressing their advantage and were fighting for every inch of the field. This constant pushback started to make Triarii recruits flee from the lines here and there putting huge pressure on the army morale.
    Back on the right flank Tribune Crassus took command of the 2 surviving units of triarii and reformed some of their cohesion and pinned the Indian Elephants into place while he maneuvered the cavalry and started to make hit and run attacks on the beasts’ flanks who started to fall now one after another giving the soldier some reprieve.
    As the beats started to become harder and harder to control by their riders he made a final charge in their left flank while one unit of Triarii surrounded them and started to hack them down with their short spears.
    In the center, the situation was becoming more and more precarious and Rufus having no information about the situation from his flanks decided to join the soldiers on the frontline to give them a bit of a morale boost. Putting on his Legate helmet and taking a shield he unsheathed his sword and charged in the front shouting orders left and right to his junior Tribunes and senior Centurions.
    The legate was ferocious with his sword as he was dropping man after man and every enemy fell making the men behind and around him fight harder and with more courage. While the battle in the center became slowly more manageable by the Romans the General finally heard the news that the roman left flank managed to smash the Epeiros Left and was regrouping and advancing towards the center to hit the enemy on their flanks.
    Despite the first good news of the day Rufus was shocked to hear that Crassus was seen falling from his horse and that he may well be dead. Being grief-stricken but not letting himself lose resolve ordered his 3rd in command Tracallus to take his horse and head on their right flank and take control of the cavalry and charge the phalanx on the right flank :
    - Tracallusss, take my horse and go as fast as you can on the right flank!
    - Find out what is happening there !!
    - I need those horses here to flank these damn greeks! Shouting and pointing far ahead on the right.
    - I can’t leave myself from the center, if I do it I may provoke a rout …so move fast and bring those horses
    - NOW !!


    As the Tribune left Rufus started organizing the line again preparing for the eventual push. As he was pointing orders for the first time during this battle Rufus spotted King Pyrrhus far in the distance on his horse joined by a large number of light skirmish cavalry moving from the right flank.
    After the roman center regrouped Rufus finally gave orders for the center to start advancing slowly and push the phalanx back until they recapture the momentum. This move was bold and was starting to pay dividends but the losses were also huge in the Roman ranks.
    Noticing the losses growing the General started to think maybe a retreat would be better to lower losses and maybe save the army from huge deaths within the ranks when Crassus appeared near him informing him that his left flank was smashing the Greek left flank and already routed 2 units of phalangites. Embracing the Tribune and giving a nod of his head Rufus ordered him to take control of the Velites and move them on the flanks to shower the greeks with javelins.
    While the Roman army was now slowly enveloping the Epeiros, Tribune Tracallus appeared on the horizon with the battered right cavalry and was making hit and run attacks on the greek right flank. Sometime later Rufus found out from his guards that Pyrrhus had to light skirmish cavalry nearby and used them as a surprise attack and kept the right flank pinned in place but they ran out of ammunition and decided to engage the roman right cavalry in close combat but were crushed easily afterward.
    By this time the Epeiros Phalanx was surrounded on 3 sides and was suffering huge losses. While they put up an incredible fight in hand-to-hand combat the superior numbers of the Romans were breaking their numbers and will faster than ever.
    Close to the middle Rufus and Crassus were not believing the resolve of the enemy soldiers who were almost ready to fight to the last man. Rufus had an idea and told Crassus to take most of the cavalry and circle around the greeks and hit their rear and attack the king itself. He concluded that his flight or death would break the last brick of morale the greeks still had.
    When the Tribune hit the enemy in the rear while entering in gaps formed there the king finally panicked and fleed the battlefield. Soon after the rest of the Epeiros Phalangites broke ranks unit after unit until the entire remaining army started a mass rout. A great deal of the Greek soldiers who fleed were killed during the rout with a significant number captured including King Pyrrhus’s 10 personal royal guardsmen, 1 nephew, and 2 historians.
    As the battle was finally over Rufus took down his helmet and pushed his sword into the field which was read with the blood spilled by allies and foe alike. He raised his head towards the sun and inhaled deeply while clenching his fist and raising it to the sky he shouted :
    - ROMA VICTOR !!!
    While more and more soldiers joined him
    - Roma Victor, Roma Victor!



    Quick note: this part has no pictures as a corrupted save made me lose the battle replay but I did my best to recreate it as best as I could during the narrative.


    In the next part, the roman legions advance towards the huge fortified city of Taras while Rufus' enemies find out about his true name and bloodline.
    See you next time in Part 5 - Heir to the Throne - Tarquin.
    Last edited by AVGVSTVS07; April 28, 2022 at 03:09 PM.

  11. #11

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Part 5 - Heir to the Throne - Tarquin.



    It was the early morning of 17 July 278 and men started to mingle around the temporary Roman camp stationed on the Bitonto plains 2 miles away from the place where Legion III Vulcania had fought with the Epeiros army 2 days ago.
    Soldiers were already preparing food, leaving for foraging parties, or changing guard shifts. In the center of the Roman camp inside the commanding tent, officers were moving in and out with news and requests for the General.
    As he was surrounded by officers one particular senior centurion entered and skipped by everyone with a parchment that was requested a day before by the general. This parchment contained the current status of the legion, losses to personnel, and units that required recruits or disbanded and dispersed among other units.
    Seeing the senior centurion, Rufus stood up from his desk and pointing to the man said:
    -Everyone except Crassus, Tracallus, and Marius leave at once!
    -I will deal with your problems and request later, you are dismissed.
    As everyone else except for the men mentioned left he came around his desk and addressed the 3 men:
    -Tell me, Marius?
    The centurion was uncomfortable but he looked straight into the general eyes when he began :
    - The legion suffered a total of 7200 casualties!
    - This figure includes over 4400 dead, 1600 injured that incapacitate their service, and 1200 with low injuries that require from 5-10 days of recuperation but are capable of continuing their service.
    Hearing the big numbers Tracallus burst out with harsh words :
    - I think you centurions don’t know how to count, how did you get to these numbers?
    - I should have you… He started to say before Crassus intervened and restrained him with a stare.
    - This man has no fault for the losses we suffered, people like him helped us prevent even more.
    - We should thank them for their resolve, sacrifice, and fearlessness in the face of danger that kept our mainline from breaking apart.
    Extending his hand the Tribune gave the centurion a firm handshake and a tap on the solder before dismissing him.
    Turning to the general he asked :
    - So what now General?
    - Losses are big but I think they are manageable given the circumstances of the battle!
    - They are but it’s a huge loss regardless Crassus, 6000 + some 2000 during the fight with the Etruscans and we are already close to 10000 soldiers.
    - We still need to assault the fortified city of Taras, which will drain a lot of men and resources, and depending on how the resistance is in the other cities and villages around Taras, we could lose men there also.
    - Well first I need to find the King, the moment he is spotted I want to be informed!
    - He can’t go too far since the men he still has does not have food, resources, and supplies so he can either run for Taras or go to nearby villages.
    - To be safe let us hope he is stupid enough to go straight for Taras so that Luscinius can catch him.
    - Anyway, carry on with your duties and make sure I am not disturbed for some time while I take a bath and eat some food.
    - Tracallus, find my scribe and tell him to prepare a speech for the men, I will address them later today.
    Later that day after the Legate addressed the men and praised their resolve and bravery while he promised them more glory to come. Rufus also received information that Luscinius received news of the roman victory and was already advancing towards Taras while Crassus early in the night returned with outstanding news that the cavalry managed to capture King Pyrrhus and that he was being held in a nearby village by the Roman cavalry.
    Two days later Legion III departed for Taras in a normal march to link up with Legion II Adriutix. The army reached the huge fortified city after 12 days instead of 8 as was expected because the rainy season started and the rough terrain made movement very hard.
    Legion II was already deployed around the city while engineers were working on ladders and ramparts. As the third deployed opposite the second, the commanding officers meet up in General Luscinius’s tent for the first time since departing from Rome in May.
    The commanding tent was packed with senior officers who started to shake hands and make friendly remarks to each other while Rufus joined by Crassus made a late entry to the meeting. Everyone stood silent when General Rufus made his appearance dressed in a richly ornate armor adorned with gold and silver.
    He walked inside and made a point to great some while ignoring others until he reached Luscinius. General Luscinius stood up from his seat and extended his hand to shake Rufus’ hand before saying :
    - Welcome old friend, I am glad to see you well.
    - I am also thankful for the advanced intelligence you supplied over the months that helped me mirror your movement.
    - Thank you, my friend, the gods were kind to me and helped me secure some victories in this campaign.
    Taking a seat at the base of the long table Rufus signaled the rest of the senior officers including Legate Luscinius to join him. As information was exchanged before the 2 armies plans were laid out for the assault and supplies.
    Rufus took control of the combined legions being acting commander and delayed the proposed assault for 5 days until he could make some attempts to convince the city to open the gates and surrender peacefully. The First 3 days of proposals were futile so Rufus turned to his prisoner King Pyrrhus himself.
    As the king was ushered into his tent by Crassus and some of his household guards Rufus made a point to greet the king in high fashion despite the royal being a prisoner. After Pyrrhus was seated and joined by his translator the general sent away everyone except him and Crassus.
    Looking at the greek translator he said :
    - Tell his highness that I wish to enter into a deal with him for his freedom and eventual return to Epeiros.
    - If he accepts my demands and enters with me into some sort of compromise he has my word that I will make sure that he will be returned to Appolonia safe and with his honor intact.
    Letting the translator tell the king his words he waited silently while the king laughed and gave his reply to the translator.
    - General, the king informed me that he does not care about your proposals.
    Hearing the response Rufus’ demeanor changed almost imperceptibly and turned menacing. Looking at the king and speaking in greek he said :
    - You perhaps did not understand me, MY KING - making a point to emphasize King!
    - I want to negotiate with you, you’re releasing, and an eventual end to the war!
    - We can do it the civilized way or I will talk with your son after I crucify you and make him king.
    Being taken aback by the Rufu’s perfect speech in greek Pyrrhus replied
    - While your threats don’t scare me in general, in truth I am willing to enter into a compromise but not for my life since my life matters not but my son’s future matters greatly!
    - So make your damn proposal.
    Hearing this, the General stood up from the table while putting his hands around his back and started to pace around the tent before adding :
    - In exchange for your life and safe arrival back to Ioannina your kingdom will surrender to Rome.
    - You will help me compel the people inside Taras to open the gates and you will renounce all ties to the region.
    - Epeiros will pay 5000 talents of gold to Rome as war reparations.
    - And all Roman merchants will trade in Epeiros without paying any tax for their services.
    Turning back towards the king the Legate walked slowly until he was 1 foot away from him and said in a menacing way
    - You will show me who Antonigou the blind is.
    Hearing the name Pyrrhus asked in genuine confusion.
    - What does he have in this discussion?
    - He is simply one of my royal bodyguards!
    Clenching his fist and coming closer to the king :
    - Do you think this is a negotiation?
    - Tell me who the man is and show me if he is part of the prisoners.
    - I want to talk to him face to face!
    - I can’t general, I suspect what you want with him but I won’t do it, I will never betray one of my own family to anyone.
    Hearing the last sentence Rufus almost exploded into rage. Grabbing the Epeiros king by the neck he screamed in his face :
    - Tell me who he is you insignificant little greek pig !!!
    - I won’t ask you again.
    - You either tell me who he is or I will carve out your son’s heart while he is breathing and I will make you watch every moment.
    Hearing this the king started to scream and curse Rufus and the Romans. As Pyrrhus was screaming and cursing left and right the general ordered Crassus to round up the royal prisoners and bring them inside the commanding tent.
    As all prisoners were lined up one next to another Rufus took out his sword and pointed its sharp tip towards the Epeiros king’s right eye almost touching it
    - Who of you is Antonigou?
    - Show yourself now or I will carve out his eyes!
    As no one said anything Rufus planted his hand firm on the king’s head ready to carve his eye when at the last moment a big man with long hair said he is the man he was searching for. Pushing the king on his back Rufus made a nod with his head for the other prisoners to be taken to the holding cells including the king.
    When they were all gone he instructed his guards including Crassus to take Antonigou to the woods nearby where he will join them shortly.
    Later the legate joined his guards and ordered them to make a circle and have the prisoner put inside the circle where he joined him.
    - Do you know who I am? Said Rufus looking at the Epeirot guardsman
    - Yes, the general of the Roman army!
    Making a slight grin Rufus continued
    - Yes that is true but I am so much more.
    - I am the son of one of the 3 senators you had killed at the orders of your master.
    Hearing this the guard responded almost unaffected by the remark.
    - Ah I understand this is why you brought me here, you intend to execute me here away from the eyes of others.
    Starting to laugh Rufus turned slightly serious :
    - Do you think I need to hide you for execution?
    - I could have taken your head earlier but I decided to give you a chance to save your useless life.
    - We will duel each other and if you defeat or kill me, you are free to go.
    - Crassus, if he beats me fairly he is to be left to leave.
    Reluctantly the tribune accepted. Rufus had a shield and a spear given to the greek guard while he chose his favorite sword and a roman legion shield.
    When both men were ready they came close to each other when Crassus gave the order for them to start.

    They started to circle each other while both of them mirrored each other’s movements. During a brief moment of circling each other, the greek started to become impatient and went in for a strike.
    He closed his shield to his body and started a fast piercing movement toward Rufus. The general made simple evasions and movements designed to escape direct danger without wasting a lot of stamina.
    Seeing his attempts had no effect the greek started to close the gap slightly and make more precise stabs with his spear forcing Rufus to duck low and high, moving faster to evade the strikes. At this moment the general started to use his shield to divert the spear making effort to close the gap more so he could get into a striking distance for his sword.
    Noticing what the Roman general was doing Antonigou started to retreat slowly closing his shield to his chest and adopting a spartan-style defense posture with the spear just above the shield at a slight angle. Understanding the posture Rufus charged the man knowing that posture is good in tight locations and tight formations but in a wide space it’s useless and sacrifices movement.
    Attacking the greek Rufus started to make feint attacks meant to draw the guard out of his defensive position and give him attempts to impale him with his word. These attempts were pretty weak in terms of effectiveness but they had the intended effect of tiring the enemy.
    The contest was going in full until the greek guard was visibly making more and more mistakes in attacks and defense thanks to the fatigue. Rufus was also tired but not in the same manner and his attacks started to be more and more precise, aimed at his enemy’s shoulders and legs.
    At one point one of his slashes with the sword grazes Antonigou on his left shoulder but not harm him in any dangerous way. Seeing this, Rufus started to taunt him and make himself falsely look careless in an attempt to draw the greek into reckless attacks.
    During one of these attacks, the guard makes a huge mistake while making a spear stab at Rufus and extending his arm far too much. Noticing this the general hit his shield into the tip of the spear with such a force that it flew from the man’s grasp to the side.
    Dropping the shield to move faster to grab the spear Antonigou ran towards the spear and grabbed it and before lifting it his hand was cut by one powerful swing from the general’s sword. Dropping into his back the greek clutched the severed arm and screamed in pain until Rufus came over him spet on the stump placed his knee on the man’s chest and started to smash his face with his fists.
    As the guard seemed close to passing out Rufus picked him up by the hair and placed him on his knees :
    - So this is the famous greek bodyguard?
    - Your fighting ability is pathetic, I wouldn’t hire you to protect my toga with this ability .’
    - No wonder you killed those 3 old men, since that is probably the only man you can kill.
    - So soldier, any last words?
    AS the greek was barely standing on his knees managed to stutter 2 words in roman.
    - y… - his words were cut short when Rufus stabbed his sword inside the man’s mouth.

    As the body fell to the ground Rufus turned to his men and gave them orders to cut the man’s head and put it into salt. To Crassus he said breathing heavily :
    - Il go hunting with some of the men and return later tonight!
    - When I return send the guards away and bring him to me.
    - Yes general.
    As the day changed to night Crassus entered the commanding tent leading a man who had a bag over his head and found the general carving some deer from his hunt. As he approached the general he noticed the scars Rufus had on his back, countless that resembled sword slashes.
    Turning from the deer Rufus took a shirt on himself and went straight to his guest and took the bag from his head.
    - Welcome Calvus, I am pleased that you accepted my invitation.
    Lifting his head in a tired way the old man looked at Rufus and said :
    - I suspect you are the man who ordered my kidnapping.
    - You got your money and destroyed my home what do you still want with me?
    - I pray to the gods that you will join your father soon enough for what you did to me and my family.
    Hearing the words Rufus started laughing hard before saying :
    - I think I should have been more honest with you from the start Calvus.
    - In truth, I did not care about my father’s money at all but I did care about you and your bloodline.
    - I may have overlooked the help you gave my enemies to have my father killed.
    - He was an adoptive father not my biological one because if you knew my real name and real bloodline you would have given me everything I asked without question or hesitation!
    Being intrigued by what he heard Calvus replied:
    - And who are you?
    -What should I care!
    Turning his back to the former senator Rufus said in a foreign language some words. Knowing the former senator did not understand he switched to the Roman language :
    - My real name is Augustinus Rufus Tarquinius
    - I am the sole living heir to the Tarquin dynastic line.
    Hearing the name and last words said by the general, Calvus Lucan widened his eyes in shock and surprise based on what he heard.
    - That’s impossible !!?
    - The Tarquins were killed and chased outside of Rome.
    - The main dynastic members of the family were sentenced to death while family friends were sent into exile far away.
    Turning back to the former senator Rufus smirched confidently
    - You and the rest are mistaken.
    - My great-great-grandfather, was the youngest brother of Marcus Tarquinius Superbus the last Roman King before the betrayal.
    - My great-great-grandfather survived thanks to the help given by families who remained loyal to mine over the years!
    - Those families included distant lines of my adoptive father or family members related to my second in command.
    - Your family betrayed mine long ago in exchange for money and potential influence!
    - And now your debts are due ‘senator’.
    - Not only did you and your family betray mine but attempted to steal money from me and betray my father as well.
    Saying something in Tarquin’s language Rufus stood to his full height glaring at Calvus who was shocked and slightly scared based on what he heard. Taking his sword out and stepping right in front of calvus with his sword ready for a strike made the former senator start begging :
    - Please spare me, please!
    - I will disappear, you will never hear from me again.
    - Please - as Rufus put his sword to Calvus’ neck.
    - Let me do your bidding, let me right my wrongs and my families!
    Falling onto one knee Rufus was looking straight into the old man’s eyes :
    - But you are doing my bidding!
    - I learned long ago that every death I oversee nurtures and empowers me!
    - While it brings me closer and closer to my destined place!
    Taking a slight moment to let the last sentence ring.
    - To rule the Romans and all the known world.
    And with a fast slice to the man’s neck, he took his head clean off while the body fell hard on the hard ground. Looking at crasus while cleaning his sword with the dead senator’s robe :
    - Chop him up into pieces and dispose of the body!
    - When you are done make preparations so we can meet a delegation from Taras so I can force them to surrender!
    - From tomorrow you will fall under Luiscinius’s command and you will place my troops around the city based on his design.
    - I will retire for today, make sure I am not disturbed at all.
    Rufus left the tent and went towards his sleeping quarters feeling empowered and confident that this man’s death is the first one of the many that will come and everyone will bring him closer to his destined place. Walking slowly he was noticing the fires all around the city of Taras while the soldiers were working on the siege equipment.


    See you next time on part 6 - Siege and Power

  12. #12

    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Small update - this past week been sick and felt to bad to put my ideas in words but feeling better now and will post part 7 soon .

  13. #13
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

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    Default Re: ROME - Is mother to us all [Divide et Impera] AAR - {Seasons} 2.0

    Cool updates! I'm sorry to hear that you've been sick.

    You asked for feedback, I like the way that include ordinary details about life in the legion, such as foraging parties and the changing of guard shifts - this works nicely to set the scene. I also like the way that you tell us about what's happening with specific characters such as Crassus.

    I suggest adding spaces before and after dialogue, to avoid the appearance of a 'wall of text'.

    Instead of this:


    Taking a moment to look around he ordered his men to kill the rest of the guards and to round up all the mansion slaves and family members. When all the people were before him he addressed all :
    - I give all of you a chance to help me find Calvus Lucan money, help me and I will spare you from a quick death.
    - Defy me and I will slaughter you all to the last man, woman, and child.
    As no one told him anything he ordered his men to start killing slaves until one scared for his life promised to take him to his master’s money location.


    You could have something like this:

    Taking a moment to look around he ordered his men to kill the rest of the guards and to round up all the mansion slaves and family members. When all the people were before him he addressed all :

    - I give all of you a chance to help me find Calvus Lucan money, help me and I will spare you from a quick death.

    - Defy me and I will slaughter you all to the last man, woman, and child.

    As no one told him anything he ordered his men to start killing slaves until one scared for his life promised to take him to his master’s money location.

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