MEN OF ROME!(RTW, Interactive)

[Brian Swartz]

** A quick housekeeping note: this first post will be used as a source of all needed reference materials. The most recent campaign map, cast of characters, and other vital information will be kept here and updated throughout. I'm looking for as many good men as are willing -- optimally, I will have very few decisions to make in this project as the plan is to have most of the key characters under the control of the community. Sign-up info will be presented later in this post. This is not a mere 'sign-up' game, those who will join will have significant input into decision-making and forming the future of Rome.

For now, let me present the essentials. This project will use to original Rome: Total War, not the hideous disaster that the sequel unfortunately became(though the community may eventually save it to some extent). I'm using the brilliant RTR7(Rome Total Realism) mod which I think is one of the greatest mods ever made. The team spent longer on it than CA did making the original game, and the work shows. Those who have played the vanilla but not RTR will not recognize many features, so I won't assume any knowledge of the game here.


THE SETTING

It is generally believed that the city of Rome was founded some 250 years prior to the republic in 750-760 B.C., give or take, but there is little but various unsubstantiated myths pointing to any specific date or set of circumstances.

The Roman Republic, depending on whose scholarship you trust, came into being around 509 BC. The final king to rule Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, was overthrown and the concept of electing two consuls to annual terms was born. The next couple of centuries found the Republic at war more often than not with surrounding cities and villages, wars started sometimes by themselves and sometimes by others. In 387 B.C., a punitive expedition by Gauls under Brennus defeated the Romans and the city itself was sacked. Perhaps the most likely of many myths is that Brennus was bought off with a price of a thousand pounds of gold.

The Republic soon showed it's resilience. They had been beaten but not destroyed, and three wars of expansion known as the Samnite Wars occupied most of the period from 350 B.C. to the early third century. At their conclusion, a couple of important changes had been made. The aristocratic patrician class had been forced to yield near-equality with the passing of the Hortensian Law to the much more numerous commoner plebian class, and militarily the 'manipular legion' had been borne out of the Gallic and Samnite conflicts, proving a more effecting fighting force than the previous militia-based approach.

Italian Peninsula, 280 B.C.

This brings us to present-day in our story. Rome has made herself a significant power in Italy, having expanded to control the central portion. The Gauls and various independent provinces remain to the north, while most of the southern lands maintain loyalty to Greek masters.

This balance of power was not to last, nor was it really expected to. A new chapter in the Roman story is about to unfold, with a new, more dangerous enemy. King Pyrrhus of Epirus has landed in southern Italy with a large army at his command to challenge the upstart Republic. With Carthago waiting for the opportune moment to the south and a score of smaller factions making their own plans, the Mediterranean is about to descend into Total War.

Who will answer the call of Rome?


ROMAN LEADERSHIP SYSTEM

** This feature of RTR7 is the biggest reason I'm using this mod for the project, and it provides a career path based loosely on the 'cursus honorum' for the great men of our time. The progression is as follows:

* Cavalry Commander -- After being adopted/born and come of age into the 'royal family', command of a personal bodyguard unit of cavalry is bestowed. Five years of service here is required, during which the youngster is not qualified to be in charge of anything more significant. Any settlement or army under their command would be far better off without them there -- they can serve only as couriers for someone of actual importance or as a possibly useful addition to an army with their cavalry.

* Military Tribune -- After the five years of service are up, eligibility for Tribune is achieved. Tribunes typically defend border provinces against aggression.

* Quaestor -- After a total of 15 years of service, the authority to govern a settlement of moderate importance may be granted.

* Aedile -- 5 years after first serving as Quaestor, the rank of Aedile allows for governing of key provinces.

* Praetor -- After another 3 years, an appointment as Praetor is possible. Along with being highly respected in their ability to govern major cities, they have a general remit to defend nearby Roman territory against any aggression.

* Consul -- 3 years after first serving as Praetor, the highest level of Roman achievement can be reached. Consuls go wherever they think they are needed. They are the only officials with the authority to launch offensive military campaigns, but are also trusted to see to domestic affairs anywhere they see fit. To be a consul is to have one's name written prominently in the history of the Republic. The fact that there are two of them has been proven over more than two centuries to be an effective check on any abuses of power.

CARTOGRAPHER'S REPORT

Latest update: Spring, 275 B.C.

Northern Italy




http://i.imgur.com/k5xvISn.png




Southern Italy




http://i.imgur.com/HasJBkz.png




Rhegion, or the 'toe' of Italy




http://i.imgur.com/RsnndOf.png



STATE OF ROME, 273 B.C.

Provinces: 25(10 major, 15 minor, no change/+1)
Navy: 540(-55%)
Army: 110.4k(-4.1%)
Citizenry: 323.9k(+5.9%)
Annual Income: 252k(+3.7%)
Annual Profit: 39.5k(15.7%)
Treasury: 11.4k(+78%)

Wars: Dynasty of Aiakides, Republic of Cathargo, Genua(Independent Ligurian town in NW Italy)
Alliances: Kingdom of the Aedui(one of two major Gallic factions, the other being the Arverni).

Other neighbors**: Bononia(neutral, barbarian town to the north in Italy)

This denotes relations we have with any other provinces neighboring Roman lands not listed in the Wars/Alliances, presented for a complete picture of those around us.

Senate Ballot, 274 BC

Consul Appointments: Laevinus Coffeium and Mus
Adoption: Balanced
Diplomacy: Calculating
Tax Policy: High
Spending Policy: Extreme Military Focus

'FAMILY TREE'

First Generation -- Consul Tiberius Coruncanius(died, 274 BC), wife Pompeia(65). Daughters Poppaea(48), Alypia(45), Claudia(44), Marcella(43)

Second Generation -- Coruncanius has four daughters, and each of their husbands joined his line by marriage. Consul Laevinus Coffeium(49) married Poppaea, and they have three sons; Decius(14), Marcus(10), and Augustus(5), along with adopted 'son' Galerius Pupius Puso(30), married to Arria(25). Aedile Luscinus(38) married Alypia, and they have two sons, Tribune Amul(21), Luca(7), and Tertius(2), along with a daughter in Ocellina(4). Quite the gap there. Tribune Lepidus(32) is the husband of Claudia and their children are Fadia(20), along with sons Commander Manius(17), Valerius(6), and Sextus(4). The final marriage was that of Praetor Mus(45) to Marcella, and they have a single son, Cassius(7), and two daughters, Leontia(3) and Magia(1).

Third Generation -- Tribune Lawcius(22) married in(Fadia), with a pair of daughters already born to them in Dryantilla(4) and Domitia(1). Tribune Amul(21) was the first natural child to come of age. His wife Hostia(19) has borne a daughter, Honoria(3). Commander Manius(17) joined the fray more recently, and his wife is Octavia(13). As of yet they have no children.

SIGN-UPS

Your role, should you choose to accept it, will be to RP your chosen character's opinions on general Republic policy, and to make specific decisions relative to his station when the occasion warrants(which will be fairly often). More details on this will be forthcoming, but this should be enough to get the ball rolling.

Chosen Character: 'New' if you want to be put on the waiting list for a new character to come of age/be adopted, otherwhise which character from the list you want to take. First come, first served, there'll be plenty for everyone down the line.

Nickname: I won't be renaming the characters themselves(don't think the game supports it), but I can refer to them via any designation you wish to come up with, no matter how ridiculous(just don't make it profane)

Understanding The Legions

We're far enough in now that there's beginning to be a greater range of experience and equipment among the ranks, including our own soldiers. Because of this I'm going to start adding a little more detail to the army part of the briefings for those who might be interested in it -- it has been asked about from time to time already.

Each of these elements adds to fighting effectiveness, experience gives a small boost across the board and has a ten-point scale(I'll just use 1-10 to keep it simple), weapons and armor add to the effectiveness of attack or defense and have four levels, which I'll interpret as Basic, Fair, Good, or Excellent as the case may be.

The first battle at Herakleia for example featured Roman units at the lowest level across the board, green with no equipment upgrades, while most of Pyrrhos' army had 5-6 experience and were a mix between Fair and Good quality equipment. By comparison, most of the units we can recruit are between 0-2 experience with Fair weapons/shields. A few unit types, like the Funditores, will eventually be phased out since as slingers their weapon is rocks -- these cannot be upgraded. The quality of new units is determined by the facilities in the province they come from, which can be upgraded(at a significant cost).

Experienced line infantry is particularly difficult to achieve, since they tend to die and need replacing before they have enough combat success to significantly improve. It tends to happen more often with cavalry/missile troops which in favorable engagements don't lose nearly as many men.

I'll add this blurb to the OP and try to clarify any questions there might be. The basics of it are pretty straightforward, but as with all things the consequences can be more complex.

CLAIMED CHARACTERS

Laevinus Coffeeium(Coffee Warlord)
Mus(Chesapeake)
Lawcius(law90026)
Amul(DavidCorperial)
Manius(mrtourette)

WAITING LIST

Open

[Coffee Warlord]

I am Publius Valerius Laevnius, better known as Laevinus Coffeeium, Consul of Rome.

Greco delanda est. Greece must be destroyed.

[law90026]

New for me please. The story of a young officer who rises through the ranks and becomes Caesar never gets old. Plus the orgies.

[chesapeake]

Honorable men of Rome, I am Publius Decius Mus, Praetor and governor of Rome. Until I earn a name from my worthy deeds, I will simply be known as Mus.

[Brian Swartz]

I've encountered an unexpected technical difficulty, I'm expecting to get it sorted later today and get this show on the road.

[DavidCorperial]

A new one for me as well please.

[Brian Swartz]

Maps and claimed characters added to the initial post. More info will be added shortly, but this is one of those moments in history where time does not permit the laying of careful plans.

PROLOGUE: HERAKLEIA

Laevinus Coffeium, King Pyrrhos and his army approach for battle! Force assessment:

http://i.imgur.com/GL13V1Y.png

Your command numbers just under 26,000 men. It is largest army presently fielded by the Republic, nearly a third of the total force -- in fact, one of every ten Roman citizens is here under your direct authority. However, with the exception of your personal cavalry these are raw recruits with basic equipment. This is not to say they are unskilled, particularly the 1800 or so triarii, elite spearmen which are the best infantry in the Republic. But they are not yet battle-hardened.

http://i.imgur.com/H91e07K.png

Pyrrhos's army is much different. You outnumber them somewhat(estimated 22,000 strong) but they are highly experienced and have good to excellent weapons and armor, superior in almost every respect. The elephants at his disposal are particularly intimidating, and Roman arms have not yet been tested against the Greek phalanxes he commands, considered the best fighting force in the Meditteranean world.

Laevinus Coffeium, you are now on the clock. Will you stand and fight against King Pyrrhos, or will you 'conduct a strategic withdrawal'?

You have 48 hours to respond.

[Coffee Warlord]

Rome does not run from Greek scum.

The time of the Greek is over. The time of the Roman is at hand.

ADVANCE THE LEGION.

[Brian Swartz]

Lol, good answer. Not that I was really in doubt about what your decision would be ...

[Brian Swartz]

Battle of Herakleia
Spring, 280 B.C.

The first rendering shows the vantage point of Laevinus Coffeium as the Greeks begin their approach. They had interposed themselves between the Romans and Herakleia, but this had given him choice of terrain on a hill overlooking the waters south of Italy. In the background can be seen the Aiakid fleet which controls the waterways, and over the far ridge lies Herakleia itself.

http://i.imgur.com/xzUP8eF.png


They wasted no time in charging up the slope, with the elephants wreaking havoc on the right flank of Laevinus' lines.

http://i.imgur.com/Q6dxqOt.png


At the other end of the hill, Pyrrhos attempted to turn the other flank with his numerous cavalry, and the Romans were forced to meet him with some of their beset spearmen. Perhaps too eager to press his advantadge, the Greek king met an early demise ...

http://i.imgur.com/TvQepzK.png


Despite the loss of their leader, the phalanx formation continued to press up the hill. For some time it was unclear who would have the upper hand.

http://i.imgur.com/psyNCFn.png


The beasts on both flanks proved too much for Coffeium's men to overcome. Though some of the elephants fell, they took scores of his soldiers for each one they lost, and with his limited cavalry decimated early on, the left soon caved as well. Pressed on three sides, they were eventually chased from the battlefield by their relentless enemy

http://i.imgur.com/WQCJTPK.png


Herakleia was a disaster for both sides. The Romans had lost, but neither could say to have truly won. The Aiakids lost their leader and best general in Pyrrhos, along with 4,000 men. Laevinus Coffeium survived, but his command was decimated to the tune of more than 18,000 -- his force is now only a third of what it was, and he had no choice but to retreat to Grumentum.

The southern border is now in serious jeopardy, as it is unlikely the remaining forces there would be able to repel a significant attack ...

[Brian Swartz]

With that, it's time to get into our first 'cycle', each year the Senate will convene and various decisions will be made(unless a major event requires an emergency session mid-year). First, I will update the map(already done as mentioned) and also update a few key facts in the OP under the headline of the

STATE OF ROME

Provinces: 19(8 major, 11 minor) ** Look, for example, at the first of the initial maps(Northern Italy). Those locations labeled all capitals(ROMA, ARRETIUM, etc.) are major provinces: minor provinces are not all caps(Volsinii Novi, Senna Gallica, etc.). Minor provinces are essentially smaller villages and towns which provide relatively small amounts of tax/trade income, but they will never develop into major provinces, you can't recruit new troops/build most structures there, etc. They are relatively unimporant and not worth major sacrifices to defend, at least in most cases. For example, while they are the majority in number, the minor provinces comprise only about 15% of the Republic's initial population base.
Navy: none
Army: 63,400
Citizenry: 160,650
Annual Income: 147.1k
Annual Profit*: 24.95k(17.0%)
Treasury: 125k

* This is with taxes set to Normal in all of the major provinces, the initial Senate ballot could change this amount.

Wars: Dynasty of Aiakides, Genua(Independent Ligurian town in NW Italy)
Alliances: Republic of Cathargo, Kingdom of the Aedui(one of two major Gallic factions, the other being the Arverni).

Other neighbors**: Bononia(neutral, barbarian town to the north in Italy), Messana(allied independent town in NE Sicily, just across the straits from Rhegion)

This denotes relations we have with any other provinces neighboring Roman lands not listed in the Wars/Alliances, presented for a complete picture of those around us.

[Brian Swartz]

Senate Ballot

These are the default starting settings: i.e. the positions of the Senate prior to the Battle of Herakleia.

Consul Appointments: Tiberius Coruncanius, Publius Valerius Leavinus('Coffeium').
Adoption: Exceptional
Diplomacy: Calculating
Tax Policy: Normal
Spending Policy: Balanced

Ballot Explanations

** Consul Appointments -- Consuls are appointed to annual terms. For now, and for at least the next two years, this is a mere formality as we need two and have only two qualified candidates(it is possible to have one or even zero if, for example, someone dies without a qualified replacement). The time will come when there are more than two and this actually becomes a rather important decision. For now, the vote is automatic.

** Adoption -- There are two ways for a new 'character' or 'great man of Rome' to enter the game. One is by a son of a sufficiently important 'royal' line coming of age(at 16), the other is by someone being sponsored for adoption by a benefactor. There are presently four young men(ages 3, 7, 10, and 14) who will be used to supply places for those on the waiting list even if we do nothing -- and more of course will be born in the natural course of things. Those who are adopted by a benefactor, unless they 'marry into' this royal line, will not have their children automatically join. More leaders is of course a good thing in theory but they and their personal cavalry must be paid for the lavish lifestyle befitting a favored son of Rome. There are of course certain, ahem ... *appetites* which are expected to be catered to. And for the first five years one will be paying them to do nothing. Another thing to consider is that adoption candidates sometimes are in their mid-30s or older: such a person would be very unlikely to live long enough to qualify for the more senior and important offices.

Options for this policy are Always(take every candidate), Exceptional(take only those with good potential, i.e. young and talented), and Never(take no candidates, let the natural process of birth and maturity fill out the leadership).

** Diplomacy -- The general policy of Rome towards other factions. Options here are Cooperative(Attempting to build up good will by agreeing to all deals except highly disadvantageous ones), Calculated(Taking all agreements, esp. trade treaties, that will benefit us and rejecting those will not), and Xenophobic(Rejecting almost all agreements out an aggressive distrust of foreigners).

** Tax Policy -- High taxes mean more income in the short-term, with more of the army required for garrison duty in order to keep order in the larger provinces and less population growth, meaning less taxpayers and army recruits in the future. Options are Minimal(low taxes across the board to stimulate growth), Normal(balance between short and long-term concerns), and High(maximizing income). High does not necessarily mean Very High taxes everywhere(in some situations, the garrison required would actually mean a net loss of money). It simply means the tax setting that is the most profitable in the short term.

** Spending Policy -- This policy defines the priority of the Republic inl dispursing it's treasury. Options here are Mobilization(maximizing the funds available to Prateors and Consuls, and to a lesser extent Tribunes and other governors in increasing the armed forces for military operations), Development(maximizing the funds available for new industries and infrastructure), Savings(the Republic will attempt to gradually grow the treasury accounts as a hedge against future emergencies), or Balanced(a modest savings will be preserved, military and economic interests will receive moderate investment).

[chesapeake]

You knew it had to be a Pyrrhic victory for the Greeks.

[Brian Swartz]

The latest Senate vote enforces a couple of changes: Taxes are up to High and Spending will focus on the Military in order to mobilize for combating the Aiakid threat. Troop levies are ordered from all major population centers, and Consul Tiberius Coruncanius moves his army south to aid Laevinus Coffeium. It will likely take him more than a year to arrive, however ...

With these developments budgets can be dispursed and specific orders given throughout the Republic.

Waiting List

law90026(278 or sooner)
DavidCorperial(274 or sooner)

Those are dates at which a new Roman son will come of age: if there's no adopted leader by that time, you'll get a character then.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Praetor Mus

Location: Roma -- population 50k, stone walls for defence, 240% public order(anything over 100% is stable with no penalties)
Troops: 4,860 Hastati, 320 personal cavalry, 5,180 total.
Agents: Decius(spy, 21, 0 skill) and Valerius(diplomat, 21, 0 skill)

With Coruncanius heading south, you now have responsibility for defending not just the area around Rome but also the entire northern half of the Republic. There are three issues on which your orders will be required:

Roma Build Orders

As governor you must choose what the province will next build. As the capital, Roma commands the lion's share of discretionary spending and so your budget is for immediate purposes limitless. Choices:

** Improved Fishing Village(5940 den., 5 seasons) -- Increases sea trade via the addition of an additional trading fleet
** Paved Roads(33,210 den., 13 seasons) -- Improved trade, public order(+15% law bonus), improved speed of travel
** Academy(20,700 den., 11 seasons) -- Improved public order(+10% law bonus), improved education means leaders in Rome have an increased chance of positive traits
** Arena(20,700 den., 11 seasons) -- +20% tax income, allows for gladiatoral games to be held, +10% public order(happiness)
** Odeon(20,700 den., 11 seasons) -- Theatrical productions are produced here, allowing for a 5% increase in public order(happiness)
** Roman Baths(21,600 den., 13 seasons) -- 5% increase in public order(happiness)

Location Orders

As your remit has changed with Coruncanius' departure, you can either remain at Roma or move to some other location to better defend the Republic in which case another official will take charge of the city, From Roma, travel time in good weather is estimated to take 2-3 seasons to reach the northern border.

Troop Requests

The Senate will appropriate new recruits to your command as they are available. Most will be sent to the consular armies heading south but a significant number will come to you as well for your command. Every effort will be made to follow the typical manipular legion in terms of troop types unless you request otherwhise. That typical assembly is as follows:

** Mostly infantry, about half core Republican troops(Hastati, Principes, Triarii in order of increasing skill and decreasing number) and half Oscan/Etruscan/Campagnian troops from the outlying provinces which are generally not quite as good but far more numerous: at this point, only Roma itself can recruit Republican maniples.
** Modest numbers of missile troops(Funditores/Velites)
** Small numbers of limited cavalry(Equites)

If you wish you may request assassins/spies/diplomats to be added to your command, or build forts/watchtowers in strategic locations that don't have a city nearby to watch over them. If so, the size of your army will be decreased: your funding will remain constant, it's up to you where the denarii go.

Praetor Mus, the Senate has spoken, and you are on the clock.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium

Location: Grumentum -- population 7,400, 205% public order
Troops: 340 cavalry, 420 missile troops(almost all Funditores), 3820 Republican infantry, 3880 Oscan infantry, 2840 Campanian infantry, 11,300 total.
Agents: none

Grumentum Build Orders

The province is not rich or large enough to justify anything other than harbor improvements, which are not particulary important in the present situation.

Location

It is expected that you will remain near Grumentum until your fellow consul arrives from the north: however, you have the authority to do as you wish. If you wish to press another attack and where it is at your discretion.

Troop Requests

The same options are available to you as Praetor Mus. Replenishing your army is a top priority of the Senate.

Consul Laevinus Coffeium, the Senate has spoken and you are on the clock(48 hours).

[Coffee Warlord]

Legio II 'Conquistadores' orders new infantry to replenish the ranks.

And we wait. For now.

But if the Conquistadores fail me again, their Legion's name shall be removed from the Senate rolls.

[chesapeake]

1) Pave the roads.

Now for some questions:
What is the intelligence regarding our enemy in the NW, Genua?
What is the makeup of the army that Coruncanius is moving south?
Is it just the one Greek army in the south, formerly headed by Pyrrhos?
As Rome's praetor, Do I get to order the diplomat and the spy?

[Brian Swartz]

Feel free to ask all the questions you want, good ones too.

Q: What is the intelligence regarding our enemy in the NW, Genua?

A: Not much. It is estimated to be a town of 5,000 to 10,000, fairly small as 'major' provinces go. A fairly large army of unknown composition is holed up in the town itself, and nothing is known of other forces which may or may not be in the surrounding province. Mountains separate the Roman settlements and also some considerable distance, shielding any movements. A well-developed fishing industry is there but nothing else is known of the economy other than that there is a fair amount of activity.

The situation/intelligence has not changed in some years. It is a 'cold' war, if one can even call it that -- but of course nothing would be more natural than for an enemy to wait for an opportunity when our eyes are elsewhere.

Q: What is the makeup of the army that Coruncanius is moving south?

Mostly Republican infantry, with small amounts of missile troops/cavalry and a few auxilia. About half are the best of the surviving veterans of the Third Samnite War, cavalry and Republican infantry that are somewhat better equipped and more battle-hardened than those defeated at Herakleia. He has at present 14,400 men in all, a number that is expected to grow somewhat with the new troop levies but it is a respectable army as it is.

Q: Is it just the one Greek army in the south, formerly headed by Pyrrhos?

To our incomplete knowledge yes. Of the known enemy forces, those are by far the best being the elite troops from Epirus across the Adriatic, and approximately the same number are divided between the four Aiakid provinces in southern Italy, the largest number of which are at Tarentum in the east, or 'heel'. We have incomplete intelligence, particularly with Laevinus having been forced to withdraw.

Q: As Rome's praetor, Do I get to order the diplomat and the spy?

Yes, they are attached to your command and you may do with them as you wish(including terminating their service and using the money for additional troops).

[chesapeake]

Priority 1 is the hot war.
1) I am transferring the spy to the command of the junior consul, Coffeium, to use to scout the Greeks to the south and to open the gates for the legions prior to Rome's inevitable victory.
2) I need to add some missile troops to my army if it is to be effective. Then I need another unit of horse for flanking and running down the enemy as they flee the field. Then add infantry. We'll sit tight in Rome for the time being.
3) Send the diplomat up north towards the Genuae. Would he be captured if he travelled into Genua, or is he considered safe because he is a diplomat?

Do you have a link to the RTR7 mod? I'd like to have a better idea of the gameplay.

[Coffee Warlord]

I am sending that spy back to my co-consul to murder him if he ever calls me a "junior" consul again. :)

(I kid.)

[chesapeake]

You're the younger of the two, so junior you are. Me, I aspire to be the junior consul. I am simply a lowly praetor.

[Brian Swartz]

ROFL at a 'lowly praetor'. Yes, third-highest ranking official in the Republic, such an embarrassing position :P.

Would he be captured if he travelled into Genua, or is he considered safe because he is a diplomat?

I think it's possible to attempt to kill a diplomat with an assassin, but that would be the only way and I've never heard of it happening. I would definitely expect him to be safe.

Mod forums are located here at TWC: RTR VII (http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2049-RTR-VII)

Orders received.

[Brian Swartz]

And as for you, Laevinus ...

I am sending that spy back to my co-consul to murder him if he ever calls me a "junior" consul again.

Spies can't do that. They like, do spy stuff. Assassins kill people :).

[chesapeake]

ROFL at a 'lowly praetor'. Yes, third-highest ranking official in the Republic, such an embarrassing position :P.


"Lowly" just in relation to his loftiness, the Junior Consul. I understand that I can still score chicks as Praetor.

[Brian Swartz]

280 B.C.

The year began rather smoothly, with thousands of new soldiers trained and along with any who could be spared from existing provincial garrisons they made their way south to Grumentum. Roadway investments in Roma, Capua, Arriminium, and Arretium would take some time to reap any benefits, but were nonetheless important as well. The treasury quickly shrank to a fraction of its original size under the weight of these demands, despite the new taxes.

In the summer, Quintus Aemilius Lepidus was appointed the office of tribune and ordered to make the hazardous journey through hostile territory to Rhegion. Young, expendable, talented in command of defense, he seemed to the Senate to be the perfect candidate. It was thought best that Aedile Arvila be reassigned to a safer and more economically important province, perhaps one of the border cities in the north.

Meanwhile, Quaestor Caius Fabricius Luscinus arrived at Capua, where he will be expected to guide the largest city outside of Roma itself to greater prosperity. The largest province in the southeast, Arpi, began work on a wooden pallisade to provide some semblance of defense.

Autumn brought a bit of drama, in two respects. First, the honorless dogs that make up the village of Cannae have had the disloyalty to join the Aiakid cause. It is suspected that a sizable bribe was involved, proving that despite the death of Pyrrhos, they have no intention of letting us be in southern Italy.

The spy Decius passed through Venetia and close enough to Cannae to pick up bits of information, some of which indicated that the Aiakid diplomat Acaeus was responsible for this outrage. He was able to ascertain with a high degree of confidence that no enemy forces were close to Cannae, and so the garrison from Arpi was sent to teach our brethren the penalty for such treachery. Specifically, this was a contingent of 1600 Oscan Javelinmen. They entered the village unopposed, and the status quo was restored for the time being.

[Brian Swartz]

Two respects were mentioned: here is the second.

Intelligence Report, 280 B.C., Autumn
Author: Decius
Respondent: Consul Laevinus Coffeium

Potentially of significance to your office are the following observations of the situation in southeast Italy(diagram attached below for your review).

Possibly most significant is that the remains of the army led by Pyrrhos are at this point nowhere to be found. The most likely scenario seems to be that they have moved west, possibly in the direction of Rhegion, but it should be emphasized that at the moment all I can say for certain is that I don't know where they have gone.

The largest Aiakid holding in Italy is Tarentum(approx. 45000 pop., nearly as many as Roma), where the bulk of their forces that I can account for at present are located. In it's vicinity I estimate there to be approximately eight to ten thousand men under arms, under the command of Mikon, a man of limited ability.

Moving west, Herakleia has only a modest garrison, but a young general named Aegon has had the affrontery to station himself at the border of Roman territory. He has additionally built a watchtower which to my eyes appears to be just inside our borders. Aside from those horsemen loyal to him personally, no other forces appear to be in the immediate vicinity.

http://i.imgur.com/KzU05i9.png

Consul Laevinus Coffeium, Decius awaits your instructions. Should he remain in his position, or do you desire more information from him on the situation further southeast(the heel) or west(towards Rhegion and the toe) perhaps?

Secondly, what response if any do you wish your army to make in regards to Aegon? You are advised that Tiberius Coruncanius is just north of Capua at this time and is not expected to reach the southern front until late spring or early summer of next year. As such, this choice is yours and yours alone.

Laevinus Coffeium, you are on the clock -- Decius and your legion await your orders.

[Coffee Warlord]

Legio II shall march on this upstart Aegon. Should he refuse battle, we will march on Herakleia.

Decius shall turn west / southwest, to the toe of Italia.

[Brian Swartz]

Coffeium moved south to engage Aegon and was able to cut off his most natural escape route, leaving him to escape north towards Grumentum. He was hard to pin down as he used the mobility of his cavalry to evade engagement until he was confronted on a hill southeast of the city itself -- not by the consul's army, but by reinforcements from the north and garrison from Grumentum itself.

By this time it was winter, and the situation complicated by the report from Decius that the remainder of the elite Aiakid force had been spotted. They had indeed moved west, but came back east with word of Coffeium's incursion. They were not nearly close enough to interfere with this battle, but any attack on Herakleia would have to involve dealing with them.

The Battle of Grumentum
Winter, 280 B.C.

It would more properly be termed the Skirmish of Grumentum. Three Roman captains, with Gnaeus and his Equites in overall command, faced Aegon and his cavalry. Further south, Laevinus Coffeium's army can be seen in pursuit.

http://i.imgur.com/rfYsQXh.png

A show of force by the more numerous Roman cavalry was met with a defiant charge through a hail of javelins. Aegon's heavier horsemen hoped to overcome their lack of numbers through courage and the weight of their attack.

http://i.imgur.com/ivWbijb.png

Oscan infantry soon joined the fray for the Roman side, and Aegon fled a clearly unwinnable battle.

http://i.imgur.com/Lb7Qxn2.png

Though few of his men survived, the Aiakid general himself escaped the battlefield with his life. In all, 260 were killed at a cost of about 160 Romans.

[Brian Swartz]

The time for celebrating the victory would be short indeed. The primary Aiakid army, now under the command of a lesser general, Kristobolous, did not wait for better weather in the spring but chose to attack Laevinus Coffeium without delay. Also different this time was that he was outnumbered, 18000 to about 14-15k for his army.

Battle of Lucania ** Lucania is the name given to the province of which Grumentum is capital. The battle takes place a fair distance south and a bit east of the city itself **
Winter, 280 B.C.

At the outset of the battle, velite skirmishers hid in the grass, enduring the bitter cold of driving rain as they awaited the approach of the enemy.

http://i.imgur.com/4ItBcJK.png



After an early feint by the Tarentine cavalry briefly drew the Roman horsemen out of position, the main body approached with their elephants causing the usual carnage.

http://i.imgur.com/dDjgmzE.png



Kristobolous himself was driven off, and Coffeium's men were able cause some damage to their missile troops. Unfortunately, these small victories were but footnotes to the fact that the rampaging beasts and superior phalanxes of the Aiakid main line once again decimated his legion's ranks. Nearly all of his best troops made this forest their graveyard, and once again the day ended with the remains of Roman might fleeing in disarray.

http://i.imgur.com/Gvxrr7B.png



Back to Grumentum the survivors fled. The butcher's bill was not much different that at Herakleia less than a year earlier. 4,800 of the enemy were vanquished, at a cost of 12,300 of our brave men.

[Brian Swartz]

279 B.C.

The map and facts have been updated for the new year.

STATE OF ROME

Provinces: 19(8 major, 11 minor, no change
Navy: none(no change)
Army: 78,140(+23%)
Citizenry: 170,800(+6.3%)
Annual Income: 201.8k(+37%)
Annual Profit*: 54.8k(27%)
Treasury: 22.6k(-82%)

The Republic's borders have not changed. Increased taxes have funded a larger army and the population has grown despite those lost in the battles with the Aiakids in the south. As a result of all this the treasury has taken a beating and the balance is expected to remain low as long as the current crisis remains.

The sole pressing concern at the moment is dealing with the Aiakid threat. Tiberius Coruncanius is weeks away from Grumentum now and it is hopefully considered probable that the city can last that long against Kristoboulos should he advance. A massive battle involving both consular forces in the region is considered likely in the summer or fall of this year, a battle which could prove strategically decisive in this war. Analysis of the reports submitted by the spy Decius reveals that the other Aiakid forces in southern Italy are not nearly of the quality as those Pyrrhos brought across the Adriatic from Epirus.

Despite their success against our legions and the estimated 30,000 men lost fighting them, those elite troops have suffered significant attrition and are now just over half their original number. If ... and it's a big if ... the combined might of Coruncanius' and Coffeium's armies along with the reinforcements that are constantly streaming south can defeat them, overall superiority on the southern front might be established soon thereafter. If, on the other hand, their elephants and phalanxes continue to defeat us, our influence in southern Italy might soon be at an end.

[Brian Swartz]

SENATE BALLOT

http://i.imgur.com/gi6S3iR.png

Speaks for itself. The Senate demands all possible measures be taken to recapture the legionary eagle, but it is certainly evident that Kristoboulos will have to be defeated first.

Consul Appointments: Tiberius Coruncanius and Laevinus Coffeium. There are no other suitable candidates yet.
Adoption: Exceptional
Diplomacy: Calculating
Tax Policy: High
Spending Policy: Military

These proposals are unchanged from the last year, the situation seeming to demand the most urgent action for the war in the South, in the minds of the Senate.

WAITING LIST

law90026(278 or sooner)
DavidCorperial(274 or sooner)

There have been a couple of adoption candidates shot down already, only one was really suitable and that case will be discussed in the briefings.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Praetor Mus
Location: Roma -- pop. 55.92k, public order 260%
Army: 4,920 Hastati, 1,650 Principes, 1,620 Oscan Infantry, 2,420 Etruscan skirmishers, 320 personal cavalry, 10,920 total men
Agents: Diplomat Valerius(22)

Equites from the north are expected to soon arrive to make the final addition to your command as cavalry support. Until the roads project is completed, you have no domestic responsibilities in Roma.

Valerius'

Having reached Genua, his information can be seen on the 'Northern Italy' rendering. The people are of barbarian origin, with Keltoi and Ligurian troops of considerable quantity. It is estimated about twenty thousand defend the city, but no movement or aggressive action of any kind has been seen. They are generally brave but considered to be of somewhat inferior training. Some have weaponry of high quality, others very limited equipment. Cavalry appears to be limited, but as a diplomat Valerius can only tell us what can clearly be seen and his information is incomplete. There is no immediate threat so long as they are content to defy the Republic from a distance, but would pose a significant threat if they chose to.

Praetor Mus, you may give any additional orders to Valerius or your army if you choose, or offer proposals to the Senate of any policy changes you may wish to advocate. There are no obvious pressing matters in need of your immediate attention. You are on the clock.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location: Grumentum -- pop. 7580, 210% order
Troops: 240 Principes, 80 Triarii, 1820 Oscan Swordsmen, 600 Campanian Hoplites, 260 Oscan javelinmen, 800 Funditores, 1600 Velites, 1380 Equites(various types), 480 personal cavalry, 7,260 total men

The Senate is being surprisingly forgiving in your case. They continue to recognize, at least so far, that you were outmatched in both of your disastrous defeats, though in some quarters the decision to pursue Aegon before your fellow consul could arrive in the south is being called variations on impetuous and foohardly. The main reason for their forbearance is the simple fact that you are irreplaceable at present.

Despite the dishonor of the legionary eagle being stolen there is little you can do at present but wait. Coruncanius will arrive soon, and some while behind him newly appointed Tribune Secundus Cornelius Dolabella is journeying south to take command of the defense of Grumentum, which will free you from that responsibility.

The Senate did find one practical way to register its displeasure however. Garrison Commander Manlius Vulso, who had been put forward in your name as an adoption candidate, has been rejected. Vulso has only modest talent for command but an astute and curious mind, and is yet reasonably young at 21 years old. It is very likely he would have been approved for greater service without the Senate's need to send a clear if indirect message of their reaction to the way Roman honor has suffered on your watch.

Consul Laevinus Coffeium, the Senate is prepared to hear and ignore any policy proposals you might wish to make, and Decius continues to monitor enemy activity. Other than that, you have no real practical alternatives other than to prepare the city for a potential siege. Your reputation is likely to suffer more severely if the next battle does not go better .. .

[Coffee Warlord]

We wait. Fucking elephants.

[chesapeake]

It seems unwise to pick a fight in the north while our lunch is being eaten in the south. A watchtower or other observation post would be helpful to monitor the Genuans.

Are the Etruscan skirmishers missile troops?

How many total troops will we have in the South when the Senior Consul arrives? Will we have overwhelming force or would my 11,000 troops make a significant difference?

Who else borders Genua? Any allies of ours? If not, Valerius needs to find us one to keep some pressure on Genua to stay put until we are ready to wipe them out.

[Brian Swartz]

Q: Are the Etruscan skirmishers missile troops?

Yes, they're armed with weapons similar to javelins.

Q: How many total troops will we have in the South when the Senior Consul arrives? Will we have overwhelming force or would my 11,000 troops make a significant difference?

Between 25 and 30K, but it's too late for that at this point: it would take a year for you to get there and by then the issue will have been decided.

Q: Who else borders Genua? Any allies of ours? If not, Valerius needs to find us one to keep some pressure on Genua to stay put until we are ready to wipe them out.

To the east of Genua and north of us there is an independent town(Bononia) that is our allies. North of that we know the Gauls are out there somewhere, but we don't have any specific knowledge of where or what civilizations lie beyond the Alps.

[chesapeake]

Alright. I guess I sit tight in Roma and await the resolution of the war in the south. Am I correct in thinking that a Praetor cannot lead an army outside of our own borders?

If there is minimal risk to Valerius talking to the Genuans, we might as well have him do that. Stalling them is important right now.

[Brian Swartz]

Correct, your remit is anywhere in the borders of the Republic, but leaving would A) be unauthorized and B) result in massive penalties to your abilities(essentially your men would not be inspired to fight for a man exceeding his assigned station).

Valerius will parley and we'll see what happens.

[Brian Swartz]

279 B.C.

Kristoboulos, aka public enemy #1, laid siege to Grumentum as anticipated.

http://i.imgur.com/ua4SeeY.png



This set the stage for a massive battle with the fate of the Republic hanging in the balance. Would the third time prove to be the charm? Meanwhile, Valerius's negotiations with the the Genuans proved to be fruitless -- he was told they 'have better things to do than listen to his pathetic mewling', and a young garrison commander was given the Senate's stamp of approval:

http://i.imgur.com/VEEFaiC.png



law90026, consider this your official welcome to the game, with Vibius Marcius Phillipius as your alter ego. You now begin your five years of useless service as Cavalry Commander, and will be tasked with educating yourself in Roma, for now at least under the watchful eye of Praetor Mus, and preparing yourself for a life of honorable service. At the end of that time, if the gods have deemed you worthy by not striking you dead for some minor act of insolence, blasphemy, negligence, or having the unmitigating gall to merely exist, the Senate will appoint you to a tribunate if available. You have moderate talent, and seem best suited at this time to be a general with a focuse on waging war defensively.

You owe this new commission to Quaestor Caius Fabricius Luscinus, who put forward your name to the right people. Your fortunes shall rise and fall together. You are now called upon to reveal your chosen nickname, without which you will simply be known as Phillipus.

[Brian Swartz]

Second Battle of Grumentum
Summer, 279 BC

The day had arrived. If Coruncanius delayed much longer, Kristobolous would have equipment prepared to assault the city. He didn't need much, a mere pallisade, a flimsy wall of wooden poles, protected the people and Coffeium's army from his men. More men were coming, more men were always coming, but the issue would be decided with those who had arrived at this point.

The two previous defeats had seen fairly equal numbers of men taking the field, but this time the Republic had two advantadges. First, Tiberius Coruncanius was every bit the equal of Pyrrhos as a general and better than Coffeium, Kristobolous, or any of the other known Aiakid commanders in Italy. Secondly, the combined Roman armies of more than 27,000 outnumbered the attackers two to one. The interlopers had to be stopped here, or many more would pay the ultimate price.

Krisbolous began well, choosing a very defensible hillside to position his army. The ranks of infantry knew they would have to face him wherever he was.



http://i.imgur.com/YUbluTK.png

He was not prepared to deal with Coffeium approaching from the northwest or the auxiliaries who had just arrived from the west, and in his indecision forfeited the high ground to Coruncainus who wheeled around him, and soon a pincer was formed in the valley.



http://i.imgur.com/LW2W8iy.png

His forces divided, he tried to crush Coffeium but could not off the fresh forces of Tiberius Coruncanius while doing so. Eventually it was one of the javelinmen in Laevinus' army that ended his command permanently ... another Aiakid general lay dead by Roman hands.

Even so, the late afternoon brought rain and the elephants tore through the lines of the infantry as they had before. The loss of their leader had not broken their spirits.



http://i.imgur.com/LW2W8iy.png

There was yet much light left on the hill when the last holdouts of the proud Greek phalanxes broke and gave up the struggle. Coruncanius knew this day would end differently than the report he had received of the defeats last year. The hill had belonged to the enemy in the morning, in the evening it would be back in Roman hands and Grumentum secured.



http://i.imgur.com/DQwfaXC.png

The Aiakids were crushed. Under a hail of javelins and constant pressure from the legion, the seemingly invincible elephants were eventually taken down. Only a thousand of the enemy made it off that hillside alive, and even those abandoned the fight, seeking refuge where they could in anonymity. An estimated 12,400 fell, the last of the great army of Pyrrhos.

Laevinus Coffeium's men bore the brunt of the losses with half his strength lost, another 3,600 men. Coruncanius received relatively light casualties of only about 1900 men and still has over 18,000, the largest force by far now in southern Italy.

[Brian Swartz]

The fall of 279 brought a couple of significant developments. Our Messanian allies in Sicily have been betrayed by another ally, the powerful Republic of Cathargo. A massive(as in, possibly upwards of 50,000 combined soldiers involved) battle seems inevitable according to Aedile Arvina who is about to be relieved but is still in the governor's suite as Rhegion. The Carthaginians are led by Mago, heir to the throne, so this is not some minor expedition they are engaging in.

This situation demonstrates the somewhat fluid state of diplomacy in the ancient world. The term 'alliance' would perhaps better be regarded as 'convenient friend of the moment', given that the Republic was previously allied with both sides(Messana and Cathargo) -- and after the declaration of hostilities, we're still allied with both sides! The dastardly betrayal hasn't changed a thing, we are allied with two sides that are now enemies and preparing to kill each other by the thousands, and nobody in the Senate sees a problem with this.

Consul Tiberius Coruncanius is the only person in a position to potentially do anything about this, and even he really isn't when you consider it would take him a year to reach Messana, by which point the issue would already have been decided. The most he could do is avenge the city if it falls, and starting a second war against the most powerful potential foe presently in existence might be lacking in common sense.

So we do nothing, and root for the Messanians. But it is also worth considering that honorless dogs from Carthage have shown their true colors ...

On the Aiakid front, the situation really forced a strategy upon the two consuls who now were in the welcome position of forging an offensive strategy. The Senate has wanted Thourioi taken for some time, and Laevinus Coffeium must capture Herakleia post haste to redeem Roman honor and capture the lost legionary eagle.

Coruncanius heads west along coast to Thourioi with the intention of moving on to Kroton, the current Aiakid capital: Coffeium will march on Herakleia and then east to the populous port of Tarentum at the heel. The tide of the war may have turned, but what surprises the Aiakids have up their sleeves is anybody's guess.

[Brian Swartz]

Coruncanius met the first resistance. Philiskos met him on the road to Thourioi with a modest but not altogether insignificant army. He gave ground at first, then tried to make a stand at a village halfway to the consul's destination. In the drawing below, Oscan javelinmen and Velites lead the army on approach, while the enemy banners can be seen in the foreground and Thourioi is somewhere in the foothills just below the horizon.

http://i.imgur.com/7vN30GW.png



Just beyond the village to the west, the enemy javelinmen were engaged first and soon found themselves decimated by Roman projectiles.

http://i.imgur.com/TqyRSDe.png



Their phalanx countrymen fared a little better ...

http://i.imgur.com/TdgsmWg.png



But not much. Coruncanius chased away Philiskos and the rest of the army from the rear, and soon the enemy right flank caved and headed for ... anywhere else but here.

http://i.imgur.com/ia1lyeq.png



The local Tarentine spearmen, known to most as the 'Whiteshields', were by far the bravest of the enemy. In this case, their reward was slaughter as they were surrounded and cut to pieces by our finest men.

http://i.imgur.com/RfZYQIM.png



Philiskos escaped with a little over a thousand men and retreated to Thourioi, nearly 90% of his initial army destroyed. Coruncanius suffered not insignificant losses of 2900, but his campaign continues and by winter siege preparations were under way outside Thourioi.

[law90026]

Lawcius shall be my name

[Brian Swartz]

Lawcius it is.

Laevinus Coffeium probably could have strengthened his position by waiting for further reinforcements, as his army was quite limited. However, so were the defences in this area, and he would not suffer honor(his, Rome's, both) to be sullied for a moment longer.

There were a couple units of light infantry outside Herakleia sent to bolster defenses, and Coffeium took after them first. He attacked at night to prevent the garrison from coming out and assisting them, and it wasn't much of a fight. Here, Roman spearmen can be seem pursuing the shattered remains of the Aiakid ranks.

http://i.imgur.com/b0DCAcM.png



Laevinus destroyed the relief force, none of the estimated 3300 he faced lived to tell the tale, while his casualties were only a little over 500. Having dispensed with that complication, the siege began -- winter or no.

[Brian Swartz]

278 B.C.

Map etc. updated.

STATE OF ROME

Provinces: 19(8 major, 11 minor, no change)
Navy: none(no change)
Army: 91,000(+16%)
Citizenry: 183.4k(+7.3%)
Annual Income: 206.8k(+2.5%)
Annual Profit*: 42.72k(21%)
Treasury: 20.29k(-10%)

The principal development of the past year was unquestionably the destruction of what remained of Pyrrhos' army by the two consuls, and subsequently the reversal of fortunes in the war against the Aiakids in southern Italy. The first expansion of Roman territory in over a decade seems to be imminent, with Thourioi and Herakleia appearing unable to repel the consular armies surrounding them.

The recent spring thaw brought news on a variety of other topics as well. The siege at Messana has been broken, ending with the armies on both sides largely intact. For now Mago's intentions are unclear. A more pressing concern for the Senate and people of Rome is that a rebellion has begun near Asculum under a man by the name of Decimus.

On the domestic front, road upgrades have recently been finished around Capua, Arretium, and Ariminum, with the effect that travel through most of the northern Republic is considerably faster -- for both soldiers and merchants. Roma is still a little over a year from finishing it's more difficult and expensive upgrade.

A new priviledged young Roman has come of age -- Amulius Fabricius Luscinus, eldest son of Quaestor Caius Fabricius Luscinus, has been given his first responsibility as a cavalry commander. DavidCorperial, this is your moment of entry into the story and you may submit a nickname at your leisure. You will shortly journey to Roma to studay alongside fellow untrustworthy incompetent Lawcius.

http://i.imgur.com/hPtxBfD.png

Consul Laevinus Coffeium and Praetor Mus, the Senate is considering possible changes to Roman policy with the newfound security and the recent victories in the south. You may now submit any thoughts on these matters if you choose(existing Senate Ballot is in the OP as always for your review).

[Coffee Warlord]

Until the Peninsula is Roman, there should be no changes in policy.

We should, however, be preparing our fleets. The Greeks may be on the run, but they have a place to scurry to. Upon securing our own lands, it will be time for the Roman banner to be planted in Greece itself.

[DavidCorperial]

Amul is ready to go to help save the nation.

[chesapeake]

We probably should start building up a fleet to start controlling access to the peninsula. But the army should still come first.

What's the intelligence on the rebellion near Asculum?

[Brian Swartz]

That will be part of your briefing, Praetor :). The Senate was leaning towards reducing taxes and troop levies, but the counsel of the two of you has convinced them to maintain the current policies in place.

[Brian Swartz]

Cavalry Commander Amul, as you have just been commissioned there are no updates for you this year other than to say the journey from Capua to Roma will be completed in the summer.

Cavalry Commander Lawcius, your 15-year-old wife Fadia is already becoming a bit of a burden. It seems she is both foolish and physically unhealthy, meaning you are less likely to have children and any you do have are more likely to be idiots. This does directly affect your career, but does mean that the legacy of your progency in the Republic doesn't appear that it will be the stuff legends are made of.

[Brian Swartz]

Before I do the last two briefings I thought I'd put up the 'family tree' of the Roman leadership, for lack of a better term. The dominant line and the only one that guarantees the favor of the Senate is that of Coruncanius, but it's a bit of an unusual case. Not only is he a well-known hero of the Samnite Wars and a man of considerable skill and political achievement/connections, but he also managed to marry off all four of his daughters to key officials, guaranteeing that his bloodline would reign supreme:

First Generation -- Consul Tiberius Coruncanius(57), wife Pompeia(60). Daughters Poppaea(42), Alypia(40), Claudia(39), Marcella(38)

Second Generation -- Coruncanius has four daughters, and each of their husbands joined his line by marriage. Consul Laevinus Coffeium(44) married Poppaea, and they have three sons; Decius(9), Marcus(2), and Augustus, who was born just last year in 279. Quaestor Luscinus(33) married Alypia, and they have two sons: recently commissioned Commander Muli(16) and Luca(2). Quite the gap there. Tribune Lepidus(27) is the husband of Claudia and their children are Fadia(15), along with sons Manius(12) and Valerius(1). The final marriage was that of Praetor Mus(41) to Marcella, and they have a single son, Cassius(2).

Third Generation -- Only in the past year have any of the third generation become adults: Commander Lawcius married in(Fadia) and Commander Muli just came of age.

Incidentally, this shows that Lawcius married the only woman he could have to join the Coruncanius bloodline -- the rest of the generation is all men! When it's the only choice, perhaps it isn't such a bad choice :P

Then of course we have the Legion of Merit, those who are not part of the previously mentioned line/family and therefore will not found a major roman house and their children will be unknown to history, even if they themselves are remembered.

** Aedile Placus Cornelius Arvina(38, en route to Capua)
** Quaestor Herius Antonius(32, Arretium)
** Tribune Cornelius Secundus Dolabella(27, Rhegion)

By financial necessity, few if any will be added and the Legion of Merit is expected to eventually die out completely, or nearly so.

[Brian Swartz]

Praetor Mus
Location: -- pop. 60.3k, 255% public order
Army: 320 personal cavalry, 240 cavalry under Lawcius, 800 Equites, 3280 Hastati, 1640 Principes, 860 Triarii, 1620 Oscan Lt Infantry, 2420 Etruscan Lt Infantry, 1620 Oscan Javelinmen. Total of 12,800 men.
Agents: Diplomat Valerius(23, at Genua)

Roma Update

Roma itself has no concerns at the moment, as the roads project won't complete until early next year. Having said that, city officials have informed you that the current city centre, known as the Oppodium, is adequate only for 60,000 citizens -- a figure recently exceeded. Upgrading it to the next stage, known as the Urbs, will cost 25.2k and require two years. The longer this upgrade is delayed, the more growth will stagnate and squalor(a general state of overcrowded living, poor sanitation, etc.) will prevail. While this is not a matter of immediate concern, as governor you must be made aware of the situation.

Troop Requests

At present the Senate is not authorizing any further troops for your command, though you can always change what types/agents you would like and efforts will be made to fulfill your requests.

Rebellion at Asculum!

The men under Decimus' sway are currently stationed just south of the port village near Asculum, the general area being almost directly east of Roma and slightly north. At his disposal is an army roughly half the size of yours, according to the report of the local governor, a man of insufficient prominence for you to so much as note his name. It is known that he has one maniple of quality cavalry, one of samnite infantry(known to be of decent quality as we've seen in battle), one of oscan javelinemen, and most seriously one of principes, heavy infantry more than the equal of most roman soldiers. The final maniple is of unknown composition.

Complicating the situation is that Asculum is presently building basic defenses around the town, but the wooden pallisade will not completed until the end of the year. At present Decimus is doing little more than disrupting the small amount of trade down the roadways of eastern Italy, but if he moved on the town it is not expected that they could repel him, nor that any friendly force could reach it in time. The garrison consists of a single maniple of Oscan Lt. Infantry, reinforced by Etruscan hoplites intended for Coffeium in the south: they could not have continued their journey even if they intended to, as Decimus controls the only worthy road.

This rebellion has sprung up in what is for them a most fortunate location, likely chosen with wise calculation. For you and for the Republic, it is most unforunate. Reaching Asculum, though it is not a particularly long journey as the crow flies, means navigating passes of the Apennine Mountains. There are few places in the peninsula that would take longer to reach from Roma.

Responding to this rebellion is soley your responsibility with both consuls at war in the south. You are advised that it will take approximately a year to cross the mountains, a year in which Decimus will be free to wreak whatever havoc he might choose. Small detachments of cavalry could get there somewhat sooner, as could garrison troops from Arimunum to the north or Arpi to the south, options which have their own drawbacks(leaving semi-important settlements undefended, attacking Decimus' army with fewer men led only by their captains instead of a Senate-authorized general, etc.).

Praetor Mus, what are your orders?

[Brian Swartz]

Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location: Herakleia(siege under way, assault expected in the summer)
Army: 520 personal cavalry, 720 Equites, 1640 Hastati, 240 Principes, 80 Triarii, 4360 Campanian hoplites, 200 Oscan Lt Infantry, 1620 Samnite Lt INfantry, 220 Oscan javelinment, 1100 Velites, 800 Funditores. Total of 11,500 men.
Agents: Spy Decius(23), en route to Tarentum, your next target.

Reinforcements in recent weeks have at least doubled your infantry numbers, and were vitally needed, probably even more so for preparing the required siege equipment than the actual fighting once constructed. All four Aiakid cities in southern Italy are protected by stone walls: in the Republic, only Roma has such protection, the other cities having basic wooden walls or none at all.

Your situation does not seem to require any major decisions, the path seems clear. Herakleia must fall and Tarentum, the crown jewel of Magna Graecia, is to be next.

Consul Laevinus Coffeium, your legion awaits any potential change in orders for the army or Decius that you may wish to give, or any change in troop requests that you might make. Reinforcements are still trickling in from the north but slower now due to limited funds and the rebellion at Asculum blocking the path south in the east.

You are now on the clock.

[Coffee Warlord]

No changes required. Siege, conquer, move on.

[chesapeake]

So if I understand what you are telling me, the enemy of the state has approximately 6,000 troops, but the quality is enough that the local levies and garrisons may well be outmatched, even if I hustled over there with the 1,300 horses I have under my command. Unless the nearby garrisons are actually quite large. How big are they?

[Brian Swartz]

Two maniples at Ariminum, one at ARPI, two at Asculum. Five maniples for the rebellion army, so it'd be a roughly even fight if all of them were to combine. If you went over with just your cavalry and those combined units you'd have a numerical advantadge of a quarter to a third(roughly, depending on the last unknown maniple in Decimus' army).

[chesapeake]

Sorry to keep asking questions -- what is the makeup of the friendly maniples?

[Brian Swartz]

No problem. At Asculum now there are two(Oscan Lt. Infantry and Etruscan hoplites). From Ariminum to the north two more could be sent(Oscan Lt. Infantry, Etruscan Skirmishers) and from Arpi to the south another two(velites, Oscan Lt Infantry).

[chesapeake]

I'm not sure that is enough quantity to offset what looks to be better quality.

Leave a credible garrison and let's get a move on.

Lawcius, finish packing my gear and take one last shot at producing an heir. We march at sunrise.

[chesapeake]

Regarding the Urbs, is the 25.2k paid up front or is it paid out over the life of the project. If the former, we'll plan on ordering it next year. If the latter, I think we start it now. We're running a good profit and I imagine more population = more tax base.

[Brian Swartz]

Regarding the Urbs, is the 25.2k paid up front or is it paid out over the life of the project. If the former, we'll plan on ordering it next year. If the latter, I think we start it now. We're running a good profit and I imagine more population = more tax base.

Well, you can't start it now. One project at a time, so it'll have to wait until the roads are finished(unless you chose to cancel that, which would be a lot of time and money wasted).

The payments are always up front btw, it's a one-shot deal.

Lawcius, finish packing my gear and take one last shot at producing an heir. We march at sunrise.

Rofl! Well played.

[law90026]

My lord, I tried my best last night to produce a heir. I may have difficulty riding today.

[chesapeake]

My lord, I tried my best last night to produce a heir. I may have difficulty riding today.

How, exactly, do you sit in your saddle? Perhaps you need a little more instruction in heir production.

[Coffee Warlord]

Perhaps I shall sample your wife to ensure she is properly fertile. For the good of the Republic, of course.

[Brian Swartz]

Moving right along then ...

Praetor Mus sets off for the Apennine passes, and Quaestor Luscinus heads north from Capua to oversee Roma for the time being.

More urgently, it was time for Coruncanius to launch his assault.

Siege of Thourioi
Spring, 278 BC

The rams and towers approached the walls, preparations complete and time for the bloody business to begin.

http://i.imgur.com/jrLdjiy.png



They didn't all reach the destination. Flaming arrows fired from the towers caused some minor casualties among the infantry, but also set the battering rams on fire.

http://i.imgur.com/Avin4b8.png



The towers were more sturdy. A group of principes made it to the walls first, and were contronted by hoplites on one side and toxotai(archers) on the other when they emerged.

http://i.imgur.com/SVtAVoo.png



Once all three towers reached the walls, the toxotai were quickly annihilated and, pressed from both sides, the hoplites were eventually crushed as well.

http://i.imgur.com/1j1n4gt.png



With the walls taken, the gates were opened and more spearmen attempted to stop the invading Romans. Pressed on three sides, it didn't take long for them to be beaten back.

http://i.imgur.com/xDwn6Qa.png



The army marched into the city en masse, and Philiskos made his last stand in the central plaza. It didn't last long.

http://i.imgur.com/sFdMvGB.png



The brutal fighting on the wall and in the streets of the town took some toll, and Coruncanius lost 3,000 men to capture a settlement of only 2,000. For the first time in a decade and a half, the Republic has expanded it's borders.

[Brian Swartz]

In the aftermath of Thourioi, the location of another previously unknown Aiakid town east of Rhegion came to light: Lokris Epizefroi. The Senate has declared capturing it and the capital at Kroton a top priority.

In the meantime, the Carthaginian siege at Messana has resumed ...

http://i.imgur.com/MYe2ihy.png

[Brian Swartz]

In the summer, Laevinus assaulted Herakleia, and resistance there was less effective. They didn't even both trying to defend the walls, with toxotai and hoplites blocking path down the streets instead. They barred the way for a while, but the overwhelming press of the attackers gradually pushed them back.



http://i.imgur.com/wzPnxIR.png



Coffeium lost just under 600 men, and another village has entered the Republic by force.

[Brian Swartz]

Battle of Kroton
Late Summer, 278 B.C.

Tiberius Coruncanius continues to get all the 'fun' stuff. After reaching the outskirts of the capital, he noticed that more men have been recruited there in an effort to stave off his invasion. Additionally, from the west arrived an old friend of his son-in-law the younger consul ... Aegon. They struck first, not even allowing him time to properly set up a siege.

http://i.imgur.com/Ll3Cvls.png



Slightly outnumbered, he turned his cavalry on Aegon before he could join the city troops marching out to meet him. Soon the young upstart was no longer an annoyance ... permanently.



http://i.imgur.com/jbWsqET.png



The main part of the battle was quite unusual. Rather than an organized clash of the main lines, the enemy's disorganized approach led to several pockets of fighting all over the field, some in the open, some in the woods, some on the edge of the two such as this depiction of Aiakid Brutii swordsmen and the Principes of the Republican troops.



http://i.imgur.com/rfdJFSe.png



Despite the fact that he was slightly outnumbered to start the battle, Coruncanius faced an enemy lacking much sense, and certainly lacking any kind of coherent strategy. A thousand Romans still fell, but about 8500 of the enemy did as well, the few who remained were last seen running back to the capital as fast as they could.

[Brian Swartz]

Decius tried to infiltrate Tarentum to provide more intelligence or even possibly compromise the defenses. It didn't go over too well ...



http://i.imgur.com/fNf1eTZ.png

Before his demise, he did send work of another town southeast of Tarentum, Brentesion. The campaign to kick the Aiakids out of Italy grew a bit.



http://i.imgur.com/sI1nED9.png

Well to the north, Praetor Mus met the revolt of Decimus on the road south from Asculum. The disorganized mess of a resistance was soon sent scattering across the plains to the east near the coast.



http://i.imgur.com/GfwvoKZ.png

About 450 men were lost.

Late in the season, the Senate also approved trade agreements with a representative of one of the larger Gallic factions in the north. There seems to be little downside here ...

http://i.imgur.com/P8hrJT8.png

[chesapeake]

Hunt down the rebels to the last man. No prisoners. Barbarians resisting Rome are simply foolish and ignorant and can be allowed to learn from their mistakes. Rebels are traitors to the Republic and deserve only a traitors fate.

Build a new spy in Rome.

Use the diplomat to scout terra incognita.

[Brian Swartz]

The rebels dissipated after being defeated, so that chapter is closed. The other two will be done.

[Brian Swartz]

Winter, 278 BC
Second Battle of Kroton

It was finally time for Coruncanius to commence his attack. The Aiakid capital is actually more lightly defended than other cities in the region with walls made of wood not stone, and most of the defenders were eliminated in the first fight here. It did not take long for the gates to be battered down.



http://i.imgur.com/vYiHHjI.png

Another ram punched a hole in the wall itself, and once the infantry entered the city it's defenders were overwhelmed, pressed on both sides.



http://i.imgur.com/81ulFMI.png

Suffering only very minor losses, Coruncanius took the Aiakid capital, dealing our enemy a serious blow. The Senate's appreciation extended to a 5k donation to the treasury, half of which will be used to repair the damage to the walls.

[Brian Swartz]

One final note from the Winter of 278 that requires me to explain the process of assimilating new major provinces(such as the recently conquered Kroton, former capital of the Aiakid Dynasty). The military conquest is just the beginning, we must initiate a fairly time-consuming, multi-stage process before the new province becomes a fully functional, productive client member of the Republic. The process of assimilation is crucial, and the Senate prioritizes funds required for it above all other concerns. To take any other approach would be extremely hazardous, risking a full-fledged revolt in the new province.

The first stage began this winter in Kroton with the acceptance of the Deditio ... short for 'deditio in fidem populi Romani', or 'handing themselves over to the faith of the Roman people'. This costs nothing from the treasury and typically requires one season, but is a very dangerous time. The commander of the occupying army goes into hiding during the transition, as the recently defeated subjects will almost invariably engage in all manner of public disturbance and it can quite often be the case that this is more hazardous to the army trying to establish order than the actual initial armed conflict and siege of the primary settlement was. At the conclusion of the Deditio, the province will have fully accepted(voluntarily or more likely by force) the reality of Roman rule, and a basic level of stability is achieved. Troops cannot be levied at this point, it's merely the establishment of order.

Briefings for 277 BC are now being prepared ...

[chesapeake]

The rebels dissipated after being defeated, so that chapter is closed. The other two will be done.

So there is no one left to hang from crosses on the road back to Roma? Poor planning on my part.

Lawcius, convey my order to the legions to prepare to return to Roma. And make a note in the log that the next time we crush rebels, save some to crucify on the way home!

[Brian Swartz]

277 BC
STATE OF ROME

Provinces: 22(9 major, 13 minor, +1 and +2)
Navy: none(no change)
Army: 97.88k(+7.6%)
Citizenry: 213.3k(+16%)
Annual Income: 215.9k(+4.4%)
Annual Profit*: 36.75k(17%)
Treasury: 24.82k(+22%)

The past year saw the Republic go on the offensive against the Aiakid Dynasty for the first time, annexing the minor provinces of Herakleia and Thourioi along with the capital at Kroton. These victories have demonstrated Roman superiority in southern Italy, a victory which is expected to result in the complete suppression of all resistance on the peninsula within the next couple of years. Winning the peace may be more challenging domestically: riots in Kroton resulted in the loss of more than 2,000 soldiers and nearly 20% of the civilian population, as well as a delay in the implementation of the Deditio.

Tarentum is expected to fall this year, though it is uncertain how long it will take to pacify Kroton/Tarentum enough to allow the consuls to move on to other objectives. Tribunes will be assigned as soon as possible, and Secundus Cornelius Dolabella is moving south to Kroton for that purpose as we speak.

The following chart presents the present analysis of the top factions in the region of the Western Med., based on intelligence, rumor, inuendo, and out-and-out guesswork:

http://i.imgur.com/kOAFfTl.png

White = Republic of Cathargo
Red = Republic of Roma
Light Blue = Aiakid Dynasty
Navy Blue = Dynasty of Antigonos
Green = Kingdom of the Aedui

The power base of the Aiakid has definitely been shaken and they are still dangerous, but clearly a second-rate power. Rome has taken over the second spot, but still lags behind Cathargo considerably. One hopes that our interests don't collide anytime soon, and that the current alliance of convenience holds ...

The Aedui are another ally of convenience, and we have no relations at all with the Dynasty of Antigonos which holds sway in eastern Greece.

The Senate has responded to our expansion with the authorization of more offices:

Tribune -- Maximum of 8(up from 4)
Quaestor -- 4(up from 2)
Aedile -- 2(unchanged)
Praetor -- 2(up from 1)
Consul -- 2(unchanged)

More offices will be created each time the Republic reaches a new multiple of 10 in total provinces held(20, 30, 40, etc.). The expansions this year moved the number from 19 to 22, triggering the new positions. At the moment 18 offices are available, but the number of available qualified candidates is only 8. There are two cavalry commanders in training for greater responsibility, but only one more expected to come of age in the next five years.

Two daughters were born into the line of Coruncanius this year, most notably the first 'fourth-generation' child, Dryantilla, daughter of Lawcius and Fadia. So much for her rumored infertility, although his legacy would obviously be enhanced by having a son. The 'family tree' has been updated in the OP along with other relevant facts.

Beyond our borders, the most significant news is that Carthago has outlasted the resistance of the Messanians, expanding their holdings in Siciliy as can be seen from the new maps. Also notable is a new trade agreement from a loose federation of barbarian cities and villages, which was signed in recent weeks. They have expanded our knowledge of certain areas of the surrounding world, including two towns to the north of our immediate neighbors in northern Italy(Bononia and Genua). The neutral provinces of Brixia and Mediolanum lie between these and the Alps, effectively completing the charting of the Italian peninsula for all intents and purposes. Beyond the Alps, however, they were unable to impart any knowledge.

Praetor Mus is now eligible to be considered for the position of Consul. Aedile Arvina will be promoted to the new Praetor posting, which will place further demands on the army as a fourth field army is now required. The Senate will be dividing Republic territory between the two Praetors now.

Consul Laevinus Coffeium and Praetor Mus, your thoughts are requested on the current Senate policies. Additionally, Coffeium may weigh in(or not) on who you consider a better choice for Consul, Mus or Coruncanius.

[Coffee Warlord]

Coruncanius has proven himself on the field of battle. I support him as Consul for another term.

I believe our plans should be twofold. First, it is time to march north, securing Mediolanum and Brixia as the northernmost outposts of Rome. By force if necessary.

Second, it is time to commence planning for our invasion of Greece. Plans for men and ships need to be laid, that we may claim all of Greece for Rome.

[Brian Swartz]

Senate Ballot, 277 BC

Consul Appointments: Laevinus Coffeium and Mus
Adoption: Exceptional
Diplomacy: Calculating
Tax Policy: High
Spending Policy: Military

Two notable changes this year. First, Mus has been promoted to Consul and will take over Coruncanius' army at Kroton as soon as he can journey there. Age was the primary factor here: at 58, Coruncanius is nearing the end of his days. He has served Roma with distinction and honor through multiple campaigns, and will be enshrined in history as the key figure of the Pyrrhic War with his leadership of the critical victory at Grumentum and the sacking of the capital at Kroton just last year.

The second is that the Senate recognizes a need for more leaders to administer the growing Republic, and intends to slightly ease its standards for the adoption of new candidates until there are more qualified men in the pipeline.

Briefing: Commander Amul

You are now 17, four years away from tribune eligibility. You remain at Roma, ostensibly devoting yourself to studies, and have gained a reputation as one who has the 'favour of the Gods'. Practically speaking, this manifests itself in increased influence, but also an element of arrogance that makes you more likely to fall victim to the blade of an assassin, should your career merit the attention of one.

Briefing: Commander Lawcius

You will arrive back at Roma in the coming months, where you will see your daughter Dryantilla for the first time. Apparently your efforts at producing an heir were partially successful before the journey to Asculum. At 18, you are about three years away from a tribunate.

Briefing: Consul Mus

You journey now to Kroton to take command of your army. Upon arrival, further details will be given you. The journey will require at least a year, probably a bit longer.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location: Tarentum(under siege)
Army: 680 personal cavalry, 720 Equites, 1840 Oscan javelinmen, 6360 Campanian hoplites, 100 Oscan infantry, 1540 Samnite infantry, 800 funditores, 1100 velites, 3280 hastati, 220 principes, 80 triarii. Total men: 16,720, with more hastati expected to join you soon.

Occupation Orders

The immediate matter before you is the siege of Tarentum, with an assault expected in the summer once siege towers are complete. You have overwhelming numbers at this point, and they do not appear to have significant ability to resist. Upon capturing any major province, you must decide how to treat it's occupants. Transition of government and looting of the finest goods(valuables including the best of their men and women for your 'personal use', however you may choose to define that). Beyond that, there are the following options:

** Occupation -- take no further action
** Enslave -- Half of the population is forcibly relocated to those other provinces under the direct control of important Roman leaders.
** Exterminate -- Most of the population will be killed by your men in a punitive mass murder, and all of the possessions of those slain appropriated to the Roman treasury, with several times the value of the basic looting of the finest valuables resulting in most cases.

At this moment, you are advised that Tarentum is the second most populous city in all of Italy, second only to Roma with a population in the upper-50s(thousands). Because the Senate disburses infrastructure funding based on population, your decision here will affect not just your personal historical legacy in terms of how you treat defeated enemies, but also the economic future of the Republic both short and long-term. Occupation will result in a much more difficult transition to pacify the city, but Tarentum would become a major economic contributor to the Republic once this was achieved. Enslavement will redistribute the population resulting in the other provinces gaining an economic boost at Tarentum's expense, and extermination would provide a short-term economic boost but diminish the long-term benefit of capturing the city as there would be relatively few citizens left to tax.

Consul Laevinus Coffeium, if the assault on Tarentum is successful, your men will move to complete the conquest of southeast Italy as you have directed by taking the small town at Brentesion. At that point you will receive a more detailed briefing on the known Aiakid holdings and prospects for invasion beyond Italy as you have indicated. Your orders regarding how to treat Tarentum in the event of a successful siege are required at this point, and you are on the clock.

[chesapeake]

Do we still need 2 armies in southern Italy? It would seem that Roma has things well in hand there. I would propose moving my new troops up the peninsula to meet me and then heading up north to deal with our other war against the Genuans.

The only caveat would be is if Coffeium has to hole up in Tarentum for a year or two to assimilate the city. In that case, it would make sense for me to go mop up.

[Brian Swartz]

Kroton isn't stable enough for the army to leave. When it is, you can do with your men as you wish.

[chesapeake]

Any intel on the army near Lokris?

[Coffee Warlord]

We cannot simply occupy the city. An example must be made, and fresh laborers are always a welcome sight.

Half the population shall be sold into slavery. Minus a few choice pieces for my personal retinue, of course.

[Brian Swartz]

Yeah, the Greeks have landed some more men, from western Greece I think, over there. I'll give you details on that when you arrive, there's nothing you can actually do until then.

Coffeium's orders have been noted and sent out.

[chesapeake]

Coffeium -- do we want to take the war over into Greece after we secure the peninsula or do we want to offer peace? We may need to involve ourselves with the Carthage problem sooner rather than later. The only reason I ask now is that our diplomat is on the other side of Italy and will need some time to get into a position to initiate talks with the Greeks.

[Coffee Warlord]

My initial thought is no, though I'd like to get some eyes into Greece proper to see how their military stands. If, as I suspect, the bulk of their forces have been eradicated in this war, we would be fools to let the pressure off of them.

Furthermore, we're not ready for Carthage yet. We need a larger powerbase with which to raise new legions, not to mention a sizable fleet. That powerbase can be established from Greek spoils.

[chesapeake]

Do we have a newly built spy?

[Brian Swartz]

The new spy is headed to the northern border until the praetor situation gets itself organized(there effectively aren't any right now while Arvina gets in place and Coruncanius journeys north from Kroton, a very temporary situation).

Also, it might be useful for me to remind the consuls that they don't have the authority to offer any peace agreement with the Aiakid Dynasty, but they also don't have to work in concert. You can send your armies in opposite direction, with or without your fellow consuls' permission if you see fit.

[chesapeake]

I think we understand we can do our own thing, but it would be silly not to try and coordinate our activities.

[Brian Swartz]

Well that depends on your motivation :).

[Brian Swartz]

Summer, 276 BC

It was a busy season. Commander Muli has attracted the loyalty of a procurator, adding 10% tax income to any settlement he governs in the future. The second stage of pacification began in Kroton. For Italian states this is known as the Civitas Sociorum, a two-year process which, when completed, will produce a highly stable government and the ability to recruit allied troops(which ones varies based on locally available skills of the population). The Civitas Sociorum is the current state of all allied provinces in Italy(except for Roma itself), so this will put Kroton on par with the rest of the outlying settlements in the Republic. Also, Roma's roads have been improved, but the needed infrastructure upgrade to the Urbs will have to wait as there is only about a third of the needed funds available.

Most importantly, Coffeium commenced his assault on Tarentum

The well-known Tarentine Leucaspides, or 'Whiteshields', manned the walls as the towers approached ...



http://i.imgur.com/lMQznHZ.png



They were quickly defeated by overwhelming numbers. The gates were taken and the legion marched through the city streets and on top of the walls, others cleared the way and ensured there would be no threats from above.



http://i.imgur.com/u41DU7H.png



The city's defenders fought well and died fairly quickly. The afternoon's work lost about 2300 men, a small fraction of Laevinus Coffeium's army, but there was never any doubt about the outcome. The crown jewel of magna graecia is now in the hands of the Republic. More than 25,000 citizens were taken and sent to various points throughout the Republic, and as in Kroton the transition or deditio was to begin.

[Brian Swartz]

I forgot to mention that the beginnings of a navy began to be built at Capua in the summer as well.

[Brian Swartz]

Notes, Autumn/Winter 277 B.C.

** Galerius Pupius Puso(26), put forward by Laevinus Coffeium, has been approved by the Senate for adoption. His age means he may never reach consul rank, but he is impressively talented, skilled in command, management, and oratory, and is considered to be a particularly strong tribune candidate of which there is currently a major need.

** Sicily continues to be in a great deal of flux. We have no knowledge of what is happening in central or western areas of the island, but in the east the Messanians have successfully thrown off Carthaginian rule -- for the moment. The city is under siege once again. Meanwhile to the south, the hostile village of Tauromenion has been occupied by the Aiakid Dynasty, adding to their holdings there.

[Brian Swartz]

276 BC

Spring is here again. With the fall of Tarentum only mop-up operations remain to secure all of Southern Italy under the control of Roma, and population is up nearly a third while the army swelled to six figures for the first time.

At the same time however, an enemy diplomat has twice bribed reinforcement units heading south over the past year. Newly appointed Praetor Arvina has ordered the recruitment of a pair of assassins to deal with the situation. Any Aiakid agent, regardless of station, is to be 'eliminated' on sight within the borders of the Republic so long as the war lasts.

The Senate is also concerned with a developing long-term problem: four provinces, including Roma but also Arpi, Grumentum, and Arretium, are developing overcrowding issues, concerning the populace and stunting growth. With the lack of any particularly immediate threat to our borders, it is expected that funds will be diverted from the army to domestic affairs ...

Consuls Laevinus Coffeium and Mus, your thoughts if any on policy changes are now requested.

STATE OF ROME

Provinces: 23(10 major, 13 minor, +1/no change)
Navy: none(no change)
Army: 102.6k(+4.8%)
Citizenry: 276.1k(+29%)
Annual Income: 239.6k(+11%)
Annual Profit*: 49.64k(21%)
Treasury: 31.05k(+25%)

[Coffee Warlord]

Once the south is secured, I'm thinking I take the legions across the sea into Greece. We will "aggressively" scout, and secure a foothold there.

I daresay my co-consul should venture north, to expand our holdings there. If our people need more room, we'll make some.

[Brian Swartz]

I should point out that the overcrowding isn't due to lack of room, the cities just need to be upgraded periodically and there hasn't been money for it, partly due to most of the money being spent on the army.

I.e. conquering new provinces will do nothing to alleviate the squalor/overcrowding issue(though it always helps to have more taxpayers).

[Coffee Warlord]

AHhh yes. I forgot about that mechanic. Been a long time since I played that one.

But still. Greco delenda est.

[Brian Swartz]

Once your adventures in southeast Italy are complete, I'll give you a rundown of what we know of their holdings in Greece and Sicily.

[chesapeake]

We do need to focus more resources domestically.

I also think we need to work on the navy. I don't know how the game mechanic works here or how historically accurate the map is. But without a navy, I don't know how we would get the legions to Epirus or keep them supplied. It is a long walk if we have to go by land -- particularly if it took me a full year to walk through half of Italy.

As I recall, the first map of Italy we saw when the game started showed an Aiakid navy prowling about. I presume that is still lurking out there somewhere.

[Brian Swartz]

FYI, the navy is being done -- construction of the first quadriremes began in Capua last summer. Supply is a non-issue. Travel time is one though, and sailing across the Adriatic is a heck of a lot faster than walking around it :).

[Brian Swartz]

Commanders Lawcius and Amul remain at Roma, now under the watchful eye of Praetor Arvina. Age 19 and 18 now respectively, roughly halfway through the waiting period for tribune responsibility. One notable development is that, over the course of the past year, Amul has become known as a man of 'rational concerns'. Practically speaking, this translates to a minor boost in morale to his men on the field of battle, as they serve a leader who is always on the lookout for potential dangers.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Mus
Location: Kroton -- pop. 19.05k, 115% order
Army: 320 personal cavalry, 100 Etruscan Equites, 2420 Campanian hoplites, 2420 Etruscan hoplites, 900 Oscan infantry, 500 Hastati, 3700 Principes, 780 Triarii, 3640 Oscan javelinmen, 1210 Velites. Total force of 15,990 men.

Mus takes his first consular command at age 43, with at least a dozen years of service likely left in him. The situation at Kroton is stable and secure, but will require the presence of his army to make it remain so. The completion of the Civitas Sociorum and the provincial stability which results is still a year away, so leaving the city would result in serious unrest and probably more riots. No aggressive course of action suggests itself until then.

Worthy of particular notice is the 'toe' map section which shows the location of Aiakid forces. There are presently three maniples at Lokris Epizefirioi, another five with the armies demonstrating near Rhegion. They've been moving between the two provinces for the last few seasons, generating a lot of speculation but not actually doing anything, probably because they don't have enough men to credibly threaten a successful assault on either Kroton or Rhegion. Still, they do constitute the bulk of the Aiakid army present in Italy, and will need to be dealt with once the army is free to move again.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location: Tarentum -- pop. 30.49k, 105% order
Army: 920 personal cavalry, 680 Equites(multiple types), 5320 Campanian hoplites, 1720 Oscan infantry, 1040 Samnite infantry, 3960 Hastati, 120 Principes, 80 Triarii, 1760 Oscan javelinmen, 1040 Velites. Total force of 16,640 men.

Now the 'senior consul' if you will at age 46, Coffeium still has much ahead of him. Like his counterpart at Kroton, he will have to wait a year. Much of this is due to the limitations of young tribune Secundus Cornelius Dolabella, set to take command of the city once he leaves. Of him it has been said, 'he is not fit to take command of a shrimp stall, much less anything important'. However, there are few qualified tribunes and he's the one who is available at the moment. Dolabella cannot keep the city under control until the transition is complete.

Only three maniples are in place at Brentesion, the final target in the southwest Italy, and that situation has remained unchanged for some time. It is expected that victory there will follow swiftly once Tarentum is pacified.

As for Laevinus Coffeium himself, he has the interesting distinction of being well respected for his many victories, yet still disgraced to a degree for his defeats early in the war -- espescially the loss of the legionary eagle in 279. He is simultaneously a flawed and esteemed leader, but right now as good as anyone Rome has.

[Brian Swartz]

The first half of 276 was pretty uneventful. Summer brought some noteworthy developments but things in the Republic pretty much went on as planned. Carthage retook Messana, and just south of there Aiakid troops were loaded onto one of their fleets at Tauromenion(preparations for a counterattack in southern Italy, perhaps?). The beginnings of a fleet officially now exist as well with the first ships completed at Capua.

Autumn brought the beginning of the Urbs project at Roma, first of the provinces to get the needed city developments for further growth. Muli's recent marriage to Hostia(16) produced a daughter, Honoria.

And then this, rendering all such considerations nigh-irrelevant:





http://i.imgur.com/oZHEejV.png




Rhegion is under siege by an army under Ithobaal, a young, competent Carthaginian general. The Senate hastily assembled to discuss options for the defense of the Republic ....

[chesapeake]

Bastards!

We need someone to scout the enemy, presto!

Dear Senate:

Send more troops.

[Brian Swartz]

As we now have a new enemy and an apparently huge war in the making against what are now the two most powerful rivals in the region, it's worth taking a look at what we know of their holdings(there's nobody around that can do any scouting in the near future). It should also be noted that another, small slave rebellion has sprung up near Arretium in the north, but Praetor Arvina is expected to deal with this without any problem.

REPUBLIC OF CATHARGO

** Sicily -- They hold the north of the island, at least in the east(Messana) and the western tip(Lilybaion), both major provinces
** Iberia -- Cathargo Nova in the southeast gives them a foothold although we know very little about lands this distant
** Northwest Africa -- Same as Iberia, they have Utica and the village of Zama and probably other provinces that we are not yet aware of.
** Med. Islands -- At least three major provinces that we know of, Caralis, Alalia, and Ebusos, are held on the islands west of Sicily.

Intelligence currently views Carthago as being somewhat of a paper tiger. They have a widespread empire demanding a large military, and as such their army is probably twice the size of ours. However, they are only slightly larger than the Republic in terms of total territory held, economic strength, etc, and their wide-ranging holdings lead to a certain level of inefficiency.

AIAKID DYNASTY

** Italy -- The towns of Brentesion and Lokris Epizefiroi in the south are the only remaining bastions of their influence.
** Sicily -- Tauromenion, Syrakousai, and Akragas. The Aiakids control the east and south of Siciliy, effectively dividing the known provinces between themselves and Cathargo.
** Greece -- Only two provinces are known to us that they hold -- Apollonia and the smaller town of Korkyra. There may be more, but at this point we believe Sicily has actually become their greatest power centre.

OVERVIEW

Militarily we are outnumbered approximately 4:1, about 2:1 economically. The odds are definitely against us however you slice it, but the Roma also has a far more efficient economic and transportation situation, being centered on one landmass, and the recent string of victories has strengthened our confidence in the legions.

The immediate situation at Rhegion looks hopeless. The garrison there is outnumbered at least two to one, and there are enough Aiakid armies between Kroton(the closest city) and Rhegion to make any attempt at reinforcement practically impossible. More likely we will need to accept the temporary loss of the city and make an effective counterattack. The question for the consuls to consider between now and the end of the year(when they will begin to be able to leave Kroton/Tarentum) is when and where to strike ...

The Senate has approved two emergency changes. First, a reduction in the praetorian armies from ten maniples to six, in order to send more men to the front. Second, all further domestic spending has been suspended despite the needs of various cities. The conflicts in the south must take precedence over all else.

Things change all the time -- we need only look at how much we've grown and the Aiakid Dynasty has shrunk in just a few years time since Pyrrhos' initial invasion to see that. Having said that, this war has the potential to be a defining moment in history. With such enemies arrayed against us, any defeat, any opportunity not fully siezed, could be disastrous, and it is not assured that victory is even possible. If it is, it will come with great sacrifice if it comes at all.

Since the Gauls left, the future of the Republic has never been more uncertain ...

[Coffee Warlord]

I believe we must first lay siege to the remaining bastions of Greek influence in Italy. We cannot wage war with Carthage until our own penninsula is secure.

[aston217]

This is great! Do you play any multiplayer?

[Brian Swartz]

Thanks! No I don't do multiplayer, in this game it isn't a particularly good experience but I'm not a MP guy in basically any games(just because IMO it becomes an exercise in abusing the game engine which isn't fun for me).

[Brian Swartz]

Late autumn brought a bit of a shocking development as the siege of Rhegion was broken off for unknown and certainly unannounced regions. Within days the local Aiakid armies surrounded the city, so there was no relief for Rhegion but there is a much better chance(I'd put it at 50-50 right now) that this assault can be fended off.

STATE OF ROME, 275 B.C.

Provinces: 23(10 major, 13 minor, no change)
Navy: 600(first 20 ships!)
Army: 117k(+14%)
Citizenry: 289.7k(+4.9%)
Annual Income: 233.8k(-2.4%)
Annual Profit: 14.3k(6.1%)
Treasury: 10.79k(-65.2%)

The arrival of spring brought a number of developments. Transition is now complete at both Tarentum and Kroton, allowing most of the consular armies to leave those cities and proceed with campaigning elsewhere. It also gives the Republic additional and perhaps just as importantly, local sources of allied troops to allow faster levies to be recruited.

The Aiakid armies -- four of them, all quite small but a singnificant obstance combined -- remain around Rhegion. The bulk of their known forces are either at Tauromenion or on the ships near it, waiting for ... who knows what. They're not accomplishing much at the moment. Meanwhile, Ithobaal's army is attempting to retake Messana which has once again managed to shake loose from its captors. Their fight is doing us a huge favor by distracting him.

In the nearly-forgotten north, the spy Numerius reports that the Genuans have divided their forces. About 40% have moved north for unknown purpose under a mere local captain. This would be an ideal time to strike, divide and conquer -- if it weren't for the fact that both consuls are otherwhise engaged and it's a 3-year journey about on foot from the southern end of Italy, much less by sea but the waterways are not in our control yet.

Quaestors Herius Antonius and Caius Fabricius Luscinus are now eligible for the rank of Aedile, the highest 'civilian' rank the Senate bestows. This will leave the Republic with no quaestors(four openings) and most of the tribune spots unused as well. It's a top-heavy leadership, and a situation to which there is no quick fix. As the youngsters coming in move into the higher positions over the next decade or two, the leadership issue will eventually fix itself -- but a great deal of difficulty might be encountered before that happens.

The current estimated balance of power is shown below:

http://i.imgur.com/dGB7AzL.png

White = Carthago
Red = Roma
Teal = Aiakid Dynasty
Navy Blue = Antigonid Dynasty
Green = Aedu(Gauls)
Maroon(new) = Arverni(Gauls)

The second primary Gallic faction is beginning to flex its muscles in the north. Though we still know nothing of these lands, the tales of their growing strength indicate that the time will come when they pose a threat to the Republic again. We have other concerns at present of course, but it never hurts to peer into the future and see what other threats might await there.

The recent steep decline in apparent Roman influence should not be taken too seriously. We have regressed financially(i.e., spent most of the treasury), but in terms of territory, military/economic strength, etc. there has been no decline. It's a mirage really, or perhaps you could say the prior rating was an inflated mirage when there was more in the bank, depending on your point of view. Either way we remain clearly a major power, well ahead of all comers except the ever-growing mercantile strength of Carthago. The Arverni and Aedui combined are now roughly equal to our strength ...

[Brian Swartz]

Commanders Lawcius and Amul are still at Roma awaiting their turns. That wait is nearing its end. In the past year both had some changes to their situation though.

Lawcius has been reading widely the written works and history of famous generals, and from this has gained a significantly improved 'Understanding of Tactics'. Practically speaking, this means he has improved deployment of troops on the battlefield to avoid surprises(slightly increased line of sight) and gains a significant boost when ambushing the enemy(+2 command). This would most likely manifest itself most in a potential role as Praetor, though it would be useful for a Consul as well. For the short and medium-range future, it's not a particularly important trait for a provincial governor.

Amul got himself married to Hostia(17) and they already have a daughter Honoria(1).

Quaestor Caius Fabricius Luscinus, just recently promoted to that office, is the governor at Roma and likely to remain so for the forseeable future. For now, he is your superior.

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Mus
Location: Just west of Kroton

Army:

** Cavalry -- 360 personal, 100 Etruscan equites
** Line Infantry -- 2420 Etruscan hoplites, 500 Hastati, 3700 Principes, 780 Triarii
** Missile/Skirmishers -- 2820 Velites, 1040 Oscan javelinmen
** Total: 11,720 men

As of now, you are the tip of the spear. Your fellow consul has already indicated his intention to take care of business in the east by wiping out Brentesion. That leaves you to see to matters in southwest Italy. You will eventually receive more reinforcements but for now a few thousand men are taken from your army to remain in Kroton as a garrison to ensure continued order and stability.

All indications from Rhegion are that the Aiakids are not merely grandstanding: they have built a battering ram and intend to attack, probably soon. It is unlikely you can reach the city in time to make a difference, but you don't need to make that decision yet if you don't want to. Assuming you choose to move your army at all, you can only reach the 'fork' in the road that splits north to the rest of Italy or west to Lokris Epizefiroi before summer. At that point a choice will need to be made.

At or around Rhegion are the four Aiakid armies with Idaeus(competent) in overall command, Pyris is also there. It's a total of ten maniples, roughly equivalent in number to your army if they were combined. It is expected that there are enough men there now to take the city. Lokris Epizefiroi has a stone wall but only two maniples under another competent general, Dionysios. One thing the Aiakid's don't seem to have a lack of is capable battlefield commanders. It is also worth noting that this is the new administrative capital for the Aiakid Dynasty, and attacking it would likely provoke a response from somewhere -- if they lose it, they will not have anything resembling a central location to govern from. It is even possible that the faction could splinter.

On a personal note, your wife Marcella, at the age of 40, gave birth to a daughter this past year(Leontia).

Consul Mus, at this moment you have an important decision, probably the most important of any Roman right now and the most critical of your career. You are on the clock. Do you choose to:

** Ignore all of your adviser's suggestions and take a completely different path.
** Stay at Kroton and await further reinforcements
** Attack Lokris Epizefiroi regardless of what happens at Rhegion
** Attack the Aiakid armies at Rhegion whether they take the city or not
** Try to relieve Rhegion, but divert to Lokris Epizeiroi if you can't get there in time to prevent it's capture

What say you, consul?

[Brian Swartz]

Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location: Just east of Tarentum
Army:
** Cavalry -- 680 personal, 40 Campanian equites, 640 Oscan equites
** Line Infantry -- 2900 Campanian hoplites, 100 Oscan infantry, 1040 Samnite infantry, 3960 Hastati, 120 Principes, 80 Triarii
** Skirmishers/Missile -- 1760 Oscan javelinmen, 760 Funditores
** Total: 12,090 men

Similarly, a few thousand remain at Tarentum to keep the city secure. Brentesion has only two maniples defending it and is expected to fall quickly. It is assumed based on your previous orders that you wish to take that town first, and then head west to where heavier fighting appears to be imminent. Your legion awaits any potential changes in these instructions.

[Coffee Warlord]

Indeed, let's secure the strongholds first. The Legion shall march on Brentesion.

And get me more men!

[Brian Swartz]

Consul, the Senate respectfully directs your attention to the fact that almost 94% of current revenue is being eaten up to pay for the current agents, leaders, ships, and men at arms. In other words, other than the ones currently on their way in some form or another, there ain't a whole lot of cash to fund new troops :).

[chesapeake]

How big is the garrison in Rhegion? And can I take on the armies one at a time, or are they close enough to each other that they would all appear on the battlefield if I attacked? March to the fork in the road and let's assess the situation. Maybe I can tempt some of the enemy to give battle.

[Coffee Warlord]

Senators, perhaps you all can go without quite so many pleasure slaves for the time being while I go win this war for Rome. :)

[Brian Swartz]

Five maniples plus the tribune and his cavalry, so six of them. The armies are all right next to each other so you'd have to fight most of them at least at the same time.

[Brian Swartz]

Summer Update: the Aiakid capital has been moved to Korkyra(east coast of Greece proper). I don't know when this happened, might have been a while ago, but in any case that's no longer an issue.

The armies at Rhegion are down to eight maniples now, much of it quality phalanx infantry though if inexperienced. They have two rams now completed. The other two maniples have moved to near Lokris Epizefiroi.

Time to make a decision, Consul Mus.

[chesapeake]

Am I at the fork in the road between Rhegion and Lokris Epizefiroi? If we wave our private parts at the Greeks, will some come to give battle?

I've got 12,000 men + the garrison; how many Greeks are we looking at? Any way to get a read on their relative experience?

[Brian Swartz]

Yes. No way to know.

You don't have the garrison with you, they had to stay in Kroton.

The armies at Rhegion are down to eight maniples now, much of it quality phalanx infantry though if inexperienced. They have two rams now completed. The other two maniples have moved to near Lokris Epizefiroi.

[chesapeake]

I meant the garrison in Rhegion. I presumed that they would sally forth if a battle was close enough.

If they have split off two maniples, now is as good a time as any to strike. Move toward the main force. If the 2 maniples that left try and return to the main force, let's pivot and squash them first. If not, destroy the main Greek army and we can mop up the units in Lokris Epzefiroi later.

That village needs a proper Roman name.

[Brian Swartz]

Unfortunately I can't rename the provinces.

Yeah, the garrison in Rhegion will join if it's close(one 'movement square' in any direction). They are mostly skirmishers and Samnite light infantry, garrisons tend to be lower-quality troops as they are cheaper which leaves more money for the field armies.

[Brian Swartz]

It's turning into a pretty ridiculous week work-wise, but we'll have a report at least by weekend's end on a pretty battle-heavy year.

[Brian Swartz]

Ok we're back -- as I mentioned lots of fighting this year.

Summer 275 BC
Battle of Rhegion

Consul Mus arrived at Rhegion and received a bit of a nasty surprise. He had to attack the 'support' army which meant that the garrison couldn't actually come out and help him, but the sieging Greek army could. As a result, odds were considerably less in our favor than initially hoped with the enemy army slightly outnumbering him. Additionally, his men were forced to do a long march up a fairly steep hill to reach them, negating any chance to crush the first army before reinforcements arrived behind them.



http://i.imgur.com/MNPbh6b.png



A long chaotic battle ensued on the hillside. The Aiakids had significant numbers of skilled if inexperienced spearmen, but their missile troops were quickly chased off by Mus and his cavalry. Most of the Roman men were core Republican troops, as the somewhat weaker allied types had been left in Kroton, a fact that might have saved the day here.



http://i.imgur.com/WMSx5oa.png



The superior quality and numbers of the heavier infantry types proved to be a decisive factor, and while the Aiakid hoplites fought nearly till dawn, they eventually crumbled under the assault.



http://i.imgur.com/Kdqylg1.png



Mus lost about 2500 men, which considered that almost nothing about this battle went as planned was a very acceptable number. Meanwhile in the north, Praetor Arvina reached the brigand army and brought them to a quick end. Another thousand were lost there, but that was to be expected as Arvina is skilled in some areas, not so much in combat where he is little better than a local captain might fare. With the slaves outnumbered by higher quality men, the ultimate outcome was never a concern.

[Brian Swartz]

Autumn, 275 BC

Another twenty quadriremes were completed at Capua, and under Admiral Publio new fleet moved its way south to make life miserable for the Aiakids. It was time for Roma to contest control of the waterways around Italy, and with the new war against Carthago no new funds are expected to be available to expand the navy in the forseeable future. Meanwhile, Herius Antonius has been officially commissioned as Quaestor, and heads back to Arretium.

In the southeast, Consul Laevinus Coffeium was ready for his final push ...

Battle of Brentesion

Auxiliaries took the walls quickly, thanks to their abandonment by the defenders who waited further in the town. The gates were opened and the mass of hastati entered to push inside, and that's when things got interesting for a bit ...



http://i.imgur.com/a8Q4txh.png



The battle plan of the local garrison was well planned and executed similarly. The hastati had to march through a hail of arrows from archers down the narrow streets, then into a wall of spears. One was forced to applaud the intelligence and valor of the defense, even if it was ultimately doomed due to the sheer numbers that Coffeium could bring to bear.

The spearmen fought on until only a few hundred remained, eventually falling back to the plaza. At this point the fight became comical. The auxiliaries took over for the now-tired and bloodied hastati, pushing forward to the centre where they were met by the most desperate of sights -- the toxotai were out of arrows, so they fought hand-to-hand with knives in an utterly hopeless gesture.



http://i.imgur.com/O2bwiPs.png



The absurdity of the situation was soon apparent to all, and most surrendered rather than face certain death upon Campanian spears. Despite outnumbered about five-to-one, Brentesion was to be the end for more than 1400 Roman soldiers. Victory was still achieved as expected, and the army left immediately to make the march across southern Italy to the west ...

[Brian Swartz]

Autumn/Winter 274 BC

The battle that almost was, but refused to be fought ...

http://i.imgur.com/iDnMUGp.png

Thus is the situation in late Autumn at Lokris Epizefiroi. Mus has arrived with a detachment of cavalry to assist him in sieging the city, the first of the latest wave of reinforcements from the north. However, the much-discussed Aiakid army landed as well to support the town, and the garrison sallied forth in a night-time attack(keeping the cavalry where they are and not allowing them to join the battle). Opposed by pretty overwhelming force(more than 22 thousand), Praetor Mus's only choice was to withdraw**.

** I tried to fight this battle three times with the idea of Mus attempting to crush the garrison, perhaps even sneak inside the walls before the larger new army got into the fight. He did have one siege tower built already. There were two maniples of solid hoplites that prevented such a quick defeat however, and more importantly the game crashed at about the same point all three times, just as the relief force was about to overwhelm his position. It was an unwinnable affair: I could have auto-resolved but that would have a high likelihood of killing Mus. I don't object to having family members die in certain situations but I'm definitely going to want the battle to play out and have it happen in a way that I can report the details! So withdrawal seemed the only reasonable option. This is the first battle I've ever had that problem with, my best guess is that it isn't a systemic game/mod problem but an issue with the terrain around Lokris Epizefiroi.**

The Aiakids chose not to pursue him, and meanwhile resistance at Messana has been broken again and the constant sieging of Rhegion resumed, this time by the Carthaginians once again. Unable to reach either province in the harsh weather, Mus found some high ground between them and was joined there by two units of equites, one of which had been at the previous siege and one new one. His men bunkered down there and awaited the coming of spring ....

** Next up, there is a lot of news in the Spring of 274 to deal with. I'll just say for now that matters appear to finally really be coming to a head ...

[mrtourette]

Are you still accepting sign-ups? If so I'll take a new character.

[mrtourette]

'FAMILY TREE'

First Generation -- Consul Tiberius Coruncanius(60), wife Pompeia(63). Daughters Poppaea(46), Alypia(43), Claudia(42), Marcella(41)

Second Generation -- Coruncanius has four daughters, and each of their husbands joined his line by marriage. Consul Laevinus Coffeium(47) married Poppaea, and they have three sons; Decius(12), Marcus(8), and Augustus(3), along with adopted 'son' Galerius Pupius Puso(28), married to Arria(23). Quaestor Luscinus(36) married Alypia, and they have two sons, Commander Muli(19) and Luca(5), along with a daughter in Ocellina(2). Quite the gap there. Tribune Lepidus(30) is the husband of Claudia and their children are Fadia(18), along with sons Manius(15), Valerius(4), and Sextus(2). The final marriage was that of Praetor Mus(43) to Marcella, and they have a single son, Cassius(5), and a daughter Leontia(1).

Third Generation -- Commander Lawcius(20) married in(Fadia), with a daughter Dryantilla(2) already born to them. Commander Muli(19) was the first natural child to come of age. His wife Hostia(17) has borne a daughter, Honoria(1).

So Claudia and Lepidus had their fist kid when she was 24 and he was 12? Yikes.

[chesapeake]

Another victory for Rome! I am interested to see what the next update will bring.

It occurs to me that we haven't seen Mus's character sheet. When you have a moment, I'd love to see a post of that.

[Brian Swartz]

you still accepting sign-ups? If so I'll take a new character

Yep, you'll be in the next update. Good catch on the ages, I hadn't seen that and funny you should notice that as you are a relative now :P ...

[Brian Swartz]

274 BC

Once again a new year has arrived. 275 brought mixed results for the Republic of Roma. Brentesion has fallen, but the siege at Lokris Epizefiroi was broken in rather embarassing fashion, and Rhegion has been under near-constant threat throughout.

The navy was improved and is now at a credible size, at least for the moment, of 40 quadriremes comprising 1200 sailors. Meanwhile, attrition and the air-tight financial situation saw the army actually contract slightly, even as income and the citizenry continued to show modest gains.

STATE OF ROME

Provinces: 24(10 major, 14 minor, no change/+1)
Navy: 1.2k(+100%)
Army: 115.1k(-1.6%)
Citizenry: 305.9k(+7.1%)
Annual Income: 243k(+3.9%)
Annual Profit: 13.4k(-6.3%)
Treasury: 6419(-40.5%)

Recent days have brought probably even more momentous events in the death of praetor and former consul Tiberius Coruncanius from natural causes. He was 61. Coruncanius(335-274 BC) was the greatest Roman hero of both the Samnite and Pyrrhic[/b] wars, bridging the gap between those conflicts with steady leadership in peacetime, playing a major role in training up a new generation of leaders, and leaving the Republic in a far better position than it was prior to his ascendance. His greatest moment was probably crushing the remains of the Pyrrhic army at Grumentum in 279, a battle that swung the tide of the war decisively in Roman favor. It was not until this past year at Lokris Epizefiroi that Aiakid armies would deal us another defeat. Before that day, we had not beaten them once. The demonstration that our legions could stand up against Hellenistic phalanx formations, considered the standard by which armies are judged in our time, cannot be overestimated. He is survived by his wife Poppaea(64) and all four of his daughters.



http://i.imgur.com/U1x4XBF.png





This loss leaves a hole in the ranks as there are none ready to take the second Praetor post. Cornelius Arvina will return to the vicinity of Roma, and the lowly-regarded general will be forced to handle defense of the entire Republic, a task no one man could adequately fill. The army that Coruncanius will mostly head south to reinforce the consuls for offensive operations. It is worth noting that two new leaders join the ranks at this time. Quaestor Antonius put forward the name of Tertius Appuleius Pansa(27), who is not a man of great influence but possesses good defensive command skill, well-suited for tribune duty. Additionally, Manius Lepidus, son of Tribune Quintus Aemilius Lepidus, has come of age. Manius's timing is not great, as the odds of him surviving the current conflict at Rhegion are at best uncertain. If he does manage to do so, he is considered a confident leader of attacking command style, with a enough connections through his family to overcome the fact that he's somewhat disinterested intellectually. Irrelevantly, he considers chariot races to be a complete bore. Welcome to your place in the story, mrtourette. You may choose a moniker of your liking at this time.



http://i.imgur.com/vwg87KB.png



http://i.imgur.com/5XlAf8O.png



Domestically, the already inadequate infrastructure situation continues to worsen, but for the moment the Senate sees no choice but to continue spending every available denarii to throw men at the war in the southwest. For the last couple of years both the Republic of Cathargo and the Aiakid dynasty have shown a significant degree of indecision and incompetence, but that seems to be coming to an end now with their recent aggressive moves. The latest intelligence reports are not encouraging ...



http://i.imgur.com/RAh3x12.png



http://i.imgur.com/bC1Kpyg.png



These require a bit of explanation. I was using the 'overall' graph but it vacillates too much based on what was built recently. So I'm going with two here, military and population which together should paint a pretty good picture. I'm also going to present the Top 5 factions each time to make things relatively simple. The usual suspects are Carthago(white), Roma(red), and Aiakid(teal), with the previously mentioned Dynasty of Antigonos in the navy blue. The newcomer in the tan or whatever is the Norici, a tribe rumored to be of the northeastern steppes. We know nothing of them at this time. Carthago has reached a position of absurd domination the past few years, and the Aiakids are recovering as well. The others are of no real concern.

On the second graph, population, we can see that we are doing better, essentially keeping pace a bit behind Carthago. The Aiakids are no longer third with one of the Gallic factions(Aedui, green) having narrowly eclipsed them and the other(Arverni, maroon) not that far behind. Many of the minor factions are seeing their populations explode right now, which would trouble us if we didn't have a lot more pressing matters to concern ourselves with.

As always, the Senate awaits input on any potential policy changes. The general feeling is that we need to stay the course right now: the war situation avails itself of no other real option.

[mrtourette]

I am happy to be called by the name Manius.

[Brian Swartz]

Commander Briefings

Manius(16) -- As you were just commissioned, there is nothing to report as of yet.

Amul(20) -- Nearing the end of the long wait, one more year to tribune eligibility. You have 'earned' the 'Talkative' trait, as it seems you are unable to keep confidences and are little-trusted as a result. Practically speaking, this means a -2 to Influence, which will severely limit the effect of your words on the Senate and also make you unlikely to receive their favor in achieving the best postings ...

Lawcius(21) -- So much for your wife's infertility, as a second daughter(Domitia) recently was born. However, you still have no heir ... you are mere months away from your expected tribune appointment.

[Coffee Warlord]

Can we get the bio cards of our respective characters? I don't think we've ever seen them.

[chesapeake]

Can we get the bio cards of our respective characters? I don't think we've ever seen them.

+1

[DavidCorperial]

Yeah, me too, and when will we see anything about Amul?

[Brian Swartz]

Yours was already put up when you got your commission(post #46, first page). I'm a little confused by your question, as I just posted your yearly update -- are you looking for something else?

[DavidCorperial]

I now see that my character is Muli, I was confused because my nickname was changed without any notice of it because I started with the nickname of Amul.

[Brian Swartz]

Yeah um so for some reason I was certain you wanted to be called Muli. Probably because I'm deranged. Fixed :P.

[Brian Swartz]

http://i.imgur.com/CkOMclD.png


Ignore the 'Faction Heir' bit, as it has no effect or purpose of any kind in this mod and is a holdover from the vanilla game.

Briefing: Consul Mus
Location: SE Italy -- Specifically, atop the highest ground available between the two hotspots of Lokris Epizefiroi and Rhegion
Army:
** Cavalry -- 380 personal cavalry, 60 Etruscan equites, 800 Campanian equites, 840 Republican equites
** Heavy Infantry -- 2060 Campanian hoplites, 300 Hastati, 2280 Principes, 460 Triarii
** Skirmishers -- 2780 Velites, 960 Oscan javelinmen
** Total -- 10,920 men

You have a lot of cavalry with the recent reinforcements, infantry is coming as well but at a slower pace of course. The situation is complex, probably more so than last year. Consul Laevinus is not expected to be able to lend aid until the fall, he is currently just west of Herakleia on the road headed towards what is now the only active front. There are a few unusual things going on. It is recommended that you peruse the updated 'Toe' map in concert with this evaluation.

The Aiakids have split the army which drove you from Lokris Epizefiroi. 7 maniples remain at the town, one of cavalry, one of archers, and five more of unknown composition though it was a balanced force initially with a sizable amount of phalanx infantry. The other part is on the south road to Rhegion and has nine, one of phalanx infantry, one of cavalry, and two skirmishers, with the other five unknown. Your force should be at least the equal if not a bit stronger than either one of these armies individually.

Returning to Lokris Epizefiroi is an option, but would likely result in the Aiakids unifying their forces again. You could attack the army on the south road, which is enticingly commanded only by a local captain.

Meanwhile at Rhegion, the Carthaginian army attacking the city is also led only by a captain. There are 13 maniples there of various types both known and unknown, some depleted and some full strength. It is known that they do have war chariots. Strangely, they have not yet built any siege equipment, suggesting but not guaranteeing that an assault is probably not imminent. If they mean to starve out Rhegion, it has enough supplies to last more than a year. Moving closer to the city would allow you to assist in the case of an attack. Because of it's position, you can't actually attack the army around Rhegion directly. The only ways to it are through Rhegion(not allowed because of the siege) or through Messana.

Another option would be to counterattack in Sicily itself. This would require using Admiral Publio's fleet as transport, but you would have to land to the west of Messana, and while this might prompt the siege to be broken you could also find yourself greatly outnumbered(the garrison there is almost as large as the other army). Additionally, Publio would not be able to both land you in Sicily and attack the Aiakid fleet which the remains of five maniples that you recently defeated near Rhegion, giving them another chance to land and join the land battles.

I'm sure all of that is now as clear as pea soup in a mud puddle on a foggy, overcast day. So Consul Mus, your instructions?

[Brian Swartz]

http://i.imgur.com/zEJRhtJ.png



Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location -- Just north and west of Herakleia, on the road southwest to the front.

You haven't received any reinforcements yet as they are all headed to where the action is. Your usual briefing is going to be delayed a bit until you get there yourself with your army, probably in late summer or early fall. It is likely the situation will have changed significantly as it has been very fluid for some time now, so any decisions made now would be quite premature other than the obvious need to march on and get into the action as soon as possible.

With Coruncanius gone, you are now the 'wise old man' of the Republic, the most senior and experienced of its leaders -- though you've certainly had your share of defeats along with noteworthy victories. Not too old, of course, it is expected that you will have several more years of active service. You may similarly ignore the 'Faction Leader' title in your character review.

[chesapeake]

I think we have the opportunity to give one of our enemies the boot from the boot. Let's pounce on the Greeks while their forces are divided.

Attack the Aiakid army on the South road. Admiral Publio should go and sink the Aiakid fleet. After my victory, we can assess our next step.

[chesapeake]

dola,

Is there an assassin nearby? That diplomat near Rhegion needs to meet with an accident, if you know what I mean. I don't want him bribing our reinforcements.

[Brian Swartz]

No assassin nearby, but that actually isn't an Aiakid diplomat. Similar color so I've frequently made the same assumption. That's actually the envoy from the independent barbarians, with whom we currently have peace.

[Brian Swartz]

Spring, 274

There were two significant events this season, the first being Mus's battle against the Aiakids. He actually went into the fight at a bit of a disadvantadge numerically, with over 12,200 opposing him. He did manage to catch them in a valley, and was able to approach from much higher ground.



http://i.imgur.com/xxxRNhp.png




His far more numerous cavalry chased off or butchered the enemy counterparts, and eventually their missile troops as well. This left the phalanxes to fight an uphill battle -- in more ways than one -- against his infantry. They didn't hold out long.



http://i.imgur.com/AQaaNpl.png



In an astonishingly one-sided battle, his men captured or killed more than ten thousand while losing just over four hundred. The few that remained retreated to the ships near Rhegion ... and were soon under attack by Publio's fleet. Outnumbered about two-to-one and with lighter ships, the Aiakids quickly retreated south but most did manage to escape. Another Aiakid town on the east coast of Sicily was also discovered, and for now we have taken a step towards naval supremacy in the region, but who knows when those men could attempt to return. A few of Mus's maniples saw a noted increase in their abilities following this battle, and the consul himself earned another command star ...

Consul Mus, there is still yet enough time this season for you to choose one of three options: move west to support Rhegion, east to siege Lokris Epizefiroi, or remain central and essentially punt that decision until the summer when you will have Campanian and Oscan infantry support to strengthen your army, somewhere in the vicinity of 3000 additional men in total. They should be able to join you anyway, even if you move now, unless you were to be attacked immediately.

[Brian Swartz]

** Note: Events are changing swiftly now. I expect this will continue for a bit, resulting in slow-moving time as it may be necessary to pause each season, rather than each year, for orders in some cases. I will proceed as quickly as possible, but I think keeping the 2-day time period is only fair as we all have real lives to deal with as well.

In the absence of specific instructions, Mus's army moves in the consul's previously stated goal to knock the Aiakid's out of the boot of Italy, resuming the siege at Lokris Epizefiroi. Later in the spring, fresh reinforcements add about 3000 allied infantry to his army. The assault there is expected in the fall.

Summer, 274 BC
Briefing: Consul Laevinus Coffeium
Location: Southwest Italy
Army
** Cavalry: 720 personal, 40 Campanian equites, 640 Oscan equites
** Heavy Infantry: 2900 Campanian hoplites, 460 Samnite milites, 100 Oscan infantry, 3120 Hastati, 120 Principes, 80 Triarii
** Skirmishers: 1760 Oscan javelinmen, 760 Funditores
** Total: 10,700 men

A pair of infantry units are just behind you and will likely join soon if time permits to wait for them.

It is time now for you to decide where to commit your troops. You could reach Lokris Epizefiroi and support Mus there by season's end. This would make an easy victory all but certain: right now it is expected that the town will be taken but not without significant losses.

Another option would be to continue west on the north road towards Rhegion. You cannot reach the city there until early autumn. There are yet enough supplies to last another year, and still no siege equipment has been built by the Carthaginian captain attacking the city. It is either a bluff, or he means to starve them out.

The third option remains to board Publio's fleet and attempt to relive the pressure by attacking Messana in Sicily itself. You would not be able to land until the fall anyway in this choice, so it is possible to simply move towards Rhegion and punt on this decision for another season.

Your orders are requested, Consul Laevinus. You are on the clock.

[Coffee Warlord]

We cannot afford high casualties right now. If we can turn a victory at cost into an utter rout at lower cost, it is an easy choice.

The legion marches on Lokris Epizefiroi.

[chesapeake]

So, due to some quirk of the game, we cannot directly lift the siege of Rhegion after we conquer Lokris?

[Brian Swartz]

Correct, there's no place from which we can directly attack the sieging army.

[chesapeake]

Following up on that, since we cannot attack the besiegers to relieve the siege, will the city eventually have to capitulate due to starvation or will the defenders try to sally forth at some point?

[Brian Swartz]

Those two are the choices. They will leave the city and attack at the last season, but if the situation remains unchanged there is essentially no chance of success. At least in that way they will meet their end with honor, and perhaps inflict some damage on our enemies.

[chesapeake]

Thanks. I get it now. Carry on.

[Brian Swartz]

Summer

Publio's fleet defeats two more Aiakid navies, including one headed by Aeson, their top admiral. In that battle Aeson had slightly heavier vessels(quinquiremes against Publio's quadquiremes), but the advantadge of numbers could not be overcome. However, attrition has now reduced Publio's flotilla to 18 ships from the original 40. Another 20 will be built at Capua eventually, but it will take some time to save up the funds for them and another year after that for construction.

Meanwhile, Roma's upgrade to the Urbs was completed.

Autumn

Carthaginian and Aiakid armies continue to grow in northeast Sicily -- another large army for Carthago gives them probably around 35,000 men in the vicinity of Messana. Not a good situation for us, but there are more pressing matters.

Battle of Lokris Epizefiroi

Finally. Having been chased off before, it's time to kick the Aiakid Dynasty out of Italy completely. With both consuls present, the sizeable garrison is outnumbered roughly 4:1. Still, there are three enemy generals here, including overall commander Dionysios who is a worthy adversary. Initially all went according to plan. Only about 1600 toxotai were committed to defending the walls, and Mus had no problem getting his siege towers in position.



http://i.imgur.com/C8k4BY7.png



And then the unexpected happen. Apparently challenging their inner stupid far too well, some of Laevinus Coffeium's men, hastate specifically, decided not to wait and charged around the corner to take their place by the siege towers -- making themselves sitting ducks for the archers inside the wall towers. A suicidal and impetuous move, and one the Aiakids were all too happy to oblige were their rapid deaths.

** Note: I screwed up here, abetting this foolishness. Namely, I accidentally left the reinforcement armies under AI control(as is the default), and if there's one thing the AI sucks at it's co-ordinating multiple armies in a siege. But few battle plans survive contact with the enemy. The report here is an attempt at RP-ing this out. This proved costly, but not catastrophic thankfully.



http://i.imgur.com/bcIuKUr.png



The disease of undisciplined initiative spread, and soon cavalry mounted an idiotic charge straight up the city streets, the walls having been captured by this time, straight into the waiting spears of the agema(skilled phalanx formations).



http://i.imgur.com/p2Bkw0B.png



Mus made the most of the fact that much of the enemy was otherwhise occupied, marching his men around to the thoroughfares east and west of the centre plaza, while the north street was blocked, as with the hoplites seen here. Once they penetrated the city further, there was nowhere for the Aiakids to hide, surrounded and outnumbered despite the poor execution of the assault.




http://i.imgur.com/lQPBHja.png



With that, resistance was officially ended -- at least for now -- in southern Italy. Except the very northern reaches, the entirety of the peninsula now lies under Roman control -- albeit with Rhegion under constant threat. The casualty bill was high, with over 9,500 lost here. Most of those were from Laevinus command which is now down to under 5,000 for the moment, though reinforcements will be imminent.

In the aftermath, there was little the consuls could do but move to support Rhegion in case of an attack. Publio's fleet was too far away to provide immediate transport, even had they wished it. True to its word, the Senate held games at their own expense in Capua shortly thereafter to honor the victory.

[Brian Swartz]

Winter

Lawcius recieves his tribune commission, heading south on a long journey to Kroton, his first appointment. First stop: Antium. Meanwhile, a rebellion arises under Oppius just outside the capital, and the siege at Rhegion has been 'reset' by the Carthaginians. A new general has arrived to take command of it with a larger army, but we have at least been given more time: another year and a half. Meanwhile, Manius gets married to Octavia(age 12). Apparently the orphanages were empty ...

Oppius gave way to Praetor Arvina's army, moving just southeast of the city. He was there pursued and, unable to run any further and facing not only the praetorian force but the garrison from the capital, including four contingents of royal cavalry with one under the command of Amul, the rebels were doomed before the battle began.

They did manage to make a stand at the edge of a forest on a hillside, giving Arvina few ways to approach them as shown below in a rendering of a rare winter battle. In the somewhat harsh conditions, he lost over a thousand men but easily crushed the resistance.



http://i.imgur.com/eDVatvY.png



Once again, the spring would provide momentous news ...

[chesapeake]

More victories for Rome!

I hope my dear senior consul doesn't have the bloody flux or some other serious ailment that prevented him from coming to the field. But there must be some explanation for the lack of discipline shown by his troops at Lokris.

[Coffee Warlord]

Do you remember the lost standard of Legio II? Our spies reported it was, in fact, stored in Lokris Epizefiroi. At the time of the ill fated battle, no punishment was ever given to the legion who ran. To reclaim their honor, and to prove the discipline of Roman legions, they willingly marched directly at the army, knowing most would never return.

But the survivors have reclaimed their honor.

[Brian Swartz]

STATE OF ROME, 273 B.C.

Provinces: 25(10 major, 15 minor, no change/+1)
Navy: 540(-55%)
Army: 110.4k(-4.1%)
Citizenry: 323.9k(+5.9%)
Annual Income: 252k(+3.7%)
Annual Profit: 39.5k(15.7%)
Treasury: 11.4k(+78%)

The primary strategic goal for several years has been to oust the Dynasty of Aiakides from southern Italy: with the capture of Lokris Epizefiroi this past year, that has now been achieved. The losses incurred there resulted in the army declining in size for the second straight year, but small increases in population and income have continued.

Spring brought two pieces of news. Amul was given his tribune commission and sent to Arretium in the northeast, an important posting moreso for being the fourth-most populous province than any known military threats in the area. More significantly, the Republic's two major enemies, the Dynasty of Aiakides and the Republic of Cathargo have decided they cannot co-exist and a state of war has been declared, leaving the 'Big Three' factions all now in conflict. Whether because of this event, indecision, or the support of the consuls, Rhegion is now free of enemy attack for the first time in years. All of the Carthaginian armies have withdrawn into Sicily itself, and Manius will soon be leaving the once-doomed town to journey north for his studies at Roma ...

Population Report


http://i.imgur.com/pOxE0x0.png


The Gauls continue to flourish despite only a handful of provinces in the hand of each faction: apparently they are breeding like crazy in a few highly concentrated areas. Their growth has the Aiakids down to fifth here.


Military Report


http://i.imgur.com/tjyy3UD.png


There may be no stopping Cathargo. They now field a larger army than any two other factions combined. Were they ever to form a cohesive strategy, they might well be capable of defeating both Roma and the Aiakids at once. There does not seem to be any danger of that happening in the near future however. Elsewhere, the mysterious Norici continue to strengthen their position ...


Senate Matters

There is a great deal of debate on how to best proceed at this juncture. One point unifies most senators: the Aiakid-Cathargo conflict and the subsequent withdrawal from Rhegion provides an opportunity. But the natural follow-up has sparked great division: opportunity for what? Some favor overdue investment in infrastructure, with a majority of the largest provinces now in serious need of funds. Others maintain that maximum recruitment must continue so that our consuls can take advantadge of this, probably with a push into Sicily itself, and establish Roman control of the strategic situation while our enemies are divided.

Consuls Laevinus Coffeium and Mus, what say you(if anything)? Tribunes Lawcius and Amul may also weigh in, having earned the right to be heard -- however as recently appointed youngsters, that's all you've earned. The political connections required for the Senate to actually listen to anything you have to say will take more time.

[chesapeake]

Can we see much of Sicily? Does it appear at all that the armies of Carthago and the Aiakids will meet at some point soon? An ideal strategy would be to let the two weaken themselves against the other and then sweep in to clean house.

[Coffee Warlord]

Some scouting into Sicily would be good. If we can strike when they've stripped the island bare of defenses, we most certainly should.

[Brian Swartz]

What you can see of Sicily is pretty much the NE corner which is in the updated maps(third one as usual). In order to scout we would need spies. The only one in service, Numerius, is still where previously assigned(Genua, past the NW border).

[Coffee Warlord]

My opinion is as such.

We have 2 legions within striking distance of Messana right now. I say we cross and strike while we're in position. We have a chance to establish a foothold in Sicily. If we discover we're badly outnumbered there, we can always withdraw into Rhegion and defend.

We're here, our men are here, sound the advance.

[Coffee Warlord]

I would, however, also recommend we start seriously looking at least a partial investment in infrastructure. Clearly we still need troops, but we must also start looking long term.

[chesapeake]

I agree with the senior Consul on all points.

And, I urge the Rome Praetor to move the spy. We need him on the front line.

[Coffee Warlord]

FORWARD THE LEGION!

[DavidCorperial]

The starting to move into Sicily with some infrastructure sounds great to me as well.

[Brian Swartz]

On the spy, it will be much faster to just recruit another one locally.

Commander Manius, whether by good fortune or fate you have escaped Rhegion with your adolescent wife Octavia, and are now headed north to Roma to further your education.

Tribune Lawcius, your journey south to Kroton, having just started, will occupy you for the duration of the coming year. It has been noted that you seem to have some minor skills in provincial management.

Tribune Amul, you travel in the opposite direction to Ariminum. It seems my clerk(a blatant, shameful attempt to distract from my forgetfulness) gets the two largest northern provinces confused and wrongly stated Arretium before, which is where Aedile Antonius is stationed. If you review the first map of northern Italy, you'll see you are to be posted at the northeast extreme of the Republic. You are expected to arrive in the fall, with the first leg taking you to Volsinii Novi, then to Arretium, then on to your destination.

[Brian Swartz]

Understanding The Legions

We're far enough in now that there's beginning to be a greater range of experience and equipment among the ranks, including our own soldiers. Because of this I'm going to start adding a little more detail to the army part of the briefings for those who might be interested in it -- it has been asked about from time to time already.

Each of these elements adds to fighting effectiveness, experience gives a small boost across the board and has a ten-point scale(I'll just use 1-10 to keep it simple), weapons and armor add to the effectiveness of attack or defense and have four levels, which I'll interpret as Basic, Fair, Good, or Excellent as the case may be.

The first battle at Herakleia for example featured Roman units at the lowest level across the board, green with no equipment upgrades, while most of Pyrrhos' army had 5-6 experience and were a mix between Fair and Good quality equipment. By comparison, most of the units we can recruit are between 0-2 experience with Fair weapons/shields. A few unit types, like the Funditores, will eventually be phased out since as slingers their weapon is rocks -- these cannot be upgraded. The quality of new units is determined by the facilities in the province they come from, which can be upgraded(at a significant cost).

Experienced line infantry is particularly difficult to achieve, since they tend to die and need replacing before they have enough combat success to significantly improve. It tends to happen more often with cavalry/missile troops which in favorable engagements don't lose nearly as many men.

I'll add this blurb to the OP and try to clarify any questions there might be. The basics of it are pretty straightforward, but as with all things the consequences can be more complex.

[Brian Swartz]

Joint Consular Briefing

The Consuls and other leaders are in the first place hereby informed that funding for a spy to be recruited at Rhegion has been released, and additionally that the Senate has adopted a compromise position that will see funding split again between military and domestic concerns. For now, all domestic funds will go to upgrading core settlement facilities to accomodate better housing and sanitation and allow growth to hopefully increase in the larger provinces. No additional military facilities, industries, temples, roads, etc. will be contemplated until this matter is addressed, which is expected to take many years.

Location: Just east of Rhegion.

Army(Consul Mus
** Cavalry -- 640 personal(5, Basic/Basic), 40 Etruscan equites(5, Fair/Basic), 760 Republican equites(2, Fair/Fair), 740 Campanian equites(2, Fair/Fair)
** Line Infantry -- 3760 Etruscan hoplites(1-2, Fair/Fair), 840 Oscan infantry(2, Basic/Basic), 280 Hastati(4, Basic/Basic), 2040 Principes(4, Mostly Basic/Mostly Basic), 460 Triarii(4, Fair/Basic)
** Skirmishers -- 2120 Velites(2, Basic/Basic), 860 Oscan javelinmen(2, Basic/Basic)
** Total -- 9,560 men

** Note that the new information takes the form of Unit Type(Experience, Weapons/Armor)

Army(Consul Laevinus Coffeium
** Cavalry -- 760 personal(4, Basic/Basic), 580 Oscan equites(2, Basic/Basic), 40 Campanian equites(3, Fair/Fair)
** Line Infantry -- 2420 Etruscan light spearmen(1, Basic/Basic), 2420 Etruscan hoplites(2, Basic/Basic), 1180 Campanian hoplites(1, Basic/Basic), 100 Oscan infantry(2, Basic/Basic), 2520 Hastati(1-3, Basic to Fair/Basic to Fair), 60 Principes(2, Basic/Basic)
** Skirmishers -- 160 Funditores(1, Basic/Basic), 100 Oscan javelinmen(2, Basic/Basic)
** Total -- 10,340 men

The new full-strength Etruscans have bolstered your numbers to a respectable level again, and more men will be incoming for both consuls for the next few season espescially -- the reassigned praetorian force will join before the end of the year.
It is also worth nothing that your eldest son Cassius is now next in line to be commissioned -- two years from now.

INTELLIGENCE REPORT

The 'Italy Toe' map shows what's going on but there's a lot of stuff in a fairly small space. Both consular armies are just east of Rhegion, and other reinforcements can be seen incoming there. If we wish to wait for further intel, this can be revisited in the summer(next season) after a new spy that will be recruited is ready. In Sicily, there are three known enemy forces within range of our local assets:

** Messana. Historically the third-largest city in Sicily at this time, it is a major province with the capability to survive a siege for a full two years. One of Cathargo's most capable leaders is in charge there, Ithobaal(age 31). He is a capable general, serviceable governor, and holds a high degree of influence in their government. The garrison is considerable, about 50% larger than the one defeated last year at Lokris Epizefiroi, 10 maniples of unknown composition. Overall, slightly smaller than either of the consular armies, most likely in the 8k range. Every known settlement in Sicily has stone walls -- war is simply a way of life of them, whether it's major powers or local tyrants. An attack would require a siege and allow for the possibility that reinforcements would be brought from elsewhere, as we've seen happen in the past.

** To the south of Messana, a field army under Shipitbaal of Carales(27, capable general). He is the man who took over the siege of Rhegion, then withdrew. His army is larger, 13 maniples, and most interestingly it involves at least one maniple each of sacred band infantry and cavalry. Historically, the Sacred Band never left Africa. They were the elite aristocracy of Cathargo, pledged to defend the homeland itself and the most skilled warriors of a nation that relied mostly on mercenaries to do their conquering. It was said that the only time you would see their back is if they were dead -- they had a reputation of fighting to the death and should be considered at least the equal of the Roman triarii, our elite republican spearmen. Once again though, we don't know the composition of most of the army. It's probably in the 11-12k range total. The one unit of sacred band cavalry is known to be only 80 strong, nearly depleted. The rest could be full-strength or a hodgepodge of weakened units for all we know at this point.

It is worth noting here that Shipitbaal is just far enough south that we could attack his army without involving the men from Messana -- divide and conquer is a possibility.

** Tauromenion. The closest Aiakid town to us on the island, this is a minor province with a 4-maniple garrison. It appears the armies that were in the vicinity have either disappeared(possibly defeated by Shipitbaal) or moved off. We just don't know right now.

If we want to cross into Sicily, there are two options. First is the 'land' option -- not really land, but using small craft to cross near Messana. There is only room for one army there though, and we cannot circumvent Messana this way, we'd have to take it before moving further into Sicily. The second involves transport on Publio's fleet, which can be seen in position just south of Rhegion ready to be called upon if needed.

Consuls Mus and Laevinus, how and where(if at all) shall the legions proceed?

[law90026]

I will not be involving myself in the discussions for now and will listen to what is being said.

[Brian Swartz]

Unusually wise for a Roman, Lawcius :).

[Coffee Warlord]

Consul Mus has a vastly more veteran army than my own legion at this point. I would recommend he board his legions and strike Shipitbaal's army with a naval landing.

My own legion is short on experienced men - we have a scant few Principes, and zero Triarii. We can start the siege of Messana while my co-Consul is driving off the enemy army. If things get out of hand in the field, we've still got the fleet to either get my legion past Messana, or withdraw Mus's legion back to Italy.

[mrtourette]

Commander Manius, whether by good fortune or fate you have escaped Rhegion with your adolescent wife Octavia, and are now headed north to Roma to further your education.

It is with a heavy heart that I leave my beloved Rhegion with the future of the city clouded in so much uncertainty, however I vow that when I return it shall be as a much stronger man.

Oh and less of the 'adolescent' please.

[chesapeake]

Is there a reason we cannot both attack Spitball's army? If Coffeium's army is close enough when I attack, will his troops not come to the field as well? My more experienced troops can serve as the anvil for his hammer.

[Coffee Warlord]

I was under the impression we couldn't attack Spitball unless we took boats. If we have enough ships to land both legions in one move, I'd be all for it.

[chesapeake]

I'm cool with that. Even in the unlikely event that the Carthaginians are able to stave off total defeat, I am sure I will be able to deal them a blow sufficient that even your less experienced legions will be able to finish them off.

[Brian Swartz]

There's no reason the fleet can't take one of you across and then the other, so you should both be able to. I'll see if it can be done.

[Brian Swartz]

Spring, 273 BC
Battle of Messana

Both legions made the crossing, cornering Shipitbaal on the eastern coast. Mus arrived first from inland heights to the west, while Laevinus was late coming from the south.



http://i.imgur.com/gRslOn7.png



Nearly two thousand sacred band infantry led the resistance, and they lived up to their name, occupying most of Mus's best troops.



http://i.imgur.com/sEAQ7pG.png



Most of the remaining Carthaginians were skirmishers, but even so they repeatedly charged into hand-to-hand combat and the sheer numbers prevented the more numerous Roman cavalry from driving all of them off. Eventually some of the infantry had to be split off to deal with them. A disorganized and uneven battle was not decided until Laevinus arrived, but eventually even the few remnants of the sacred band were driven away.



http://i.imgur.com/D7Ddeam.png



Losses were heavy on both sides, over six thousand Romans and ten thousand Carthaginians. Shipitbaal retreated to Messana with less than a third of his original command, while Mus's infantry ranks were largely decimated by the day's bloody business. Judging by this battle, it appears that Carthage will be quite a difficult adversary to overcome.

Despite the weakened state, there was little choice but to move northwest and cut off another large army, this one with no general to command it and apparently consisting largely of barbarian mercenaries from southern and western Europe. Some of them are the very same type of fighters that Numerius has spotted in Genua. It seems they may have formed an alliance of convenience ...

In the updated report shown below, we can also see a new Aiakid town further west into the Sicilian heartland, known as Agyrion. No large force concentrations have been seen there or anywhere else among the Greek holdings here.



http://i.imgur.com/9gH5u80.png

[chesapeake]

Another victory for Rome!

So we're at approximately 14,000 troops between us? I see at least 3 groups of reinforcements on the map -- how many troops can we expect to reach us over the next couple of seasons?

It seems the most logical plan would be to take out the leaderless masses to the west so they cannot reach Messina and then to take stock of our numbers and those of our enemies to determine if we have enough troops to successfully besiege the city.

[Coffee Warlord]

Concurred. Let's see if we can thin the herds some more, particularly when they are without a general. Perhaps we should detach a minimal force, if we have the men to spare, to start sieging Messana.

[chesapeake]

Unless the main army is guaranteed to come to their aid -- which they may be given the look of the map -- a token force of besiegers would probably be easy work for the garrison. I believe there were already several thousand troops in there even before they were supplemented by the 5k or so survivors of the Battle of Messana. Do we have a good read on their numbers, Brian?

After we soak the battlefield in the blood of this group of leaderless rabble, we can assess whether we can safely split off a force -- or even if we need to. We should have some movement left after the battle.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm okay with this.

[Brian Swartz]

Situation is a bit more complicated than that, but getting to the current battle used up the rest of move allotment for the spring(some was involved just to get across into Sicily). I'll have the next battle report tonight which will clarify what's going on.

[Coffee Warlord]

Unless it involves dead Carthaginians or dead Greeks, I don't wanna hear it. :)

[Brian Swartz]

b]Spring, 273 BC[/b]
Second Battle of Messana

What looked like a straightforward battle took a major twist before it even began. Scouts reported that hiding in the woods to the west was another army under Matho, a huge force numbering fully 30,000 men. Withdrawing was no longer an option: the consuls were committed, but taking on both at once would likely be suicidal -- they would be grossly outnumbered more than 2:1. It was decided to attack at night, hoping to avoid Matho for the time being. Having the fresher if smaller army, Mus began the attack and both consuls approached the Carthaginians from the southwest ...



http://i.imgur.com/zXYoXGa.png



Partly due to good execution and partly due to unusually good fortune, the attack was timed almost perfectly, both armies engaging in concert. With the outcome of the battle very much in doubt, Mus's cavalry made a determined massed charge against the right flank, and the enemy did not hold up long under the pressure, fleeing the field.


http://i.imgur.com/AJAicSy.png



It was a massacre -- about 1800 Romans dead, 9000 for Carthage.

[chesapeake]

Another victory for Rome!

But if there are another 30,000 Africans waiting right around the bend, we may need to consider a strategic withdrawal to a battleground or our choosing. What's the word on reinforcements?

[Brian Swartz]

Matho is not nearly so great a fool as to wait for such a thing to happen.

Late Spring, 273 BC
Third Battle of Messana

The most important part(second half) of the official battle reports have been lost. (In other words, something screwed up with FRAPS). None of the surviving renderings are really worth your time.

Matho attacked Mus, and his army of more than 31,000 well outnumbered the approximately 20,000 combined that the Romans put on the field. It is the largest field army the Republic has yet faced. Mus positioned his legion on a wooded hill to the southwest, getting him closer to Laevinus and his reinforcements. They still arrived about 45 minutes too late, but fortunately there were no elite troops in the Carthaginian army: it's strength lay almost soley in it's size as Matho is not among the more skilled of their generals.

Once Laevinus arrived, the Romans ceased to give way before Matho's attackers, and for a couple hours it was decidedly unclear who would be the victors. It seemed most likely the force of sheer numbers would carry the day for the Carthaginians until Matho himself grew impatient and was personally cut down by a spearman attempting to press his advantadge. His men, disheartened, did not give up the fight immediately, but it didn't take long for them to decide it was better to run than die here.

After three major battles in a season's time, both consuls remain with the relatively smashed remnants of their armies. It is not entirely fair, but Mus has been given the lion's share of the credit and is now clearly considered to be the better of the two generals. At the second battle he had the fresher troops as Laevinus had to march a longer distance and thus attacked first, and it was his men who took the brunt of Matho's assault first without breaking. History is, after all, not entirely impartial in the way it remembers significant events ...

The survivors of all three battles on the side of Cathargo are in Messana or it's immediate vicinity.

[Brian Swartz]

Summer, 273 BC

Mus has 7240 men remaining, Laevinus 8880. There are somewhere around 25k(rough estimate) Carthaginianis in and around Messana.

Reinforcements-wise, there are about 2500 that could be in Sicily by the end of the summer(mostly Oscan javelinmen but also some cavalry) and oscan infantry about 1500 more in the fall. The main force(the praetorian army that was sent south some while back) will not get here until about the end of the year, probably winter or maybe even next spring. That one is several thousand men strong. At this point the 'front' is about a year and a half from Roma, but it may be possible soon to use Publio's fleet to shorten the travel time, but it will still take several months, probably three seasons under optimal conditions.

[Coffee Warlord]

15,000 veterans under elite leadership vs an army twice their size...Are there any quality Generals in and around the area that we know of?

If they're leaderless rabble, I'm less concerned. If they are well led, that changes things.

[Brian Swartz]

Some of them have no generals, there are two general in the city, one of which is Shipitbaal who is the best in the area and nearly match for either one of you. It is also worth nothing that there is only a modest amount of line infantry left(in the consular armies): they are disproportionately missile troops at this point as much of the heavy infantry has been beaten down by attrition(though not all).

[Coffee Warlord]

I forgot about Shitball.

And bah. It pains me to say this, but with the lack of front line infantry, I believe we must withdraw to Italy for the time being. At the very least, we've bloodied them badly.

[chesapeake]

Agree with the strategic withdrawal. We don't want to learn about the Fabian strategy from the wrong side.

I'm leaving town for a few days and won't have much internet time. Feel free to move on without me.

[Brian Swartz]

I sure your fellow consul won't get you killed ... much.

Summer, 273 BC

The consuls escape via a narrow corridor of safe transport between Messana and Tauromenion, and then back to Publio's fleet across to Italy. Arretium begins construction of an Oppidum, the next vital infrastructure project.


Autumn

Aiakid forces mass at Tauromenion, further complicating matters. Meanwhile, newly recruited spy Aulus infiltrates Messana, reporting four Carthaginian generals in the vicinity, and also that the previous estimates were inaccurate in terms of their strength there. Just under 40,000, some of them apparently newly recruited mercenaries but some previously undetected, are present near the city.

Meanwhile, Muli has arrived at Ariminum, his new posting, and construction of the Oppidum upgrades begins there as well.

As the season comes to an end, a surprise Carthaginian attack at Rhegion demonstrates that the 'strategic withdrawal' was a most fortuitous choice ...

[Brian Swartz]

I want to get to moving this along but RL is intervening. Specifically, I've been dealing with an onslaught of highly annoying insomnia among other issues. Sorry about the delays.

[chesapeake]

Sorry to see you are having sleep troubles.

40k vs. our 15k? I don't like those numbers. And, once again, there is nothing we can do to directly engage the besiegers at Rhegion other than to stay close-by and join the battle when the garrison sallies forth?

[Brian Swartz]

I think I'm starting to come out of it now. If tonight goes well, I might have another report up tomorrow.

The question is actually moot, as they didn't wait around but quickly built basic siege equipment and attacked. That battle will be the next thing that goes up(I'll just tease it for now by saying it's the wildest battle I've ever had in this game).