The Shadows Devour You.
261 (Winter Continued.)
I'll be doing three years and/or battles today to make up for the ones I've missed from not doing days.
Having won the battle, the season draws to a close as Hamalcar looks out over the plains of Mauretanian north Africa.
"Mauretania challenging us like this... this means war." Hamalcar
"The Maure made this inevitable. Besides, think about how powerful we will be when the riches of the entire North African coast are added to our possessions? We are already strong. This can only make us stronger!" Chryses
"It'll be a long, protracted battle however. Many will die." Andrubal
"Not necessary. I intend to lock most of the Maure army inside their cities and starve them out from there. We should suffer next to no casualties as long as our supply lines are secure. The need for costly field battles should hopefully be avoided." Hamalcar
"Ever the optimist..." Chryses
End of Year
"No Hannibal, that doesn't count as one of your years. Get on with the record, you lazy machine!" Mago
...fine.
(Spring.)
7th Iberian Light Spearband trained at Mastia.
"Hannibal, you've been forgetting the obligatory training joke every time a unit is trained!" Sultan Suleyman
Oh yeah... wait a second... get back in the book of worlds you! This isn't even your universe!
(Sulkily) "Its the past of it..." Sultan Suleyman
Construction Progress
Governors Villa at Karali.
"YES! Karali is now in possession of the most magnificent governors palace in the colonies!" Carthalo
(Bomilkar indicates to the shiny new Magistrates Chambers in Massilia)
"Damn new conquests outshining our Sardinian glory..." Carthalo
"Oh dear, its finally happened. Carthalo's gone native." Mago
"Totally called it." Kanmi
Monument on the Balaeres.
"Heave... heave... heave!" Foreman of team pulling monument into place
(The monument goes up, seems to stand stably... and then teeters over towards the team.)
"Run, Run, RUN!" Foreman
Healer trained in Garama
"Well done, we've now re-established the local knowledge of healing using local herbs that was destroyed in our initial invasion in the first place! Truly we have brought our blessings to these people!" Mago
"I think some logic is missing there husband." Roxanne
Construction Orders.
Local Trading Dock started on Sardinia.
"Ah, the beginning of the great Sardinian and Corsican trading empire!" Carthalo
(Mago points to the massive established grand trading port in Carthage.)
"Darn it! Grow, my city, grow! We must surpass our parent city!" Carthalo
"I think Carthalo needs a holiday." Gisgo
"I think Carthalo thinks he IS on holiday." Bomilkar
Contingency Barracks started on Bocchoris.
"If in doubt, train them up yourselves!" Mago
"Uh, Mago... we don't have any Libyans to train on Bocchoris. The population is entirely made up of native Balaeric citizens." Hasdrubal
"Oh... curses!" Mago
"Next time, build a native barracks instead. It'll take a few years to get anywhere near the level required to train them in their native style however." Hasdrubal
"Damn convoluted tech tree!" Mago
As Bomilkar
advances into Arverni territory, the city of Viennos comes into view. As Bomilkar clears a hill that gives him a view of the surrounding lands, he curses to see a force of Arverni guarding the river that the army must cross to get to the city... and an even larger army sallying forth from the city itself!
"Curses... they were waiting for us!" Bomilkar
"Gods... this isn't good." Abscantus
"What does a merchant know of war?" Bomilkar
"That he has been in Arverni lands. And that the banner of the general leading that army signifies that he is one of the most famous commanders ever to lead a Gallic army into battle. Belenos..." Abscantus
"I've heard of him too. Belenos is a legend in Gaul. He's defeated the Aedui in more battles than can be counted on your hands, and that was while the Aedui were still strong and winning the war, and the Arverni little more than independent rebels." Sythiannus.
"A massive Gallic army that outnumbers us, led by one of the greatest generals of the era... this will either be a legendary victory for Carthage, or an appalling defeat..." Bomilkar
"Then let us proceed, general. And may Baal favour our footsteps." Balhanno
"You can rely on Baals help all you like, but the Gods help those who help themselves. Get down to the river as fast as can be managed, we must cross the river and defeat its defenders before that main host arrives!" Bomilkar
The Carthaginians begin to enter the valley...
Storming the River.
Objectives: Captain Piso and Belenos must suffer 90% casualties to ensure a quick capture of the city of Viennos.
Parameters: 65% of Bomilkars army must survive to complete the rest of the campaign, or at least keep secure hold of Viennos and Massilia. Any less will force a wait for reinforcements and an uncertain future...
- Carthaginian Forces: 636 men.
- River Defence Force: 336 men.
- Viennos Garrison: 449 men.
- Total Arverni: 785 men.
Bomilkars Aedui Relief Force (1 Star)
- Bomilkars Guard: 14 men, 3 EXP
- 5th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 6th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 7th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 8th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 9th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 10th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 11th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 1st Liby-Phoenician Cavalry, 26 men
- 2nd Liby-Phoenician Cavalry, 26 men
- 3rd Liby-Phoenician Cavalry, 26 men
- 4th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry, 26 men
- 5th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry, 26 men
- 2nd Liby-Phoenician Spearband, 41 men
- 3rd Liby-Phoenician Spearband, 41 men
- 4th Liby-Phoenician Spearband, 41 men
- 5th Liby-Phoenician Spearband, 41 men
- 6th Liby-Phoenician Spearband, 41 men
Arverni Forces
Captain Piso's River Guards
- 1st North Gallic Swordband, 19 men, 1 EXP
- 2nd North Gallic Swordband, 22 men, 1 EXP
- 3rd North Gallic Swordband, 52 men.
- 1st Levy Spearband, 45 men, 2 EXP
- 2nd Levy Spearband, 26 men, 2 EXP
- 3rd Levy Spearband, 62 men.
- 4th Levy Spearband, 62 men.
- 1st Celtic Axeband, 20 men, 2 EXP
- 1st North Gallic Mercenary Swordsmen, 28 men, 1 EXP
Belenos' Main Army (9 Stars)
- Belenos' Gallic Noble Cavalry, 25 men, 2 EXP
- 4th North Gallic Swordband, 52 men.
- 5th North Gallic Swordband, 52 men.
- 1st Alpine Shortswordsmen, 52 men.
- 2nd Alpine Shortswordsmen, 52 men.
- 3rd Alpine Shortswordsmen, 52 men.
- 1st Caturiges Warriors, 40 men.
- 5th Levy Spearband, 62 men.
- 6th Levy Spearband, 62 men.
End of Pre-battle Analysis.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Phase 1: River Assault.
In battle order, the Carthaginian army marches off the hills towards the river, led by the Liby-Phoenicians. As he rides, Bomilkar looks over a military artists rendering of the battlefield, a flat plain with a river running through it, a single wooden bridge serving as the crossing point.
"It looks a bit different now..." Bomilkar
As Bomilkar lowers the portrait, he sees the same scene, but now with hundreds of Gallic warriors clustered back from the rivers edge. Fierce warcries and battle horns ring out as the Gallic soldiers shout their defiance at their Carthaginian foes. Meanwhile, in the far distance, clouds of dust indicate the arrival of Belenos' army.
"Belenos is coming. Quickly, assemble to assault the bridge!" Bomilkar
The soldiers quickly assemble to cross the bridge, the Liby-Phoenicians at the fore, from 2nd to 6th. Behind them are the Libyans.
"Follow us men!" 2nd Liby-Phoenician Sargeant
"Yes sir!" Liby-Phoenicians
The soldiers charge over the bridge, running to try to get as many men across the bridge before the Arverni move to block it.
"Come on, move it, move move!" 2nd Liby-Phoenician Sargeant
"Sir, the enemy are advancing!" Arverni Lieutenant
"Quick, get the levy spearmen to form a line! We must hold!" Captain Piso
(Captain Piso makes a quick speech.)
"For the Arverni tribes, men, and for the glory of our God-King! May he live forever in your spears!" Piso
(Cheers)
"Idiot, he's given us all the time we needed! Form up!" 2nd Liby Phoenician Sargeant
The Liby-Phoenicians clear the other side of the bridge. The elite spearmen scramble to form up as the Levy spearmen clumsily blunder into the formidable warriors.
"We're engaged!" 3rd Liby-Phoenician Sargeant
"Is this the best they've got?" 4th Liby-Phoenician Sargeant
The Libyans follow up as quickly as they can manage, the cavalry still well behind them. The Arverni respond to the engaging Liby-Phoenicians in the worst possible manner. Instead of holding back and allowing the levy spears to do what they can while they try to move round the flanks, the Arverni warriors throw themselves into the fray, disrupting their allies and leaving themselves with no reserves.
"For the glory of the God-King!" Piso
"Excellent. He's left his flanks wide open. This will be a textbook Carthaginian encircling maneuver. Libyans, to the flanks! Surround the enemy!" Bomilkar
The Libyans waste no time, and soon javelins are flying into the Arverni formations even as they futilely struggle against the unmoving Liby-Phoenician line. The Reverse Roman is working exactly as intended.
"Our strongest troops hold all before them, the weaker soldiers maneuver to complete the encirclement. Its the perfect infantry strategy if the foe is stupid enough to fall for it." Bomilkar
"Javelins from the side!" Levy Spearman Sargeant
"Damn it, turn, turn! Those dishonourable snakes are trying to flank us!" Piso
"Which is what we should have tried to do!" Lieutenant
Soon javelins are landing in the rear of Piso's line as well. The Libyans charge, and it is not long until the whole of Piso's army is completely encircled.
"Sell your lives dearly!" Piso
"Screw This, I'm Outta Here!" Lieutenant
With Libyans hacking in from the side and rear and the merciless Liby-Phoenicians grinding forward remorselessly, it isn't long until Gallic soldiers are throwing their swords down in terror or trying to break out. But there is nowhere to go. Belenos has entered the field by now, but he can only watch helplessly as the river defenders are completely annihilated. In under thirty seconds, all but four of Piso's men are dead, compared to just twenty four Carthaginians.
"Victory sir. The Captain escaped." 5th Libyan Sargeant
"Doesn't matter. That army isn't even on the map any more. Pull back, we've still got the main part of this battle to fight." Bomilkar
(Meanwhile, the 4th Cavalry are chasing down Piso.)
"Retreat, retreat!" Piso
"Prepare to die!" 4th Sargeant
(The 4th stops sharply.)
"What, why have we stopped?" 4th Sargeant
(A massive Gallic army looms over them.)
"Oh. Crap." 4th Sargeant
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Phase Two: Field Battle.
The Carthaginians are tired from the previous fight. As the 4th retreats back into position, Belenos orders a general advance.
"Avenge our fallen brothers!" Belenos
"Looks like its the big man himself." 7th Libyan Sargeant
The Liby-Phoenicians quickly form up into a front line, with the Libyans behind them. The cavalry form up behind, in the Hamalcarian arrow, a formation which places the cavalry further and further back from the main line as they approach the centre, forming an arrow pointing away from the infantry. This allows the cavalry to quickly and smoothly slide out onto a desired flank. Bomilkar and his guard are in the centre of this arrow, both to motivate the infantry and to act as a reserve.
The Arverni formation is a mess however. Belenos fails to control his men, who are outraged at the annihilation of their allies, and they charge wildly at the Liby-Phoenicians, not even making a coherent battle line. The Liby-Phoenicians, for their part, merely take the initial charge from 5th and 6th Levy before marching through the gaps. They were not, however, prepared for what happened next.
"CHARGE!!!" Belenos
"I don't believe it. He's charging into the flanks... of our outflanking Liby-Phoenicians. He's crazy." Bomilkar
"Help!" 6th Liby-Phoenician Sargeant.
"Hang on!" Bomilkar
"Time to do what we do best: cheat like crazy." Sythiannus
The Liby-Phoenicians pin down the worst of the enemy infantry, but the Libyans are now foiled as the best Arverni warriors, the swordsmen, engage them on the right and left flanks as they try to outflank the spearmen and axemen who have poured forward to assail the main line.
"The Liby-Phoenicians will win this no problem, but the Libyans are going to suffer a bloody nose until they do... come on, this is down to the cavalry!" Bomilkar
The Libyans do manage to make a few flanking maneuvers on the left flank and in the centre, but no encirclements. The fighting becomes a fractured, swirling melee as the cavalry maneuver round to the back of the enemy army.
The cavalry finally form up and start charging in and out of the fight. 2nd Cavalry are the first to strike a battle winning blow as they hit the beleaguered 6th Levy in the rear and fatally weaken it.
"FOR THE ALLIANCE!!" 2nd Cavalry Sargeant
"FIDDLESTICKS!!!" 6th Levy Sargeant
(The cavalry hit the backs fo the Levy Spearmen with a thunderous crash, killing a good half of the unit.)
"Thats it, damage done men! Withdraw!" 2nd Cavalry Sargeant
"And there were flowers and birds and pixies and wheee..." 6th Levy Sargeant
The 2nd ride out between two battling groups of infantry, narrowly avoiding being sucked into melee. Cavalry charges on the left flank take the wind out of the advancing swordsmen, giving the struggling Libyans a respite, as Bomilkar now deals a similarly debilitating strike to 5th Levy.
"Bring these Arverni rebels down!" Bomilkar
(The Levy spears scatter a bit, many of them falling.)
"Boss, the enemy general is after us!" Sythiannus
"I'm not in the mood for a duel! Pull out!" Bomilkar
"I'll draw your blood, Quarthadastim invader!" Belenos
"Many have tried, none have succeeded since Mago took office. You may try your best!" Bomilkar
As the last of the Carthaginian cavalry withdraw from their first charge, leaving the Gallic infantry reeling in their wake as the 1st withdraws from a messy yet effective charge into a group of already almost encircled northern swordsmen, surrounded by 4th and 10th Libyan, Bomilkar is pressed by Belenos and soon a game of cat and mouse begins as the general tries to lose his pursuer.
"Look, there's some cheese over there! And wine!" Bomilkar
"Look, why don't you just give up?" Sythiannus
"For the last time, we're not the Franks! We're Gauls!"
"We're still going to kick your asses like Romans!" Bomilkar
The historical stereotype about the French not doing very well at war isn't actually true. With the exception of the 2nd world war they were never subjugated, which is more than you can say for Britain, and they conquered several other nations or at least gave them a severe thrashing at several points in history. They even beat off most of Europe at one point. And remember; Gaul sacked Rome first.
Bomilkar is saved by the arrival of the 4th, as a charge from the 5th finally breaks a unit of Alpine short-swordsmen.
"Need a hand general?" 4th Cavalry Sargeant
"That would be appreciated, yes!" Bomilkar
"Run away!" Alpine Sargeant
"Yes, I am the Cavalryman! I order the charges that makes the peoples fall down!" 5th Cavalry Sargeant
A victorious 8th Libyan showers another group of forty Gallic swordsmen in the rear, breaking the strength of the last truly strong Gallic warband.
"Its a matter of time now!" Bomilkar
Its over. The right of the Arverni line starts to break completely, as Belenos still futilely tries to pin down his opponent. With mop up beginning, Bomilkar finally turns to face him.
"So you've finally turned to fight! Now we see who is the strongest!" Belenos
"Not really..." Bomilkar
"What? Wh-" Belenos
(Belenos is swept away by a surge of about four cavalry units converging on his flanks.)
"I thought you'd want a few more horsemen in your side." Bomilkar
Belenos is killed in seconds along with all but one bodyguard, who escapes.
"Whew! That was close! Now to go home and start my cliche filled revenge quest!" Bodyguard
The battle ends with the total annihilation of the Arverni army, with the exception of a few alpine swordsmen who fade into the mountains. Of the Arverni who took to the field, 98% of them lie dead, compared to just 17% of the Carthaginian army.
"The Arverni won't recover from this. Today Viennos, in a decades time, the rest of Southern Gaul. Maybe even beyond." Bomilkar
End of Battle.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Aftermath.
- Carthaginian Losses: 97 men.
- Arverni Losses: All but ten.
- Carthaginians Remaining: 539/636 men.
Breakdown.
Bomilkars Guard
- 35 kills
- 1 lost, 13/14 men remain.
5th Libyan Spearband
- 50 kills.
- 4 lost, 37/41 men remain
6th Libyan Spearband
- 65 kills
- 9 lost, 32/41 men remain
7th Libyan Spearband
- 46 kills
- 2 lost, 39/41 men remain
8th Libyan Spearband
- 44 kills
- 8 lost, 33/41 men remain
9th Libyan Spearband
- 24 kills
- 8 lost, 33/41 men remain
10th Libyan Spearband
- 31 kills
- 5 lost, 36/41 men remain
11th Libyan Spearband
- 23 kills
- 4 lost, 37/41 men remain
1st Liby-Phoenician Cavalry
- 56 kills
- 7 lost, 19/26 men remain
2nd Liby-Phoenician Cavalry
- 76 kills
- 3 lost, 23/26 men remain
3rd Liby-Phoenician Cavalry
- 44 kills
- 3 lost, 23/26 men remain
4th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry
- 13 kills
- 2 lost, 24/26 men remain
5th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry
- 49 kills
- 3 lost, 23/26 men remain
2nd Liby-Phoenician Spearband
- 45 kills
- 6 lost, 4 healed, 39/41 men remain.
3rd Liby-Phoenician Spearband
- 48 kills
- 14 lost, 8 healed, 35/41 men remain
4th Liby-Phoenician Spearband
- 47 kills
- 1 lost, 40/41 men remain
5th Liby-Phoenician Spearband
- 52 kills
- 21 lost, 2 healed, 22/41 men remain
6th Liby-Phoenician Spearband
- 24 kills
- 13 lost, 3 healed, 31/41 men remain
- Khorne Award: 2nd Liby-Phoenician Cavalry
- Purple Heart Donatee: 5th Liby-Phoenician Spearband
- Good Runner: Bodyguard
End of Battle!
Bomilkar surveyed the scene, shaken by what he saw.
"Commander, you look troubled. Come off it, we won, right?" Sythiannus
"So... many." Bomilkar
"What, of ours? Come on commander, our casualties were pretty heavy, but thats nothing compared... to..." Sythiannus
(The two men gaze out at the devastation.)
"Nothing compared to their dead indeed. Sythiannus, what is the point in this campaign? What are we fighting for?" Bomilkar
"To... to help our allies of course! To put down these rebels, and restore our allies fortunes!" Sythiannus
"By doing what? Taking their former lands and filling them with an even more dangerous army, one alien to these lands? Surely we provoke war with the Aedui..." Bomilkar
"What would you have us do, then?" Abascantos
"I think we should turn over the lands to the Aedui once we are done." Bomilkar
(Spittake) "Say what?!" Abascantos
"You cannot be seriously suggesting we turn over land won by our blades over to these barbarians?" Balhanno
"What? What's wrong with that? They're our allies, and they have a stronger claim to these lands than we do!" Sythiannus
"An ally is not an ally if he simply becomes the next threat. I will be petitioning the council for a return of Arverni lands to the Aedui. We will of course keep the southern Gallic coast line. But I do not think we are welcome here, nor should we stay." Bomilkar
"This will not stand, Bomilkar!" Balhanno
"Well... we'll see what the council... and my brother, have to say about that once this war is done." Bomilkar
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
I'm Only Sleeping
Nice. Good to see that you're not treating the Qart-Hadasts as obsessed with conquering the world. 
Ooh, drama ensues. Taking a turn for the less light-hearted direction I see, this should prove interesting.
"I forgot to recreate the glasses" ... And the fandom wept
The Shadows Devour You.
Its difficult to keep a line between drama and comedy in this thing. So far I've been trying to make it mostly funny, but adding a few bits of drama... when it fits the story that is.
Europa Barbarorum has had a slightly darker tone to Medieval, especially compared to the Sicilians, but the original Adam I storyline had its dramatic moments, Adams backstory and the fall of Yusuf for example. Bear in mind that this has been the largest battle fought so far in the campaign, and is the first faction VS faction fight, so some storyline significance was inevitable.
You'll have plenty of time to argue whether or not to return the Arverni lands to their rightful masters when the next Senate comes round. Will you go the route of the noble ally, looking to build strong ties with their neighbours and the routing of enemies? Or the brutal conqueror with eyes only for making Carthage number one?
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
I'm Only Sleeping
I'd say that if being a noble ally will help you more in the long run (read: it rarely does), do so. Otherwise, set it up so that you can take advantage of the wars the Aedui and Arverni fight.
INT is knowing a tomato is a fruit. WIS is knowing it doesn't belong in a fruit salad. CHA is convincing people that it does.
The Shadows Devour You.
260 BC: Spring Continued.
The battle leaves Viennos defenceless, and Bomilkars army marches in unopposed.
"When you've killed most of the trained warriors of fighting age in a settlement, you tend to find opposition is somewhat lacking." Sythiannus
"In one move, Bomilkar has removed the threat to the Aedui homelands from the south, split the Arverni down the middle and secured the Gallic coastline. Not bad for a single battle, but to be fair, it was a particularly spectacular victory." Mago
"Hey, how come I don't get a crushing victory for that?! Shophet, I demand to know of my respect!" Bomilkar
Viennos is not happy however. A 55% public order rating means that Bomilkar must work fast to win over the people of the town to any degree at all! Much less get out and on campaign in a hurry.
"This is why I said it would take a decade. At this rate we're going to lose more troops to unrest in captured settlements than we do on the battlefield!" Bomilkar
(sigh) "I'll start training up another army. Gisgo can lead it. For the moment, just build some drainage." Mago
"I'd try pacifying the population, but trying to disarm a town which hates our guts and where every household has some kind of sharp implement is easier said than done." Bomilkar
Hamalcar, meanwhile, starts the journey back to Carthage for retraining. 4th and 8th Punic Militia and 15th Libyan retraining in Carthage.
"Wonderful. Now I'm shelling out for a Mauretanian campaign as well. All we need now is for the Romans or Epirotes to show interest in some overseas conquests and we'll be fighting on four fronts, when you consider I'm regularly paying for Spanish recruits as well." Mago
"Under Magos leadership, the Carthaginian economy has at least quintupled in size. Unfortunately, under Magos leadership the Carthaginian military has also quintupled in size." Kanmi
"Hey, thats five times the power we had on turn one!" Mago
"Yes, and five times the number of people in the army on dangerous campaigns. Including garrison forces who don't usually go on campaigns. Truly our people have never been safer." Hamalcar
"The colonies aren't even that much safer either! We still have a border with the Lusotannans, only now we have a long border with the Aedui and hostile Arverni as well! And a potential Roman threat just over the sea, and now, there's no Messanan or Syracusean buffer zone!" Carthalo
"Yes, we now have more fronts. However, I would lke to point out that while that gives four potential fronts with large powers, we also have five times the power with which to respond to said fronts. Win overall." Mago
Mago has a point. True, at this point I could be attacked by no less than five factions; the Aedui, Arverni, Lusotannan, Romans and Epirotes. However, at this point there is also a distinct possibility of me beating the Aedui, Arverni, Lusotannan, Romans and Epirotes.
Once you get to a certain size in Total War, you start noticing that being outnumbered by factions isn't very scary.
260 BC (Summer)
Rioting in Viennos kills 292 civilians and 53 of Bomilkars men. Bomilkar thankfully survives.
"I told you. We won't lose this campaign through military defeat, but through rebellion and insurrection!" Balhanno
"I'd rather die than kill innocent bystanders!" Bomilkar
"They're not innocent if they're actively trying to kill us as we build sewers for them. They destroyed the warlords hold and the drainage systems. By the way, here's the repair bill." Sythiannus
"..." Bomilkar
"What?" Sythiannus
"HOW MUCH? BRING ME THE RINGLEADERS AND THEIR FAMILIES! BURN THE TOWN AND SALT THE FIELDS! KILL THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST!!!... and sack the belongings to pay for the expense!" Bomilkar
"Is that normal?" Abascantos
"Unfortunately yes. It is a well-known phenomenon that you can do the most horrible things to a Barca. Torture them, murder their friends and family, destroy their plans, throw down their reputations... and they will still be the most benevolent and generous leaders they can be. Give them an overly large bill however..." Balhanno
(sniff) "Aww... he's just like his older brother..." Sythiannus
(Back in Carthage)
"HOW MUCH FOR THE REPAIRS! Never mind the Arverni, this army is going to Viennos to collect reparations! Violently!" Mago
Despite the outbreak, order is improving as Bomilkar begins pacification.
"Remember people, when confiscating a sword, make sure they hand it over hilt-first. Not pointy bit first." Bomilkar
Bocchoris expands, demanding an expansion to the Governors Villa.
"Bocchoris needs an expansion to the governors house Shophet." Messenger
"Would someone mind telling me why a few rocks in the middle of the mediterranean requires the same level of administration as the whole of Corsica?" Mago
Carthalo recieves an unwelcome visit from a new retinue member. Namely, the mother of Zita, his wife.
"I'm telling you dear, he's no good for you!" Evil Mother-in-law
"Mother, he's one of the most sensitive governors in the region, has a trail of success stories of management behind him, is unlikely to get sent off to war..." Zita
"...something which I would class as a disadvantage..." Evil Mother-in-law
"...is unlikely to get sent off to war... and may I remind you that he is also related to the current... and extremely popular... leader of the senate!" Zita
"I know, but have you seen his hair! And such foreign tastes... is that a Roman made carpet?" Evil Mother-in-law
"You know, my uncles always encouraged me to keep out of plots to assassinate people. After meeting your mother, Zita, I might make an exception." Carthalo
"Can you make it slow and painful?" Zita
"What a thing to say! I will not stay to be insulted like this!" Evil Mother-in-law
(The couple folds their arms and wait. A full minute passes)
"Oh, thats wonderful, great, the doors right there! If you need to I can hire a litter to carry you on!" Carthalo
"...you're still a disgrace! I'm only staying to see that no harm comes to my daughter from your wicked foreign ways!" Evil Mother-in-law
"At this rate, I think I'll go join the Romans to get some peace and quiet from annoying relatives." Carthalo
Monument in Adrumeto completed.
"Heave ho... heave ho... heave ho!" Monument Team
(The monument is levered into place.)
"We did it! Now lets go get drunk for social reasons we barely understand, to get to know people we're to afraid to talk to sober!" Monument Foreman
(The monument starts to tilt towards them threateningly)
"Oh, no you don't! We did that gag in Medieval I with a watch tower! Get back upright you evil monument!" Monument Foreman
(The monument straightens upright again, letting out a creak that sounds suspiciously like an "awww...")
"See these reused jokes... what?" Foreman
(The workers stand agape. A few are bowing down to him in praise. One just stands there.)
"Wow, when the foreman said 'I am your God while you work here', I didn't know he meant it literally!" Worker
Adrumeto also begins a small school.
"Why are we building a school here?" Mago
"I don't know, apparently Adherbal has come up with this new-fangled "universal education" idea where we educate every corner of the empire, not just those with the money to make it to the academy in the capital. Silly idea if you ask me, as if it will ever catch on. Nope, not even if the world continues for another 2,030 years!" Kanmi
(1870 was, by the way, the year the Elementary Education Act was passed making the attendence of children between 5 and 13 at elementary school compulsory in Britain.)
Ippone establishes communal farming.
"We may only have sand and rock to farm but we're going about it in a very organised manner!" Reeve
Work on a barracks starts there.
"Having some readily trainable Libyan and Carthaginian infantry will be handy in case the Ptolemaioi decide to cross the sea to us." Gisgo
"The Ptolemaioi? Aren't they our allies?" Mago
"So were the Romans, and look how that ended up going." Gisgo
"That... that is a very good point." Mago
This Year In History.
"... what, no deafening, wall-shaking cry?" Roxanne
Please, that jokes getting way too stale now. Got to move on with these things.
Ariobarzanes gets the crown of Pontos. He lasts a decade, which, before you laugh, is quite an achievement given the usual length of a ruler in those days. Seleucid losing streak continues unabated as they lose control of Cappodocia to Ariarathes, who is supported by Armenian king Ardoates. Edict of Asoka issued in Greek and Aramaic at Kandahar...
I really should start giving links to these things right?... fine, here's a brief summary.
(Here's the wikipedia article for those who don't want to read an entire book.)
Now master of Athens, Antigonus II appoints Demetrios, the grandson of Demetrios of Phaleron, to be a magistrate there. Presumably so he wouldn't be associated with actually having to make harsh decisions. Theokritus dies... who was he again? Hieron II of Syracuse constructs a great altar. Science and critical thinking begin to decline in Athens, though practical ethics is still much discussed.
Consul Scipio is captured by Hannibal, but he narrowly evades the Roman fleet himself. Hamilcar Barca sends the Romans running in a battle near Segesta... wait, when did he get into northern Italy?... wow, it says on Wikipedia that he carried raids all the way into central Italy!
"See, Hanno, no matter what the circumstances, the better commander will always win out!" Hamilcar
"Why you arrogant, self-serving, inconsistently spelled asshole!" Hanno
Consul Dullius wins a naval battle off the Liparae islands however. Hamilcars efforts do force the Romans to back off from Segesta.
"Muwahahaha! We'll be in Rome by the end of the year!" Hamalcar
Er... actually... you know what, nevermind. Lets just get on with the turn.
Oh yeah, and...
THIS YEAR IN HISTORY!!!
"GODS DAMN IT HANNIBAL!!" Mago
"You know, it says something about the authors lack of material that he has resorted to making jokes about the jokes." Roxanne
I have lots of material! Its just... not available right now!
By the way, I'm going on holiday on the 5th. Because I'm going to Cyprus with my family and a friend. So this thing'll be on haitus. I'll try to get the senate proposals up before then, so that will hopefully give me some requests for me to tackle the moment I get back.
Unrest in Arse foils Hasdrubals attempt toe leave for Emporion. 8th Iberian Light infantry start training in Mastia to help procure enough soldiers for the campaign.
"I'm sure we're being trained to go on some great and exciting campaign where we'll get to travel exotic foreign beaches and meet interesting new people!" Rookie
"Actually you're being trained at to get yelled at by a lot of angry citizens while others get to travel exotic foreign beaches and meet interesting new people... and kill them." Sargeant
"Aww... guess the army really isn't all its cracked up to be." Rookie
Autumn
Arse gets its governors palace and becomes a city, allowing the governor of Arse to... still not be able to leave.
"I'm sick of all these mother-fuckin' dissidents in this motherfuckin' city!" Hasdrubal
(gasp) "Hasdrubal, you just swore!" Gisgo
"Tone it down Hasdrubal, we want to keep this PG!" Mago
"Detailing the deaths of thousands is PG, yet swearing a bit makes it a 12?" Roxanne
"Blame the ratings system." Hasdrubal
"Wait, do liveblogs even have a rating?" Mago
"Judging by the fact Fast Eddie hasn't shut this shit down, I'd imagine we're within the rules." Hasdrubal
"See, there you go! Swearing again!" Gisgo
I think I deserve some credit for getting through three different campaigns without swearing once.
8th trained, leaving for Mastia. 9th begin to be trained just to be sure.
"Come on men, lets start our exciting career as an underpaid, under appreciated city garrison!" Sargeant
(sounding anything but eager) "Yay..." Soldiers
Public baths in Lilibeo complete.
"You know, I always wondered why public growth rates improve after baths are constructed." Mago
"Well, there's the strange drop in diseases we get despite the increased proximity..." Philosir
"But its suspected that it probably has more to do with people not smelling like an open sewer afterwards. Lack of B.O. tends to make romancing go smoother." Hamalcar
Work starts on communal farming there.
"Now if something goes wrong, but wasn't your fault, we'll blame your neighbours mistakes on you as well! Forcing you to look after his farm as well! Isn't that fair?" Philosir
"Actually... no, no that doesn't sound very fair." Farmer
Monument in Gader.
"Knowing that my tax money has been spent on a monument to some dead guy I don't even know makes me feel happy for some unspecified reason." Citizen of Gader
"Is it because you're an idiot?" 2nd Citizen of Gader
Mercantile port started there.
"Mommy, why are they knocking down that sea wall?" Child
"Because the men need room to expand the dock!" Mother
"Mommy, why is the water rushing into the street?" Child
"Because the men need to... wait, what?" Mother
"Mommy, why is there an octopus clinging to my feet?" Child
"Because the men are idiots, why do you think I'm converting to Astarte? Now cling on to this flotsam and don't let go!" Mother
"Sir, reports of floods in Gader." Messenger
"Again? They destroyed that sea-wall again didn't they? I keep telling them they need to build a temporary one further out or this will keep occurring!" Hasdrubal
Unrest forces Mago to issue a grant of government held land to the citizens of Massilia.
"Fine... they can have this bit, this bit and this bit." Mago
"Ok, this bit is the top of a mountain, this bit is just ocean, and there appears to be rumours of a serial killer operating in this region. I'm afraid we're going to need something a little better than this!" Bomilkar
"What? Hey, the top of a mountain makes a great refrigerator! There's plenty of fish in the water, and I'm sure the psychopath is just trying to make friends!" Mago
On the plus side, the colony is up and running... the new Libyan and Carthaginian settlers aren't popular, but at least the new colony is surrounded by protesters instead of the palace.
"Ah, blaming the problems of a country on a minority. A reliable way of staying in government since one enterprising tribal chief pinned the theft of another tribesmans bone club on the half-starved refugee joining the clan from another tribe!" Mago
"Moral issues, as in, that being a horrible, terrible thing to do aside, you forget one thing... we belong to that minority you idiot!" Bomilkar
"Oh, you're supposed to do it to a minority you don't belong to... damn it, didn't think this through!" Mago
Kirtan completes its colony and starts on a healer.
"Now that we've moved a bunch of citizens into a foreign land, all we have to do is try to save as many people as we can from the epidemic the settlers have brought with them to the foreign land!" Kanmi
"I'm starting to think our benevolent, wise regime may not have been as benevolent or wise as was first thought." Mago
Hamalcars army back in Carthage and retraining, along with 3rd Elite Liby-Phoenician Infantry.
"Rookie! Put that axe down, and leave the squirrel alone! I'm warning you mister!" Sargeant
End Of Turn.
(Whew, only two more pages to go... wait, then I've got the senate to do. Damn it!)
Winter.
Another duffer turned down.
"Can't we get anyone competent offering to join this noble family?!" Mago
Trader in Alalia boosts income a bit.
"Did the fully armed trireme fall off the back of a cart as well?" Carthalo
Sewers started there.
"Carthage, proof that the distance between ones nose and ones bowel movements is the true measure of civilisation!" Carthalo
"Governor Carthalo, is a sewer system you could sail a bireme through really necessary for a small town?" Architect
Healer in Mastia complete as work on expanding the militia barracks into a small contingency barracks begins for native recruits.
"Well deaths due to disease are dropping off. Unfortunately, deaths due to unfortunate spear-related accidents are increasing." Hasdrubal
"That can't be common surely?" Iqbal
"You wouldn't believe the number of brave souls who have died by standing on their spear tip and having it flip up and hit them in the face..." Hasdrubal
(Shakes his head solemnly)
"Uh, sir? Thats rakes." Iqbal
"That rakes? I know, it is a tragedy." Hasdrubal
"...nevermind." Iqbal
Sewers in Baikor completed as a large temple to Baal-Hammon begins.
"I'm glad to see worship of the Gods is given high priority..." Priest
"Hey, if we're going to give a God a home, it might as well be in a sweet-smelling city." Timasion, Hasdrubals Trusty Freeman Clerk, And His Chief Tax Collector
The grant of land placates the troublemakers.
"If trouble starts, it helps to give out grants of land to the dissidents. If it persists, it helps to take said land away and give it to people who said dissidents dislike strongly." Bomilkar
"By which he means, it always helps if your enemies are dependent on you for their livelihoods." Mago
Healer started there to try to deal with the unrest once and for all.
"Knowing the government pays for your medical bills is a good incentive not to piss off the government." Bomilkar
...you know, for someone who supports universal healthcare I'm making a pretty good cause against it. This, people, is why democracy is important. So the government can't use assholish tricks like this without getting voted out.
Hamalcar retrains his army and adds the 3rd to his ranks. Healer starts training in Arse.
"And now I shall instruct you in the ways of Ar..." Instructor
"SEXUAL HARASSMENT! GET AWAY FROM ME!" Trainee Herbalist
"I was going to say 'Arses local herbs'" Instructor
"Oh... sorry." Trainee Herbalist
9th Iberian Spearband trained in Mastia.
"Remember people, what do you do if heavy cavalry are attacking us from behind?" Sargeant
"Panic and run around shouting 'please don't kill me'?" Recruit
"Exactly!" Sargeant
Hamalcar leaves to subdue Mauretania.
"This had better be worth the money." Mago
"This had better be worth another decade of campaigning." Hamalcar
End of Year.
edited 2nd Sep '10 12:47:50 PM by GameChainsaw
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
259 BC
Spring
You know, in Vanilla Rome I'd have conquered half the world by now... Temple of Astarte in Atiqa completed. Incidents of crazy hatchet wielding priestesses triple.
"Thyria, what is it with your deity and extremely violent priestesses?" Hasdrubal
"Aww, someone remembered I was still in this liveblog! Just for that I'll wait until the end of the blog before killing you for focussing on the other characters! Thyria
Gulp... market started there.
"Red herrings! Get your red herrings!" Merchant
"Ooh, can I have one?" Citizen
"I'm afraid not sir. This is just a front to distract people while your son steals your wallet!" Merchant
"Oh... wait... what did you say?!" Citizen
"Darn it, I keep forgetting not to say that bit!" Merchant
"Dad you suck at being a criminal! The thieves guild has already black-listed us!" Pickpocket
Karali gets its local trading dock, pushing income there up to even more ludicrous levels.
"If Karali is producing 2000 mnai at this size, what is it going to be like when it hits city proportions?" Carthalo
"I don't know, but I can't wait to find out!" Mago
At the moment, I'm convinced that Karali is paved with gold and makes use of diamonds for toothpicks.
"Wouldn't that be really bad for your teeth?" Gisgo
Work starts on a trader.
"As if the settlement couldn't become even more of a Game-Breaker." Mago
"Karali, single-handedly funding empires since 272 BC!" Carthalo
The last battle before the Senate meets occurs as bandits appear near Massilia. The 12th and 13th, currently in Massilia, take a chance and march out to meet them under one Captain Himilco
Bandit Crushing.
Objective: Defeat the Celtic and Greek bandits!
Parameters: While Himilco, as a minor captain, is expendable, enough of his men must survive to keep order in Massilia. Should they be annihilated, the city will surely be lost to rebellion.
- Carthaginian Forces: 83 men
- Gallic-Greco Bandits: 95 men
Captain Himilcos Garrison
- Himilcos 12th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
- 13th Libyan Spearband: 41 men
Captain Katomachos' Brigands
- Katomachos' Celtic Spearband: 53 men
- Greek Levy Hoplites: 42 men
The Shadows Devour You.
Himilco and his men approach a forested hilly region, just before the Alps begin to rise and become truly impassable.
"You really think the bandits will be this far out? We're in the back and beyond Captain." Lieutenant Bodtanit
"Thats why they're likely to be out here Lieutenant." Sargeant Shafat, Of The 13th Libyan
"Hmm... we can't see the hills beyond for that forest." Himilco
"The screen of trees is thinnest there sir." Bodtanit
(The lieutenant points towards a screen of trees on the other side of a dip in the landscape.)
"Alright then. Lets get moving people!" Himilco
"13th... move out!" Shafat
Himilco leads his men around the dip where possible to keep his men in good condition, and heads for the screen of trees.
"Sir, with all due respect, why are we out here messing with these bandits? We're supposed to be back in town keeping order." Shafat
"We can't exactly keep order if there are bandits running around the countryside." Himilco
(The soldiers start to advance through the treeline.)
"I guess you have a point, but why are you trying so hard Himilco? Its a Carthaginian vision. We Libyans don't have to do anything." Bodtanit
"Thats our job Lieutenant. And I'd request you don't continue that line of questioning." Himilco
"Sir, we've cleared the treeline... sir, its the enemy!" Shafat
"Great... how far away are they?" Himilco
"Not far. About 800 yards or so?" Shafat
"Just be glad they don't have bows then. Let me get a closer look." Himilco
The Celtic and Greek bandits are set up on a sheer hillside separated from the Carthaginians by a gulley. They are on some of the roughest terrain imagineable.
"Well I'm not leading my men straight up that." Shafat
"Agreed. We'll have to take a roundabout approach. Oh, and Shafat? If I tell you to jump, you don't ask how high. You just do it, understood?" Himilco
"Uh... yes, Captain." Shafat
"There's an unoccupied hill that is level with the rebels..." Bodtanit
"Then get up onto it and then get onto that hill above the brigands position. We'll just have to hope they aren't smart enough to move further up the hill." Himilco
Himilco and Shafats men move on up to the first hill. The Celts show some signs of charging, but hang back. This gives Himilco a chance to rest up his men as a stand-off develops.
"Thats enough. Move up above the rebels." Himilco
"And if they try to move back?" Shafat
"Then we get to the top before them and cut them off." Himilco
"Yes sir!" Shafat
The 12th and 13th move up onto the hill... and to their amazement, the rebels move right onto the steepest part of the hill below the new Carthaginian position.
"Are they crazy? Turn and fire!" Himilco
Unfortunately for the Carthaginians the rebels abandon this perilous position and return to their original (and still bad) position at the base of the hill, with a smaller hill behind them.
"Thats enough. Men! Javelins on those hoplites! Both volleys!" Himilco
The 12th and 13th raise their javelins and throw a devastating volley of javelins into the hoplites. By the time the Libyans have finished, half of them are dead on the field.
"Thats it Captain! We're out!" Shafat
"Same for us sir!" Bodtanit
"Then this is it..." Himilco
(The men anticipate the order as the Celts brace themselves for what comes next.)
"Men, today, we secure the farmlands of Massilia for their people, and put the past behind us! With victory today, we save lives and gain glory both for Carthage... and for ourselves! The Shophet has entrusted us with the safety of this region, lets not let him down! Prepare for melee!" Himilco
(The Libyans lock shields as the Celtic infantry hurl abuse and the hoplites rush to get back into order.)
"FORWARD!!" Himilco
"13th! CHARGE!" Shafat
The Libyans charge down the hill at the Gauls. The Celtic spearmen meet them with a hail of javelins but the anti-missile shields of the Libyans do their job and the high ground adds to this defence. Only one man goes down to the javelin fire.
"Man down!" Bodtanit
"Leave him, maintain momentum!" Himilco
A second volley flies out just as the shield walls clash and kills another Libyan. Soon the two sides are locked together, with spears and blades turning a pushing match into a bloodbath. The 12th battles with the outnumbered hoplites while the 13th engages the Celtic spearmen.
"Urrk.... progress on the right flank!" Bodtanit
"I'm glad you're doing well... these Celts are making life hard here!" Shafat
"Keep it together!" Himilco
"Retreat!" Captain Katomachos
"They're pulling out already?" Shafat
"Shafat, go after them... and stick to the high ground. I'll finish these idiots they've abandoned!" Himilco
"Why do I always get the interesting jobs! Take the hill those trees are on men!" Shafat
The 13th seizes ground above Katomachos as Himilco and Bodtanit ventilate the remaining hoplites.
"Run!" Hoplite Sargeant
"Come on, lets help the 13th!" Himilco
The 13th charges down the hill at the Celts, now with an even greater terrain advantage... but despite this, they lose two men as Katomachos withdraws again with a single casualty...
"Urrgh... not so fast... Himilco, now!" Shafat
The Celtic spearmen are chased after and pinned by Shafats men while the 12th goes round their rear and starts attacking up the hill at them.
"Urrrgh... we'll fight to the death for our independence!" Katomachos
"The only kind of independence you were supporting was the independence of your own coffers." Himilco
Despite being surrounded, the Celtic spearmen cause heavy casualties to the 13th, before 12 men, including Katomachos himself, surrender to Himilco. With the exception of the man dead to the volley at the start, the 12th doesn't lose a man.
"So much for fighting to the death." Himilco
"Pity it won't save them from the noose!" Bodtanit
"Idiots should've just gone home after the city surrendered." Shafat
"There are still those who want you gone, Qarthadastim!" Katomachos
"Thats Libyan. There's an important difference. And I'd like to go home too, but unfortunately I've been stationed here, mostly because there are people who want me to go home here. Rather ironic, isn't it?" Himilco
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Aftermath
- Carthaginian Losses: 12 (17%)
- Enemy Killed Or Captured
- Carthaginians Remaining: 71/83
Breakdown
12th Libyan Spearband
- 55 kills.
- 1 injured.
- Full Strength!
13th Libyan Spearband
- 24 kills
- 13 lost, 1 healed, 29/41 men remain
- Khorne Award: 12th Libyan
- In Dire Need Of Practice: 13th Libyan
Himilcos job done, he returns to Massilia and disappears from history.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
(Just one side of a page and a half to go.)
259 BC (Summer)
Lilibeo is ready to grow into a city.
"Guess who's shelling out for a palace!" Philosir
"I'll shell the place into the ground if you're not careful!" Mago
Lepki finishes Communal Farming and begins establishing a local market.
"Now that we've organised how to best take the proceeds of your hard work off you, we'll start organising our merchants so they can best figure out how to sell your products and make money out of others efforts!" Gisgo
Communal Farming also started in Messana after a Mercantile port is finished.
"Messana would export food all over the world. If we could ever get anyone organised enough to get the food sold." Philosir
4th elite Liby-Phoenician Infantry, 8th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry, 16th and 17th Libyan Spearband trained at Carthage, Atiqa, Lilibeo and Adrumeto respectively.
"You're sending MORE troops to Gaul?" Kanmi
"The more soldiers we have over there, the sooner this will be over and the faster we can all go home." Mago
"You realise we potentially might not get so much as a province out of this if Bomilkars proposal goes through?" Kanmi
"Look at it this way. We raised these armies for that specific purpose. We can disband them when the purpose is fulfilled, at which point we'll have more money than we know what to do with, especially after we get Mauretania. We don't need many soldiers to defend the Gallic southern coast, and we'll have established ourselves as allies who can be trusted to help in a pinch. We're in such a strong economic position that we will always be able to get more gold, but you can't buy that kind of reputation." Mago
"Where do we expand instead?" Kanmi
"I have a few ideas on that..." Mago
2nd Libyan along with 1st and 2nd Iberian Light Infantry assigned to Gisgo from Syracuse for the Gallic campaign.
"We've relied on the Libyans too much. Its time to give the Spanish units something to do." Gisgo
Romans take Epirote Taras.
"That leaves only Rhegium standing between us and having a continuous border with the Romans... not exactly what I was hoping to happen." Mago
"It was going to happen sooner or later. Taras was horribly defended. With any luck, Rhegium will hold out longer." Hamalcar
The Year in History.
Macedonians and Seleucids make an alliance, probably because they both hate the Ptolemaioi. Second Syrian flame war breaks out between the moderator Antiochus II and Ptolemaioi troll Ptolemaios II. Ptolemaios' son, another Ptolemaios, revolts against Ptolemaios, with the aid of Timarchos, tyrant of Miletos. Funnily enough this gets him removed as co-moderator of the Egyptian server.
Duilus celebrates triumph as Hannibal is stripped... of his command of the Carthaginian navy, you dirty minded people. Hamilcar goes on to attack and defeat Roman allies at Thermae, increasing his Badass credentials. Romans capture fort at Mazura, probably while saying something about bases belonging to them, or whatever the equivalent is in Latin. Consul Ludus Cornelius leads an expedition against Corsica and Sardinia, and seizes Aleria... do they mean Alalia?
"What? Not Alalia! We are undone!" Carthalo
"Carthalo, its not really happening." Hamalcar
"I know, I want to believe that too, but we have to accept the end is nigh! Corsica is lost!" Carthalo
"No, its really not happening." Hamalcar
"Weep Carthage, for soon your demise will come as well!" Carthalo
"Am I allowed to hit him? Come on, just one good punch!" Hamalcar
"Leave that to me when we get home." Zita
"Aww... now I'm in trouble." Carthalo
End of Turn
Autumn
(So close!)
Ceasefire between Rome and Epeiros.
"Well that can't be good. If they Romans are making peace in the east, then they're no longer distracted away from the west and north. That means we could soon have to choose between the Aedui and Romans. Well, I think we all agree its right and proper to stand up for the weaker..." Mago
"Romans." Kanmi
"Romans." Roxanne
"Romans." Gisgo
"Romans." Hamalcar
"Romans." Carthalo
"You'll probably be supporting them." Zita
"Epirotes?" Himilco (The family member, not the captain.)
"Romans." Hanno
"Oh come on, my own son?!" Mago
"That was for getting me into hot water. The senate meets next spring!" Hanno
"Well, for what its worth, I agree with Mago." Bomilkar
"Well at least one of you isn't a complete wuss." Mago
"But they have legions! And formations, and sharp stuff!" Carthalo
"Well, if I have my way, we'll soon have our own legions. Plus our formations and sharp stuff is better." Mago
5th Elite Liby-Phoenician Infantry, 9th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry and 18th and 19th Libyan Spearband trained. Gisgo arrives at Carthage.
"Well, since you dragged me up here, I take it I'm going to Gaul?" Gisgo
"Yup, I'm afraid so. These old bones aren't going to last long on campaign, and the other governors are... well..." Mago
"Vastly superior?" Kanmi
"Not the word I would have eventually gotten round to using but... yeah." Mago
Ippone ready to grow to a large town as Carthage completes the grand magistrates chambers!
"Finally. A city that represents the pinnicle of Carthaginian technology. This, people, is as far as we go. We look abroad for the growth of our people now." Mago
One huge city! Work now starts on the final touches for the military.
"I've got plans for an integrated system of barracks, stables, armories and storage facilities that will allow us to finally train the best infantry available to us. I intend it to allow us to re-establish the Sacred Band for one thing. Not to mention mimic those blasted Roman legionaries. With Carthaginian and Libyan soldiers working side by side in them." Mago
(To be exact, I'm aiming for the African Infantry, as shown on this page)
Bocchoris completes the contingency barracks. Viennos and Kirtan finish training their healers.
"Kirtan needs all the help it can get growing, and Viennos needs all the help it can get not hating our guts." Mago
(I am going to get this finished tonight, come hell or high water.)
Simple Farming started at Kirtan.
"On hindsight, maybe trying to establish farms in a desert region wasn't such a great idea." Hamalcar
Hasdrubal reaches and besieges Emporion as Hamalcar does the same to Siga, the Mauretanian capital.
"It'll take two years, but soon, nothing will stop us from dominating the whole of the North African, Eastern Spanish and Southern Gallic coasts." Mago
End of turn.
Winter
Pontos and Seleucia at war.
"You know, normally I'd expect the smaller faction to lose, but considering Seleucias track record, my money is on Pontos being in Antioch by this time next year." Hamalcar
Adrumeto completes a school.
"No child left behind!" Adherbal
"Except for those who get sacrificed." Mago
"Er... no unsacrificed child left behind!" Adherbal
Work starts on public baths... and I realise I forgot to train the infantry last turn.
"Do you know how much these guys cost to maintain?!" Mago
Palisade on Alalia started upon the completion of the sewers.
"Governor the sewers on Alalia have flooded." Messenger
"How on Earth did that happen?!" Carthalo
"We don't know, but we think it has something to do with improper disposal." Messenger
"Improper disposal? You could fit a bireme down there!" Carthalo
"Exactly. Problem is, it was improper disposal of a stolen trireme. Now who on Earth could have stolen that?" Messenger
...
"Excuse me messenger, I'm about to strangle a certain trader." Carthalo
Mastia completes a small temple of Tanit. Excuses of drunken priests saying that their tanning down of drinks was a tribute to the goddesses name do not go down well with the high priests. Monument started there to improve public order.
"At this rate Mastia is going to look like a miniature Carthage." Hasdrubal
Ippone completes its Contingency Barracks.
"In the very unlikely event of a Ptolemaioi invasion, at least we've got something to stop them with now." Gisgo
Bazaar in Syracuse completed as the last of the economic goals are finally settled.
"Architect, why is the market painted purple, and why are there clowns and people dressed up as olives?" Philosir
"...you asked for the bizarre, right?" Architect
"BAZAAR! I ASKED FOR A BAZAAR YOU CLOWN!" Philosir
"Hey, that is very insulting to the clowns! Look, you made one of them cry!" Architect
(The clowns look sad. one of them has Puppy-Dog Eyes)
"But... but... ok, fine, I'm sorry." Philosir
Paved roads started... ok almost completed! Healer in Arse complete.
"Staving off the hordes of angry Spaniards for another few seasons... long enough for us to start on a port." Hasdrubal
A healer in Massilia also shuts up the dissidents for five seconds, allowing a mercantile port to be begun there as well.
"Well we'd better get something out of this war." Bomilkar
End of Year. (Just one more season to go!)
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
258 BC
Spring.
The senate meets this year, and boy, is it going to be a busy senate.
"Next time, remind me not to put the senate meeting off for a decade." Mago
Economy is starting to feel the strain of the war effort. Another suitor for Mutuunbaal turned away.
"I'm fifteen you perverts!" Mutuunbaal
"I'd feel more willing to entrust you to their care if most of them weren't over thirty, with a history of being violent, corrupt and lazy criminals, and for some reason, smelling faintly of cheese." Mago
"Uh... Shophet Mago?" Hamalcar II
"Ah, you've arrived, Hamalcar. Alright, take a seat." Mago
Hamalcar the younger, the son of Hamalcar, takes a step into the room. Mago sits down opposite from him, and opens a book.
"Greetings nephew... now, as you know, Hamalcar isn't here at the moment..." Mago
"...as usual." Hamalcar II
"...yes, as usual. Your father is a busy man, Hamalcar, which is why he has entrusted me with your school report... ah, curses. The Seleucids just pulled ahead as the most advanced faction again. Well we might have less cities than them but ours are still a lot better!" Mago
"Shophet, you were going to go over my final report card?" Hamalcar
"Ah, yes. Hold on... hmm... ok... wait." Mago
"Is it alright? Did they say anything..." Hamalcar
"Hamalcar, according to this report card, your tutor considers you to have the makings of military genius." Mago
...
"Well, this is a rather awkward set of circumstances. As you know, there is currently a very large war going on in Gaul with the Arverni. Bomilkar has requested a second army, and I have granted the request." Mago
"So? Isn't Gisgo leading that one?" Hamalcar II
"Normally, I would have said yes. Gisgo is the appointed commander, and our generals usually work alone. The fact that there are two in one theatre reflects the magnitude of the situation. But Gisgo has never been in command before. He's seen action certainly, but I know for a fact that he doesn't really have much of a grasp of combat. Or at least, Hamalcar doesn't seem to think so. I rely on his judgement, as I am no military man myself. You, on the other hand..." Mago
"Are you suggesting?" Hamalcar II
"Hamalcar, you took apart your fathers strategy and managed to conduct a scenario at the siege of Messana where, facing you as the commander of Messana, his army would have been completely slaughtered. According to your tutor, you may have the makings of being an even greater commander than the man credited with taking Syracuse and Numidia. But... unless you gain experience, that potential will never be fulfilled. So..." Mago
(Mago looks the boy straight in the eyes.)
"I am giving you full command of the second Gallic army. You will be under Bomilkar of course, but otherwise..." Mago
"You're putting me in charge of a whole army? But... I'm only 16!" Hamalcar II
(Hamalcar the Younger goes white as a sheet.)
"Not alone... I have two experienced members of my retinue whose advice is only really of value to a commander. They are both high ranking individuals in Carthage, but I feel they would serve better going with you. No matter how bright you are, a boy of your age will need some level of guidance." Mago
(Mago gestures to a messenger)
"Could you get Carthago and Iago please? And also bring Hamalcars tutor, Celeas." Mago
"My teacher is coming with me?!" Hamalcar II
"Yes, definitely. If your tutor has enough faith in you to give me a report stating that you are a better commander than your father, then he's putting his mnai where his mouth is. Celeas is going with you. After that a motion to give you command of the Gallic-bound army will be put before the Senate, and you will then leave as soon as your army can be assembled. Are we clear?" Mago
"If that is as you wish Shophet... I won't let you down!" Hamalcar II
"Yes, you won't." Mago
(A few days later)
(Apopleptic) "YOU DID WHAT?!!" Hamalcar I
(Calmly) "I gave him command of the Gallic army." Mago
"YOU PUT A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD BOY IN CHARGE OF THE STRONGEST ARMY CARTHAGE HAS EVER PUT TO WAR?!!" Hamalcar I
"That is about the measure of it. He'll be under Bomilkars command of course. And I have given him the best advisors available. My chief siege engineer and armourer are going with your son, along with his tutor Celeas. He will be surrounded by his forces, well advised and with a weakened enemy to fight. No harm will come to him." Mago
"Mago... if anything happens to him." Hamalcar I
"Brother, nothing will go wrong. He will be quite safe. Not as safe as he would be as a governor, but we need strong military leaders right now. With the exception of you and Hasdrubal, we have sorely lacked them. And may I remind you that I am giving your son a chance to succeed where my own son may soon die for his failure..." Mago
(Silence)
"What about Gisgo?" Hamalcar I
"He is fine with it. I get the impression that going to war was a rather large inconvenience for him. His calling is to Lepki, where he will remain doing what suits him best. But your son is a general. Possibly the greatest one we've ever had. He is needed in Gaul. And possibly beyond in his lifetime." Mago
"If... if you think it is best." Hamalcar I
"Hamalcar, I know this is a shock, but are you seriously saying you weren't expecting this? He's the son of the conqueror of Syracuse, there are men in the army who would have followed him a twelve. On top of that, I hear the rascal would have shattered your strategy at Messana." Mago
"War is not always that predictable. And he won't have the benefit of hindsight in battle!" Hamalcar I
6th Elite Liby-Phoenician Infantry, 10th Liby-Phoenician Cavalry and 20th and 21st Libyan spearband trained, just about completing the 4th army and the one which will be going to Gaul.
Thats almost it. Communal farming in Lilibeo completed, along with a trader in Karali, where sewers are started. Port in Gader complete, sans floods this time. Roads started there. Trader in Garama.
"We have now provided funding for a local trader to set up permanent shop. Better than selling things out of the back of a cart, it inspires more trust on all sides." Mago
"I'm still after your blood for that trireme trader!" Carthalo
Palisade started there, just in case of desert yetis eating the inhabitants.
"Is that likely?" Gisgo
Thats me done for the section! So, a second army going to Gaul... unless you noble senators want to seize it for some other purpose... I'll get the senate meeting up soon, for now, any thoughts?
edited 2nd Sep '10 4:22:31 PM by GameChainsaw
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
I'm Only Sleeping
Whoa. Pretty good moves, I say.
INT is knowing a tomato is a fruit. WIS is knowing it doesn't belong in a fruit salad. CHA is convincing people that it does.
The Shadows Devour You.
(Warning: This is going to be a looooong read.)
"Greetings Senators! We return for our long delayed meeting to discuss policy!"
"The last decade has been one of accelerated growth and unprecedented expansion, to the point where the empire is barely recogniseable. Where once we had fledgling colonies, large established towns have grown up. Karali in particular has transformed into a major mediterranean trading hub, rivalling Sicily in its importance. The empire has almost doubled in size since 272 BC, and we have quadrupled our holdings overseas. The empires economy has grown five times over, and we have never been richer."
"There has, however, been a cost. Our empire has also never been more vulnerable in certain places. So far we have been blessed in that our major allies, the Lusotannan and the Romans, have kept their word and honoured their alliances. This, however, may change, and if it does, despite our strong military forces, Syracuse, the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, and in the west, our colonies at Baikor and Gader are horribly vulnerable. Said strong military has also sapped much of our newfound wealth: a full 2/3rds of our income goes straight out to fill the coffers of soldiers. Without new lands to bring in more money, this situation will begin to affect our society and further economic efforts negatively, especially as there are now many required projects available whose demands are heavy in coin."
"To help rectify this situation, I have laid out before you a system of prioritisation. The empire will concentrate on issues the senators deem most important. All, however, must at some point be dealt with, or we will begin to lose the technological edge which has put us so far beyond other nations. (Except the Seleucids, the bastards.)"
"I regret to announce that this is also a trial. Hanno, amongst others... faces charges brought against him by myself and others of military incompetence. If the senate feels these allegations are true, then the consequences will be severe."
"The issues on the table are as follows." Mago
Information
Prioritisation decisions versus Straight Decisions.
In this senate meeting and possibly in others, there are some decisions which need an immediate decision, and others which can be considered desirable, but which can afford to be put aside for a while. Major Military goals are automatically put first beyond Economic goals, and Social goals go behind Economic goals. Minor Military goals go behind everything else; these are generally considered to be frivolous empire building schemes that can wait until everything else is in place. However, within each section, you can prioritise what to attack first. For example, we currently have a choice under our minor military goals to attack Kyrene, which is east of Libya and will provide an outpost against the Ptolemaioi, Krete, to give the same against the Greek factions, Gaetulia, (Province) to protect Numidia, Celtiberia (province) to box in the Lusotannan, and finally Vollcalra, (province) west of Massilia and a route onto the Arverni capitals left flank. So, a senator can choose which cities to attack, and then prioritise which to attack first.
For example. I decide I want to attack Kyrene, Vollcalra, Kydonia and Gaetulia, but decide Celtiberia isn't worth it. I want to prioritise Gaetulia first for security, then Vollcalra, followed by either Kyrene or Kydonia (I don't care which.) A good way to lay this out is...
Minor Campaigns
For:
- Gaetulia (First)
- Vollcalra (Second
- Kyrene (Third)
- Kydonia (Third)
Against:
- Celtiberia
Then any reasons for the decision. For example, I think we need to protect Numidia while Hamalcar is away dealing with Mauretania, and I think Vollcalra is both en-route to the next conquest and a good forward base for an attack on the Arverni capital. I also think snatching the islands will give us a good base for further conquest and be a boon to our economy, but those aren't essential right now. I think Celtiberia will jeopardise our alliance with the Lusotannan by interfering with their progress, so lets leave it alone.
You can lay out issues for Major Military Issues, Economic Issues and Social Issues in the same way. So lets get on with it.
Military Issues.
Special Issues
Special Issues are those that are of an unusual or widespread nature. They do not come under any of the three main headings.
Hannos Fate (Straight Decision)
Hanno stands charged with failure to accomplish his military objectives, a failure which cost the lives of many Carthaginian militiamen. Furthermore, he is accused of glory-seeking and hijacking a major military expedition from the appointed commander. The commander, Gisgo, is complicit in this, but is at least not responsible for the disaster itself.
"Wait, what?!" Gisgo
"Hey, looks like I might have company in Britain!" Hanno
Both men are to be judged on whether or not the charges against them are fair, and also whether or not Hanno was genuinely incompetent, or merely given an unreasonable task. If the latter is so, then responsibility for the disaster also rests on my head, which will demand an early retirement from me and appointment of a new Shophet.
The fact that Hanno failed his objectives is beyond question, but the remaining potential verdicts are as follows.
Gisgo's involvement.
Should Gisgo share responsibility for the disaster? If so, should his responsibility be equal or partial?
- 1) Equal. Whatever Hannos punishment, the appointed commander should also take full blame.
- 2) Partial. Gisgo certainly is to be held responsible for not taking command of his own task, but he is not responsible for a battle he was not present at.
- 3) Acquittal. Gisgo had nothing to do with the whole affair. The weight of the dead lies on Hannos shoulders, for him to bear alone.
Magos Involvement.
The campaign was not approved by the senate, and it failed at great cost in lives. Now, if my decision to send an army was a decision that success could be expected from, this does not matter. The weight still lies on my sons shoulders for failing a simple task. If my expectations were unreasonable however, then my son is not to be held responsible for an inevitable disaster. That weight lies on the Shophets office. The decision may also be deemed risky, in which case myself, Hanno and possibly Gisgo will share responsibility.
- 1) Full responsibility. Mago sent his only son and the least reliable soldiers in Carthages ranks on a straight suicide mission. He is to stand down from office immediately, and his son and nephew are to be immediately acquitted of all charges.
- 2) Partial responsibility. Mago took an exceptionally dangerous risk that could have paid off but didn't, and instead cost countless lives. The senate condemns the decision but will allow the Shophet to keep his position... as long as he tows the council line for some time afterwards.
- 3) Acquittal. Magos expectations of the Militia were not unreasonable. It was a simple task against a weak foe, and any guilt lies on the commanders.
The Degree of Hannos Incompetence.
This depends on whether or not the council believes, now that the horror and anger from the original disaster has died down from hot rage to merely cold judgement, that Hannos strategy was a foolish one. If Hannos decisions on the day were not unreasonable for the situation, then his responsibility for the disaster is mitigated somewhat, though ultimately he has still failed his men. If he is judged incompetent however, then things will go ill for him.
- 1) Hannos strategy was sound. It just didn't survive contact with the foe.
- 2) Hannos strategy was foolish. It was never going to work, and Hanno displayed blatant incompetence.
The verdicts that may be reached may also be recommended, but are as follows for both of the generals.
- 1) Death By Military Service: If a general is given this harshest of sentences, he will be given command of an army of criminals and sent off into the harshest theatre imagineable to do battle until he and his forces are overwhelmed. The theatres available are Britain, Sarmatia and Seleucia.
- 2) Exile to Colony: A general will be exiled to one of the small colonies in the empire, put under the instruction of a more established governor, and told never to return to Carthage on pain of option 1.
- 3) Banned from Commanding: A general will be restricted to governance. He'll be given a post as a governor or asked to deal with minor insurrections at best. Boring, but it keeps them out of trouble at least.
- 4) Full Acquittal: No action taken. The generals are to return to their duties.
Next Issue: Arverni Lands. (Straight Decision)
Bomilkar has raised moral and practical questions as to the legality of our claim to lands in Arverni territory, and the practical reality that the Aedui may be gravely upset by the loss of these territories. The council is reminded that these were once Aedui territories, and the war was launched in their favour to help curb Roman expansion, expand our empire into Southern Gaul, and save the Aedui from their nemesis. Bomilkar further reminds the council that an ally is not an ally if he merely replaces the enemy defeated. The council has the following options.
- 1) Give back the Arverni lands. We keep Southern Gaul, but withdraw from Central Gaul. This encourages friendship with the Aedui and will make them a counter in the region to Rome. It will also prove us reliable allies, and we won't lack for friends.
- 2) We keep the lands, and risk the Aedui's wrath. The council is reminded that any war with the Aedui that results from this will be viewed as a direct result of our senates actions, and will be construed as most treasonous.
Next Issue:
Rome Revelations
The revelations of Hannibal are most disturbing. The Romans, it seems, are a mighty people when provoked to warfare, and had relations between us deteriorated, we could have been staring the destruction of our colonies in the face... and possibly total collapse, at this meeting. The purpose of this council is also to discuss what to do about this.
There are three broad strategies and several approaches to be taken to these strategies. We can swear to utterly destroy this threat any way we can, severing ties immediately and giving no quarter. We can start to build up defences on Corsica and Sicily in anticipation of a war potentially breaking out, and begin to restrict Roman expansion by taking key independent towns, as well as allying with traditional Roman enemies. Or we can choose to try to build close ties with the Romans, making their enemies our enemies, leaving our borders clear of hostile soldiers, and generally working to build strong relations. We must also decide whether or not to support them or the Aedui in the event of a war between the two nations.
- 1) Roma Delenda Est! We must destroy this emerging nation, take their lands for our own and achieve total dominance of the Italian peninsula! Only then will we be secure from this menace, now that we see what it truly is!
- 1.1) Shock and Awe: Nothing but the most brutal of strategies will do. If we take a settlement, we burn it and impose our order and culture as fast as possible. Leave nothing to chance with this most resilient of people!
- 1.2) Mercy and Restraint: We are better men than they. Not a town will be burnt while we are on the ascendant in the war. We will only harm the people if they actively rebel against us.
- 1.3) Exile the Troublemakers: In towns where we are immediately opposed by unrest, send the troublemakers to Carthaginian towns where they are not of any immediate concern to garrison forces in Italy. Do not shed blood except against rebels but be prepared to break up neighbours and uproot families if necessary.
- 2) Cold War. Start building up garrisons to give a nasty surprise to any Roman incursion. Possibly begin taking away independent cities currently in the Roman sphere of influence.
- 2.1) Just build the garrison. Segesta and Rhegion are Romes by ancient treaty. We have no business there if we aren't going to war.
- 2.2) Aggressive Peace: aim to take cities like Segesta and Rhegion, currently under Romes sphere of influence, to restrict Romes expansion.
- 3) Peaceful co-existance. We don't want to rock the boat, things are going fine as they are. Lets not make trouble where it isn't needed.
- 3.1) Business as usual.
- 3.2) Firm alliance. Offer assistance to Rome in any conflict.
Additional option: Support of Aedui or Rome in event of war?
- 1) Support Aedui
- 2) Support Romans.
That is all for Special Issues.
Campaign Reviews.
Here you can review the performance of the Carthaginian army in battle.
Phasania Campaign.
Here you can comment on Hanno's defeat, Hamalcars second more successful campaign, and the overall verdict on the campaign against the Garamantine.
Numidia and Mauretania.
Here you can comment on Hamalcars subjugation of the Numidians, the Maure incident, the wisdom of carrying the war into Mauretania proper, and the overall performance of the army in this sector.
Spain
Here you can judge the actual impressiveness of the triumph over the Edetani of Arse, judge whether more could have been done to deal with unrest slowing down any advance on Emporion, and judge the overall wisdom shown by Hasdrubal in his campaign. Bear in mind also that he has now travelled a long way away from Gader and Baikor, which would be extremely vulnerable should the Lusotannan break their word.
Gaul
Concerns regarding the wisdom of spending two years taking Massilia while war raged to the north, and just as long getting out again, a critique of the ford battle outside Viennos, suggestions for dealing with the unrest crisis, the wisdom in creating a second army comprised largely of elite forces to complete the campaign, and an overall impression of the campaign may be discussed here. The council may also judge whether the appointment of the 16 year old Hamalcar the Younger to lead the second army was a wise one.
That is all for Campaign Reviews.
Major Suggested Campaigns.
Multiple Campaigns are prioritiseable.
At the moment, we already have our hands full with the Aedui, Spanish and Mauretanians. Campaigns are inadviseable, but if you really must take on the world, here is the place to pick fights... or allies.
Theatre Breakdown.
Greece.
The Greek peninsula is a critical position if we wish to expand our power into the eastern mediterranean without having massive distances between the two ends of the empire. Politics here are messy, with three major factions vying for control. We may choose to attack or ally with all or none of them.
Epirotes: In control of Macedons capital, but now beaten off the Italian mainland, the Epirotes have a solid chance of seizing control of the entire peninsula. If left unchecked, they could completely destabalise the balance of power, and ultimately seize control of a rival empire there. To make matters worse, we are currently at war with them, although this conflict has not been enforced for decades. We either want to put an end to the conflict and make friends with this emerging kingdom in the hopes of attracting its favour, hoping that it does not decline in the face of enemies who will remember whose side we chose, or we can move to end the conflict in another manner... permanently. They are based around the coast and northern Macedonia.
Macedonians: A rump state currently engaged in a life or death struggle with the Epirotes while they wrestle with the Greek rebels, Macedon is no friend of ours, but we may want to either ally with them and fight off their tormentors to restore balance to the region, or put them out of their misery and forge our own order there. As ever, the choice is yours. They hold out on the east coast and southern Macedonia, along with the northern Peleponessus.
Koinon Hellenon.
To their supporters they are brave freedom fighters who have thrown off the shackles of a tyrant. To their detractors they are insolent desperadoes who do not understand that their time has passed and that they fail to understand the damage their nationalism is doing to the wider Greek world. As it is, Sparta, Athens and Rhodes stand defiantly against the Macedonians. We may want to either prop them up... or snuff them out.
You may ally with only one faction, at which point Carthage will consider itself at war with its immediate enemies. For example, an alliance with Koinon Hellenon will force a war with Macedon, while an alliance with Macedon will force a war with the other two factions. Or we could just wade in and take a faction by force, disregarding diplomacy with the others.
Seleucid Question.
Our allies, the Ptolemaioi, have lost a city, Sidon, to the perfidious Seleucid foe. We have remained neutral but now our allies have been dealt a severe blow. There is no point in keeping an alliance with people we cannot aid. The question is, do we aid them?
- 1) Send a full army, take on the Seleucids.
- 2) Send support, with the aim of retaking the city.
- 3) Meh, they weren't that important. Cancel the alliance.
- 4) We're too far away to support them as it is. Cancel the alliance.
British Expedition.
More to say we did it than anything else. Though the trade would prove invaluable. Of course, we'll have to subdue the inhabitants first. That can't be that hard...
- 1) Sure, Why Not??
- 2) This is a joke, right? Who put this proposal forward, Andrubal the loon?
That is all for major campaigns.
I'm going to have to break this into two halves. This is huge!
edited 14th Sep '10 1:36:10 AM by GameChainsaw
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Small, independent provinces are getting few and far between, but there are still a number of options for the quick.
Kyrene.
Just east of our lands in southern Libya. Will give us a position in the central Mediterranean, and also a position on the Ptolemaioi flank, which will give us early warning if they get up to anything. Taking it shouldn't be too hard, preparations of 3 seasons at most.
Kydonia.
The capital of Krete. A good staging post for an assault on the Greek mainland. May or may not be in Spartan hands by now. It shouldn't be hard to take if we can brave the waters, but our troops may be stuck in the middle of the sea for some time. Trade from the island should be good if it can be developed.
Gaetulia
The Gaetulians are a serious threat to Kirtan while Hamalcar is away. The taking of the province is of priority. Will require between three seasons and a year to prepare for, but the enemy are split, so it should be over quickly. Just about our only serious rival in Africa.
Celtiberia.
The centre of Iberia, it would help to box the Lusotannans in. On the other hand, it might also make them really pissed off at us. Hasdrubal can handle it once he's finished with Emporion, otherwise it may take a long time to prepare for and reach.
Vollcalra
Southern Gallic province west of Massilia. Besides the trade, it is directly south of the Arverni capital in Arvernotorg, meaning they would have to watch another front. If Hasdrubal is too busy, Hamalcar may be able to secure it as a second staging post. Composition unknown.
End of Minor Campaigns.
Military Reforms. (Prioritisation)
The central military has just about reached its pinnacle, but that cannot be said for our native peoples. The potential of the Spanish, Gallic, Greek and Numidian peoples under our empires banner are sorely under tapped. Building native barracks in these nations will allow us access to their forces, giving us quick local manpower and extra flexibility in our battle lines. Extending full independence to some towns and granting local leaders the right to rule as long as our taxes are paid would, at a cost of some public order, give us access to the elite forces of these peoples. The options are as follows.
Client States.
Should we grant the status of independent protectorate to certain states in the hopes of harnessing their military power? Or should Carthaginians continue to dominate the regions we conquer?
- 1) Set up an independent capital for the recruitment of elite Numidian, Spanish and Gallic forces. The cities of Arse, Kirtan and Massilia would all be placed back under the dominion of local leaders, and our colonies there would be withdrawn.
- 2) Control is more important. Don't give an inch.
The areas requiring military attention are as follows, to be prioritised.
(I'm likely to put economic and urgent social issues ahead of these ones. Military diversity is nice, and I'd appreciate the ability to raise armies even quicker, but I already have a troop factory at Carthage and the three cities around it.
- Spain: Access to powerful cavalry and fierce light infantry. Few can survive a Spanish heavy cavalry charge. Would give the Lusotannan something to think about.
- Numidia: Access to archers and skirmirsher cavalry, something Carthage sorely lacks.
- Gaul: Access to powerful, if unruly, shock infantry and some heavy cavalry. Also, Massilia will allow the recruitment of some Greek units as well. Would also check any Aedui treachery.
- Sicily: Access to Greek forces, including the powerful Syracusean hoplites. Think twice Romans.
- Islands: Sardinia and the Baleares will give us access to flexible light infantry and powerful slingers. Some of the best light troops in the world are available here.
Mago's Reforms.
I have petitioned many times to have Libyan and Carthaginian warriors fight side by side in battle. The construction of the new integrated barracks will allow the training of mixed African Infantry and Spearband units made up of men of both Carthaginian and Libyan descent. For the first time in history the two peoples will fight under the same sargeants. However, this still needs to be put to a vote. If the vote is yea, these units will be given priority, and we will start to construct elite mixed units given advanced phalanx tactics as well as training modelled on the Roman manipular formations. However, the temple is on our backs to reinstate the Sacred Band, a wholly Carthaginian unit. If the vote is nay, the focus will be granted to them instead.
Pass Mago's Reforms?
- Yea. (Empire will build modern elite units based around the Roman and Successor state kingdoms, made up of men from all over Tunisia and Libya. Emphasis will be on sword-and-spear combinations, and Carthage will have a definite emphasis on its infantry. Sacred Band cavalry will also likely be trained in small numbers.)
- Nay. (Empire will build the more traditional elite forces, the Sacred Band infantry and cavalry. A setback for integration, and Carthage will move towards being mostly reliant on its cavalry.)
Military Integrity.
With the exception of Spain, our lands are fairly secure at the moment. A surprise attack from Gaetulia could still throw us off, but unless Rome or Lusotannan decides to break their alliances, alliances which have so far remained strong and linked heavily with trade, there shouldn't be a problem. Heavily garrisoning the borders may simply anger our allies.
End of Military Matters.
Economic Issues
There has been a massive boom in the economy with the establishment of ports and harbours around the empire, and with the completion of mines all over our lands. Unfortunately, most of that has been sucked up by the army, which now accounts for 66% of our income. We must therefore look to new ways to make money.
Unfortunately, our ports are already at maximum potential, and cannot be upgraded without substantial time and effort... and great initial expense. The economic buildings are as follows.
These are Prioritiseable.
Advanced Mining.
Expensive and time-consuming upgrades to mines to reach deeper seams and bring in more mnai each turn. Costs 35000 mnai and could bring in anything from an extra 1800 to a measly 800. Gader has the best mines, so it'll go first. Baikor is next best, Mastia and Karalis metal isn't as great.
Extensive Port Upgrades.
Come in small and large varieties, these won't pay off for many, many years. In the meantime, the settlements will continue to grow and, due to not being able to build anything in the meantime, problems will likely abound. The architects will attempt to artificially widen natural harbours, allowing for more trade to flow in. The benefits of this may or may not be worth the massive cost in time and mnai.
Small Port Expansion.
Available, listed in order of likely profits, in the following towns.
- Karali
- Lepki
- Ippone
Costs 35,000 mnai, takes 9 years.
Large Port Upgrades.
Available in:
- Adrumeto
- Messana
- Lilibeo
- Gader
64,000 mnai, 12 years (Sheesh!)
That is all that can really be done for the economy. Smaller projects will be continued as they become available.
End of Economic Matters.
Social Issues
The empire has grown much. Carthages population has stabalised at an ideal level. Syracuse continues to grow at a slow pace, though it is far less stable. The councils objectives set at the last meeting were accomplished quickly. That said, despite the completion of basic infrastructure in the empire, there are still problems to be fixed. Here are a list of cities detailing problems with unrest preventing taxation and growth regulation, and also a list of cities that are suffering from less than recommended growth levels, for which we are still forced to give tax breaks to help with. To be prioritised.
Cities where unrest is preventing taxation and population regulation. May or may not also have problems with overall growth.
- Messana. Requires 5200 mnai and 3 1/2 years.
- Arse. Requires 4800 mnai and 2 1/2 years.
- Mastia. Requires 5200 mnai over 3 1/2 years.
- Baikor. Requires 2000 mnai over 1 1/2 years.
- Gader. Requires 2000 mnai over 1 1/2 years.
Taxation can be a far easier way of gaining wealth than trade at this point. So these issues and the ones below must be dealt with. It is also important that we do not grow too quickly.
Cities suffering from less than advised levels of growth.
Severe (Under 2% growth on low or medium tax bands.)
- Syracuse: 0.5% growth on low taxes. Will require an investment of 13,600 mnai and 5 years investment just to get the city ready to be taxed at a medium rate. Will then require a further 3200 mnai and 2 years to get the city to stop hating us too much to actually give us the money.
- Massilia: 1.5% growth on low taxes. 4000 mnai over 2 1/2 years deals with the growth issue, but we'll need 8400 mnai and a further 5 1/2 years to deal with the rampant unrest. Hopefully the city will start to become less hostile naturally as unrest dies down and our culture becomes more pervasive.
Moderate (Under 2% growth when on High Taxes)
Lilibeo: 6400 mnai over 2 years for high taxes. Easy fix.
Mild (Under 2% growth on Very High Taxes)
- Atiqa: There is no current solution. It just doesn't grow very readily, and it is a credit to Hanno that he has it growing as well as it is.
- Kirtan: Easily fixed. 1600 mnai bargain over a year.
End of Senate.
edited 4th Sep '10 9:13:51 AM by GameChainsaw
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Well... thats it! I'm going to be away on holiday from the 5th, but I'll see you all when I get back... and I'll get cracking on the new campaign then as well according to your advice. I don't leave until Sunday, so I may get a sneak peek and a quick comment in edgeways.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
Sleuth Diplomat
Holy cow. I have a few opinions for now, might edit in some others later. I'd say that the biggest, nastiest enemy we're going to face early on is Rome. Pursuant to that, we should encourage the use of forces well suited to defeating them, importantly emphasizing the mixed units rather than sacred band (raise one of those so the folks in the temples can be happy), and getting spanish cavalry. With both of those, we should be able to meet the Romans on better than even footing. This does not mean they aren't a dangerous potential foe, so we should take all efforts possible to weaken them and strengthen ourselves. I do support taking the islands mentioned, they will be valuable screens to give us warning when all our attention would otherwise be towards Rome. (I think that's Kyrene and Krete).
edit: We're preparing, not fighting, so the economy should get the first priority so we can support a large army when the time comes.
edited 9th Sep '10 8:59:53 AM by xthetenth
Hi again, pardon my absence. Good to see there's plenty of text to read. And now for some decisions.
Concerning Arverni lands. Ludicrous! But... on the other hand good friends are hard to come by and if Aedui provide to be one, well... Why not? It's not as if we couldn't always retake them by force if they should prove treacherous.
On Rome. "Business as usual", and that's all I've got to say at the moment concerning this issue.
In the event of war between these two nations, I say we support Aedui with full vigour.
I think that while campaigning in Northern Africa may have increased the amount of land we control, perhaps pacifying some of our borders, certainly pumping up the empire building ego of certain members in the ruling family, I also think that it may have very well been a fool's errand. We Carthaginians are seafarers, not desert dwellers. To think otherwise is foolish. We live and die by the the sea and trade we control. Making frivolous incursions into Africa is ill advised in my senatorial opinion, but what's done is done. I say we finish our conquest of Northern Africa with haste (halt it altogether if need be), and relocate our forces to more important theatres of war.
I think that the conquest of Iberia could have been more smooth and efficient in the hands of a more capable commander. Or maybe Hasdrubal just ran out of luck at the time. Whatever the case, I'm sceptical as to whether or not to trust the Lusotannans. While Aedui Gauls are a trustworthy (for a foreigner), civilized (to a degree) people, the same cannot be said about these raving lunatics of Iberia. Leaving them so close to our borders without suppressing the clear threat they pose to us we have left ourselves vulnerable in this sector.
Concerning major military campaigns.
I think that appointing the young Hamalcar to be a general of the new army is a reckless move. But of such daring recklesness are great empires forged. For better or for worse, I say let him prove his worth. Let him earn his honour. And Cartahage's honour as well.
Here's what I suggest. Send the young man to take care of our Arverni problem once and for all, and once that's taken care of, move him and his troops (with possible retraining/reinforcements on the way) to Iberia with utmost haste. We should take full control of the peninsula as our first priority. They are a forgotten people at the edge of the world, none to help them, none to miss them. This lonely existence has left them bitter and after Carthaginian blood. And should we gain access to their lands, we could be able to tap into their large mineral wealth via vast mining operations. This could provide our empire with vast resources to conduct future endeavours with.
Of course, should an incursion into Britain gain popularity, I would not be against it either.
On client states: I think Carthage should hold direct control over her lands when possible. But if placing good amount of Libyan/Phoenician settlers is simply not possible, we should let the people we conquer rule themselves. This would ease up the amount of garrisons we need, not to mention net us a good amount of foreign auxiliaries if we feel the need fro them.
I support Mago's reforms. We should move with the times, as sails move with the winds.
For economic issues. We should build mines where possible, but I don't think we should spend any money on prohibitively expensive port upgrades when we could be spending our hard earned money on so many other things.
"I forgot to recreate the glasses" ... And the fandom wept
The Shadows Devour You.
I'm back!
Unfortunately... I'm also full of the cold. Virus struck on holiday, spent most of it sheltering from the fierce Cyprus sun.
Some interesting suggestions there. Looks like Rome might get off the hook this time. At least no one is calling for its immediate destruction. It looks like the Aedui are going to get off lightly too, though the Lusotannans days may be running short: with Hamalcar II on his way, there's nothing left for Hasdrubal to do but turn around and march back down the coast to start on the interior.
The economy is starting to get strained a little, but I still enjoy the tech advantage. As long as those bastard Seleucids don't seize it first!
A campaign to Britain would be... interesting to say the least.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Shadows Devour You.
Anything else to add to council before I start playing again?
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
insert title here
well, since you asked...Coming from someone who know not a thing about Total War but what I've read in this very liveblog...
Military: Give back the Averni lands. Rome seems like a bigger potential threat right now, no need to stir up trouble down there as well. Speaking of Rome, cold war time, of the building garrisons variety. and in case of war, support the Aedui.
XP granted for befriending a giant magical spider!
Blue Brain Cell
Gonna cut this short cause I don't have much time...
Return the lands to the Aedui. A strong Aedui ally will help against both Rome and the Britons.
Engage in Passive Cold War with the Romans. Support Aedui in case of war.
Send both Hanno and Gisgo to Spain to pacify the locals, and charge them to clear all Carthagian lands of rebels active at this point in time. When this task is complete, set them on standby for any conflicts with Rome.
Pass Mago's Reforms. Cavalry will not prevail against Roman Legionnaires.
Slow down on the economic reforms, and funnel all funds available into stabilizing Arse, Messana, Mastia, Baikor, and Gader.
Review: Doing well, one of the best leaders Carthage has had in some time. Bad luck and local error caused the defeat of Hanno and Gisgo, so no responsibility rests on your shoulders.
Rome: Total War Liveblog. Read it or die.
You can press print screen, and then paste (Ctrl V) it to paint and save the picture. The problem with this method is that you can only take one picture at a time, and have to jump between paint and Rome constantly if you're taking more than one picture.
Personally I prefer to use Fraps to take screenshots of my games. It's easy, all the screenshots are neatly saved to the same location and I can take multiple screenshots in a row without a hitch. And if you're wondering, the screenshots work fine even with a free version of Fraps, only the picture format is limited to BMP, but I doubt that's a huge problem.
Enjoying the liveblog. Carthage über alles!
"I forgot to recreate the glasses" ... And the fandom wept