Rise and fall of the roman empire

[the_Monarch]

Originally Posted by captain beaver

There are some things I would like to clear out since it seems many in the Senate judges my actions without their consent severely. True, I did not wait for your vote, but the rules of vote during a mandate have never been set. Without rules, I decided that, being the consul, I was the sole master on this ship. I'll admit it is a lame excuse and, looking back on my actions, I should have waited for your word. My haste to finish my mandate made me disregard the procedure of our great Republic. Unfortunatly, what is done cannot be changed. But I can assure you that what happened on that day will never be repeated.

Qui s'excuse, s'accuse, mon ami . Don't worry I'm on your side. But as long as the Republic is in place we should debate everything before.

As Senator Monarch said, I have also contributed to the creation of FL. I am quite proud of that particular phase of my mandate as at least 4 FL were commissioned, 1 from Lylibaeum, 1 from Massilia and 2 from Syracusa.

Yes, I commend you for that!!

I vote in favor of the grade system. Although I would probably be punished had that system been in place, it is still a good idea to stop future Consuls to overstep their autority. My only question is will every senator vote +1 or -1 turn, making the next consulship between 3 turns and 17?

Just 6 Senators so between 4 and 16. Interesting but radicall. Who would want to play just 4 turns! On the other hand if somebody messes things up or (more likely) receive the proper bonus for a great deed like trapping Hannibal it should be a good idea.

Lastly, I feel the need to clarify my actions in the war with Illirya. We need to go east. Our time alloted to conquer all of Moesia is very small and I thought that making the first conquests now would help later on. I know that a second war with Cartage approaches, but as the situation in Narbo will be defensive for a while, it seemed appropriate to me to divert some of our forces toward Aquileia and Salonae. the advantages of holding these cities are multiple :
a) After building roads, we will have trade routes with all of Greece. We will then be able to sell some of our goods.
b) With Massilia, Agrigentum and Syracuse, this is the fourth city which will be able to build a portus naves. 2 of them are required to build the Portus Ostiae and 4 to build the Portus Migrare. Having Salonae gives us the possibility of having an out of the way city building that structure.
c) We will get contact with Dacia with whom we should declare war on and get Macedonia into it as well. Not now, but in a near future (say 40 turns, depending on the situation then), when our western borders will be secured. This will weaken the Macedonians and allow to capture key Dacian cities easily.
I thus contest senator Linkowicius words : "you have much more to learn about grand strategic plans". I believe that a short war with Illirya will be a lot more beneficial than having all of our forces in Narbo. War with Cartage does not depend on the end of a peace treaty as we can make them declare war on us at any time with their stranded Eques Numidicus in Sicilia.

Indeed. Illyria proved quite a FL farm for me when I first discovered that strategy! It also seems the foreign nationals tend to be less well asssimilated once their country is totally subdued (they become a peacefull minority, like in the case of Epirus) which is actaully great.

Bottom line, From Consul Linkowicius' second term we shall have a grading system. It is only fair to decide exactly how before he goes in action.

*SPQR chronicles of an aging Senator, with Dictator lust .*

[Drendor]

captain beaver: Don´t take my criticism personally. It was senator Linkowicius´s words from the senate to the consul Castor. Everyone seems to write nice speeches and immerse alot so I felt the need to do the same and defend the republic against a tendency of dictatorship. We were 2 or 3 i think speaking against actions in the east.

the naval debacle: I see now that you (WE) had a stroke of bad luck there.
Maybe we shouldnt attack pirates if we cant end movement in port or under the protection of the quinquiremis summa?

All in all you played well.

Drendor

[Traianus]

I think the senator is too hard on himself. His only sin was to rush ahead without senatorial consent. His territorial gains were quite impressive and his tally of FL's equally so. Those who would cry that it was lucky should remember that fortune is the greatest friend to all great generals.
I vote yes also to the grading system although I fear I may be an eventual victim of the system as I would rate my playing skills as modest at the best of times. But it wil add more flavour and that can't be bad.

[captain beaver]

Originally Posted by Drendor

captain beaver: Don´t take my criticism personally. It was senator Linkowicius´s words from the senate to the consul Castor. Everyone seems to write nice speeches and immerse alot so I felt the need to do the same and defend the republic against a tendency of dictatorship. We were 2 or 3 i think speaking against actions in the east.

the naval debacle: I see now that you (WE) had a stroke of bad luck there.
Maybe we shouldnt attack pirates if we cant end movement in port or under the protection of the quinquiremis summa?

All in all you played well.

Drendor

Oh ok! Well I guess I didn't see it that way. I was more under the impression that it was really your opinion that I lacked foresight because I think you were the only one of the 3 that made direct accusations. At least we cleared that up. No harm done then.

[Gaias]

Well it seems my journey to drunkeness last night was a complete success.

I am going to post the saved game now and give my report in a few hours. I still think I need to sober up some to be able to complete it in a coherent fasion

Sufficient to say we are at war with Carthago. I have taken the cities of Valentia Edetanorum and Saguntum, and most of our armies are in those two cities. I will have a more detailed report later on this day.

Consul Gaius, 215 BC.zip

I didn't want to keep Senator Monarchus from his duties.

[pinktilapia]

Waah, that a lot of text!!! Of a great readibility, folks. You are amazing me - this is as good reading as it could be!

Quick asnwer to some questions concerning Olivero's consulship:

Mistyped missing legion: it is XIV not XIX.
Funditores - I stopped building them for I needed garrison - din't think much about spoiling food, as I said, I am not a very professional civ player I am glad to learn though!

I have to increase the defense bonus of Bovianum even more - gosh what will it takes to stop the Roman legions long enough?

"No animosity with TEUTA!!?", screams Senator Olivero, his faced tainting with a very unhealthy yet royal deep purple colour. He sudenly collapses over his seat, crushing follow senators in a quite unpleasant manner.

For the grading system, I can agree, but I think (after playing my consulship) that 10 turns should be considered as the minimum time of play. Below that, it will impossible to carry-out something significant in one consulship. Let's say from next round, starting with Drendor, a consul is named for 12 turns, which can be reduced to 10 turns or increased to 14 turns if the Senate agree so with a majority. I also tend to agree that pure luck related results should not play a role in the assement of the consulship so as not to encourage reloads.

Also, I recon it is not always easy to wait for an vote and endorsement from the Senate for the consul's actions, especially when there is a need/will for fast turns. A broad direction set by the Senate, for a timeframe suiting the Consul's mandate lenght, is very much needed, so as to avoid the situation where Cpt. Beaver was, with a war asked by the Senate taking only 5 turns and nothing to do for the next 5. Senator Castor's actions are forgivable as his achievements were great, but his infraction should not set a precedent, at least not until we reach the imperial times.

It is let to me to also ask the Senate to forgive my honnest mistake as well (that ugly RoP-rape of the Gauls)...

Which legion, manned with brave Ariminum men, is under the genius leadership of Varius, son's of Olivero?

Senators close to great swelling carcass of Senator Olivero can hear him muttering: "I TOLD you about the piracy problem! I TOLD YOU! DEATH TO TEUTAaaa!"

I will take a look on the latest BIQ, for I am very curious of last consuls achievements! Look forward to your report Consul Gaius, once Bacus has left you sober.

[Gaias]

Letters to the Senate

Winter, 225 BC
I have claimed power of Consul for no less than a month, yet I am compelled to attend war councils not of my doing. A significant force of Legio formations and Auxiliary formations are poised to invade northern Illyria. The exact numbers are 1 Consular Army, 3 Legio Units, 3 Eques Units, 7 Velites Units, and 1 Ballista Unit. This contingent was sent by the late Senator Castor, as he deemed it necessary to follow his own 'brilliance' and not heed the wishes of the Senate. None can argue his effectiveness as a superb tactician, but one wonders if glimpses of grandeur were within his eyes. No matter, as I must finish events in motion, irregardless of the outcome.

Nothing much happened on my way from Rome to Ravenna. Though I did find it curious to see a great building being constructed in Pisae. I believe Consul Castor had deemed it worthy to build this monstrosity of a lighthouse. I put an end to that and send all the masons and laborers to training in a new Velites formation. These trained men should come in handy, more than a great pile of stone and wood.

Spring, 224
Boarder skirmishes with Illyrian forces are started in earnest. Preliminary reports from scouts indicates a force of 3 Pedites formation being sent from Savaria to the north and 3 Pedites formation from Salonae in the south. I have deployed 1 Legio and 1 Eques formation to combat 2 Pedites formation to the west of Aquileia. Legio unit engaged a Pedites unit and was victorious, with only light casualties. Eques unit was again victorious over the Pedites unit, but suffered heavy casualties. I have sent my 7 Velites units to harass a Pedites unit to the south of Aquileia. The Velites have met with minimum success, inflicting only light casualties to the Pedites unit. It seems that Queen Teuta underestimates our strength and determination of our Legions, much to her folly. What else can you expect from a woman?

The Senate has sent reports from the governors of Corfinium and Neapolis, that each has trained a Velite formation. Inform the governors that all is well in hand, and I am not in need of reinforcements. Tell the governors of Neapolis and Corfinium to send these units to Narbo. Their is disturbing new about raiding activities in the area. Reports are sketchy at best, but sources say that these raiding parties are coming from Gallic lands.

Representatives from Carales have arrived to me will ill news. The governor reports of riots in the streets, Carthaginian foreign national stirring up mis content. I have advised the governor of Carales that I am sending 5 Legio units from Lilybaem. They will make port in Carales on their way to Narbo. I have sent a letter to the commanding officer informing him to quell any such uprising while he is there. We cannot have the former citizen of Carthage thinking that we are weak, and they can dispense justice as they see fit.

I have given orders to the generals to fortify the island of Sicily with 5 Legio units, 5 Miles Socius units, and 6 Velites units. One can never be sure of the intentions of Phoenicians dogs. Reports of Carthagian navy movement have been coming out of Agrigentum of late. I must inquire into this further.

Fall, 224 BC
Disturbing rumor are coming in from Carthaginian territory in Hispania. I have received letters from reliable resources that a large contingent of units are massing in or around Carthago Nova. It seems that Hannibal Barca is up to something, yet I do not know what. I will look further into this matter after I have dealt with Illyria.

My forces are now poised outside the walls of Aquileia. This force consist of 1 Consular Army, 3 Legio units, 3 Eques units, 7 Velite units, and 1 Ballista unit. The city of Aquileia will fall within a year, you have my word on that.

I have commission the building of a Ballista unit in Neapolis. These units have shown great success in the past and it is high time we train and utilized more. My personal goal of setting up great Templum in all major cities in Italia has commenced. I have ordered the governor of Corfinium to have his masons and laborers start the constructions of a Templum. Such religious activities will do well to make the local population content with life... and the actions of Rome.

Spring, 223
Though the camp is well stock with food and fuel, it has been an arduous wait for spring. I have given the command to siege the town of Aquileia. Reports of the garrison strength of Aquileia stand around 4 Praesidium units and 4 Pedites units. Battle ensued for many days, but were are victorious and have capture the Illyrian city of Aquileia. My Consular army lead the initial charge, managing to destroy a Praesidium unit while only have light casualties inflicted. Similar success was gain by a Velite unit, defeating a Pedites unit while only suffering light casualties. Though our success was not without failure. Two Velites units were destroyed by and equal number of Pedites units. Another 2 Velites units were routed with sever casualties on both sides. As the battle was engaged, 2 Eques units were able to defeat the severely injured Pedites units with light to moderate casualties. I sent 2 Legio units to storm the western wall, while a contingent of 2 Velites units attack the southern wall. My tactic worked flawless as the Legio and Velites units smashed the last remaining 3 Praesidium and 1 Pedites units left in the city. The city is ours!

I was able to acquire a number of Illyrian slaves from this encounter. I have send them with a number of Celtic slaves to build a road to this newly acquired city. I must garrison my units in this city for the winter as their is still great amount of resistance from the local population. Hmmm. I wonder what Queen Queta is contemplating right now?

A report came from Carales, telling me of the success of the Legion quelling the uprising. I
have sent back a letter of congratulations and that the commanding officer is free to continue his voyage to Palma. It seems that a Velites unit was left for garrison, yet it was not reported to me by the governor. I have ordered the Velites to embark on the journey with the Legio units. I have order that 2 Corvus units along with the transported troops sailing off from Carales.

Our current treaties with the Iberics is a good one. Legions from Narbo will very soon have the road connecting Narbo to Tarraco complete. It will allow us to reinforce this area with great efficiency when the need arises. I have given the order for 4 Velites units, 2 Eques units, and 1 Funditor unit to be transported to the Iberic/Carthaginian boarder. Investigations into the resent reports of troop movement have me concerned with the ill intentions of our restless southern neighbours.

Fall, 223 BC
It seems the Queen of Illyria has not the stomach for war, though this is merely no more than a boarder scuffle. She has offer treaties of peace and I am not in a mind to refuse. I am not a weak negotiator as I have demanded compensation for my time spent here in Illyria. For a treaty of peace I have procure 1 gold per turn and Queen Teuta entire treasury of 13 gold. It is a small gain indeed! The Greeks must be bleeding themselves dry with battles against its enemies. This Illyria is a fine land. Mayhaps we shall return here some day to claim this land for ours. Was it not Senator Olivero that had estates in this area? I shall go visit upon him if I am able to stay my work.

Letters have been received by many different governors of late. Reports from Barium state that their work on a Fabrica is nearly finished. It would seem this shall increase their productivity as it will allow them to build their own tools. I have ordered the governor to begin work on a Templum immediately. This newly acquired productivity should go well for establishing the Teachings of the Gods. It would seem that Pisae has completed training a Velites unit. I have given leave to the governor to continue with the training and recruitment of such units. It seems the governor of Palma was able to complete a near impossible task, the training and armament of the islanders into a coherent Praesidium unit. Wonders will never cease! I have instructed the governor of Palma to commence with the production of a Fabric, considering how much it has improved Barium. It seems that our governor of the treacherous city of Bovianum had design to train the local population to a Praesidium unit. I have given order to cease and desist on this course of action. I have instructed the governor of Bovianum to start production of a Aquaeductus to keep busy the hands of vile Samnites. I have sent a Miles Socius to garrison the city of Bovianum and to keep an eye on the local population. Both the cities of Carales and Panormus have finished their training of Praesidium unit. I have directed Carales to start the building of a Fabrica and Panormus to continue training a Praesidium unit.

It would seem that my time in Aquilea, Illyria in general, is almost done. I head to the city of Narbo to directly supervise the construction of the road and rumors or raids and army buildups. Most of the local population has been quell to peaceful unresistance and the train of this mock "foreign national" Legio unit is well under way.

Spring, 222 BC
On my travel to Narbo, I have been contemplating my endeavors into Illyrian territory. Did I go far enough? Should have I continue until the capital Salonae? It would seem that the late Consul Castor has a larger plan indeed. In his vision Salonae, along with Massilia, Syracusae, and Carthago Nova, would have become great port of importance. I prayed to the gods that I would have had such wisdom as to come to this conclusion earlier. Yet such insight was not made to me until such time was gone. History repeats itself and future reveals itself not.

My time in Narbo has been informative indeed. The small contingent of Auxiliary formations I have send to the boarder bear disturbing news. I moderate force of 6 Phalanx Libianus units are spotted, not to the south in Carthago territory, but northwest of Tarraco! I like this not and will sure to have meaningful words with the Iberic delegates. The road between Narbo and Tarraco was complete at last. Their is a problem, one that angers me to no ends. The Iberics have taken upon themselves to guard the bridge north of Tarraco. They are not any to pass without payment of duties to keep such an important and expensive bridge in service. Bah! Bandits in Iberic clothing is what they are. The Warchief of the Iberics has much to answer for!

My Consular army and 3 Legio units have joined forces already stationed at Narbo. The remaining task force I left within Aquileia to regain the strength and numbers. While en route to Narbo I have requested from the Senate a general increase of taxes to 90% for 3 years. It would seem our expenses abroad have become unreasonable. Such a high tax should be able to alleviate most of the burden our armies inflict upon the treasury.

I have ordered another expedition into the treacherous water of the Ionian Sea. I believe this is a third such attempt to make contact with other leaders from Asia Minor. I do not know if I am repeating the follies of the past, but it must be done for the greater good of the Republic. I have in the port of Croton, 3 Corvus units and 1 Triremes unit for the expedition. I pray for their protecting at sea from raiding pirates and hellish weather.

Fall, 222 BC
The Carthaginian forces by Tarraco have been spotted advancing north to Narbo. Similar reports have come in from Sicily of Carthaginian navy activity off the coast of Agrigentum. I was in the mind of sending an envoy to Hannibal demanding the removal of his troops in the area, but I though better of it. Treaties sign 20 years ago are about to come ahead and my forces are not nearly marshalled enough if this comes to war. I have instead sent a envoy to Hannibal stating we wish to renew the peace treaty, extending another 20 years.

Roma engineers have completed another Ballista unit for deployment. These Ballista will be of great service indeed in any upcoming conflict. I have put a request into the Senate about the construction of a Praetor Headquarters. It is high time we started having a greater influence into the areas of our direct influence. Genua has finished train a local garrison of a Praesidium unit. Because of this cities's backwater condition, I am force to build a temporary place of worship. I have ordered the building of a Delubrum, bring a place for these barbarians to worship true gods. The reinforcement of Sicily goes unabated. Agrigentum has complete training of a Praesidium unit for garrison duty. I have given instructions to the governors of Sicily to keep fortifying our position, and Agrigentum continues training local citizen to a Praesidium unit.

Spring 221 BC
The convoy of ships on diplomatic mission to the east has been launched from Croton. I pray to Neptune to watch over them and Mars to strike down all those that oppose them in the open waters.

Reports are coming in slow and much is at a stand still. I have deploy 7 Legio units and Ballista unit to the boarder. Another contingent of 2 Funditor units, 1 Velites, and 1 Miles Socius have landed at the boarder, from Palma. It would seem that war with Carthago is inevitable. I am well aware of Senate's wishes for discretion on these matters, yet I am of an opinion this war will start, regardless of our actions. It would seem only time will tell and the large Legion formation that will be fortified at their boarder in Hispania.

I have reversed my decision about the Samnites still inhabiting Bovianum. I have order the rapid training of a mock Legio unit, comprising solely of Samnites Greeks. Though the infusion of money to complete the training of this unit has cost us 84 gold, I do believe the cannon fodder that the represent will serve us well in the future.

Fall 221 BC
A trader from Sparta has reported seeing our convoy being attack by Navis Piratica units. He reports that 2 Navis Piratica units set upon our ships and sunk 1 Corvus unit. Another Corvus was able to repel the attack of the 2nd Navis Piratica and sink it. It seems this mission to the east bears ill tidings. We shall see what becomes of this convoy as I wish them all speed and luck.

On the home front, the engineers has produced another Ballista unit. I have informed the Capuan engineer to keep up their production of the Ballista units, for their need will be great in future events. The dry docks of Neapolis have finish up a Corvus unit and it is ready to sail. Our mock Legio unit has completed its training in Bovianum. Let the sons of dogs be nothing more than fodder to those that would oppose us!

Spring 220 BC
My fellow senators, it would seem no manor of diplomacy will persuade Carthago to cease their match northward. I have sent an envoy to Carthago to makes demands to the immediate removal of forces to their boarder that are marching towards Narbo. The dogs have sent back his head with the words "Never" carved into his forehead. I bit dramatic, but a clear sign that Carthago answer is war. Please give regards and condolences to the family of our late envoy.

I have given orders to the remaining forces that I had to leave behind in Aquileia to starting marching towards Narbo. I have sent reinforcement to the boarder from Narbo and the transports from Lilybaeum have arrived to dispense of their troops at the camps. This gives us a force of 12 Legio units, 1 Miles Socius unit, 2 Eques units, 6 Velites units, and 1 Ballista unit. I have commanded the immediate fortification of position when the Legion formations are able.

Fall 220 BC
It would seem that Hannibal was indeed busy in Carthago Nova. An elite force, this Exercitus Barcae, surprised attacked a Legio unit building palisades across the river, completely destroying it to a man. It would seem our spies have been ferreted out of their holes, as we had only rumors of such an army. This new Hannibal army unit was indeed satisfied with the destruction of the Legio unit, as it did not test our fortification anymore. To the north, we were set upon an advance raiding party of Carthaginian Equitatus. These Equitatus were able to moderately wound our Legio unit in that area, before being routed with serious casualties.

It would seem that I have been lax in reports of troop movements of the Carthaginians. Their are reports of a unit of Numidian Eques riding straight for Syracusae, and inflicting moderate casualties to a Legio unit stationed there. It was routed as sever casualties were inflicted, riding off in the direction of Agrigentum. The units garrisoned at Agrigentum, were not so fortunate. Though the assaulting units from the ships of Carthago were indeed severely injured, they managed to destroy 1 Praesidium unit and 1 Miles Socius unit garrisoned there. I had opted not to follow the plan laid out to me by the Senate. Where I was to ungarrison Syracusae to lure Carthago to a easy jewel, in which Carthago was to send most of its ships and troops to that area, where my Velites units were to bombard those ships and the Corvus units to destroy them when sufficiently damaged. It would seem some of the Phoenician tacticians do not know of the saying "Run away, live to fight another day". The Numidian Eques, severely injured as they were, launch another attack on Agrigentum and were systematically destroyed.

I have not abandoned my quest for infusing spiritual enlightenment in the Republic. Ravenna is now garrisoned with a Praesidium unit, to which I have order the immediate creation of a Delubrum.

It would seem that our convoy to the east has met with considerable success. The ships of Rome were engaged in battle when a Carthaginian Quinqueremis Summa unit arrived at the scene. Two Navis Piratica unit detached its attacks from our ships and attack the Quinqueremis Summa, to which the Carthaginian ships responded by sinking these units. Our ships were able to destroy one Navis Piratica and capture the other, at which time Carthaginian ship deemed it prudent to attack our convoy. These Carthaginians were rightfully sunk by our forces when it decided to attack our new ships, though not before it completely destroyed our newly acquired Quinqueremis.

Spring 219 BC
As war is upon us I have no time for any lengthy letters, as all of my time is spend on logistical papers, concise reports, and direct orders.

Here is how the war with Carthago is commencing:
* 9 Legios complete Fortress to defend against Exercitus Barcae
* Praesidium units were rushed in Agrigentum, Lilybaeum, and Syracusae for 224 gold
* Production in Capua and Neapolis changed to Miles Socius
* 7 Corvus and 2 capture Quinqueremis (Rome) defeat 5 Quinqueremis and 3 Cumba (Carthago) near Agrigentum
* 2 Quinqueremis were lost to Carthagian ships
* Amphibious assault from Carthagian ships on Agrigentum results in the loss of 2 Legio, 1 Velites, 1 Miles Socius
* 6 Velites, 3 Funditor, and Ballista bombard Exercitus Barcae, causing severe damage to unit

Fall 219 BC
* Legio that was fortifed was able to defeat Exercitus Barcae!
* Aleria, Agrigentum, and Carales are rioting, and given entertainment by governors
* Lilybaeum and Syracusae finish Praesidium unit and keep building Praesidium units
* Neapolis completes Miles Socius unit and continues to build Miles Socius units
* Mediolanum completes Praesidium unit, ordered to build Delubrum
* Corvus is defeated by Navis Piratica; yet makes contact with Piratae civilization

Spring 218 BC
* Cispaline and Illyric Wars tech researched; tax rate changed to 70%; researching Second Punic War (part 1)
* 5 Velites (Rome) destroy 2 Eques Numidicus and 1 Praesidium Numidicus (Carthago) by Agrigentum
* 3 Corvus defeats 2 Quinqueremis Summa and 1 Cumba by Agrigentum
* 8 Velites and Ballista units bombard Phalanx Libianus by Narbo; 2 Consular Army, 1 Legio, 1 Miles Socius, 1 Eques units defeat 5 Phalanx Libianus by Narbo; 2 Servus are captured
* 12 Velites units are deployed from Narbo and heading to units to the south
* Convoy in the east make contact with Syria civilization; would have made contact with Aegyptus but 'forgot' to contact them first
* Aleria riots are quelled; production is changed from Praesidium to Portus
* A force of 11 Legios, 6 Velites, 3 funditors, 1 Ballista, 1 Miles Socius, and 1 Eques are positioned to attack Saguntum

Fall 218 BC
* Praesidium in Agrigentum defeats 2 Phalanx Libianus amphibious assault
* Capua completes Miles Socius, ordered to build Ballista
* Navis Piratica destroy 1 Corvus an 1 Triremes in the east; expedition to the east is finished
* Mare Nostrum spawns a Corvus unit; Corvus sent to Syracusae
* Massilia completes Praesidium, ordered to build Portus Naves.
* Carales, Agrigentum, Aleria have order restored

Spring 217 BC
* 5 Velites bombard Quinqueremis Summas; Corvus defeats a Quinqueremis Summa by Agrigentum
* 3 Funditors and Ballista bombard Saguntum, Moenia is destroyed; 6 Velites and 2 Eques defeats 5 Praesidium Mercennarius and 1 Equitatus, 2 Velites are destroyed; Saguntum captured and "liberates" 4 gold
* production is changed in Neapolis from Miles Socius to Ballista

Fall 217 BC
* A Carthagian force of 5 Phalanx Libianus, 1 Praesidium Mercennarius, 1 Eques is north of Saguntum
* Tarentum completes Fabrica, ordered to build Granaria
* Pisae completes Velites, ordered to build Velites
* Resistance has ending in Saguntum
* 11 Velites and Legio units make landfall near Saguntum

Spring 216 BC
* A force of 7 Legios, 3 Funditors, 2 Eques, 1 Ballista, 12 Velites is striking range of Valentia Edetanorum
* 11 Velites bombard Valentia Edetanorum and destroy the Moenia
* 4 Corvus defeats 2 Quinqueremis Summa and Cumba off Agrigentum, 1 Corvus destroyed
* 2 Consular Army, 3 Legio, 3 Ballista, 1 Eques units transported from Narbo, heading to Saguntum

Fall 216 BC
* Narbo completes Fabrica, ordered to build Praesidium
* Croton completes Granaria, ordered to build Templum
* Velite scout in Iberic territory is routed by Phalanx Libianus

Spring 215 BC
* 3 Funditor and 1 Ballista bombard units in Valentia Edetanorum, injured 3 units; 6 Velites defeats 2 Praesidium, 2 Miles Alarius Celticus and Funditor, 1 Velites destroy and 1 Velites routed; Valentia Edetanorum
*
* 2 Consular Army, 4 Velites and 3 Eques defeats 5 Phalanx Libianus an 1 Eques by Saguntum, 2 Velites and Eques are routed

Summer 215 BC
My travels back to Roma to the new election of a Consul, I have begun contemplating all I have accomplished in my tenure as Consul. A short yet successful campaign against Illyria has netted Rome new holdings in the east. Yet I wonder if I ended the campaign to early, accepted peace too quickly. Would it been in Rome's best interest to have acquire the city of Salonae. Only time will tell what others will think of my decision on this event.

The initial war with Carthage has gone greater than expected. Through my prowess on the field of battle, I was able to acquire two Carthaginian cities with minimum losses to our armies. Many of our Legion formation in the area are elite and in high morale. Through me, I have left the future Consul in a position to claim the rest of the Carthaginian cities in Hispania. Though I do have concern about location most of Rome's military strength to the area. Was it wise of me to do so? Could a contingent of troops been deployed somewhere else of interests?

The Senate had plans made years ago of a expedition to the east to establish embassies in civilizations there. Two Consuls before me met with considerable delays due to pirates. I was able to contact 2 civilizations yet the fleet that was sent there was destroyed by pirates. Was the cost in ships worth the contact with other civilizations? Should I have build the embassies in Piratae and Syria? I will leave it to the Senate to decide if this course of action I have taken was appropriate.

My mandate I had set forward when elected to Consul is of moderate success, I wonder if the next Consul will allow religion to flourish. Or will it be decided by the Senate that each city which is build religious centers could be used to construct other buildings. These are the ideas and thoughts that run through my head as I travel.

The was is clear for the next Consul. I have no parting advise to give, as each mandate should be made fresh with each new Consul. May the gods guide the new Consul to great victories and great wisdom!

__________________________________________________ _______________

Gah! That took me waaaaay to long to write. Hopefully the effort was worth it. I think in the future I will curb my creativity for writing just a little.

[pinktilapia]

Congratulation Consul Gaias, you can now come back to your good office of Pontifex Maximus; be sure you will be always invited to stop by Senator's Olivero estate when on your way to visit Illyria again.

GREAT report Gaias, it was pleasure to read through it, certainly worth the effort. I agree it takes an awful lot of time to write this trough (it actually took me more time to wite my report than playing my turns).

Hannibal has been an awful deception -- I am very dissapointed even though we have to remember he is very much weakened in the Easy Version. It seems Carthago days are close to over. With so many good consuls around, maybe should we have undertook the Hard Version instead for a more dramatic challenge... Anyway, we will see.

[Gaias]

Well if I wasn't trying to keep a concise short notes about my every action playing my turns, I would have finished up sooner than I did. Keeping a detailed record of your game play is a time consuming activity!

I like to think that my easy defeat of the Hannibal unit was through superior tactics, logistics, and positioning. I WAS extremely lucky with the Hannibal unit used all its MP getting to were I was positioned, thus allowing me to bombard it with 6 Velites, 3 Funditors and a Ballista. Had it been able to move another square away, things could have been much worse for me.

[the_Monarch]

I must congratulate you on your efforts in both matters of gameplay and writing, Pontifex Gaias. Your end of rule left me with exactly what I needed to enjoy a good war: a massive and rested army, very well positioned. I will therefore finish all Carthaginian influence in the peninsula and, if I'm lucky corner the Iberians to only a few cities as well.

I have to live up to your standards although I think Hannibal was WAY too lame. You haven't even lost a legio to him which is unacceptable. Maibe 16 att and 30 def for the easy version and 20 att and 50 def for the hard version is more accurate. I might look a bit radical but think that most of the time he will be alone and still he must take all Northern Italy. Even so with the modern ballistas he will eventually sucumb but at least he should fight his way to Massilia and see the ALPS for God's sake!! Delicii Capuae is useless this way. Besides, think that even for a bad player and even if he marches through some cities, once he will not be able to assemble a storong garrison and you will defeat him right away.

I shall now proceed to the long awaited festivities of consul investiture. It is a pity grading cannot start from right now to commemorate the past rules which have been quite reassuring. We are ahead of history I guess.

[the_Monarch]

The sun of Apollo has risen again in this 540'th year over our Eternal City. The festivities are more glamorous than ever as the new consul, Publius Iulius Monarchus of the House of Iulii, favoured among the Hawks for his efforts of reform in the ranks of the legions, makes his appearance in his sedan chair, surrounded by the Lictores. But dark clouds cover the sun from the west.

The consul's age is showing just slightly but his determination is unchanged. All agree that his longest mandate as a senator gives him the right for the next consulship as the fittest to rule in times of war. The people have been waiting for this moment. Some are fearfull of the terrible dread the consul's eyes inflict, while others know that only such an iron fist can put an end to Carthaginian demands of land and water. Too long have the peaceful consuls tolerated interference in our affairs by the worshipers of Baal. Even the gods favor the new consul as earlier this morning the priests of Mars have seen good omens in the image of an eagle hunting down a dove.

His speech is short, stoic. His resolution unmatched. He shall not rest until all the lands of Carthage are conquered. The enemy is stronger than ever. His leader, Hannibal Barca, although defeated, has striken deep into the fearfull Legions. Word has it he has returned to Carthago Nova to recuperate. Unanimously, all senators offer the mandate of Dictator Perpetuus to the consul and ask for a declaration of Martial Law in these times of strife. The consul reluctantly accepts the dictatorship. His actions shall speak for him. The festivities are short as he sets for the road to Narbo through the cheers of the crowd. Rome will be tended by his loyal assistant, his right hand and heir, proconsul Publius Iulius Monarchus the Younger.

And as the sun fades into the west, following the great army assembled and lead by the newly appointed dictator all the hopes of the Republic go with the brave men...

[the_Monarch]

No suggestions? Then I guess we will go to war with the impudent Iberians once we get rid of the Carthaginians.

[Gaias]

I verily well guessed that you would go after Iberia, as that was an influence to my decision of transporting most of Rome's units there. It seems like the most logical choice and fits in with the Senates earlier choice of concentrating on the west.

Good luck and looking forward to hearing your report!

[Drendor]

Gaias: A truly awesome story you have told! I must comment it more when I´m not so sleepy.

the_Monarch: Yes I guess its wise to go after the Iberians after our campaign with Carthage is finsihed. I guess we settle for peace when we have taken all of Carthage holdings in Spain? And we demand a city in north africa in the peace negotiations?
So the war against the Iberians will take place during the time we are at peace with Carthage, meaning 20 turns.

I suggest a limited war against the celts in Spain, where we only capture the most fertile and productive parts. I made the mistake in my last single campaign of putting too much effort in capturing the most western parts of the Iberian lands. Those lands will experience alot of corruption even with praetor and civitas.
While we fight a limited war against the Iberians, how about fighting the Gauls in France at the same time? If we could capture the cities close to Massilia it would be a huge boost to our economy since those lands are fertile river lands with hills and they are relatively close to Rome.
When we have captured 2-3 Gaul cities and 5-6 Iberian cities we make peace and start the third and last war with Carthage?

[the_Monarch]

@senator Gaias: Indeed it seemed a great opportunity. Thank you for makig such a wise choice and amassing most of the troops there. I used them all to what I hope will be a satisfactory effect to everyone. .

Originally Posted by Drendor

Gaias: A truly awesome story you have told! I must comment it more when I´m not so sleepy.

the_Monarch: Yes I guess its wise to go after the Iberians after our campaign with Carthage is finsihed. I guess we settle for peace when we have taken all of Carthage holdings in Spain? And we demand a city in north africa in the peace negotiations?
So the war against the Iberians will take place during the time we are at peace with Carthage, meaning 20 turns.

I suggest a limited war against the celts in Spain, where we only capture the most fertile and productive parts. I made the mistake in my last single campaign of putting too much effort in capturing the most western parts of the Iberian lands. Those lands will experience alot of corruption even with praetor and civitas.
While we fight a limited war against the Iberians, how about fighting the Gauls in France at the same time? If we could capture the cities close to Massilia it would be a huge boost to our economy since those lands are fertile river lands with hills and they are relatively close to Rome.
When we have captured 2-3 Gaul cities and 5-6 Iberian cities we make peace and start the third and last war with Carthage?

Well let's just say that both wars are over. I took all the cities in Spain. Not only the Carthaginian but most of the Iberian too. 11 in total. Just 3 Iberian cities are left. I usually believe that once you go to war with a faction you should completely eliminate it as you cannot trust them anymore. So I made peace with Iberia because we might want to go to Illyria in a couple of turns but left only 3 cities so it might fall easily on a single attack.

This time I can say the west is finally and totally subdued and, as somebody I know would gladly back me up on this one I'd finally go east. Wouldn't want to tackle the Gauls now as they outnumber us (or so the advisor says) and we should get ever closer to Greece and Pergamum. As for my report... well enjoy:

[the_Monarch]

It is a grimm day for the Republic! All seems lost as the divine dictator Publius Iulius Monarchus Africanus has passed away. Will Rome be plonged into civil war as his son, Publius Iulius Monarchus the younger will try to take control of the magistrature of dictator as well or will he allow a new consul to be elected? Fortunatelly as the grief overcomes Monarchus the Younger he does not wish to temper the gods and attempt to overthrow the Republic. Although his father was dictator for life for more than 10 years his main goal was the good of his people. Monarchus the Younger will just have to wait for his turn to rule (again).

But let us not mourn the departed for too long. His rule will be remebered as glamorous in the eyes of others. He, of course had the help of his son, the young proconsul, who undertook several reforms for the benefit of Rome. His younger son was appointed admiral over the last few and certainly fared better at some aspects. Although Romans have never been to keen on sailing, this young admiral proved he was bold beyond his ears and established embassies with Syria, Aegyptus and the Nabathean city of Petra with no naval losses. All of them were regarded as friends to Rome and are Polite to us. They have agreed to pay tribute for a RoP and Rome's coffers are full. So it was a perfect foreign affairs success.

But the young admiral proved even better: he perfected the art of the corvus, more effectivelly enslaving Quinqueremes than any of his predecessors. He never lost a battle and now, the fleet is proud to have 4 new free support quinqueremis.

And yet, the young admiral was the least successful of the family! His older brother ruled Rome while his father was in campaign against the Carthaginian mercenaries. His reforms included an industrial reformation which allowed for the construction of Fabricae and large Aqueducts in most of the cities. He also favoured culture and the gods so no less than 3 temples were built during his government. His high cultural ideas matched his father's military successes as, as soon as the first punic war was complete he undertook the more liberal ways of educating the masses rather than enslaving our own folk. For now, the young proconsul decrees, we shall rely entirelly on foreign slaves. His greatest achievement still remains the completion of Circus Maximus in honor of his father.

And now, for the summary of the life of the one who could be one of the greatest generals Rome has yet seen: Publius Iulius Monarchus Africanus Magnus. His predecessor, general and pontifex Gaias Felix was a great strategic leader. His first victory over Hannibal was resounding. But the Barcas have regrouped in Carthago Nova where his brother, Hasdrubal tried to stand against the might of Rome. But long enough have the Romans expected in defensive. It is time to take to the steel! The first reformation was that of the legions: the consular armies where renamed into Legio Consularis Iulii (after the house of the dictator) and Legio Consularis Brutii after the other greatest family in Rome. He proceeded to assign Publius Scipio, a young memeber of the Hawks as Second in comand. He set his headquarters in Pisae, strategycally close to both Rome and the Northern borders.

His reforms in defensse of the cities included scraping most of the obsolete Moenias in all cities than now lied way outside the conflict areas or where achieving Urbs status. Only three where kept in Carales, Narbo and Cartenna, the one in Narbo should be scrapped the Moment the Aqueduct is complete. The same goes for the Arx Litoralis which remain (and hopefully only for a couple of turns) in Carales, Agrigentum and Lilybaeum. Thus the great general proved his economic skills by earning Rome more than 150 gold right away with more than 15 gpt due to less maintenance. He favours a future appointment of a new Praetor in Rome, now that his leadership helped almost double the empire in the short years of his rule.

Let us commemorate his conquest before we engage in the yearly chronicles of his reign for trully you will see they where worth it: The whole of Iberia is now Roman! For, along Narbo, Saguntum and Valentia, all the cities of Carthago Nova, Malacca, Gades, Hispalis, Tarraco, Pax Iulia, Emerita Augusta, Scallabis, the remote goldmine at Lucus Augusti and even the African port of Cartenna all bowed to the dictator's sword -11 new cities in total.

His legions will remeber him forever now that he's gone and his son finished the Circus Maximus in Rome in his honor. And now for an unfolding of the events as seen in the chronicles of the well reknown historian Gladius Superbissimus:

It is the winter of 215 BC when the dictator finally arrives in Iberia to asess the damages done by the rampaging Hannibal. He happily discovers the previous consul did his best to stand against the evil son oh Moloh and he warmly congratulates him on his victory. The army is eager to fight and revenge is at hand!

214 BC. After instating the Martial Law and decreeing the above reforms, dictator Monarchus proceeds to amass his troops close to the city of Carthago Nova. He changes order from Ballista to Legio in Capua and Neapolis. His son and admiral sinks a cumba and enslaves a quinqeremis after previous velite bombardment. Quiet before the storm. His fleet is tranded beyond the reach of the harbor. A sound in the night can only mean one thing: Pirates! But the young admiral stays calm and manages to capture yet another Numid Quinquereme!

213 BC. A short break as the proconsul inaugurates the new Temple at Arminium. In the second part of the year Legio Consularis Iulii lead by the dictator finally crushes Hasdrubal. The city is ours with no losses. The city holds a Portus Naves to the joy of the admiral ho comissions his triremae fleet there. A legio is turned to Elite and gets the apelative Monarchicii. No rest as the march continues. The Legios camp outside Malacca for winter.

212 BC. Malacca falls to the besiegers, no wonder. Still no losses. Some units suffer casualties but only minor. An eques becomes elite and joins the Monarchicii elites.

211 BC. A new Legio appears in Rome. The proud city of Gades is taken with just one velite as casualty! Nothing can stop the now very famous dictator. Meanwhile, back in Sicily a large Carthaginian fleet (3 quinqueremis and one cumba) is spotted. The wise admiral believes it is to great a risk to venture so far offshore. The city of Messana will lure the fleet within Bombardment range next year.

210 BC. Just as expected, the Carthaginians fall for the bait. Bombardment is devastating and the corvii finish them off, ensalving two out of four ships! All hail the new admiral! His father pushes on and takes Hispalis again with just one velite as a casualty. He becomes a hero. The Carthaginian envoy is sent to beg for peace. We allow it only for the people become weary of the war. The prize is high: the city of Cartenna, 60 gold and 1 gpt. We meet the barbaric Numidians, not worth spending money for an embassy. The had already lost Thelepta to Carthage. We know because it was offered to us =in exchange for peace. We chose Cartenna still! A short period of peace follows, during which the dictator persoanlly attends to the opening of 2 more temples, but not for long...

209 BC. A velite scout is sent to oversee the remaining lands of Carthage and Numidia. The Iberian allies of Carthage have insulted us for the last time for trespassing into their lands. We declare war in the cheers of the crowd and take the city of Pax Iulia before the month is out. Troops are amassed on 3 separate fronts (we have spies saying the cities are very ill defended).

208 BC. Victory on two fronts of the three with the loss of just one eques (thanks to the devastating power of our siege equipment and Balearic allies - very well worth the support). Emerita Augusta and Toletum both fall within the year. Just one bellator battered by coastal bombardment remains to defend Tarraco with just 1hp!!. Unfortunatelly we will have to wait a whole year to take the city as there are no more units to take the winning shot.

207 BC. As promissed the city of Tarraco falls but not before building another bellator. The Iberians fight desperately. They sue for peace but we have not yet had enough.

206 BC. Winter has been hard. We meet what remains of the bellator force in the fortified city of Toletum just across the river. The cowards will not attack even though there is no army in the city, only full hp elite legions and cross the river tp our side. We finish them off with ease. A slaughter of 5 bellatores with no losses. It is during these years that the admiral's trireme fleet reaches safelly Alexandria and Petra. The route devised by the admiral to the south as soon as war with Carthage was over proved far more beneficial and safer from the pirates. In just 3 years he started and achieved what all others tried before him long ago! Let others say it is luck, We know it is just that the pirates cannot cross south of the high seas barrier and, therefore will have to encounter the powerfull navy of Aegyptus which protected us (as suspected) all the way to Tyre.

205 BC. The aging dictator finds no rest. He takes the city by Scallabis by surprise with his fast moving armies and cavalry. But too much boldness it seems as the gods allow for him to be wounded in battle. Although not fatal, the wound will show it's teeth and although the dictator arbitered over the peace negociacions with the Iberes which practically transformed their remaining tribes into a client state of Rome, and gave complete control of the goldmine of Lucus Augusti to the dicataor's family as a tribute, the mighty general will sucumb to his age by the end of the year. His funeral was most sobre, as was most of his life. His son gave the full ensigns of power to the next consul, ensuring the Republic will survive. His father has lived his entire life by one single creed: Strength and Honor, let history, and only her, judge his achievements...

[captain beaver]

I would, of course, back you up on that one, Consul Publius Iulius Monarchus. Going east is primordial. The Greeks are rich productive and their lands are fertile, making it a good Legio recruting ground. Plus, althought I commend Consul Gaias' actions in Illirya, I think we should have been at least at Salonae by now. But seeing our huge progress in the west, it is a reasonable tradeoff. Good work both of you.

[Gaias]

I agree with Drendor, that a limited campaign in Iberia and Gallia will serve our purpose better. I would advise limiting to 3 or 4 cites at best in the two areas. It would best serve us to take Emerita Augusta and Gergovia, as they can build the Castrum Celticus. Along with Narbo, that would be 3 Miles Alarius Celticus units every 6 turns, upgradeable to Eques Alarius Celticus.

[Gaias]

Yes, it is with considerable regret I did not recognise your plan of the great ports Senator Castor. Yet, the action of beseiging Salonae would have delayed the Legions 4 years before they could have fortifed our holdings in Iberia. Though I am not without the understanding that our forces already assembled in that area were great enought to subdue an opposition we found there, I do not like chance taking. I believed it was of greater wisdom to reign in Roman ambition to one state at a time.

I duly note your disagreement of actions, and will take strides to remember patience is key to understanding. It would seem that I was too clear in my vision to see the greater will. I will make it my duty to take yours and the rest of the Senates council under due consideration.

[pinktilapia]

Originally Posted by Gaias

I like to think that my easy defeat of the Hannibal unit was through superior tactics, logistics, and positioning. I WAS extremely lucky with the Hannibal unit used all its MP getting to were I was positioned, thus allowing me to bombard it with 6 Velites, 3 Funditors and a Ballista. Had it been able to move another square away, things could have been much worse for me.

I didn't mean to minimize your good leadership and military genius; just that even with such a good troop setting, Hannibal should be able to find a way through and inflicts some serious casuality before being defeated. I think I will at least double the number of HP of the unit in next update of the BIQs.

@Monarchus

You make it sound so easy!!! Great job - 11 cities in 10 turns, that is indeed a feast.

It seems Senator Olivero will soon rejoin his collegue Monarchus in the grave, although the thought of going against Teuta again has slightly revived the old man. Fare well in your term, Consul Drendor!