A World at War

The map I am playing on is a special mod of the planet Earth. It has 24 nations on it that start in their proper starting locations, and then you just expand from there. It comes with a 23 nation alteration that gets rid of the Celts, which I used for this particular game as it allows for a little more elbow room in Europe.


Rome started out with an aggressive behavior that quickly saw the end of the Spanish Empire before the year 1AD. This was followed swiftly with a lightning strike of Praetorians against French Paris and French Orleans, which drove them off the European continent. Rome followed next with another lightning strike against the Germans in Europe, capturing 4 of their cities which chased them off Europe.

Following this, Rome had gained the ability of Vassals. Rome turned toward Athens now for what was hoped to be a quick and decisive annihilation of that nation. Athens fell within a short period of time, but the Greeks were not destroyed! Somewhere out in the world they had established at least one other city (I later learned that they had established a couple of cities in Asia). A peace treaty was established, and Rome then struck out against the Ottomans, taking two of their cities. They fought back, killed one Grenadier, then capitulated and became the first Vassal of Rome.

Rome then built a third army (an army at this time consisted of 6 Grenadiers and 2 Catapults) before launching an all out, pincer attack on Russia. After seceding 3 cities to the Roman Empire, the Russians capitulated. This was followed by a quick recovery and troop movement to the southern border of the Viking Empire, only to find out that the Vikings had 2 defensive pacts; 1 with Japan and 1 with Inca. Rome waited a couple of turns to see if the pacts would end. After they didn't, Rome figured that the Japanese and Incans were too far away to do much, so declared war on the Vikings and plowed into their nation. After losing 2 cities and with 2 armies closing in on a third, the Vikings capitulated. The Japanese and Incans never sent anything after Rome or any of its Vassals. Soon, the Incans came begging for a peace treaty and tributed to Rome some 160 gold or so. A few years later, Rome sought peace with Japan so it could focus on some peaceful buildups.

By this point, continental Europe was firmly under control of the Roman Empire and its vassals. Britain was still a very good friend, so it was decided to focus our efforts on an economical and defensive military buildup. It was during this that Rome's southern friends, the Egyptians, had had war declared on them by the Carthaginians. A few years after its start, the Egyptians asked Rome to assist them in their defense against Carthage. Rome agreed and soon had forces in Africa and commenced a conquest of the Carthaginian Empire. 3 cities later, with a 4th within sight, the Carthaginians capitulated and joined the Roman Empire.

This led to a period of peaceful economic and military expansion for Rome. For centuries, Rome worked to buildup her cities to great powerhouses of culture and production. The military had expanded to include 2 defensive armies patrolling the interior of Roman borders in the event an enemy landed on Roman shores from the Atlantic, with 3 offensive armies merged into one mega-army. This army was at first poised for an eventual invasion of Germany, but plans for such were pushed back as the Germans, along with 2 other nations, were Vassals of the large and mighty Persian Empire.

As the political climate began to shift and opinion of the Chinese and their 4 Vassals dropped in world view, Rome redeployed her forces into Africa to the Malinese border (a Vassal of the Chinese). Eastern border cities were heavily militarized for defensive purposes as the entire offensive might of Rome was poised for an invasion of Malinese. It was the plan to strike out against this only western/southern foe should hostilities with China arise. Shortly before the beginning of the 20th century, Egypt asked to peacefully become a Vassal of Rome. Rome accepted.

((This is a story, I am just providing some general background before getting started.))

It looks pretty good so far.

Augustus had come to power in before the close of 19th century. He was a young lad of only 14 when his father had died of disease at the age of 45. Augustus was still mostly a boy when this occurred and now suddenly found himself thrust into the role as leader of a nation. And not just any nation.

The Roman Empire had been growing for millennia prior to Augustus ascending the throne. It had become the dominant nation in Europe, and the only one on continental Europe. England was the only free nation that remained in Europe. However, relations had always been strong with them and no previous Roman ruler had seen any need or desire to strike out across the channel to hit the British Isles.

Other nations that had once inhabited Europe had long since become nation-states under the rule of Rome. Rome had long established a wall of nation-states around itself to the east and south. For the west, it was hoped that the great ocean would prevent any aggressors from striking that way.

But Augustus had no vision of expanding the Roman Empire further. Being only 14 he had no visions for any empire. However, he would now have to end his childhood and grow up to become Rome’s next leader.

The defensive ability of the Roman cities had been built up over the years to make them highly impregnable fortresses. The eastern-most cities had been fortified even more so as that was the easiest route from which enemy forces could strike.

With this in mind, Augustus set about increasing the treasury and expanding Roman technological knowledge. Great cultural strides were also accomplished in the first years of Augustus’s rule.

At the turn of the century, things began to change. Augustus was thrown into more and more tense political situations. Nations from Asia were demanding the technological teachings that the Romans had strived for. Fortunately, Augustus was not one to be easily threatened and refused all these threats.

In the spring of 1902, it was becoming clear that the world politics were also coming to a boil. Alliances were being formed; nation-states were appearing under the rule of tyrannical and just nations alike.

Rome remained quiet and out of these discussions. The young Augustus was not ready to fully charge into the political climate, or devote resources to any military endeavors by any nations requesting it.

The following year saw the boiling over of the political pot. China had finally had it with India and sent out a declaration of war. The Chinese nation-states were quick to follow suit.

Augustus began to worry about a widening war. What he feared even more was the fall of India and the Chinese pressing westward, toward Rome and its nation-states. Thus, Augustus enacted a lend-lease program and began selling Roman technologies and equipment to the Indians with promises of reimbursement to come after the end of the war.

After a few months of no gains made by the Chinese, Augustus relaxed some. In the middle of the year, he nearly broke out in tears of celebration as the Persian Empire and its nation-states were drawn into the war against China. England soon followed with a declaration against China.

Augustus began to breathe a sigh of relief and turn the majority of his attention from the war. He returned his focus to improving Roman society and way of life. Just before the holiday that celebrated the founding of the city of Rome several millennia ago, word came from Augustus’s military intelligence that China had taken an Indian city in late September. This was followed up with another Chinese victory against Mongolian forces in the middle of October.

This had Augustus once again worrying. Not only were the Chinese fighting a multi-front war, but they were actually winning! War was surely inevitable for Rome and its nation-states. It was now the job of the 22 year old Augustus to ensure his people would survive and show that they could stand against enemy aggressors. So, he instated a military mobilization before the month of October ended.

The 1st Army was sent into Roman held African cities that had been captured long ago during the war with the Carthaginians. These forces were poised for a strike into the Malinese lands, the only western nation that was a nation-state of China. In addition, the 1st Air Force was sent down into Africa as well.

Things were poised, but would Rome be truly prepared?

YES!!!!! What year is it? Anyway, great job!

That latest chaper is 1903. If you look at the top, I post something of a "chapter title" in between dashes (-) with a date below that.

In the first weeks of 1904, a Chinese ambassador arrived in Rome to address Augustus. He spent several hours trying to persuade the ruler into joining the war against the Persians.

“This Emperor Cyrus has declared war on the Chinese people,” he said. “They’ve no business in our disagreement with the Indian Nation. Surely you must see that this fool of Persia is merely after military gains of their own at the expense of Chinese citizens.”

Augustus rose to his feet holding a hand up to quiet the ambassador. “Your nation has declared war on the Indian Nation for seemingly little or no reason,” said Augustus. “You have no reason to be attacking the Indian people. As I see it, Cyrus and the Persians have come to the aide of the Indians as they attempt to fend off this incursion by an aggressor who is only after territorial gains.”

Augustus waved his hand to his guards who came from their posts and lifted the Chinese ambassador. “Before you go, ambassador, take a note with you back to your leaders. Rome does not condone the actions of China, and will not stand for them.” With that, the guards escorted the man out of the audience chamber.

Knowing that such a response to this Chinese request for assistance would not be met well by the leaders of China and its vassals, Augustus called an emergency meeting of his military commanders. It was thoroughly agreed to put all forces on alert to be prepared for possible Chinese retaliation. The army near the Malinese border was made ready, and the 1st Air Force was also put on alert.

Hearing of the events that had unfolded in Rome, the Persian leader had seen an opportunity to approach the Roman leader and attempt to get Augustus to side with the Persian plight.

Augustus met with Cyrus in a friendly embrace that was made publicly viewable on televisions throughout and without the Roman Empire. Following the public display, the two men retired in private to discuss the reasoning behind Cyrus’s arrival.

Though Cyrus pushed hard to make Rome join the war against China, Augustus could just not see a full reason to join in just yet. “I concede that China has launched this unprovoked military campaign into India, and we understand that your defensive pact with them forced you into the war, we have no pact and no ties to India. However, we have been assisting the Indians. Until we see that the Indians truly need our help, we must remain neutral.”

Cyrus hung his head, but accepted the words of the young Augustus. Cyrus would spend the night in Rome before returning to Persia.

The following morning brought news that Chinese forces had made a successful amphibious assault on Indian holdings in the East Indies. This made the situation more dire for the Indians whose citizenry were begging for assistance, but whose leader remained quiet.

Before Cyrus left in the afternoon, he made a final attempt to plead his case after hearing of the latest Indian losses. Augustus remained silent and perhaps somewhat distant as Cyrus delivered another speech to him and his military tribunal.

“Lord Cyrus,” said Augustus finally looking at him and rising from his throne. “The people of Rome have had a somewhat aggressive and barbaric past. Our armies were unleashed throughout Europe bringing the entire continent under our authority. I am not overly proud of what was done in the oppression of these once glorious nations. I do not think I can sit idly by and watch it happen again.

“Lord Cyrus, Rome shall assist you in your crusade against the Chinese!”

Within a matter of days, a declaration of war went out to China. The Roman city-states all followed suit declaring war on the nation of China and its vassals. The great war was now a World War.


May 12, 1904
Africa – Roman/Malinese Border

“Hey Lucky, you heard the reports from Rome?” asked a somewhat giddy private as he opened the flap to one of the Roman tents.

Lucius “Lucky” Vitus looked up from the book he was reading. “No, what happened?” he returned to the private as he marked his place in the book and set it aside.

The private came on in and plopped down on crate across from the bed where Lucky was now sitting. “The Roman Senate has declared war on the Chinese! We’re going to be moving soon.”

“Oh joy,” said Lucky as he got up.

From outside trumpets began to sound with music that gave the order to prepare to move out. Lucky moved to the foot of his bed and grabbed a hold of his gear. War had finally come and it was time to move out.

“Looks like we get to march across that desert after all, Valerius.”


As the 1st Army packed up and started its trip across the desert to the nearest Malinese city, the 1st Air Force was sent out on ahead to commence bombing the city. However, the new and inexperienced Air Force was ill-prepared for taking on the Malinese who had strengthened their anti-air defenses leading up to the beginning of the war and in the last year since it began.


May 19, 1904
Africa – Outside Malinese City Timbuktu

“Skies are clear for final approach to target,” came the call from the squadron leader across the radio in Lieutenant Agrippa’s cockpit. “All craft engage city defenses at discretion.”

The twelve-plane squadron, accompanied by nine others, closed in on the city of Timbuktu. Agrippa smiled as he looked over at his wing-mate’s plane and gave him a thumbs-up. This was going to be the easiest attack in the history of Roman warfare. He knew that Roman intelligence had pointed out the Malinese had never gotten any aircraft of their own. Whatever they had was miniscule and in the prototype phase right now and would be of no consequence.

“Let’s show them how it’s done, Ripper,” came the voice of Agrippa’s wing mate. The squadrons broke up by pairs and commenced the first round of bombing.

“Watch out, they’ve got SAM!” came the voice of one of the pilots over the radio. The next thing Agrippa knew, planes began exploding all around him.

“Nero, break away!” yelled Agrippa to his wing mate as he yanked back on his throttle. His plane went into a climb as he attempted to pull up out reach of the SAMs. Forgetting about the stall that comes at the end of a vertical climb, Agrippa was suddenly shook up when his plane choked twice and then the rolled over and plummeted back towards the city.

Agrippa pulled hard on the throttle to straighten his fighter out, completely ignoring the Roman planes and Malinese missiles exploding all around. At about a thousand feet, his fighter finally straightened out and began responding.

“Ripper, you gotta be more careful with that stunt pulling,” came the voice of Nero.

“Ah shutup, Nero.”

“All fighters pull out! Return to base immediately!”

“Let’s head out, Ripper. Looks like the Mali win round one. Hope our ground boys do a better job.”

The surviving fighters scattered as they retreated back northwest.


As the Roman 1st Air Force withdrew to repair itself and recuperate, news came in from the eastern front that the Chinese were continuing to make gains. Another Indian city fell on mainland Asia. As disturbing as this news was, what really worried Augustus and his military commanders was that another Mongolian city had also fallen.

This made it clear that not only were the Chinese extremely aggressive and prepared, but were winning the war on their southwest and on their northern flanks. They were winning a two-front war.

This also meant that Chinese forces were holding off Persian assaults from their west. These Chinese had been preparing for a war for a long time and were now proving their tenacity. Things were not looking good.

Nice job!!

June 23, 1905
Africa – Sahara Desert

“There it is, Lucky,” said Valerius as the column closed in on the city of Timbuktu.

Lucius looked up at the distant horizon and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Looks like,” he said simply.

For a long time now, the Roman 1st Army had been marching towards the Malinese city of Timbuktu. The march through the desert had not been an easy endeavor, and Lucius was glad that Rome had seen fit to send the 1st down into Africa a couple of years prior to the outbreak of war. Although far from home, it had given the troops plenty of time to adjust to the desert climate.

Lucius was shaken out of his thoughts by the sound whistling of inbound artillery. Lucius had no idea who had fired it, but once the explosions began to appear around him, he knew who had fired.

“Find cover!” came the voice of one of the commanding officers. Troops scattered in every direction as they sought cover behind dunes and wreckage.

“Damn Val, there’s a ton of debris around here,” said Lucius ducking a bit as a shell exploded close by.

Valerius turned to Lucius with a gloomy face. “That’d be what is leftover of our fly boys from last year during an attempt at an air raid. It’s up to us to show the might of Rome. Our air forces are just too inexperienced.”

As quickly as it had begun, the barrage was over. The troops were gathered into smaller platoons and each one charged forward using dune and debris for cover as they moved on the city.

Lucky was forming up with his own platoon when several Roman artillery pieces arrived and began setting up. As they moved out, the artillery opened fire sending a barrage of fire over the advancing Roman troops. Structures and buildings within the city began to explode from shell impacts.

“Find cover!”

Lucius and Valerius dove for cover behind some rubble from an old downed aircraft as Malinese aircraft erupted from the city and began strafing the troops and artillery.

“Repeat, over!” said a voice from behind Lucius and Valerius. The two turned around and saw a radio operator trying desperately to listen in on the radio. “Confirm siege of Timbuktu order, over!” Another moment of intense concentration. After a moment, the operator reached around himself and hung the phone up. “Major, our orders are to hold position on this eastern side of the city. Other forces are deploying to encircle the city and lay siege. All artillery to unleash constant barrage.”

Another man moved up to the operator. “Get a hold of the divisions on our flanks and coordinate ground movements with them. Captain Fabius, you work with our Corporal here on the coordination of troops. I’m going to get the men to work on foxholes.” The major then turned to Lucius and Valerius. “You two head south on the line and get all troops to dig in by order of the RMC.”

Lucius and Valerius jumped to feet, but quickly ducked down to a crouch after realizing that Malinese aircraft were still overhead. They then saluted to the major and moved out toward the south.

Roman forces had arrived at Timbuktu. However, after their long march across the unforgiving desert, the troops were attacked by Malinese artillery and fighters. This all combined thoroughly exhausted the troops. Thus, orders came down from the Roman Military Command to lay siege to the city and hold off on direct attacks until a later date.

I can't believe nobody else is posting on this besides me and you Sultora.

Lots of views, but few posts. Maybe they're shy?

The Roman artillery divisions continued to bombard the city of Timbuktu. Some of the presently neutral nations began to speak out about the bombardment of a city with civilians still within it.

“People who would willingly sacrifice their freedoms to follow in the footsteps of a tyrannical nation are as guilty as those who lead them,” said Augustus during a press conference in regards to the actions of the war. “We are fighting for the freedom of people who enjoy it and wish to fight to keep it. If the Malinese citizens take up arms against the free peoples of the world … [then] they share the fate of the tyrants they follow.”

Though some people continued to speak out on the matter of bombing civilian targets, most people were eventually swayed to view of Augustus and Rome.


February 17, 1906
Africa – Timbuktu

Lucius poked his head up from the foxhole he and a handful of other troops had been occupying for nearly eight months. Of course, it wasn’t a lack-luster foxhole. Besieging the city of Timbuktu for this length of time had allowed for the development of some rather exquisite trenches and foxholes. The west season had caused some dreariness to circulate through the lines as trenches filled with water, but the most part the troops remained content and eager for the final push.

“See anything worthwhile, Lucky?” came the familiar voice of Valerius, Lucius’s closest and best friend.

Lucky shook his head and turned to Valerius. “Nope, but the rumor is we’ll finally be pushing in soon.”

It was at this time that another soldier called out for recognition. Lucius, Valerius and the other troops in the foxhole seized their rifles and were just aiming when a confirmation of the Roman trooper was received. The newly arrived trooper jumped down into the hole with the others.

“All troops are to make ready for covering fire action,” he said. “RMC has a little trick up their sleeves to toss at the city first to attempt to confuse them. We’ll then be looking at a follow-up with the rest of the line.”

“Is that an immediate action, Private?” asked one of the other troopers in the hole, a corporal.

“Yes, sir, very shortly.” The trooper un-shouldered his rifle and moved to the side of the foxhole that was closest to the city and aimed toward it. Lucius turned to Valerius who was already grinning at him, then they too joined the troops in taking aim at the city.

It was then that music filled the air, giving Lucius the desire to stand up and charge at the city. It was a very fast, but brief verse. However, it was followed up by the sound of galloping feet.

“What the hell is that?” asked Valerius.

“The trick,” said the new soldier amongst them.

Several hundred horses burst from behind a dune and charged toward the city. Their riders held rifles in their hands beginning to take aim at Timbuktu. As they closed in, shots rang out from within the city, which was quickly replied to with fire from the cavalry.

“Covering fire!” came the order up and down the line. It was then the trenches and foxholes came to life with barrage after barrage of gunfire.

Lucius couldn’t help but smile at all the firepower they were pouring into the city defenses and defenders. However, his smile was soon wiped off as machine gun tore from the city. The lines of cavalry began to stumble and collapse before they could even reach the outer limits of Timbuktu.

“My god, they’re getting annihilated!” yelled Lucius as he started to step out of the foxhole.

“Not yet, soldier!” yelled the corporal in the hole. Valerius quickly grabbed Lucius arm and pulled him back down. As Lucius watched, several of the cavalry began jumping over barricades and making their way into the great city.

“Hold your fire!” came the new order. All the trenches soon began to quiet, leaving the only the sounds of those coming from within the city.

“This is bull, Val. They’re getting slaughtered.”

“All formations, charge!”

The trenches unleashed their soldiers as wave after wave of troops began their run toward the city. Machine gun fire opened up, but was noticeably lighter than when the cavalry had gone in.

Lucius was one of the first to reach the edge of Timbuktu and leap over the barricade. A bullet hit a wall section right near him forcing debris to fly into his face. He quickly dropped to a prone position as he worked to remove the debris from his face.

“Lucky, you alright?” asked Valerius coming up behind him.

“Yeah, just missed me.” Lucius got quickly back up to his feet and poked his head around the corner of the wall. Several shots rang out, and Lucius quickly ducked back. “Two Malies at second-story windows. Give me covering fire and I’ll move in through one of the lower windows.”

Valerius nodded and the two switched positions. On a silent count to three, Valerius leaned around the corner and opened fire on the second-story windows. After a couple of shots rang out, Lucius charged out, zigzagging between items of cover as he closed in on the door.

A shot came from one of the windows and ricocheted off a wall and then hit Lucius’s helmet. The force of the hit knocked Lucius off his feet and sent the helmet flying. He quickly pulled himself up behind some crates he had found himself behind just as dozens of bullets began to land all around him.

Lucius shook his head a couple of times to get rid of the ringing he was still hearing. He then reached down and grabbed a grenade, pulled the pin and chucked it into one of the second-level windows. A brief moment and then the explosion came launching one of the Malinese shooters out the window to land only a few yards from Lucius.

Looking back, Lucius saw Valerius and a few other soldiers running up with guns trained on the windows but not firing.

“Good work, Lucky,” said Valerius kneeling down next to him. “Malies are retreating into the interior of the city all along the front. Now we get to go rout them out.”

When I first came here I didnT post for almost a year.Anyway, great job!

Thank you, Zixk. I think maybe most folks like pictures to accompany stories. I'll have to keep that in mind for my next one, if I make a next one.

I think most people must be in absolute awe before they will post they like it.

So far, I like it

Rav

Your welcome.You should make a another one.

Ravellion Awed into silence? I like it! It's as good an excuse as any.

Zixk Well, perhaps I will make another one after I finish this one. If things hold out, this'll be a long one as it is. I'm only a few years into the story, there's decades worth to go through.

February 20, 1906
Africa – Timbuktu

Lucius took a moment to sit down on the crumpled remains of a wall. He leaned back against a rise in the debris and sighed. “Three days, Val,” he said closing his eyes. “We’ve been fighting it out for three days in this damned city. It’s hot, humid-“

“And just plain horsehockey,” finished Valerius. “It’s only a matter of time, Lucky. We’ve had this city completely cut off for months, and have been pushing the Malies back into the interior for the last few days. They’ve nowhere to run. We’ve captured a lot of supplies.”

“I know. I’m just griping to myself.”

“Soldiers, back on your feet!” came the order from the sergeant in charge of the squad. Lucius and Valerius stood up and fell into step with the rest of the unit.

Suddenly, a shot rang out. One of the soldiers immediately fell to the ground dead. The rest were momentarily confused until one shouted out “Sniper!”. They then dove for cover hoping they hadn’t ended up on the wrong side of their cover.

“Anyone got the location of-“ said one of the soldiers who was then abruptly hit in the head with another shot.

“That building at the end of the street, third floor, second from the right,” said Valerius as he slowly brought his rifle up into a ready position. However, he forced to duck back quickly as a bullet grazed his cover kicking dust into his face.

“Lucius, decoy now!” ordered the sergeant.

Lucius jumped up and sprinted out from his broken wall cover. He began to juke back and forth making two shots just miss him. As he did this, Valerius slowly leaned up and took aim before squeezing his trigger. The sniper grunted loudly before falling forward and out the window down to the street

Lucius halted his sprint at the corner of a building across the street from where the sniper had been perched. He took a moment to visually ensure the sniper was not moving before poking his head around the corner. A machine opened up and Lucius withdrew, falling back onto the ground. Several other guns joined the machine gun for a brief period before all went quiet.

As the rest of the squad ran to catch up with Lucius, he turned to them and yelled: “MG nest!” The troopers smashed themselves up against the wall of the building that Lucius was using for cover from the nest and crept up behind him.

“I need that door open,” said the sergeant pointing to the door of the building where the sniper had been. Valerius and another soldier opened fire on it, aiming for the hinges and knob. Once satisfied, Valerius took a grenade and tossed it to the door where it exploded and finished knocking the door off the hinges and inward.

“Valerius, Agrippa, Julius, get in there now and outflank. Everyone else…COVERING FIRE!”

Lucius quickly lay down and leaned around the corner and opened fire on the nest as fast as he could. Two other rifles joined his as the three soldiers dashed across the street. Two went through the door, but Valerius decided to show off and dove through one of the windows. Perhaps it wasn’t a show off as it did allow them all to get out of the line of fire much more quickly. As the machine gun came to life, Lucius ducked back behind the corner.

“Lucius, Fabius, we’re retracing our steps and going in that window,” sergeant said as he pointed back about 20 yards.

They got up and moved back swiftly. Fabius reached the window first and poked his gun in for a sweep before declaring clear and climbing through. The sergeant was next followed quickly by Lucius.

The group quickly found another window partially looking into the nest. The sergeant pulled a grenade and tossed it into the nest. There was a satisfying explosion followed by several screams and moans of pain.

It was at this point that gunfire erupted. Lucius risked a glance out the window and saw Valerius and the other two soldiers charging down a slope of ruined building. All three were firing their rifles at the survivors of the grenade.

“It’s Val!”

The sergeant climbed out the window with Lucius quick on his heels. They moved across the few feet to the nest rapidly with guns blazing. A handful of Malinese troopers tossed their guns aside and raised their hands in surrender.


Roman troops managed to take the city of Timbuktu completely from Malinese hands before the end of February. As Roman forces set about establishing their own defenses within the city, a Malinese force arrived. It was believed they had been sent to attempt to break the siege of Timbuktu, but had come too late.

So, on the 5th of March, they settled for assaulting the still being prepared Roman defenses. Casualties were light on the side of the Romans who quickly repelled the Malinese troops and all but annihilated their relief force.

That was the most intriging post yet.

The march across the desert had thoroughly exhausted the Roman 1st Army. The attacks on the Malinese city of Timbuktu had further depleted and exhausted these troops. Casualties in all had been moderate, but would require reinforcements.

Wounded filled the hospitals that had been established in Timbuktu. Several Malinese troops found themselves in these hospitals. Some had been captured during the assault on the city, while others had suffered injuries carrying out guerilla raids against the occupying Romans.

On the Eastern Front, a small Roman air force arrived in the Indian territories and began to recon Chinese and Arabian (a nation-state of China) territories within reach. This was the point at which Rome learned how badly the Arabians had suffered from their submission to the Chinese. Their cities were defended by ancient and grossly outdated Longbowmen.

“This shows that our next target to remove the war should be Arabia,” said the head of the Roman Air Forces in a meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“The General does have a point,” replied the head of the Roman Armies. “Add in the fact that the Arabian nation’s main territorial holdings are in the Mid-East, which puts them right in the midst of Roman territories and nation-states. The fact that they’re so inferior is what has saved us so far. Removing their holdings in the Mid-East will not only supply us with additional oil sources, but remove that thorn in our middle.”

It was agreed upon that Roman military assets would be redirected to Arabia following the defeat of the Malinese. Though Rome would be unable to lend much support to attacks on Arabia, ambassadors in the Roman nation-states told them to commence assaults on the Arabs.

Before this period closed, the Roman 1st Army had finally recovered and reinforcements had arrived to garrison Timbuktu. With this now completed, the 1st Army set out southward to the Malinese capital. Taking it would not only deliver a significant blow, but would also cut the Malinese nation in two.

((Sorry for the short post this time, but these years of the game were rather quiet, so not much to write about.))

Thats fine. Keep' em comin'.