Ok, im back from drinking to much these last few days.
And looking at Stuckenschmidt's replies. Where all going to be needed
And looking at Stuckenschmidt's replies. Where all going to be needed
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Vercingetorix
The remaining free Gaul tribes, angry about their trade routes to Massilia being cut in the aftermath of the roman conquests, unite under the Leadership of the Gaul chieftain Vercingetorix. Having monitored the roman type of warfare in the last years, he realized, that he could not win in open field battle. Thus he searched for a good spot to catch the roman Legions in for them unfavorable terrain. There seems to be his chance, when he and his men observe the Legions of Aulus Manlius Merula marching toward the bottleneck between the Marsanus hill range and the swampland to the west of it...
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Late 256 B.C.
Senate report:
In an uncommon display of concord, the Senate unanimously approves the Consuls` plan to invade Aquitania as well as the extension of the Defense Pact with Macedonia.
Senators Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus and Consul Gaius Draconius perform another private sacrificial ritual in order to please Mars. The God of War checks the situation: No major wars in progress. He sends a divine homing pigeon to Lentulus and Draconius, bearing a message: "Hi people, I`m pretty pleased with your donation, but face it. If you guys can`t overcome some uncoordinated gaul rubble on your own, even the best blessing won`t help. Sincerely.". The two Senators feel a little bit humiliated (and a lot more after the events in Aquitania) and burn the message instantaneously, before anyone else has the opportunity to read it.
To uplift the spirit of the people (and his own), Consul Gaius Draconius holds a public feast, that is quite successful. His prestige increases a bit.
Consul report:
Gaius Draconius and Lucius Aquila send another envoy to Massilia. Arriving there, the mood of the people toward the messengers seems to have changed completely. With a strong Ally to back them, the Senate speaks with more confidence. Ignoring the more threatening undertone in the letter, they greatly welcome Rome`s desire to improve its ties with Massilia, although the vote about trade rights is pretty tight with 163 votes for Rome and 137 for Seleucia. Finally the Senators and the Emissaries sign the trade agreement.
Pontifex report:
Quintus Livius Varro travels through the Republic and is very successful in dealing with people`s minds. The Happiness in Apulia, Cisalpine Gaul, Dalmatia and Latium increases by 5. In Umbria, he visits a lot of smaller cities and spends comfort to all those, who participated in the recent uprising. The people are delighted by his humanity and their happiness increases by 10.
Rumors about the total defeat of about three roman Legions scare the population throughout the Republic. The Happiness in all Provinces decreases by 5.
Provinces with below-average happiness are Apulia, Cisalpine Gaul, Dalmatia (45 each), Lugdinensis (35), Campania, Etruria, Umbria (30 each), Latium and Narbonensis (25 each).
Aedile report:
Tiberius Belisarius informs the Senate about the construction of roads in Narbonensis and further Fortifications in Bruttium. Nothing happened and the costs are as expected.
Quaestor report:
Titus Caedicius fails to control the tax administration properly, thus the tax revenues of the last six months are clearly lower than expected and sum up to only 639 Denarii. The Treasury holds 1.629 Denarii.
[= 1.590 Denarii (last Turn`s Treasury) - 75 (Reinforcements) - 25 (Envoy) - 100 (Road) - 200 (Happiness) - 200 (Fortification) + 639 (Taxes)]
Censor report:
Due to their successful negotiations with Massilia, the popularity of Consul Gaius Draconius increases to +2 and the popularity of Consul Lucius Aquila to +1. Due to his obvious skill to charm people, the popularity of Quintus Livius Varro increases to +1.
Due to his failure in Aquitania, that threatens the security of the whole Republic, the popularity of Aulus Manlius Merula decreases to -2.
Spy report:
The Spy returns home.
Tribune report:
Tribune Aulus Manlius Merula enters Aquitania with four full Legions. Unaware of the fact, that the Gaul tribes united under the leadership of Vercingetorix. In a region with large swamps and woods, the roman force is ambushed, when passing a bottleneck. The completely surprised Legions can`t unfold their strength in the rough terrain. Soon, the first Officers die and the Discipline of the Soldiers weakens. Finally, Merula orders the retreat, that turns into a rout. When returning to the Province of Narbonensis, the Republic is aware of the scale of the defeat with two Legions being completely destroyed and a third severely damaged in what is widely known as the "Marsanus Battle", named after the range of hills near the battlefield.
Foreign affairs:
- Transalpine Gaul signs a trade agreement with Rome
-The Phoenician War:
The Egyptian and Seleucian forces in Syria fight another battle, with Egypt suffering a minor defeat and retreating to Phoenicia. Another attack in Nabataea is successful and leads to an Egyptian victory, while the Seleucian forces pull back to Regnum Palmyrae. The Seleucian Commander in Coele Syria seeks a field battle, but the Egyptian force succeeds in avoiding a combat. Warscore: 10 (Egypt)
(Deadline for orders and statements is Friday, 4 PM GMT).
From: The Senate of Carthage
To: The Senate of Rome
Senators of Rome.
News reached us from north of the Pyrenees, that, similar to the events in Iberia, the Gaul tribes united under one banner and start to organize their society. The Senate of Carthage recognizes the right of the Gaul leaders to develop a country without foreign threat and welcomes their people in the brotherhood of civilized nations. We know, that the Roman Senate shares these feelings, since it meddled, when the Iberian tribes longed for Justice and Independence. Thus we call you up to cease the hostilities versus the Gauls and negotiate for a fair and stable peace.
To: The Senate of Rome
Senators of Rome.
News reached us from north of the Pyrenees, that, similar to the events in Iberia, the Gaul tribes united under one banner and start to organize their society. The Senate of Carthage recognizes the right of the Gaul leaders to develop a country without foreign threat and welcomes their people in the brotherhood of civilized nations. We know, that the Roman Senate shares these feelings, since it meddled, when the Iberian tribes longed for Justice and Independence. Thus we call you up to cease the hostilities versus the Gauls and negotiate for a fair and stable peace.
Conquer half of Gaul and no reaction, lose a battle and I'm the devil?
Romans hate losers.
But don`t worry, the Censor has decided to not punish you right now, so you`ve got time to get things back on track. Or maybe he just waits that you fail again so that he can exile you.
I expect to be a scapegoat anyway - I might just go run off to Britain with all my gold and install myself as a petty warlord somewhere.
On a more serious note though, I'm not complaining about my popularity being low, but the fact all the victories did nothing for it while a bunch of people sitting in Rome or negotiating a trade deal apparently inspires the masses to no end
On a more serious note though, I'm not complaining about my popularity being low, but the fact all the victories did nothing for it while a bunch of people sitting in Rome or negotiating a trade deal apparently inspires the masses to no end
It seems to be that we have good news and bad news. However, I am giving my preliminary ideas to our budget and orders.
1. We need to build two new legions at Apulia and Bruttium to replace our losses. (-200)
2. We need to make sacrifice to the Gods to secure their favor.(-75)
3. We need to increase happiness in all provinces. (-300)
4. We need to reinforce legion in Narbonensis (-25).
5. We need to build fortifications at Apulia. (-200)
Costs will be 800 denari.
My suggestion for military orders is to send two full strength legions from Lugdunensis to Narbonensis and then send 4 full strength legions to attack Aquitania from Narbonensis under Merula´s command. One legion will march from Apulia to Cisalpine Gaul. Another legion at Apulia will stay there wait for recruiting of new legions at Apulia and Bruttium.
I recommend that the Senate of Rome will decline Carthaginean offer. There are two reasons for that. First, the Iberian tribes aren´t free. The Iberian tribes are Carthaginean puppet state. I want to emphasize Carthaginean hypocracy by taking a direct quote.
If Carthage would like grant them justice and independence then she would withdraw her forces from Hispania, give back land she conquered and set Iberian tribes to be free.
Secondly, we suffered a serious military defeat and that defeat should be avenged. So, I think that the only viable way for Rome is to reject Carthaginean offer.
Consul Gaius Draconius
Personal order: hire more clients
1. We need to build two new legions at Apulia and Bruttium to replace our losses. (-200)
2. We need to make sacrifice to the Gods to secure their favor.(-75)
3. We need to increase happiness in all provinces. (-300)
4. We need to reinforce legion in Narbonensis (-25).
5. We need to build fortifications at Apulia. (-200)
Costs will be 800 denari.
My suggestion for military orders is to send two full strength legions from Lugdunensis to Narbonensis and then send 4 full strength legions to attack Aquitania from Narbonensis under Merula´s command. One legion will march from Apulia to Cisalpine Gaul. Another legion at Apulia will stay there wait for recruiting of new legions at Apulia and Bruttium.
I recommend that the Senate of Rome will decline Carthaginean offer. There are two reasons for that. First, the Iberian tribes aren´t free. The Iberian tribes are Carthaginean puppet state. I want to emphasize Carthaginean hypocracy by taking a direct quote.
If Carthage would like grant them justice and independence then she would withdraw her forces from Hispania, give back land she conquered and set Iberian tribes to be free.
Secondly, we suffered a serious military defeat and that defeat should be avenged. So, I think that the only viable way for Rome is to reject Carthaginean offer.
Consul Gaius Draconius
Personal order: hire more clients
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Conquer half of Gaul and no reaction, lose a battle and I'm the devil?
That sums it up, yeah
I say we send the four legions under command of Tribune Lentulus, who should know better to avoid marshes and narrow passes.
And finally, since Senator Draconius likes fortifications so much, isn't Narbo Martius a better place for building one?
Pontifex Quintus Livius Varro
Addendum : I recommend action is taken about our Quaestor, who robbed the treasury of Rome and took some funds for private investments.
(if he atleast shared some of that wealth with me, being my client as he claims to be...)
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Patres conscripti,
These are dark days for our Republic. At long last, she might be put to the Gods' test. May Mars give us victory, and grant us revenge!
First of all, I agree with Consul Draconius' 5 domestic proposals.
I also think that we should grant citizenship to Liguria, if not this time, next year. This province is now happy to be part of our Republic and is ripe for recruitment. And, let's face it, when the current recruiting will be over, we won't have any province left to raise armies.
On the other hand, I have to disagree with his military proposals.
First of all, I don't think it's wise to refuse Carthage's offer. We don't want them to ally with Gauls right now, and they're probably just begging for us to refuse.
On the contrary, since they use their own treatment of Iberia as an example, we should tell them that we would only agree to a peace treaty under the exact same terms they offered to Iberians:
I. The now unified part of Gaul will become a Client state of Rome.
II. Gaul will pay a tribute of 50% of its income per Turn (=200 Denarii) to Rome
III. Gaul's foreign relations will be concluded via Rome
IV. Rome will protect Gaul`s independence and pledges to not enter its territory with armed forces until one of these terms is violated
My reasoning is that Carthage won't be able to straightly refuse such an offer; the Gauls will have to decide. If the Gauls refuse, Carthage, at best, will give them 200 denarii to help them, or will just sit back and watch the bloodbath.
If Carthage and Vercingetorix accepts, it's not too bad an outcome for us; we'll have secured Gaul not as a Roman province, but as a client, and no one will be able to control the whole area, but us, we'll gain a stronger ally than Carthage has with Iberia, and we'll be free to go after the Germans.
Though, truth be told, the trick is that I fully expect the Gauls to refuse such an offer, in which case foreign powers won't be able to put all the blame on Rome, but the Gallic leadership will share the responsibility. I think they'll refuse because they're in a far better position than the Iberians when Carthage proposed the deal: Iberia had lost half its provinces, a 4th one was ready to fall, they just had 2 unoccupied provinces left, and Carthage had more armies on the front; here, Gauls fully control 5 out of 7 provinces, probably have as many troops as we have, and just humiliated us.
Therefore, I really think mimicking Carthage's offer is a proposal Rome can make without losing face, and is the best move we could do right now.
Now, if the Senate decides to continue the war instead of making a 6-months ceasefire until we have the Gauls' and Carthage's reply, going back to Aquitania isn't a bad idea. We know a bit more the place - and the places to avoid - and it's covered by both Narbonensis and Lugdunensis.
Valete!
Sextus Atilius Aelianus reporting for duty
There are also positive things about a unification:
You can destroy most of there army in one battle.
I have made a plan:
1) Garrisons need to be build so we can move out the Legions and deploy them somewhere else.
In Narbonensis and Lugdunensis 2 garrisons should be put in place (400c)
2) Building 2 legions in Apuila and Bruttium (200c)
3) Putting all our legions into full alert. If one of our gaul provinces is attack we should Send in the other provinces Legions and deal with the Gauls.
I believe that after there victory they will think that they are able to push us out completly.
4) Sending a message to Carthage telling them that we are debating there proposal in our senate and that it will take more time.
5) We need a better Quaestor, so i will ask Tiberius Belisarius to become our Quastor, not much will be build in the near future and we need all the money we can get.
If this plan works we will be able to move out of our positions next year. Against a weakend enemy (we will fight on our terms) and with strong garrisons behind us to cover the rear.
Consul Aquila
You can destroy most of there army in one battle.
I have made a plan:
1) Garrisons need to be build so we can move out the Legions and deploy them somewhere else.
In Narbonensis and Lugdunensis 2 garrisons should be put in place (400c)
2) Building 2 legions in Apuila and Bruttium (200c)
3) Putting all our legions into full alert. If one of our gaul provinces is attack we should Send in the other provinces Legions and deal with the Gauls.
I believe that after there victory they will think that they are able to push us out completly.
4) Sending a message to Carthage telling them that we are debating there proposal in our senate and that it will take more time.
5) We need a better Quaestor, so i will ask Tiberius Belisarius to become our Quastor, not much will be build in the near future and we need all the money we can get.
If this plan works we will be able to move out of our positions next year. Against a weakend enemy (we will fight on our terms) and with strong garrisons behind us to cover the rear.
Consul Aquila
Let's remind our consuls, since our Quaestor is clearly not up to the task, that our coffers are not infinite.
And no, consul Aquila, Vercingetorix may have won the battle, but he knows fully well Roma still has fresh legions, more organized troops than most of the rabble he commands, and will play to his strength.
In my view, we have two choices. We can try to crush Vercingetorix's army in Aquitania, although their losses seem to have been minimal, or we can attack Trier, which will probably be lightly garrisoned, and entrench there, while cutting Gaul's resources.
I, having confidence in Tribune Lentulus, would favor the first option, but cannot disregard the second one.
I would also send an emissary to Phoenicia, to mediate a peace, now that the Seleucids pulled themselves together and turned the war into a war of attrition, both sides having a good deal of troops available. Much bloodshed could be avoided, and more importantly, Egypt will not be caught in a two front war with two major powers.
Quintus Varro
OOC : slight nitpick, but Gauls are not a monarchy, and thus, do not have princes, AFAIK...
And no, consul Aquila, Vercingetorix may have won the battle, but he knows fully well Roma still has fresh legions, more organized troops than most of the rabble he commands, and will play to his strength.
In my view, we have two choices. We can try to crush Vercingetorix's army in Aquitania, although their losses seem to have been minimal, or we can attack Trier, which will probably be lightly garrisoned, and entrench there, while cutting Gaul's resources.
I, having confidence in Tribune Lentulus, would favor the first option, but cannot disregard the second one.
I would also send an emissary to Phoenicia, to mediate a peace, now that the Seleucids pulled themselves together and turned the war into a war of attrition, both sides having a good deal of troops available. Much bloodshed could be avoided, and more importantly, Egypt will not be caught in a two front war with two major powers.
Quintus Varro
OOC : slight nitpick, but Gauls are not a monarchy, and thus, do not have princes, AFAIK...
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Patres Conscriptii,
This letter shall be brief, as the news of Gaul Unification has me putting my armies in the highest state of readyness.
I agree with Sextus Atilius Aelianus' proposal. We should throw Carthage their own Iberian treaty in their face and let them choke on it. That is by far the best way to deal with this war internationally. Let it be known the Romans have no trouble accepting the exact same peace Carthage bargained with Iberia. Should the Gauls refuse it is our sad duty to continue the war against them.
The idea of us interfering with the egyptians' war against Seleucid is a debatable one. It may anger Carthage and if not done properly anger Egypt as well. If we do this it should be very clear that we are doing the Egyptians a favor. That having been said - I believe it is a good idea, we need allies now more than ever and Egypt is by far the best candidate.
I do wonder if the best course of action in this matter is not simply offering the Egytians a mutual defense pact. We are both embroiled in wars, together we should be stronger against Carthagian attempts to stab us in the back.
Speaking of the east - we should be wary of Greek Cities. I would not be surprised if they send funds or military support to the Gauls. Perhaps we should warn them to stay out of this affair or face the wrath of Rome.
-- Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus
This letter shall be brief, as the news of Gaul Unification has me putting my armies in the highest state of readyness.
I agree with Sextus Atilius Aelianus' proposal. We should throw Carthage their own Iberian treaty in their face and let them choke on it. That is by far the best way to deal with this war internationally. Let it be known the Romans have no trouble accepting the exact same peace Carthage bargained with Iberia. Should the Gauls refuse it is our sad duty to continue the war against them.
The idea of us interfering with the egyptians' war against Seleucid is a debatable one. It may anger Carthage and if not done properly anger Egypt as well. If we do this it should be very clear that we are doing the Egyptians a favor. That having been said - I believe it is a good idea, we need allies now more than ever and Egypt is by far the best candidate.
I do wonder if the best course of action in this matter is not simply offering the Egytians a mutual defense pact. We are both embroiled in wars, together we should be stronger against Carthagian attempts to stab us in the back.
Speaking of the east - we should be wary of Greek Cities. I would not be surprised if they send funds or military support to the Gauls. Perhaps we should warn them to stay out of this affair or face the wrath of Rome.
-- Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus
OOC : slight nitpick, but Gauls are not a monarchy, and thus, do not have princes, AFAIK...
Darn translations. In German, Vercingetorix is described as "Fürst" of the Arverni. "Fürst" refers to someone of the higher nobility, not necessarily the ruler himself. The german title of Machiavelli`s "Il Principe" is "Der Fürst".
In english, "Chieftain" would have been a better word. But "Chieftain" means Häuptling or Stammesführer in german. And when we say Häuptling, we think about native Americans and "Dances with wolves". Corrected nevertheless.
It depended on what tribe you looked at. Gauls by and large did have petty kings, chiefs, etc - and Vercingetorix could be regarded as King of the Gauls.
I've been wondering for some time if we should propose any kind of service, hosting negotiations or making some proposals to bring peace in the East, but even now Egypt must think she has the advantage, so any proposal that would go towards white peace might be seen negatively in Egypt - which we definitely don't want to happen. On the other hand, I don't think Seleucia is ready give away a wealthy province (and we don't really want to weaken them to the point Greece could attack them as well)...
If I'm not needed right now in the military, I could go there, but my charisma won't be very effective.
The Greek cities will help the Gauls, I fear, but not openly. They won't mess with us too much; they still fear Macedonia.
If I'm not needed right now in the military, I could go there, but my charisma won't be very effective.
The Greek cities will help the Gauls, I fear, but not openly. They won't mess with us too much; they still fear Macedonia.
Vercingetorix was a nobleman, some of his ancestors might have been "kings" - as said, there were, at least at times (like tyrants in Greek cities) petty kings in a few tribes. He was more or less nominated chief of the Arverni when the revolt occurred, though it probably wasn't the usual way leadership worked. And eventually was more or less acknowledged as supreme commander of the (momentarily) unified Gauls - which doesn't mean he would've been king of Gaul, had he won the war, or that such a unified "kingdom" would have survived after his death.
After all Arminius was kind of hegemon of the German rebels at times, but that didn't last and German infighting doomed him eventually.
After all Arminius was kind of hegemon of the German rebels at times, but that didn't last and German infighting doomed him eventually.
I see people are more in favor of an attack on the Gauls.
I can live with that, but i stress the need for Garrisons in Narbonensis, if not for the Gaul then for Carthage.
I would like to remind Tiberius Belisarius that his services for the Empire could be better used in the position of Quaestor.
I can live with that, but i stress the need for Garrisons in Narbonensis, if not for the Gaul then for Carthage.
I would like to remind Tiberius Belisarius that his services for the Empire could be better used in the position of Quaestor.