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Post by Gandalf on Aug 26, 2021 10:22:43 GMT -5
 With the Cimbri fast approaching, Sertorius elects to make his stand on the southern banks of the eastern Padus river, to prevent them from crossing into Italy. Already, his men had erected a fortified camp on the southern banks, north of Mutina, atop a small hillock. Cavalry had been sent west and east to destroy all possible crossings, save the one that they were currently guarding. From what his scouts could tell, the Cimbri host was large but slow; they were bringing their women and children with them, it seemed, and so they desired to take Roman lands to settle. This would give him time, but not much. "We hold the bridge at all costs, Regulus. At all costs." Sertorius addressed his Legate personally. The mood in the command tent was solemn. Two legions would not be enough to fight on the plains, so they would have to choose their battle carefully."That and we pray for rain." Sertorius the younger quipped. The river had burst its banks before, but it would take an almighty downpour."Gentlemen. To your stations." Forces:
Legio VI * - Commanded by Sertorius (+4 command)
Legio VII * - Commanded by Legate Regulus (+2 command)
220 allied cavalry, 800 legionary cavalry - Commanded by Sertorius jnr (+3 command)
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Aug 26, 2021 13:13:07 GMT -5
King Boiorix 10.000/9.000 heavy infantry 15.000/9.000 light infantry 6.000/2.100 skirmishers 5.000/5000 cavalry The Cimbri are excited at seeing the small German foe. Their king announces a general advance. Due to the tight spacing they have little other choice to form one row and push the Romans off. The Cimbri move close with their ranged movies to see if they can break the Romans. However, the Cimbri fail to consider the Roman throwing arm. Pila's are flying through the air and ripping through Cimbri ranged units. Prompting their retreat with several hundred Romans wounded. Next the Cambri Light infantry clashes on Roman shields but they fail to do much more than that. As The Romans decide to push back the casualties mount for the Germans but it would take until mid daybefore some serious number started to fall. This was the case for most of the battle as wave upon wave of Germans fell dead upon Roman steel but they made sure to take enough Romans with them. As the evening fell and both sides grew weary the Germans decided to retire for the night. The Germans would lick their wounds but as its the only crossing, they will attack again at dawn. The Romans must decide if they want to stay and fight until the end or retreat and let the Germans menace on the Italian country side.
+1 resilience for the Roman commanders.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 26, 2021 13:27:32 GMT -5
It was an exhausting day for Quintus, who stood on the bridge with the men of the sixth as they held at bay a horde of relentless Germans. The Teutones had been savages, but these Cimbrians were a different beast altogether, more wolf than man.
"Hold the line! Hold them back!" Roared the Consul, urging his men forwards from horseback. Time after time he would venture into the fray himself, skewering a German here and there with his spear. The bastards just did not relent. More than half the legion lay dead by the end of the day, though they had made the enemy pay fourfold for every man lost. And they just kept coming.
The evening came, and the Germans warily retreated to their side of the river. A mound of corpses had built up on the bridge, a stinking and festering obstruction to the enemy.
Regardless, Sertorius rode forward under the symbol of truce, clearing a path through the corpses and signalling his intent to speak with the German king. He stopped in the centre of the bridge, accompanied by his armed bodyguards.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Aug 26, 2021 13:58:53 GMT -5
The Germans, numbering some 50 men like Sertorius his guard rode out to meet them. Looking at the sitaution, wondering what to do.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 26, 2021 14:10:03 GMT -5
"Hail, good King. I speak for Rome."
Fortunately, one of the tribals with him knew a lick of German.
"We have both bled this day. You have suffered grievous losses. We have reinforcements on the way, and still hold the bridge."
Not a lie, but definitely more of a bluff.
"I propose a ceasefire. We shall both pull back our forces from this bridge and cease hostilities for four days. If you are willing, we shall then discuss terms of truce between your tribe and Rome, which will involve settling your tribe in a new home."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Aug 26, 2021 14:19:21 GMT -5
The Germans scoffed at the offer. Their king replied. "We have many more men, your forces are tiny. We can offer you a safe retreat if you let us pass. We like it here." He responded. Looking at the roman guards. Looking if they payed attention.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 26, 2021 14:23:15 GMT -5
"This is but a garrison force, the least of Rome's strength. We can raise many more legions. More are coming for you, good king."
Sertorius smiled.
"The least of our strength has cost you twelve thousand men. If you want to lose another twelve thousand, try again tomorrow. My men will fight to the last man. You will not have a tribe left to settle."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Aug 26, 2021 15:03:04 GMT -5
The Germans are offended, so offended that the King attacks Sertorius, who's then wounded pretty badly but is brought to safty. His son tries to attack the king but doesnt get his shot. Both parties retreat to their camps.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 26, 2021 15:06:06 GMT -5
Sertorius was bleeding badly from his hip, enough so that he could barely ride. It seemed the Consul would have to be carried in a litter for the time being.
But that did not stop the man from giving orders. As the hours passed and it turned to night, a small group of legionaries had been instructed to weaken the bridge so that it would collapse if it bore too much weight. If they failed in this task, they were to destroy it, or at least damage it so that it would not be crossed.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Aug 26, 2021 15:17:37 GMT -5
The bridge is damaged but the Germans know it. They know move north in search for another crossing.
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