Asia et Cappadocia

They are sequestered in Athens, along with Sertorius the Younger, who has begun training under the famed rhetoricians, philosophers, and orators of that ancient city.

Meanwhile, the Pro-Consul went about plundering the province and adding whatever he could find to his treasury. Dozens of sacred temples were upended, looted, and appraised for his now growing personal collection of antiques and statues. Likewise were wealthy provincials accosted and "taxed" in the name of Rome, with Sertorius personally appropriating a grandiose manse just outside of Thessalonica. His true business would be in Asia, so his job here would be limited to simply extorting as much as possible before appointing a capable Legatus to oversee the province in his absence.

(+6000 denarii)

The missive reached Sertorius with his armies on the Hellespont, being carried to him personally by one of his military tribunes. He opened it and gazed upon it thoughtfully for a few moments, the twin green lamps betraying little sign of emotion.

"Burn it." The missive was passed to one of his legates, Aelius Strabo, who duly obliged. Sertorius seemed to suddenly snap from his trance and barked at his officers. "Prepare the men to march north. We shall treat with the Thracians tonight."

With that, the soldiers pitched camp. Regardless of the situation back home, Sertorius would take his two legions north to treat with the Thracian tribes, ostensibly Rome's allies in the region, to ask for help in conducting a punitive expedition against the Bastarnae.

"Rome has need of you, good chieftain. The Bastarnae have long raided these lands unchecked and so it is time for them to be reminded of the consequences of attacking Rome's allies. Your assistance is required for this expedition."

The Pro-Consul spoke rather matter-of-factly. They were on good terms with the Thracian tribes as well as the Greek cities on the coast and he would do his best not to put this in jeopardy.

"Rome requires men whatever you can spare. Thracian horsemen are well renowned in our country for their ability in the saddle. If our campaign is successful, your tribe can expect a plentiful reward of plunder and slaves."

Sertorius and his legions remain encamped with the Thracians, refusing to move. Frankly the offered warriors were barely enough for a scouting campaign, let alone an invasion. Furious, he entered the tribal assembly and demanded to be heard before the chieftains.

”Is this all you can muster? Do you think the Bastarnae will fear a few dozen horsemen? What has become of the noble Thracians, warriors without peer, envy of the world? Honour demands that Rome’s allies satisfy their treaties. Honour demands that Thrace does not cower and fights! These people have raided your lands with impunity, and now the time comes for vengeance you sit on your backsides? For shame!”

—-

Meanwhile, an envoy is sent to the allied city of Byzantion, likewise requesting assistance either in the form of funds or soldiers.

Sertorius' men march northwards through the lands of the Thracians into Bastarnae territory, known to the Romans as Scythia Minor. Here, numerous tribes and Greek poleis exist in a loose confederation that has made a frequent habit of raiding southwards.

Upon entering Bastarnae territory, the Thracian cavalry are sent out to raid and plunder the surrounding lands and secure as much loot and slaves as possible, with a smaller detachment sent out to watch for any signs of enemy response. The Roman legions under Sertorius march to Dionysopolis and quickly form an armed camp outside the city with the intention of placing it under siege. With the two legions beginning to construct siege engines - ladders, towers, and earthern ramparts to scale the walls - , the Roman cavalry keeps watch and screens for any enemy presence. 

Sertorius formally requests that the city surrender, or else the Romans will storm the walls and slaughter all of those inside. The Pro-Consul promises his terms will be generous, limited to no more than a cash tribute to his coffers.

The Romans begin to construct a great earthen dyke around the city, with the aim of building a wooden rampart up to the walls. Whilst this is taking place, the Thracians are sent northwards to monitor the advance of the enemy army.