Hispania Ulterior

It had been an uneventful trip to Hispania, save for the glorious news that he had become a father for a second time. Faustus Cornelius Sulla, as had been agreed, was foretold by the astrologers and haruspices to be a prodigious Roman. Destined to follow in his father's footsteps in that regard. It was even more pleasing that his alliance with Lepidus was now cemented by the fruit of their union. The Pro-Consul was a valuable ally for the legions he commanded alone, and while he did not involve himself overmuch in the mire of petty politics, this would ensure he would keep the goodwill of both the conservative and populist camps.

But that was looking to the future. Sulla was now in Cordoba, capital of Hispania Ulterior, posting of the Legio Ferrata. It was time to get to work. Setting up courts, adjudicating disputes, granting exemptions to Latin coloniae... The mundane business of a provincial official. The true test would be mediating between the tribes, who recently had been sorely dissatisfied with roman rule. Some whispered they were on the brink of rebellion. Most prominent among these were the Lusitani, who despite their client status dominated much of the province. For his governorship to last here, relations would have to be amicable, and so he made it the first item of his agenda to arrange a meeting with the Lusitanian chieftains to get the lay of the land.

"You are late, Tribune."

Came the ringing words of Sulla, who was waiting outside the chambers of the young man with a bemused look etched into his freckled face. Some instinct had told him that this would be the case, no doubt. The Pro-Praetor was outfitted in military garb, despite the heat, the red woollen cloak reaching down to brush at his ankles. A dozen or so officers were behind him, all older than Rufus by at least a few years. Some even looked to be in their forties.

"If you were one of my legionaries, I would have you flogged. Get yourself dressed."

Fortunately the Lusitani had not yet arrived, or else he would have had to hold up their entire delegation to wait for one errant officer. It would not do to have Rome look foolish in front of foreign tribals.

With the Lusitani not showing, Sulla had the response he needed. Envoys were sent out to Rome's more reliable Iberian clients (the Turdetani, the Iacetani, and the Vaccaei) with a request for allied troops in return for land and limited citizenship rights to the nobles.

Scouts were sent into Lusitani territory under strict orders to observe but not interact. They were to report back to Sulla if they notice any gathering of men under arms.

The tribes reluctantly send men. Some combined 3450 men are sent of varrying classes. 1000 Heavy Infantry. 450 slingers, 500 heavy cavalry and 1000 light infantry.

The scouts failed to come back with any relevant information. It remains unclear if the Lusitania are arming against Rome.

Rufus handed over Sulla's helmet, recently polished spotless as per the pro-praetor's instructions. He listened intently to his superior's every word, making sure to catch and memorize any orders or instructions. The young tribune had made it so far, he had no intention of slipping up again and embarrass his father's good name. He was finally on his first campaign, with troops much older and more experienced than himself. Rufus had seen their sneers and heard their jokes and laughs, and it made him feel much, much smaller than he was. No matter, he tried to tell himself. He would prove himself in battle, or at the very least grow as a man before his return home.

"Sir, is it possible that the Iberian tribes have gathered a great host, like the Cimbri did 10 years ago?"

The tribune tried to steel himself for whatever may come, trying to put on a stern demeanor too old for him.

"We would have surely heard of it."

Sulla moved to leave the command tent, the troupe of officers following him like trained hounds. Waiting for him was the assembled centurions and the Primus Pilus, all good men that had served the Republic well in the Cimbrian campaign. This was no fresh legion of recruits, but a group of men that had cut their teeth in war.

"We break camp. Keep the Spaniards ahead of us, and send our horse to shield our advance. I will not have us taken unawares on the march."

Much of Hispania was still wild country, not fully Romanized. Roads and civilization ended at Corduba, giving way to tribal frontier.

The Romans finds some ground to erect an armed encampment. Now expected to have gained their attention, Sulla summons the chieftains of the Lusitani to him, to discuss pursuing a campaign into the northern hinterlands of Hispania and pacifying the tribes that raid deep into the lands of Rome and her allies.