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Post by Gandalf on Oct 23, 2021 8:15:50 GMT -5
"Roma Invicta! Roma Invicta!"
Bellow Sulla, covered in gore and grime from his own engagement on the front lines. The Imperator had been right there among his men, leading in their midst on horseback. While that had made him a target for enemy attempts on his life, his veteran praetorians of the Victrix ensured that he was well protected for the most part. The Legions rightly hailed the great victory, but Mithridates was not beaten yet. While the King of Kings skulked away, the Romans would regroup and resupply, venturing down to the nearby river to fetch water for the men. Sulla then bestowed upon them decorations and honours for their valour, giving the men of his favourite Victix legion the silver phalera for their part in the battle.
Once well rested, the victorious Romans marched on Amaseia, the symbolic capital of Pontus. They begin setting up a perimeter and constructing a multitude of siege engines, including a great earthern rampart that they could march up onto the walls. Missives were sent proclaiming Mithridates' defeat and the uselessness of resistance against Roma, imploring the towns and cities to surrender. Following his defeat, overtures were made to the King of Kings himself towards making a negotiated peace. He offers the body of his son for a dignified burial as a token of his sincerity.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 23, 2021 14:22:19 GMT -5
Word soon reaches Sulla that, with the capital of Bithynia under the control of the Roman legions and their allies, cities began to surrender en masse. Though a few become holdouts of Pontic troops while several more report fierce fighting between the garrisons and the citizens seeking independence from Pontic occupation, a great majority of the region surrenders willingly to the victorious Romans. A large number of emissaries arrive, extending offers of peace, surrender, and allied propositions to the Proconsul.
Rolled an 18
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 23, 2021 14:25:20 GMT -5
Sulla sends word to Rome to recall the exiled Nicomedes, son of the previous king and namesake who died of an illness in exile, to come to Asia. Once here, he would become Nicomedes IV, and assume the throne of Bithynia as Roma's client king. A cadre of Roman advisors would be employed to carefully watch him and ensure his kingdom continued on the 'right' path, that is, following the whims of the Republic. Once this war was over, a legion or two would likely also be garrisoned there to keep the peace.
But for now, he had to deal with Mithridates. The siege would continue, with Sulla demanding the surrender of the city or else they would be subject to brutal rapine and pillage. Scouts were sent to chase down the defeated army of the King of Kings, so that the Pro-Consul never lost sight of his enemies' whereabouts.
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Post by Royal Joker on Oct 23, 2021 15:36:38 GMT -5
Caesar celebrated in style with the legionnaires under his command, partaking in a bit too much wine than what may perhaps be wise on campaign. He certainly felt the repercussions of his actions the day after, once the army marched further into Pontic territory. He was grateful for the ease of which the campaign progressed - city after city surrendered, bowing to Roman might. It was wise to pace your battles properly, some old sage had taught the patriarch of the Julia. So Caesar trotted along on his horse, following Sulla's lead until further notice.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 24, 2021 12:19:12 GMT -5
Sulla sends word to Rome to recall the exiled Nicomedes, son of the previous king and namesake who died of an illness in exile, to come to Asia. Once here, he would become Nicomedes IV, and assume the throne of Bithynia as Roma's client king. A cadre of Roman advisors would be employed to carefully watch him and ensure his kingdom continued on the 'right' path, that is, following the whims of the Republic. Once this war was over, a legion or two would likely also be garrisoned there to keep the peace. But for now, he had to deal with Mithridates. The siege would continue, with Sulla demanding the surrender of the city or else they would be subject to brutal rapine and pillage. Scouts were sent to chase down the defeated army of the King of Kings, so that the Pro-Consul never lost sight of his enemies' whereabouts. Unfortunately for Sulla, the city refuses to surrender and prepares for a lengthy and brutal siege. As for the scouts sent to chase down the defeated army of Mithridates, and shadow it, the army was lost sight of just north of the Halys river. Given their direction, there were several cities that could be its destination. Closest being Sebasteia with the furthest being Zela and Komana Pontica, north of the Iris. If Sulla left the enemy without further confrontation, it was an absolute certainty that Pontic troops would rebuild with its available resources and allies. =============== The emissaries sent to feel out peace with Mithridates, by Sulla, found that the King of Kings was severely on the fence. The recent defeat, combined with the death of his son, Arcathias, and his capable general, Gordius, had brought a shadow of gloom over the ruler of Pontus. Yet, it was reported that there was fire left in the King. Upon their return, they told Sulla that given the King was on the fence, perhaps some more victories for Rome would force the King to negotiations. He was not out of this fight just yet, but his main force was severely damaged. Given the recent defeat, Mithridates goes on the defensive in order to buy time to rebuild his army. He sends out calls for levies and auxiliaries across his realm and to his allies. Greeks, Armenians, Galatians, Pontics, and more sought to be rallied to rebuild his army for battle. Perhaps there was another battle left in the King of Kings before the war could be concluded.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 24, 2021 12:43:17 GMT -5
Sulla sends word to Rome to recall the exiled Nicomedes, son of the previous king and namesake who died of an illness in exile, to come to Asia. Once here, he would become Nicomedes IV, and assume the throne of Bithynia as Roma's client king. A cadre of Roman advisors would be employed to carefully watch him and ensure his kingdom continued on the 'right' path, that is, following the whims of the Republic. Once this war was over, a legion or two would likely also be garrisoned there to keep the peace. But for now, he had to deal with Mithridates. The siege would continue, with Sulla demanding the surrender of the city or else they would be subject to brutal rapine and pillage. Scouts were sent to chase down the defeated army of the King of Kings, so that the Pro-Consul never lost sight of his enemies' whereabouts. Unfortunately for Sulla, the city refuses to surrender and prepares for a lengthy and brutal siege. As for the scouts sent to chase down the defeated army of Mithridates, and shadow it, the army was lost sight of just north of the Halys river. Given their direction, there were several cities that could be its destination. Closest being Sebasteia with the furthest being Zela and Komana Pontica, north of the Iris. If Sulla left the enemy without further confrontation, it was an absolute certainty that Pontic troops would rebuild with its available resources and allies. =============== The emissaries sent to feel out peace with Mithridates, by Sulla, found that the King of Kings was severely on the fence. The recent defeat, combined with the death of his son, Arcathias, and his capable general, Gordius, had brought a shadow of gloom over the ruler of Pontus. Yet, it was reported that there was fire left in the King. Upon their return, they told Sulla that given the King was on the fence, perhaps some more victories for Rome would force the King to negotiations. He was not out of this fight just yet, but his main force was severely damaged. Given the recent defeat, Mithridates goes on the defensive in order to buy time to rebuild his army. He sends out calls for levies and auxiliaries across his realm and to his allies. Greeks, Armenians, Galatians, Pontics, and more sought to be rallied to rebuild his army for battle. Perhaps there was another battle left in the King of Kings before the war could be concluded. Seeing the city would not yield itself so easily, Sulla lets the infantry auxiliaries hold the siege under Caesar while he sends for the two Asian legions in Cappadocia to march northwards and assist in the siege. Felix has every confidence in his subordinate to bring the city to heel, and leaves the fortified Roman encampment under his command. Should the city fall quickly, Caesar is to press northwards towards Sinope, where the Roman fleet will join him to cut off the city by both sea and land. Meanwhile, the Pro-Consul takes the majority of his army after Mithridates, penetrating into the interior of the Pontic kingdom. Lepidus the Younger, returning to the Roman camp with due pomp and ceremony with the plunder of Bithynia, is given command of the Roman cavalry. He is to do what he does best, and put the unguarded villages to the torch, taking whatever plunder they can carry. Hopefully, this would interrupt whatever efforts Mithridates was mustering to rally more men to his cause, as well as drawing the King of Kings into a battle that was not on ground of his choosing. Should Mithridates prove cowardly, then Sulla would follow him wherever he went, harassing his supply train and ensuring his army would never see a moment's rest. Wherever the King of Kings ran, the Romans would find him.
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Post by sforza on Oct 24, 2021 13:33:30 GMT -5
Cinna celebrates the victory of Mithridates with his soldiers of Fulminate. Clearly, Cinna and the soldiers had been drinking too much wine to be good. So after a good time Cinna went to visit his distant cousin, Cinna looked drunk but cheerful.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 24, 2021 15:03:45 GMT -5
Lepidus arrives with the remainder of his force at the siege of whatever shit hole Sulla was laying siege to at this time. Lepidus first made his way to somewhere he could wash. The road had been long, hot and dusty. Lepidus had felt alone, accompanied by men who could have slit his throat at any moment. Without true loyalty to Rome. At least that was what Lepidus thought of them. They had disobeyed his orders and sacked two cities regardless. He now had to explain Sulla why he was bringing some 40.000 denarii worth of stolen goods with him in the baggage train. Lepidus slashed some water on his face as he sighed let his head hang on the table where the bowl of water was placed. A slave offered a cloth to dry his face and Lepidus did so. He declined some offered water before making his way to Sulla's tent.
"Salve pro consul Sulla" Lepidus said while saluting his commander. "I have executed your wishes" He added. Waiting for a further response.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 24, 2021 15:55:37 GMT -5
"Salve Lepidus. I am gladdened to see you well."
The Commander gave the young man a firm handshake and a clap on the back. Sulla was in noticeably good spirits, and it appeared that the men were preparing to move out once again. Far from sitting here outside the walls of a city, the Pro-Consul wanted to give chase to Mithridates himself to score a killing blow on the bruised King of Kings.
"And successful, besides. My trust in you, as ever, was well placed."
Felix would arrange for Lepidus to be awarded with a golden phalerae for his service, as well as a quarter of the captured spoils.
"Laden with booty, as well. Fear not. The slippery Asian cities will pay even more for their fealty to Pontus."
Sulla's eyes glittered. It was a fine opportunity to extract wealth beyond measure in this prosperous land. He was not exactly displeased that Lepidus' men had ended up being a little more loose with their morals than expected.
---
Cinna is admitted into the Pro-Consul's tent, with Sulla preparing once more to get the army on the move.
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Post by sforza on Oct 24, 2021 16:04:12 GMT -5
"What a beautiful victory against the pontic despot"
Cinna said cheerfully, he had been sharing wine with his soldiers for the last few hours.
"You shall be hailed as a war-hero, though it is not all over yet i suppose"
Cinna tried to relax his breath, though it reeked of alcohol. Though he was not entirely stupid drunk yet.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 24, 2021 16:09:51 GMT -5
"Not over yet, indeed. Mithridates still waits out there to be conquered."
Sulla gestured flippantly. He had partaken in some wine himself, but found it undignified to lose control to his impulses whilst on campaign. A general needed to keep his wits sharp, as the entire army rested on his back.
"A war hero sounds better than a corpse." The Pro-Consul agreed. Should the rest of this campaign prove fruitful, he would likely receive another triumph for his efforts in mastering the east. But much of his task was about winning the peace, as well as the war. The frontier needed stabilising, for it had been altogether too easy for Asia to utterly collapse to Mithridates.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 24, 2021 16:25:55 GMT -5
"Salve Lepidus. I am gladdened to see you well."The Commander gave the young man a firm handshake and a clap on the back. Sulla was in noticeably good spirits, and it appeared that the men were preparing to move out once again. Far from sitting here outside the walls of a city, the Pro-Consul wanted to give chase to Mithridates himself to score a killing blow on the bruised King of Kings. "And successful, besides. My trust in you, as ever, was well placed."Felix would arrange for Lepidus to be awarded with a golden phalerae for his service, as well as a quarter of the captured spoils. "Laden with booty, as well. Fear not. The slippery Asian cities will pay even more for their fealty to Pontus."Sulla's eyes glittered. It was a fine opportunity to extract wealth beyond measure in this prosperous land. He was not exactly displeased that Lepidus' men had ended up being a little more loose with their morals than expected. --- Cinna is admitted into the Pro-Consul's tent, with Sulla preparing once more to get the army on the move.
"It's a great honor to serve you pro consul" he said as patted him on the back. The prospect of booty made Lepidus happy, from the inside. He was a stoic man and had been rather disappointed with how this campaign went earlier. He wondered if it was Sulla's reasoning to send him along with the barbarian troops. The answer to that question would remain unanswered. "Word in the camp is you want me with the cavalry. Burning and pillaging?" the young soldier asked. He had picked up the roomers. Perhaps the young man's reputation began to spread. He was annoyed by it. His record reflected much more than simple burning and pillaging.
As young Marcus learned he was to receive a share of the spoils he cheered up a bit and was happy with the gifts. He brought 37.000 denari worth of loot. He'd bring some 9250 back home with him. Furthermore the golden Phalerae humbled Lepidus to a great extend. Winner of the grass crown, owner of a hold phalerae. Lepidus would return with a certain status. Status acquired through hardship and suffering.
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Post by sforza on Oct 24, 2021 16:28:04 GMT -5
"Bah, sooner or later Mithridates would come out of his hole to sue for peace or wage another desperate battle."
Cinna said, confident in their abilities to achieve total victory.
"So, i don't love sitting idle, is there anything i could do after the victory celebration ends?"
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 24, 2021 16:31:31 GMT -5
"That, and harassing the Mithridatic supply lines. Fear not, in the battle I shall return you to command over the legion."
Replied Sulla, who was eager to keep the younger Lepidus on side. Having not been in contact with his father directly for some time, he had no method to ascertain where his priorities lay. It was best to play it safe, for the time being. Besides, he had been impressed with the young man's ability to get results.
"Yes. Once you have slept off the wine, I have a task for you and the Fulminata."
They were a fine force of veterans, but they had been forced in the previous battle into a retreat. Sulla was giving them an opportunity to regain their honour.
"In short, you will split off from the main force on the march, though the cavalry will ensure that we remain aware of each other's movements." Those Cappadocians were fine men on horseback, having the uncanny ability to move over the rugged lands of Anatolia at great speed. They had thus far proven to be a great scouting force, and were the backbone of the Roman lines of communication. "While Lepidus draws the attention of Mithridates to me, you shall strike their encampment from another direction. Do what damage you can, and if Mars is with us we might end the war with one stroke."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 25, 2021 6:28:32 GMT -5
Lepidus gave a nod in respect to his commander. "I shall not disappoint." the young Lepidus said before excusing himself and finding the master of horse. Whom he promptly found and let him prepare the men. Many of the equites knew Lepidus from earlier engagements. The young man had seen a lot of conflict in his short years. In higher command tiers Lepidus had gained a reputation for being a door kicker. The one you call to fix the issues normal men couldn't fix. Among the lower ranks Lepidus was known more as the man who fought with the common men. Who bled with them and protected them is need be. As the battle at the gates of Knossos had proven. Where to save a common soldier, Lepidus had been grievously wounded. Regardless, Lepidus himself knew not where he stood. He was showered with gifts from Sulla but also felt the man didn't fully trust him or truly saw him as the door kicker. Regardless Lepidus had to set mind to task and perform once more.
With the cavalry in tow, Lepidus moved to a nearby village, surrounding it before closing the noose. No quarter was to be given. as the nose tied, many villagers knew what was coming. They fled the fields in panic into the interior of the village. Lepidus drew his sword and shouted "ROMA VITRIX" upon which a trumpeter, on horseback, sounded the assault. The ground shook as the hoves hit the dirt. Great clouds of dust hid from sight unspeakable tales of cruelty. The men had not seen their wives for a long time now. They let their rage and needs go on those who couldn't defend themselves. The men, those who weren't brutally slaughtered when the nose was tied made an effort to protect the ones they hold dear but they were cut down mercilessly. An eary silence came over the village as the Romans finished up their looting. The ground turned red from the blood that was spilled. A group of four people was spared and send out to Mithradites. They could tell the deeds of the Roman and that it would befall any town, village or city within his Kingdom if he did not fold.
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