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Post by Gandalf on Oct 25, 2021 8:20:28 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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Post by sforza on Oct 25, 2021 13:54:35 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."
Cinna replied, confident in his abilities to handle the assigned task. It was not without its risk but then again Cinna was a man of taking risks. --------------------------------- Few hours later, at dawn, when Cinna and Fulminata have had their deserved rest they once again found themselves on the move. Soon Fulminata and Cinna diverted from the main host of Sulla and took a different rout. Cinna took a more eastern route while Sulla marched directly to the north. If everything went to plan then he could secretly bypass the main enemy lines and strike directly the enemy camp.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 25, 2021 15:23:31 GMT -5
Lepidus at the head of his force picked up the trail of a refugee caravan. War is hell, there are only loser he figures to himself as he let the force split into four and set upon them. Once again in a nose tactic. The cavalry advances terribly slow.. as to instill more fear into those who are bound to die. Leave no prisoners was Lepidus his instruction. Only four, so that they could walk North, South, West and East to tell what would happen to stragglers who would encounter Lepidus, the golden phaleara wearer, winner of the grass crown. Lepidus the merciless as the peasants from the past batch might call him. As the nose tightened some men put up a fight. They were cut down with a relentless fury. The allied cavalry had an eagerness to destroy these peasants. With his characteristic shout, learned from his father in the fields of Transalpine Gaul, destroying the Cimbri horde. Lepidus roared "ROMA VITRIX" upon which the soldiers yelled and knew it was their go. They charged full speed ahead, closing the nose.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 25, 2021 16:37:24 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."
Cinna replied, confident in his abilities to handle the assigned task. It was not without its risk but then again Cinna was a man of taking risks. --------------------------------- Few hours later, at dawn, when Cinna and Fulminata have had their deserved rest they once again found themselves on the move. Soon Fulminata and Cinna diverted from the main host of Sulla and took a different rout. Cinna took a more eastern route while Sulla marched directly to the north. If everything went to plan then he could secretly bypass the main enemy lines and strike directly the enemy camp. Cinna found that his route was nearly empty, with the settlements and villages almost being entirely deserted. Tales of Lepidus the Butcher had spread all throughout the land, for there were none left to wait for the Roman cavalry to strike. The Fulminata, after some days of marching, would report some sign of a slow-moving Pontic army travelling northwards. Sulla was right on their tail, as were the Lepidan reavers, and so their scouts were pre-occupied in that direction. It appears that their outriders, for the time being, had not noticed the much smaller force of Cinna to their immediate east. It was up to the Legate as to how to use this element of surprise. Lepidus at the head of his force picked up the trail of a refugee caravan. War is hell, there are only loser he figures to himself as he let the force split into four and set upon them. Once again in a nose tactic. The cavalry advances terribly slow.. as to instill more fear into those who are bound to die. Leave no prisoners was Lepidus his instruction. Only four, so that they could walk North, South, West and East to tell what would happen to stragglers who would encounter Lepidus, the golden phaleara wearer, winner of the grass crown. Lepidus the merciless as the peasants from the past batch might call him. As the nose tightened some men put up a fight. They were cut down with a relentless fury. The allied cavalry had an eagerness to destroy these peasants. With his characteristic shout, learned from his father in the fields of Transalpine Gaul, destroying the Cimbri horde. Lepidus roared "ROMA VITRIX" upon which the soldiers yelled and knew it was their go. They charged full speed ahead, closing the nose. Lepidus loots another 7000 denarii from the poor farmers that were foolish enough to still be within reach of the Romans. By now, word was travelling to Mithridates, and the King of Kings elected to send his cavalry detachments to defend his subjects and ward off the Romans from attacking the civilians.
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Post by sforza on Oct 25, 2021 17:24:12 GMT -5
Cinna attacks the backside of the Pontic army with Fulminata using the element of surprise. He would only retreats if the enemy is regrouping with too large numbers. He hoped that the Cappadocian cavalry was on standby if needed.
+1 resilience
+4 command (including Fulminata)
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 25, 2021 17:57:17 GMT -5
With their cavalry overstretched in guarding the civilian baggage trains and defending their rear from Lepidus' harassment, Cinna is able to get the jump on around an equitable portion of the Pontic army. Using a hilltop as cover, they descend upon the very last part of the Pontic marching column, around the baggage train.
After a short engagement, the Pontic force is driven back, albeit they keep their good order. However, Cinna is able to plunder the Mithridatic baggage train and wreak general havoc in their rearguard. 8000 denarii is stolen away from Mithridates, who turns his army to address the Romans. This was in vain, for the Fulminata were able to quickly pull back away from the Pontic force before they could form up properly for battle.
Fulminata gains 1 veteran points
155 Romans dead
510 Pontic heavy infantry killed
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 26, 2021 0:44:09 GMT -5
Lepidus sends his scouts to find where the Mithraditic cavalry detachment was.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 26, 2021 6:27:15 GMT -5
Lepidus' scouts report that a sizeable detachment was to the north, guarding a route towards several civilian caravans.
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Post by sforza on Oct 26, 2021 7:22:02 GMT -5
With their cavalry overstretched in guarding the civilian baggage trains and defending their rear from Lepidus' harassment, Cinna is able to get the jump on around an equitable portion of the Pontic army. Using a hilltop as cover, they descend upon the very last part of the Pontic marching column, around the baggage train. After a short engagement, the Pontic force is driven back, albeit they keep their good order. However, Cinna is able to plunder the Mithridatic baggage train and wreak general havoc in their rearguard. 8000 denarii is stolen away from Mithridates, who turns his army to address the Romans. This was in vain, for the Fulminata were able to quickly pull back away from the Pontic force before they could form up properly for battle. Fulminata gains 1 veteran points
155 Romans dead
510 Pontic heavy infantry killed
One-eyed Cinna yelled when he saw the enemy retreating and the opportunity to loot money from their foes. Quickly Cinna and the Fulminata would loot the enemy wagons before the main army of the Pontic king would arrive to confront them. After an hour or so they had gathered enough loot and decided to withdraw back to the main host. Luckily Mithridates had not yet arrived to confront them. And so with this surprise victory they withdrew again. Cinna's ego was boosted again, as did Fulminata regain their honour after the minor setback at the pass.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 26, 2021 9:12:01 GMT -5
Lepidus' scouts report that a sizeable detachment was to the north, guarding a route towards several civilian caravans. Lepidus seizes the initiative and screens the force from very far out, using his local guides to keep hidden. Lepidus searches for an opportunity to strike at night, when most of the enemy force is asleep.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 26, 2021 10:07:45 GMT -5
Unfortunately for Lepidus, the Mithridatic cavalry spot the Romans early on. Perhaps there was a mole in their guides, for whatever probing attacks the Romans launched it seemed that the enemy was aware of it far in advance, or they were led astray so as to miss the opportunity entirely.
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Orders are given to Cinna to put the Fulminata on standby for the coming battle. Meanwhile, Lepidus' cavalry is ordered to continue their harassment on the main Pontic force, and draw them into a standing engagement with the rest of the Sullan army.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 26, 2021 15:44:01 GMT -5
Lepidus sees if he can find another refugee caravan. Hoping to lure the Mithraditic force to him.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 26, 2021 16:32:14 GMT -5
It seems the Mithridatic cavalry have caught on to the Lepidan strategy, and are heavily guarding the remaining caravans as they slink north. They have conducted raids of their own to test the Roman defences, eager not to give anything up to the Romans.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 26, 2021 21:01:05 GMT -5
The Upcoming Battle of the River Iris
Just North of Amaseia, on one's road to the coast and the city of Amisos, the Mithridatic army materialized and came to face the Roman legions. It crossed over the river Iris and sought to confront the enemy before they went any further. Despite being thoroughly defeated and their sword blunted, the army of Mithridates VI Eupator was still immensely powerful and versatile. The King of Kings knew it was either hide in Sinope or fight the enemy where they stood. With the loss of Amaseia, he decided to confront his foe and aim to salvage his kingdom in this final effort. To him, it was either defeat the invaders and turn back this tide of misfortune or accept the gods abandoning him and lie down his sword in defeat.
Prior, with the loss of Cappadocia, many men either deserted or returned home after the long campaign. As such, the Cappadocian forces, leftover from Gordius' command, lost fifty percent of its men. In compensation, several thousand more joined his forces, but they were raw recruits and freshly levied. Still, Mithridates commanded a sizable force and ensured his men knew it was do-or-die. There was no other place to go after. They must fight their hardest and best upon this hour and show these Roman invaders the true strength of Pontus!
Mithridatic Army
Mithridates VI (1 battles, 2 survival)
Neoptolemus (2 battles)
14,000 Light Infantry
9,000 Phalingitai (Elite Pike Infantry)
2000 Hypasistai (Elite Sword Infantry)
8,490 Heavy Infantry
1000 Cataphracts (Heavy Cavalry)
3500 Cavalry
1500 archers
15 Elephants
30 Scythed Chariots
Cappadocian Army
5,950 light infantry
809 Phalangitai (elite infantry)
2,725 Heavy infantry
1,888 Cappadocian Cavalry
238 Cataphracts (heavy cavalry)
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 27, 2021 8:10:28 GMT -5
The Romans finally arrive on the battlefield to face the King of Kings once more. Once there, Sulla arranges his troops in the traditional style, constructing a fortified camp. The next day, at dawn, the Romans attack, hopefully before the Mithridatic men have the chance to get any food in their bellies. Cinna's Fulminata legion, having doggedly harassed the Pontic army, have been ordered to join the engagement. {Orders}
All flanks are to leave gaps for chariots and elephants, which are to be targeted by sustained Pila fire by selected cohorts. All flanks will advance to attack the Pontic line, using pilae to break the pike formations and then charging into the gaps, cycling the cohorts that do this.
On the left, the Cremona will support the Roman cavalry in a flanking manoeuvre, clearing any enemy cavalry from the field and rolling up the line. The centre will slowly draw backwards to bring the pike units out of formation, while Sulla and the Victrix push hard on the right. The Anatolian cavalry will engage any enemy cavalry before swinging around to crush the enemy if successful. The enemy line will fold and be pushed into the river.
If not, the light infantry will be deployed to slow down any flanking manouvre. Should the battle go poorly, the reserve will act as a rearguard retreat.
Cinna's Fulminata, having followed the Pontic army, will join the battle late on the Roman right, completing the hammer blow that will shatter the Pontic line and break the army of Mithridates.
Left: Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (3 command)
3900 Legio XII Cornelia Infantry (+1 battles)
4000 Legio Cremona Infantry (+2 battles)
2200 Roman Cavalry
Centre: Marcus Atilius Regulus (2 command)
4000 Legio Sabinia (+2 battles)
3300 Legio Samnium (+2 battles)
Right: Lucius Cornelius Sulla (4 command)
4000 Legio III Victrix (+2 battles)
2600 Anatolian Cavalry
1600 Light Infantry
Flanking Force (to join the right flank from another direction): Lucius Cornelius Cinna (3 command)
3200 Fulminata Infantry (+2 battles)
385 Fulminata Cavalry
Reserve:
4000 Legio XIII Felix (+1 battles)
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