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Post by Gandalf on Oct 10, 2021 15:39:49 GMT -5
Publius is watched warily by the Gallic scouts, but is able to convey to Lepidus that the Boii are continuing their march eastward. The Dindari were defeated in several skirmished before paying tribute to the Boii. They will soon arrive in the lands above Roman Greece, in Dardania, the lands of a tribe that hold a tenuous alliance with Rome.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 10, 2021 15:45:29 GMT -5
Lepidus sends missives to the Dindari, asking for local guides. He does the same with the Roman allies of Dardania. Hoping to find a strategic position where Lepidus can massacre the Boii confederation.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 10, 2021 15:47:55 GMT -5
The Dindari send guides. The Dardanians send a brusque rebuff, suggesting that they will instead give the Boii passage through their lands as swiftly as possible and do not have any intention to interfere in their journey.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 10, 2021 15:50:13 GMT -5
The Dindari are sent out to scout such a position before the boii reach Dardanian lands.
Missves are sent to the local greek population in Roman Greece to scout for a position there is the Dindari find none.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 10, 2021 16:44:25 GMT -5
The Boii are currently encamped on the borders of Dardania. However, they are aware the Romans are following them, and are thus more wary than usual. Sulla, accompanying the scouts, reports to Lepidus that the main weakness appears to be the substantial train of civilians. Being protected at all times, it ensures that the barbarians must choose the most traversable terrain, as a river or mountain crossing takes exponentially longer than it would the Roman legions.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 11, 2021 3:51:37 GMT -5
Lepidus requests a troop breakdown from Sulla.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 11, 2021 5:23:55 GMT -5
The young Tribune returns with his report. It indicates that much of the Gallic force consists of heavily armoured clan warriors, with the other half being lighter infantry. They also command a sizeable contingent of horsemen, this being at least three thousand strong.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 11, 2021 6:31:57 GMT -5
Lepidus wishes to speak to a Dindari chieftain.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 11, 2021 9:19:22 GMT -5
The Dindari come out to greet Lepidus, regarding the Roman with caution - his reputation from Gaul preceded him.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 11, 2021 9:49:17 GMT -5
Lepidus tried being a good host. He had gifts for the chieftain prepared. "It is my understanding that the Boii tribe has sacked your lands and forced you into a treaty you did not wish. By giving us local guides you have showed me that you are not content with the deal forced upon you by the vile invaders. Now they march on Roman lands and I seek your aid. I think we can mean something for each other" Lepidus said, going straight onto business. "If we could bundle our forces I think you can get restitution for your losses and restore your honor." Lepidus paused hoping the gods would side with him for this once. "The Boii move slowly with their gigantic column of women and children. My scouts together with your local guides found opportunity to strike them. If a force of your tribe can lure away the fighting man then my legions can fall upon the weak before swinging onto your aid. Completely destroying their army but also their people. Your indemnity can be redeemed and Rome is saved from a barbarian horde." Lepidus was a man of action. Diplomacy was not his best suit. He needed to improve it and knew it.. his only hope was some sort of help from the Dindari, appealing their sense of honor and self worth he hoped for their cooperation.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 11, 2021 10:03:55 GMT -5
The Dindari chieftains were unsettled by Lepidus' willingness to massacre travelling women and children. More than that, they viewed it as cowardly. And, as always, they found Romans to be overly arrogant and presumptuous in their demands, it was simply in their nature. However, their recent injuries from the Boii ensured that they would be amenable to assist him.
"So, you want to fight the women and mewlings while we face the real warriors?" One of their chiefs gave a rotten grin. The others starting laughing. "That does not sound like a fair deal, Roman. You get the loot and plunder while we fight your battle."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 11, 2021 10:21:49 GMT -5
Lepidus remained stoic. " By all means, we can stand side by side. Two of my legions can stand with your diversion act, while the other two make sure the weakness at hand is exploited. The spoils are to be shared of course." Lepidus assured them. The majority should remain with the Romans of course. Lepidus had to finance this ordeal from his own coffers with the ineptitude of the Senate in his hindsight. " The important thing is, that the army is lured away from their baggage terrain. They need to protect both, picking off both sides until you or I can aid each other.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 11, 2021 10:42:31 GMT -5
“Very well, Roman.”
Replied the Dindari Chief, perhaps against his better judgement. Romans had a habit of betraying treaties and attacking those who had done them only the slightest provocation. One day, it would be his tribe’s turn - so better make nice in the meantime.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 11, 2021 12:03:07 GMT -5
Lepidus smiled and extended his arm "Very well, inform me when the preparations are made".
Publius was informed by lepidus. He was offered which command he wished. Lepidus wouldn't mind either and would offer his one eyed tribune a shot for glory if he so wished it.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 11, 2021 13:29:24 GMT -5
The Dindari would send fifteen thousand of their tribal warriors to assist in the Lepidan gambit. The scouts informed the Pro-Consul that the Boii would soon be forced to cross the river Margus in Dardania, having no way around it. They advise that such a crossing would be a fortuitous time to attack.
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Sulla chose to lead the legions in conjunction with the barbarians, figuring it a more noble assignment than simply butchering women and children.
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