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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 12, 2021 17:28:16 GMT -5
Lepidus, worried, with a headache and no idea what to fucking do at this point turned at Publius. "What would you have me do? Everyone wanted to retreat, I did, this is what everyone chose for." Lepidus didnt know what to do. "What would you do" he said sharply.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 12, 2021 17:38:27 GMT -5
"Press on." Sulla confided, with a grimace as he looked about. They were in danger of being lost, but thankfully the Dindari guides had remained with them thanks to a few well placed bribes. "Press on, and hope that we make it through. Do not mistake my superstition for doubt, commander. The men keep their faith in you."
Luscus paused for a while as they continued.
"But, our scouts have disappeared up Juno's arse. Might be time to make an encampment and take stock. Hope this damn mist clears up."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 12, 2021 17:51:34 GMT -5
Lepidus nodded, he yelled at all those that could hear him. Messengers stood ready to carry his message before the troops. "I have, myself, full confidence that if all of you men do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able achieve victory far from home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary through hardship, if necessarry with blood. I have myself the fullest condifence that you good men, will weather this storm and vanquish our enemy, utterly, completely and percure your legacy in this world and the next" Lepidus spoke, instilling vigor into his men, at least he hoped.
Sulla was requested to join Marcus more privately. Upon his arrival Lepidus let no grass grow before coming to business."Publius. I am reforming the army. From now on, 2% of our entire force are employed as Procursatores. Tasked with screening, water supplies, marching paths and percuring local guides and foraging. These will remain in a 5 kilometer radius to our position. Then Exploratores will be formed to scout the medium to long distance. Minimally 30km from our position. Geography, Topography, Troop positions and recent events in hostile lands will be their specialty. " Lepidus said, fleshing the idea out still. "They shall be lightly armed cavalry forces. The best trackers and cartographers will be hand picked. They are the main scouting line. Too often our scouts do not return now. We must reform, adapt and overcome our weaknesses." Lepidus had spend many hours on the march thinking on this idea. To dare and to do is what made Rome great.Now this system would greatly improve Roman intelligence in the field. Knowledge is power. Lepidus just had to exploit it.
Lepidus paused so Publius could respond. Marcus hoped on a positive reply. He didnt need it, he would implement it anyway but it was best to consult the troops best tribune.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 13, 2021 3:32:39 GMT -5
Luscus struggled to get to grips with the logistics of this plan.
"The men will need training. And horses, which are expensive. Our only native cavalry are equestrians, the sons of nobles. Not much good at scouting. And they won't give their mounts up to the rank and file."
Those Gallic riders they had employed against the Aquitani had been much more effective, and had a knowledge of the local terrain.
"Not something we can organise on the march."
They were deep in hostile territory, likely lost. This was not the time or place. But Luscus kept such thoughts private.
---
As the Romans encamped, a small party of Dardanian warriors would make their way through the mist. Silently picking off the scouts, they would make their way all the way up to the walls before being noticed. The alarm was raised, and the enemy were quickly driven back - but the legionaries dare not follow over the rocks and into the fog which still hung in the thin mountain air.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 13, 2021 3:48:09 GMT -5
The Romans errect defenses to wait out the fog. Then resume the march.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 13, 2021 3:58:12 GMT -5
The prudence of Lepidus pays dividends as the Dardanians grow bored and depart. Though the Romans are low on supplies, the fog begins to clear and they march through the pass into the safety of Roman-allied territory in Illyria.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 13, 2021 4:29:52 GMT -5
Luscus struggled to get to grips with the logistics of this plan. "The men will need training. And horses, which are expensive. Our only native cavalry are equestrians, the sons of nobles. Not much good at scouting. And they won't give their mounts up to the rank and file."Those Gallic riders they had employed against the Aquitani had been much more effective, and had a knowledge of the local terrain. "Not something we can organise on the march."They were deep in hostile territory, likely lost. This was not the time or place. But Luscus kept such thoughts private. --- As the Romans encamped, a small party of Dardanian warriors would make their way through the mist. Silently picking off the scouts, they would make their way all the way up to the walls before being noticed. The alarm was raised, and the enemy were quickly driven back - but the legionaries dare not follow over the rocks and into the fog which still hung in the thin mountain air.
Lepidus raised a brow "Of course I know the equestrians won't do it or give up their horses. Was I that unclear? These men I talk of shall be additional hires to the legion. Bolstering strength and adding a strategic advantage to our legions." Lepidus looked around. Nothing but mountains, sick and tired men. Low on food and water. Lepidus was hellbent of never letting this happen again. Thusly his reform will be enacted the very moment they step on friendly ground. "I cant have this happen again." Lepidus said with heavy sigh. Turning back to Publius. "We'll wait out the fog before speed marching to friendly lands" Lepidus concluded. He was exhausted and needed some rest. Which he decided to find near a camp fire with some senior centurions.
After marching into friendly territory the Romans are ordered to construct an encampment. Heralds are sent that Illyrican men are wanted to form two allied legions. Six troops of allied cavalry are recruited to enact the Lepidus Military Reform as outlined when trapped on the treasonous mountain passes. The Roman military machine shouldn't falter, it should adapt and overcome Lepidus thought. This expedition was turning into a very expensive one but Lepidus would have his revenge. He offered animals to the gods, hoping for good signs and vowed to the gods, the enemies of Rome will die by his sword. He will exact such terrible vengeance that even the Romans will grow scared of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. The Very name will instill fear into the enemies of the Republic. This he vowed.
Publius is summoned once more. "Salve Publius, I hereby promote you to legate. You earned it. The men look up to you, you always know what to do when faced by terrible odds." Lepidus said out of the blue.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 13, 2021 8:31:44 GMT -5
"Thank you, sir."
Publius was relieved that they had made it home in one piece more than anything else. Those Dardanians were a fearsome bunch. Doubtless, word would soon reach Rome of the defeat. Thankfully for Lepidus the Legions had survived largely intact.
"I will await your next orders. I think I am ready for some rest."
Luscus gave a chuckle as he stretched out his arms. By Juno, they were sore. And that was only the start of it.
"Lets hope these tribesmen know how to run a bath."
---
Word soon reaches Lepidus that the Boii have crossed into the lands of the Roman allies, the Taurisci, and have begun a campaign of wanton pillage. They request immediate assistance from the Consul.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 13, 2021 9:03:51 GMT -5
Lepidus fained a smile "Understandable of course good Publius. Take rest, let the men rest as well before we start moving. There are two legions forming to reinforce us, together with some 3000 allied horsemen to implement my military reform according to scouts, screeners and strategic environmental awareness." These reforms were new, had to be tested and had to be proven in the field. "Perhaps, after we ourself got some rest can go with our scouting parties and see these trials in the field." Lepidus added. " And perhaps" Lepidus said with some reservations "we can redeem ourselves, or at least myself for our earlier favor. Marching to aid our ally should be top priority." Lepidus finally concluded.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 13, 2021 12:40:07 GMT -5
Due to the call for aid, the legions, after some days rest are breaking up camp in all haste. A March into friendly lands ensues so that they can come to aid of their allies. Rome honors their alliances is what Lepidus wants to project. Cavalry sentries are sent ahead to ensure ambushes are not possible. Troop counts are requested. The Romans intend to give battle if the ground is favorable to them.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 13, 2021 16:45:00 GMT -5
The Boii appear to have defeated the Taurisci in open battle, or at least, the Taurisci are attempting to wait out the plunderers as they march through their lands. They send 1500 horsemen to assist Lepidus on his arrival, the rest of their troops tied up in protecting their settlements from the Gallic invaders. It appears that the Boii have absorbed a significant contingent of Dardanian warriors, their numbers having swelled by at least five thousand since they last battled the Romans. Fortunately for Lepidus, their troops are dispersed throughout the country, raiding and looting, and so for now they lack the threat of a large and massed host.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 14, 2021 9:53:48 GMT -5
LEpidus prepares to attack the nearest concentration of troops.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 14, 2021 10:02:47 GMT -5
Lepidus' romans drive off several raiding parties worth of Gauls, killing 1000 lighter troops. However this has the unintended effect of alerting them to his presence. Slowly but surely, the Boii army masses in Taurisci territory and begins their move towards Italy.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 14, 2021 16:07:58 GMT -5
The Romans offer battle to the boii. Picking off their rear guard.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 14, 2021 16:18:49 GMT -5
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