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Post by Royal Joker on Oct 23, 2021 15:23:52 GMT -5
Pius would, over the next few days, make the rounds of those cities that still remained faithful in the African province. The first and most momentous of these stops would be the Colonia Iunonia. Founded by Gaius Graccus some two decades ago, it was solely notable due to the site of its founding: right on top of the ancient site of Carthage, foremost enemy of Rome. "Here lies the corpse of mighty Carthage, made Roman. I wonder what Old Cato would say now."Pius announced to his entourage on their approach, with his characteristic flair for the dramatic. Many believed the colony cursed, marked by poor omens and bad auspices. It did not help that it was associated so closely with Gracchus, a man still hated by much of the aristocracy. It was a shame, because none could deny that the site of Carthage was a natural one for a peaceful and prosperous city, with a fine harbour and an easily defensible location. It was from here that the Latin colonists had come to fill out the legions, but due to the efforts of various senators the population of the city had faintly dwindled, with many Romans encouraged to return home. It was public land, in the hands of the Roman people, a piece of home away from home. "What say you, Scipio and Rufus? Would you have echoed the old Censor, or wept as Aemilianus did when the old city came crashing down?"Metellus turned to his entourage with a look of severe thoughtfulness etched into his features. oznerol Royal Joker Mugillanus Rufus let his gaze wander over what remained of Carthage, that ancient rival of Rome. The young man remembered the history lessons of his tutor, vivid descriptions of mighty fleets clashing and the daring campaigns of that hated foe, Hannibal. History was woven into the land that they stood on, wondrous and troublesome. Rufus had a hard time finding the right words to describe his feelings. He considered the proconsul's words carefully before answering. "I will not curse the city like Cato, for the elements have already swept away the ruins of Carthage. Nor will I weep like Aemilianus, for it is the will of the gods that the enemies of Rome be defeated. I will only call it folly that the city is wasting away like this. Despite our history with Carthage, the city was the pearl of the African coast, a center of trade and commerce, and could be so again."
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 23, 2021 16:38:57 GMT -5
Naso stupidly smiled at Scipio, what a coincidence, the young man thought, that their names were both so nosy. "My skills, Proconsul? Well, not so many. I take pride in my poetry and my Greek is quite good, excellent if I might say so. I can recite the Iliad by heart, but if your men are feeling raunchy I also recall many of Sappho's verses."
The young man smiled a silly smile but then turned serious for a moment. "I know you have probably dozens of young men like me at your disposal; full of themselves, vain, totally lacking in self-awareness, and incapable of laughing except as a means for petty adulation. I am not arrogant enough to claim to be different, but at least I know many jokes that would make Cato the Elder blush. And I am very willing to learn, Proconsul. I wouldn't have ridden that poor horse to exhaustion otherwise"
Pius did not expect anything different. Most of his officers were similarly green boys of limited to no experience. The young Metellan patriarch seemed to mellow a little, though he was not what one would describe as a warm man at this moment. He replied, with his characteristic brusqueness;
"You best sharpen up, Naso. You'll be serving the other Nose, Scipio, for the duration of this campaign. If anyone can whip a young upstart like yourself into shape, it will be the heir of old Africanus."
Nasica was Metellus' brother-in-law and cousin both, and one of the rising stars of the optimas senators. A man of impeccable breeding would be perfect to take the man of no breeding whatsoever and turn him into something useful. Pius would, over the next few days, make the rounds of those cities that still remained faithful in the African province. The first and most momentous of these stops would be the Colonia Iunonia. Founded by Gaius Graccus some two decades ago, it was solely notable due to the site of its founding: right on top of the ancient site of Carthage, foremost enemy of Rome. "Here lies the corpse of mighty Carthage, made Roman. I wonder what Old Cato would say now."Pius announced to his entourage on their approach, with his characteristic flair for the dramatic. Many believed the colony cursed, marked by poor omens and bad auspices. It did not help that it was associated so closely with Gracchus, a man still hated by much of the aristocracy. It was a shame, because none could deny that the site of Carthage was a natural one for a peaceful and prosperous city, with a fine harbour and an easily defensible location. It was from here that the Latin colonists had come to fill out the legions, but due to the efforts of various senators the population of the city had faintly dwindled, with many Romans encouraged to return home. It was public land, in the hands of the Roman people, a piece of home away from home. "What say you, Scipio and Rufus? Would you have echoed the old Censor, or wept as Aemilianus did when the old city came crashing down?"Metellus turned to his entourage with a look of severe thoughtfulness etched into his features. oznerol Royal Joker Mugillanus Rufus let his gaze wander over what remained of Carthage, that ancient rival of Rome. The young man remembered the history lessons of his tutor, vivid descriptions of mighty fleets clashing and the daring campaigns of that hated foe, Hannibal. History was woven into the land that they stood on, wondrous and troublesome. Rufus had a hard time finding the right words to describe his feelings. He considered the proconsul's words carefully before answering. "I will not curse the city like Cato, for the elements have already swept away the ruins of Carthage. Nor will I weep like Aemilianus, for it is the will of the gods that the enemies of Rome be defeated. I will only call it folly that the city is wasting away like this. Despite our history with Carthage, the city was the pearl of the African coast, a center of trade and commerce, and could be so again."
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Post by Pinkerton on Oct 23, 2021 17:28:51 GMT -5
"Great. Am I to conquer the Numidians with nought but Sappho and Ennius?"
Pius did not expect anything different. Most of his officers were similarly green boys of limited to no experience. The young Metellan patriarch seemed to mellow a little, though he was not what one would describe as a warm man at this moment. He replied, with his characteristic brusqueness;
"You best sharpen up, Naso. You'll be serving the other Nose, Scipio, for the duration of this campaign. If anyone can whip a young upstart like yourself into shape, it will be the heir of old Africanus."
Nasica was Metellus' brother-in-law and cousin both, and one of the rising stars of the optimas senators. A man of impeccable breeding would be perfect to take the man of no breeding whatsoever and turn him into something useful.
Naso hung his head in shame, not a usual sight. But he quickly picked himself up and replied: "I will honor you and my father both, Proconsul."
The young man then turned and saluted his newly appointed senior "Ave, Scipio. I lay my lacking talents at your disposal."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 24, 2021 12:15:21 GMT -5
Pius moves to engage the rebels in battle. The Numidian auxilia are sent ahead with 30 romans and Mugillanus to scout forwards while the legions march under Pius and Scipio. Roman scouts determine that the Numidian rebels are building up their forces around Theveste. It appears they are ready to move somewhere. The scouts believe it southwards towards Ad Majores. Perhaps seeking a raiding target or better ground to defend from. They also report that the enemy's forces number around several thousand, possibly over ten thousand strong.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 24, 2021 12:29:46 GMT -5
Metellus' forces march as fast as possible to catch the Numidians on the move and force a quick battle with the rebels.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 25, 2021 10:32:15 GMT -5
Arriving at the Numidian position after a swift march inland, the Legions begin constructing an armed camp under the supervision of one of the more venerable Metellan Legates, a certain Sulpicius Galba. Positioned on a nearby hilltop, it was well situated to oversee the position of the Numidians, who were currently on their way to whatever unsuspecting town they would demand the allegiance of next. The remaining Romans formed up into a traditional battle line to guard their efforts, with Metellus Pius riding up and down the lines to bark orders at his subordinates and inspect the formations. As customary, the Pontifex Maximus was overseeing the taking of auspices, which after a short discussion clearly favoured immediate battle.
Certainly, the Numidians would notice their arrival and form up swiftly, but Pius intended to use the element of surprise to his advantage.
"Scipio."
Metellus turned in the saddle to the cadre of officers that followed him wherever he went.
"Take the first legion and the Numidian horse for an immediate attack. Take young Naso with you, he could use the blooding."
Soon, the romans were sounding their trumpets and preparing to move out. The second legion would remain on the hilltop, overserving the skirmish, and ready to pounce if needed.
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Post by oznerol on Oct 25, 2021 14:44:41 GMT -5
"My cousin has a sharp tongue"
Said Scipio, who, nevertheless, was unsure what their actual relation was. He was standing next to Pius, grabbing his horse's reins. He tried to examine the field before deploying the legion, his eyes going through the sun-scorched terrain. No wonder men on those latitudes had their skin scorched and dark like smoke.
"He is not a bad man, he shall serve the Res Publica good enough. I shall make a true Roman out of him today"
He added. The man was wearing a nice bronze cuirass and helmet, befitting a magistrate and man of importance in the army. As soon as the Numidians revolted, Pius granted a lesser command to his brother-in-law and cousin, something that Africanus' heir was very glad of. He leaned towards Pius, talking in a mocking hushed tone.
"But, I must say he has always been prone to talking like the very bird you gifted me on Saturnalia... too much and too loud. So, less talking and more riding, young man"
Said the legate to his young kinsman. The unrelenting sun was heating the armor and helm, making the Scipio sweat profusely. He placed his fist over the chest, addressing Pius again.
"Worry not, Metellus, I shall drive them out. Cousin, come, we shall ride and meet these barbarians at the fields! Tribunes, with me! Sound the clarions!"
Scipio used his heels to ride forward. He would lead the legion, riding under the eagle, deploying the cohorts vigoriously. His voice was raspy but booming and could be heard from afar, projecting with the sheer force of his lungs. Trumpets and men would carry the orders around, while the nail-clad shoes of the legionaries rose the dust into the air, creating trails of dust that got into unsuspecting eyes, mouths and noses. But such was war in Africa. The Numidian horsemen charged like centaurs, driving their horses with ease, wearing light clothing and animal pelts, but little armor, save for those who were wealthy enough to clad themselves in bronce.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 25, 2021 16:55:12 GMT -5
"My cousin has a sharp tongue"Said Scipio, who, nevertheless, was unsure what their actual relation was. He was standing next to Pius, grabbing his horse's reins. He tried to examine the field before deploying the legion, his eyes going through the sun-scorched terrain. No wonder men on those latitudes had their skin scorched and dark like smoke. "He is not a bad man, he shall serve the Res Publica good enough. I shall make a true Roman out of him today"He added. The man was wearing a nice bronze cuirass and helmet, befitting a magistrate and man of importance in the army. As soon as the Numidians revolted, Pius granted a lesser command to his brother-in-law and cousin, something that Africanus' heir was very glad of. He leaned towards Pius, talking in a mocking hushed tone.
"But, I must say he has always been prone to talking like the very bird you gifted me on Saturnalia... too much and too loud. So, less talking and more riding, young man"Said the legate to his young kinsman. The unrelenting sun was heating the armor and helm, making the Scipio sweat profusely. He placed his fist over the chest, addressing Pius again.
"Worry not, Metellus, I shall drive them out. Cousin, come, we shall ride and meet these barbarians at the fields! Tribunes, with me! Sound the clarions!"
Scipio used his heels to ride forward. He would lead the legion, riding under the eagle, deploying the cohorts vigoriously. His voice was raspy but booming and could be heard from afar, projecting with the sheer force of his lungs. Trumpets and men would carry the orders around, while the nail-clad shoes of the legionaries rose the dust into the air, creating trails of dust that got into unsuspecting eyes, mouths and noses. But such was war in Africa. The Numidian horsemen charged like centaurs, driving their horses with ease, wearing light clothing and animal pelts, but little armor, save for those who were wealthy enough to clad themselves in bronce. The Numidians, for all their barbarous indiscipline, managed to form up into a coherent formation before Scipio could arrive. Owing to their large cavalry advantage, they ventured forth to skirmish with the Romans, with their lighter and faster infantry likewise rushing forwards to pepper them with arrows and rocks. However, when the lines clashed, the Numidians broke apart like water on the rocks. Their lighter infantry could not stand against the flexible and heavily armoured legions, especially when several cohorts detached themselves to support the cavalry on both wings. Their chieftain, Syphax, was killed in the retreat, in which the Numidians lost several thousand men. Pius had not expected the sortie to prove so successful, and quickly marched down from the hill to join his victorious legate.
Roman victory.
+2 veterancy points for legio I.2425 Numidians killed.
169 Legionaries killed
42 Numidian auxiliaries killed.
"Hail, Scipio. Well fought."Pius rode at the head of the second legion, but by the time they had reached the bottom of the hill the rebels had already been routed by his victorious second. Their mistake had been standing in battle, but without the support of most of the Numidian towns they had no option but to do so. Praise the Gods that Hiempsal had been loyal. Metellus looked mightily pleased with himself."Now to receive the submission of this Thevestae, or whatever it is called. Good to see you survived, Naso."
He shot to the young Tribune. It was the first battle that made a man, they said. A hard lesson that all had to learn some day.
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Post by Pinkerton on Oct 25, 2021 19:09:30 GMT -5
"Thank you, Proconsul. Praised be Victoria that she saw fit to grant us a victory against these fierce men. And praised be both of your mothers, for having gifted the Republic such talented commanders."
The young man smiled but he was a sorry sight, drenched in sweat and dust and his sword bloodied, a fact that surprised many, but not him. The gods giveth and the gods taketh, any man he fell with his iron was felled by the gods and a day would come that the iron of another man would fell him and that too would be the gods' will.
"Let us hope there is some shadow in Theveste" And some wine and the warm embrace of a woman.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 26, 2021 12:37:16 GMT -5
Thevestae, despite the recent rebel losses, refuses to surrender. This likely is because it is a central location to the rebellion and it’s leadership. The Numidian rebels retreat southward, aiming to regroup at the neighboring town before considering their next move.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 26, 2021 12:43:13 GMT -5
"It seems we shall find no shelter here."
Pius stated flatly, as the Africans barred their gates. Curse these backwards savages, and curse Hiempsal for being so useless. The Metellan Governor turned back to his officers.
"Naso, take the cavalry and find a reliable source of water for the men. These Numidians will know where one is. I shall have the men build siege engines and take this sorry place. Scipio, I shall give you command of the assault."
Metellus had done all of his leg-work years ago, in this very province. Now he was the Imperator, so it was time to sit back and let his subordinates get their hands dirty. Once his words were spoken, the officers were entrusted to get to it. And get to it they did. Soon, the Romans began erecting siege towers, ladders, a ram, and a great rampart out of a dirt so that they could climb up to the walls directly.
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Post by oznerol on Oct 26, 2021 16:57:34 GMT -5
"Thank you, Proconsul. Praised be Victoria that she saw fit to grant us a victory against these fierce men. And praised be both of your mothers, for having gifted the Republic such talented commanders."
The young man smiled but he was a sorry sight, drenched in sweat and dust and his sword bloodied, a fact that surprised many, but not him. The gods giveth and the gods taketh, any man he fell with his iron was felled by the gods and a day would come that the iron of another man would fell him and that too would be the gods' will. "Let us hope there is some shadow in Theveste" And some wine and the warm embrace of a woman. Said Scipio, hand over the chest. He had even bloodied his sword while at the charge of his equites. The nobleman was more brazen than he should and had charged on disregard of his own personal safety, as a dent on the armor could testify. He seemed entranced by the prospects of continuing waging a war against Numidian rebels. Perhaps it came with the blood. Once everything is dealt with, Scipio arranges the legionaries for a full assault. Those dogs would try Roman steel on a Scipii fist. That's what Scipio thought, then desmissed the idea of saying it aloud cause it was a extremely cheesy phrase that would make blush the best among his forebears. And shame him on the Senate, if anyone ever found out. The city was a feeble thing, more of a village in the middle-of-nowhere than an actual city. It could see better days, if someone managing the land would bring good men to settle the lands around it and fund projects to make it something more... glorious. Scipio, determined to win a crown on that very day, places himself at the heart of the assault, willing to show the filthy rebels their pay of their treachery personally. His blood was boiled and he seemed excited. A fever had gone on his head.
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Post by Pinkerton on Oct 26, 2021 17:13:13 GMT -5
"It seems we shall find no shelter here."Pius stated flatly, as the Africans barred their gates. Curse these backwards savages, and curse Hiempsal for being so useless. The Metellan Governor turned back to his officers. "Naso, take the cavalry and find a reliable source of water for the men. These Numidians will know where one is. I shall have the men build siege engines and take this sorry place. Scipio, I shall give you command of the assault."Metellus had done all of his leg-work years ago, in this very province. Now he was the Imperator, so it was time to sit back and let his subordinates get their hands dirty. Once his words were spoken, the officers were entrusted to get to it. And get to it they did. Soon, the Romans began erecting siege towers, ladders, a ram, and a great rampart out of a dirt so that they could climb up to the walls directly. The young man nodded and set off to find water for the Legions. A very important task, if a bit menial. Perhaps he would not mention it in the memoir he was writing of the campaign.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 26, 2021 17:13:58 GMT -5
The Romans quickly climb over the walls, and though the Numidians put up a good fight it is clear that Scipio's men have the upper hand. Soon an eagle flies above the gates, and the rest of the Romans enter the city.
What follows is a bloodbath. Hot, thirsty, and frustrated, the Romans plunder the town to near extinction, capturing every man, woman, and child, seizing their belongings, and selling them into slavery. When the day is over, Thevastae is little more than a smoking ruin. Metellus had rode through what was left of the gates once victory was assured, the small remaining population hiding away.
196 Roman casualties, split between both legions.
34,000 denarii taken in loot.
---
Pius began to make Thevastae his base of operations for the time being. Once Naso returned, they would have adequate supplies to last the coming campaign. And Scipio was right, this was a fine place for a colony. One called Medellinum. Had a nice ring to it. He could arrange for latin settlers from other parts of Africa, or even Italy itself, with the right incentive. And it would stretch Roman control further west, as these lands supposedly lay in the bounds of Hiempsal's Numidia.
Pius approached his victorious Legate on horseback.
"Once again, you are victorious. I give you the mural crown, as all saw you to be the first man on the walls. I also give you half of the plunder. Seventeen thousand denarii's worth of coin and slaves. Apollo knows I am rich enough."
The Pro-Praetor turned to Naso. It seemed he was in a generous mood.
"And you boy, take five thousand denarii for yourself. As compensation for not taking your share in the battle."
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Post by Pinkerton on Oct 26, 2021 17:23:42 GMT -5
"Goodness gracious, has Jupiter's cock landed here?" Naso looked around, astonished at the destruction.
"Proconsul, a water supply has been secured. A camp has been established and patrols assigned. We can now finally bathe."
Young Naso's eyes widened when the gold was given to him, never had he seen so much. He almost began drooling when he thought of the wine, books and fine women all that gold could purchase.
"T-Thank you, Proconsul."
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