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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Dec 4, 2021 5:25:43 GMT -5
The veterans of the Gallic wars are once more assembled bringing the republics finest to bear under the command of the pro preator Marcus Aemilius Lepidus the Younger.
IX Gallica (+10)
X Primigenia (+10)
XI Equites (+10)
XX Alaudae (+10)
XIX Classica (+10) XXI Publius Pia Fdelis (+8)
XXI (+2)
XXVI (+2)
XXVII (+2)
XXVIII (+2)
4000 Legionary cav.
5000 allied cav.
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus the Younger
Dignitas 4
Resiliance 0
Command 3
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Post by Royal Joker on Dec 5, 2021 10:07:59 GMT -5
Lucius Papirius Mugillanus Rufus seek out the camp of Lepidus' legions, offering his military services to Lepidus Minor.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Dec 7, 2021 14:23:13 GMT -5
Center: Marcus Aemilius (+3 command)
IX Gallica (+10)
X Primigenia (+10)
XI Equites (+10)
Right: Lucius Papirius Mugillanus Rufus(Resilience +2 (+1)Command +1
XX Alaudae (+10)
XIX Classica (+10)
XXI (+2)
Left: Gaius Menenius Lanatus(+2 Command +2(3) Resilience)
XXI Publius Pia Fdelis (+8)
XXVI (+2)
XXVII (+2)
Reserve:
XXVIII (+2)
4000 Legionary cav.
5000 allied cav.
The Romans had been crawling through the pass moving from the relieved city of Alba Fucens towards Sora. forming up for battle, many of the legionaries felt excited. Hardened veterans mixed with younger veterans de esprit de corps was at an all time high. flanked by a great horde of cavalry, experienced riders from Gaul commander by young tribunes who had fought with them before. The Eagles reflected the son in the sky and the songs were sung with heavy voices. Voices of confidence. Legio XXI, Publius faithful were especially brimming with confidence being led by Lanatus. Not entirely unknown as he was part of the commander's staff during the legions last action in the Gallic heartland. Lepidus the younger himself had marched with the men on the ground, refushing a horse. Bonding with his men is what he had been doing during the various campaigns before him. Although only the oldest legions among the bunch had experienced Lepidus the younger as a commander during his first actions in the cimbrian war. Since then he had fought in multiple conflicts. From the pirates of Crete to inserting himself into Eastern citities and fighting for the gates. The winner of the Grass Crown had a reputation and the men knew it.
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Post by Gandalf on Dec 7, 2021 18:54:15 GMT -5
FIRST BATTLE OF THE FULCINE LAKE
Engagements on such large scale have rarely been seen in Italia: both sides fielding some 40,000 men apiece. That the Italians could field such numbers no doubt came as a rude surprise to Lepidus...
The Romans had been giving chase to the Italians through a narrow pass towards Sora, straight from Alba Fucens. With their scouts having been cut off and killed, the Romans had little knowledge of what they were facing - but were perhaps relieved to find the army of Silo ready to give battle.
And give battle it did. It looked to be a straightforward engagement, with the superior discipline of the Gallic veterans and the large cavalry advantage taking its toll. It seemed that the Marsii would eventually break under the weight of numbers.
That was until the arrival of the second group of Marsic legions from the east, something that had blindsided Lepidus' men due to the lack of proper scouting. Around half an hour into the battle, they arrived to smash into the Lepidan lines with their brethren. Suddenly, the battle became a touch more even. Well trained and well-led, like the Romans, the Marsii put up a stern fight. By the time the sun was setting, it was clear the Romans would have to pull back or risk losing their entire line. Still, it had been more of a stalemate than a defeat. Not much was lost, but Alba Fucens had been relieved and the Romans could withdraw back up the pass to fight another day.
Roman minor defeat.
1340 Roman losses (Spread amongst legions)
847 Italian losses.
Quintus Poppaedius suffers a major wound. Permanent hit to resilience.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Dec 8, 2021 8:24:31 GMT -5
Lepidus was happy with how the battle went until the Italians doubled their numbers with a late arrival. Seeing the strategic disadvantage, as the battle had first progressed very well for the Romans. It was not meant to be today and Lepidus knew it now with the legions out of a good position to counter the new man the Italians brought to bare Lepidus ordered a strategic withdraw further into the pass.
Several scouting missions were ordered out to asses the actual Italian strength and looks for opportunity for a night strike the very same day. The watch of the camp if quadrupled and fortifications are made.
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Post by Gandalf on Dec 10, 2021 17:39:12 GMT -5
Lepidus' scouts put the Italians at about 10-12 legions, which matches up to what he would have seen in the field. Unfortunately, his men are too exhausted to prepare a night strike, but have assumed good defensive positions within the Latin hills. They are well prepared for any Marsic push.
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Post by Gandalf on Dec 14, 2021 6:58:40 GMT -5
SECOND BATTLE OF THE FULCINE LAKE
Another day, another bloodbath. With huge numbers on both sides, strategy soon becomes exchanged with the discipline and prowess of arms. Trying to draw the Romans from their defensive position, they eventually were forced simply to charge the implacable Roman lines.
Thus did the battle descend into a bloody melee. Largely, the Italians were getting the better of it, until the mass of Lepidan cavalry came rushing from the right to roll up the Italic line. Even then, the experienced Marsic legionaries were able to form several spear-bristling squares to fend off the horsemen, frustrating the Romans and rescuing the battle from the jaws of defeat. Both sides once again withdraw, bloodied and battered, with no clear victor.
Stalemate.
1600 Roman losses (200 cavalry, 1400 legionaries)
2440 Italian losses (200 cavalry, 2240 legionaries)
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Dec 15, 2021 15:29:53 GMT -5
Lepidus was annoyed by the stalemate, so were his officers but the counting of the dead made it clear that Rome was to be called a true winner here.. regardless the evening was spend by Lepidus visiting his troops, even helping in the field hospitals. The centurions were ordered to announce tat Lepidus was roaming about in the camp, lending his ear to any soldier who needed a confidence boost. As the evening came to its end Lepidus had everyone turn in. He would give battle once again the following day if the Italians would have it.
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