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Turn 4

"As Fall's cool breezes filtered through the Forum, Roman senators returned from their summer villas to debate the news of the day. The East was looking precarious, with oddball Tauruscrania apparently fighting the whole world out there. Tidings from the West were heartening, though, as more Gauls fell beneath legionary sword blades. The two consuls? Pah, the cynic snorted, they're done for the year! The only victory they're seeking now is getting a triumph voted!"

Turn 5 of the campaign was a more sedate one. I was successful in activating the Parthians, who began to mass on the border of Pontus in Asia. Joel seemed confident juggling wars with both the Galatians and Thracians, why not throw in a third ball? The campaign saw only two battles this turn -- one in the East against the Galatians and another against their cousins in the West, the Gauls. Jason invaded Numidia, rolled a six for the size of the enemy force, and retreated home, crying for his mommy.

Tauruscrania

When the Praetor Tauruscrania read the message about the impending Parthian invasion, he grabbed the scroll and attacked his favorite marble statue, hacking it to pieces. "Kohl-wearing, rouge-cheeked, effeminate simpletons!" he screamed. How could they not know he had been planning on leaving them alone -- despite what the Senate said? Now, he'd have to recall the 1st Legion from Thrace and give them a new make over, legionary style!

Meanwhile, his two legions in Galatia attacked eastward. The tribes were fully mobilized, though, and had an army equally large (24 elements). When battle was joined, the Galatians shifted their chariots and cavalry to overwhelm one Roman wing. The legions were taken from all sides and cut down. The Galatian pursuit was deadly, and more than a third of the invasion force was left dead before safety was reached (3 of 8 SPs were lost). When this news arrived at Tauruscrania's palace, another marble statue became dust.

Incitare

On the other side of the Roman world, the Praetor Incitare watched the dust rise from his invasion columns. He must keep on the pressure on the Gauls -- give them no time to regroup. In southwestern Gaul, his army bumped into an equal-sized tribal force, blocking their path. The legionaries' blood was up, though, and they cut their way through the Gauls, 6-1.

Spring's defeats seemed nothing more than a child's nightmares, forgotten in the light of their victories of summer and fall. Steady and cautious, Incitare let his hopes begin to grow. Perhaps the voters would forget his early troubles? If his victories continued, could the consul's chair be his next year?

Gracchus

Now that summer's boiling heat was gone, the Junior Consul (sorry, Jason!) Gracchus lead his troops out for a march. As they edge closer to the Numidian border, the debate in the general's tent about a late season campaign grew. A detachment galloped across the border to scout the enemy. It quickly returned with word of an even larger tribal army paralleling their march. Gracchus ordered the camp's defenses strengthened. He would keep an eye on these Numidians, he declared, and not break the peace. Back in Rome, Drusus' supporters mocked Gracchus' decision, tossing the folds of their toga over their head, cowering and crying out, "I'm keeping an eye on the Numidians!"

Drusus

Meanwhile, Drusus marched the bulk of his army south through the countryside of a grateful Italian populace. If the consul seemed to parade through the towns of influential senators, well, his supporters were quick to point out he was taking a route with the most ample provisions for his men. No canvassing for a triumph was in progress, they declared.

Early Fall was a mixed bag for the players: One victory; One defeat; One pre-battle retreat. The players were becoming prudent -- not risking unnecessary battles when outnumbered.

Next turn -- Late Fall -- would see our second barbarian invasion as the Parthians ride into Asia, more battles with the tribes of Gaul and universal scrambling amongst the players to establish control of their allotted provinces.

More 1st Century BC Campaign

Turn 1 (Herald 42)
Turn 2 (Herald 43)
Turn 3 (Herald 44)
Turn 4 (Herald 45)
Turn 5 (Herald 46)
Turn 6 (Herald 47)
Turn 7 (Herald 48)
Turn 8 (Herald 49)