ALEA IACTA EST: A Roman Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)
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Lumine
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« Reply #25 on: January 09, 2018, 06:24:21 PM »

Warfare:


Roman-Parthian War

Surena's invasion of Syria: Parthian Victory

Tired of the constant stalemate and with Crassus's forces again postponing the projected invasion of Parthia, the Parthian Shah decided to go on the offensive. Setting up garrisons near the client Parthian Kingdoms (promptly bringing Osroene and Palmyra back into the fold), Orodes sent Surena and a large Parthian army to raid the Roman forces in Syria. Surena soon found success at destroying caravans, small garrisons and scouting units, to the point in which he ignored the key command of his master not to engage the Romans on their own ground. Surena promtly pushed deeper and met a large part of Crassus's forces at Apamea, defeating the Romans after several hours of battle in a small, but significant victory. As the Romans re-assembled in Antioch (at the same time as Princess Cleopatra, Catullus and the Gabiniani arrived as an allied contingent), a significant part of Roman Syria to the East passed to Surena's control.

Roman-Cantabrian War

Pompeian Invasion of Cantabria: Stalemate

While the assembled forces of Pompeian Governors Afranius, Petreius and Varro formed an impressive army, the projected campaign against the Cantabrians to subdue Northern Hispania proved much less successful than expected. Having been informed by mysterious sources of the coming Roman offensive, the Cantabrians and the other tribes planned accordingly and joined forces to repel the invaders. Fighting with constant guerilla warfare and inflicting serious harm upon the legions, Varro and Petreius faced defeat and lost ground to the enemy. Afranius was more successful by defeating one of the Hispanic armies, thus turning the ordeal into a harsh stalemate.

Gallic Wars

Gallic Uprising: Gallic Victory

As the Romans were forced to withdraw South and soon became embroiled in the beginnings of a civil war the rebel forces of Ambiorix and Vercingetorix were poised to strike, doing so effectively. Persuading or threatening tribes to join their forces, besieging and destroying Roman garrisons or Gallic forces allied to Rome and aggressively championing the cause of a Gaul free of Roman rule the rebel forces (still divided in the Celtic and Belgian factions) seized control of over half of Gaul without major forces to stop them. Both the Atrebates and the Aedui proved successful in defeating the vanguards of both main leaders and save their lands from invasion, but the friends of Rome find themselves more and more isolated in this rising tide of revolt.

Roman Civil War

Mutiny at Narbo: Caesarian Victory

As soon as the news of the events in Rome reached the Roman armies in Gaul, a dramatic development changed the entire strategic situation. Forced to hand over command of the army to the younger Pompeius and his legions arriving from Italy, Caesar's legates refused to follow Pompeius the Younger upon news of Caesar's escape from Rome, and called upon Caesar's old legions to defend their former commander. Pompeius soon lost control of the situation and lost a few hundred men in a full-scale mutiny, and was forced to withdraw back to Cisalpine Gaul with his three legions and several formerly Caesarian cohorts led by legate Titus Labienus, who chose to remain loyal to the Senate.

Ptolemaic Invasion of the East

Assault on Cyprus: Ptolematic Victory

As the situation in Rome changed so dramatically and as Septimus raced to Alexandria with Clodius in chains, Auletes took immediate action. Unable to forsee what was coming, Roman traders were surprised as their goods were confiscated by Alexandrian officers to the cheer of the crowds, and soon afterwards the Egyptian Fleet sailed from the city carrying General Achillas and a large Ptolematic army. Arriving into the lightly defended island of Cyprus, Achillas skillfully deployed his forces and rapidly seizd most of the island, the few surving Roman defenders setting camp at the North of the island. The news, a shock to the the entire East, were recieved in Egypt with cries of joy not seen for decades in Alexandria.

Thracian-Dacian War

Thracian Invasion of Dacia: Thracian Victory

His standing in his Kingdom bolstered by the support of Pompeius Magnus and the Roman Senate, Thracian King Cotys I watched with satisfaction the arrival of two Roman legions from Macedon to aid him on his plans. Commanding his armies and the Roman allies to march into Dacia to stop the enemy raids, his forces achieved an early success by capturing a series of key fortresses and defeating a local Dacian army in combat. Such a victory, however, has brough consecuences of his own. The mighty Dacian King Burebista, angry at this invasion, has instantly halted his campaign against the Greek cities of the Black Sea, and ordered his armies to turn back against Thrace.
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Lumine
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« Reply #26 on: January 13, 2018, 03:13:00 AM »

Late 52 BC, Military and Strategic Situation:


Gaius Julius Caesar:
-Army of Gaul: 8 Legions, 46,000 strong.
-Auxiliary Forces: 10,000 strong (4,000 cavalry).
(Can seek volunteers in romanized parts of Gaul.)

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus the Younger:
-Army of Pompey: 4 legions, 24,000 strong.
-Army of Lusitania: 3 Legions, 14,000 strong.
-Army of Hispania Ulterior: 3 Legions, 13,000 strong.
-Army of Hispania Citerior: 3 Legions, 13,000 strong.
(Can seek volunteers from Umbria, Picenum, Hispania and Cisalpine Gaul.)

Marcus Licinius Crassus:
-Army of Syria: 7 Legions, 41,000 strong.
-Reserve Army (in Brundisium): 2 Legions, 12,000 strong.
-Auxiliary Forces: 7,000 strong (4,000 cavalry).
(Cannot recruit more men without approval from the Senate.)

Orodes II of Parthia:

-Army of Surena: 24,000 strong (9,500 infantry, 14,500 cavalry).
-Army of Orodes: 25,000 strong (25,000 infantry).
(Can recruit 14,000 men this year).

Ptolemy XII of Egypt:
-Army of Egypt: 17,000 strong (16,000 infantry, 1,000 cavalry).
-Army of Cyprus: 6,000 strong (6,000 infantry).
-Gabiniani Legionaries (in Syria): 3,000 strong.
(Can recruit 2,000 men this year).

Cotys I of Thrace:
-Army of Thrace: 11,500 strong (7,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry).
-Roman Legions in Thrace: 2 Legions, 11,000 strong.
(Can recruit 2,000 men this year).

Vercingetorix:
-Army of Arverni: 40,000 strong (35,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry).
-Aquitanian Tribes: 15,000 strong (12,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry).
-Celtic Tribes (several small armies): 35,000 total (29,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry).
-Army of Ambiorix: 30,000 strong (25,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry)
(Cannot recruit more men this year).
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Lumine
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« Reply #27 on: January 13, 2018, 03:36:14 AM »

Late 52 BC: Turn Three:


General View:

Political violence explodes in full force with the violent death of Pompey and Milo, leaving the Republic in chaos as the Egyptians and Gauls find the precise moment to strike against a divided Senate. Both Cesar and the younger Pompeius hold large armies and find themselves at a key moment, with Rome seemingly doomed to fight a bloody civil war...

Player Crisis:

Gaius Julius Caesar:
-Senate Popularity: 2/10
-Public Popularity: 5/10
-Wealth: Medium

Imperator,

-The events in Rome have turned you into a pariah for many Senators, but you retain public support and, above all, the unyielding loyalty of your troops and commanders, who have revolted against the younger Pompeius for your sake. With the Gauls to your north, Pompeian forces in Italy and Hispania and a seemingly hostile Senate against you, can you turn things around? Can the known military genius of Caesar seize the Republic and build a new Rome?

Marcus Licinius Crassus:
-Senate Popularity: 6/10
-Public Popularity: 3/10
-Wealth: Very High

Imperator,

-Defeat in Apamea before the Parthian armies forces your armies back to Antioch, although your armies remain strong. Equally pressing to the Parthian threat is the shock events in Rome, and the surprise invasion of Cyprus by the Egyptian, which already has your commanders demanding you arrest Cleopatra and the Gabiniani. Given the size and importance of your armies, your influence will be decisive in fighting Rome's enemies and in the likely civil war. What will you do?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus the Younger:
-Senate Popularity: 2/10
-Public Popularity: 6/10
-Wealth: High

Imperator,

-My condolences on the news of your father's demise. As Labienus and you return to Cisalpine Gaul in defeat you are joined by your brother Sextus and your stepmother Cornelia, and the armies recently recruited by your father gather around you. The time has come to make a decision, young Pompeius. Will you take on the weakened Senate and establish yourself as master of Italy? Will you seek for the Senate to ally with you and combine forces to take out Caesar?

Marcus Tullius Cicero:
-Senate Popularity: 9/10
-Public Popularity: 5/10
-Wealth: Low

Cicero,

-The disastrous events of the past few days and the death of your friend Pompeius leave Rome divided and in chaos, and the Senate unable to meet over the fear of the violent crowds. And yet, a new opportunity arrives in this chaos. With your enormously high standing in the Senate the moderates look up to you as one of two men of the hour - alongside Cato - and for now it is unlikely any measure in the Senate would pass without your support. How will you act in the coming days? Can you help save the Republic and the Senate?

Marcus Porcius Cato:
-Senate Popularity: 9/10
-Public Popularity: 5/10
-Wealth: Very Low

Cato,

-Your hated enemy runs North, now in posession of an army that belongs to him as the Senate stands helpless and without an army. Furthemore, chaos takes over Rome as even the elections are in danger, risking your chance to become consul and straining the surviving consul Metellus Scipio. As one of the two more powerful Senators in Rome and a faction leader many look up to your leadership as a way to solve this crisis, although it will take courage and skill to do so even as violent gangs continue to ambush Senators in the streets. How will you act?

Orodes II:
-Popularity: 8/10
-Wealth: Very High

Great Shah,

-A small victory is gained by Surena as the Romans are pushed back, but at the cost of your orders being disobeyed. Fortune smiles to Parthia as the nation begins to recover and the Romans descend in civil strife, and even a new ally appears on the horizon as Egypt attacks Roman land. With many in Roman Syria in discontent, it may be now or even for a crippling blow against Rome, but do you feel strong enough to deliver it?

Ptolemy XII Auletes:
-Popularity: 6/10
-Wealth: High

Great King,

-Adoring crowds in Alexandria attest to your sudden change of fortune, your citizens admiring you after delivering a blow to the hated Romans. Publius Clodius himself is delivered to you in chains, and though Cleopatra and the Gabiniani face danger there's word of many potential allies to the East waiting for your leadership to strike against Rome if the Romans failed to act decisively. You have taken an inmense risk on your shoulders, can this be the start of the revival of Ptolemaic might?

Cotys I:
-Popularity: 6/10
-Wealth: Low

King Cotys,

-You have the backing of the Senate and the Roman legions, but Pompeius is dead and the Romans may be forced to leave if a full-scale civil war breaks out. Furthermore, the angry King Burebista is likely to march into Thrace soon, determined to avenge the defeat of his armies at your hands. With such an imminent threat facing your Kingdom, can you turn the tables on the Dacians and make a name for yourself as a conqueror?

Vercingetorix
-Popularity: 7/10
-Wealth: Low

Vercingetorix,

-The Gallic revolt is now a fact, as armies and tribes rise in Aquitania, Celtic Gaul and Belgium. Even better, the Romans stand divided as Caesar and his legions face the threat of Pompeius's son, and their allies in Gaul such as the Atrebates and the Aedui are not likely to be reinforced. On the other hand, large parts of Gaul continue to stand with Rome and your leadership over the rebel forces is for now just temporary, even with your popularity among the people. Can you lead Gaul into freedom?

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Lumine
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« Reply #28 on: January 13, 2018, 03:52:31 AM »

Civil War: The Governors


Overview: In the middle of a conflict between Caesarian, Pompeian and potentially Senatorial (or pro-Licinian) forces, the support of the current governors may be decisive to secure control over the vast Roman Empire. Here is a brief look at the current Governors and their suspected or declared loyalties:

GAUL:
Cisalpine Gaul/Illyria: Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus the Younger (Pompeian)
Narbonese Gaul: Gaius Julius Caesar (Caesarian)

HISPANIA:
Lusitania: Marcus Petreius (Pompeian)
Hispania Citerior: Lucius Afranius (Pompeian)
Hispania Ulterior: Marcus Terentius Varro (Pompeian)

AFRICA AND ISLANDS:
Sicily: Publius Cornelius Lentulus Spinther (Optimate)
Africa: Publius Attius Varus (Leans Pompeian)
Sardinia-Corsica: Marcus Nonius Sufenas (Leans Caesarian)

GREECE:
Macedon: Gaius Cosconius (Leans Caesarian)
Crete + Cyrenaica: Gnaeus Tremellius Scrofa (Moderate)

THE EAST:
Syria: Marcus Licinius Crassus (Licinian)
Asia: Gaius Claudius (Brother to Clodius, leans Optimate)
Cilicia: Appius Claudius (Brother to Clodius, leans Optimate)
Bithynia + Pontus: Publius Silius Nerva (Moderate)
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Garlan Gunter
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« Reply #29 on: January 15, 2018, 07:44:21 AM »

Catullus in Egypt



CARMEN CXVII

The spray stiffens upon my tunic; our vessel
Rides rougher even than you could, turbulent Lesbia – do I now burn
From salt, or bitter embers? Do I feel
My blood boil, or only the wine, dross of pirates, curdling in my bowels?

CARMEN CXVIII

Gracious daughter of red-faced Alexander,
Strumpet who birthed my elegant friends,
Callimachus and all the other grasshoppers,
Welcome Catullus, lone and weary,
Save him from tedium at least…

CARMEN CXIX

A sick old dotard, luckily rich
Thrusts on me his idiot youngest –
‘Oh, what’s that, my prince? Crocodiles
Generally dwell in the Nile? Most wise, o divine
Ptolemillus. We’ll make a kingling
And a godlet of you yet…’

CARMEN CXX

You write to me, Aurelius, of all the trials of Rome,
Of the bald conqueror’s shaming, of Lesbius’s pretty gangs;
I say to you now, tender Aurelius, there is nothing more harmful
Nor more offensive, than the dullness of princes.

CARMEN CXXI

In the birthplace of elegant grammar was I maimed,
Tormented beside warm waters by the idiot princelet’s
Many buffooneries. Then I felt a breeze
Alight at my cheek, ruffle at my new silken
Day-robe. At first I flinched, I who have sorely learnt
That refreshment precedes yet more burning pain.
Then I looked on athirst from my yawning casement
Escaping from turgid Ptolemillus to new delight:
Hail to thee, southern star, pale Ptolemilla…

CARMEN CXXII

Does Ptolemilla welcome me? Unaccountably, yes.
Does Ptolemilla embrace me? Lightly, somewhat.
Does Ptolemilla read my gifts aright? That I cannot tell
But that her eyes are alight as she passes
Surpassing her miserly sire’s old lighthouse
This I know…

CARMEN CXXIII

The wine of Egypt differs from Falernian; once
I thought it rough; now I find it sweet,
Headily delusive, stirring lost thoughts
Redeeming the shadow of joy once thought dead.
One evening I feared I had shattered cold Roman
Composure; for where I’d seen one beauty
There seemed to be two. Was I swimming in Bacchic disgraces?
Maybe; but the heavens themselves acknowledge
Selena as well as Apollo; so may not
Two such deities grace the earth too?

CARMEN CXXIV

When I spend an hour with fair Ptolemilla
My head grows light and my limbs languid
From dance and from singing and speculation.
But after a minute with dark Ptolemilla
I doubt my hand, soul, and my own memory…

CARMEN CXXV

You write to me, Caelius, calling me home
Because some fool sliced up the elder Ptolemillus.
You speak of my peril – look to yourself, Caelius
And to your companions – Lesbius has never
Peeled off his flesh upon mine.
As for that hog and whoremonger, brash Antonius
All that I once loved of Romulus’s sty
All that I know and all that I loathe
He is welcome to her, and fair fortune
To his lumbering parts amid Lesbia’s teeth.

CARMEN CXXVI

Some say the miser king favours dark Ptolemilla,
Others swear he means to advance his pale daughter.
I remark only this: the king is unlucky
To be born to a house that weds sisters, then get
Daughters such as these, so close and so far…

CARMEN CXXVII

The tears of armed men are sharper than swords,
And the cries of the crowd blow louder than storms.
So I find myself beside dark Ptolemilla
Bound to Syria and greasy old Crassus. Who am I,
Catullus? A Roman, an outlaw, a poet, a fool?
I remember the face of old leaden Pompey;
I wonder if he showed his fear ere he fell…

CARMEN CXXVIII

Weep, my once Lesbia, weep in vain,
For your Lesbius is to take a new bride.
They have tied him by his long golden hair
To the Nile’s daughter, with its terrible serpents
To hymn his nuptials now…

CARMEN CXXIX

They seek out Catullus the Roman now,
Forgetting Catullus the son of Verona,
Catullus the child of Cisalpine Gaul,
They elect him to speak for the miser king.
Well, conscript fathers, fit your withering ears
For a fairer song than your house usually finds.
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Garlan Gunter
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« Reply #30 on: January 19, 2018, 06:30:28 AM »
« Edited: January 19, 2018, 07:04:13 AM by Garlan Gunter »

A Roman Bride for Prince Ptolemy

The streets of Alexandria were lined and thronged and teeming. There had been no official tidings cried, but somehow the word was out to expect something special. The announcement of peace or war? A grand alliance? A royal betrothal? Or a decision on the despised Roman captive Clodius?

Or several of the above...?




First came a line of gilded royal chariots escorting the well-loved Prince Ptolemy, the boy fresh from such dramatic exploits in Rome and Etruria, a silver mask concealing his royal, quasi-divine, but now scarred features:



At the rear of the procession came a closed litter, heavily guarded, until its curtains parted and a figure was carefully escorted from it, a woman seeming tall, graceful and fair, but veiled:



And now the criers proclaimed: "Behold the bride Prince Ptolemy carries back from Rome!"

And the veil snatched aside, the features that had once impassioned a thousand crowds, haggard but still beautiful, of Publius Clodius Pulcher, yellow hair and beard lank and unshaven, were revealed amid cheers and hoots and jeers to the multitude.

"Some once called this a man, a noble Roman of the Claudian gens. But then this fair creature revealed its true nature by joining a festival to the Bona Dea, a festival meant only for women. Publius Clodius Pulcher, whoever he may have been, is a deceased outlaw and enemy of Rome. But this beauty - shall we call her Clodia - lives on to delight us all.

"Long years since a King of the Ptolemaic blood, the rightful ruler of Cyprus, was murdered and unavenged. This year his rights are restored and his ghost laid with pious sacrifice, the sacrifice of an impious murderer's manhood."

Scented smoke and flame rises from an altar, attended by the eunuch-priests of Cybele.

And upon his chariot, young Prince Ptolemy removes his mask, and smiles broadly across his scar.

[edited as realised the prince's grin might otherwise have been rather hard to spot...!]
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