Bryaxis Hecatee Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 Klingan is not wrong to suggest action to you, Augustus, yet action must be organized, directed, with but a purpose and a method. That is the main skill of a leader, that and the skill to insufle the sense of purpose to those around him of course. And I'm sure that while you are here looking for the best leaders you have also taken actions so that some of your subordinates begin to raise soldiers and equip them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augustus Caesar Posted August 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 My decision is close and I will think on it overnight. Tomorrow I will tell you all who the successful candidate is. We will then have you raise your armies and march into what could be a battle to your ultimate demise. But with the skills I know you all possess whoever is chosen will ultimately succeed. Rome will not sleep tonight but neither will I. I assure you I will make the right decision for Rome and its people. Praxus will see to your needs if you stay overnight but I will not let you know before tomorrow. The Gauls are camped at the Germania border and have not broken it so they plan to sit for a while yet. Nephele, whilst a man you are not, it does not stop me giving you a very important duty. You must travel at all speed and carry out a spying mission for me. Take whoever you need but make sure they are both very capable and trustworthy. Take no prisoners and if you find a traitor in your midst then do what is necessary to keep Rome from the rabble. Report back to me as soon as you can. I will be riding with my troops and chosen general so you need not rush back to me personally. Use a fast horseman and tell no-one of your plans. I seek solace for the night. Rest... for tomorrow is a big day!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryaxis Hecatee Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 May the Gods bring you the best solution for the safety of our Empire, Augustus. I for one shall make an offering to Minerva tonight as well as to Roma, Fortuna and your ancestors Divi Julius, Mars and Venus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldrail Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 Well Caesar, I see much puffing of chests and grandiose claims. I even notice a woman attempts to lead Romes finest. Whatever next! I've heard tales of wives nagging commanders to drill men on parades, but this! I on the other hand have genuinely led military men on campaign. I have stood at the rear of mighty armies issuing orders for the glory of Rome once or twice. Yes, it is true I lost the Battle of The Narrow Unnamed Pass, but is it not truly said, that we all learn from our mistakes? I will not regale this honoured company with exaggeratted stories of victories that exist in the imagination. Oh no, for I have suffered both the sweet taste of victory and the utter humuliation of defeat. I commend myself Caesar to the command of your army, by virtue of many years of military study and practice at the head of armies of many nations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosmo Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 O, divine keeper of the sacred chickens here my story about the greatest power in the world: THE POWER OF WINE I was a young lad working in the vineyards of Histria, in the far away places where the mighty Danube, that us greeks call Istrios, meets the Black Sea, otherwise known as Pontus Euxinus. In this troubled regions of your mighty empire the barbarians, that are called dacians or getae, raid often making many mischiefs and the greatest of this vile deeds was when they captured me and taken me to the dark lands north of Danube. Only the gift that Dionyssos, a god that was born in this thracian lands, helped me and I was put to work in the vineyards on the barbarian king. Thay make lots of wine, but not a very good one as their skill it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nephele Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 (edited) Augustus Caesar, m'lord, I ride today! And as for yooo-oo, Marcus Larconius Ralla, with your derisive snorts regarding us bellatrices. I refer you to the stirring speech of a woman of Spartacus's army (well, as taken from the Hollywood script, anyways...): "What's wrong with women? Where would you be now, you lout, if some woman hadn't fought all the pains of hell to get you into this accursed world? I can handle a knife in the dark as well as anyone. I can cast spells and brew poisons. I have made the death shrouds for seven Roman masters in my time. You lout!" So there. But, don't worry -- I'm not looking to lead this army. I'm far too subtle in my ways, to lead. -- Nephele EDIT: I thought that name of yours looked a bit odd, Caldrail. Checking back, I see that I gave you "Laronius" -- not "Larconius". M. Laronius Ralla = AKLNLADMRAAOLR -kdo +ius You're related to the Laronius who was an officer of Augustus in the Sicilian war with Sext. Pompey. Hmm... If Augustus Caesar choses you, I wonder if that would be nepotism? -- N Edited August 2, 2007 by Nephele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augustus Caesar Posted August 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 A message is forwarded to Nephele who is swiftly on her way to complete her difficult task - it is to not allow others to upset her mind when the Empire could rest on what information she may offer her Emperor. It is understandable that tradition sees the male carry out this type of role but these days the Gauls would expect that. They would expect a man to roll up with talk of selling out his Emperor and giving information to the enemy. Information that may or may not be correct. However, Nephele has a very astute mind and can be supremely cunning. So with all due respect I think the outcome of the task she has been set is one we all hope will help us in our need to save the Empire and Rome itself from being overrun by these sadistic Gauls. It may well save all your skins so please do not jump to rash moments of manly behaviour and boyish mentality. We are here to offer the task of ridding Gaul of its unwanted bands of brigands. It is a decision I promised to give and, yes, it's a few hours late... but it was tough!! Aghatocles Ulpius - I see that you are a man of substance and great opportunism. Yet when the going gets tough you tend to want to run. You may have a good eye for opportunity but I need someone who can give me authority and can also stand firm in a crisis. To have yourself drowning other folk with wine each night until they can talk no more or indeed poisoning them leaves one open to so many risks. You will be spotted sooner or later as the common denominator in all cases of deaths surrounding great leaders. This risk I cannot take. I make no mention of your military prowess however. Not surprising because you don't have one. Being a slave in a foreign land only shows you were silly enough to get caught. I'm afraid the task is not for you. I can offer a position abroad as a manager of a warehouse which supplies Rome with wine of the highest standards. You would have over two hundred employees working for you but I think it is an opportunity you should strongly think about. Hanging around in Rome would mean you will be a liability. Strong words yes... but I have an Empire to save and you can do your bit with this task. Let's say you don't have much choice. Cross me and trouble will follow you... Praxus will see you to your ship tomorrow morning. Try not to miss it... or run...... P. Laelius Macer - Well now... here's a man and an officer who can surely do me a very fine job indeed. Many great victories and tales - nay truths - of great battles where one would be close to death only to somehow steal victory from the enemy and receive rewards of promotion et al... A veteran is a sound bet to lead an army, a fit veteran is better again. A veteran of the legendary X Legion is almost a legend in his own right. However, a keen eye for detail and the sharpness to see where an opposing army may have their weekness is required. Do you have that Macer? An experienced campaigner like Marcus Larconius Ralla has an advantage here as his campaigns have been against these sort of barbarians before now. Your campaigns have been quite widespread. Do you know the enemy here? Does Ralla? This is where it was tough. Ralla has to able to trust everyone on the campaign... yet already he slams Nephele for simply being a woman. Now Roman women know their place it is argued... and that is in the home with the children. I argue that if a woman can offer more than her male counterpart then so be it. She is less likely to be spotted as a spy by the enemy. Ralla... with your experience you should know that!! You disappoint me. Macer at least is a family man and wouldn't do this to a lady of Rome. I commend him for that. However, I also know of these stories you tell Macer and they seem very familiar to me. Macro as a centurion seems to spring to mind here as does his sidekick Cato. Maybe I am thinking of someone else!! Hmmmm..... Marcus Larconius Ralla - An excellent campaigner who is 100% trustworthy in all I have asked of him so far. However, I do ask why you should want this task over the one you currently lead in Spain... well in name at least. You seemed very comfortable over there. I do hope a scandal is not waiting to bite your ankles when you settle into your home again if not chosen for this honour. Upsetting women is not a difficult task for you either it seems. This is the third time you have had a go at someone who is deemed unworthy of position in our society. Yes, I heard about the others!!! On the one hand I cannot have this happen again by either of you two. My decision is made..... P. Laelius Macer - you should gather a force of two legions and take them to the nortthern border of Gaul and Germania where one of the legions of your choice will march into Gaul to the north of the barbarians. Meanwhile, your second legion is to send out a scout group to offer gold and trade routes to the barbarians... leaving a tantalising way open for them to deal with us. However, they will not accept. While the group will likely be killed off your second legion will naturally anticipate this and march straight at the Gauls from the East. Timing is of an absolute essence here so be careful. Marcus Larconius Ralla - there are men enough in this realm of ours for you to muster three legions and thus form the main part of our force and go straight to the southern regions of the barbarian troops at the same time Hecatee attacks from the east and north. This will be critical so timing is very important. I have word that the Gauls are grouped in two camps only a few miles apart. Just how far is unknown. This is where Nephele comes in. We also need from her the knowledge of which of their leaders is in the southern camp and who is in the northern camp. This may persuade me to split the three legions into two and send one to Macer in the north. This information is vital. Nephele will get close neough to maybe even steal away their campaign plans if they have any... after all they are barbarians!! I must warn the pair of you to keep an eye open for wine merchants who may disguise themselves and offer services to the enemy. Keep your soldiers dry for the campaign and they will have plenty to drink when it is over. I anticipate the battle to last a week or so overall so don't tire your armies and don't rush anything. Any longer and our forces will be really stretched beyond our capabilities and those opposed to our superior rule will feel they have an opportunity to strike at the heart of Rome itself. None of us here want that so be wise and prudent. But don't hesitate to take advantage of a situation if it is glaring you in the face. The Gauls may spring their surprises so our forward knowledge from Nephele is of vital importance. You should attack or be seen in the first two days after reaching camp. Therefore to get to your camps you must march on a wide berth thus remaining unseen. The Gauls do not have scouts in Germania so do not worry too much about that. Take no prisoners... rations are short but most locals will supply you with goods as they trade well with us and live comfortably. Go now and prepare.. you leave tomorrow night!! "Praxus!!!!! Ah there you are... Ulpius the wine merchant has a ship to catch tomorrow... make sure he is on it. Take three others from the household to make sure he is not helped or misses the ship. His own friends are not in Rome so he won't cause any trouble!". "Licinius... make sure you are chosen to join up with one of the legions and Appolinus with the other. You know why you will be going. Keep me informed!!". It is the early hours and I am tired. Off to rest now... tomorrow is a big day.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldrail Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Caesar I salute you. My three legions will be The I, II, and III Legio Augustus Magnus in your honour. *pssst* Manlius, how much money have we got in the till? Oh dear.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryaxis Hecatee Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 You honor me, Augustus, and I shall do my utmost best to satisfy you. My forces will muster at Mediolanum and will consist of Legio IV Minerva and V Pia Fidelis. I shall ask my friends of the Xth to reengage for a single campaign in order to stiffen the ranks with veterans, I should be able to have at least 10 centurions and some 200 soldiers of lesser ranks which I know personally to mingle with the 12000 men you gave me. I shall act with the utmost speed yet will need at least two weeks before I can move from Mediolanum toward Gallia Transalpina where i'll go to Nemausus. There my men will rest two days, if intensive training can be called rest. Then we'll move toward Lutecia, the city Labienus took after such a memorable battle. It shall be my rear logistical base for the campaign for it is well deserved by rivers and roads and has good defenses should I need to fall back on a strong point. After three days there I shall move personally to the north with the IVth while an embassy will be sent. In order to make it look more real I shall have some Parisii nobles lead it, Gauls knowing the value of the peace of the Empire to Gauls who do not yet, along with an escort. During this time the Fifth will move toward Durocortorum, the capital town of the Remi who helped your Divine Father years ago. The legion will see to it's defense, improving the fortifications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nephele Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 Not to worry, m'lord Augustus Caesar, not a whole lot upsets Nephele. Well, except for people who obliviously and loudly yak on cell phones all the time and everywhere. People with cell phones that intrude on one's peace with inescapable musical ring tones that blast mindlessly perky tunes. So that I just want to GRAB a cell phone and SMACK the cell phone user in the head with his own cell phone again and again and again (in time to the music!) until his eyes roll around in their sockets in a comical manner... Uh... oops. Nevermind. It's just a reoccurring nightmare I have about life in the future. Back to my report. I rode all last night, stopping only to change horses. I stole a fresh horse from a lone Gaulish sentry on the battlefield perimeter that I discovered to be asleep at his post. His punishment today from his equally careless commander I'm sure will not be anywhere near as harsh as what he might have received had he been in the Roman army! I checked out the Gauls' northern camp. No one paid any attention to me -- except for one or two soldiers who thought I was a camp follower. But I managed to dissuade their amorous advances by telling them that their leader had sent for me. This was how I managed to find out which leaders were in which camps. ("Oh, that would be Cingetorix you're looking for." "Are you sure? I thought Cingetorix was in the southern camp?" "No, Lugorix commands the southern camp. You definitely want Cingetorix here in the northern camp." "Well, thanks!") I humbly submit this information to you, Augustus Caesar. Now, with your leave, I shall bathe and find something for breakfast. -- Nephele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosmo Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 From Aghatocles Ulpius to the magnificent general Marcus Larconius Ralla, imperator. Dear sir, I hope the 3 slave girls that brought you this letter and the wine barrels are to your liking and they will be usefull at keeping you warm in the cold north. If not, send them back, and I will give you some boys worthy of Alexander. I'm happy to announce you that our fearless leader had appointed me to a great office that will help a lot my wine trade. He had even given me a guard of honour and begged me to take quickly the important task he entrusted me. But my thoughts are at you, the great rising star of our hopes. The war plan that was made it's audacious and the enemy will be crashed between the steel jaws of our legions. But what if something goes wrong? What if a bridge breaks or a scout looses his way in the dark forests? Your army, the strongest arm of our trap, will not be on the field when the others fight the barbarians. The roman legions of the other commanders will be doomed and the plebs will blame the maker of the plans as all taverns, markets and bath houses will soon know this mistake. And once you gather the reminants of the defeated roman armies you will be the only one left with an army. A great opportunity if you want to make your name rise above ALL the others like a sun that makes the stars fade away. Rome needs your brave arm as her arm and your head as... I will order a bronze equestrian statue of you to have and to keep in my gardens. Maybe soon, after your victory over the despicable foe, this statue will be crowned with flowers in the Forum of Rome. The wine warehouse that was given as a gift to me by our temporary ruler, it's a huge one, full with great old wine. The pretorians will love it. And they will love the money that the traders of Ostia can gather for them. A loan, of course, with a good interest, given to a brave person in need. And from my adventures I still have some barbarian bronze trinckets that can by covered, by my skilled craftsman, with a thin layer of gold to make them worthy of a glorious triumph over the barbarians. You can have the honors, I want the tax money. To Marcus Larconius Ralla Gallicus from his humble servant Aghatocles Ulpius. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augustus Caesar Posted August 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 Ah... it seems that all is going well with your choices of troops my faithful generals. However, I must insist that the wiating time of two or more weeks is a little long and the Gauls will grow tired of waiting. There is news that they will not now break camp as they hear of two legions approaching. One from the north and one from the south! It seems Nephele has done her work well... P. Laelius Macer - you must insist that your centurions gather their men and work them hard enough to make the move in nine days and no more. The rest of the legions will have to keep a regular pace too for all this to work well. I am sure you will manage this. There are enough soldiers inour ranks to allow for minor sacrifices through fitness so do not worry. The rewards for the victors are incentive enough for them to fight. So nine days and no more! Money for the troops is no problem... they won't have time to spend it. Keep them busy and as I say they will be rewarded upon return. I hear that Ulpius is making waves about my tenure as Emperor... The warehouse was no gift... he manages it only... he remains my guest there! I shall remind him of his place and he shall be watched around the clock whilst this campaign runs. If I am in a generous mood he may be allowed to live afterwards! I do not take kindly to those who dare to oppose me when I have been more than generous. Veiled threats do not pass me by!! Time is not on our side gentlemen so make haste and report back on your plans when camped. I will give the order then to attack as planned. You will have license to finish the job as you see fit. I will tolerat no desertions from the ranks... kill those who do... although as you hand picked them yourselves you should know better than to pick duds. I have a meeting in the Senate and Agrippa is to make a speach about his time in the East... Julia, my daughter, is getting to be a very promiscuous young lady I hear... I will decide to do something with her later on!! We have an author in our ranks here in the Palace in Claudius so maybe he will write about these wonderful campaigns against the barbarian Gauls... It is down to your leadership skills now gentlemen so "For the Glory of Rome and the Empire!".... march on.... I must get a message to Nephele... it is being reorted that her cover may have been blown but the Gaul who reports this is a friend of Rome. He says no harm will come to her but she can expect to be trussed up in a dark tent for weeks without much sun, food or water. She is a fighting girl and will not go down without a fight! I believe she is perfectly safe for now if she stays quiet and does not move in the wrong direction... I pray to the Gods for her safety... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldrail Posted August 4, 2007 Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 *COMMERCIAL BREAK* Hi, my names Marcus Laronia Ralla, and I'm a busy fashion designer. In this fast moving commerical world I can't afford to sit on my laurels. For this reason I have now introduced a new range of tunics, toga's, and sublagaria, in sensational colours and designed for the young executive senator and his family. We're offering all new items on special offer this festival - its bargain galore! So come on down to Rall's Tailors, at a market stall near you. We're open all festival. Be seen in clothes that show good taste. Be seen in clothes worthy of an emperor! All clothes subject to condition - caveat emptor - correct change only... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nephele Posted August 4, 2007 Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 *COMMERCIAL BREAK* Hi, my names Marcus Laronia Ralla, and I'm a busy fashion designer. In this fast moving commerical world I can't afford to sit on my laurels. For this reason I have now introduced a new range of tunics, toga's, and sublagaria, in sensational colours and designed for the young executive senator and his family. We're offering all new items on special offer this festival - its bargain galore! So come on down to Rall's Tailors, at a market stall near you. We're open all festival. Be seen in clothes that show good taste. Be seen in clothes worthy of an emperor! All clothes subject to condition - caveat emptor - correct change only... Hahahaha! You remembered what your cognomen means! And, I wanna go shopping! Psst...! That's Marcus Laronius Ralla. -- Nephele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docoflove1974 Posted August 4, 2007 Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 Hmmmmmmmm... I wonder if Ralla's has those new silk togas...my hunny would love one of those! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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