Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 640 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heracles Augustus...
Year: 640 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heracles Augustus...
Empire: The Glory of Rome (Roman Empire Quest)
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The Arab Invasion 01
- Location
- Minas Tirith
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 640 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heracles Augustus [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Constantine III (26 Years) [ADM:2/DIP:9/MAR:7); Heraklonas (14 Years) [ADM:6/DIP:2/MAR:10]
Population: 15,000,000
After the Persian wars ended everyone sighed in relief, the status quo was restored and the nations could recover and rebuild after more than a decade of occupation and disruption. You didn't expect this. The Persians didn't expect this. The Arabs didn't expect this.
With a snort you sat down, agitation leaving your body as you look at the tactical map, fucking Arabs just who did these unwashed savages think they were? Attacking the Empire whilst they were exhausted, her armies were finally returning when the news came and now Jerusalem alongside majority of Syria was in the hands of Barbarians.
The situation was dire, the empire you gave up everything for was on the brink of disaster, but all was not lost yet. The Imperial Eagle still had life left in it, your armies were reduced but they were there.
After all, the Empire didn't collapse at Teutoburg nor at Adrianople or at Edessa. Disasters have hit your empire again and again for Centuries, Rome wasn't a leaf to be blown away by the latest in the line of a long series of enemies that dared to assail the empire.
Your army is still intact, though their ability to launch an offensive is under question. So is the willingness of a Roman commander to do the same after Yarmouk.
Army Disposition: aprox. 100,000 Infantry; 20,000 Cavalry.
The army is divided into Meros, with each Meros being 5000 Infantry and 1000 Cavalry.
Asia Minor: 12 Meros (60k Infantry, 12k Cavalry)
Balkans: 6 Meros (30k Inf, 6k Cavalry)
Africa proconsularis: 2 Meros (10k Infantry, 2k Cavalry)
Unfortunately large though the Roman army may be the frontiers have been infuriatingly unforgiving to it, the loss of Syria and the dismal morale has forced the vast majority of the professional army into Anatolia whilst the 2 Meros held in Africa are in Carthago.
The armies have left for Aegyptus but it is under question if they will arrive in time to rescue Aegyptus and its garrisons, as it stands there are a few strong garrisons in Aegyptus that might slow down the Arabs:
Imperial Aegyptus
City Garrison
Arish 1,000
Pelusium 1,000
Bilbies 1,000
Heliopolis 3,000
Babylon 2,000
Alexandria 4,000
Memphis 1,000
The invading force of Arabs is lead by 'Amir Ibn al-'asn who has brought with him, 4,000 men. He is advancing on Arish in great cheer, confident that the conquest of Egypt will be as swift as the fall of Palestine and Syria.
The nearest professional army is held up in Carthago and though they make for Aegyptus with great speed they might not arrive in time to truly save Aegyptus as they are harried by Berbers. The nearest army by sea is held up in Tarsus, unfortunately, they are held up entirely by Khalid's offensive in Northern Syria and the threat to Jazira.
Though Cyrus is the Prefect of Aegyptus he has no martial skill and the military command falls to Strategos Aretion, a decent commander. He can carry out three strategies:
[ ] Gather your men and surrender, then in the dark of the night abandon all honour and slaughter the Arabs. For they are few and you many, it would be a stain on the Honour of Roma, but then again. Dead men tell no tales.
[ ] Hold the forts, make the barbarians pay in blood for each fort they take. Hope that the Carthaginian armies arrive in good time. Be warned though, the Prefect Cyrus has no stomach for blood and may surrender soon.
[ ] Abandon Arish and Pelousion, empty Bilbies, Babylon and Heliopolis to gather at Memphis. Force the Arabs to battle you before their reinforcements arrive.
-- [ ] Empty half of Alexandria's garrison, but once more beware, Cyrus, is only loyal till victory looks plausible.
Of course, life would be pathetically easy if the only crisis was in Aegyptus. Fate it seems wishes to test the Empire more, Edessa is under threat from Khalid and his cohort of 17,000 men. Here Strategos Theodore was in effective command of the 12 Meros that guarded the Anatolian border and Armenian frontier
Though supply is scarce Theodore can afford to give battle to Khalid with the aid of 4 Meros. Theodore knows the terrain well and this might be the only chance to repel the Arabs from Osroene, a province that continued to provide valuable revenue.
[ ] Defend Edessa with 4 Meros (effectively 20k Infantry and 4k Cavalry), you have the defensive advantage and Khalid is reliably going to attack due to the high morale of the string of victories.
[ ] Abandon Orsoene, Euphratensis and Mesopotamia to retreat to the Anatolian mountains, here it is nearly assured that the line will be held regardless of Khalid's efforts to do otherwise.
Thankfully not all news is bad for the Empire, Jabalah, the client king of the Ghassanids has rebelled against his new masters to declare for Heraclius, he is moving North to join the Anatolian Meros with 15,000 soldiers, but he can be diverted:
[ ] Command him to march on Egypt, reclaiming Sina on the way there. He will attack them in the back, hopefully preventing the loss of Aegyptus.
[ ] He shall march to the besieged cities of Caesarea and Tyre, after regrouping with local forces he is to attack Arab forces in Damascus and Jerusalem. Pushing out the unprepared local defenders and cutting off reinforcements for Khalid.
[ ] Ask him to continue marching North and attack the lightly guarded Antioch, the locals do not love their infidel overlords and the queen of the Levant would do well back in Roman hands.
[ ] He is to make haste for the Cilician gates and reinforce the men guarding the Anatolian frontline.
In the West and the North things are more peaceful, the Persians too are fighting against the Arabs and though Ctesiphon has fallen effective resistance may yet be possible. The Slavs and the Lombards have maintained peace due to the reputation surrounding Heraclius, word of the Eastern disaster is yet to spread East, after which the Lombards and the Slavs might take actions against Roman positions in the Balkans and Italia.
Treasury: 10,000 Solidius
Income: 10,000 Solidius
+150,000 Taxes
+50,000 Production
+10,000 Trade
-140,000 Army
-20,000 Navy
-40,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, the Imperator can focus on any one and reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 10,000 Solidius for three turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens, Asiana and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (Cost 2000 Solidius) The secret Greek Fire is being prepared in Constantinople in the worst case scenario, but the deployment of cheirosiphōn, hand-held fire throwers, is impeded by the current instability of the formula. Rumours of a young alchemist in occupied Heliopolis persist and have reached the Imperator through his spies, you can try and find him through discrete methods.
[ ] (Cost 8000; Upkeep 8000) Aegyptus is a valuable province, its grain is the reason Constantinople remains the most populated city in the world outside China, losing it is not a viable option. The Empire can raise further 8,000 Infantry in Aegyptus, but they will be green and barely trained, not up to the usual quality of Roman troops.
[ ] (Cost 7000) The Imperator is not amused by the loss of Levant to a bunch of unwashed savages from the desert, gather supplies for a push… into Ctesiphon! None shall expect this manoeuvre and the troops accompanied by local Armenian garrisons and auxiliaries can circle around with allied Persians to reclaim the Levant. The feelers are responding positively, the Persians are desperate enough to ally with you, and you are desperate enough to ally with them.
[ ] (Cost 8000; Upkeep 8000 ) Hire 4,000 Nubian Cavalry to supplement the forces of Aegyptus against the Barbarians, should you win there they will aid you till the termination of their contract.
[ ] (Cost 15000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire.
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into the four queens, or at least the three you control. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus and Alexandria
Imperator's private actions:
[ ] Heraklonus is a decent heir, a military prodigy, the boy is not yet as capable as his co-emperor at diplomacy. You should train him to be better at the art of ruling.
[ ] You are spry for a 65-Year-Old man but after Yarmouk depression has gripped you, perhaps it is not unwise to let your heirs govern for a while and gather yourself back.
[ ] Send a letter of encouragement to Strategos Aretion of Aegyptus, your legend is not as strong as it was after the Great War but it is still fairly strong.
-- [ ] (Cost 2000) Additionally you can offer a bonus to each man for fighting to defend the food of the Empire and her heart (Constantinople)
Discord at ------> Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers
Year: 640 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heracles Augustus [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Constantine III (26 Years) [ADM:2/DIP:9/MAR:7); Heraklonas (14 Years) [ADM:6/DIP:2/MAR:10]
Population: 15,000,000
Imperial Provinces [For province and name references]
Imperial Borders in 640 A.D
~o~
Imperial Borders in 640 A.D
~o~
After the Persian wars ended everyone sighed in relief, the status quo was restored and the nations could recover and rebuild after more than a decade of occupation and disruption. You didn't expect this. The Persians didn't expect this. The Arabs didn't expect this.
With a snort you sat down, agitation leaving your body as you look at the tactical map, fucking Arabs just who did these unwashed savages think they were? Attacking the Empire whilst they were exhausted, her armies were finally returning when the news came and now Jerusalem alongside majority of Syria was in the hands of Barbarians.
The situation was dire, the empire you gave up everything for was on the brink of disaster, but all was not lost yet. The Imperial Eagle still had life left in it, your armies were reduced but they were there.
After all, the Empire didn't collapse at Teutoburg nor at Adrianople or at Edessa. Disasters have hit your empire again and again for Centuries, Rome wasn't a leaf to be blown away by the latest in the line of a long series of enemies that dared to assail the empire.
Your army is still intact, though their ability to launch an offensive is under question. So is the willingness of a Roman commander to do the same after Yarmouk.
Army Disposition: aprox. 100,000 Infantry; 20,000 Cavalry.
The army is divided into Meros, with each Meros being 5000 Infantry and 1000 Cavalry.
Asia Minor: 12 Meros (60k Infantry, 12k Cavalry)
Balkans: 6 Meros (30k Inf, 6k Cavalry)
Africa proconsularis: 2 Meros (10k Infantry, 2k Cavalry)
~o~
Unfortunately large though the Roman army may be the frontiers have been infuriatingly unforgiving to it, the loss of Syria and the dismal morale has forced the vast majority of the professional army into Anatolia whilst the 2 Meros held in Africa are in Carthago.
The armies have left for Aegyptus but it is under question if they will arrive in time to rescue Aegyptus and its garrisons, as it stands there are a few strong garrisons in Aegyptus that might slow down the Arabs:
Imperial Aegyptus
City Garrison
Arish 1,000
Pelusium 1,000
Bilbies 1,000
Heliopolis 3,000
Babylon 2,000
Alexandria 4,000
Memphis 1,000
The invading force of Arabs is lead by 'Amir Ibn al-'asn who has brought with him, 4,000 men. He is advancing on Arish in great cheer, confident that the conquest of Egypt will be as swift as the fall of Palestine and Syria.
The nearest professional army is held up in Carthago and though they make for Aegyptus with great speed they might not arrive in time to truly save Aegyptus as they are harried by Berbers. The nearest army by sea is held up in Tarsus, unfortunately, they are held up entirely by Khalid's offensive in Northern Syria and the threat to Jazira.
Though Cyrus is the Prefect of Aegyptus he has no martial skill and the military command falls to Strategos Aretion, a decent commander. He can carry out three strategies:
[ ] Gather your men and surrender, then in the dark of the night abandon all honour and slaughter the Arabs. For they are few and you many, it would be a stain on the Honour of Roma, but then again. Dead men tell no tales.
[ ] Hold the forts, make the barbarians pay in blood for each fort they take. Hope that the Carthaginian armies arrive in good time. Be warned though, the Prefect Cyrus has no stomach for blood and may surrender soon.
[ ] Abandon Arish and Pelousion, empty Bilbies, Babylon and Heliopolis to gather at Memphis. Force the Arabs to battle you before their reinforcements arrive.
-- [ ] Empty half of Alexandria's garrison, but once more beware, Cyrus, is only loyal till victory looks plausible.
Of course, life would be pathetically easy if the only crisis was in Aegyptus. Fate it seems wishes to test the Empire more, Edessa is under threat from Khalid and his cohort of 17,000 men. Here Strategos Theodore was in effective command of the 12 Meros that guarded the Anatolian border and Armenian frontier
Though supply is scarce Theodore can afford to give battle to Khalid with the aid of 4 Meros. Theodore knows the terrain well and this might be the only chance to repel the Arabs from Osroene, a province that continued to provide valuable revenue.
[ ] Defend Edessa with 4 Meros (effectively 20k Infantry and 4k Cavalry), you have the defensive advantage and Khalid is reliably going to attack due to the high morale of the string of victories.
[ ] Abandon Orsoene, Euphratensis and Mesopotamia to retreat to the Anatolian mountains, here it is nearly assured that the line will be held regardless of Khalid's efforts to do otherwise.
Thankfully not all news is bad for the Empire, Jabalah, the client king of the Ghassanids has rebelled against his new masters to declare for Heraclius, he is moving North to join the Anatolian Meros with 15,000 soldiers, but he can be diverted:
[ ] Command him to march on Egypt, reclaiming Sina on the way there. He will attack them in the back, hopefully preventing the loss of Aegyptus.
[ ] He shall march to the besieged cities of Caesarea and Tyre, after regrouping with local forces he is to attack Arab forces in Damascus and Jerusalem. Pushing out the unprepared local defenders and cutting off reinforcements for Khalid.
[ ] Ask him to continue marching North and attack the lightly guarded Antioch, the locals do not love their infidel overlords and the queen of the Levant would do well back in Roman hands.
[ ] He is to make haste for the Cilician gates and reinforce the men guarding the Anatolian frontline.
In the West and the North things are more peaceful, the Persians too are fighting against the Arabs and though Ctesiphon has fallen effective resistance may yet be possible. The Slavs and the Lombards have maintained peace due to the reputation surrounding Heraclius, word of the Eastern disaster is yet to spread East, after which the Lombards and the Slavs might take actions against Roman positions in the Balkans and Italia.
Treasury: 10,000 Solidius
Income: 10,000 Solidius
+150,000 Taxes
+50,000 Production
+10,000 Trade
-140,000 Army
-20,000 Navy
-40,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, the Imperator can focus on any one and reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 10,000 Solidius for three turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens, Asiana and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (Cost 2000 Solidius) The secret Greek Fire is being prepared in Constantinople in the worst case scenario, but the deployment of cheirosiphōn, hand-held fire throwers, is impeded by the current instability of the formula. Rumours of a young alchemist in occupied Heliopolis persist and have reached the Imperator through his spies, you can try and find him through discrete methods.
[ ] (Cost 8000; Upkeep 8000) Aegyptus is a valuable province, its grain is the reason Constantinople remains the most populated city in the world outside China, losing it is not a viable option. The Empire can raise further 8,000 Infantry in Aegyptus, but they will be green and barely trained, not up to the usual quality of Roman troops.
[ ] (Cost 7000) The Imperator is not amused by the loss of Levant to a bunch of unwashed savages from the desert, gather supplies for a push… into Ctesiphon! None shall expect this manoeuvre and the troops accompanied by local Armenian garrisons and auxiliaries can circle around with allied Persians to reclaim the Levant. The feelers are responding positively, the Persians are desperate enough to ally with you, and you are desperate enough to ally with them.
[ ] (Cost 8000; Upkeep 8000 ) Hire 4,000 Nubian Cavalry to supplement the forces of Aegyptus against the Barbarians, should you win there they will aid you till the termination of their contract.
[ ] (Cost 15000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire.
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into the four queens, or at least the three you control. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus and Alexandria
Imperator's private actions:
[ ] Heraklonus is a decent heir, a military prodigy, the boy is not yet as capable as his co-emperor at diplomacy. You should train him to be better at the art of ruling.
[ ] You are spry for a 65-Year-Old man but after Yarmouk depression has gripped you, perhaps it is not unwise to let your heirs govern for a while and gather yourself back.
[ ] Send a letter of encouragement to Strategos Aretion of Aegyptus, your legend is not as strong as it was after the Great War but it is still fairly strong.
-- [ ] (Cost 2000) Additionally you can offer a bonus to each man for fighting to defend the food of the Empire and her heart (Constantinople)
~o~
Please plan votes only, happy to receive any corrections and feedback! Discord at ------> Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers
Last edited:
The Arab Invasion 02
- Location
- Minas Tirith
So Plan Hold the Line (Aegyptus Edition) seems to have won fairly convincingly, on we go! Also, screw the die. I'm sure someone somewhere died due to the karmic imbalance.
Before dawn the garrison of Arish has already marched at breakneck paces, abandoning the fort and joined the forces of Pelusium in swift evacuation but it wasn't truly meant to be, the Bedouins seeking to join the Arabs encountered the retreating infantrymen causing a skirmish to breakout.
It shouldn't have gone the way it did, 2,000 brave Romans stood prepared. Strategos Theodorus had positioned himself on a hill, he could see the Bedouins coming forward and rushing onto the hill.
It seemed their commander had not paid the same attention to detail in their eagerness to catch the Roman column off guard.
The Bedouins did not survive for long, the first wave of Javelins wiped out a large amount and by the time they tried to rout they found a full rush from the Limitanie they had seeked to destroy, no Bedouin survived the charge.
Just fifty-six Romans had been killed in comparison to the thousands of Bedouins that were slaughtered in the first Battle of Pelusium, the invading Arabs or their remaining Bedouin allies would never know that 2,000 Bedouin soldiers were dead as they would cheerfully occupy both Pelusium and Arish.
The remaining retreat was less eventful with the General leading his men to Babylon successfully where he joined with Prefect Aretion who had not only mustered 9,000 men but successfully negotiated the hiring of 4,000 Nubian cavalry.
By the end of the month the small army of 15,000 men had left towards Pelusium, it would be halfway to Pelusium that the Arab army of nearly 6,000 men faced a number nearly triple their total might.
The battle was fairly slow when compared to the earlier battles of great manoeuvring fought by the Arabs, later on, credit for the sub-par performance of the Arab cavalrymen would be blamed on the stellar performance by Nubian auxilia.
The Roman line of battle was staunchly dug into the familiar terrain and compared to the Arab infantry they held far more sturdily.
The Battle began with the Arab Cavalry attempting to gain a flanking advantage against the Roman lines only to be rudely surprised by Nubian cavalry sallying to repel the Arabs and much to their surprise they were firmly repelled and it was the Romans who ended up flanking the smaller enemy.
Within a matter of hours, the Romans had captured both the General and a fourth of his men that survived the encirclement.
Prefect Aretion clawed his throat raw yelling for his men to stop at that point after the Arabian surrender but his men were in no mood to listen. Nearly 20 Years of Sassanid occupation and bloody fighting followed by the Arabs so casually, so jovially marching into Aegyptus caused the men to see red.
They hacked and hacked and hacked till nought remained, all the Arabs were slaughtered, try as he might the Prefect knew the truth and judging by the horrified looks of the Nubian cavalry they knew too.
The Prefect had lost control of his men, Amr-ibn-al-asn was no more and with him, the invading force of Arabs had simply vanished. By the dawn of the next day the Ghassanids were finally arriving at Pelusium, they had left a garrison of 4,000 men at Arish whilst the Ghassanid King Jabalah swore fealty to the Emperor in front of his men and Aretion.
22,000 Infantry (11,000 Romans) and 4,000 Cavalry were now garrisoned in Pelusium, well supplied by the grain from Aegyptus they were poised for either an offensive or securing the gateways to Aegyptus.
What would the Prefect do now?
[ ] Garrison in Pelusium with all his men, preparing for the reinforcements that were to help the now dead Amr ibn al-asn.
[ ] Split his troops in half, garrisoning both entrances to the Prefecture of Aegyptus, both Suez and Pelusium.
[ ] Advance forward to Giza, the well-fortified town wouldn't have too many Arabs guarding it. Especially with the Ghassanids also marching there.
[ ] Advance forward with half his men to take back Giza, let General Theodorus take the remaining half to Petra and Aila (Elat) re-establishing the defensive line breached by the Arabs in Palaestina.
[ ] Send the garrisons back and take command of the allied armies of the Ghassanids and Nubians.
At the same time, a Roman force in the South regrouped and assembled itself Khalid ibn-al Walid marched onwards towards the goal given to him by the prophet. The city of Edessa and the province of Jazira.
Opposing him in the relatively flat terrain was Strategos Theodore who had managed to gather 4 of the 12 Meros stuck in Anatolia for a last stand at the gates of Edessa.
The Battle of Edessa was the last attempt by the Imperial Army to defend positions south of the Anatolian mountains against the Arabs if they lost that'd be it for Northern Syria.
The Battle was started by Theodore in traditional Roman formation, his Infantry forming a wide yet deep line with their right flank being slightly weaker to strengthen the left flank, where much of their cavalry was positioned.
In contrast, Arab lines were more tightly packed with their cavalry ready to pounce on the Roman lines.
Just 4 Years ago Khalid had defeated a Roman army far bigger than Theodore's host decisively in the Battle of Yarmouk. This was different, the Romans had learnt their lesson well. They didn't wait for the Arabs to launch their attack, rather their formation thrust itself forward all of a sudden to force the Arabs into melee.
From here on Khalid used his mobile reserve to attack the Roman left thrice, thrice he was repulsed by Roman cavalry, the fourth time he led his reserve to attack the Roman right. He succeeded, it was a trap.
Khalid's attack on the Roman right lured him in whilst the Roman Cavalry pushed forward through the Arab left using both, superior numbers and flanking cavalry to push them till the Left broke before the Roman right could falter truly.
With the shattering of the Arab left the Roman right was free to encircle the centre and before too long the entire Arab army found itself in the throes of an encirclement.
The Arabs tried, again and again, to break free from their encirclement but each time they were repulsed a third of their number was dead or routed and the remaining 11,000 was extremely depleted.
By the end of the day, Khalid had to surrender and thankfully for him, the Veterans of the Stratiotai were the veterans of Yarmouk, discipline was in their veins. They had seen hell where their brothers in arms were cut down like wheat yet they stood against the same man and the same army with lesser numbers.
This was a professional army, a voluntary service. One of the few in the entire world, the Strategos ordered a stop to the killing, and they listened at once.
Still, the day couldn't have ended better, the Arab string of victories was broken. Both Euphratensis and Osroene were firmly within Imperial hands, the Imperial Meros were once more heartened by these victories and above all - The capture of Khalid the butcher.
The Anatolian armies were now more free to manoeuvre,
[ ] Take 4 Meros and advance on Chalcis, the fortress would be vital to cut off Arab access to Antioch itself.
[ ] Take your men and advance on Antiochea itself, though beware the Queen of Oriens is occupied by a sizable Arab army.
[ ] Reorganise the defensive line properly, advance on Azaz and Alexandria (on the Issus) to cut off the Infidel's access to the Queen of Oriens.
[ ] Reorganise the defensive line and hold back preparing for a further incursion into Euphratensis and Osroene.
In the south the rumours of a prodigious alchemist in occupied Heliopolis (Syria) are true but it seems Roman agents were caught before they could extract him.
Thankfully the Arabs are not aware of what - or whom - they were searching for, the Alchemist remains safe. For now.
In Constantinople, the Imperator continued teaching his young heir the ways of statesmanship to great success.
[Heraklonas gains 1 ADM, 1 DIP]
Though it seems the young prodigy was too good at martial thinking and ability to be truly taught by the Imperator, which was high praise coming from one so accomplisehd himself.
Treasury: 14,000 Solidius
Income: 13,000 Solidius
+160,000 Taxes
+050,000 Production
+012,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-41,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 12,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens, Asiana and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (20,000) Repair the Infrastructure of Asiana and Pontus completely. [Increase Revenue and Administration cost] [Increase available manpower and population growth.]
[ ] (25,000) Gather supplies for an offensive into Oriens, the navy will be prepared and the Imperial Meros in Anatolia will launch a massive amphibious as well as overland liberation of Roman lands.
[ ] (Cost 15000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire.
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into the four queens, or at least the three you control. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus and Alexandria.
[ ] (Cost 28,000) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.]
Imperator's personal actions:
[ ] You are spry for a 65-Year-Old man but after Yarmouk depression has gripped you, perhaps it is not unwise to let your heirs govern for a while and gather yourself back, though recent victories have bolstered your mood.
[ ] (-1,000) One of your heirs, Constantine, passed away recently at the young age of 27. Arrange a public and grand funeral for him. (Increases trade and tax income from Constantinople for One Turn)
[ ] Recently there have been rumours of Serbian Activity on the frontier, perhaps you should go and show them why they should fear the Empire? (Take 4 Meros and put an end to their abomination of a state.)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 641 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Heraklonas (14 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:3/MAR:10]
Population: 15,150,000
Before dawn the garrison of Arish has already marched at breakneck paces, abandoning the fort and joined the forces of Pelusium in swift evacuation but it wasn't truly meant to be, the Bedouins seeking to join the Arabs encountered the retreating infantrymen causing a skirmish to breakout.
It shouldn't have gone the way it did, 2,000 brave Romans stood prepared. Strategos Theodorus had positioned himself on a hill, he could see the Bedouins coming forward and rushing onto the hill.
It seemed their commander had not paid the same attention to detail in their eagerness to catch the Roman column off guard.
The Bedouins did not survive for long, the first wave of Javelins wiped out a large amount and by the time they tried to rout they found a full rush from the Limitanie they had seeked to destroy, no Bedouin survived the charge.
Just fifty-six Romans had been killed in comparison to the thousands of Bedouins that were slaughtered in the first Battle of Pelusium, the invading Arabs or their remaining Bedouin allies would never know that 2,000 Bedouin soldiers were dead as they would cheerfully occupy both Pelusium and Arish.
The remaining retreat was less eventful with the General leading his men to Babylon successfully where he joined with Prefect Aretion who had not only mustered 9,000 men but successfully negotiated the hiring of 4,000 Nubian cavalry.
By the end of the month the small army of 15,000 men had left towards Pelusium, it would be halfway to Pelusium that the Arab army of nearly 6,000 men faced a number nearly triple their total might.
The battle was fairly slow when compared to the earlier battles of great manoeuvring fought by the Arabs, later on, credit for the sub-par performance of the Arab cavalrymen would be blamed on the stellar performance by Nubian auxilia.
The Roman line of battle was staunchly dug into the familiar terrain and compared to the Arab infantry they held far more sturdily.
The Battle began with the Arab Cavalry attempting to gain a flanking advantage against the Roman lines only to be rudely surprised by Nubian cavalry sallying to repel the Arabs and much to their surprise they were firmly repelled and it was the Romans who ended up flanking the smaller enemy.
Within a matter of hours, the Romans had captured both the General and a fourth of his men that survived the encirclement.
Prefect Aretion clawed his throat raw yelling for his men to stop at that point after the Arabian surrender but his men were in no mood to listen. Nearly 20 Years of Sassanid occupation and bloody fighting followed by the Arabs so casually, so jovially marching into Aegyptus caused the men to see red.
They hacked and hacked and hacked till nought remained, all the Arabs were slaughtered, try as he might the Prefect knew the truth and judging by the horrified looks of the Nubian cavalry they knew too.
The Prefect had lost control of his men, Amr-ibn-al-asn was no more and with him, the invading force of Arabs had simply vanished. By the dawn of the next day the Ghassanids were finally arriving at Pelusium, they had left a garrison of 4,000 men at Arish whilst the Ghassanid King Jabalah swore fealty to the Emperor in front of his men and Aretion.
22,000 Infantry (11,000 Romans) and 4,000 Cavalry were now garrisoned in Pelusium, well supplied by the grain from Aegyptus they were poised for either an offensive or securing the gateways to Aegyptus.
What would the Prefect do now?
[ ] Garrison in Pelusium with all his men, preparing for the reinforcements that were to help the now dead Amr ibn al-asn.
[ ] Split his troops in half, garrisoning both entrances to the Prefecture of Aegyptus, both Suez and Pelusium.
[ ] Advance forward to Giza, the well-fortified town wouldn't have too many Arabs guarding it. Especially with the Ghassanids also marching there.
[ ] Advance forward with half his men to take back Giza, let General Theodorus take the remaining half to Petra and Aila (Elat) re-establishing the defensive line breached by the Arabs in Palaestina.
[ ] Send the garrisons back and take command of the allied armies of the Ghassanids and Nubians.
~o~
At the same time, a Roman force in the South regrouped and assembled itself Khalid ibn-al Walid marched onwards towards the goal given to him by the prophet. The city of Edessa and the province of Jazira.
Opposing him in the relatively flat terrain was Strategos Theodore who had managed to gather 4 of the 12 Meros stuck in Anatolia for a last stand at the gates of Edessa.
The Battle of Edessa was the last attempt by the Imperial Army to defend positions south of the Anatolian mountains against the Arabs if they lost that'd be it for Northern Syria.
The Battle was started by Theodore in traditional Roman formation, his Infantry forming a wide yet deep line with their right flank being slightly weaker to strengthen the left flank, where much of their cavalry was positioned.
In contrast, Arab lines were more tightly packed with their cavalry ready to pounce on the Roman lines.
Just 4 Years ago Khalid had defeated a Roman army far bigger than Theodore's host decisively in the Battle of Yarmouk. This was different, the Romans had learnt their lesson well. They didn't wait for the Arabs to launch their attack, rather their formation thrust itself forward all of a sudden to force the Arabs into melee.
From here on Khalid used his mobile reserve to attack the Roman left thrice, thrice he was repulsed by Roman cavalry, the fourth time he led his reserve to attack the Roman right. He succeeded, it was a trap.
Khalid's attack on the Roman right lured him in whilst the Roman Cavalry pushed forward through the Arab left using both, superior numbers and flanking cavalry to push them till the Left broke before the Roman right could falter truly.
With the shattering of the Arab left the Roman right was free to encircle the centre and before too long the entire Arab army found itself in the throes of an encirclement.
The Arabs tried, again and again, to break free from their encirclement but each time they were repulsed a third of their number was dead or routed and the remaining 11,000 was extremely depleted.
By the end of the day, Khalid had to surrender and thankfully for him, the Veterans of the Stratiotai were the veterans of Yarmouk, discipline was in their veins. They had seen hell where their brothers in arms were cut down like wheat yet they stood against the same man and the same army with lesser numbers.
This was a professional army, a voluntary service. One of the few in the entire world, the Strategos ordered a stop to the killing, and they listened at once.
Still, the day couldn't have ended better, the Arab string of victories was broken. Both Euphratensis and Osroene were firmly within Imperial hands, the Imperial Meros were once more heartened by these victories and above all - The capture of Khalid the butcher.
The Anatolian armies were now more free to manoeuvre,
[ ] Take 4 Meros and advance on Chalcis, the fortress would be vital to cut off Arab access to Antioch itself.
[ ] Take your men and advance on Antiochea itself, though beware the Queen of Oriens is occupied by a sizable Arab army.
[ ] Reorganise the defensive line properly, advance on Azaz and Alexandria (on the Issus) to cut off the Infidel's access to the Queen of Oriens.
[ ] Reorganise the defensive line and hold back preparing for a further incursion into Euphratensis and Osroene.
In the south the rumours of a prodigious alchemist in occupied Heliopolis (Syria) are true but it seems Roman agents were caught before they could extract him.
Thankfully the Arabs are not aware of what - or whom - they were searching for, the Alchemist remains safe. For now.
In Constantinople, the Imperator continued teaching his young heir the ways of statesmanship to great success.
[Heraklonas gains 1 ADM, 1 DIP]
Though it seems the young prodigy was too good at martial thinking and ability to be truly taught by the Imperator, which was high praise coming from one so accomplisehd himself.
~o~
Treasury: 14,000 Solidius
Income: 13,000 Solidius
+160,000 Taxes
+050,000 Production
+012,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-41,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 12,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens, Asiana and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (20,000) Repair the Infrastructure of Asiana and Pontus completely. [Increase Revenue and Administration cost] [Increase available manpower and population growth.]
[ ] (25,000) Gather supplies for an offensive into Oriens, the navy will be prepared and the Imperial Meros in Anatolia will launch a massive amphibious as well as overland liberation of Roman lands.
[ ] (Cost 15000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire.
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into the four queens, or at least the three you control. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus and Alexandria.
[ ] (Cost 28,000) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.]
Imperator's personal actions:
[ ] You are spry for a 65-Year-Old man but after Yarmouk depression has gripped you, perhaps it is not unwise to let your heirs govern for a while and gather yourself back, though recent victories have bolstered your mood.
[ ] (-1,000) One of your heirs, Constantine, passed away recently at the young age of 27. Arrange a public and grand funeral for him. (Increases trade and tax income from Constantinople for One Turn)
[ ] Recently there have been rumours of Serbian Activity on the frontier, perhaps you should go and show them why they should fear the Empire? (Take 4 Meros and put an end to their abomination of a state.)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 641 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Heraklonas (14 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:3/MAR:10]
Population: 15,150,000
Last edited:
The Arab Invasion 03
- Location
- Minas Tirith
And so this is the plan that's won,
[X] Plan: Reforming the Line
-[X] Split his troops in half, garrisoning both entrances to the Prefecture of Aegyptus, both Suez and Pelusium.
-[X] Reorganise the defensive line properly, advance on Azaz (143) and Alexandria (87) (on the Issus) to cut off the Infidel's access to the Queen of Oriens.
-[X] (10,000) Repair the Infrastructure of Asiana and Pontus completely. [Increase Revenue and Administration cost] [Increase available manpower and population growth.] [Imperator Focus]
-[X] Recently there have been rumours of Serbian Activity on the frontier, perhaps you should go and show them why they should fear the Empire? (Take 4 Meroii and put an end to their abomination of a state.)
He waited for the next three months, his Nubian horse regularly scouting ahead to make sure any Arab movement near Sina was reported, so far two new Arab armies had approached but they seemed to know off the fate of their expedition to Aegyptus and had chosen to join the growing Arab host in the city of Petra, Arab garrisons had withdrawn from both Giza and Aeila.
Further news had arrived from the North, the city of Tyre had finally succumbed to the year-long Arab siege despite their vicious struggle. Another attempt to storm the walls of Caesarea Maritima failed handily with the defenders actually managing to be resupplied by the Governor of nearby Cyprus.
Another Arab host was stationed in the North in Damascus slowly gathering strength, more news was coming that the savages had actually concluded a peace with the Sassanids, the Sassanids were now no longer the owner of Mesopotamia, Romans would snort at the 'Peace with Honour.'
The Prefect was finally relieved as on the third day of the fourth month. Friendly banners fluttered to the west as the Carthaginian Meroii were on their final approach to Pelusium, their standard finally allowing the Prefect and his camp relief.
Much to Roman enthusiasm, the 12,000 Men were further accompanied by 2,000 allied Numidian horse sent by the Berber clients of Numidia seeking approval and aid from their Roman allies to re-establish order to the provinces of Mauretania and Numidia.
With the arrival of relatively fresh troops from the West the total men in the Roman army in Aegyptus has increased to a mighty 44,000 men divided between three cities, the possibility of an offensive had increased despite the smaller Arab host in Petra.
[ ] Seize Giza and Aila, the cities are now empty of foreign troops and they'd open their doors to a friendly army. Leave a small garrison behind (4,000 men) but otherwise take the initiative by seizing both cities with armies of 20,000 each. With nearby Aegyptus, the supply for the troops is no problem.
[ ] Why stop at merely Giza and Aila? Send 10,000 men and 4,000 horse to relieve the city of Caesarea Maritima, the rest will be led by the Prefect himself to besiege the city of Petra with the Arabs in it, with Aegyptus nearby the army could continue the siege for as long as it takes.
[ ] Send small forces to occupy both Giza and Aila (4,000 each), a larger force is to be sent to Ascalon to threaten Jerusalem (12,000 men. The remaining men would march on Petra to challenge the Arabs to battle. (16,000 Infantry; 4000 Nubian Horse; 2,000 Numidian Horse; 2000, Roman Horse)
[ ] Hold back and continue the defensive stance, send the garrisons back to their respective deployments.
If you want you could send a message back to Africa Proconsularis, though the Governor of Carthago is not beholden to a Prefect he will listen to the valued advice of a Prefect regardless. [Optional]
[ ] Aid the Numidians in an offensive against the hostile Mauri and Marusii. (Cost 4000)
[ ] Ask the Governor to cooperate with the Numidians to hold the ground against the Marui and the Marusii, avoid offensive actions till the East can send some Meroii back West.
By the end of AD 643 the situation in Aegyptus looked much more promising, the outright threat to Aegyptus, and through it the rest of the African provinces was effectively extinguished. The Roman army, which was reeling from the horrors of Yarmouk had won a string of victories that removed the shattered morale that persisted for half a decade after Yarmouk.
Prefect Aretion continued in his position of command as loyal as ever, his own fame grew more than before.
In the North Strategos Theodore had begun his own offensive to cover for the shifting of the Anatolian armies to a more offensive positioning in comparison their defensive stance held after the loss of Chalcis.
His attack on Azaz went flawlessly, the small Arab garrison surrendered in return to be allowed to flee south when news came of the following abandonment of Aleppo an entire Meros was sent to take the city and hold it.
With his remaining three he attacked Alexandria and Issus (Yeah I kinda messed up here) which was another resounding victory though less severe for the Arabs as they once more managed to retreat - this time to bolster the garrison of Antioch which was now within the sights of the Roman armies.
The main problem was on how to approach the siege of the city, it remained as the home of more than 200,000 Romans a siege would no doubt cause plague and starvation to break in the city in no time,
[ ] Offer the Arabic garrison safe passage to occupied Chalcis should they leave the city, if they disagree then proceed with a standard siege.
- [ ] Alternatively the navy can be used whilst the army carries out a fake assault on the walls, this might end the siege before it gets too bad.
[ ] Carry out a feint on the walls whilst planning a simultaneous naval attack from a fleet stationed in Alexandria.
[ ] Carry out a normal siege, the starvation would no doubt incite the natives to rise up against their oppressors, the garrison may be strong and the walls high but even they won't stand a chance against a mob that large.
[ ] Encircle the city and move on to Chalcis with 6 Meroii, let 2 Meroii guard the rear whilst the main army engages the Arab host gathering in Chalcis.
With the repairs of Asiana and Pontus finally coming to a close the trade routes to the East are open again, money lost to securing unofficial routes (as the official ones were under repair or just gone) is now once more flowing directly to Constantinople.
Speaking of the Capital, Heraclius had marched out to finally quell the Serbians rampaging through Daciae, his troops marched out from Constantinople taking the shortest route to the Slavic occupied lands, by the time the city of Serdica had been reclaimed it was clear something was… wrong.
Despite the various Slavic villages the Imperator had set aflame and sacked to taunt the Serbs into battle he failed to initiate a battle, be it due to cowardice or intelligence of the Serbs they refused to fight the Imperator in a set piece battle as he wished to.
Instead each day his supply caravan was brazenly raided despite his own men doing their best to ride out and protect their supplies, thankfully they had not strayed from the road and were spared from the ambushes that no doubt awaited them before they reached the Serbian heartland.
Near the end of campaigning season, they finally found the first opportunity as some Slavs were seemingly tired of the Serbian army allowing the Imperator to burn away the Slavs one settlement at a time and offered to switch sides to lead the Imperator to the Serbian army.
Finally, the Imperator had his battle with the Serbs. As Autumn arrived the Serbians were decisively defeated by a larger and more professional Roman Army in a set piece battle they were trying to avoid.
Despite the successful campaign in reclaiming all of Daciae unfortunate news was rushing to Constantinople from nearly all off the West, it seemed news off the disaster of Yarmouk was finally making its way through the various Barbaroi courts.
The Lombards were defeated by Exarch Isaac as they tried to attack Ravenna once more, their army of 24,000 men had to fall back to Mediolanum as the much smaller Roman army of 16,000 decisively defeated them outside the walls of Ravenna.
Despite his victory, it did seem like Isaac overextended as he seized Tuscany and spread his forces thinner than he should have.
He did not expect the Southern attack, Spoleto couldn't beat the Romans at Ancona and had to pay tribute to the Exarch whilst ceding much of their hinterland to avoid a direct annexation they were reduced to basically a city-state in the process.
Unfortunately, luck couldn't hold out for an eternity, the third Lombard attack came from the Duchy of Benevento as it defeated the smaller Roman army near the Tiber despite it managing to retreat and Roma was besieged.
Far from it being the only bad event in Italia, Naples, Sipontum and Histonium were all under siege by armies of Lombards, mainly unorganised barbaroi but numerous enough that the Garrisons didn't risk a sally to break the siege.
Italy was on fire, and the Exarchate did not possess the sufficient prowess to regain control, it wouldn't take long for the Lombards in the North to regain their footing and press their advantage.
Nearby in the Illyrian provinces, or what remained of them, The Avars were acting up and made multiple raids on the Dalmatian coast threatening the important city of Salona itself. Thankfully it seemed as if Winter prevented the Avar-Illyrian Slavic alliance from actually sieging or sacking the coast of Mare Adriaticum.
Further east it was from the Prefecture of Thraciae that good news finally came as the Limitanei had been greatly successful in preventing Bulgarian crossings across the Danuvius, preventing yet another crisis, this time far too close to Constantinople and when the Imperator was busy campaigning with the majority of Stratiotai that were stationed in Thraciae.
Some rumours too arrived from Chersonesus of a victory against the Goths and the advancement of the local garrison further into Cimmeria, though they were disregarded with the concern for the West being more important and urgent.
It was at this point the Co-Emperor of the Empire, Heraklonus asked that he be sent to pacify some of the problems.
[ ] Send Heraklonas with 3 Meroii to deal with the Italian problem whilst 3 Meroii would be led in an Illyrian campaign by a promising young general by the name of Niketas Gylcas (ADM:6; DIP:1; MAR:8)
[ ] Send young Niketas to Italia whilst sending Heraklonas to command the Illyrian Campaign.
[ ] Send Heraklonas to attack Illyria whilst Niketas will attack the Pannonian basin, Italia can wait.
[ ] Send Niketas alongside Heraklonas to secure Illyricum (Modern Croatia and Bosnia) alongside the Danuvius, Italia can wait.
[ ] Write-in.
Treasury: 32,000 Solidius
Income: 28,000 Solidius
+175,000 Taxes
+050,000 Production
+015,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-44,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 11,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens, Asiana and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (27,000) Gather supplies for an offensive into Oriens, the navy will be prepared and the Imperial Meroii in Anatolia will launch a massive amphibious as well as overland liberation of Roman lands.
[ ] (Cost 10000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire.
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into the four queens, or at least the three you control. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus and Alexandria to increase production and trade.)
[ ] (Cost 30,000) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities, completes repair of damaged roads due to Slavic raiding. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.]
[ ] [Cost 20000 for two turns) (Construction done in three turns)The Danuvius is an ideal barrier to avoid raids and the like, we should make a line of regular forts manned by the Limitanei to prevent constant incursions, the basis for this already exists we just need to build upon the foundations of our past.
[ ] (Cost 14000, Upkeep 14000) With Asiana and Pontus restored our access to its manpower has been increased. Raise 2 Meroii in Ephesus.
[ ] (Cost 7500) The Arabs do not yet realise the importance of the sea, Aegyptus hosts a large Roman army, Portus Ferresansus was an important strategic port and could be renovated to once more play an important role in Sinus Arabicus. (Red Sea), Roman trade vessels would be readied for a surprise invasion of Arabia Felix. 50 War Vessels and adequate vessels of transport shall be arranged to carry a Roman Army into the heart of their savage motherland.
[ ] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
Imperator's personal actions:
[ ] You are spry for a 65-Year-Old man but after Yarmouk depression has gripped you, perhaps it is not unwise to let your heirs govern for a while and gather yourself back, though recent victories have bolstered your mood.
Your mood has improved and with it your health, no more are you plagued with nightmares of the disaster, the recovering Empire has done much to put your heart at ease.
[ ] (Cost 2000) The Arab lines are in absolute chaos, this might be the second chance to retrieve the young alchemist by the name of Callincus of Heliopolis.
[ ] The Arab front is leading to a grand counter offensive like the one you led against the Persians, perhaps it is time you take back the command of the East once more. Especially now that your health has recovered.
[ ] There have been rumours circulating about the death of Constantine, rumours that state your wife Martina is responsible for the death of your beloved son. You know it not to be true and the situation is truly not as bad as it could be due to you being alive, but perhaps appointing the young Heraclius as a replacement for Constantine might pacify his supporters?
- [ ] Alternatively, you can dismiss these rumours openly, challenging any supporters of it, after all you are Heraclius the man, the myth, the legend. No Roman army would dare oppose you.
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 642 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (67 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Heraklonas (15 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:3/MAR:10]
Population: 15,302,196
~O~
Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest!
For those not on Discord the Arabs rolled 7000 men for their garrison. Yes that means they could have also rolled 1000 men.
[X] Plan: Reforming the Line
-[X] Split his troops in half, garrisoning both entrances to the Prefecture of Aegyptus, both Suez and Pelusium.
-[X] Reorganise the defensive line properly, advance on Azaz (143) and Alexandria (87) (on the Issus) to cut off the Infidel's access to the Queen of Oriens.
-[X] (10,000) Repair the Infrastructure of Asiana and Pontus completely. [Increase Revenue and Administration cost] [Increase available manpower and population growth.] [Imperator Focus]
-[X] Recently there have been rumours of Serbian Activity on the frontier, perhaps you should go and show them why they should fear the Empire? (Take 4 Meroii and put an end to their abomination of a state.)
~O~
After the successful defence of Aegyptus, its defenders split up between two groups, a more Roman core of 8,000 Infantry and 2,000 Cavalry were sent to hold Suez whilst another 1,000 men were sent to join the forward garrison of the Ghassanids in Arish to raise the army there to 5,000.
He waited for the next three months, his Nubian horse regularly scouting ahead to make sure any Arab movement near Sina was reported, so far two new Arab armies had approached but they seemed to know off the fate of their expedition to Aegyptus and had chosen to join the growing Arab host in the city of Petra, Arab garrisons had withdrawn from both Giza and Aeila.
Further news had arrived from the North, the city of Tyre had finally succumbed to the year-long Arab siege despite their vicious struggle. Another attempt to storm the walls of Caesarea Maritima failed handily with the defenders actually managing to be resupplied by the Governor of nearby Cyprus.
Another Arab host was stationed in the North in Damascus slowly gathering strength, more news was coming that the savages had actually concluded a peace with the Sassanids, the Sassanids were now no longer the owner of Mesopotamia, Romans would snort at the 'Peace with Honour.'
The Prefect was finally relieved as on the third day of the fourth month. Friendly banners fluttered to the west as the Carthaginian Meroii were on their final approach to Pelusium, their standard finally allowing the Prefect and his camp relief.
Much to Roman enthusiasm, the 12,000 Men were further accompanied by 2,000 allied Numidian horse sent by the Berber clients of Numidia seeking approval and aid from their Roman allies to re-establish order to the provinces of Mauretania and Numidia.
With the arrival of relatively fresh troops from the West the total men in the Roman army in Aegyptus has increased to a mighty 44,000 men divided between three cities, the possibility of an offensive had increased despite the smaller Arab host in Petra.
[ ] Seize Giza and Aila, the cities are now empty of foreign troops and they'd open their doors to a friendly army. Leave a small garrison behind (4,000 men) but otherwise take the initiative by seizing both cities with armies of 20,000 each. With nearby Aegyptus, the supply for the troops is no problem.
[ ] Why stop at merely Giza and Aila? Send 10,000 men and 4,000 horse to relieve the city of Caesarea Maritima, the rest will be led by the Prefect himself to besiege the city of Petra with the Arabs in it, with Aegyptus nearby the army could continue the siege for as long as it takes.
[ ] Send small forces to occupy both Giza and Aila (4,000 each), a larger force is to be sent to Ascalon to threaten Jerusalem (12,000 men. The remaining men would march on Petra to challenge the Arabs to battle. (16,000 Infantry; 4000 Nubian Horse; 2,000 Numidian Horse; 2000, Roman Horse)
[ ] Hold back and continue the defensive stance, send the garrisons back to their respective deployments.
If you want you could send a message back to Africa Proconsularis, though the Governor of Carthago is not beholden to a Prefect he will listen to the valued advice of a Prefect regardless. [Optional]
[ ] Aid the Numidians in an offensive against the hostile Mauri and Marusii. (Cost 4000)
[ ] Ask the Governor to cooperate with the Numidians to hold the ground against the Marui and the Marusii, avoid offensive actions till the East can send some Meroii back West.
By the end of AD 643 the situation in Aegyptus looked much more promising, the outright threat to Aegyptus, and through it the rest of the African provinces was effectively extinguished. The Roman army, which was reeling from the horrors of Yarmouk had won a string of victories that removed the shattered morale that persisted for half a decade after Yarmouk.
Prefect Aretion continued in his position of command as loyal as ever, his own fame grew more than before.
~O~
In the North Strategos Theodore had begun his own offensive to cover for the shifting of the Anatolian armies to a more offensive positioning in comparison their defensive stance held after the loss of Chalcis.
His attack on Azaz went flawlessly, the small Arab garrison surrendered in return to be allowed to flee south when news came of the following abandonment of Aleppo an entire Meros was sent to take the city and hold it.
With his remaining three he attacked Alexandria and Issus (Yeah I kinda messed up here) which was another resounding victory though less severe for the Arabs as they once more managed to retreat - this time to bolster the garrison of Antioch which was now within the sights of the Roman armies.
The main problem was on how to approach the siege of the city, it remained as the home of more than 200,000 Romans a siege would no doubt cause plague and starvation to break in the city in no time,
[ ] Offer the Arabic garrison safe passage to occupied Chalcis should they leave the city, if they disagree then proceed with a standard siege.
- [ ] Alternatively the navy can be used whilst the army carries out a fake assault on the walls, this might end the siege before it gets too bad.
[ ] Carry out a feint on the walls whilst planning a simultaneous naval attack from a fleet stationed in Alexandria.
[ ] Carry out a normal siege, the starvation would no doubt incite the natives to rise up against their oppressors, the garrison may be strong and the walls high but even they won't stand a chance against a mob that large.
[ ] Encircle the city and move on to Chalcis with 6 Meroii, let 2 Meroii guard the rear whilst the main army engages the Arab host gathering in Chalcis.
~O~
With the repairs of Asiana and Pontus finally coming to a close the trade routes to the East are open again, money lost to securing unofficial routes (as the official ones were under repair or just gone) is now once more flowing directly to Constantinople.
Speaking of the Capital, Heraclius had marched out to finally quell the Serbians rampaging through Daciae, his troops marched out from Constantinople taking the shortest route to the Slavic occupied lands, by the time the city of Serdica had been reclaimed it was clear something was… wrong.
Despite the various Slavic villages the Imperator had set aflame and sacked to taunt the Serbs into battle he failed to initiate a battle, be it due to cowardice or intelligence of the Serbs they refused to fight the Imperator in a set piece battle as he wished to.
Instead each day his supply caravan was brazenly raided despite his own men doing their best to ride out and protect their supplies, thankfully they had not strayed from the road and were spared from the ambushes that no doubt awaited them before they reached the Serbian heartland.
Near the end of campaigning season, they finally found the first opportunity as some Slavs were seemingly tired of the Serbian army allowing the Imperator to burn away the Slavs one settlement at a time and offered to switch sides to lead the Imperator to the Serbian army.
Finally, the Imperator had his battle with the Serbs. As Autumn arrived the Serbians were decisively defeated by a larger and more professional Roman Army in a set piece battle they were trying to avoid.
Despite the successful campaign in reclaiming all of Daciae unfortunate news was rushing to Constantinople from nearly all off the West, it seemed news off the disaster of Yarmouk was finally making its way through the various Barbaroi courts.
The Lombards were defeated by Exarch Isaac as they tried to attack Ravenna once more, their army of 24,000 men had to fall back to Mediolanum as the much smaller Roman army of 16,000 decisively defeated them outside the walls of Ravenna.
Despite his victory, it did seem like Isaac overextended as he seized Tuscany and spread his forces thinner than he should have.
He did not expect the Southern attack, Spoleto couldn't beat the Romans at Ancona and had to pay tribute to the Exarch whilst ceding much of their hinterland to avoid a direct annexation they were reduced to basically a city-state in the process.
Unfortunately, luck couldn't hold out for an eternity, the third Lombard attack came from the Duchy of Benevento as it defeated the smaller Roman army near the Tiber despite it managing to retreat and Roma was besieged.
Far from it being the only bad event in Italia, Naples, Sipontum and Histonium were all under siege by armies of Lombards, mainly unorganised barbaroi but numerous enough that the Garrisons didn't risk a sally to break the siege.
Italy was on fire, and the Exarchate did not possess the sufficient prowess to regain control, it wouldn't take long for the Lombards in the North to regain their footing and press their advantage.
Nearby in the Illyrian provinces, or what remained of them, The Avars were acting up and made multiple raids on the Dalmatian coast threatening the important city of Salona itself. Thankfully it seemed as if Winter prevented the Avar-Illyrian Slavic alliance from actually sieging or sacking the coast of Mare Adriaticum.
Further east it was from the Prefecture of Thraciae that good news finally came as the Limitanei had been greatly successful in preventing Bulgarian crossings across the Danuvius, preventing yet another crisis, this time far too close to Constantinople and when the Imperator was busy campaigning with the majority of Stratiotai that were stationed in Thraciae.
Some rumours too arrived from Chersonesus of a victory against the Goths and the advancement of the local garrison further into Cimmeria, though they were disregarded with the concern for the West being more important and urgent.
It was at this point the Co-Emperor of the Empire, Heraklonus asked that he be sent to pacify some of the problems.
[ ] Send Heraklonas with 3 Meroii to deal with the Italian problem whilst 3 Meroii would be led in an Illyrian campaign by a promising young general by the name of Niketas Gylcas (ADM:6; DIP:1; MAR:8)
[ ] Send young Niketas to Italia whilst sending Heraklonas to command the Illyrian Campaign.
[ ] Send Heraklonas to attack Illyria whilst Niketas will attack the Pannonian basin, Italia can wait.
[ ] Send Niketas alongside Heraklonas to secure Illyricum (Modern Croatia and Bosnia) alongside the Danuvius, Italia can wait.
[ ] Write-in.
~O~
Treasury: 32,000 Solidius
Income: 28,000 Solidius
+175,000 Taxes
+050,000 Production
+015,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-44,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 11,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens, Asiana and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (27,000) Gather supplies for an offensive into Oriens, the navy will be prepared and the Imperial Meroii in Anatolia will launch a massive amphibious as well as overland liberation of Roman lands.
[ ] (Cost 10000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire.
[ ] (Cost 20000) Invest into the four queens, or at least the three you control. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus and Alexandria to increase production and trade.)
[ ] (Cost 30,000) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities, completes repair of damaged roads due to Slavic raiding. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.]
[ ] [Cost 20000 for two turns) (Construction done in three turns)The Danuvius is an ideal barrier to avoid raids and the like, we should make a line of regular forts manned by the Limitanei to prevent constant incursions, the basis for this already exists we just need to build upon the foundations of our past.
[ ] (Cost 14000, Upkeep 14000) With Asiana and Pontus restored our access to its manpower has been increased. Raise 2 Meroii in Ephesus.
[ ] (Cost 7500) The Arabs do not yet realise the importance of the sea, Aegyptus hosts a large Roman army, Portus Ferresansus was an important strategic port and could be renovated to once more play an important role in Sinus Arabicus. (Red Sea), Roman trade vessels would be readied for a surprise invasion of Arabia Felix. 50 War Vessels and adequate vessels of transport shall be arranged to carry a Roman Army into the heart of their savage motherland.
[ ] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
Imperator's personal actions:
Your mood has improved and with it your health, no more are you plagued with nightmares of the disaster, the recovering Empire has done much to put your heart at ease.
[ ] (Cost 2000) The Arab lines are in absolute chaos, this might be the second chance to retrieve the young alchemist by the name of Callincus of Heliopolis.
[ ] The Arab front is leading to a grand counter offensive like the one you led against the Persians, perhaps it is time you take back the command of the East once more. Especially now that your health has recovered.
[ ] There have been rumours circulating about the death of Constantine, rumours that state your wife Martina is responsible for the death of your beloved son. You know it not to be true and the situation is truly not as bad as it could be due to you being alive, but perhaps appointing the young Heraclius as a replacement for Constantine might pacify his supporters?
- [ ] Alternatively, you can dismiss these rumours openly, challenging any supporters of it, after all you are Heraclius the man, the myth, the legend. No Roman army would dare oppose you.
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 642 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (67 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Heraklonas (15 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:3/MAR:10]
Population: 15,302,196
~O~
Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest!
For those not on Discord the Arabs rolled 7000 men for their garrison. Yes that means they could have also rolled 1000 men.
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The Arab Invasion 04
- Location
- Minas Tirith
[X] Plan: Reclamation and Protection
-[X] Why stop at merely Giza and Aila? Send 10,000 men and 4,000 horse to relieve the city of Caesarea Maritima, the rest will be led by the Prefect himself to besiege the city of Petra with the Arabs in it, with Aegyptus nearby the army could continue the siege for as long as it takes. (42-65)
-[X] Ask the Governor to cooperate with the Numidians to hold the ground against the Marui and the Marusii, avoid offensive actions till the East can send some Meroii back West. [81]
-[X] Offer the Arabic garrison safe passage to occupied Chalcis should they leave the city, if they disagree then proceed with a standard siege. [53]
-- [X] Alternatively the navy can be used whilst the army carries out a fake (-) assault on the walls, this might end the siege before it gets too bad.
-[X] Send Heraklonas with 3 Meroii to deal with the Italian problem (9-91-81) whilst 3 Meroii would be led in an Illyrian campaign by a promising young general by the name of Niketas Gylcas (ADM:6; DIP:1; MAR:8) [93+55]
-[X] (Cost 10,000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
-[X] [Cost 10,000 for two turns) (Construction done in three turns)The Danuvius is an ideal barrier to avoid raids and the like, we should make a line of regular forts manned by the Limitanei to prevent constant incursions, the basis for this already exists we just need to build upon the foundations of our past. [Imperator Focus]
-[X] The Arab front is leading to a grand counteroffensive like the one you led against the Persians, perhaps it is time you take back the command of the East once more. Especially now that your health has recovered. (100+100+91+28)
-[X] Why stop at merely Giza and Aila? Send 10,000 men and 4,000 horse to relieve the city of Caesarea Maritima, the rest will be led by the Prefect himself to besiege the city of Petra with the Arabs in it, with Aegyptus nearby the army could continue the siege for as long as it takes. (42-65)
-[X] Ask the Governor to cooperate with the Numidians to hold the ground against the Marui and the Marusii, avoid offensive actions till the East can send some Meroii back West. [81]
-[X] Offer the Arabic garrison safe passage to occupied Chalcis should they leave the city, if they disagree then proceed with a standard siege. [53]
-- [X] Alternatively the navy can be used whilst the army carries out a fake (-) assault on the walls, this might end the siege before it gets too bad.
-[X] Send Heraklonas with 3 Meroii to deal with the Italian problem (9-91-81) whilst 3 Meroii would be led in an Illyrian campaign by a promising young general by the name of Niketas Gylcas (ADM:6; DIP:1; MAR:8) [93+55]
-[X] (Cost 10,000) Invest into diplomatically vassalising the Berber tribes once more and coax the coastline back into rightful Roman hands
-[X] [Cost 10,000 for two turns) (Construction done in three turns)The Danuvius is an ideal barrier to avoid raids and the like, we should make a line of regular forts manned by the Limitanei to prevent constant incursions, the basis for this already exists we just need to build upon the foundations of our past. [Imperator Focus]
-[X] The Arab front is leading to a grand counteroffensive like the one you led against the Persians, perhaps it is time you take back the command of the East once more. Especially now that your health has recovered. (100+100+91+28)
~O~
Despite the victories in both Oriens and Dardania (Serbia), the Empire itself was not yet out of the danger zone, in Palistina an effort to relieve the siege on Caesarea Maritima was a narrow failure.
The Arabs encamped alongside the city managed to fight of the 14,000 men outside the city and despite all odd actually pushed the men inside the city where a bloody battle begun between two unrelenting sides.
The Romans fought for the following month in a building to building battle in the large city on the Levantine Coast which was deadly to both sides and the city itself was set on fire multiple sides.
By the beginning of the third month of the battle the City's defenders finally won the battle, the Arabs were slaughtered to nary a man whilst the defending forces were heavily decimated.
A small army of 6,000 Infantry and 1,200 Horse managed to survive the battle and continued on to take back the city of Tyros unscathed.
Further South Prefect Aretion led his men to encircle the City of Petra and cut of the supply line that was feeding the large army of 29,000 Arabs within its walls, the Arabs army tried to break the siege thrice but was repulsed soundly by the Roman general,
[ ] Besiege Petra, the City is fairly small and the Arabs don't have sufficient food to feed both their men and horse for a long time.
[ ] The Arabs are happy enough to give you battle, take advantageous positions and fight the Arabs, desperate as they are they shall let you have the terrain.
[ ] Wait for the Imperator and siege the city, if the Arabs sally then withdraw and wait for the Imperator to reach you.
Regardless of the remaining Southern action a large portion of the Arab army supposed to invade Aegyptus had been caught unaware in a siege and though the news of the Western losses were demoralising the string of victories had kept the morale generally high enough.
The North meanwhilst was undeniably a better front for the Romans, Strategos Theodore's offer of surrender was accepted by the 7,000 men inside Antiochia who decided to join the Twenty Nine Thousand Arabs already holding at Colchis.
The stalemate in the North was maintained by the Arabs after the surrender of Antiochia with the gate to Southern Syria being heavily guarded and the other terrain being unwieldy enough that the larger armies of the Empire could not truly attempt an attack unless they were willing to leave the strong fortress of Chalcis in enemy hands.
In Africa the Governor in Carthage cooperated closely with their Numidian allies and succeeded in finally breaking the string of raids that plagues Tingis and it's hinterland, after which the allied forces had actually started a small push to take back the City of Volubilis, a very well fortified city previously lost to independence during the crisis of the Third Century and then lost to Berber occupation in the Sixth Century, though it was in disrepair it remained the largest city west of Carthage.
The East had settled down by the arrival of the Sixth month, in the South majority of the Arab strength lay under siege in Petra where Prefect Aretion maintained a vigilant watch for any stragglers or reinforcements.
Whereas in the North the fortress of Chalcis was steadily being further fortified by frantic Arabs in preparation of a Roman offensive and siege, Heraclius himself had finally arrived in all his glory by first docking into newly reclaimed Antiochia and then marching out to reorganise his troops for a counter-offensive, it would still take months as he moved Meroii back to the front from their defensive positions at strategic forts and cities, unknown to him his delay allowed the Arabs to inflict one last critical blow.
His son, however, was more urgent in his advance.
By the dawn of the third day of the second month Heraklonas had docked into the city of Barium, much to his distress out of all the towns sieged many had fallen.
Nobody knew weather it was treachery or genuine failure but the event had happened all the same. Despite possessing one of the finest fortifications in the world, the city of Rome had fallen to the Lombards alongside all but Ravenna and the land of Spoleto.
The Lombard counterattack had found the Exarchate woefully underprepared and devastated it, the lands around Genua remained in Roman hands so did the coastline alongside Ravenna and Venezia but most of the interior of Italia had generally collapsed with Roman authority barely existing in isolated towns where garrisons were sent by the Exarchate barely maintaining a veil of control.
By the time Heraklonas managed to spur his own counter-attack Ravenna was under siege and Genua was cut off from the Roman province, the Exarch had fallen in fallen in battle on the Pavus and with no senior commanding officer, the garrisons were all fielding small insignificant armies.
Heraklonas advanced on the nearest major settlement of Napoli, the battle between the sieging force and Heraklonas' army was small and numbers handily beat them.
Leaving behind a hastily mustered garrison infantry army of 3,000 men to siege Benevento the Caesar, being hampered by his prisoners handily executed the Lombards rather than carrying them with him to Roma, where the next major battle would decide the fate of the campaign.
The Battle of Roma begun on an auspicious note as the Lombard king Ruthiri was confident with his victory and chose to sally out rather than use the walls of Roma to his advantage, much to his pleasure the Roman centre quickly began falling back and in certain space columns ran with only the first two lines barely holding and buckling.
His centre charged the Roman centre which continued buckling before ten feet into Roman lines they finally stopped buckling and held their ground so suddenly that many a Lombard crashed into the awaiting Roman shields.
It was at time Ruthiri understood the aim of the manoeuvre, by the time he turned back the ten feet now looked and felt like a hundred as he watched the Roman lines close.
He turned to surrender but all it required to understand his fate was to look into the enemies frantic eyes as they begun to chop through his men from all sides, he tried to rally his men one last time, only to give the Roman Infantry a target.
From the walls of Roma, the speechless Lombard garrison watched in horror the slaughter of the Lombard king's forces, none were spared the Caesar slaughtered the Lombards in spades, evening came and the killings finally ended.
The Lombards in Roma surrendered the next day for mercy, and the Caesar marched on towards the Padus with his sights set on Lombard capital of Pavia, it would be burnt to the ground and be a reminder to the Barbaroi it would be a message to all the Barbaroi. Taking Roma was far more fatal a mistake than merely attacking it, after all, even a dog would learn if it saw its fellow burning for biting the master.
True to the Caesar's word the Lombards were dragged alongside the Roman army towards the Padus, each new family a new addition to the trail of the Roman army. It took weeks for the Army to finally arrive at Pavia and they easily defeated the Lombard army they encountered, again slaughtered to the man for resisting.
Each garrison that surrendered to the Caesar was 'gifted' mercy to live, but following the Caesar with nearly no food was little mercy nor was what he did next.
Before Pavia was burnt to the ground, Heraklonas ravaged the city, searching for each Roman citizen still under the Lombard yoke before dragging them out. No Lombard was allowed to exit the city, though some managed to flee, and then, when the Romans were out of the city his Onagers begun firing.
The Burning of Pavia went on for fifteen nights and only on the sixteenth day did the Romans stop adding to the burning city when merely a husk remained and all screams had long faded to either smoke or fire. Or the collapse of buildings.
At times the Lombards forced to observe were quite rebellious but those who dared to inch toward the burning city were stopped.
The Caesar spent the next month tearing away the Lombard population, small as it was, from Italia and by the end of the year the entirety of them were thrown out from Italia by his men, into the neighbouring Frankish kingdoms.
Italia was now completely under Roman control, the Caesar had regained control of even Trent from a submissive Frank who had fled rather than face the Caesar of the Empire.
With the Alpine pathways now secure the Caesar settled in Roma for the winter, leaving one of his Meroii in the North. With his vigilant eyes he debated his next move, Niketas had successfully defended Salona and had managed to retake the cities of Noviodunum, Sisica and Serbinium. Though he failed to truly take back Pannonia the river Savus and the province of Dalmatia was fully reclaimed as he reopened the land routes between the mainland of the Eastern Empire and Italia proper.
In the East Heraclius' counter-offensive begun when he first arrived in Antiochia, rather than fretting about the Arab army in Chalcis he left 4 of his Meroii under Theodore to surround Chalcis as he himself marched south to liberate much of the Roman countryside and coastal cities.
Throughout the early two months, he continually grew horrified as the burning visage of Oriens was seared into his mind, though the Arabs had retreated they had burnt and sacked all they could, even breaking the Roman roads connecting the provincial cities.
An enraged Emperor gathered up the Arabic soldiers after catching many bands still 'enjoying' their raiding and pillaging and took back the men to Chalcis alongside the confused general Khalid who continued to proclaim his innocence in the carnage that was unleashed by the Arabs.
Gathered in front of Chalcis, Khalid and some 10,000~ Arabic prisoners collected throughout the year the Imperator coldly glared at the tout fortress and ordered the execution of 1000 men each day the Arabs refused to pull back from Chalcis.
At first the Arabs believed the Emperor a lier, he had been lenient on his enemies and refused to execute the architect of his greatest defeat in Yarmouk, they were soon horrified as a 1,000 Arabs were marched out of the Roman lines and executed for their crimes, it went on for five more days in the same method.
Each day the Arab commander would refuse surrender and plead for clemency, each day the Romans would slay 1,000 more of the Arabs with humiliating ceremonies.
Until the sixth day when a mutiny in the fort broke out and their commander was forced to regrettably abandon the fort to keep his head, on the promise of release the Arabs emptied the fort and awaited their comrades.
The remaining 4,000~ Arabs and Khalid were released into Arab hands with one catch, out of every hundred men only one retained his sight and Khalid himself was blinded.
When the Arabs cried fowl the Imperator merely said he said he would release them alive, not whole. The Arabs didn't appreciate the sentiment, however their attempt and attacking the smaller Roman army (a large portion of the Roman army was busy putting down fires and leading rebuilding operations throughout the region, and a large force was blocking the retreat to ambush the Arabs should they flee)
They were, unfortunately, the target of their own advantage, attacking into the mountainous terrain near Chalcis proved to be their undoing and with their morale shattered they surrendered on promise of Clemency once half their number were dead to a far lesser number for the Empire.
Now the Imperator had a further 15,000 prisoners alongside his 4,000 or so punished prisoners he had inherited from the Arabs.
[ ] Blind all but one man for each century of men, let the Arabs leave with the message, 'None may dare to lay their lecherous gaze upon the City of Man's desire' engraved into their minds.
[ ] Enslave the Arabs, what the Arabs broke the Arabs shall repair. Force them to remake the roads they damaged. (Takes three turns, roll each turn for sabotage and unskilled labour)
[ ] Execute all but five men and send them to Mecca, they need to tell their Caliph one message - 'We shall meet on the ashes of Mecca.'
[ ] Decimate them before throwing them deep into the desert with nothing but the clothes on their back. No water, no food. Only sand.
The Year ended with the Empire finally regaining their footing as Heraclius finally pushed the Arabs out of Oriens proper, nearly all of the East but the city of Petra itself which was under siege.
In the west Roman rule was restored in all of Italia whilst the reclamation of Dalmatia opened up the land connection once more, with the seat of the Exarchate empty it was an opportunity for the Imperator to finally end it for once and for all.
[ ] End the Exarchate and reorganise Italia into Italia and Sicilia.
[ ] End the Exarchate and crown Heraklonas Magister Militum of the Western Empire, he'd govern the west as the successor.
[ ] Appoint a loyalist cousin as the new Exarch of Ravenna, surely blood would prevail over any material desires.
[ ] Appoint a new loyalist Exarch, it has worked so far and it shall continue to work.
~O~
Treasury: 40,000 Solidius
Income: 20,000 Solidius
+178,000 Taxes
+050,000 Production
+020,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-60,000 Imperial Administration
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[ ] (Cost 40,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[ ] (Cost 30,000) Invest in Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment and population growth locally)
[ ] (Cost 30,000) Investing the four queens. (Invests into Thessalonica, Ephesus, Antiochia and Alexandria to increase production and trade.)
[ ] (Cost 35,000) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities, completes repair of damaged roads due to Slavic raiding. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.]
[ ] (Cost 14,000, Upkeep 14,000) With Asiana and Pontus restored our access to its manpower has been increased. Raise 2 Meroii in Ephesus.
[ ] (Cost 7,000) The Arabs do not yet realise the importance of the sea, Aegyptus hosts a large Roman army, Portus Ferresansus was an important strategic port and could be renovated to once more play an important role in Sinus Arabicus. (Red Sea), Roman trade vessels would be readied for a surprise invasion of Arabia Felix. 50 War Vessels and adequate vessels of transport shall be arranged to carry a Roman Army into the heart of their savage motherland.
[ ] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
[ ] (Cost 80,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope at the very least they need tax free relief, not that they have anything to tax. (Takes three turns)
[ ] (Cost 10,000 for three turns) Aegyptus has suffered much but the damage is not as pressing there, it can be repaired and brought up to speed slowly.
Imperator's personal actions:
Your mood has improved and with it your health, no more are you plagued with nightmares of the disaster, the recovering Empire has done much to put your heart at ease.
[ ] The rumours of your late heir's death are running rampant in Constantinople, though Martina is with the situation has deteriorated to an unfathomed level even though your son's victory has silenced much of the empire. More shockingly (Really though, you're sardonic, not shocked) the Scholae Palatinae have been the ones to rise to the defence of the Empress against the Excubitors who're rallying around Valentinius. That those ponced up princess cavalrymen have actually risen to defend you son might indicate it is time they are reinstated and actually get reinforcements from the most zealous of your supporters.
--[ ] Heraclius Constans, your namesake and grandson, has recently left the capital order Theodore to get the boy and take him back to the Capital with 2 Meroii and force him to denounce his vile claims. The boy has crossed a line, you best stop him from crossing the Rubicon as well.
Can only pick one of the two sub-actions
--[ ] Enough is Enough! Order Niketas to march into the capital with one of his Meroii he is to provide a better defence to the Empress with the Scholae Palatinae and arrest the Excubitors for treason
[ ] The doctrine of Monothelitism has been accepted by all but the Patriarch of Roma, it has been a great project that has nearly succeeded in unifying the Aegyptian church with the greater whole of the Chalcedonian. You can resume the pressure on the Patriarch of Roma, for he is all that stands between the ending of this Constantinople-Alexandria schism.
[ ] Send a personal mission to Aksum to rebuild the alliance you once had with them in the time of Justinian as the protector of Christendom. It helps they have a larger navy than the Arabs.
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 643 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (68 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Caesar Heraklonas (16 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:3/MAR:10]
Population: 20,506,151
~O~
Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest!
For those not on Discord the Arabs rolled a lot of crits when deciding how much and how badly would they ravage Oriens in a Fabian Strategy way.
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The Roman Civil War 01
- Location
- Minas Tirith
[X] Plan: Glass the Sand
-[X] Besiege Petra, the City is fairly small and the Arabs don't have sufficient food to feed both their men and horse for a long time. (12)
-[X] Execute all but five men and send them to Mecca, they need to tell their Caliph one message - 'We shall meet on the ashes of Mecca.'
-[X] End the Exarchate and crown Heraklonas Magister Militum of the Western Empire, he'd govern the west as the successor.
-[X] (Cost 17,500) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities, completes repair of damaged roads due to Slavic raiding. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.] [Imperator Focus] Refunded fully.
-[X] (Cost 3,500) The Arabs do not yet realise the importance of the sea, Aegyptus hosts a large Roman army, Portus Ferresansus was an important strategic port and could be renovated to once more play an important role in Sinus Arabicus. (Red Sea), Roman trade vessels would be readied for a surprise invasion of Arabia Felix. 50 War Vessels and adequate vessels of transport shall be arranged to carry a Roman Army into the heart of their savage motherland. (105) [Imperator Focus]
-[X] (Cost 10,000 for three turns) Aegyptus has suffered much but the damage is not as pressing there, it can be repaired and brought up to speed slowly.
-[X] The rumours of your late heir's death are running rampant in Constantinople, though Martina is with the situation has deteriorated to an unfathomed level even though your son's victory has silenced much of the empire. More shockingly (Really though, you're sardonic, not shocked) the Scholae Palatinae have been the ones to rise to the defence of the Empress against the Excubitors who're rallying around Valentinus. That those ponced up princess cavalrymen have actually risen to defend you son might indicate it is time they are reinstated and actually get reinforcements from the most zealous of your supporters. (12)
--[X] Enough is Enough! Order Niketas to march into the capital with one of his Meroii he is to provide a better defence to the Empress with the Scholae Palatinae and arrest the Excubitors for treason (57)
-[X] Besiege Petra, the City is fairly small and the Arabs don't have sufficient food to feed both their men and horse for a long time. (12)
-[X] Execute all but five men and send them to Mecca, they need to tell their Caliph one message - 'We shall meet on the ashes of Mecca.'
-[X] End the Exarchate and crown Heraklonas Magister Militum of the Western Empire, he'd govern the west as the successor.
-[X] (Cost 17,500) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities, completes repair of damaged roads due to Slavic raiding. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.] [Imperator Focus] Refunded fully.
-[X] (Cost 3,500) The Arabs do not yet realise the importance of the sea, Aegyptus hosts a large Roman army, Portus Ferresansus was an important strategic port and could be renovated to once more play an important role in Sinus Arabicus. (Red Sea), Roman trade vessels would be readied for a surprise invasion of Arabia Felix. 50 War Vessels and adequate vessels of transport shall be arranged to carry a Roman Army into the heart of their savage motherland. (105) [Imperator Focus]
-[X] (Cost 10,000 for three turns) Aegyptus has suffered much but the damage is not as pressing there, it can be repaired and brought up to speed slowly.
-[X] The rumours of your late heir's death are running rampant in Constantinople, though Martina is with the situation has deteriorated to an unfathomed level even though your son's victory has silenced much of the empire. More shockingly (Really though, you're sardonic, not shocked) the Scholae Palatinae have been the ones to rise to the defence of the Empress against the Excubitors who're rallying around Valentinus. That those ponced up princess cavalrymen have actually risen to defend you son might indicate it is time they are reinstated and actually get reinforcements from the most zealous of your supporters. (12)
--[X] Enough is Enough! Order Niketas to march into the capital with one of his Meroii he is to provide a better defence to the Empress with the Scholae Palatinae and arrest the Excubitors for treason (57)
The year following the end of the counteroffensive was supposed to be a year of economic and morale recovery, the army was being stationed all across Oriens.
Heraclius had left 6 Meroii in Oriens under the command of Theodore, whilst another 4 were moved to the Armenian mountains.
With his remaining 4 Heraclius had prepared to march south to Aegyptus where he'd group up with the Southern army and move to Thebae to wait for the preparation of the naval rearmament of Portus Ferresanus, that and have a talk with Cyrus about his want to surrender at the first sight of the enemy.
Just before the Emperor could march South two pieces of perilous news coming from the South, the Arabs had broken out of city of Petra, though they took eleven thousand losses to the equally bad ones taken by the Romans at Petra it was a somewhat fortunate news when the Imperator was informed of the other, far far more disastrous news.
Thraciae, Macedonia and Pontus had raised their flags in rebellion after the Capital itself fell to the usurper Valentinus, the Scholae Palatinae had done their job to the best of their ability.
The Empress was chased out, though the group of 2,000 heavy cavalrymen managed to escort the Empress to Serdica where Niketas at the head of an entire Meros joined her, Niketas stood with 9,000 men in Serdica at the command of the Empress.
All was not bad though, Thrace, Macedonia and Pontus may be lost but almost all of the army had remained loyal to the Imperator and the growing guard on the Danuvius repelled nearly nine separate attacks from a determined Bulgar-Avar force seeking to aid the usurper for some land and riches.
The Usurper had not yet managed to coronate Heraclius -who went by Heraclius- himself, the Ecumenical Patriarch had not rebelled and was safe in Serdica with the Royal Jewels, the Usurpers were raising armies in the provinces that had revolted by stripping down the garrisons of entire towns and cities or going into debt and raising entirely new regiments.
Heraklonas had been appointed the Magister Militum of the Western Empire, already he had begun marching to the port of Brundisium with the intent to cross over, one of his trusted Captains appointed the temporary governor of Italia.
Despite his ideological differences with the Imperator, Patriarch Theodore of Roma had risen in defence of his exiled Patriarch to jointly condemn the Usurper and excommunicate him from the church.
The navy has begun the blockade already, though being based in Ephesus only a small amount of ships can commit due to the small port of Cyzicus and the greater port of Nicomedia being in rebel hands.
What should Niketas go?
[] Hold his position in Serdica and wait for the Caesar to arrive, then move to surround Thessalonica whilst taking back the hinterlands of Macedonia.
[] Don't let the rebels assemble in force, send the cavalry to reclaim Thessalonica whilst advancing and establishing a siege line around the city of Constantinople all the while taking back the hinterland of Thraciae.
-[] Ask the garrisons of Danuvius to take back the towns closest to them.
[] Don't let the rebels assemble in force in Thessalonica otherwise the economic losses could be catastrophic, attack and take back Macedonia. Use the Imperial Navy to sneak into Thessalonica.
[] Attack and prepare siege lines near Constantinople, take back what you can in Thraciae with the aid of Captain Eudes of the Danuvius Limitaniea.
The Imperator only thought about it for a second, two Meroii were sent south as Portus Ferresansus was swiftly refitted and ships in Arabicus Sinus were commissioned. Two Meroii were removed from the Armenian guard to bring his numbers back up as he marched towards Pontus, his target decided…
[] Ancyra, a hub of Roman roads throughout Pontus.
- [] Send 2 Meroii to seize Sinope and completely cut Pontus in two halves.
[] Nicomedia, the centre of the traitors in Pontus still raising what they can.
- [] Send 2 Meroii to attack Ancyra as well, cutting off the most obvious route to Nicomedia.
As the year comes to a close, Imperial forces in Aegyptus finally make the journey to Hedjaz, 2 Meroii and 4,000 Nubians sail out led by the loyalist Prefect Aretion with the authority of the Imperator invested in him, ending the war had become even more important than ever.
Despite the escape of 22,000 men from Petra the Prefect led his men confidently, a legendary general himself his assault was never expected, even more surprisingly the Imperial forces were joined by 30 Aksumite warships and 10,000 of their infantry.
By the time Jeddah was invaded one thing was very clear, the Arabs had not yet grasped the importance of naval warfare. Jeddah had minor foundations for a wall but its port was defenceless as the Roman-Aksum navy sailed in with minor disturbances taking the town with minor difficulties.
Aretion awarded the town to Aksum whilst claiming the Port for Roma, an agreeable pact was formed between the formerly estranged allies as the combined allied army beat a shocked Muslim army outside of Mecca, before advancing into the holy city with little fanfare.
Though the Caliph himself had retreated to Medina and had an army of 50,000 men ready to fight the Imperial armies he had offered one last desperate offer for peace, the Caliphate was offering all of formerly Sassanid Mesopotamia, Arabia Felix (Southwest Arabia + Port of Aden) and former Ghassanid and Lakhmid territory alongside a tribute of 20,000 Solidus worth of gold with an annual tribute of 10,000 Solidus given to the Empire and recognise the Imperator Heraclius as the sole Emperor in the world.
[] In the name of Imperator Flavius Heracles Augustus Emperor of all Romans, Vice Regent of God, I, Prefect Aretion of Oriens accept your surrender in the name of Roma!
[] Refuse, torch Mecca and continue on to attack Medina with further support of 2 more Meroii, bringing your numbers up to 20,000 Roman Infantry, 8,000 Roman Cavalry, 4,000 Numidian Cavalry and 10,000 Aksumite Infantry (with 2,000 more Aksumite Infantry as reinforcements)
(Send 50,000 Solidus worth of loot back to Roma)
The year finally ended, it was filled with a large variety of news both good and bad. In the south the Arabs were on their last legs, an influx of blind men pushed them further than mere deaths would have, in the East the Sassanid remnants led by Yazdegerd III have used the relative peace to focus on the east where Tang China was making raids into Transoxiana, despite the peace the Sassanid economy had crashed with inflation soaring past Roman third Century levels Yazdegerd III would have to move heaven and hell to re-establish the Sassanid remnants as a true empire.
The Usurper Valentinus had begun a civil war in the Roman Empire but he had failed to account for Heraclius' popularity within the ranks of the army and the provinces, only a few provinces managed to revolt successfully whilst the army chose to stay loyal the martially gifted Imperator and Caesar, still, he was in control of the richest of Roman provinces and the only ones relatively undamaged by the long wars in the East and the West, if given time he too could raise an army that would shake the Imperial army opposing him.
~O~
Treasury: 28,500 Solidus
Income: 2,000 Solidus
+155,000 Taxes
+040,000 Production
+015,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-40,000 Imperial Administration
-10,000 Aegyptian Repairs. [Halted, negative not added]
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[] (Cost 40,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[] (Cost 30,000) Invest in Italia to revitalise the lost heartland of the Empire. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment and population growth locally)
[] (Cost 10,000) Investing in the loyalist urban centres. (Invests into, Ephesus, Roma, Brundisium, Antiochia, Alexandria etc to decentralise wealth and revenue.)
[ ] (Cost 35,000) Invest into Thraciae and Macedonia heavily, increasing urbanisation, civic facilities, manufacturies and universities, completes repair of damaged roads due to Slavic raiding. [Increase revenue, population and administration cost significantly.]
[] (Cost 7,000 {civil war} Upkeep 14,000) With Asiana and Pontus restored our access to its manpower has been increased. Raise 2 Meroii in Ephesus.
[] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
[] (Cost 25,000) The Aksumites are in alliance with Roma, the temporary fleet in Arabicus Sinus can be made into a trade fleet ready to patrol the seas properly. (Significantly increases trade revenue)
[] (Cost 80,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope at the very least they need tax free relief, not that they have anything to tax. (Takes three turns)
[] (Cost 10,000 for three turns) Aegyptus has suffered much but the damage is not as pressing there, it can be repaired and brought up to speed slowly.
[] (Cost 10,000) Recruit 20,000 Foederati Spearmen {Germanic} into the army at Thrace, in return however they demand Moesia II and Scythia (Modern upper Bulgaria) as their own land under the Imperator.
Imperator's personal actions:
[] Heliopolis's miracle alchemist is seeking to enter your retinue and continue his work with Naptha and Greek Fire. (Cost 2,000)
[] Send an envoy to the Sassanids, offer nominal aid in return for official recognition and renouncing of all claims to Mesopotamian basin. [Cost 5,000]
[] The doctrine of Monothelitism has been accepted by all but the Patriarch of Roma, it has been a great project that has nearly succeeded in unifying the Aegyptian church with the greater whole of the Chalcedonian. You can resume the pressure on the Patriarch of Roma, for he is all that stands between the ending of this Constantinople-Alexandria schism, maybe due to the civil war, the Patriarch in Roma can be kinder to your needs.
[] Send a personal mission to India and China to encourage trade at all costs, you need the money. [Opens further Silk Route missions] (Cost 5,000)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 644 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (69 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Caesar Heraklonas (17 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:4/MAR:10]
Population: 21,024,771
~O~
Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest! Join the Fire and Fiery Discord Server!Beta'ed by SirLagsalot
Last edited:
The Roman Civil War 02
- Location
- Minas Tirith
Whoop de whoop, here's another chapter! MOAR CHAOS! MOAR CIVIL WAR! I'll Update a map soon!
Niketas had accepted the offer of the Germans and with their aid marched on the rebels, his first goal was Thessalonica and by and large the province of Macedonia despite that he had chosen to march on the city with merely fourteen thousand men encouraging the rebels to underestimate his strength and face him in an open battle near the fortified town of Beroe.
They faced him with an army nearly equalling his own however his army being a veteran of the Slavic campaign had managed to gain the upper hand in a decisive battle which ended most of the usurper's rule throughout Macedonia. In Thrace however, the rebels fared far better and managed to achieve a stalemate in Moesia and actually pushed the Germans outside the Danube before marching further north and attempting to court the Bulgars and the Avars.
To the barbarians they swore the costliest rewards, all of Dacia Ripensis and Taurica should they support them with a parallel offer with the enticement for the Avars being the rich mines of Dalmatia and much of Italia Annoria (Northern Italy).
Despite the growing fear the young Caesare commanded in the hearts of the Barbarians, ignoring reduction of the Lombards to the few thousand refugees in Frankia, against any sensible judgment, they accepted.
This triggered a problem that had been steadily growing since the fall of the Western Empire, the crisis of the third century which had been followed by a short time of reprieve and further wars had left the West no longer as the lucrative candy that was relatively easy picking.
The rich Urbs and Colonias of the Eastern Empire had taken on that role unwillingly, the grandeur of Constantinople, the relative safety of the Empire and its economic prowess had been constantly a target for a second migration, in the heat of war and stacked odds Valentinus had allowed a new barbarian crisis to start.
Once again, a Roman was to blame for a crisis of Barbarians threatening the continued existence of the Empire as it remained.
This was not to say the Romans did not fight well, highly disciplined infantry guarded by the newly commissioned line of defences had held the pressure well, commanded by Captain Eudes the Danuvian Limitanei had fought with valour and successfully won two hundred and eighty-five battles upon the Danuvius and lost just one.
It was how they lost that mattered, the Captain of the guard had led a gathered host of Romans to beat back the Avar Khaganate once more but this was not to be this time, a combined host of Romans shockingly lost in a staggering loss that shattered the Danuvian guard.
Captain Eudes was slain in the stand of Viminacium (Modern Serbian Danube) leading to the collapse of a unified resistance by the Danuvian guard.
Forced into retreat they fell back in two groups of fifteen thousand Limitanei to Serdica (where Niketas was) and under the provisionary Captain Julian who retreated to Siscia where he tried to gather more men to mount an effective resistance.
Against all odds and offers of defection for governorship Julian remained loyal and attacked the Avars in a last ditch effort to stop their rampage across Dalmatia, it was a hard fought battle and once more the Roman infantry showed that merely possessing cavalry was not in and itself a victory but win Captain Julius did not, by the end of the month he had to fall back to Salona. Dalmatia had all but fallen to the Avars.
Taurica had been pushed by the Eastern Bulgars, who'd taken over the falling goths and pushed past the fort guarding entry to the small peninsula, the cities were still held steadfastly by loyalists due to the lack of sieging ability of the Bulgars but the supply of Naptha was vastly reduced as the province was forced to divert ships to import large amounts of food as they lost access to the fields in the peninsula and in mainland Taurica.
Better news had come from the south however, Caesar Heraklonas had continued on his streak of victories and broken the spines of the usurpers in the attack on Dyrrhachium.
The Caesar snuck into the city over the course of two months, keeping in mind his vastly inferior and enviable position. Taking precautions and flying merchant flags the Imperial Navy and the Army had been led by him in a concentrated effort that born fruit on the first night of Maritius (March).
In one night the rebel garrison was slaughtered, not waiting for a moment to celebrate his victory the Caesar disguised his army in the colours of the rebels with small white clothes hidden carefully near the leg denoting their true loyalty.
He continued this way for the next two months in a stunning counteroffensive, spearing through multiple unprepared garrisons he reduced the rebels to Thessalonica all the whilst carving a blood stained path that led to the city of Adrianople, the only major resistance offered by a large usurper garrison and army.
Spurred by his personal presence and growing legend his men were spurred on to fight harder and better, despite sustaining minor losses his own men had shattered the usurpers in Adrianople.
So sudden and swift was this success that he was proclaimed Invincibilium Caesar, the 'Invincible' Caesar. Even this victory's sweet taste was soured by the following retreat due to the approach of an army of thirty five thousand Bulgarians and Rebels.
The Caesar wintered in Serdica with three whole Meroii, 15,000 Limitanei and 4,000 Germans he'd managed to gather. (Combined 40,000 fighting men; 36,000 Romans) whilst Captain Julian was besieged in Salona with 15,000 Limitanei. In Constantinople, the Bulgars made themselves at home and Valentinus was forced to play host to the Bulgars who were becoming more and more envious off the riches of the empire after seeing the city of the world's desire.
[] Focus on Thraciae, nothing, absolutely nothing takes precedence over the Imperial capital, force them to starve or face you in the field.
[] Focus on regrouping with besieged Salona and take a bigger army to Thraciae, start the siege of Constantinople
[] (Heraklonas Special) The Bulgars believed their families and homes safe as they marched around slaughtering good Romans (they didn't but you don't care, do you?). Leave Niketas with the Germans and the Limitanei and send him to continue holding the port of Heraclea. You? You would march to the North and drag the Bulgars kicking screaming and burning to the table, they would bow or their people would share the fate of Lombardy.
[] Attack Thessalonica in a feint from land, another feint from the sea whilst another feint would be a ramp all the whilst the real attack would come from the smallest and most insignificant gate an hour into the battle after being left alone.
[] Write-in
Even further south in the sandy deserts of Arabia the only major battle of the year was fought outside a burning and sacked Mecca, a battle that would shake the rising star of the Rashidun Caliphate yet ensure Arab pressure continued to press on Roman minds.
On the first day, the stalemate was not broken aside from early skirmishing between the allied cavalry and Arab cavalry, on the second and the third day the trend continued through.
The same could not be said for the fourth day as the loot was loaded onto Roman carts and openly moved in front of the Arabs causing a maddened attack that actually forced the allied army into disarray and almost cut them off, it did not endure though and the Roman infantry stepped up to the task of shielding their allies allowing them to regather themselves till the evening when the battle stopped for the day with the Arabs being pushed back by a struggling and tired Roman infantry core that handled nearly twice their number.
Two more days passed fraught with tense battle as neither side gave an inch, despite this by the eighth day of battle the tired alliance was slowly losing ground to the Arabs as they fell back towards defensive positions prepared by the Roman infantry.
On the twelfth day, the Romans had finally recovered themselves enough and could be arranged into an offensive, the Arabs had run out of arrows, the heavy infantry had been rested for with lighter duty.
Though this had been bad for the allied infantry as they suffered more casualties it proved decisively vital as the charge of the Romans finally broke the drained Arabs, their allies were also drained but in high morale as they finally chased the Arab army back.
Prefect Aretion chose not to pursue the remaining thirty two thousand Arabs, choosing to fall back to Mecca and Jeddah whilst sending word of the Arab situation to the Imperator.
The Arabs were finally drained, they had no significant manpower to speak of as most of Yemen was being heavily stalled by Aksumite interference. Despite this advantage the allied army in Mecca was no longer ready for an offensive, their own strength and willingness to fight sapped by the Pyrrhic victory at Mecca.
[] Set up local Jews and Christians as local client kings, leave behind a Mero, let the remaining three Meroii travel to Aegyptus to recover their numbers and keep order there.
[] Hold the position with all your men, the Aksumite army will withdraw to Jeddah but still help if needed. If able then attack the demoralised enemy in Medinah (DC 75).
[] Hold the position and send all 12,000 of your cavalry south to sweep up the last resistance offered by the Arabs in Oman and then take the local Aksumite army (14,000 Infantry, 50 War Elephants) to take Yemen, the safest and most untouched area by the conflict.
[] Write-in
Then there was one. The Imperator himself had chosen to march on the Prefecture of Pontus and cut of the reinforcements being sent to Nicomedia, his eyes were focused on Sinope and Ancyra, at first he achieved great success in open battle.
The cities of Ancyra and Sinope both fell with little fight however as the Imperator took Sinope the men left behind to defend Ancyra lost a close battle and had to retreat back towards Sinope, another encirclement though this one was broken easily by the Imperator as he took Ancyra back and this time rounded up the routed enemy.
By this time news of the crisis to his West had arrived, to the West his son had done much harm to the enemy but at the same time positively massive quantities of barbarians were entering the Eastern Empire hoping to achieve a similar degree of success their German predecessors had with the Western Empire.
The Imperator was uncertain if Valentinus had understood the implications of opening the floodgates but it would be a risk to assume the man had made sure to secure the Danuvius against incursions by Barbaroi not allied with him.
[] Make haste to Cyzicus, Nicomedia can be in the hands of the rebels you're men are needed in the West. Let Theodore use his Meroii to stabilise Pontus itself.
[] Make for Nicomedia, the great port is the centre of the rebels in Asia, should it fall so would the rebellion in Asia.
[] Continue fighting in Pontus, trust your son to handle the West whilst you sweep up the remaining rebels in Pontus.
[] Write-in
The last piece of news was the arrival of the loot from Arabia to Antiochia after being shipped from Aegyptus, the Imperator could breathe a sigh of relief as at least the year ended on a positive note.
~O~
Treasury: 52,500 Solidus (+50,000 from the sack of Mecca)
Income: -8,000 Solidus
+155,000 Taxes
+040,000 Production
+010,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-45,000 Imperial Administration
-10,000 Aegyptian Repairs. [Halted, negative not added]
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[] (Cost 40,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[] (Cost 30,000) Invest in Africa Proconsularis to revitalise the former breadbasket of the late Western Roman Empire, it is in a remote location and with the recent gains of allied Berbers Numidia is a Roman ally. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment and population growth locally)
[] (Cost 10,000) Investing into the the loyalist urban centres. (Invests into, Ephesus, Roma, Brundisium, Antiochia, Alexandria etc to decentralise wealth and revenue.) [Repeatable each turn]
[] (Cost 0 {civil war} Upkeep 0, pay 25,000*years returned within two turns of the end of the war ) The war makes . Raise 4 Meroii in Ephesus, they will be veterans of the Persian war who will come out of loyalty to Heraclius. They shall take no pay but be paid a large bonus for each year served.
[] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
[] (Cost 25,000) The Aksumites are in alliance with Roma, the temporary fleet in Arabicus Sinus can be made into a trade fleet ready to patrol the seas properly. (Significantly increases trade revenue) (Increases prosperity in Aegyptus)
[] (Cost 80,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope at the very least they need tax free relief, not that they have anything to tax. (Takes three turns)
[] (Cost 20,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope, start laying the foundations of repair work and restore order in general at the same time open grain dolls.
Imperator's personal actions:
[] Send an envoy to the Sassanids, offer nominal aid in return for official recognition and renouncing of all claims to Mesopotamian basin. [Cost 5,000]
[] The doctrine of Monothelitism has been accepted by all but the Patriarch of Roma, it has been a great project that has nearly succeeded in unifying the Aegyptian church with the greater whole of the Chalcedonian. You can resume the pressure on the Patriarch of Roma, for he is all that stands between the ending of this Constantinople-Alexandria schism, maybe due to the civil war the Patriarch in Roma can be kinder to your needs.
[] Send a personal mission to India and China to encourage trade at all costs, you need the money. [Opens further Silk Route missions] (Cost 5,000)
[] Write-in (Subject to Author consideration)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 645 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (70 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Caesar Heraklonas (18 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:4/MAR:10]
Population: 21,342,319
Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest and post maps regularly! Join the Fire and Fiery Discord Server!
Beta'ed by SirLagsalot
[X] Plan Ashes and Traitors
-[X] Don't let the rebels assemble in force, send the cavalry to reclaim Thessalonica whilst advancing and establishing a siege line around the city of Constantinople all the while taking back the hinterland of Thraciae. [Thrace-56] [Macedonia-150]
-[X] Ancyra, a hub of Roman roads throughout Pontus. (39)
--[X] Send 2 Meroii to seize Sinope and completely cut Pontus in two halves. (91)
-[X] Refuse, torch Mecca and continue on to attack Medina with further support of 2 more Meroii, bringing your numbers up to 20,000 Roman Infantry, 8,000 Roman Cavalry, 4,000 Numidian Cavalry and 10,000 Aksumite Infantry (with 2,000 more Aksumite Infantry as reinforcements)
(Send 50,000 Solidus worth of loot back to Roma)(4-92-44-50-35-91-51)
-[X] (Cost 30,000 15,000) Invest in Italia to revitalize the lost heartland of the Empire. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment, and population growth locally) [Imperator Focus]
-[X] (Cost 10,000) Recruit 20,000 Foederati Spearmen {Germanic} into the army at Thrace, in return however they demand Moesia II and Scythia (Modern upper Bulgaria) as their own land under the Imperator. (352)
-[X] Heliopolis's miracle alchemist is seeking to enter your retinue and continue his work with Naptha and Greek Fire. (Cost 2,000)
-[X] Don't let the rebels assemble in force, send the cavalry to reclaim Thessalonica whilst advancing and establishing a siege line around the city of Constantinople all the while taking back the hinterland of Thraciae. [Thrace-56] [Macedonia-150]
-[X] Ancyra, a hub of Roman roads throughout Pontus. (39)
--[X] Send 2 Meroii to seize Sinope and completely cut Pontus in two halves. (91)
-[X] Refuse, torch Mecca and continue on to attack Medina with further support of 2 more Meroii, bringing your numbers up to 20,000 Roman Infantry, 8,000 Roman Cavalry, 4,000 Numidian Cavalry and 10,000 Aksumite Infantry (with 2,000 more Aksumite Infantry as reinforcements)
(Send 50,000 Solidus worth of loot back to Roma)(4-92-44-50-35-91-51)
-[X] (Cost 30,000 15,000) Invest in Italia to revitalize the lost heartland of the Empire. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment, and population growth locally) [Imperator Focus]
-[X] (Cost 10,000) Recruit 20,000 Foederati Spearmen {Germanic} into the army at Thrace, in return however they demand Moesia II and Scythia (Modern upper Bulgaria) as their own land under the Imperator. (352)
-[X] Heliopolis's miracle alchemist is seeking to enter your retinue and continue his work with Naptha and Greek Fire. (Cost 2,000)
Niketas had accepted the offer of the Germans and with their aid marched on the rebels, his first goal was Thessalonica and by and large the province of Macedonia despite that he had chosen to march on the city with merely fourteen thousand men encouraging the rebels to underestimate his strength and face him in an open battle near the fortified town of Beroe.
They faced him with an army nearly equalling his own however his army being a veteran of the Slavic campaign had managed to gain the upper hand in a decisive battle which ended most of the usurper's rule throughout Macedonia. In Thrace however, the rebels fared far better and managed to achieve a stalemate in Moesia and actually pushed the Germans outside the Danube before marching further north and attempting to court the Bulgars and the Avars.
To the barbarians they swore the costliest rewards, all of Dacia Ripensis and Taurica should they support them with a parallel offer with the enticement for the Avars being the rich mines of Dalmatia and much of Italia Annoria (Northern Italy).
Despite the growing fear the young Caesare commanded in the hearts of the Barbarians, ignoring reduction of the Lombards to the few thousand refugees in Frankia, against any sensible judgment, they accepted.
This triggered a problem that had been steadily growing since the fall of the Western Empire, the crisis of the third century which had been followed by a short time of reprieve and further wars had left the West no longer as the lucrative candy that was relatively easy picking.
The rich Urbs and Colonias of the Eastern Empire had taken on that role unwillingly, the grandeur of Constantinople, the relative safety of the Empire and its economic prowess had been constantly a target for a second migration, in the heat of war and stacked odds Valentinus had allowed a new barbarian crisis to start.
Once again, a Roman was to blame for a crisis of Barbarians threatening the continued existence of the Empire as it remained.
This was not to say the Romans did not fight well, highly disciplined infantry guarded by the newly commissioned line of defences had held the pressure well, commanded by Captain Eudes the Danuvian Limitanei had fought with valour and successfully won two hundred and eighty-five battles upon the Danuvius and lost just one.
It was how they lost that mattered, the Captain of the guard had led a gathered host of Romans to beat back the Avar Khaganate once more but this was not to be this time, a combined host of Romans shockingly lost in a staggering loss that shattered the Danuvian guard.
Captain Eudes was slain in the stand of Viminacium (Modern Serbian Danube) leading to the collapse of a unified resistance by the Danuvian guard.
Forced into retreat they fell back in two groups of fifteen thousand Limitanei to Serdica (where Niketas was) and under the provisionary Captain Julian who retreated to Siscia where he tried to gather more men to mount an effective resistance.
Against all odds and offers of defection for governorship Julian remained loyal and attacked the Avars in a last ditch effort to stop their rampage across Dalmatia, it was a hard fought battle and once more the Roman infantry showed that merely possessing cavalry was not in and itself a victory but win Captain Julius did not, by the end of the month he had to fall back to Salona. Dalmatia had all but fallen to the Avars.
Taurica had been pushed by the Eastern Bulgars, who'd taken over the falling goths and pushed past the fort guarding entry to the small peninsula, the cities were still held steadfastly by loyalists due to the lack of sieging ability of the Bulgars but the supply of Naptha was vastly reduced as the province was forced to divert ships to import large amounts of food as they lost access to the fields in the peninsula and in mainland Taurica.
Better news had come from the south however, Caesar Heraklonas had continued on his streak of victories and broken the spines of the usurpers in the attack on Dyrrhachium.
The Caesar snuck into the city over the course of two months, keeping in mind his vastly inferior and enviable position. Taking precautions and flying merchant flags the Imperial Navy and the Army had been led by him in a concentrated effort that born fruit on the first night of Maritius (March).
In one night the rebel garrison was slaughtered, not waiting for a moment to celebrate his victory the Caesar disguised his army in the colours of the rebels with small white clothes hidden carefully near the leg denoting their true loyalty.
He continued this way for the next two months in a stunning counteroffensive, spearing through multiple unprepared garrisons he reduced the rebels to Thessalonica all the whilst carving a blood stained path that led to the city of Adrianople, the only major resistance offered by a large usurper garrison and army.
Spurred by his personal presence and growing legend his men were spurred on to fight harder and better, despite sustaining minor losses his own men had shattered the usurpers in Adrianople.
So sudden and swift was this success that he was proclaimed Invincibilium Caesar, the 'Invincible' Caesar. Even this victory's sweet taste was soured by the following retreat due to the approach of an army of thirty five thousand Bulgarians and Rebels.
The Caesar wintered in Serdica with three whole Meroii, 15,000 Limitanei and 4,000 Germans he'd managed to gather. (Combined 40,000 fighting men; 36,000 Romans) whilst Captain Julian was besieged in Salona with 15,000 Limitanei. In Constantinople, the Bulgars made themselves at home and Valentinus was forced to play host to the Bulgars who were becoming more and more envious off the riches of the empire after seeing the city of the world's desire.
[] Focus on Thraciae, nothing, absolutely nothing takes precedence over the Imperial capital, force them to starve or face you in the field.
[] Focus on regrouping with besieged Salona and take a bigger army to Thraciae, start the siege of Constantinople
[] (Heraklonas Special) The Bulgars believed their families and homes safe as they marched around slaughtering good Romans (they didn't but you don't care, do you?). Leave Niketas with the Germans and the Limitanei and send him to continue holding the port of Heraclea. You? You would march to the North and drag the Bulgars kicking screaming and burning to the table, they would bow or their people would share the fate of Lombardy.
[] Attack Thessalonica in a feint from land, another feint from the sea whilst another feint would be a ramp all the whilst the real attack would come from the smallest and most insignificant gate an hour into the battle after being left alone.
[] Write-in
Even further south in the sandy deserts of Arabia the only major battle of the year was fought outside a burning and sacked Mecca, a battle that would shake the rising star of the Rashidun Caliphate yet ensure Arab pressure continued to press on Roman minds.
On the first day, the stalemate was not broken aside from early skirmishing between the allied cavalry and Arab cavalry, on the second and the third day the trend continued through.
The same could not be said for the fourth day as the loot was loaded onto Roman carts and openly moved in front of the Arabs causing a maddened attack that actually forced the allied army into disarray and almost cut them off, it did not endure though and the Roman infantry stepped up to the task of shielding their allies allowing them to regather themselves till the evening when the battle stopped for the day with the Arabs being pushed back by a struggling and tired Roman infantry core that handled nearly twice their number.
Two more days passed fraught with tense battle as neither side gave an inch, despite this by the eighth day of battle the tired alliance was slowly losing ground to the Arabs as they fell back towards defensive positions prepared by the Roman infantry.
On the twelfth day, the Romans had finally recovered themselves enough and could be arranged into an offensive, the Arabs had run out of arrows, the heavy infantry had been rested for with lighter duty.
Though this had been bad for the allied infantry as they suffered more casualties it proved decisively vital as the charge of the Romans finally broke the drained Arabs, their allies were also drained but in high morale as they finally chased the Arab army back.
Prefect Aretion chose not to pursue the remaining thirty two thousand Arabs, choosing to fall back to Mecca and Jeddah whilst sending word of the Arab situation to the Imperator.
The Arabs were finally drained, they had no significant manpower to speak of as most of Yemen was being heavily stalled by Aksumite interference. Despite this advantage the allied army in Mecca was no longer ready for an offensive, their own strength and willingness to fight sapped by the Pyrrhic victory at Mecca.
[] Set up local Jews and Christians as local client kings, leave behind a Mero, let the remaining three Meroii travel to Aegyptus to recover their numbers and keep order there.
[] Hold the position with all your men, the Aksumite army will withdraw to Jeddah but still help if needed. If able then attack the demoralised enemy in Medinah (DC 75).
[] Hold the position and send all 12,000 of your cavalry south to sweep up the last resistance offered by the Arabs in Oman and then take the local Aksumite army (14,000 Infantry, 50 War Elephants) to take Yemen, the safest and most untouched area by the conflict.
[] Write-in
Then there was one. The Imperator himself had chosen to march on the Prefecture of Pontus and cut of the reinforcements being sent to Nicomedia, his eyes were focused on Sinope and Ancyra, at first he achieved great success in open battle.
The cities of Ancyra and Sinope both fell with little fight however as the Imperator took Sinope the men left behind to defend Ancyra lost a close battle and had to retreat back towards Sinope, another encirclement though this one was broken easily by the Imperator as he took Ancyra back and this time rounded up the routed enemy.
By this time news of the crisis to his West had arrived, to the West his son had done much harm to the enemy but at the same time positively massive quantities of barbarians were entering the Eastern Empire hoping to achieve a similar degree of success their German predecessors had with the Western Empire.
The Imperator was uncertain if Valentinus had understood the implications of opening the floodgates but it would be a risk to assume the man had made sure to secure the Danuvius against incursions by Barbaroi not allied with him.
[] Make haste to Cyzicus, Nicomedia can be in the hands of the rebels you're men are needed in the West. Let Theodore use his Meroii to stabilise Pontus itself.
[] Make for Nicomedia, the great port is the centre of the rebels in Asia, should it fall so would the rebellion in Asia.
[] Continue fighting in Pontus, trust your son to handle the West whilst you sweep up the remaining rebels in Pontus.
[] Write-in
The last piece of news was the arrival of the loot from Arabia to Antiochia after being shipped from Aegyptus, the Imperator could breathe a sigh of relief as at least the year ended on a positive note.
~O~
Treasury: 52,500 Solidus (+50,000 from the sack of Mecca)
Income: -8,000 Solidus
+155,000 Taxes
+040,000 Production
+010,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-45,000 Imperial Administration
-10,000 Aegyptian Repairs. [Halted, negative not added]
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[] (Cost 40,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[] (Cost 30,000) Invest in Africa Proconsularis to revitalise the former breadbasket of the late Western Roman Empire, it is in a remote location and with the recent gains of allied Berbers Numidia is a Roman ally. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment and population growth locally)
[] (Cost 10,000) Investing into the the loyalist urban centres. (Invests into, Ephesus, Roma, Brundisium, Antiochia, Alexandria etc to decentralise wealth and revenue.) [Repeatable each turn]
[] (Cost 0 {civil war} Upkeep 0, pay 25,000*years returned within two turns of the end of the war ) The war makes . Raise 4 Meroii in Ephesus, they will be veterans of the Persian war who will come out of loyalty to Heraclius. They shall take no pay but be paid a large bonus for each year served.
[] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
[] (Cost 25,000) The Aksumites are in alliance with Roma, the temporary fleet in Arabicus Sinus can be made into a trade fleet ready to patrol the seas properly. (Significantly increases trade revenue) (Increases prosperity in Aegyptus)
[] (Cost 80,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope at the very least they need tax free relief, not that they have anything to tax. (Takes three turns)
[] (Cost 20,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope, start laying the foundations of repair work and restore order in general at the same time open grain dolls.
Imperator's personal actions:
[] Send an envoy to the Sassanids, offer nominal aid in return for official recognition and renouncing of all claims to Mesopotamian basin. [Cost 5,000]
[] The doctrine of Monothelitism has been accepted by all but the Patriarch of Roma, it has been a great project that has nearly succeeded in unifying the Aegyptian church with the greater whole of the Chalcedonian. You can resume the pressure on the Patriarch of Roma, for he is all that stands between the ending of this Constantinople-Alexandria schism, maybe due to the civil war the Patriarch in Roma can be kinder to your needs.
[] Send a personal mission to India and China to encourage trade at all costs, you need the money. [Opens further Silk Route missions] (Cost 5,000)
[] Write-in (Subject to Author consideration)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 645 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (70 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Caesar Heraklonas (18 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:4/MAR:10]
Population: 21,342,319
Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest and post maps regularly! Join the Fire and Fiery Discord Server!
Beta'ed by SirLagsalot
Last edited:
Map as of this 645 Anno Domini
- Location
- Minas Tirith
https://imgur.com/a/u3s1L2F
- Blue Frankia
- Green Spain Visigoths
- Maroonish Red Roman Client States
- Cherry Red The Roman Empire (Loyalists)
- Pinkish Red The Roman Empire (Usurpers)
- Dark Green Bulgarians
- Turquoise Avar Khaganate
- Persia (Aqua) Sassanid Remnants
- Darkish Blue Sassanid Client States
- Lightest Brown Tang China
- Light Brown Chinese Tributaries
- Orange Minor Indian and South-East Asian nations
- Yellow Chalukyan Kingdom
- Dark Brown Harsha Kingdom
- Green Blue Tibetian Empire
- Dark Pink Uyghur Khaganate
The Roman Civil War 03
- Location
- Minas Tirith
[X] Plan Cornered Foes Die like Dogs
- [X] (Heraklonas Special) The Bulgars believed their families and homes safe as they marched around slaughtering good Romans (they didn't but you don't care, do you?). Leave Niketas with the Germans and the Limitanei and send him to continue holding the port of Heraclea. You? You would march to the North and drag the Bulgars kicking screaming and burning to the table, they would bow or their people would share the fate of Lombardy.
- [X] Hold the position and send all 12,000 of your cavalry south to sweep up the last resistance offered by the Arabs in Oman and then take the local Aksumite army (14,000 Infantry, 50 War Elephants) to take Yemen, the safest and most untouched area by the conflict.
- [X] Make for Nicomedia, the great port is the centre of the rebels in Asia, should it fall so would the rebellion in Asia.
- [X] (Cost 20,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope, start laying the foundations of repair work and restore order in general at the same time open grain dolls.
- [X] [Imperator Focus] (Cost 25,000 12500) The Aksumites are in alliance with Roma, the temporary fleet in Arabicus Sinus can be made into a trade fleet ready to patrol the seas properly. (Significantly increases trade revenue) (Increases prosperity in Aegyptus)
- [X] The doctrine of Monothelitism has been accepted by all but the Patriarch of Roma, it has been a great project that has nearly succeeded in unifying the Aegyptian church with the greater whole of the Chalcedonian. You can resume the pressure on the Patriarch of Roma, for he is all that stands between the ending of this Constantinople-Alexandria schism, maybe due to the civil war the Patriarch in Roma can be kinder to your needs.
- [X] (Heraklonas Special) The Bulgars believed their families and homes safe as they marched around slaughtering good Romans (they didn't but you don't care, do you?). Leave Niketas with the Germans and the Limitanei and send him to continue holding the port of Heraclea. You? You would march to the North and drag the Bulgars kicking screaming and burning to the table, they would bow or their people would share the fate of Lombardy.
- [X] Hold the position and send all 12,000 of your cavalry south to sweep up the last resistance offered by the Arabs in Oman and then take the local Aksumite army (14,000 Infantry, 50 War Elephants) to take Yemen, the safest and most untouched area by the conflict.
- [X] Make for Nicomedia, the great port is the centre of the rebels in Asia, should it fall so would the rebellion in Asia.
- [X] (Cost 20,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope, start laying the foundations of repair work and restore order in general at the same time open grain dolls.
- [X] [Imperator Focus] (Cost 25,000 12500) The Aksumites are in alliance with Roma, the temporary fleet in Arabicus Sinus can be made into a trade fleet ready to patrol the seas properly. (Significantly increases trade revenue) (Increases prosperity in Aegyptus)
- [X] The doctrine of Monothelitism has been accepted by all but the Patriarch of Roma, it has been a great project that has nearly succeeded in unifying the Aegyptian church with the greater whole of the Chalcedonian. You can resume the pressure on the Patriarch of Roma, for he is all that stands between the ending of this Constantinople-Alexandria schism, maybe due to the civil war the Patriarch in Roma can be kinder to your needs.
Emona was a small settlement guarding the entrance to Italia through the Eastern Alps, though the city itself had fallen into ruins after its sack during the original Hunnic Wars the fortress had been maintained as a crucial point as an entry to Italia with roads leading to the farmlands along the Padus.
In order to prevent the entry of the barbarians into Italy a fairly large garrison had been assembled by the loyal commander in charge, Gregorius, though by no means a military genius he managed to assemble an army of ten thousand men that opposed the slavic army's entry into Italia.
Despite staunch resistance it was clear within the first few skirmishes Gregorius was no Heraklonas and his troops showed their inexperience, as it turned out in the second battle of Emona their lack of discipline shined through as Gregorius attempted the same tactic used by his lord in Roma.
It was to no one's surprise as his troops faltered and routed after a tough battle due to the non-existent trust in Gregory's martial ability and the commander himself was slain during the rout causing the troops to shatter and continue falling back beyond Aquiliae which was abandoned.
Another Captain rose to a hesitant leadership after the death of Gregory, Marius, another administrator left behind in a province meant to be safe, another loyalist.
He refused to retreat and offered battle near the walls of Verona in a desperate to do one last battle, this time he had received his reinforcements in the form of a Meros from Roma.
The battle was fought like men possessed with great brutality and acts of courage the Imperial forces actually came close to victory but at the end Marius was slain in battle and the lines soon collapsing at which point the Romans fell back to preserve their strength and to prevent a rout.
The fall of those and the lack of a real leader after Marius forced the Romans to fall further back as the Slavs followed their momentum by crossing the river of Atesis and finally being stopped by the Imperial armies splitting up to commit to a Guerrilla campaign to slow the Slavic army.
Though slowed the Avars continued making gains and finally breached the Padus by winning the battle of Cremona which opened the gates to the capital of Italia, Mediolanum.
Italia was in crisis, despite not having a proper leader the Roman Meros assembled with more and more garrisons being drawn from across Italia and even 2,000 Numidian horse being present determined to stop the Avar advance beyond Mediolanum and prevent another ruinous fall of Italia just when the population had begun growing.
One Meros (5,000 Heavy Infantry; 1,500 Heavy Cavalry; 500 Light Cavalry) [Quality: Veteran]
Garrisons from across Italia (10,000 Medium Infantry) [Quality: Green]
Numidian reinforcements (2,000 Light Cavalry) [Quality: Veteran] {Allied}
Garrisons from across Italia (10,000 Medium Infantry) [Quality: Green]
Numidian reinforcements (2,000 Light Cavalry) [Quality: Veteran] {Allied}
A relatively strong army of nineteen thousand men had been assembled in Mediolanum but the problem remained, they had no leader to properly guide them and thus an ambitious young Roman who'd accompanied the Roman garrison spoke up.
A masterful orator and possessing a rich (and somewhat unproven) ancestry, Lucius Cornelius was one of the many Romans whose families had slowly scattered across Italia after the final dissolution of the Western Senate.
Though by no means a military genius on the scale of his lord he presented a solid plan and maintained the line against the stronger and larger Slavic army that was riding high on the momentum of their previous victories. He used the green infantry under his command as bait well the veterans of the Lombardic War were used as a flanking force.
The Numidian cavalry was used exactly like Hannibal used them, alongside the far heavier and just as experienced heavy cavalry of the Empire. The Numidians outmanoeuvred the Slavic cavalry winning nearly every skirmish on horseback and a charge by the infantry seized the initiative long enough for the heavy cavalry to charge the Slavic flank.
Whilst the battle ended with a Slavic route the Roman centre which broke thrice but managed to reform due to the support of the veterans who re-established the centre at the cost of the Slavic flanks being given the opportunity to fall back in order.
The Slavic army had fallen back and Lucius put a halt on any pursuit, choosing instead to hold the riverfront with his weakened army well putting in a request for more reinforcements as he established his men across the Padus and placed the Numidians at regular intervals to act as messengers for rapid response.
Deeper inside Italia a runaway Slavic force had taken the weakened cities of Mutina and Bononia but were halted by a mustering of men from throughout central Italia, with the offensive stalled for the moment the Romans in Italia released a great sigh of relief despite the loss of most of the fertile farmlands and vital passes across the Alps.
[] Ask the Numidians to send further aid, due to former investments they have sworn to aid you. (sends 4,000 Numidian Cavalry {Allied} to reinforce Lucius near the Padus.
[] (Cost 9,000; Upkeep 9,000 raise another Meros in Italia to aid Lucius.
[] Ask him to hold back and defend the Padus, reinforcements will be sent if possible.
[] Write-in
The Caesar himself was also busy in his fight against the Slavs, he'd chosen to fight on and marched to Thessalonica with his entire army whilst picking up more Germanic stragglers leaving behind no defenders in Serdica, choosing to come back faster than he would have otherwise.
His march south was littered with minor Slavic raiding bands being executed en masse, with the Caesar not having time nor patience to deal with slaves or prisoners during his march to Thessalonica as he arrived near the city the defending rebels chose to open the gates rather than fight, quoting the many raids by the slavs they chose the only nearby Roman army as their defenders.
As for the Caesar, he lamented his lack of time before pardoning the rebels and turned around to go and fight the Bulgars successfully in the battle of Kastoria before moving on and fighting another Bulgarian army at the gates of Phillipopolis.
As these events occurred the two of the Meroii that had been left behind by Niketas and then lost in the chaos of Dalmatia's fall managed to reach the city of Epidaurum before the Avars did and managed to sail to Barium and were on their way to join the army in Mediolanum.
The battle of Philippopolis was another success without any noticeable losses as the Bulgars pulled back again, infuriated at the lack of a decisive battle and the willingness to retreat the Imperator left for the Danuvius, chasing the Bulgarian army all the way to the river and beyond it.
He left behind a fairly secured Thrace with the rebels reduced to just Constantinople and both Macedonia and Daciae, the Slavs were in retreat and his father had just begun his attack on the rebels in Pontus.
He felt secure with his reputation and thus didn't see the attempt when it happened, an assassin in his very camp had tried to kill him in his sleep and he actually got far!
Had it not been for the brave soldier that threw himself in the path of the blade destined for the Caesar's heart to prevent his death he'd be dead instead of being delirious with fever as his camp fell apart to chaos and then a snek attack by those stinky sneky Slavs… He probably should put down his journal instead of continuing to waste his time scribbling. Caesar probably didn't write when he was drunk.
The drunk and drugged Caesar grabbed his second in command's shoulders, almost falling off his horse before grabbing his waist, "H-Hey man, I ever told you I ll-love yo--u?"
The man stoically continued on his journey, as the army fought back his contingent was sneaking off to Heraclea and then preferably to Ephesus for his lord to recover, "Yes your majesty, I too, love you," His job done the soldier continued directing the horse alongside the Cataphractii company.
"Y-YOu havr a grrrratt," The Caesar shook his head, "Hoollyy shit man, what'd the pope guy give meeee? I've nevah! Nevah been this deli-dei- crazy!"
Decimus' eye twitched as considered that, "I think you'll get to know when you gut him my lord."
"...You n-ow, I w-as 't f'll ma--st when we burnt th-se dy- wait no- I meant the germans!"
"...Please stop my lord."
"OOKAAY-" And the Caesar fell limp suddenly, only letting out small snores as he was remained connected to the horse only because they were literally tied together.
"Thank the lord for small mercies."
The remaining trip was uneventful with the sleeping Caesar being moved successfully but the battle had been lost and the army shattered as it retreated to isolated cities allowing for the Bulgarians to renew and even expand their attacks on Daciae, Thraciae and Macedonia.
Niketas had marched north with the Limitanei in an effort to stop the advancing Bulgars but was stopped by imperial decree and turned around to rejoin his liege.
3 Meroii: Shattered to Heraclea (15,000 Heavy Infantry; 6,000 Cavalry) [Quality: Veteran]
Heraclius's reformed army:
7 Meroii (35,000 Heavy Infantry; 14,000 Cavalry) [Quality: Veteran]
Fifteen Thousand Limitanei (15,000 Heavy Infantry) [Quality: Experienced]
Four Auxilia companies of German Axemen (4,000 Light Infantry) [Quality: Seasoned]
Total: 50,000 Heavy Infantry; 10,500 Cataphractii; 3,500 Light Cavalry; 4,000 Auxilia Light Infantry (68,000 Men)
Heraclius's reformed army:
7 Meroii (35,000 Heavy Infantry; 14,000 Cavalry) [Quality: Veteran]
Fifteen Thousand Limitanei (15,000 Heavy Infantry) [Quality: Experienced]
Four Auxilia companies of German Axemen (4,000 Light Infantry) [Quality: Seasoned]
Total: 50,000 Heavy Infantry; 10,500 Cataphractii; 3,500 Light Cavalry; 4,000 Auxilia Light Infantry (68,000 Men)
The Augustus had arrived.
The Augustus had a far better time, beating the rebellion's armies outside Chalcedon in an attempt to cross the straights. Nicomedia was reclaimed soon and within the month of Iunius the Augustus of Roma marched through Heraclea where he gathered the entirety of his army and surrounded Constantinople after sending his son and wife to Ephesus with the Scholae Palatinae.
The arrival of the Emperor was a changer for the crisis, throughout the war he had remained a distant figure as the Slavs came and raided away to their heart's content but now the Imperator was here exactly at the time the rebels had screwed up so badly that their popularity (of free money) had took a nosedive.
Faced with an army of 64,000 men and some barbarians the citizens of the largest city of the known world chose to act with some discretion and overnight many of the small gates manned by rebels found themselves rapidly overwhelmed by an angry raging mobs of civilians that had drowned them in numbers and ripped them apart limb by limb in seconds.
By the time Heraclius restored order to the city Valentinus was dead by his own hands and his namesake was at his hands, ready to be punished, though his first action was to send Niketas to Athens with the Danuvian guard and 3 of his Meroii where he would stop the rapid Bulgarian advance and break the siege of Thessalonica.
His own eyes were set at the map of the empire, Dalmatia, Thraciae, Daciae were completely lost with exception of certain cities whilst on the other hand the province of Italia was barely holding and four valuable Meroii were engaged in the conquest of a desert.
[] Counterattack: Straight forward, go forth and break the siege of Philippopolis personally.
-[] Niketas is to march forth and reclaim Macedonia with due force, the slavs are to shackled and sold. No mercy for the wicked.
[] Counterattack: Thraciae and Macedonia with Niketas's support, start rebuilding immediately, let them occupy Daciae and Dalmatia for the moment.
[] Write-in
Despite the war raging throughout Roma a son of Roma was attacking Yemen, the last unharmed stronghold of the Arabs, as he marched his tired armies were countered by fresh Arabs levies at each corner and despite taking many cities he had to retreat due to a shortage of men.
He did leave one last present for the Arabs, though.
It is said that the sandy paths and farmlands continued burning till nothing but ashes remained, the Arab supply chain for food was reduced to Mesopotamia in a splatter of splinters despite the losses suffered due to the unstable alchemical mixtures of an unique fire.
Despite everything Arabia was still in a stalemate though the Romano-Aksumite alliance had made great gains and effectively cut down the Arabs to a hundredth of what they could once do.
[] Pull back two Meroii to the Levant and transfer two from there to the frontlines.
[] The Meroii have recovered their strength by a year of leisurely rest as a friendly Christian tribe is settling in the ruins of Mecca and settling it, order them to attack Medinah and keep executing a Caliph till they find one that'll negotiate.
Despite the fall of Dalmatia the Pope had sent a polite refusal to accept Monothelitism but very curiously when Lucius had a few choice words with the Patriarch of Roma as the Padus was secured and a newer message was quickly dispatched.
Theodore had submitted, the Patriarch of Roma had given his approval both overtly and openly in a manner appalling to some of his colleagues even though most followed the bishop's lead. In a year in the planned Second Council of Chalcedon the Christian faith would come together to mend the schism.
~O~
Treasury: 17,000 Solidus
Income: 2,000 Solidus
+162,000 Taxes
+038,000 Production
+025,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-55,000 Imperial Administration
-10,000 Aegyptian Repairs. [Halted, negative not added]
Projects: (Can take as many, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[] (Cost 10,000) Expand trade prospects further in India, try to get naval basing rights.
[] (Cost 40,000 for Three Turns) The recent Persian War has damaged all of Oriens and Aegyptus, the infrastructure lost has caused a loss in revenue and logistical ability to field large armies, this needs to be remedied. (Significantly Increases Revenue)
[] (Cost 30,000) Invest in Africa Proconsularis to revitalise the former breadbasket of the late Western Roman Empire, it is in a remote location and with the recent gains of allied Berbers Numidia is a Roman ally. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment and population growth locally)
[] (Cost 10,000) Investing into the loyalist urban centres. (Invests into, Ephesus, Roma, Brundisium, Antiochia, Alexandria etc to decentralise wealth and revenue.) [Repeatable each turn]
[] (Cost 0 {civil war} Upkeep 0, pay 25,000*years returned within two turns of the end of the war ) The war makes . Raise 4 Meroii in Ephesus, they will be veterans of the Persian war who will come out of loyalty to Heraclius. They shall take no pay but be paid a large bonus for each year served.
[] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place!
[] (Cost 80,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope at the very least they need tax free relief, not that they have anything to tax. (Takes three turns)
[] (Cost 10,000 for three turns) Aegyptus has suffered much but the damage is not as pressing there, it can be repaired and brought up to speed slowly.
[] (Cost 15,000) The Imperial Capital is still damaged by both riots and the restoration of order
Imperator's personal actions:
[] Seek a marriage for your son, he is now old enough to get married. Besides an heir is probably needed if he wants to fearlessly continue fighitng like he does.
-[] Seek a marriage with a Merovingian dynasty.
-[] Seek a marriage with a Visigothic princess, hopefully this king's reign will last longer than a virgin's first bedding.
-[] Seek another marriage tie with the House of Sassan.
-[] Ask Aretion to kidnap a descendent of the holy house of the Rashudins, a finer hostage Rome shall never get!
[] (Cost 5000) The formula for Greek Fire is closely guarded secret but the fact is that it is unstable as it stands, your miracle alchemist seeks to explore new routes to see the formula can't be improved!
[] Send an envoy to the Sassanids, offer nominal aid in return for official recognition and renouncing of all claims to Mesopotamian basin. [Cost 5,000]
[] Send a personal mission to India and China to encourage trade at all costs, you need the money. [Opens further Silk Route missions] (Cost 5,000)
[] Write-in (Subject to Author consideration)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 646 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (71 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Caesar Heraklonas (19 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:4/MAR:10]
Population: 21,664,664
Feel free to join me on Discord, that's where I do the rolls for the quest and post maps regularly! Join the Fire and Fiery Discord Server!
Beta'ed by SirLagsalot
Last edited:
The Barbarian Invasion 01
- Location
- Minas Tirith
[X] Plan Gather the Kindling
- [X] Ask the Numidians to send further aid, due to former investments they have sworn to aid you. (sends 4,000 Numidian Cavalry {Allied} to reinforce Lucius near the Padus.
- [X] Counterattack: Thraciae and Macedonia with Niketas's support, start rebuilding immediately, let them occupy Daciae and Dalmatia for the moment.
- [X] Pull back two Meroii to the Levant and transfer two from there to the frontlines.
- [X] [Imperator Focus] (Cost 10,000 5,000) Expand trade prospects further in India, try to get naval basing rights.
- [X] Send a personal mission to India and China to encourage trade at all costs, you need the money. [Opens further Silk Route missions] (Cost 5,000)
- [X] Ask the Numidians to send further aid, due to former investments they have sworn to aid you. (sends 4,000 Numidian Cavalry {Allied} to reinforce Lucius near the Padus.
- [X] Counterattack: Thraciae and Macedonia with Niketas's support, start rebuilding immediately, let them occupy Daciae and Dalmatia for the moment.
- [X] Pull back two Meroii to the Levant and transfer two from there to the frontlines.
- [X] [Imperator Focus] (Cost 10,000 5,000) Expand trade prospects further in India, try to get naval basing rights.
- [X] Send a personal mission to India and China to encourage trade at all costs, you need the money. [Opens further Silk Route missions] (Cost 5,000)
Supported by the Imperial Navy a Roman mercantile expedition was sent to the East as the last signs of a probable naval threat from the Caliphate was erased in a blaze of fire.
However, the concerns about the unstable nature of the alchemical fire had been a nightmarish situation for the Emperor the sheer potential of the fire to damage their own men and lord forbid their cities it woke him up at night, worried about the fire.
Constantinople itself would be devastated if Greek Fire backfired heavily, the Imperator was quick to cordon off containment areas whilst making sure sand was gathered in the capital. Just in case.
[] (Cost 5,000) Prefect Aretion is one of the most careful and loyal men you have, that even he was injured due to backlash shows the inherent instability of the fire. Call for Callinicus, the man was rambling on about bettering the incendiary weapon for months.
[] The formula, the heavy compartmentalisation of the process to make Greek Fire was one of the greatest defences against anyone, to give away the complete formula to a man was in and itself an unprecedented threat. No, it was not worth it. (Gets trait Stressed)
His own time was spent discussing war plans with Niketas as they prepared for an attack as winter withdrew and gave way to warmer temperatures, the very first day of Spring was marked by a series of swift offensives alongside the roads followed by thousands of Cataphractii slaughtering any raiding bands left behind.
So used were the Bulgars to the months of peace Winter had given them they only managed to properly regroup at Serdica with a complete withdrawal from all of Macedonia and the southern parts of Thraciae.
Heraclius did not repeat the mistake of Yarmouk, choosing to let his subordinate face the Bulgars frontally at Serdica whilst he swung around to attempt an encirclement.
Despite the Bulgars being outnumbered nearly twice over after he joined the battle the defensive terrain and fears of slaughter had incited the Bulgars to fight like madmen, throwing away their lives for the barest hopes of survival.
Though the battle was counted as a victory Niketas's army was rendered toothless as he was forced to go back to a defensive position though Heraclius himself was thinking about the merit of committing to retaking the fortifications upon the Danuvius or defending before attacking with a reinforced army.
[] Attack further into Thraciae, push till the Danuvius and re-establish the Danuvian guard there.
[] Defend your position and send away Niketas with 3 Meroii and the Limitanei to relieve the siege on Salona and retake Dalmatia with the aid of Captain Julius and his men.
[] Attack into Daciae and Thraciae, reclaim the two provinces fully, restore order and purge any remaining raiders in Roman lands.
[] Write-in
In Italia, both Mutina and Bononia fell to the Slavs again as a lack of manpower forced General Lucius to concentrate on the defence of both Mediolanum and Ravenna as seats of Imperial power in Northern Italia.
And he didn't waste a single day upon the arrival of his reinforcements in the form of two Meroii. His forces rallied to Placentia from where they reclaimed the cities of Mutina and defeated the Slavic army remaining in Bononia.
Keeping his ideal, Julius Caesar, in mind he advanced on the retreating Slavs putting shackles on any that remained within Italia, more Numidian reinforcements allowed him greater leeway to completely push the defending Avars all the way to Emona and then beyond it, securing the fortress he had to turn back to face bitter news, the Franks were coming.
Or at least one faction of them, the ones nearest to the border had chosen to attack the weakening Empire either out of some misguided sense of revenge or an ambitious ploy to continue their bid for the Western throne.
He didn't falter one moment, taking everyone but the garrison of Emona back marching on the double in an effort to reach Tridentum before the Franks.
It the end, the Roman army reached Tridentum two days before the Franks and managed to make good use of the mountainous Alpes as in short order the Franks were repulsed and the local armies of the duchies of Alammania and Bavaria were defeated in detail one by one.
(You lucky sobs rolled very well for this part)
The General chose to interpret the laws in an advantageous manner for himself and used the Imperium granted to generals and diplomats to negotiate a peace agreement with five Slavic tribes, they would pull back from Italia and bend the knee to him in a hasty ceremony in Emona after which he escorted them across the Alps.
To the North of the Alps that is, he marched across the mountain range in retribution, defeating the Frankish armies still in the region with his greatly increased armies with the new Foederati he crowned Chief Miloslav the Governor of Raetia et Noricum combining the two troublesome provinces.
Though technically an act out of his jurisdiction the General had taken the, albeit reluctant, permission of the highest Imperial official in Italia being the Bishop of Roma.
His advances were not stopped here, with the Slavic tribes granted the right to settle he gathered their armies and struck deep into Frankia reaching as far as Mainz before he was faced with a far larger and well prepared Frankish army that had united under Sigebert III to face the invading Roman and barbarian forces.
Unfortunately, though Sigebert was a pious King and had established a great many hospitals, monasteries, and places of learnings in his reign he was no general and Grimoald -the Mayor of the Palace- paid for letting the inexperienced King command the battle.
On one side the Roman lead army had a core of just fifteen thousand men and seven thousand cavalry in addition to scores upon scores of Slavs who'd been fighting Roma mere months ago making up the bulk of the Imperial army at Mainz.
On the other hand, the Frankish army represented their martial levy based system, it numbered ten thousand stronger than the Imperial army and was only hindered by its inexperienced military command.
In terms of equipment, on the whole, the Frankish army was also better equipped than the Slavs in the Imperial army but no Frank was worth more than a Roman the same went for their cavalry which was outdone by the Imperial Cataphractii.
But the deciding factor in this battle was not the numerical superiority of the Franks but instead the inexperienced and martially inept King of the Franks, his command was ineffective and by the time the Mayor of the Palace took the reigns it was too little and too late, the Romans had captured the lion's share of the Frankish nobility in one fell sweep.
The very next day the Frankish nobles and their kings were forced to kneel and swear to the supremacy of the Emperor of Romans over the Franks as the sole Emperor in all of Christendom in witness to the lord and his bishop followed by a more public swearing of oaths in the town square.
Satisfied with his results Lucius finally led his men back south after a successful campaign and used the tribute gathered from the war to invest heavily into repairing Italia's damaged infrastructure and policies to boost the ailing economy for the rest of the year.
Only one letter was sent to the Imperator requesting that the General be allowed to conduct a triumph with his three Meroii who had proclaimed him Franciscus, Slavenicus and Alamannicus due to his victories.
His victories had the effect of immediately securing Italia for the foreseeable future, though neither the Empire nor the Franks had brought the majority of their strength to bear the Franks were humbled and the Slavs were used to reclaim Raetia and Noricum.
In the east Emona was secured far more heavily than before with a greater garrison nearby and in the fortress itself which repulsed any further Avar incursions which suffered as more and more Slavs chose to go North and settle under the rule of Governor Miloslav.
[] Grant the general a triumph, there is no harm in recognizing talent and showing appreciation for his efforts to restore the Empire.
[] Refuse the general a triumph.
-[] Write-in reason.
With massive investment into reopening trade routes that had long since closed due to the civil wars and then remained closed due to other reasons had finally shown it's due, trade was reopened with the Indian subcontinent and the islands rich in spices.
Despite the inability of the Tang China to trade with the Empire due to the blockage of the Silk Road new wealth was already flowing into the ports of Myos Hormos and Bernice.
In northern and central Aegyptus, Alexandria and other settlements alongside the Nile quickly begun growing in importance for trade routes as the goods were transported to the Nilotic port of Coptos and Thebae from where it went to Alexandria and then the greater Empire.
Trade revenue that was disputed since the early fourth Century flowed freely once more, though the damage to the Empire certainly worsened the situation.
The Spice Islands were the most interesting and welcoming to the Roman mission as their rulers sent a great many spices and gems to the Emperor in gratitude for his gifts of silk and European maps.
~O~
Treasury: 9,000 Solidus
Income: 7,000 Solidus
+170,000 Taxes
+042,000 Production
+040,000 Trade
-148,000 Army
-020,000 Navy
-67,000 Imperial Administration
-10,000 Aegyptian Repairs. [2 Turns]
Projects: (Can take as many as you want, Imperator can focus on One to reduce cost by 50%)
[] (Cost 5,000 for three turns.) The Visigothic Kings are weak. That is a fact. That they also have different laws for their Roman subjects compared to their Visigothic ones is also a fact. There are plenty of Romano-Hispanic people prepared to rebel, with the proper funding they may just reclaim the coast for the empire...
[] (Cost 30,000) Invest in Africa Proconsularis to revitalise the former breadbasket of the late Western Roman Empire, it is in a remote location and with the closeness of the allied Berbers in Numidia it is further secured all the whilst it is ruled by loyalists. (Takes two turns, increases revenue, employment, and population growth locally)
[] (Cost 10,000) Invest into the loyalist urban centers. (Invests into, Ephesus, Roma, Brundisium, Antiochia, Alexandria, etc to decentralize wealth and revenue.) [Repeatable each turn]
[] (Cost 50,000 Initial, 30000 for two more turns) The majority of the Roman Navy cannot use its dominance to aid the war, but perhaps we can repair and refit the Canal of the Pharaohs to increase the reach of our navy, after all even if it isn't ready nothing wakes Arabs up better at the night than a healthy dose of Greek Fire they didn't expect in the first place! (Greatly increases trade)
[] (Cost 80,000) Oriens has been savagely attacked, its population has fallen its farmlands and orchards have been destroyed and no more are its naval bases properly operational in any city but Antioch. The people need some hope at the very least they need tax free relief, not that they have anything to tax. (Takes three turns)
[] (Cost 15,000) The Imperial Capital is still damaged by both riots and the restoration of order, though life is slowly resuming as it was before the events of the civil war the empire but an investment would return it to its prime far more easily.
[] (Cost 20,000) Macedonia is fairly damaged, as a province that is fairly profitable it should be repaired with all haste to restore the revenue that goes unutilised.
Imperator's personal actions:
[] Seek a marriage for your son, he is now old enough to get married. Besides an heir is probably needed if he wants to fearlessly continue fighting like he does.
-[] Seek a marriage with a Visigothic princess, hopefully, this king's reign will last longer than a virgin's first bedding.
-[] Seek another marriage tie with the House of Sassan.
-[] Ask Aretion to kidnap a descendant of the holy house of the Rashudins, a finer hostage Rome shall never get!
[] Send an envoy to the Sassanids, offer nominal aid in return for official recognition and renouncing of all claims to Mesopotamian basin. [Cost 5,000]
[] The mission to China failed due to the Sassanid-Chinese conflict however that is not the only route to China, the Alans are a tribe near Lazica (Caucuses), take their aid and seek a route around the Sassanids. (Cost 5,000)
[] Write-in (Subject to Author consideration)
Nation: Imperium Romanorum
Year: 647 Anno Domini
Imperator: Flavius Heraclius Augustus (72 Years) [ADM:8/DIP:7/MAR:9]
Heir: Caesar Heraklonas (20 Years) [ADM:7/DIP:4/MAR:10]
Population: 23,700,389
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Beta'ed by SirLagsalot
THERE IS A THREE HOUR MORATORIUM FOR DISCUSSION, NO VOTES MADE WITHIN THREE HOURS OF THE POST ARE COUNTED.
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Character Sheets! (Slowly being updated)
- Location
- Minas Tirith
- Status