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TorpX · 01-13-16, 02:26 PM

Birth of Rome

3rd Samnite War 298 BC

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The Samnites have been gathering their forces to make war upon the republic, and have threatened Lucania if they don't ally themselves with them. Lucania, not wishing to go to war with Rome, has appealed to Rome for help. The Senate sent emissaries to Samnium to demand an explanation for their actions. As they have returned without any satisfactory answer, the Senate has voted to declare war. Two consular armies have been enrolled to conduct operations.

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The numbers circled in green are the victory points, national morale, engagement points, and money (in thousands of denarii). Areas with blue circles are objectives. Red areas are controlled by Rome and it's allies.

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The purple area in the south is controlled by Magna Greacia. It is not at war with Rome, but can be considered a hostile power.

Turn 1, May 298 BC

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I am building a socii equites unit in the north at Perusia, a socii garrison unit at Luceria, and an impedimenta supply train at Capua. Also, we have started to train some force replacements. All this takes down the treasury from 250k denarii to 105 k. The first Consular Army, has legion I and II, and is commanded by C. Scipio Barbatus (rating 6-0-3). I have sent him down to Beneventum. There are no reports of enemy troops in the field there, but a clash is a possibility. The idea is to cut off Bovianum from the southern part of Samnite territory, and force the enemy to fight on our terms. [yellow line]

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The second Consular Army is commanded by F. Maximus Centumalus (rating 6-5-2). He has an infantryman background. His army is not fully ready, but is being sent to Capua to operate near the first. It has legions III and IIII. Capua is a rich, and important city, and it is important to retain control of it. [blue line] The ratings are strategic-offensive-defensive.

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The strategic rating is related to how likely they are to be 'active'. The offensive and defensive ratings relate to tactical abilities. Forces/leaders that are inactive cannot engage in offensive operations, and move and fight at a penalty.

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The Senate has made an alliance with Picenum. This will provide for a fort and socii troop in Hadria to deter (hopefully) any aggression from the Senones.

The green area just north of Rome is Volcinii. This is controlled by Etruria. I have decided to leave this area alone for now, gambling that the forces there are not strong enough to cause any trouble. Rome has a 'Urban legion' and a smaller garrison, and a supply train, and has a level 3 fortification, so it is not too vulnerable.

Below is a listing of objectives. Rome has control of those with a red icon. Perusia doesn't have an eagle because I don't have a regular unit garrison there, and am not getting VP for it. This is only required if the civilian loyalty is less than 50%.

Turn 2, June

Legions I and II reach Beneventum and start a siege of that town. A Samnite army

apparently eludes our force and evacuates that area to Bovianum.

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The second army, Consular exercitus II, is ready, and is sent to make a probing attack toward Neapolis. The enemy force is thought to be stronger, but Maximus Centumalus is a very able leader, and I consider this to be a worthwhile risk.

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I build another small garrison militia unit in Perusia. They are almost certain to need it.

Turn 3, July

There is a battle as Maximus Centumalus advances toward Neopolis. Our losses are very slight and the enemy army suffers considerable loss, so this is an excellent result. Note that battle reports, like all strength estimates of enemy forces are subject to 'fog of war' effects.

Consular exercitus II (orange line) is going to continue it's advance into Grumentum to try to wear down the Samnite army, and take advantage of the recent victory. Consular exercitus I will continue to besiege Beneventum. A small irregular force of Picinum troops is going to raid Corfinium. There are not significant towns there, but I want to keep the enemy on the defensive.

Populonia is under siege in the north, but will have to hold out as best it can. Since it has a harbor, supplies should not be a problem.

Turn 4 - August

There is a small skirmish at Grumentum.

I am disappointed that Consular exercitus I has not achieved any breaches at Beneventum. However the garrison has started to weaken, and it would be foolish to call of the siege now. Spies report their strength as 44 and 137 pts. Consular exercitus II will begin to lay siege to Grumentum. This city also has a sizable force. If there was only a small force, I would probably ignore it to pursue the main Samnite army, but leaving a substantial force in my rear, and having my forces split seems too risky, to me.

The small Picinum force is sent to raid Canusium. This will only have nuisance value, but there is a drought in Italy, and I have reason to believe the enemy is having trouble supplying his armies now. Two of his towns are besieged, and a third is cut off from his army.

The Lucanian exercitus is sent to join forces with Consular exercitus II, and so is the supply train that was left behind in Capua.

I am a little surprised the Samnites have not attacked one of my armies yet. It seems that they are trying to play for time, until their allies can gather their forces.

I have only 40k denarii left, so I will have to raise money soon.

Turn 5, September

Beneventum has surrendered to us this month. However, bad omens have spooked

citizens in Rome.

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Income has come in, allowing me do delay raising taxes. A bigger problem than money is the fact that my forces are stretched thin; I must leave one legion in Beneventum, send Consular exercitus I (only the II legion) to Grumentum to besiege that town, so Consular exercitus II can attack Gaius Pontius and the Samnite army at Venusia. For September, I

will only be suffling the units. At some point I should get allied reinforcements, but I don't know when.

Turn 6, October

Fate is generous to us this month; Canusium surrenders to us! This was very unexpected.

The garrison must have been very weak.

Now, I will send Consular exercitus II, reinforced with the small Lucanian army, to attack the main Samnite army, while Consular exercitus I continues the siege of Grumentum. The small irregular raiding force will move north to Luceria. It may be able to intercept some fleeing enemy forces if there is a major battle at Venusia.

Turn 7, November

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My raiding force is badly mauled.

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We lost a heavy battle at Bovianum. The Samnit army abandoned Venusia and decided to retreat to Bovianum. My army caught up with it there. Actually, it was more of a costly stalemate, but,

either way, I must raise taxes and recruit more soldiers now. Samnium surrendered at Grumentum. We get 10 vp and 1 nm pt.

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Consular exercitus II will move to Capua to rebuild. Consular exercitus I will move to Venusia to lay siege there. The garrison is very weak, but reducing this will likely take 3 months to accomplish. The main Samnite army is now at Bovianum, and likely has adequate supplies now. I will be in for a long siege there, in all likelihood. My raider force was apparently destroyed by the Samnite army as it moved north. It should have been able to execute a competent retreat and save itself, but for some reason that didn't happen.

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My garrison at Populonia continues to hold out. The supply situation there is unchanged.

Turn 8, December

After moving into Venusian territory, we find out there is a more substantial enemy force in the city. They do not sortie, however, so the siege will proceed as before. I have the I legion rejoin exercitus I, and a socii equite unit garrison Beneventum. Meamwhile exercitus II has partially recovered from the recent battle.

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Our spies tell us there are 4 units in Venusia with 46 and 184 power. If we can reduce them to half that, and make a breach, we can attempt an assault.

Turn 9, January

Samnite forces inflicted some hits on the Populonia garrison, but they look to be in good shape still.

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C. exercitus I has made a breach in the Venusia walls, but I do not think it wise to try to assault it yet. Otherwise, not much has changed this month.

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Turn 10, February

The enemy force besieging Populonia has broken off the siege. It appeared they went south into Volcinii, but I cannot be sure. This is somewhat disconcerting. Meanwhile, the garrison at Venusia repaired the breach.

01-13-16, 02:26 PM	#1
TorpX Silent Hunter Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3,975 Downloads: 153 Uploads: 11	Birth of Rome AAR Birth of Rome 3rd Samnite War 298 BC . The Samnites have been gathering their forces to make war upon the republic, and have threatened Lucania if they don't ally themselves with them. Lucania, not wishing to go to war with Rome, has appealed to Rome for help. The Senate sent emissaries to Samnium to demand an explanation for their actions. As they have returned without any satisfactory answer, the Senate has voted to declare war. Two consular armies have been enrolled to conduct operations. . The numbers circled in green are the victory points, national morale, engagement points, and money (in thousands of denarii). Areas with blue circles are objectives. Red areas are controlled by Rome and it's allies. . The purple area in the south is controlled by Magna Greacia. It is not at war with Rome, but can be considered a hostile power. Turn 1, May 298 BC . I am building a socii equites unit in the north at Perusia, a socii garrison unit at Luceria, and an impedimenta supply train at Capua. Also, we have started to train some force replacements. All this takes down the treasury from 250k denarii to 105 k. The first Consular Army, has legion I and II, and is commanded by C. Scipio Barbatus (rating 6-0-3). I have sent him down to Beneventum. There are no reports of enemy troops in the field there, but a clash is a possibility. The idea is to cut off Bovianum from the southern part of Samnite territory, and force the enemy to fight on our terms. [yellow line] . The second Consular Army is commanded by F. Maximus Centumalus (rating 6-5-2). He has an infantryman background. His army is not fully ready, but is being sent to Capua to operate near the first. It has legions III and IIII. Capua is a rich, and important city, and it is important to retain control of it. [blue line] The ratings are strategic-offensive-defensive. . The strategic rating is related to how likely they are to be 'active'. The offensive and defensive ratings relate to tactical abilities. Forces/leaders that are inactive cannot engage in offensive operations, and move and fight at a penalty. . The Senate has made an alliance with Picenum. This will provide for a fort and socii troop in Hadria to deter (hopefully) any aggression from the Senones. The green area just north of Rome is Volcinii. This is controlled by Etruria. I have decided to leave this area alone for now, gambling that the forces there are not strong enough to cause any trouble. Rome has a 'Urban legion' and a smaller garrison, and a supply train, and has a level 3 fortification, so it is not too vulnerable. Below is a listing of objectives. Rome has control of those with a red icon. Perusia doesn't have an eagle because I don't have a regular unit garrison there, and am not getting VP for it. This is only required if the civilian loyalty is less than 50%. Turn 2, June Legions I and II reach Beneventum and start a siege of that town. A Samnite army apparently eludes our force and evacuates that area to Bovianum. . The second army, Consular exercitus II, is ready, and is sent to make a probing attack toward Neapolis. The enemy force is thought to be stronger, but Maximus Centumalus is a very able leader, and I consider this to be a worthwhile risk. . I build another small garrison militia unit in Perusia. They are almost certain to need it. Turn 3, July There is a battle as Maximus Centumalus advances toward Neopolis. Our losses are very slight and the enemy army suffers considerable loss, so this is an excellent result. Note that battle reports, like all strength estimates of enemy forces are subject to 'fog of war' effects. Consular exercitus II (orange line) is going to continue it's advance into Grumentum to try to wear down the Samnite army, and take advantage of the recent victory. Consular exercitus I will continue to besiege Beneventum. A small irregular force of Picinum troops is going to raid Corfinium. There are not significant towns there, but I want to keep the enemy on the defensive. Populonia is under siege in the north, but will have to hold out as best it can. Since it has a harbor, supplies should not be a problem. Turn 4 - August There is a small skirmish at Grumentum. I am disappointed that Consular exercitus I has not achieved any breaches at Beneventum. However the garrison has started to weaken, and it would be foolish to call of the siege now. Spies report their strength as 44 and 137 pts. Consular exercitus II will begin to lay siege to Grumentum. This city also has a sizable force. If there was only a small force, I would probably ignore it to pursue the main Samnite army, but leaving a substantial force in my rear, and having my forces split seems too risky, to me. The small Picinum force is sent to raid Canusium. This will only have nuisance value, but there is a drought in Italy, and I have reason to believe the enemy is having trouble supplying his armies now. Two of his towns are besieged, and a third is cut off from his army. The Lucanian exercitus is sent to join forces with Consular exercitus II, and so is the supply train that was left behind in Capua. I am a little surprised the Samnites have not attacked one of my armies yet. It seems that they are trying to play for time, until their allies can gather their forces. I have only 40k denarii left, so I will have to raise money soon. Turn 5, September Beneventum has surrendered to us this month. However, bad omens have spooked citizens in Rome. . Income has come in, allowing me do delay raising taxes. A bigger problem than money is the fact that my forces are stretched thin; I must leave one legion in Beneventum, send Consular exercitus I (only the II legion) to Grumentum to besiege that town, so Consular exercitus II can attack Gaius Pontius and the Samnite army at Venusia. For September, I will only be suffling the units. At some point I should get allied reinforcements, but I don't know when. Turn 6, October Fate is generous to us this month; Canusium surrenders to us! This was very unexpected. The garrison must have been very weak. Now, I will send Consular exercitus II, reinforced with the small Lucanian army, to attack the main Samnite army, while Consular exercitus I continues the siege of Grumentum. The small irregular raiding force will move north to Luceria. It may be able to intercept some fleeing enemy forces if there is a major battle at Venusia. Turn 7, November . My raiding force is badly mauled. . We lost a heavy battle at Bovianum. The Samnit army abandoned Venusia and decided to retreat to Bovianum. My army caught up with it there. Actually, it was more of a costly stalemate, but, either way, I must raise taxes and recruit more soldiers now. Samnium surrendered at Grumentum. We get 10 vp and 1 nm pt. . Consular exercitus II will move to Capua to rebuild. Consular exercitus I will move to Venusia to lay siege there. The garrison is very weak, but reducing this will likely take 3 months to accomplish. The main Samnite army is now at Bovianum, and likely has adequate supplies now. I will be in for a long siege there, in all likelihood. My raider force was apparently destroyed by the Samnite army as it moved north. It should have been able to execute a competent retreat and save itself, but for some reason that didn't happen. . My garrison at Populonia continues to hold out. The supply situation there is unchanged. Turn 8, December After moving into Venusian territory, we find out there is a more substantial enemy force in the city. They do not sortie, however, so the siege will proceed as before. I have the I legion rejoin exercitus I, and a socii equite unit garrison Beneventum. Meamwhile exercitus II has partially recovered from the recent battle. . Our spies tell us there are 4 units in Venusia with 46 and 184 power. If we can reduce them to half that, and make a breach, we can attempt an assault. Turn 9, January Samnite forces inflicted some hits on the Populonia garrison, but they look to be in good shape still. . C. exercitus I has made a breach in the Venusia walls, but I do not think it wise to try to assault it yet. Otherwise, not much has changed this month. . . . . Turn 10, February The enemy force besieging Populonia has broken off the siege. It appeared they went south into Volcinii, but I cannot be sure. This is somewhat disconcerting. Meanwhile, the garrison at Venusia repaired the breach. Last edited by TorpX; 01-13-16 at 09:32 PM.