|
08-07-2005, 01:55
|
#2 |
|
First Lieutenant
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 298
|
Ah. 476 scenario? Looks good, will follow it.
__________________
How would world history have developed without the European nations, Christianity, or any of their influences? I'm making an EUII scenario on it! Check it out! Now with Alpha download! Powder Blue, comrade! Powder Blue is the color of communism! rofl...you guys are too amusing to ban .. honestly. It's like watching two geriatric penguins wrestling in jelly. -- Sepura Balance: 100 Mr. C Points. |
|
|
|
08-07-2005, 03:01
|
#3 |
|
Ra Ra Queenslandaar!
       
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Brisbane. Queensland.
Posts: 6,029
|
Starts drooling in anticipation.
__________________
Showcase of the Week March 30, 2004 - The Australian Lion.
Writer of the Week March 6, 2005 - Under the Crimson Skies. Writer of the Week May 29, 2005 - The Sacred Grove of Britannia. Showcase of the Week January 17, 2006 - Under the Crimson Skies. Relaxing By The Sea: Two Sicilies - Vicky II |
|
|
|
|
08-07-2005, 03:17
|
#4 |
|
Alien Space Bat
      
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Northern Kentucky
Posts: 3,467
|
Ooh, another Roman AAR... but at least this one has Rome where it should be, in the 5th century. Can't wait to see where this goes.
__________________
"Nietzsche is God" - Dead O Lord, our God, Arise (Saxon England, pt. 2) (Finished 29 November 2009 [to 1 July 1819) Part 3 coming as soon as the Vicky 2 mod directory works correctly... |
|
|
|
|
08-07-2005, 23:43
|
#5 |
|
The Fuehrer of the Dance
Demi Moderator
        
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 4,748
|
 By 476, the Italian peninsula and nearby provinces were home to three western emperors, some in the ascendant, others in exile, and none of them having fully relinquished their claims. Glycerius, who with Gundobad’s help had taken the throne in 473, was by the next year deposed and made Bishop of Salona. His successor and the man sent by Zeno to depose him, Julius Nepos, was himself cast out in 475 and had likewise made his exile in Dalmatia. He continued to lay claim to the western throne – backed by Zeno – in defiance of his usurper, Orestes. It was Orestes, who, as Patrician, had placed his young son, Romulus Augustulus on the throne. Nepos was said to be plotting against Augustulus, and Glycerius against Nepos. Such was the Western Roman Empire, one thousand one hundred and twenty nine years after the founding of that city which bore its name.  By 476, the Western Roman Empire was decrepit and decaying The Western Empire was a shell of its former glory. Bankrupt, with weak armies beholden more to generals than politicians, and with territory that existed more on maps than in reality, it was a rotting shell. Britannia was lost, the former subjects there contending with repeated raids by the Picts and Saxons. Gaul had long since been ground under by the invading Franks, Alemanni, Burgundians, and Visigoths. Only in Provence, more through diplomacy than military success, did any semblance of western rule remain. Iberia was dominated by the Visigoths along with territories owned by the Suebi and the Vandals, who themselves had conquered Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Dalmatia gave lip service to Rome, Nepos using it more as a base to regain his power than as a province to govern. In theory, the West still owned provinces in Rhaetia and Noricum, yet it had been years since the deserting garrisons of limitanei had been paid. Northern Italia had been ravaged by barbarian invasion – the Goths in the early century, then Attila, who had destroyed Aquilea, and then the Vandals in the 450s, who had furthered the sack of Rome. Vandals continued to raid the southern portions of the peninsula. Though much of Italia, its population, its settlements, its institutions, were very much still Roman, it was a Rome at bay.  Barbarians such as the Goths and the Vandals had laid low the city of Rome The great city itself was a reflection of the poor fortunes of the western Empire. The Goths and Vandals had stolen much of its treasures and had breached its tall Aurelian walls. Many of the aqueducts had been cut during earlier attacks though some, such as the Aqua Traiana, still brought precious water to the population. Since its imperial height of one million inhabitants, Rome was now home to less than one hundred thousand. Much of the true apparatus of government had long since shifted to Ravenna in the north, which was well-defended behind swamps and fortifications. The Senate still sat in the city itself, bloated to two thousand members since the reign of Constantine II, and retaining some civil and administrative powers. Significant authority in the city was shifting towards the Christian Bishop Simplicius, said to be the forty-seventh in a line of ‘popes’ stemming from the Apostle Peter himself. Contending with Monophysite and Nestorian heresies which had not been completely silenced at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, Simplicius was head of a church still struggling with its identity, and which had to face the bitter reality that many of the strong rulers of the barbarian states in the West – Euric of the Visigoths, Geiseric of the Vandals, and Chilperic of the Burgundians, were Arian. The Alemanni were Arian in sentiment as well, while the Franks, under their chieftain Clovis, were decidedly pagan. This was the Rome of 476, the Rome where our story begins.   ”Our pay’s been cut again.” Remus shook his head in frustration, but said nothing. He kept his eyes on the thin line of traffic moving in and out of the Porta Praenestina, which formed the easternmost of Rome’s gates. It was hardly a gate anymore. The Goths had torn down one of its strong timber supports years before, and a smaller, less imposing gate had been installed in its place. Indeed, why bother, Remus thought sometimes. The walls themselves still had deep holes in them, long since neglected. In many places, the fortifications were abandoned, the remains of the old Servian walls being used for defense – and efficiency, he thought grimly. That he, a veteran comite, was being used for gate duty, was sign enough of imperial cost-cutting. ”Ite!” He waved through a pair of burly farmers attempting to lug their cart into the city. Likely headed for market, Remus thought, giving the contents a cursory glance and then moving them along. If they meant any harm, there were easier ways to get into the city than its gates. At last he gave his attention to Modestus, his relief and friend. ”By whose authority this time?” Modestus, a tall blonde man, clearly of some Frankish or other tribal blood, shook his head wryly. ”Why Orestes himself, of course, lord noble Patrician..” ”Another palace to line?” His question was met with a laugh. ”Of course not, my friend! Rome is no longer a place for palaces. Any of those, he gives to the bishops for churches. Makes the holy one happy. Non! He needs to pay his own troops, from what I hear. Fifteen hundred bucellarii, his very own army. His son won’t mind, of course. He owes his backside to his father’s whim. Non, why pay Rome’s regular troops when you can buy your own?” Remus snorted, though the truth of it was obvious enough to hurt. ”Who’s he going to fight this time? Some damnable farmer in Mediolanum?” Modestus shrugged. ”Does it matter? Maybe he wants to fight barbarians. Goths, Heruli, who knows? And why care? Tonight, my friend, we get drunk, on less pay of course, find a good woman to bed, and think little of such thoughts. That is the lot of a Roman soldier these days.” With a grim laugh, Remus handed off the post and walked back to the barracks, not sure why the situation even bothered him. His pay had been cut three times in the past year. Soon the army would exist on nothing at all. Then what? - Title picture 'Roman Solider' by Daniel Zollinger at www.danzollinger.com
__________________
476 was just the beginning... The Eagles of Avalon - An EU2 AAR War in Mexico, the Three Terms of President Lindbergh, and a Red Europe The United States: 'Advantages without Obligations' - A HOI AAR (completed) pdf - now with epilogue! Last edited by Mettermrck; 18-07-2006 at 19:55. |
|
|
|
|
09-07-2005, 03:04
|
#6 | |
|
Disciple of Peperna
Demi Moderator
Join Date: May 2004
Location: In Service to the Holy Cow
Posts: 3,915
|
Quote:
oh...wait..uhm...hi Judas! 
__________________
Tales of Victory: The Rajah and the Sacred Cow (EU3, Vijayanagar, ONGOING - albeit bankrupt) Beyond Tannenberg III: The Last Crusade (EU3, Teutonic Order, COMPLETE (Corrupt Save)) WritAAR of the Week: Jan 17 10, Weekly AAR Showcase: Feb 13 10, Character Writer of the Week: May 16 10, ACA Award: EU Historical, Q1 2010 Resurrection: Rebirth of the United States COMPLETED!! ******* CatKnight's Inkwell When I use this color, I am speaking as a Demi Moderator |
|
|
|
|
|
09-07-2005, 04:53
|
#7 | |
|
Alien Space Bat
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Northern Kentucky
Posts: 3,467
|
Quote:
 *Looks like you're in a bit of a tough spot there... but I'm sure you can pull something off.
__________________
"Nietzsche is God" - Dead O Lord, our God, Arise (Saxon England, pt. 2) (Finished 29 November 2009 [to 1 July 1819) Part 3 coming as soon as the Vicky 2 mod directory works correctly... |
|
|
|
|
|
09-07-2005, 08:31
|
#8 |
|
Corporal
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 32
|
This seems interesting, I'll be watching.
|
|
|
|
|
13-07-2005, 06:13
|
#9 |
|
Colonel
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 924
|
More, more!
__________________
AARs HoI2 AAR - Clash of Titans: Germany, Britain, And The Coming Of The Great Wars x1 AAR Showcase, June 28th 2006 HoI2 AAR -Self-Help In Hard Times EU2 AAR -Byzantium: A Phoenix Rising x1 AAR Showcase August 29th 2005 HoI2 AAR - Mundus Exardesco x1 WritAAR of the Week May 22nd 2005 |
|
|
|
|
13-07-2005, 08:58
|
#10 |
|
General
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tusen sjöars land
Posts: 2,473
|
A 476 aar, I will be reading this...
|
|
|
|
|
13-07-2005, 12:51
|
#11 |
|
In the mix
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: At work it seems
Posts: 3,627
|
Cool, looks like the upcoming expansion "Barabarian invasion" to Rome Total War
__________________
The Kingdom of Jerusalem- A Modern Crusade COMPLETED Tiger of Mysore - 'Better two days as a tiger, than two hundred years as a sheep'- weekly showcase awarded twice Red Hot Chile A Chilean Empire under the sun (Victoria AAR) COMPLETED Horde of the Cross-Naimans the last Nestorian Christians (MES 0.3.3.3b) -COMPLETED |
|
|
|
|
20-07-2005, 00:37
|
#12 |
|
The Fuehrer of the Dance
Demi Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 4,748
|
 January - June, 476 Officially titled Romulus Augustus, the new emperor of the Western Empire, placed on the throne by his father Orestes, was rapidly becoming known as the more diminutive ‘Augustulus’ (or Little Augustus), little in stature and little in power. Having appointed his father magister militum, or Master of Soldiers, the young emperor was then content to accept the role of reigning figurehead, while it was Orestes, a Noricum aristocrat of Germanic descent, who actually ruled. Orestes faced several immediate dangers above and beyond the relative weakness of the state. First was the opposition of the Emperor in Constantinople, who still backed the exiled Nepos in Dalmatia. Fortunately for Orestes, Zeno, who had ascended to the imperial dignity in 475, was then in exile in Isauria, contending against his mother-in-law’s brother, Basicilus. The civil conflict had temporarily weakened the attentions of the Eastern Empire, giving Orestes the breathing spell he needed to deal with other problems in Italia.  To strengthen his rule and that of his son, Orestes turned to the economic power of the Imperial mints These were, most importantly, satisfying the mercenary armies which now formed the bulk of the western military. In early 476, Orestes began to issue coins – solidi – from Imperial mints in Arles, Mediolanum, Ravenna, and Rome. Important not only as a symbol of solidifying the rule of his son, the filling coffers could be used to pay off disgruntled barbarians which had fought for Rome in the past and now wanted payment.  The barbarian mercenaries were not easily satisfied Unfortunately for Orestes and Augustulus, money was no longer enough for the Heruli, Scirian, and Torcilingi barbarians. Rejecting the proffered payments, they now demanded additional compensation in the form of lands in northern Italia, lands which had been heavily depopulated by the invasions of the Goths and Huns earlier in the 5th century. Defiantly, Orestes refused and began to use imperial funds to raise another army, one more loyal to his ends. As the year progressed into July, it appeared that the Western Empire was awaiting renewed civil strife. ”Celerior! Head them off!” Remus shouted, his mount galloping at full strength. They had emerged from a rocky gully up into a small field of ripening wheat. The lack of rains had made the ground dry, and their quarry gave off an easily spotted dust cloud. A hot June sun was taxing them as they pushed the pursuit hard. Again, he pointed ahead, giving signals to confirm his orders. The officer, off to his left and likewise galloping at best speed, nodded curtly and turned away with his small troop. Like the rest of his men, he wore a loose wool tunic, with only a bright tan band around the arms and neck denoting his status, as well as the small plume in his helmet. Some, the veterans and officers, had a light scale shirt over the tunic which served as armor. Their leather breeches were weathered from months on campaign, and each man carried a long sword or spatha and a hasta spear. Each gripped a large shield, perhaps the most intricately decorated piece of equipment, some painted with the purple and black eagle of their unit, the Comite Vexillum.  Typical trooper of the Comite Vexillum Similarly dressed were the men they were pursuing, a pair of cavalry troopers who had abandoned their posts two days ago. Dispatched to track them down, it had taken Remus’ troop the better part of a day to find them, fair weather and the haste of these men contributing to an early success. They were now well into the Apennine foothills, having abandoned the Via Cassia near Arretium. Remus held up his right hand and urged his men forward. The steep hillside beyond the field prevented a direct escape, he realized. It was far too steep for a direct ascent. If he could just get between them and the roadway…but it was not to be. Off to his left, he saw that the officer he had dispatched would not get there in time. The sun was coming in from the west now, and it was clearly getting late. The horses were tiring, on both sides. How much longer could this go on, he wondered? This was not the first such chase. Ever since Orestes had decided not to pay the regular garrisons, many such soldiers were attempting to desert. Rumors said bands of them were joining up in the north, beyond Mediolanum. Only the previous week, he’d been forced to kill two soldiers, who looked much as if their sires had served with Attila. But they had been soldiers, and deserters. Pay or not, it was not in Remus to abide disloyalty or dishonor. There were other ways he thought, willing the men in front to stop. But they did not, and the chase continued. The field gave way to a shallow gulley and then it gradually ascended over the hillside, where a neatly marked farmer’s trail reached up and over. And that was where the deserters went, still harried by Remus’ troop. They disappeared over the ridge, only the dust marking where they had been, and now he saw the lead group of riders follow….and suddenly rein in. Horses neighed in confusion and three or four troopers clumsily halted in turn, milling about awkwardly, and staring beyond. ”Why are you stopping?” he shouted, willing his mount faster in pursuit. There was no sign of answer, however, and Remus galloped to the top, halting next to the officer with trained precision. ”Why have you stopped?!?” he demanded, pointing in the direction of the fleeing deserters but looking at his subordinate in frustration. The officer regarded him blandly and then waved ahead of him. ”That is why, Decurio.” Remus turned, but to his credit did not blink. The ridge gave way to a series of larger fields, and beyond he could make out a large villa. In the midst of this, however, was a band of forty to fifty horsemen, trotting loosely towards the pair of deserters, who themselves had reined in. He could not make out what was being said, yet it was clear that they were on some form of amicable terms. The pair turned their horses and blended in with the group. ”More of them,” Remus said coldly, mentally adding up his own strength. His bandon was down to eight effectives, many of them recruits. Hardly a force to take into combat against this lot. He sighed, his chest heaving with exasperation. ”I suspect these will only get larger the further north we ride.” ”Your orders?” Remus said nothing for a moment. He wiped his forehead, dirt mixing with sweat as he did so. ”Keep our distance. They’ll want to slip away as soon as possible, so we need to report.in,” he said, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. ”Come. Back to camp. I have little doubt we’ll meet again.” - Title picture 'Roman Solider' by Daniel Zollinger at www.danzollinger.com
__________________
476 was just the beginning... The Eagles of Avalon - An EU2 AAR War in Mexico, the Three Terms of President Lindbergh, and a Red Europe The United States: 'Advantages without Obligations' - A HOI AAR (completed) pdf - now with epilogue! Last edited by Mettermrck; 18-06-2009 at 01:07. |
|
|
|
|
20-07-2005, 01:12
|
#13 |
|
Field Marshal
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,541
|
Ah, Mettermck. Your AAR makes me wish I knew how to install this scenario.
__________________
I am therefore officially rooting for a Franco-German strike on Russia, prompting the Soviets to strike back with their hitherto secret nukes. This will serve as a salutary lesson to all involved and leave everyone suitably chastened.-El Pip Where Shall Free Men Stand?: It's a bit like Sharpe, if Tipu Sultan had panzerfausts. |
|
|
|
|
20-07-2005, 11:42
|
#14 |
|
Bourgeois révolutionnaire.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Synaesthetic Insouciance
Posts: 51
|
Excellent, I'll be following this one.
|
|
|
|
|
20-07-2005, 15:59
|
#15 |
|
Would-be King of Dragons
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Within spittin' distance of the Capital of the Free World
Posts: 4,216
|
Yet another display of Mett's outstanding writing ability. Glad to see this AAR get an update.
I take it, Mett, that you have decided to pursue this AAR over your others?
__________________
Here... Here There Be Dragons!! Women, knights, arms, loves For King and Country - An evil Empire or a benevolent monarchy? You decide! Courtesies, bold deeds I sing Official Byzantine Courtier - as certified by Judas Maccabeus Glorification Of Saint Draco Rexus, Patron Of Britain And Dragons! - Thanks to asd21593  They say the best men are moulded out of faults And, for the most, become more better for being a little bad. Measure for Measure, Act 5, Scene 1 Proud Member of the enlightened The Spendid Paradoxian Monarchist Group
|
|
|
|
|
22-07-2005, 16:50
|
#16 |
|
StoreytellAAR
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: West Coast
Posts: 5,892
|
Excellent writing as always Mettermrck.
Looking forward to more.Joe
__________________
The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell Desert Tides or how I learned to swim in quicksand Adventure A Tall Tale Told on a Cold Night Fantasy |
|
|
|
|
22-07-2005, 18:13
|
#17 |
|
The Fuehrer of the Dance
Demi Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 4,748
|
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. Draco, this will probably be my main AAR for a while, though I do intend to continue the American one as well.
__________________
476 was just the beginning... The Eagles of Avalon - An EU2 AAR War in Mexico, the Three Terms of President Lindbergh, and a Red Europe The United States: 'Advantages without Obligations' - A HOI AAR (completed) pdf - now with epilogue! |
|
|
|
|
22-07-2005, 18:25
|
#18 |
|
The Fuehrer of the Dance
Demi Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 4,748
|
 July - September 476 By August of 476, events in the Western Empire were coming to a head. Continuing to defy his mercenaries’ demands, Orestes was openly preparing for war, raising a loyal army of bucellarii. Against him was arrayed a myriad of Germanic and Eastern tribesmen who, on the 23rd of August, organized themselves and proclaimed a leader. This was Odoacer, the half-Hunnish, half-Scirian chieftain of the Germanic Heruli. A former mercenary himself who had led his tribe in service under past emperors, including Avitus and Majorian, this barbarian chieftain represented less a tribal threat against a ‘roman’ empire, rather a dispute of barbarian versus barbarian, one of whom acted in the official name of Rome itself.  By August, discontented mercenaries had rallied behind the barbarian chieftain Odoacer Having enjoyed the steady rise of discontent amongst Rome’s foedarii armies, Odoacer soon gathered enough deserters and supporters to his cause to rival the size and strength of Orestes’ forces. Marching towards Ravenna from the north, the two armies came to grips at Piacenza, south of Mediolanum. Here, in a confused melee of mercenaries and native auxilia, Odoacer prevailed, capturing his enemy and summarily executing him. Rome’s army in the field disintegrated, and now nothing stood between Odoacer and Ravenna.  Orestes’ army was decisively defeated by Odoacer at Piacenza Despite Ravenna’s formidable defenses, Odoacer marched quickly and entered the city without major opposition. In less than a few month’s span, Rome’s armies were broken and a barbarian army had once again entered its capital city. His father dead, Romulus Augustulus was helpless against the conquering army. On the 4th of September, the young Emperor was compelled to abdicate his throne. Perhaps due to his youth and deemed ineffective, young Augustulus’ life was spared, and he was relegated to what appeared to be a comfortable exile at the villa of Lucullus in Campania.  Odoacer had a major decision to make about the fate of the West Odoacer now faced the choice of appointing a new figurehead to rule the West, remaining the power behind the throne (thus emulating the example of Ricimer and Orestes), or ruling as an agent of the East. Favoring the latter, Odoacer sent the imperial regalia – the diadem, scepter, orb, and other accoutrements of imperial rule – to Zeno in Constantinople. Having finally put down his rival, Basicilus, Zeno was disposed to be generous and consented to receive the regalia. Also, per Odoacer’s request to be named dux of Italia, Zeno appointed him Patrician and thus de facto ruler of the peninsula, though Odoacer was encouraged to recognize the rule of the ‘legitimate’ Western emperor, Julius Nepos, still in exile in Dalmatia.  Odoacer now ruled a state in Italy that was more Roman in name than fact Within nine months, 476 had seen the apparent end to the pretense of a western empire. Though Odoacer was officially bound to Roman rule from the East, the arrangement was also an acknowledgment that there was little that Zeno, let alone Nepos, could do to enforce their will in Italia. The fall of Augustulus did not necessarily mean an end to Roman administration, as Odoacer was careful to maintain the forms and customs of Empire, including the election of magistrates such as the consuls, as well as maintaining the Senate in Rome. Just what precisely had happened with the fall of Augustulus was not yet apparent to the world at large, and months, perhaps years, would be required to shed some light on this. ”Imperator mortuus est!” The rider shouted as he galloped into camp. Groggy, still rubbing their eyes and stretching aching muscles, the soldiers were still lumbering in front of their tents, watching suspiciously as the horseman, who looked less of a soldier than some native brigand, rode past. The words hadn’t truly sunk in and after the gate sentry, no one thought to challenge him. His hair was tied back and his tunic was of unremarkable brown leather. Surely not an officer, or even a courier, Remus thought with a good Roman sniff. Much had changed, he thought wearily, and then realized what the man had said. ”The Emperor is dead?” He turned warily to his tent mates. Gaius shook his head with a scoff. ”That lad? I think he means Orestes, the fool. Thinks himself a general. I’ve heard some nasty stuff from up there. I don’t expect His Pomposity got the triumph he was looking for. And it sounds like he paid for it…with his life.” He winked, showing that he had little love for their erstwhile Patrician. Remus shook his head and turned back to his tent. ”Well, there’s nothing for bandying about rumors. Let’s get everything broken down and the men ready to mount. It’ll distract them from whatever’s going on.” Ruefully, they dug into the work, breaking down their tent, packing up gear, and inspecting every inch of their mounts, as any cavalryman worth his salt would do. Two more riders had galloped into camp, though none had the foolish inclination to shout out any news. From time to time, Remus shot a glance to the general’s tent, where Pryopius no doubt knew far more than his men did. Whatever it meant, he could only demonstrate the patience of a soldier…and wait.  A bucellari, limitanei, and cataphract of Pryopius’ army in camp The army, if it could be called that with only nine hundred men, was steadily making its way northward towards the capital at Ravenna, where they had expected to join with Orestes’ army and march against the deserters – or barbarii, or whatever names the men had for them. If the word was correct, however, it was far too late. Pryopius would have to double time back to Rome, if any defense was to be made. To his surprise, however, there was no route march that day. No orders came down to prepare to move out, and to Remus’ chagrin, his men had broken down the very camp they might have to stay in for another night. It was good training, he thought calmly. Preparation was nine-tenths of campaigning. Now if only his superiors would prepare their own men! Several hours after midday, having drilled his men for an hour, and most looking forward to retiring early, he spied the man emerging from the general’s tent and trotting towards him, a man bursting with official news who clearly wished to thunder it to the heavens. Fortunately, they were spared this, the officer calmly asking Remus to form up his men, mounted, in double line facing each other. A parade, he thought to himself? Knowing better than to question the man, he turned back to his unit and whipped them into shape. Soon the Via Principalis was lined with cavalry troopers, almost the entire force, ranging from Remus’ veteran comites to several detachments who looked as if the young boys were still new to horses. They did their best to keep their mounts steady, and Remus decided that, as a whole, the army looked fit and took some comfort from that. It would not last long however, as Pryopius, looking less Roman than his name implied, rode into the center of the roadway, several officers flanking him. A jagged scar ran down his cheek, which tended to scare the recruits more than the sound of his own voice. His matted gray hair was testament to years spent in the imperial service. His expression was grim, his lips pursed. Remus knew the news was bad. ”Equites! Soldiers of Rome! God frowns on us this day.” There was some murmuring in the ranks, quickly cut off by a shout from a grizzled centurion. ”Tace!” Pryopius seemed not to notice. ”The news from the north is not good. Orestes, our great Patrician and militus, has fallen. Ravenna is taken.” He held up a short piece of vellum paper. ”I have here a missive from the capital. It is signed by our Emperor, Romulus Augustulus. It says that Fortune and God have turned against him. For the good of the Empire, he is relinquishing his throne. He expects us to behave as good disciplined soldiers and…” Pryopius looked as if he was choking on these last words, ”to follow and obey our new leader, the general Odoacer, who has been appointed by the Emperor and his government to preside over the West.” He set down the paper, and absorbed the stunned silence of his soldiers. Remus was as shocked in thought was he was in words, and said and thought nothing for several moments. Only the birds seemed not to have noticed the turn of affairs, and brayed curiously at the gathering below them. Finally, Pryopius’ booming voice again broke the silence. ”Equites! I know you are all good soldiers and good Romans. We will have order in this army!” he shouted challengingly, though none of his men were in a condition to disagree. Satisfied, he looked around again. ”This army will return to Rome, where it will be absorbed as part of the garrison there. You will all remain in the service of our new commander where I know you will be a tribute to your discipline. May Fortune smile upon you all. Dismissed.” With that Pryopius turned and rode away, bound for his own future in Ravenna, Remus would later learn. It took several minutes for the men to slowly dismount and return to their tents. Wordlessly, Remus could only stare as his men filed past, oddly wondering in his mind just what the definition of ‘Roman’ was anymore. It was all he could muster in the meantime, and he, like the rest of the soldiers, would fall into step for the return to Rome, perhaps surprised at how easy it was to shift loyalties from one ruler to another. Of all qualities, this was one most Roman, Remus would decide, though what if the ruler chose not to be Roman? It was a question for future days, he mused. - Title picture 'Roman Solider' by Daniel Zollinger at www.danzollinger.com
__________________
476 was just the beginning... The Eagles of Avalon - An EU2 AAR War in Mexico, the Three Terms of President Lindbergh, and a Red Europe The United States: 'Advantages without Obligations' - A HOI AAR (completed) pdf - now with epilogue! Last edited by Mettermrck; 07-10-2007 at 17:48. |
|
|
|
|
22-07-2005, 20:24
|
#19 |
|
Bourgeois révolutionnaire.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Synaesthetic Insouciance
Posts: 51
|
Oh no, what is to happen to the Romans!?
|
|
|
|
|
22-07-2005, 22:13
|
#20 |
|
Alternate Historian
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The endless maze of my own imagination.
Posts: 1,868
|
Interesting AAR. Especially taking the historical route and having Odoacer triumphing and basically ending the Western Roman Empire. Did you actually struggle to prevent him from triumphing and fail or did you let him succeed?
__________________
"When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer..." 54-40' or... A counter-factual history of the Oregon Territory and the birth of Columbia. The Double Cross and The Golden Bull A tale of the 'new' history of the Kingdom of Hungary Royalist Roast: A Puritan AAR The adventures of the second puritan revolution Upon the desert sands: A Mongol Empire Scenario Dynasties in conflict with Outremer |
|
|
|
 |
| Thread Tools | |
|
|
