A New Movement



The Command Meeting



The sun slowly crept over the thawing camp revealing the figure of a well built man in his 40’s standing outside his tent flanked by four fully armored guardsmen. He surveyed the wooded areas surrounding his encampment where just years ago he joined legion XI Heraclea as their commanding officer. He breathed in the cool spring air of the German hill country and remembered how as a young boy in Sicily he would climb to the tops of the mountains and watched his father go on merchant voyages. However, this morning was far colder than those he had experienced in Sicily; his leopard pelt served him well on days such as these.

Verius: “Lucius,” the proconsular legate’s servant exited the tent, “I will take my breakfast now.”

Lucius: “As you desire my lord.” Verius entered his medium sized tent decorated with a simple cot with coverings, a wooden table topped with some scattered parchment weighted by a small oil lamp, and a three-legged stool for a seat, and a floor covering from the east; even with his successes in battle and the marketplace, Verius did not desire to live lavishly while his men struggled to remain warm. The center piece of the room was Verius’ armor which was gifted to him for his successes in the Aegean. Early in his military career he decided to gain the respect of his men and lead them by showing an example of what it meant to be a Roman Soldier. Amongst other things, he believed pride in one’s uniform showed pride in one’s Legion and in Rome. Therefore, every morning before the sun rose, he would wake to inspect his armor and polish out any imperfections; he continued this habit even at his high rank. He sat at his table and grasped his quill moving his hand across the coarse page as graceful as the eagle soars across the sky.



“Your Excellency Emperor Justius Vitellius-

Your greatness is beyond compare. Men quiver in your presence due to your radiance and glorious stature. Your wit and intelligence rival the scholars of the great universities of Athens. Rome is truly blessed to have you as our guiding light, font of wisdom, and supreme ruler. If only all knew of your greatness and did not succumb to greed and the lust for power Rome would be truly glorious. I thank you for taking the burden of the public upon yourself and continuing to carry Rome into greatness. May the gods continue to bless Rome with glory and honor!

For the past few years as you know I have been stationed with Legion XI under the command of Magister Militum Tacitus Sarius Julianus. Upon my arrival to the camp I was disappointed at the lack of morale, experience, and skill. Most of all I was disappointed by the lack of discipline the soldiers displayed both on the training ground and in their tents. I found only a select few of my soldiers to have retained their skill and discipline. Therefore, the first assignment I set out to do was to promote these well trained Romans and set to the task of preparing for the campaign you sent me to fight. The gods must have shone fortune up me and my men for if I had not prepared them as I had the fate of Legion XXXIX and its men could have easily been ours.

I have taken the liberty with the recent deaths of older leadership in Germania to take overall command of the campaign. I have enclosed several orders with this scroll which will give your Excellency a general idea of my plans. I would be more specific but the risk of Germanii ambush is ever present. I remain your loyal servant and legate. May Rome be honored by my actions and gain glory and might from this conquest.

Proconsular Legate Verius Tiberius Julianus

LEGION XI Heraclea

He took some red wax as usual remembering his soldiers’ blood spilt for Rome and sealed the scroll with his ring. Lucius entered with the freshly prepared toasted bread lightly covered with honey, fresh goat’s milk, and sliced apples setting the meal before his master. “Lucius, give this to my swiftest messenger to ride for the Emperor. The letter is to be placed directly in his hand. And call for my Legates’ representatives and my chief officers, we must meet immediately.” Lucius took the message and quickly set to his tasks. Verius sat enjoying his meal reading through the many parchments on his table. He examined the maps and looked for a way to take advantage of the German Tribes’ tactics. He remembered the meeting he had had previously with his late cousin Agrippa Tiberius Julianus and prepared his strategy to draw the Germans into open warfare where Roman Legions would show their worth. As of yet no confrontation with Germanii had been truly successful.

Verius finished his meal and set to the task of donning his armor. Within moments the commanders of the camp entered the tent dressed in full armor, “Hail Tiberius, Hail Justius!”

Verius stood from his seat and walked behind his men who remained at attention. “How are the men doing?”

Fabius answered, “They are well rested from yesterday’s drills and prepared for your orders sir.”

Tiberius: “And what of their morale?”

Fabius: “They are weary of this camp, so many years in one place will make even the most sedentary long for adventure let alone a legion, but they will follow your orders no matter if they be to remain in this encampment, to return to Rome, or to fight until they arrive in Elysium.”

Verius: “Very well. Have a pyre of wood built in the training ground near the giant stone. I will address the men from there. Fabius, I must speak with you. You two may make the preparations.”

“Yes sir,” with that the officers departed. Tiberius then sat again, “Fabius, how long have we known each other?”

Fabius: “I have been in your service for since you took the legateship of Legion XII Classis. And I was your first mate before that when we left Campania for the sea. And now I serve you here in Germania. You know this sir, why do you ask?”

Verius: “I have a most important mission for you to fulfill. And I wanted to remind you of our history and your skills.”

Fabius: “Thank you for your trust sir.”

Verius: “What I need you to do is take a small group of men dressed as Germans and scout the countryside. Have two other groups do likewise. Before his death Proconsular Legate Agrippa Tiberius Julianus had made preparations to scout the whole of Germania. Other legions are doing likewise and are informed of this plan. It will not be without danger; the Germans may discover your loyalties and the Roman soldiers may confuse you for the enemy. Take bearded men and make your disguise well. Your task will be to find the locations of the Germanii camps. I know of their general locations by the smoke strung across the horizon and by their ambush locations but if I may know where their trails are and the exact locations of their camps and supplies, our campaign will be much easier.”

Fabius: “Your bidding shall be done. If there is nothing more I shall go about making the preparations for the surveillance.”

Tiberius: “Thank you Fabius, may the gods aid your work.” With that Fabius left the tent and Tiberius then set to more writing.

By noon Tiberius had finished his writings to the other commanders of the campaign, the pyre had been built, and Legion XI set in formation. Tiberius exited his tent with his leopard pelt draped over his blood red cloak and ornate cuirass. He walked down the hill to the camp’s center escorted by his guardsmen, chief officers and Lucius. As he descended the hill top along the winding foot path to the main parade ground, he looked out over the forests which had remained calm and quiet. He slowly made his way through the short dry grass inspecting the ranks. The men were perfectly lined in formation awaiting their respected commander’s words. Tiberius walked past the pyre and tethered cow toward the rock. Atop the rock Tiberius stood looking over the men. His red cloak gently waved in the wind as he began to address the men:

“Fellow Romans. We have seen many hardships, have suffered through cold rough weather, have encountered many adversaries, and have come to see this magnificent day together. Your bravery and skill on the battlefield and discipline in training have not gone unnoticed. You shall be rewarded this day for your actions, for this day we prepare to advance on the German hordes. Though the skies have been unfavorable this winter, Mars has turned an ear to our prayers and sacrifices by giving us this opportunity to prove our worth. We have amassed many skills and now have the chance to trample upon the German pig and remove her from Rome’s desired land. Slaughter the cow, light the fire, and lay our final sacrifice before Mars, great god of warriors, that we may have swift and bloody victory leading to honor and glory for Rome!”

The men began to cheer. Their love for their commander was only rivaled by their love for Rome. The sacrifice was made. Tiberius turned to Fabius, “You have done well today,” he reached in his armor, pulled out a scroll, and handing it to Fabius saying, “Remember what I have told you. If questioned by a Roman Soldier hand him this parchment.” By late afternoon, the camp had enjoyed its feast and was soberly preparing its weaponry and constructing light siege equipment; Verius still questioned whether this would be effective against the German tactics.

Later that day, representative commanders from Legions XXXIV, XXXVII, XXXVIII, and XL under the commands of Legates Manius Vitellius, Antonius Servo, and Quintillius Daia arrived in the camp impressed by the discipline and organization of the camp’s soldiers. Their own legates were instructed to drill their men but evidently the Proconsular Legate was particularly adept at instilling respect in soldiers. They slowly rode to the command tent of Verius Tiberius Julianus taking note of the camp’s readiness and defensive position near the rear of the Roman battleline. The men dismounted and reported to the guardsmen.

A guardsman entered the tent and clearing his throat saluted: “Sir, men from Legions XXXIV, XXXVII, XXXVIII, and XL have arrived for your meeting. Shall I send them in to join you?”

Verius sat amongst his two commanders discussing the camp’s tasks. Verius looked up and nodded at the officer: “Send them in at once and double the watch tonight on the palisades.” The guardsman exited and did his duty. “Lucius have a light meal prepared and obtain some glasses of wine for the commanders.”

Lucius: “It shall be but a moment sir.”

After a thorough inspection by the outer guard, the commanders entered the command tent surprised at its simplicity but immediately impressed by the proconsular legate’s commanding presence, radiant armor, and Adonis like physique. The men composed themselves and saluted Verius: “Hail Tiberius, Viva Roma, Viva Justius.”

Verius stood from his chair staring with his penetrating look assessing the commanders as they quivered in their sandals. His expressionless face made it difficult to know if he was pleased with their appearance or disgusted with their discipline. “Men,” with a break in his stoic face, “join us around the table. I have much to discuss with you for your Legates.” The men stood around the small table covered with maps. Verius continued to explain how a trap would be set to lure the German forces into open warfare. Legate Marius Vitellius has already led and advance into the German frontier and set up an encampment. This encampment will fit only two legions comfortable. This will deceive the Germanii into thinking that fewer Romans are present. Following this advancement, Marius has already began to raid the German countryside burning farms, ambushing supplies, raping their women, killing their children, and hopefully tormenting them into desiring an open battle with our forces. With Legio I (c)defending our supply lines we have but to focus on the torment, defeat, and retreat of the German forces across the Rhine. The men continued to discuss the specifics over food and wine to the late hours of the night. Verius gave the visiting commanders parchments explaining the commands for the Legates and allowed them quarters with his own commanders for the night. In the morning, they would ride with their escorts to their encampments to express the Proconsular Legate’s desires.



The Nightmare



As the last of the commanders left his command tent, Verius sat talking with his long time companion Lucius who seem to have a connectedness with his master. As the early morning approached the two went to sleep, Lucius on a mat near Verius’ cot. Ever since Verius’ cousin’s death Lucius would not leave his master’s side. The following day, Verius as usual sat in his tent reviewing maps and documents. As Verius went deeper into slumber, the darkness of night turned into a vivid image. Verius was transported back to that day that changed his way of life:

In the middle of his review he was interrupted by a soldier escorted by his tent guards. “Sir, this messenger has brought urgent news for your eyes.”

Verius: “Let me have the scroll then.” His guard grabbed the scroll from the messenger and handed it to Verius. The Proconsular Legate undid the wax seal seeing it was from Proconsular Legate Daia. His eyes quickly scanned the beginning words and concern fell over his face. As he continued to read his emotion became more visible to those in the room. Lucius, the legate’s trusted servant, guardian, and friend could see that Verius’ heart had fallen and the usual vigor in his eyes hazed. Verius looked up with watered eyes to ceiling, “Leave me. All but Lucius, leave me!” Never had his men seen such emotion from their commander; they immediately turned and left their commander.

Lucius walked to Verius and placed his hand upon his master’s shoulder. Verius stuttered, “He…he…he is dead? What madness and senseless loss. My cousin, why have the gods taken you?” Lucius was concerned for his master. The trembling voice and tears from his eyes were never seen by any of Verius’ acquaintances or friends. Many a man had commented in the past of the Proconsul’s lack of emotion and focus on duty. After several minutes, Verius composed himself. “Tiberius would have wanted me to move on, not to linger thinking of his death, and to take charge and lead these legions to fulfill his dreams. I can’t fill his sandals but I will attempt to lead this campaign to fruitful ends for my cousin. Lucius, with you as my witness, this death will not have been in vain.”



Legion XI Heraclea Encampment

3 weeks following the command meeting



Proconsular Legate Verius Tiberius Julianus sat in his command tent listening to the latest reports of his officers. While in the middle of the supply report, a soldier entered the command tent and interrupted one of the superior officers. “Sir,” he panted for he ran from the inner most watch position to his commander, “Legion XXXVIII approaches from the east. Our camp, save your command tent, the few local hovels, and the outer wall, has been prepared for our movement. We await your orders.”

Verius: “Thank you Tribune. Go rest and prepare your men to march.” Looking to his officers, “We shall give Legion XXXVIII rest within the wall. We march for Marcomanni territory and Legate Marius’ advanced camp within the hour. Send scouts now to report on any German presence in open land or dense forest. I want to know where all those vile pigs wallow. We shall leave none to reveal our advance through the countryside.” The officers saluted and left at once to attend to Verius’ instructions.

Within moments Legate Quintillius Daia riding his black steed entered the camp and rode for the site where the command tent was being dismantled and packed. He dismounted and approached Verius, “Hail Tiberius! Hail Justius! Hail Roma! Sir, I thank you for allowing my men to rest before we continue to advance on the German position. What orders do you have for me?”

Verius looked out over the encampment he had defended for so long; his men greeting their compatriots of Legion XXXVIII; and the peaceful serenity of the countryside. He turned to Quintillius. Legion XI Heraclea shall lead the caravan through the paths. I would like double the scouting parties and send a cohort of troops to shadow us 200 yards deep into the forests on either side. This will slow our advance but I do not desire an ambush. If Marius has done his job we will not need to worry much. The Marcomanni leadership will be focused on those two legions and not expect an additional two legions coming to support them.”

The two commanders continued to discuss the specifics of the short march to Legate Marius Vitellius’ camp. As Verius had commanded, the two legions were marching northwest ward into Marcomanni territory. The sky was a brilliant blue as Apollo rode across the sky on his blinding chariot shining through the dense forests allowing the men to see deep into the underbrush. The scouts had little difficultly riding through the thawing ground of the specified route; however, the caravan had more difficulty as the supply wagons often needed to be encouraged to move forward and the soldiers had difficulty moving through the muddied ground. This unforeseen obstacle would set the march behind by sometime and force Verius to be more alert for a possible ambush. But this obstacle would also mean the Marcomanni would have difficulty hiding their tracks in this untouched region of Western Germania Superior.

The sky remained clear through the day and into the night as Legions XI and XXXVIII moved slowly, struggling to advance through the virgin ground. Fortunately, the path was free of stream and river so that the legions could travel without other obstacles. As the time approached midnight, under the full moon provided by Ceres to guide the steps of the Roman advance, scouts found the path Legions XXXIV and XXXVII had taken to their new camp. While on this path, a scout from legion XXXVII had reported that the temporary camp was but an 8 hour march from their current position.

Verius ordered this small diversion from his original route to that of Marius’ previous path. He knew this route would be heavily patrolled by the barbarian scouts as well as Roman sentries. He had thought many times to stop and give his men rest but this would have only made the men colder and vulnerable to ambush. No, he had decided that their alertness in the march was more important that their fatigue. His men have known fatigue before and this march would not prove to be any different, they would be able to struggle for at least 8 hours more. Plus the Marcomanni would be less likely to expect Roman troops to move at night, when they customarily built an encampment, than during the day.

A few hours following Apollo’s awakening, Verius and Quintillius riding side-by-side crested a final hill seeing in an open valley the palisade constructed by Marius’ legions. They could tell it had suffered a small assault recently. The march had been tough but fortunately the Marcomanni tribe had been too preoccupied with Marius to take notice of Verius and his men. Verius and Quintillius rode into the camp to where Marius was awaiting their arrival. They discussed the happenings of the past few days and began to make preparations for the next phase of the Germania Campaign.



Five Days Later



The weather had remained mostly the same with the occasional light drizzle. Verius, anticipating Germanic ambushes of his scouting parties, increased their size from the customary 3 horsed men to 10 horsed men. The light cavalry of the Roman legions were able to navigate through the small amount of snow and could cover more ground than a larger group of foot soldiers. Their orders were simple; capture any barbarians they encountered and kill any, man, woman, or child who resisted. Verius would personally oversee their interrogation.

Verius, seated upon his three legged stool, turned to Quintillius: “Do you believe this will provoke the Marcomanni?”

Quintillius putting down his glass of wine: “Sir, there is no reason to believe that this will not annoy King Maroboduus. The question is will the more level headed Arminius be willing to engage our troops on a traditional field of battle?”

Marius also engrossed in the conversation suggested: “Both men will be eager to engage our men. Maroboduus because of his defeat here at these very walls,” pointing out the opening of the tent to his palisades, “and Arminius because of the loss of morale by the interruption of his supplies and supporters. He will not let his kinsmen, however distantly related, fall to the Roman sword. However, I fear he will not allow his men to be outnumbered on the battlefield.”

Verius standing and leaning over the map covered table looked from one man to the other with a keen eye: “Legates, I do believe you to be right. Our own supplies and borders are protected. The German supplies have been dwindling and being pillaged for sometime now. Let us not wait any longer we must find their remaining sources and camps and destroy them. Some of their men will leave to return to their farms in the East, those who remain will be famished from lack of food. The late Agrippa Tiberius Julianus has seen to it that the small raiding parties have destroyed many stocks they had in reserve. We shall continue to provoke the Marcomanni by destroying larger villages and towns with our Legions. I have ordered the other Legions to do the same in their area. Arminius will have to fight eventually outnumbered or not.”

As Verius finished his monologue and sat, one of his guards entered escorting two men: “Sir, Tribune Augmentus and his scouts have news for you.”

Verius looking from the tribune to the shackled barbarian man and back again: “Speak Tribune, what have you found on patrol?”

Augmentus: “Sir, I know you desire to to- I mean interrogate all captured men. We found this one walking toward our encampment along the forest edge with a small group of others. He was carrying this document with your seal upon it.” The tribune approached and handed it to Verius.

Immediately, Verius recognized his rustic companion who now had more than a few bruises from his capture: “Unbind this man and his companions. They are Roman soldiers.” Verius rose from his seat and enthusiastically went to hug Fabius. ”What news do you have Fabius? I would let you rest, but if what you have found will aid in our campaign let us hear it with haste.”

Verius gave Fabius a glass of wine as he began: “Sir, my men found many small paths which are used by the barbarian soldiers. These lead to their main camp in this area which is no more than 6 Roman miles from this very encampment. These trails allow for at most 4 soldiers to march at an effective pace side by side without impedance.” He took a small gulp to moisten his lips, “One mile north from our current location, this path is 100 paces from the main path our troops can use to march 100 men across. At that point it diverges east towards the location where our other legions are located. In the forest on the west of the path there is a slightly larger trail, which emerges into the main path 2 miles from our current position. It is masked by a large boulder so that from the main path a man would not know its presence.” Again he took a sip from his glass.

Verius seeing Fabius’ fatigue and wincing at his inflictions: “Can you continue or do you require rest?”

Fabius: “For Rome I can continue. The first path leads to a large encampment of Arminius’ troops. I am sure this is not his main base but he has a significant number of troops stationed there. The commander of this camp has built no walls and has spread his troops over a large area of mountainside. The columns of smoke that can be seen on the horizon came from but one camp strung over a square mile of forest and mountain. Huts and tents are unorganized and those who appear German are not questioned by soldiers for they assume they have come from the nearby grouping of soldiers. The camp could never effectively patrol the area directly around it not to mention the paths which lead up to it. However, the main paths near this camp are heavily monitored. If not for its inaccessibility from the main paths we Romans use, it would have been discovered and infiltrated years ago. The other path,” finishing his wine only to be filled by Verius again, “opens on the western edge of a town which the soldiers of this camp regularly patrol. This is a large source from which it obtains supplies. The town is guarded by several hundred men and has a well traveled path to the heart of this western camp. This town is 4 miles north on the main path which would allow our soldiers to enter from the south, however, this approach, unlike the “secret” paths, is heavily watched for any Roman approach. Just south of the town the main path narrows momentarily and opens into a large basin void of brush but flanked by deep forests. This is the likely place for ambush and for the Germanii to attempt to defend the large town from Roman forces. It is large enough though that we may organize our troops effectively. At the signal of trouble, the commander and his entire military, if prepared for battle, could reach the town within 20 minutes. A small Roman force would be crushed if it assaulted the town directly.”

Verius inwardly concerned at such a statement but outwardly maintaining composure: “What kind of barbarian force are we dealing with? How quickly can reinforcements arrive from other camps?”

Fabius: “It was difficult to estimate such a force but I would suggest there to be no fewer than 10,000 soldiers and some women and children. As for reinforcements, there is one path leading to the east along the mountain range, however, it is unlikely that forces would be within a day’s journey. My men and I returned to this camp upon our discovery of the encampment and town.”

Verius: “Thank you Fabius, you have once again served Rome well. Lucius will attend to your bruises and see that you and your men are well cared for.” Fabius chugged his glass of wine, saluted the proconsular legate, and met Lucius outside the tent. Verius looked to his commanders and began to organize a plan which would once and for all draw Arminius into what he wanted least, a battle on open field with Rome.



The March



Verius woke unusually early this morning, as did the entire camp. He went about his normal routine, had his normal breakfast, and finally went over the final details of the battle with his commanders and those of Marius, Antonius, and Quintillius well before the cock signaled the day break. The camp was also prepared to move on for battle. Marius would remain in camp with Legion XXXVII. Legions XI, XXXIV, and XXXVIII would march to encounter the barbarian horde or at the very least sack the town which supplied the northwestern flank of Arminius’ forces.

As the bright disk of the sun rose above the eastern horizon, Verius, and Quintillius mounted their horses and began to lead Legions XI, XXXVIII, and half the legionnaires from Legion XXXIV North toward the German town. Verius knew they would not be able to avoid the detection of scouts but he wished to prevent this as long as possible so that the Germanic forces would have slightly less time to prepare. Only moments before Verius led his troops through the northern gates of the fortress, Tribune Maximus Varro, who had accompanied Fabius on the scouting mission, and Fabius led their troops through the southern gates and into the narrow paths on either side of the main path. Each man took with him a group of 1500 legionnaires and 2000 auxiliaries to wait in ambush at the designated positions where the Germanii would most likely attack.

After traveling a quarter mile Verius looked back at the palisade and saw the black flag signaling all was in place. The ambush parties had made their way into the forests on the opposite side of the camp and were slowly navigating the underbrush towards the small paths. Verius slowed the march of his soldiers to allow his ambush to get in place. To further distract the Marcomanni scouts and soldiers, Verius ordered the drummers and trumpeters to play marching tunes. He desired to draw the attention of the Germanii scouts and to drown out all the sounds of the forest so that all that the Germanii could hear were the beat of the drums accented by the elegant Roman trumpets. The way was clear revealing sprouts of green grass emerging from the soft ground. Apparently the moisture was less in this area then farther to the south where Verius had his command camp, for the ground was not as muddied.

Continuing at this pace for the rest of the first mile, Verius, with the sun gleaming off his armor, saw a lone wolf crossing the clearing. He ordered the momentary halt of the men and silence of the instruments. He smiled and saluted the wolf with his sword as it entered the forest. Verius turned his horse to his men and said in a loud commanding voice so that it echoed into the near by valleys: “Men of Rome! Mars has blessed us with his presence in this wolf. He shall lead us to victory this day! Let us march on for honor and glory!” With these words the men cheered louder than as if they had been given double rations of wine. Their march could not be contained and even the beat of the drum and sound of the trumpet had become more energetic and lively. With this Verius knew it would not be long before they would reach the Germanii force, so he sent additional scouts to determine what force had formed in the clearing near the town.



The Marcomanni Encampment



King Maroboduus sat in his command tent drinking a German brew from one of the Roman skulls he had collected from his recent battles. Since the fateful battle at the Roman Castra Hiberna Maroboduus’ men had not seen their commander sober for more than a few hours in the morning when he received report from his commanders. As he sat getting drunk, the king picked up one of his weapons which adorned his fur covered floor and began to swing it around as in a mock fight. His movements were rough but his swings were full of force. In the middle of this intoxicated shadow fighting, Hedratio, the camp’s chief commander second only to Maroboduus, hurried in and addressed his king, “Great King of the Northern Rhine, the Romans march north and approach Bern with approximately two legions. According to scout reports they march 100 across and are slowly making their way to the nearby clearing with grand fanfare. What would you have us do?”

The king slowed his movements and placed his ax against one of the large beams holding the tent above the surrounding structures. He looked at his commander: “Hedratio, prepare the men for battle. Have an ambush set on either side of the clearing where it bottle necks. As for the remainder of the troops have them lined on the near side of the clearing between the Romans and the town.” Maroboduus paused to sip his skull, “We must make a stand against these encroaching Romans lest we be pushed into the Rhine itself. Besides, if we are to fight any longer we must maintain control of this town. Rome must be stopped here!” Hedratio left the command tent, questioning his king’s state of mind, to loyally do as his king commanded. As Maroboduus prepared himself for battle putting on his war paint and armor he thought to himself, ‘The recent reinforcements of a week ago will make my forces evenly matched for this Roman. With the ambush, the Roman line will be driven into chaos and their strength will be significantly weakened. With the help of Loci we may turn the tide of this war and drive the Romans out of Germania once and for all.’ Maroboduus picked up his large broad sword and exited his tent to rally his men for battle.



The Ambush



With their knowledge of the secret paths Fabius and Maximus were able to get their men in position well before Verius stopped to honor Mars in his animal form. Thanks to the stealth like movements of the auxiliaries and the loud fanfare given by Verius the Germanii scouts, who took notice of the large Roman force advancing North toward Bern, had overlooked the smaller ambush parties.

Under strict order of silence, Fabius and the commanders under him communicated using small gestures. They would await the barbarian ambushers to advance past their positions in the brush. Fabius had waited several minutes listening to the loud music of the Roman march as the first Marcomanni soldier passed his position. Not knowing the new Roman knowledge of their paths, the men advanced without worry only thinking about how many Romans they would be able to strike down today. Fabius waited until the last of Germanii had passed his position before giving the signal to his men. At the drop of his finger, the bowmen and darters let fly their projectiles at the lightly armored men. The barbarians became confused and looked in all directions to determine the origin of these missiles. Fabius ordered another volley as his men were spotted. Again, the darts found their targets striking men’s chests, limbs, and even gouging out eyes burying themselves in the skulls of fathers and sons alike.

Following the second volley, many Germanii began to charge at the Romans, retreat into the forests, huddle in fear of a third volley, and flee back to their encampment. Seeing this weakness, Fabius ordered his swordsmen out into the path to cut down those who remained. Fabius yelled only slightly over the sounds of the beating drums, “Spill their blood and entrails for Rome and your fellow soldiers.”

Similarly on the western pathways, Maximus successfully assaulted the ambush party of the Marcomanni. He followed those who fled and prevented their escape into the large town.



The Preparations



Verius continued to lead his men through the clearing confident all was going according to plan. The journey had followed exactly the report given him by Fabius. His scouts returned as the troops passed the third mile of their march. Tribune Poliocus, head of the scouting party reported while riding beside the Proconsular legate, “Sir, the opposition is positioned on the far side of a basin clearing three quarters of a mile from this location. The amassing German forces noticed our scouts but did not fire upon us. Their number matches ours very closely. On the near side of the basin there are two arrows with short red streamers attached to their ends. The valley is like this clearing, spots of mud but mostly dry and soft.”

Verius containing his moderate joy at this news spoke in a stoic yet commanding voice: “Thank you Tribune. Have your men join the columns of cavalry,” turning his head slightly to Quintillius, “Join Legion XXXVIII and position them to the right of Legion XI. The second half of Legion XXXIV will be on the left Legion XI. See that these orders are known.” Verius thought to himself, ‘All is going according to plan. Fabius and Maximus have successfully prevented a classic Germanii ambush. The Marcomanni commander is overly confident that his men are safe, positioning them in the clearing. He is oblivious to the loss of his ambush party. And the men are invigorated with the idea that Mars himself fights with us.’

Quintillius rode back to his legion and addressed Tribune Augmentus, “Commander, you are to lead Legion XXXIV in battle today. Position them along the western forest to the left of Proconsular Legate Verius’ Legion XI.”

Augmentus: “It will be done as you command sir.”



The Battle



Verius, atop his white Asian horse adorned with iron armor, sat looking out across the basin at the Marcomanni forces loosely aligned into a single row several men deep ready to attack his quickly organizing troops. Before his troops could properly arrange themselves into columns the first wave of Germanii soldiers broke out in their battle cries and began to quickly march towards him. As they reached the halfway point of the basin Legion XI Heraclea was in its proper formation and was prepared for combat, Legion XXXVIII led by Quintillius was loosely organized according to Roman standards, and Augmentus was struggling to get his men into position. Seeing that his left was weak Verius ordered half his cavalry and additional archers to support the organizing troops there. As the barbarian soldiers neared 35 meters from the front ranks of the legion, the signal for the release of the pila was given. Given the speed of the Germanii and the slope of the hill this distance was not unrealistic. As the horn blasted a sky full of the lighter pila of the Roman legion flew and found their targets in the lightly armored front ranks of the advancing Germanii soldiers.

King Maroboduus, seeing that many of his soldiers had fallen to the first volley ordered a second and larger wave of soldiers to advance on the Roman position before his first wave even reached the Roman line. He was additionally frustrated that his ambush had not yet surfaced to disrupt the ordered Roman troops. He desired the Roman force to become surrounded by his men. Maroboduus looked to his chief commander, “Hedratio, send some scouts to discover why our ambushers have not begun to fight.” Hedratio then sent four horsemen to the planned positions of the ambush.

Following the first volley, the front two ranks of the Roman line braced for the impact of the infamous strength of the barbarian charge. Verius continued to have his archers launch missiles just beyond the positions of his shielded legionnaires. The first wave of 3000 brave barbarians quickly fell to the tactics of Verius; however, Maroboduus’ second wave was within meters before the Roman line could reform from its initial encounter. This force proved more devastating to the first ranks as the barbarians swung their broad swords and heavy axes to and fro striking shield, armor, and flesh alike. Verius’ line was maintaining stability and was being relieved by fresh ones from the support ranks. The ranks of Augmentus were also maintaining their formation repelling repetitive attempts of penetration by the Marcomanni soldiers. Quintillius and Legion XXXVIII were more successful as it had not suffered the brunt of this second attack. Verius signaled to his trumpeter for three blasts of the horn. Quintillius took this signal and led 5 cohorts to focus their attack on the left flank of the Germanii line. As Quintillius and his men approached the middle of the basin which was quickly being stained with the blood of Roman and barbarian soldiers, the Marcomanni left and some of the center ranks charged out to meet them. Seeing this unusual tactic on Marobobuus’ part, Quintillius ordered his men into a defensive position. Verius also looking from the rear of his legion saw this and ordered the cavalry of all three legions to focus an assault on the left flank and aid the 5 cohorts of Quintillius.



Defenseless



Fabius, with his men, huddled in the underbrush on the outskirts of the large town of Bern. From the basin they could hear the sound of battle as metal hit metal and men screamed in pain and agony. In the midst of the sounds Fabius heard one, two, three trumpet blasts. That was the signal. He and his men ran from their hiding places into the town burning buildings, killing those who were unfortunate to remain in the unprotected town. Maroboduus had abandoned the town and his encampment to take his entire defenses to fight the advancing Roman army and to lay in ambush. Flames quickly took to the thatch roofs and produced large plumes of black smoke into the air.

Maximus also took his cue from the triple trumpet blast and advanced on the Marcomanni encampment killing the few women and children refugees who remained there. They sacked the command tent and burned all to the ground before making their way toward the town.



The Battle Continues



The battle was now raging for a couple hours as many soldiers on both sides fell, no clear side had taken advantage as of yet. Quintillius was successfully preventing the large part of the left Marcomanni flank from over taking his position; however, the line was beginning to falter. Augmentus was continuing to repel groups of barbarians from over taking his flank and splitting his men from the main Roman force. Verius looked at the battlefield and at the German line to determine if his plans would work and how best to exploit the Marcomanni line.

Quintillius’ men were surrounded by barbarians attempting to break his circle. As his men began to falter under the massive blows inflicted and the barbarians were breeching the outer ring of shields, the cavalry rode to the east of his cohorts and freed a path through the Marcomanni line. Quintillius atop his horse in the middle of the Roman contingent ordered his men to the fringe of the forest to free up one side from assault. As his men neared the forest edge, the remaining men of his legion and those of legion XI Heraclea had thrown off a majority of the second wave of 5000 men. These men were not prepared to support the island of Quintillius’ troops.

Verius concerned that he may lose his right flank ordered three of the remaining cohorts of Legion XXXVIII to support their compatriots. As he looked to the Marcomanni line he saw the black plumes rising over the forest on either side behind Maroboduus. Augmentus and his legion were now finishing off a small group of barbarians from the second wave. He signaled to Augmentus who was in the middle of battling a commander who like Augmentus fought with strength and skill.

Upon finishing off this commander, Augmentus led his men, half of Legion XXXIV, to the right flank of Maroboduus’ line. This time the line did not run to meet the men. Instead, they let the Romans come to them. As Augmentus and his men came within 100 meters, Verius looked to his trumpeter once more and raised his fist. A long, loud trumpet blast rang through the basin and adjacent valleys. With this signal Fabius led his men from the now scorched town and Maximus was not far behind him with his group of men, both containing the remaining men of Legion XXXIV. The sudden appearance of Roman soldiers behind the Marcomanni line sent many soldiers into a panic and confusion.

Maroboduus quickly noticed his line weakening and his position being out flanked so he signaled the withdrawal of his left flank and the retreat of his forces into the forests. However, it was too late. Quintillius had broken through the Marcomanni counter assault and was now leading the cavalry to cut off the king’s retreat.

Within tens of meters of the forest, the Roman horsemen intercepted the king and his guardsmen. The two cavalries collided in a furry of steel and flesh. Quintillius ever watchful of the barbarian king’s movements clashed with one barbarian while fending off the steel of another barbarian. After several conflicts Quintillius advanced with several of his cavalry to the inner circle of the king. The two rode in circles around each other assessing the others strength and courage. To the surprise of Quintillius, King Maroboduus dismounted his large broad horse and wiped his bloodied sword smearing it against his trousers. Quintillius likewise dismounted his black steed and raised his sword to the German. The two again circled each other several times before the king drew back his sword and let loose several broad swings of his sword. Quintillius successfully dodged the first swing, blocked the second with his small cavalry shield, and made strong contact with his sword on the third.

Maroboduus stepped back impressed with the young Roman’s skill and ability. He once again made a second circle as barbarian and Roman were fighting and falling all around the two. Once again Maroboduus initiated the assault drawing back his sword and swinging right then left then right again. All his attacks flew by Quintillius at chest level. Once again the legate eluded the king’s attacks with success. As the king once again circled his foe, a Marcomanni soldier broke through the flood of fighting which encircle the two commanders and took a swing at Quintillius. His large ax was successful in finding the flesh of the legate but did little to harm him. Quintillius quickly jabbed his sword into the soldier’s abdomen finding his spinal column thus disabling the zealous Marcomanni soldier.

Maroboduus waited as his opponent defeated a Marcomanni soldier. Once again the king circled his foe and took a swing at his chest finding the legates shield flinging it to the ground. Quintillius immediately took advantage of the distraction created by the falling shield and jabbed at the barbarian’s side slightly penetrating the king’s abdomen through his leather armor. Now with both men injured, the fight was even. Quintillius became more aggressive swinging his sword at the fatiguing Maroboduus. Maroboduus continued to defend himself and launch assaults of his own. Finally, as the battle around them was beginning to turn toward the Roman’s advantage and Germanii retreated into the forests, Maroboduus swung his sword over his head with all his strength. Quintillius barely dodged the sword which stuck into the ground. The legate then jabbed his gladius deep into the barbarian king’s side. As he pulled his sword out a large gush of blood followed and the barbarian King Maroboduus fell to his knees and onto his face.

The field was a desolate clearing of bodies, wailing soldiers, and blood covered what once was green. Mars had obtained his victory for Rome. None could avoid seeing the signs of battle which adorned the land and sky; bodies covered the land, black smoke covered the brilliance of the blue sky, the smell of death penetrated the air. Verius ordered the collection of the Roman corpses and desecration of the barbarian soldiers. The head of Maroboduus was stuck upon a stake and placed atop the mounds of bodies for all passers to see.

The Roman soldiers returned to the castra which Legate Marius had expanded upon during the battle to allow for better defensive position and more comfort among the legions. Upon his return, Verius went about to learn how the other Roman commanders had done with their encounters and scouting. First he read a document reporting recent successes in the east and made promotions accordingly. More importantly, he received word of Legion XLI’s fall to the Vandals which infuriated him. The Germans had crept behind the lines of the Romans and threatened his supplies, a Roman province, and defeated yet another legion of Rome. The Germans seemed to be nowhere and everywhere at the same time. Tiberius decided to dedicate hundreds of troops from each legion to scouting and surveying the countryside clearing and forest alike. It appeared the small groups of men were not sufficient to root out all six tribes. He would establish his current fortifications as the Castra Prima of the campaign. He would have his two additional battle groups, led by Proconsular Legate Verus and the joint command of Legates Vitellius and Thrax, establish castra as well. The remainder of troops would drill and construct networks of roads for swifter and safer travel between the three strongholds and the supply lines in Southern Ludgunesis Gaul. It seems Rome and Germania had seen fortune in the recent past.



Results:

Rome 6000 brave soldiers fallen 1750 injured

Germans 14503 Warriors killed and countless retreating into the nearby forests.

One Tribal Confederation eliminated as a meaningful Military force.

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By: Verius Tiberius Julianus

Input from Agrippa Marius Vitellius