AAR - Brigantes - English Campaign

[Taibi]

Ok, so this is my first attempt at an AAR, so please be gentle.

I have been writing for the past few hours and all of a sudden I had 3½ pages in word, so I have split it up and will post a year in each post - except for battles, which will go in seperate posts as well.

Hope you enjoy and feel free to comment.

Taibi

[Taibi]

Taking control of the Brigantes for an (I hope) easy approach to the English Campaign. As I begin I have control over 5 cities, which is a good deal. Situated in the northern part of the map, although being somewhat away from the centre of the England, I still have a very long borderline to protect. Fortunate for me, the majority of my cities are inland and with limited access from all sides. This is either due to rivers or mountains protecting me.

My cities:

Name - Population - F/O/W - Special
Isurion - 3354 - 70/80/90 - Paddock (for Cavalry)
Setantia - 1305 - 90/100/0 - Blacksmith (medium infantry)
Galagon - 1327 - 50/125/0 - Blacksmith
Gabrantovicia - 1280 - 50/40/125 - Fletcher (for missile units)
Coria - 1251 - 110/80/0 - Paddock

I am nicely covered in terms of ore, however, I lack in wood and in food especially. Though all cities are capable of producing food only two can do so in significant numbers. Therefore this is a priority to secure a steady supply of food. It will also be necessary to support my armies, which I hope to amass in time.

Bordering me are the Corieltauvi whom are friendly and the Carvetii who are neutral going on unfriendly. To maintain stability in the region I offer an alliance to the Corieltauvi. Also Parisii and Cornovii have borders up to mine and both are angry with me (and on very friendly terms themselves). They could very well press onto my borders if it were not for the fact that the friendly Corieltauvi and I lie in between them. Parisii are isolated and with only 2 cities they are not an immediate threat. The Cornovii are not likely to attack despite their hostility towards me. There is but one access to my domain, crossing a river and then up a corridor to Setantia.

Despite the need for securing additional food sources my first priority is to secure my back. This means going after the Carvetii, whom lie to the north-west of me, they have only two cities within their territory – Brocavon and Luguralion. Galagon and Coria lie on the frontline, however, well secured behind a far stretching mountain range. Nevertheless, I divert most of my forces to either city in order to prepare for assault. I merely retain enough forces to the south for show, so as not to provoke any attacks.


Name - Population - Building
Isurion - 3354 - Fishing Village (+6F)
Setantia - 1305 - Small Fort (med. squads)
Galagon - 1327 - Mountain Mine (+11 O)
Gabrantovicia - 1280 - Lumber Mill (+8W)
Coria - 1251 - Farm (+8F)


I construct a Small Fort at Setantia to produce medium sized squads. If necessary those can be sent north to Galagon, otherwise they shall remain to secure the border shared with the Cornovii. To ensure peace in the near future with the same, I send off a tribute of 62/62/62. This appeases them some and I rest assured that I can indeed concentrate on conquering the Carvetii, although how this shall be accomplished is still not planned in great detail. The lay of the land, however, suggest that a good amount of infantry units will be needed, as well as missile back-up. Still, a cavalry unit or two to tear into any exposed flanks is not to be denied its place in Brigantes history.


Name - Army
Isurion - 1 British Cavalry (1BCav)
Setantia - 2 British Warriors (2BWar)
Galagon - -
Gabrantovicia - -
Coria - -


Existing forces from Setantia are sent north, forces in Gabrantovicia (Gabran) are regrouped into 1 Javelin (1Jav) / 1 Archer (1Arc) and 1BCav. The Cavalry will stay behind and the missile units will be sent to Gabran to join up with their forces.

In the summer of 176 BC my offer of an alliance is accepted and I join forces with the Corieltauvi.

[Taibi]

There are rumblings across the country it seems. I get reports of movements within the Parisii borders (visible on the map). Their forces are moving west, towards me yes, but for real or just to scare me off and prevent any attack from my side? I dare not leave it unattended so I have to send my Cavalry unit from Gabran south. The newly formed regiment in Isurion must also stay put instead of moving north to the coming battle scene.

Also my good friends the Corieltauvi are moving their troops; however, they seem unaffected by their northern enemies (Parisii) and move west themselves towards the Cornovii. There is a long mountain range separating the two sides, so it will take a while for them to meet, if that is indeed the intention. I leave them to decide for themselves and continue the build-up in the north.

I am falling out of favour with my friends to the west the Deceangli; however, they are really no concern of mine. They are worried I suspect, because I pay such attention to the Cornovii – as they are sworn enemies though not at war. The Deceangli are far too small for that.


Name - Population - Building/Action
Isurion - 3302 - I fully man my new Fishing Village
Setantia - 781 - I remove a worker from my mine to increase population growth
Galagon - 1829 - I fully man my new Mountain Mine and remove one from the existing Mine
Gabrantovicia - 1784 - -
Coria - 1755 - Small Fort - I put a worker onto my new Farm


I refrain from constructing any buildings this year, as I continue my build-up of troops. It is also necessary now to get my population levels up to be able to form new regiments and to man the already existing buildings. I am also saving enough materials to build a Town Hall in Isurion; this will allow the city to expand further. Given my mistake last year of disbanding the already existent units in the town, the population is already high. I plan to take advantage of this error on my part as best I can.

I send a tribute south once again, somewhat smaller this time round though – 29/29/28. My armies are now gathered at Galagon and Coria. At Galagon it consist of 6BWar/1Jav/1BCav (Infantry/Jav+Arc/Cavalry) – I hope this will suffice as more missile units are tied up in the defence of the eastern front and can not easily come to Galagon. They have to move south for Setantia before they can head north again.

In Coria the forces are more balanced; 2/1+1/2, but they are limited by the small number of units.


Name - Army
Isurion - 1BCav
Setantia - -
Galagon - -
Gabrantovicia - 1Jav, 1Arc
Coria - 1BCav


It appears I am in luck. As I gather my forces in Coria over the year, the Carvetii forces are gathering in Brocavon (their southern city), thus apparently leaving Luguralion (their northern city) unprotected. If this is true, then it presents me with a great opportunity to press onto Luguralion next year with my forces amassed at Coria. We shall wait and see.

[Taibi]

The Parisii continue to gather their forces directly east of Isurion. My own forces will be strengthened over the course of the year, I do not worry much and press ahead with the plans already disclosed last year. Fortunate enough for me the Carvetii continue south past Brocavon put are stopped by the massive mountain range. Perhaps I shall move my men out of garrison and north to keep the opposing forces distracted while I move west from Coria?


Name - Population - Building/Action
Isurion - 2819 - Town Hall
Setantia - 850 - Mine
Galagon - 2193 - -
Gabrantovicia - 1234 - -
Coria - 1614 - -


Any additional workers are sent to work, for the glory of the Brigantes.

I stop paying tribute to the Cornovii. They and the Corieltauvi have come to a standstill and do not appear to be more than showing off.


Name - Army
Isurion - -
Setantia - 1 BWar
Galagon - -
Gabrantovicia - -
Coria - -


Resources are limited as I construct the Town Hall at Isurion, so few troops are built. I also feel confident enough with the units available to me. The one unit of Warriors will benefit from the newly erected Small Fort and be of a medium size. The forces from Coria are closing in on Luguralion and I expect them to reach the city some time next year.

[Taibi]

The Parisii have stopped altogether and are merely showing their strengths, as predicted. The Carvetii forces are being pinned down behind the mountains north of Galagon and the area east of Luguralion is clear of opposing forces. I smell victory; little doubts remain that I shall find glory in my first battle, though I am blissfully ignorant of the size of my opponent in the coming battle.


Name - Population - Building/Action
Isurion - 2420 - Small Fort
Setantia - 1214 - -
Galagon - 2627 - Mine
Gabrantovicia - 1210 - -
Coria - 2048 - Farm


I expand greatly, both in terms of infrastructure and future war potential. The Small Fort at Isurion will allow me to build more medium sized squads. It is also possible to increase any existing units here, if they remain in the city for a period. This city is strategically important, which is why I am very aware of securing its defences and expanding it, certainly in terms of military potential.


Name - Army
Isurion - 1 BCav
Setantia - -
Galagon - -
Gabrantovicia - -
Coria - -


The scene is set for war, though I fail to declare it before I enter battle (I wonder if it will have any significance on future diplomatic efforts...).

[Xanadu]

Woohoo! Off to war

Nice work Taibi.
Definitely more than I am doing......I am humbled

[Alexxander]

Taibi,

Very well done! Thanks you!

[Sol Invictus]

Now I'm getting psyched, please continue!

[Espartaco]

Continue, please, continue....

[Niccolo Rising]

You guys doing this on the Beta? Or is it on sale yet somewhere to the west.

Ol' Nic

[roachclip76]

Awesome so far, and certainly leaving me hanging for more. Wait, that isn't good is it? MORE,MORE,MORE! Can't wait to see the outcome.

[Xanadu]

Originally posted by Niccolo Rising
You guys doing this on the Beta? Or is it on sale yet somewhere to the west.

Ol' Nic

They are done from the Beta.

[Taibi]

Thank you for the kind words, though I know you are starved of any information and greedily take what you can get.

A note on battles, I always attack/defend from left to right, thus my forces will always be on the left side of the screen. When I talk of battle and what actually goes on this means that the top of the screen will be my left flank/side and the bottom my right flank/side. I leave it to you to figure out how it works for the opposing forces.

Literary freedom, what follows, though the battle and the tactics are for real and what happens, to a large extent, is also.

Taibi

[Taibi]

Build-up
My forces are gathered just east of Luguvalion (pardon my spelling mistake earlier) and preparing for the final battle. I believe the Carvetii are aware of my presence – I would be disappointed in their scouting abilities were they not. My own scouts have been out for days now, trying to find any weak spots in their defences and to gather any intelligence they can on the composition of the opposing forces and in particular of their numbers. The reports filtering back are vague and are neither promising nor threatening.
The weather is good and has been for weeks now; this will be of use for my cavalry units, besides the terrain is likely to be hills, woods and plains – a mixed sort of terrain for them. I may not be able to choose the battlefield, but I will have a go at it. The reports I have speak of an enemy fearful of us and reluctant to advance much from their secure (or so they think) lair.

My soldiers are getting restless, so final preparations are under way. Besides, I am unlikely to uncover more than I already know. They have at least one cavalry unit, as my scouts have seen horses guarded while foraging the plains on the other side of the city. It was tempting to try an ambush, but the odds were not particularly favourable, so I decided against it.

Today is the day: we march towards Luguvalion. I have my infantry in front, central spread out in a line with missile units right behind them. My cavalry units are kept at the back but at the ready. My troops are eager. As we approach the opposing forces come out to meet us; intelligence was right with respect to the single cavalry unit and they can further inform me that the forces we face consist of another 3 units (this is given in the game), though as to their function they are oblivious.
Seeing that the terrain ahead of us and likely to be the battle field is densely forested I send scouts up ahead to survey the lay of the land. In the distance I can see what appears to be a decent sized hill or perhaps even a mountain, certainly at the foot is a large forest, which we can take advantage of. My scouts report of a corridor between the larger forest and a much smaller on the right, this leads into a fairly open plain: ideal for my cavalry units. They also report that the enemy cavalry has taken up position on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Tactics:
A battle plan is forming in my head. I intend to use my infantry units on the sides with my archers in the middle. My infantry will bend backwards and out in order to protect their flanks, however, they will all advance through the forest, thereby negating any advantage of the opposing cavalry. I hope to lure the cavalry down my left flank, thinking my javelin unit will be able to stop them in their tracks, if necessary they can call on assistance from any infantry units hidden in the cover of the forest on the left flank.

My cavalry units will be employed on either side. Following the javelins will be a unit, which hopefully can outnumber the opponent and eventually outflank the enemy. The same tactic will be employed on my right flank. Cavalry will move along the corridor and eventually come out onto the plains were they are to head straight ahead until they encounter resistance. If luck and Mithras will, they will be able to hit the enemy in the side as my infantry and archers keep them pinned down in the centre of the field.

Orders:
The left flank is asked to stay put for a short while before they advance, the central units are to advance at once and finally my cavalry on the right flank are too charge headlong ahead, fingers crossed.


Calm before storm:
For all the best laid plans, there is still that short moment before you know the opposing forces and their tactics – you hope you have been smarter and have thought of every possible option, but once the battle begins you can but trust your commanders and their instincts and experience. Their cavalry unit follow suit and charge ahead down towards my exposed left flank, they fell for it. Just outside the forest they have a javelin unit, which is shielded by two infantry units, covering their flanks. Let the battle commence.


The battle:
My javeliners are no good and are slaughtered; however, they do enough damage allowing a combination of warriors and cavalry to mop up the rest, which is a good deal. There is a lesson to be learned here, but there will be time for that later – I hope. As intended the enemy is drawn towards the wood, but I reach the end of it before they can enter and thus pin them down on the edges of the great forest. This is all working out nicely. Combat is fierce but also testing of the abilities of the men on both sides, the dense forest leaves little room to manoeuvre in for the men. The threat of the opposing missile unit is limited as much is absorbed by the trees.

We are waiting anxiously for the cavalry to arrive and help us finish the job. The prospects are good but still no sign of them and if my infantry have to leave their sheltered fighting scene it will be a more evenly fought battle. Still, time always feels longer when in a tight spot. The fighting goes on, there are casualties on both sides and the bodies are making it even harder to move. Fortunately it also hinders the advance of the enemy. Finally the cavalry arrive, they barely check themselves before slamming into the, by now, fairly exposed flank. From here on end it is easy work as the enemy is eventually routed and we find ourselves victorious.


After battle thoughts:
Taking stock, we have in fact fewer wounded than appeared during battle, though we have lost our javelin unit completely. This is a great loss, but there will be time to rebuild the army later. Now we need to take stock of the city and its possibilities and hunt down any remaining forces hiding in the hills and forests around Luguvalion.


Comments:
My first battle is over and though through sheer strength in numbers we had an advantage, the lay of the land was unfamiliar to us. A great deal of thanks for this accomplishment must go to my scouting units and their quick assessment of the area. As for the battle plan, that is all mine!

[Sol Invictus]

Sounds thrilling! I especially liked the reference to Mithras. I really need this game soon for my mental stability. Very nice job.

[Crook]

There is a lesson to be learned here, but there will be time for that later – I hope. As intended the enemy is drawn towards the wood, but I reach the end of it before they can enter and thus pin them down on the edges of the great forest.

I was wondering, if you move your troops through the woods, what are penalties? Like do they lose order? Or smth else? And if they do, once they reach the end of it, will they re-assemble in the original order?

Many thanks for your AAR.

[Xanadu]

Fighting in the woods poses the usuall problems for units that normally fight in tight formations....they can't. Also the cavalry have a hard time too.

[Traveler]

Hello ya'll,

Outstanding AAR, you're doing a great job Taibi!!!

Can't wait.... this waiting is killing me, arrggg... ok ok I'm done, give me more

[Taibi]

Thank you for all the encouragement.

Unfortunately, saved games weren't entirely compatible (which I feared), so I will finish what I have and then move on. New version, new campaign.

Taibi

[Espartaco]

Aaaaarghhh!, I can´t wait more!. Please, release it soon.

Great work, Taibi.