Catugnatus Revenge

Roman tablet letter found by the Channel 4 "Time Team" Let's dig around in France programme, Valance 1992.  

Translation Dr Marmaduke Twaddle, University of North Durham.

"Dear Uncle Quintus, 

the 7th Legion has been rededicated after Young Caesar arrived to take up his Consular tasks, and I've been drafted to a Vexillatio to assist the third at Gallia Transalpina.  Flaccidus, my Optio, has accompanied me, with the remaining veterans of my Century.

Word is that the Allobroges are revolting under their naked chieftain Catugnatus.  They have called in Gaestati fanatics under the Warlord Pornographix.  My men were immediately filled with stories of Barbarian horror and Celtic nudism.  The Legatus Manlius Lentinus will be commanding us in a march on Valentia, although the III Legion belongs to the fat Governor Gauis Pomptinus, who refuses to leave his "Palace" at Narbo. 

May we meet in Rome again soon,

Centurion Titus Arsinius III Legion"

Cassius Dio 

47  The Allobroges were devastating Gallia Narbonensis, and Gaius Pomptinus, the governor, sent his lieutenants against the enemy, while he himself took up his quarters at a convenient spot for keeping watch of what occurred, so that he might be able to give them opportune advice and assistance, as their advantage might from time to time dictate.  Manlius Lentinus made a campaign against the city of Valentia and so terrified the inhabitants that the majority ran away and the rest sent ambassadors regarding peace. Just then the country population coming to their aid suddenly fell upon him; and he was repulsed from the wall, but ravaged the land with impunity until Catugnatus, the leader of their whole tribe, with some of those dwelling along the Isara came to their aid. For the time being he did not dare to hinder them from crossing, by reason of the number of their boats, for fear they might gather in a body on seeing the Romans arrayed against them. As the country was wooded, however, right down to the river bank, he planted ambuscades there, and captured and destroyed the men as fast as they crossed. While following up some fugitives he fell in with Catugnatus himself, and would have perished with all his force, had not a violent storm suddenly come up and prevented the barbarians from pursuing. 

48  Later, when Catugnatus had retired to some distant point, Lentinus overran the country again and destroyed the town before which he had met with his reverse. Lucius Marius and Servius Galba crossed the Rhone and after ravaging the possessions of the Allobroges finally reached the city of Solonium and occupied a strong position commanding it. They conquered their opponents in battle and also set fire to portions of the town, which was partly constructed of wood; they did not capture it, however, being prevented by the arrival of Catugnatus. Pomptinus, on learning of this, proceeded against the place with his entire army, besieged it, and got possession of the defenders, with the exception of Catugnatus. After that he more easily subjugated the remaining districts.

An Allobroges Silver Quinarius of , 121 - 75 BC

The glories of success in Spain are well behind our heroes, Titus and Felix.  Both roll again on the start up table for reputation in the new Legion.

Centurio Titus Arsinius (Notable)
Optio Felix Flaccidus (Pugnacious)

‘Into Action!’ Table 
Titus rolls a 1.  The first game will be in Martius III

Gaul
Terrain	1-3	4-6
Hills	2	3
Mountain	0	1
Marsh	1	2
Woods	3	4
Habitation	2	3
River Crossing	Ford	Bridge

Because the Massif Central and the Alps line the campaign area I have added a possible mountain into the terrain mix, but note that this will replace two of the generated hills.

Scenario Generator 
Roll of 3.  The Romans have a patrol scenario. Titus takes half of his century out to scout out the terrain of the Allobroges. 

Scenario Three:  

On Patrol: This  scenario  sees  an  attacker’s  patrol  attempting  to  scout  an  area  of  enemy  territory.  The attacker  must  visit  four  distinct  terrain  features  in  four  separate  areas  of  the  table  AND  remove one enemy Ambush or Deployment Point. 

Deployment Zones 

The  attacker  will  enter  the  table  on  a  short  edge.    The  defender  will  have  Deployment  Zones  on two  table  edges.    These  may  be  on  the  short  table  edge  opposite  the  attacking  player,  or  the either  of  the  long  edges.    They  should  choose  the  edges  and  dice  as  normal  for  the  Deployment Zone  location.    The defender’s Deployment Zone may not be in the same area or an area adjacent horizontally or vertically to the attacker. 

Victory Conditions 

The  attacker  may  not  count  any  Ambush  or  Deployment  Points  shut  down  in  the  pre-game Scouting  phase  towards  their  objective.    Each  of  the  four  terrain  features  visited  must  see  a minimum  of  one  Group  moved  into  it  completely.  The  game  ends  when  the  fourth  terrain feature has been visited.  

The Campaign Game:

Triumphant

Invincible, Adored

Heroic, Glorious, Exalted

Invulnerable, Punitive, Famous, Conspicuous

Victorious , Valiant, Vigorous, Prodigious, Wise

Bellicose, Pugnacious, Notable Diligent, Moderate, Virtuous

Errant, Invidious, Dolorous, Feeble, Puerile

Barbarous, Perfidious, Sinister, Despised

Bestial, Degenerate, Cowardly

Cursed, Ludicrous

Infamous!

Titus starts these games as Notable.  Like his fellow Centurions he is a an old time ranker.  

Optio Felix Flaccidus begins as Pugnatious.  Wouldn`'t expect anything else.

Scenario 1 Village Raid 2 Escort Duty 3 On Patrol  4 Foraging Party 5 Ubique 6 Outpost Attack 7 General Engagement 8 Attack on a Fortification   Roll Objective Requirement 1, 2 Burn crops A Task roll of 8 is required  3, 4 Steal cattle A Task roll of 10 is required  5 Seize hostage A Task roll of 12 is required 6 Destroy village A Task roll of 16 is required	Campaign Calendar Martius Week III Week IV	Into    Action! 1    1st Week 2    2nd Week 3,4  3rd Week 5,6  4th Week
	Aprilus Week I Week II Week III Week IV	Quintilus Week I Week II Week III Week IV
	Maius Week I Week II Week III Week IV	Sextilus Week I Week II Week III Week IV
	Junius Week I Week II Week III Week IV	September Week I Week II

Games

Titus goes foraging

Game 3: Foraging Party

This scenario sees a force sent out to find forage. The table must contain at least three areas of habitation. Bring the total areas of habitation to three by randomly adding others in different table areas to any that are already present. 
The attacker’s objective is to forage in two areas of habitation. They have one cart with them to collect their forage.

Deployment Zones
Variable. Both side deploy from opposite table edges; dice to establish which.

Victory Conditions
The foraging party must visit the two of the three areas of habitation with the cart. 
In each area one Group must achieve a Task Roll of 7 which represent them sourcing the forage and loading the cart. They must then leave the table with the cart via their Deployment Zone. 

Having won two games Titus has gained the name "Famous."  This is a purple temple name. 

Purple Temple: Jupiter, Optimus Maximus, greatest and best of all  Gods, favours you.  The Pontifex Maximus  presents  you  with  the  breast  plate  of Alexander the Great. You may avoid rolling for a hit on your Leader once in each game.

His current retinue comprises a Valiant Vexillarius, a Medicus Cohortis and his loyal (?) Optio Felix Flaccidus.  He also has a Super Numerum leading his Legionary recruits.

The Centurion's Force contains two tent parties of trained legionaries, and two legionary recruit groups.

Three farms, but two are on the Spanish side of that river.

The Spanish select field defences along the river's edge.  Its probably not exactly square with the rules but they have lost two in a row so I allow it.

In an oddly lit picture the Spanish arrive on table

And Titus leads his legionaries on

The Spanish reveal defensive works at the ford

My Supernumenary in the Optio's helmet begins to gather forage.  They can do better than that

The Spanish chief gets into the river and poses

Slingers foil the Roman's attempt to slip their javelinmen over the river on the flank

Face off.
Except that the distance is over 6".  The Spaniards javelins reach the Romans,
whose pila don`t have the legs for that throw.

The slingers spank the Roman's javelinmen

Titus is beaten back, and has a shout at his men.

The Spanish jeer from across the river, having finally
gotten the measure of these Romans.

Titus burns the crops

Centurion Titus (Currently enjoying the title of "Vigorus") mission is to inspire some shock and awe into the natives and burn the crops at a nearby village.  8 Task points to burn the crops.  

No sooner 

Titus moves forward.

The Romans bring their allied tribal javelinmen on.  To be honest that's the wrong side. 

The Spanish javelinmen come on in the central woods.  A much better choice

Optio Flaccidus takes the recruit tent parties into the village fields

And he comes out first next turn too.  I note the incomplete bases on those recruits.

Titus comes out of the deck straight after his Optio.  He burns his Signa cards with two volleys of Pila, followed by an aggressive attack.

The Romans carve through them really easilly

The Hispanics try to sort this melee out, but its a rout...

Meanwhile Flaccidus creeps through the gardens rolling task points.

And the last Roman attack speaks for itself.  The number of hits are overwhelming

The Spanish chief falls

All the Hispanics have left are their javelinmen and cavalry.

The Super Numerum in charge of recruits (I gave him an Optio's helmet) rolls the last points for crop damage.  The Victory conditions are met,

With the main Spanish force on the run Titus rallies his men.

And on that note the Spanish Cavalry finally appear.

But they are flanked by javelinmen and in serious danger of a pila volley as the Tempus Fugit card comes out and the Romans win the game.

Next game Maius I

Titus rolls a 4 and gains the name "Famous."  This is a purple temple name.  Purple Temple: Jupiter, Optimus Maximus, greatest and best of all  Gods, favours you.  The Pontifex Maximus  presents  you  with  the  breast  plate  of Alexander the Great. You may avoid rolling for a hit on your Leader once in each game.

He also adds a Valiant Vexillarius to his current retinue of a Medicus Cohortis. 

Next mission will be Scenario Four: a Foraging Party.  Pity I just burned all the crops...

The Romans at the Arse End

The Greek colony of Saguntum in Iberia was founded as the city of Arse.  I'm not making this up.  Possibly attributed to the god of war Ares, it's probably not pronounced in the Anglo Saxon manner, however the chance to defend the city of Arse cannot be easily passed over.

Saguntum was of course the location of the Sertorian War, 80-73 BC, where the exile Quintus Sertorius, former governor of Hispania, and enemy of the dictator  Sulla, stood against all comers until his murder in 73 BC.   The locals called him a second Hannibal, and he sort of lived up to that, seeing off army after army sent against him. I'm going to mix history up a little and have some fun using Infamy to fight the Hispanics for Arse.

Titus Arsinius and
his Optio  Felix Flaccidus 

The Centurion Titus Arsinius, one of Sertorius' Officers,  has been sent out to garrison a fort on a vital mountain pass West of the main army in the city of Arse.  The local tribes are revolting, and Titus will need his wits about him to ensure the safety of his small command.  

The terrain differs from the main Infamy rules, since this is Hispania.  Rather than trees and marsh we have rocks and scrub.  My Greeks and Samnites will be posing as the Spanish, Marian Romans as Titus' Century.

If the Romans do well they may be able to win over Spanish tribal allies, or recruit among the Arsies for Auxiliaries.  This all rather depends on Titus personal standing, which to be honest hasn't been great so far...

Centurio Titus Arsinius (Notable)
Optio Felix Flaccidus (Pugnacious)

‘Into Action!’ Table 
Titus rolls a 1.  Is this a sign of things to come?

So the first game will be in Martius III

Hispania
Terrain	1-3	4-6
Hills	3	4
Woods	0	1
Scrub	1	2
Rocky	1	2
Habitation	2	3
River Crossing	Ford	Bridge

Scenario Generator 
Roll of 3.  The Romans have a patrol scenario. Titus takes half of his century out to scout out the terrain of the Edetani tribe. 

Scenario Three:  

On Patrol This  scenario  sees  an  attacker’s  patrol  attempting  to  scout  an  area  of  enemy  territory.  The attacker  must  visit  four  distinct  terrain  features  in  four  separate  areas  of  the  table  AND  remove one enemy Ambush or Deployment Point. 

Deployment Zones 

The  attacker  will  enter  the  table  on  a  short  edge.    The  defender  will  have  Deployment  Zones  on two  table  edges.    These  may  be  on  the  short  table  edge  opposite  the  attacking  player,  or  the either  of  the  long  edges.    They  should  choose  the  edges  and  dice  as  normal  for  the  Deployment Zone  location.    The defender’s Deployment Zone may not be in the same area or an area adjacent horizontally or vertically to the attacker. 

Victory Conditions 

The  attacker  may  not  count  any  Ambush  or  Deployment  Points  shut  down  in  the  pre-game Scouting  phase  towards  their  objective.    Each  of  the  four  terrain  features  visited  must  see  a minimum  of  one  Group  moved  into  it  completely.  The  game  ends  when  the  fourth  terrain feature has been visited.  

Iberian troop Types 

Iberian Caetrati  -  Warriors
Strength Armour Weapons Points Aggressive Stepout   Characteristics
    8    Light  Mixed    13    Attack 1      1       Supra Numerum, 
                                                                        Flexible Drill, 
                                                                        Horse Killers, 

                                                                        Foot Cavalry

Iberian Cavalry  -  Skirmish Cavalry
Strength Armour Weapons Points Aggressive Stepout   Characteristics
   6         Light       Javelin       10   Attack 1           1         Foot Cavalry

The Campaign Game:

Triumphant

Invincible, Adored

Heroic, Glorious, Exalted

Ivulnerable, Punative, Famous, Conspicuous

Victorious , Valiant, Vigorous, Prodigious, Wise

Bellicose, Pugnatious, Notabe Diligent, Moderate, Virtuous

Errant, Invidious, Dolorous, Feeble, Puerile

Barbarous, Perfidious, Sinister, Despised

Bestial, Degenerate, Cowardly

Cursed, Ludicrous

Infamous!

Martius III:  The Patrol

A nearby Hispanic village.

Titus leads his men forward.  Three tent groups from his Century

Exploratores clear the first terrain

My second Exploratores clears the village

But the Hispanics turn up in a raging mass.

A volley of Pila as they come in.  Quite why I didn`t throw two is a mystery to me!

The trained Legionaries batter their opponents.  A box of the Warlord games and an extra sprue game me enough figures to muster the three groups. 

The Romans are unbeatable on the dice

The Hispanics come close to breaking

My Super Numerum turns up with a base of recruits.  I`ll be replacing these guys with red tunic Hastati

All the Hispanics have left is some skirmishing to delay the scouting of the four terrain areas.

It`s a valiant try but doomed.  And those throws are rubbish.

Titus captures the rocky area.

The Optio scouts the fields as the Romans close up, but the game is essentially done.

Optio Felix Flaccidus scouts the fourth terrain area.  The Romans have met the victory conditions.

A last chuck from the javelinmen, poor dice again.  Its game over as the Tempus Fugit card comes out.

Campaign turn ends.  Titus is given "Vigorus status.

Flaccidus gets an unlikely "Valiant."  Its unclear what he did to deserve this... 

Next game Aprillus II will be a village raid, to burn crops

And it looks like a difficult job

3 crop areas to burn...