Settings: Hard/Non-Standard First Move
Three Years of Luck
Three years has passed since Hannibal crossed the Alps. His army suffered little in Gaul, losing a contingent of Iberian infantry, but gaining some local help along the way. The capture of Turin, Mediolanum and Patavium resulted in further aid from rebellious Gallic tribes. Roman armies, always eager to seek the battle, refused to meet the Carthaginian outside the walls of Placentia.
Pressed by the need to attack somewhere, Roman Senate dispatched two armies to Spain and Africa, the former led by Marcellus and the latter by Fabius. Emporion and Uttica had falled to enemy forces, good start to both campaigns.
In Africa, Fabius was checked by combined armies of Numidian king Syphax and Himilco, who besieged him in Utica. The Carthaginian navy blockaded the city from the sea. Roman attempt to break the blockade resulted in half of the Roman navy going to the bottom of the sea. Another half took refuge in Utica, while the Carthaginians suffered no losses. Next year the city fell, Fabius was killed and the remnants of the Roman navy were sunk by the storm. Carthaginian navy was merely forced to take refuge at the Great Harbor of Carthage.
Same year Hannibal was finally able to catch one of the consular armies in the field. While suffering minimal losses, he was able to annihilate the entire Roman force not even resorting to the use of the strategems.
Meanwhile, oversized Hadsrubal's army, grown with reinforcement from Africa and unusually strong recruitment in Spain besieged the enemy in Emporion. While Marcellus was successful in inciting the massive rebellions among the Spanish contingents of Hadsrubal army, he still did not feel good about a battle. The Romans retreated to Etruria to await the eventual onslaught of the Hannibal's army, which at the moment was besieging reinforced Genoa.
Three years has passed since Hannibal crossed the Alps. Two consular armies are annihilated, one at Placentia and another at Utica. Romans are kicked out of Spain and Africa. Larger half of the Roman navy lies at the bottom of the Mediterranean. Hannibal's genius, it seems, is outshined by his own luck.
To be continued... or not
Luck happens
RE: Luck happens
The Harder Work, The More Luck
Another year went by fast. Scipio picked up Marcellus' army in Etruria, avoided Hannibal's attempts to bait him into battle and sneaked in Cisalpine Gaul through Placentia. He did much to bring the province back under Roman control, but the loss of two legions would tell later.
Meanwhile, the Senate in Carthage did listen to Hannibal's request and authorized full-scale invasion of Italy. Himilco's forces left for Etruria, after waiving good-bye to their Numidian friends departing for Cirta. Hadsrubal crossed into Italy via Genoa, picking up Genoa garrison and giving a chase to Scipio's army. The latter refused battle, shutting himself up in his camp. seeing that Roman army is heavy on cavalry side and is lacking in infantry, Hadsrubal decided to attack the enemy in their encampments. The Roman army was badly handled, but Scipio did manage to escape to Placentia, where he was promptly besieged by the Carthaginians.
Meanwhile, Mago crossed Alps from Gaul, brining with him some reinforcements, which he used to reinforce Genoa. Hannibal stormed Perusia and positioned himself in Samnium. Thus, he hoped, he would prevent any potential Roman reinforcements from taking his brother Hadsrubal in the back... so to speak. His plan worked. Flavious, gathering Roman forces from Latium and Apulia, did try to go through the now famous Carthaginian - a bad decision, considering his own army was more or less equal to the Carthaginian in number of units. Carthaginians suffered minimal losses, while Roman army lost more than half its numbered to battle and following pursuit. Flavius retreated to Asculum - another bad decision, since now he cannot escape by sea, if put under siege.
On the naval side of things, Pontic aid came in the form of additional reinforcements back in Carthage and diverted Roman squadrons. Still, the Roman navy remains a formidable opponent, due to the heavy demands placed by Roman senate on their maritime allies. Whether this is a good thing or bad for the Roman Republic remains to be seen - every ship squadron sailing out of her harbors means one less legion to protect Roman lands in the future.
Another year went by fast. Scipio picked up Marcellus' army in Etruria, avoided Hannibal's attempts to bait him into battle and sneaked in Cisalpine Gaul through Placentia. He did much to bring the province back under Roman control, but the loss of two legions would tell later.
Meanwhile, the Senate in Carthage did listen to Hannibal's request and authorized full-scale invasion of Italy. Himilco's forces left for Etruria, after waiving good-bye to their Numidian friends departing for Cirta. Hadsrubal crossed into Italy via Genoa, picking up Genoa garrison and giving a chase to Scipio's army. The latter refused battle, shutting himself up in his camp. seeing that Roman army is heavy on cavalry side and is lacking in infantry, Hadsrubal decided to attack the enemy in their encampments. The Roman army was badly handled, but Scipio did manage to escape to Placentia, where he was promptly besieged by the Carthaginians.
Meanwhile, Mago crossed Alps from Gaul, brining with him some reinforcements, which he used to reinforce Genoa. Hannibal stormed Perusia and positioned himself in Samnium. Thus, he hoped, he would prevent any potential Roman reinforcements from taking his brother Hadsrubal in the back... so to speak. His plan worked. Flavious, gathering Roman forces from Latium and Apulia, did try to go through the now famous Carthaginian - a bad decision, considering his own army was more or less equal to the Carthaginian in number of units. Carthaginians suffered minimal losses, while Roman army lost more than half its numbered to battle and following pursuit. Flavius retreated to Asculum - another bad decision, since now he cannot escape by sea, if put under siege.
On the naval side of things, Pontic aid came in the form of additional reinforcements back in Carthage and diverted Roman squadrons. Still, the Roman navy remains a formidable opponent, due to the heavy demands placed by Roman senate on their maritime allies. Whether this is a good thing or bad for the Roman Republic remains to be seen - every ship squadron sailing out of her harbors means one less legion to protect Roman lands in the future.
RE: Luck happens
Go and wake up your luck
Persian Proverb
Sixth year of the war saw Carthaginians slow down. Faced with many targets and requried sieges, Hannibal paused in uncertainty, contemplating his next moves. There were some forty contingents - infantry, cavalry and elephants from Africa, Spain, Gaul and Italy - under the command of four Carthaginian generals in northern Italy. Opposing them were twenty Roman legions and cavalry detachements, holed up in Rome, Anconca, Placentia and Asculum.
The largest army under Hadsrubal was still besieging Scipio in Placentia. Storming the city was an option, but Hannibal was unwilling to pay the butcher's bill. The bulk of the enemy force remained in Umbria, where Hannibal needed to remain at field to prevent the enemy from escaping their self-imposed captivity. This left Mago and Himilco. It was very tempting to move both of them to Campania and start reducing Naples and Capua by siege. However, Romans did prove their capacity to raise armies with alarming speed. Having a fourth of his army smashed by Roman reinforcements was not a plan Hannibal was ready to endorse. And thus, he ordered Mago to garrison Pisa and called Hanno to Umbria to begin a siege of Ancona, hopeful that the absense of Roman generals in the city would keep the Roman legions from escaping by sea.
Hannibal almost regretted having advised the Senate to upgrade Africa's defenses. While it paved the way for more reinforcements in Africa, this action did tie his hands temporarily abroad.
Persian Proverb
Sixth year of the war saw Carthaginians slow down. Faced with many targets and requried sieges, Hannibal paused in uncertainty, contemplating his next moves. There were some forty contingents - infantry, cavalry and elephants from Africa, Spain, Gaul and Italy - under the command of four Carthaginian generals in northern Italy. Opposing them were twenty Roman legions and cavalry detachements, holed up in Rome, Anconca, Placentia and Asculum.
The largest army under Hadsrubal was still besieging Scipio in Placentia. Storming the city was an option, but Hannibal was unwilling to pay the butcher's bill. The bulk of the enemy force remained in Umbria, where Hannibal needed to remain at field to prevent the enemy from escaping their self-imposed captivity. This left Mago and Himilco. It was very tempting to move both of them to Campania and start reducing Naples and Capua by siege. However, Romans did prove their capacity to raise armies with alarming speed. Having a fourth of his army smashed by Roman reinforcements was not a plan Hannibal was ready to endorse. And thus, he ordered Mago to garrison Pisa and called Hanno to Umbria to begin a siege of Ancona, hopeful that the absense of Roman generals in the city would keep the Roman legions from escaping by sea.
Hannibal almost regretted having advised the Senate to upgrade Africa's defenses. While it paved the way for more reinforcements in Africa, this action did tie his hands temporarily abroad.
RE: Luck happens
Who Needs Luck When Luck Happens
Seven years has passed since Hannibal crossed the Alps. Having been roughly handled by Hannibal not once but several times, Romans had but a few options left to them: recruit, recruit and recruit some more. That and to wait for an opening that Hannibal would eventually had to give them, being unable to be present on all the fronts at the same time.
Hadsrubal had waited until the last moment to storm Placentia. Scipio and his much diminished army were no more, while Carthaginians suffered no losses. Hadsrubal then moved to Umbria, reinforcing Himilco at Ancona and laying siege to Asculum. Hannibal picked up troops at Pisa and laid waste to Campania, while Mago besieged Capua.
Romans, seeing opportunites everywhere, sent a couple of generals to recruit in the south, while Marcellus slipped away from Rome by sea and reconquered all of Cisalpine Gaul, losing two out of nine legions in the process. A brave show, but ultimately a worthless one, as the province was completely drained of available recruits. This march gave Carhage a chance to consolidate their gains in Umbria - Anconca has fallen to Himilco's army, who then marched south to besiege Tarentum. Hadsrubal continued to besiege Asculum. Hannibal aided Mago in capture of Capua, stormed Corfinium and, by forced march, brought his army north to offer Marcellus a battle. Worthless Cisalipine Gaul maybe, Carthage could not afford having a Roman army on the loose, no matter how small it may be. Marcellus, of course, declined battle.
Meanwhile, Hanno left Spain for Sardinia, where a recent revolt has greatly diminished Roman garrisons. Some feared his little detachement stood no chance against Roman counterattack, but Carthage could afford a little gamble here and there. Rome, on the other hand, could not.
Seven years has passed since Hannibal crossed the Alps. Having been roughly handled by Hannibal not once but several times, Romans had but a few options left to them: recruit, recruit and recruit some more. That and to wait for an opening that Hannibal would eventually had to give them, being unable to be present on all the fronts at the same time.
Hadsrubal had waited until the last moment to storm Placentia. Scipio and his much diminished army were no more, while Carthaginians suffered no losses. Hadsrubal then moved to Umbria, reinforcing Himilco at Ancona and laying siege to Asculum. Hannibal picked up troops at Pisa and laid waste to Campania, while Mago besieged Capua.
Romans, seeing opportunites everywhere, sent a couple of generals to recruit in the south, while Marcellus slipped away from Rome by sea and reconquered all of Cisalpine Gaul, losing two out of nine legions in the process. A brave show, but ultimately a worthless one, as the province was completely drained of available recruits. This march gave Carhage a chance to consolidate their gains in Umbria - Anconca has fallen to Himilco's army, who then marched south to besiege Tarentum. Hadsrubal continued to besiege Asculum. Hannibal aided Mago in capture of Capua, stormed Corfinium and, by forced march, brought his army north to offer Marcellus a battle. Worthless Cisalipine Gaul maybe, Carthage could not afford having a Roman army on the loose, no matter how small it may be. Marcellus, of course, declined battle.
Meanwhile, Hanno left Spain for Sardinia, where a recent revolt has greatly diminished Roman garrisons. Some feared his little detachement stood no chance against Roman counterattack, but Carthage could afford a little gamble here and there. Rome, on the other hand, could not.
RE: Luck happens
A Bit of Luck A Bit Too Late
Romans did seem to catch a break, if only for a moment. Marcellus, tailed by a much larger Hannibal's army, escaped to Etruria, leaving fully garrisoned Placentia and Genoa to guard the mountain passes behind him. His command expired then and the army was taken over by so-called Africanus... a more able Roman commander. Forces in Tarentum escaped the siege and took refuge in Rhegium. Roman fleets controlled the seas around Italy.
Then Hannibal happened. Finding no secret passes in the mountains, the Carthaginian was faced with a hard choice: storm Placentia or Genoa. In addition to a regular garrison Genoa was guarded by Flavius and two Latin legions. Seeking yet another victory over yet another mediocre Roman general, Hannibal incited small desertions in both Flavius' and Africanus' camps and moved on Genoa. The city fell without a loss to Carthaginian army. Romans responded by inciting desertions among Himilco's and Mago's armies. It stinged, but did not bite. An easy victory over Flavius compensated for the loss of three Italian units.
A following victory against Africanus was harder to earn. The Roman gave back as much as he received and managed to escape to Rome with one of his legions. Still, a victory it remained and losses could easily be replaced in recruitment haven that was Etruria.
Then news arrived that Hanno conquered Olbia and moved to besiege Carales. Sardinia was becoming Carthaginian once again.
Romans did seem to catch a break, if only for a moment. Marcellus, tailed by a much larger Hannibal's army, escaped to Etruria, leaving fully garrisoned Placentia and Genoa to guard the mountain passes behind him. His command expired then and the army was taken over by so-called Africanus... a more able Roman commander. Forces in Tarentum escaped the siege and took refuge in Rhegium. Roman fleets controlled the seas around Italy.
Then Hannibal happened. Finding no secret passes in the mountains, the Carthaginian was faced with a hard choice: storm Placentia or Genoa. In addition to a regular garrison Genoa was guarded by Flavius and two Latin legions. Seeking yet another victory over yet another mediocre Roman general, Hannibal incited small desertions in both Flavius' and Africanus' camps and moved on Genoa. The city fell without a loss to Carthaginian army. Romans responded by inciting desertions among Himilco's and Mago's armies. It stinged, but did not bite. An easy victory over Flavius compensated for the loss of three Italian units.
A following victory against Africanus was harder to earn. The Roman gave back as much as he received and managed to escape to Rome with one of his legions. Still, a victory it remained and losses could easily be replaced in recruitment haven that was Etruria.
Then news arrived that Hanno conquered Olbia and moved to besiege Carales. Sardinia was becoming Carthaginian once again.
RE: Luck happens
Everything in life is #uck
Donald Trump
Having escaped Hannibal's wrath Africanus wasted little time making a name for himself. Taking five legions south he raised the siege of Tarentum and, engaging Himilco's larger army, forced him to retreat back to Umbria. At first the battle went Carthaginian way, but Africanus was able to rally his troops time after time and finally it proved too much for a Himilco's battered army.
Valerius sallied with his army out of Asculum in the desperate attempt to break the siege. The battle was hard fought with much casualties on both sides, but in the end Hadsrubal carried the day. Valerius retreated back to the city and soon surrendered. The same time in Corsica, Carales fell to Hanno.
And so Rome still stands, guarded by the swords of Africanus and Marcellus, in addition to seven legion strong army and usual Roman garrison. Leading five legions each, Nero and Crassua guard Bruttim and Apulia from Rhegium and Tarentum respectfully. Carthaginian forces in Italy have been somewhat reduced (thirty four total), while the number of cities controlled had increased. There are sizable reinforcements awaiting departure in Carthage, but no general there yet to take them to Italy.
The definite upside of the situation, Carthage has been able to recruit more and more troops in Italy, while Rome's recruitment is finally slowing down.
Donald Trump
Having escaped Hannibal's wrath Africanus wasted little time making a name for himself. Taking five legions south he raised the siege of Tarentum and, engaging Himilco's larger army, forced him to retreat back to Umbria. At first the battle went Carthaginian way, but Africanus was able to rally his troops time after time and finally it proved too much for a Himilco's battered army.
Valerius sallied with his army out of Asculum in the desperate attempt to break the siege. The battle was hard fought with much casualties on both sides, but in the end Hadsrubal carried the day. Valerius retreated back to the city and soon surrendered. The same time in Corsica, Carales fell to Hanno.
And so Rome still stands, guarded by the swords of Africanus and Marcellus, in addition to seven legion strong army and usual Roman garrison. Leading five legions each, Nero and Crassua guard Bruttim and Apulia from Rhegium and Tarentum respectfully. Carthaginian forces in Italy have been somewhat reduced (thirty four total), while the number of cities controlled had increased. There are sizable reinforcements awaiting departure in Carthage, but no general there yet to take them to Italy.
The definite upside of the situation, Carthage has been able to recruit more and more troops in Italy, while Rome's recruitment is finally slowing down.
RE: Luck happens
Business As Usual - No Luck Is What Happens When Preparation... (the rest not important)
The Carthaginian Senate, in its infinte wisdom, has decided to sent armies to Gaul... Gaul?
Four generals were to move that year.
One. Hannibal gathered reinforcements from Pisa and Capua and stormed Neapolis. Inevitable loss of material was compensated by the gain of a useful port near Rome. The Carthaginian proceeded to waste Latium's countryside.
Two. Mago evaded Roman navy and sails to Africa. Hopefully, to return soon with reinforcements.
Three. Himilco ceded command of most of his forces to Hadsrubal and marched the reminder to Pisa via Latium and Campania. No attrition losses were suffered.
Four, Hadsrubal moved to re-establish the siege of Tarentum.
Romans incited even more desertions among Hannibal's Italian allies. Carthage compensated for them with the recruitment from Etruria, Campania and Sardinia.
The Carthaginian Senate, in its infinte wisdom, has decided to sent armies to Gaul... Gaul?
Four generals were to move that year.
One. Hannibal gathered reinforcements from Pisa and Capua and stormed Neapolis. Inevitable loss of material was compensated by the gain of a useful port near Rome. The Carthaginian proceeded to waste Latium's countryside.
Two. Mago evaded Roman navy and sails to Africa. Hopefully, to return soon with reinforcements.
Three. Himilco ceded command of most of his forces to Hadsrubal and marched the reminder to Pisa via Latium and Campania. No attrition losses were suffered.
Four, Hadsrubal moved to re-establish the siege of Tarentum.
Romans incited even more desertions among Hannibal's Italian allies. Carthage compensated for them with the recruitment from Etruria, Campania and Sardinia.
RE: Luck happens
I've Been Lucky, I Will Be Lucky Again
A new year came and Romans once again were presented with an opportunity they could not resist. Seeing Umbria void of Carthaginian protection, Africanus ventured out of Rome and brought all of the province save Ancona under Roman control. The cost was two Roman legions, one of which was replaced by recruitment. Having accomplished this task, the Roman general traveled to Bruttium, where he united under his command all Roman forces of the Southern Italy (Tarentum army under Crassus escaped Hadsrubal siege by sea not so long ago). Crassus, in turn, is trasferred to Asculum to take charge of Africanus veterans there.
Meanwhile, Mago in command of a medium sized African army was ready to sail back to Italy. Senate, however, deemed Spain a priority. Since the province had recovered from extensive Carthaginian and Roman recruitment of the past, Mago decided that this detour would not hurt the cause.
Hannibal abandoned Campania, stripped bare of recruits and moved to Bruttium. Consentia was stormed and Africanus was offered a battle, which he politely declined. Hannibal took quarters back in Consentia, severing Roman communications with the rest of Italy. Of course, there was still Roman navy to help the enemy army out.
Hadsrubal wasted little time himself, storming and capturing Tarentum and then marching north and putting Crassus and his six legions in Asculum under siege. Himilco remained in Pisa and Hanno continued looking for recruits in Sardinia.
This year Carthage recruited across five provinces: Spain, Sardinia, Etruria, Umbria and Bruttium. A milestone, of sorts.
A new year came and Romans once again were presented with an opportunity they could not resist. Seeing Umbria void of Carthaginian protection, Africanus ventured out of Rome and brought all of the province save Ancona under Roman control. The cost was two Roman legions, one of which was replaced by recruitment. Having accomplished this task, the Roman general traveled to Bruttium, where he united under his command all Roman forces of the Southern Italy (Tarentum army under Crassus escaped Hadsrubal siege by sea not so long ago). Crassus, in turn, is trasferred to Asculum to take charge of Africanus veterans there.
Meanwhile, Mago in command of a medium sized African army was ready to sail back to Italy. Senate, however, deemed Spain a priority. Since the province had recovered from extensive Carthaginian and Roman recruitment of the past, Mago decided that this detour would not hurt the cause.
Hannibal abandoned Campania, stripped bare of recruits and moved to Bruttium. Consentia was stormed and Africanus was offered a battle, which he politely declined. Hannibal took quarters back in Consentia, severing Roman communications with the rest of Italy. Of course, there was still Roman navy to help the enemy army out.
Hadsrubal wasted little time himself, storming and capturing Tarentum and then marching north and putting Crassus and his six legions in Asculum under siege. Himilco remained in Pisa and Hanno continued looking for recruits in Sardinia.
This year Carthage recruited across five provinces: Spain, Sardinia, Etruria, Umbria and Bruttium. A milestone, of sorts.
RE: Luck happens
Luck Goes Around
Just as feared, Hannibal's army in Consentia did not keep Africanus in Bruttium. Sailing out of Rhegium, he landed in Calabria and re-took Tarentum. Luckily, he remained there. Were Romans to move on Hadsrubal, the latter would have a hard time defending against two Roman armies at Asculum.
The Senate of Carthage had finally authorized the reinforcements to Italy, but Hannibal found himself short on the number of generals he could order around - the distance between all the Carthaginian armies must have had something to do with this. The first order of business was bringing Hanno out of Sardinia - the island could not provide any more recruits and whatever he had was badly needed in Italy. Thus, the entire Carthaginian navy sailed to Tyrrhenian sea and battled much smaller Roman navy to clear the way for Carthaginian army in Sardinia. Rome lost four squadrons, Carthage only two.
Hanno landed in Naples, ready to squeeze Campania dry of recruits. Mago remained in Spain. Hannibal... Hannibal remained active.
Africanus has left Cethegus with one legion to guard Rhegium, a fatal mistake with Hannibal present in the province. Rhegium was stormed, Cethegus killed, but why stop there? Hannibal forced his army to march to Umbria, reinforced Hadsrubal's force still sieging Crassus in Asculum and, entering Apulia, put Tarentum under siege. Again. Africanus would certainly escape by sea, but he was running out of the places to go. Or so did the Carthaginian hope.
Just as feared, Hannibal's army in Consentia did not keep Africanus in Bruttium. Sailing out of Rhegium, he landed in Calabria and re-took Tarentum. Luckily, he remained there. Were Romans to move on Hadsrubal, the latter would have a hard time defending against two Roman armies at Asculum.
The Senate of Carthage had finally authorized the reinforcements to Italy, but Hannibal found himself short on the number of generals he could order around - the distance between all the Carthaginian armies must have had something to do with this. The first order of business was bringing Hanno out of Sardinia - the island could not provide any more recruits and whatever he had was badly needed in Italy. Thus, the entire Carthaginian navy sailed to Tyrrhenian sea and battled much smaller Roman navy to clear the way for Carthaginian army in Sardinia. Rome lost four squadrons, Carthage only two.
Hanno landed in Naples, ready to squeeze Campania dry of recruits. Mago remained in Spain. Hannibal... Hannibal remained active.
Africanus has left Cethegus with one legion to guard Rhegium, a fatal mistake with Hannibal present in the province. Rhegium was stormed, Cethegus killed, but why stop there? Hannibal forced his army to march to Umbria, reinforced Hadsrubal's force still sieging Crassus in Asculum and, entering Apulia, put Tarentum under siege. Again. Africanus would certainly escape by sea, but he was running out of the places to go. Or so did the Carthaginian hope.
RE: Luck happens
Luck is always on the side of the big battalions
Twelve years after the crossing of the Alps. Africanus did escape Tarentum by sea and salied to Umbria. Capturing unimportant local towns first, he laid siege to Ancona - a better move would have been attacking Hadsrubal force at Asculum, an equal battle was as much as Romans could have hoped for at this point.
The Carthaginian Senate again deemed Spain a higher priority than Italy. Thus Mago was unable to leave the Iberian peninsula, but his army grew in size considerably. Himilco traveled to Genoa to began recruiting in Cisalpine Gaul, while Hanno took his place in Pisa.
Then Hannibal made his move. First, he took much weakened Tarentum by storm. Then he traveled to Campania to pick up reinforcements in Naples. Forcing an extended march, he then traveled via a secret mountain pass to Umbria, bypassing recently lost Corfinium. In Umbria Hannibal joined forces with his brother Hadsrubal and assaulted Asculum, capturing the city and killing Crassus. After that, at the head of massive Carthaginian army he arrived at the walls of Ancona, forcing Africanus to abandon the siege. The Roman general was outnumbered three to one. Seeing Carthaginian success, Italians flocked to Hannibal's banner. In addition to Ancona's rescued defenders, Hannibal's army numbered now 37 contingents, outnumbering Africanus nine legions four to one.
Again, the able Roman commander was offered a battle and again he refused. Hannibal ordered attack on the Roman camp. Suffering heavy losses, Carthaginians broke the Romas, who suffered slightly more during a battle and lost two legions in the ensuing pursuit. Africanus shut himself up in Luceria, but even behind the walls of that city he could not escape his destiny. After the Carthaginian assault on Luceria's walls, Africanus lay dead, his army destroyed and Roman hopes for honorable peace with it.
Twelve years after the crossing of the Alps. Africanus did escape Tarentum by sea and salied to Umbria. Capturing unimportant local towns first, he laid siege to Ancona - a better move would have been attacking Hadsrubal force at Asculum, an equal battle was as much as Romans could have hoped for at this point.
The Carthaginian Senate again deemed Spain a higher priority than Italy. Thus Mago was unable to leave the Iberian peninsula, but his army grew in size considerably. Himilco traveled to Genoa to began recruiting in Cisalpine Gaul, while Hanno took his place in Pisa.
Then Hannibal made his move. First, he took much weakened Tarentum by storm. Then he traveled to Campania to pick up reinforcements in Naples. Forcing an extended march, he then traveled via a secret mountain pass to Umbria, bypassing recently lost Corfinium. In Umbria Hannibal joined forces with his brother Hadsrubal and assaulted Asculum, capturing the city and killing Crassus. After that, at the head of massive Carthaginian army he arrived at the walls of Ancona, forcing Africanus to abandon the siege. The Roman general was outnumbered three to one. Seeing Carthaginian success, Italians flocked to Hannibal's banner. In addition to Ancona's rescued defenders, Hannibal's army numbered now 37 contingents, outnumbering Africanus nine legions four to one.
Again, the able Roman commander was offered a battle and again he refused. Hannibal ordered attack on the Roman camp. Suffering heavy losses, Carthaginians broke the Romas, who suffered slightly more during a battle and lost two legions in the ensuing pursuit. Africanus shut himself up in Luceria, but even behind the walls of that city he could not escape his destiny. After the Carthaginian assault on Luceria's walls, Africanus lay dead, his army destroyed and Roman hopes for honorable peace with it.
RE: Luck happens
The Epilogue - If Luck Did Not Exist, I Would Have To Invent It.
After Africanus death Marcellus traded three of his legions for the capture of Naples and Capua, briefly bringing Campanian back under Roman control. However, his successes were marred by Hannibal's return, who recaptured Naples, thus sparing his navy the need to battle the Romans at sea. There seemed little point in doing so. In the twelth year of the war Rome was put under siege by Hannibal, while the remaining Carthaginian generals spread across Etruria, Umbria and Apulia ready to reinforce their supreme commander during the long siege.
Mago was still stuck in Spain - Senate demanded invasion of Sicily... There were a lot of sighs from the Carthaginian generals back in Italy.
Three years passed, Mago was able to join Hannibal at the gates of Rome, his army swollen with recruits from Gaul and Etruria. Other generals contributed as well.
What else is there to add? Rome fell, after a heroic defense... as usual. No luck could compensate for superior Carthaginian numbers. It was the eighteenth year of the war. Victory screen looked pretty. As always.
After Africanus death Marcellus traded three of his legions for the capture of Naples and Capua, briefly bringing Campanian back under Roman control. However, his successes were marred by Hannibal's return, who recaptured Naples, thus sparing his navy the need to battle the Romans at sea. There seemed little point in doing so. In the twelth year of the war Rome was put under siege by Hannibal, while the remaining Carthaginian generals spread across Etruria, Umbria and Apulia ready to reinforce their supreme commander during the long siege.
Mago was still stuck in Spain - Senate demanded invasion of Sicily... There were a lot of sighs from the Carthaginian generals back in Italy.
Three years passed, Mago was able to join Hannibal at the gates of Rome, his army swollen with recruits from Gaul and Etruria. Other generals contributed as well.
What else is there to add? Rome fell, after a heroic defense... as usual. No luck could compensate for superior Carthaginian numbers. It was the eighteenth year of the war. Victory screen looked pretty. As always.
reinforcements effect luck
I envy you success in maintaining recruiting areas to reinforce the seige of Rome from what would normally be Roman recruiting areas. [&o]
My experience is that in turns 6 through 8 (or so) it is not unusual for the Romans to receive 10 recruited legions if their recruiting areas are not interrupted. If concentrated under a competent commander these forces may destabilize the seige.
Your plan of waiting until the second half of the game before beseiging Rome has much to recommend it.
My experience is that in turns 6 through 8 (or so) it is not unusual for the Romans to receive 10 recruited legions if their recruiting areas are not interrupted. If concentrated under a competent commander these forces may destabilize the seige.
Your plan of waiting until the second half of the game before beseiging Rome has much to recommend it.
"L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace."
RE: reinforcements effect luck
Treefrog, as the title suggests, I really got lucky here. Most of my games on Hard I barely win on points. If I do succeed in besieging Rome, it is usually by turn 18, whereas I have to assault Rome on turn 20 to see my pretty victory screen 
Too true, in most of my games Rome keeps a large enough army to discourage me from besieging Rome (even if they cannot reach me by land, they always manage to sneak into Rome by sea and sally out, shattering a larger part of my army with uber urban legions). My recruitment is always limited to three provinces tops (Spain being one of them). This is what made this game unusual in that regard. One point for replayability.
Too true, in most of my games Rome keeps a large enough army to discourage me from besieging Rome (even if they cannot reach me by land, they always manage to sneak into Rome by sea and sally out, shattering a larger part of my army with uber urban legions). My recruitment is always limited to three provinces tops (Spain being one of them). This is what made this game unusual in that regard. One point for replayability.
RE: reinforcements effect luck
nalivayko,
I am not at "hard" yet, but see that it would be wise for me to develop the skill of moving into eastern and southern Italy to recruit as you have demonstrated. This would allow the Carthaginians to recruit from Rome's recruiting pool.
In my introductory and normal games Hannibal usually waits in Cispaline Gaul until the Gaul recruits dry up and the Spanish reinforcements arrive, then goes directly to Rome. During this period Rome is getting as many as 10 recruits (in addition to playing game cards). I had feared that if I moved south and tried to recruit rather than beseige Rome I would be pumping a dry well. Your experience suggests otherwise. I'll try it in anticipation of a tougher game at "hard".
I do notice at normal that Carthage reinforcments quickly move to one per turn (down from 2 or even 3 at introductory).
You are right, the 2 uber cohorts are very, very tough.
I will soon post my records on cavalry pursuits.
I am not at "hard" yet, but see that it would be wise for me to develop the skill of moving into eastern and southern Italy to recruit as you have demonstrated. This would allow the Carthaginians to recruit from Rome's recruiting pool.
In my introductory and normal games Hannibal usually waits in Cispaline Gaul until the Gaul recruits dry up and the Spanish reinforcements arrive, then goes directly to Rome. During this period Rome is getting as many as 10 recruits (in addition to playing game cards). I had feared that if I moved south and tried to recruit rather than beseige Rome I would be pumping a dry well. Your experience suggests otherwise. I'll try it in anticipation of a tougher game at "hard".
I do notice at normal that Carthage reinforcments quickly move to one per turn (down from 2 or even 3 at introductory).
You are right, the 2 uber cohorts are very, very tough.
I will soon post my records on cavalry pursuits.
"L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace."
RE: reinforcements effect luck
I think the Carthage reinforcements (if we are talking about Africa province here) depend on the mission you choose. "Upgrade African defenses" usually gives 2-3 a turn on Hard, pretty much until the recruitment pool dries up. The rest of the missions usually give 1, sometimes 2 units.
As for initial moves, if you smash Roman forces in Gaul, they won't be unable to steal the recruits from you. Those can be picked up by other generals on 3-4 turn. If the Roman army tries to reconquer Gaul - then you have a chance to get Hannibal in another battle.
I usually go for Umbria because of possible two units recruitment per turn. I may not get there fast (storm only one city when I move there), but I can deny these two units to Rome, which is just as good. So, it's either -2 (if I let Rome recruit there) or +1 or + 2 (my presence established), easy choice. Then, there is the presence of Asculum. If Ancona is conquered, Asculum remains the only major city for retreating in this province, a trap of sorts.
Can't wait to see your records on cavalry pursuits.
As for initial moves, if you smash Roman forces in Gaul, they won't be unable to steal the recruits from you. Those can be picked up by other generals on 3-4 turn. If the Roman army tries to reconquer Gaul - then you have a chance to get Hannibal in another battle.
I usually go for Umbria because of possible two units recruitment per turn. I may not get there fast (storm only one city when I move there), but I can deny these two units to Rome, which is just as good. So, it's either -2 (if I let Rome recruit there) or +1 or + 2 (my presence established), easy choice. Then, there is the presence of Asculum. If Ancona is conquered, Asculum remains the only major city for retreating in this province, a trap of sorts.
Can't wait to see your records on cavalry pursuits.