Gaming History of the Hundred in Roma Victor

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Annales De Hadrianis Limitibus, Ab Commodo Imperatorem Consalutato, Cunolpho scripti

Contents 1 Preface 1.1 The North 1.2 The Romans 1.3 Conventions 2 Book I: The Golden Age of the North 2.1 Legate of the 24th Stirs Fear 2.2 Murder of a Peaceful Envoy 2.3 Elections Conclude Across Caledonia 2.4 The Hundred's War 2.5 Corstopitans in a Panic, Leaders Plan Evacuation 2.6 Romans Raid a Neutral Village 2.7 Roman Reinforcements Received 2.8 Tuatha Blockade the Mines 2.9 Tuatha sweep into Corstopitum 2.10 The Roman Crafter Militia 2.11 Northern Economy Flourishes 2.12 The Hundred Disbands 2.13 A Cultural Renaissance 3 Book II: The North's Ebb 3.1 A Peace is Made with Romans, and Broken 3.2 The Fyrdpict War: The 1st Erring Civil War 3.3 Cadarn Gives Away the Erring Lordship. 3.4 Changing Nature of Raiding: Zakke's Great Raid, and the Log-out Bandits 3.5 Troubles and Crime Wave Depopulate Erring 3.6 The 24th Audax's Northern Campaigns 3.7 Cultus Viduus Forms 3.8 Caddoc's Rebellion: The 2nd Erring Civil War 3.9 The Dissenter's War: The 3rd Erring Civil War 3.10 A new Legion Raised in Corstopitum 3.11 The Angelsachsen Announce Seizure of Roman Land 4 Book III: The Roman Ascendancy 4.1 The 18th is Formed of Two Weakened Legions 4.2 The Fishers' War: A Grinding Struggle for the Milecastle 4.3 Romans Hold Gladiatorial Games 4.4 Cynewulf is Elected Lord of the Erringers; Conall, of Cilurnum 4.5 The Client Kingdom: The 4th Erring Civil War 4.6 The Lordship of Cilurnum is Seized 4.7 In a Palace Coup, CV surrenders to Rebels 4.8 The Fishers' War Rekindles 4.9 The 18th's First Cilurnum Campaign 4.10 New Legate of the 18th 4.11 The Barbarian Diaspora 4.12 The Romano-Tuathan Peace Treaty of 934 AUC

Preface

Starting from the first day of 180, these annals document a careful record of the events near Hadrian's Wall. Before this date, to touch briefly upon the past, the Hadrian had been the site of many tribes and Roman houses, warring bloodthirstily or peacefully trading at various times.

The North

The great clans of the North were most warlike when roused to fight, although often honorable and fair-dealing in peace. The western half of these savage lands, centered around the village at Cilurnum, was ruled over by the Tuatha de Biatach, or the 'Tribe of the Raven' in our less barbarous language, and the territorial claim of these people to the western lands by ancestral right was undisputed; but that region also was shared with smaller tribes: the Heruskoz, the Lucii, and the Angelsachsen. These peoples all had histories of peaceful trade and cooperation with Rome, the Ravens being particularly renown as smelters and smiths.

Yet the tribes of the eastern lands, centered around Erring, were known for constant warfare and trouble-making. In days past, the fierce Hundred had conquered Corstopitum for three months till Longinus could send enough reinforcements to repel them; and the proud Nervii had thrown the garrisons out of the Roman fort at Cilurnum, after those garrisons saw fit to lead patrols northward. In fact, the only experience in war of the peaceful Tuatha de Biatach--as of this early date--was gained while having their lands ravaged by the Hundred. Their chieftain Liam had joked of sending a few of the more numerous and prosperous Ravens to colonize Erring for their own tribe, but soon it was the lush fields of the Hurn over which Tuatha bodies were spread. Thus all the Erringers in general had gained a reputation for fiery resistance toward all outside peoples, Roman or otherwise.

The Romans

To the South four miles behind Hadrian's Wall, the major town of Corstopitum contained nearly the whole of the Roman population, which was very populous indeed despite the many hardships of the cold, damp frontier upon delicate Roman constitutions. In this town, two Great Houses had long vied against each other for political and economic supremacy, even going so far as to enlist the aid of barbarians for an aborted civil war. Yet as we begin, the remaining Cornelians had fallen far from their house's highest ascent: although having gained undisputed control of Corstopitum, their rich and cunning patron had sold his assets in Britian and left for a comfortable retirement in Rome. This void left the Valerians firmly in control of Corstopitum, despite the recent appearance of a possible rival, the wealthy new trade organization named Progressio et Industria.

Defending the southern lands upto this time had been the duty of several legions: the 24th Audax Fidelis stationed at the Cilurnum fort; the 99th Draco posted in other milecastles at the border; and the 28th Augusta garrisoning Corstopitum proper--although the small detachment of the veteran 6th legion barely needed help there. Yet during the attrition of the border wars and the sacking of Corstopitum, the 99th Draco had merged into the 28th Augusta, so that the whole force was known as the 28th Draco.

By now, however, peace had long since settled across the Hadrian. The eldest of those living might recall the wars mentioned here, but most now thought it a dream-like age; or as it might have been, a nightmare to Romans. The Romans would now awaken into one final nightmare, for the Golden Age of the North was about to begin.

Conventions

   * Conventions:  All references to a span of days, weeks, or months are in RV time. Divide by three.
   * Deaths of a character are often represented only as 'grievous wounds' in those exact words, or as the death of a kinsman. When people leave the game for good, then they die.
   * Battle numbers are made to seem grander by refering to actual players as 'captains' or 'centurions' leading a vaguely defined body of other warriors. This has precedence. Caesar himself sometimes refers to losses and numbers in terms of centurions only, while both the Iliad and Romance of the Three Kingdoms center around captains of unspecified troops.

Book I: The Golden Age of the North

The events covered in this first book comprise the lowest point of Roman fortunes. Foolish missteps by Roman leaders follow one another in quick succession until the entire North is unified in a righteous war to stamp out Roman arrogance and brutality. The farthest advance takes the Free peoples very near a repeat of capturing Corstopitum as in the olden days, and also brings the mines of Cirsium under their complete control. The Northmen, by no means the more populous or industrious culture, are the the first to industrialize by making more furnaces and the first to gird themselves with swords, simply because the Romans are so devastated.

Legate of the 24th Stirs Fear

Day 5 of 180 AD -- ad VII Id. Amazonius, 933 AUC Source I

Marcus Quintilius Ferox, Legate of the 24th Audax, announces to the citizens of Corstopitum that the barbarians across the wall are busily arming and training for an attack upon the city. Some believe that this announcement was mere alarmism, sparking distrust of the North that would lead to an avoidable war; others say that the barbarians had in fact set about doing exactly as they were described by Ferox. Whichever the case, Corstopitum will have little welcome for visitors from the northern tribes in the wake of these allegations.

Murder of a Peaceful Envoy

Day 6 of 180 AD -- ad VIII Id. Amazonius, 933 AUC Source II

Roman soldiers from the 24th Audax and the PI, stirred by the climate of paranoia, assault an envoy of the Hundred sent south on a peaceful mission of cultural exchange, thus setting in motion plans for reprisal raids by the Erringers, primarily the Hundred and Fyrd. In the absence of the Romans paying a respectful wergild, these fellow clansmen of the slain envoy, a kinsman of Starcius, will be bound by their sacred honor to gain vengeance in blood.

Elections Conclude Across Caledonia

Uncertain Date -- Dies Incerta

The authorities of the three centers of power in Caledonia are determined in elections that conclude simultaneously. Augir is the first Magistrate of Corstopitum in the Roman south; Liam of the Biatach tribe is first Lord of Cilurnum in the northwestern Free lands; and Cynewulf of the Hundred is made Lord of the Erringers in the northeastern Free lands.

The Hundred's War

The Hundred's War From Day 18 until Day 87 of 180 AD Source III Source IV Image I: Members of First Attack, climbing Hadrian's Wall

Having been given no diplomatic means of obtaining justice, the forces of the Hundred and their allies cross the Wall in a war party led by 13 captains. They sweep into Corstopitum in a flanking march from the south and drive straight toward the arena where their defenseless kinsman was butchered; but as their advance is bogged down in crossing a marsh near the arena, the elite 6th legion charges out to meet them. Barely able to move or fight, they are wiped out utterly, but accompanied in death by a number of casualties among the lesser Roman soldiers fighting beside the 6th legion.

Afterward, the vengeful Erringers beset the Romans in smaller but much deadlier wolf-packs, and with much more cunning: so that wherever the elite 6th legion advances, they disperse like morning mist; and wherever the 6th legion is not, they descend to slaughter the lesser Roman soldiers and the frightened craftsmen like fatted calves. The Romans are so stunned by the ferocity and cunning of the onslaught that many think that Cynewulf and others use a form of barbarian black magic called HAX.

Corstopitans in a Panic, Leaders Plan Evacuation

Day 24 of 180 AD -- ad VIII Kal. Invictus, 933 AUC Source V: Evacuation Plan Source VI Image II: Some raiders

Revenge for the killing of the Starcius' kinsman reaches a crescendo of violence in Corstopitum. The Roman soldiers of the 24th and 28th Legions are holed up in the Arena, refusing to come out and fight the invaders, even as the avenging barbarian wolf-packs swarm through the center of Corstopitum in murderous bands. Hundreds of townsmen are killed, great amounts of plunder are seized, and some prominent local Romans such as Frixter and Agis either fall in battle or have fled the region for good. Soon the barbarians are even boldly raiding into the arena and killing the fighters there. Darkseer, patron of the Valerians, calls for plans to evacuate Corstopitum should no aid arrive.

Here is an account of one raider, written at the time:

Day 24. I assaulted from out of the east this morning and struck down kinsmen of Jessaius and Croman outside the Corstopitum arena.

Zakke and Caddoc have been ravaging the western edge of Corstopitum. After killing numerous people and seizing the stables, they are holding the place against the Romans and requisitioning items for the cause of Freedom. I arrive there, the bloodied form of Nigidius in my wake; and soon after reaching the stables, a kinsman of Aristarchus came with Viridio and a third man to reclaim the property, but instead met with death upon our spears. Caddoc slew Viridio and the third man, while I killed Aristarchus' kinsman.

Various small engagements. Rugia and Damius now appear to reinforce our numbers.

Over ten Romans have amassed in the arena; but only a handful among them are soldiers. A tense stand off develops south of the building, and they seek peace talks with Cornelius as their spokesman until Croman attacks from among them. We killed several in this group until the rest fled further into Corstopitum, but Croman was among those who fled.

Upon pursuing them deeper into town, we were attacked by Jessaius, Aristarchus, and one other guy from behind; meanwhile Croman and Cait halted their flight and attacked from the front. I fell grievously wounded in this fight, along with Caddoc and Zakke, but all of the Romans were also grievously wounded, borne away on their shields by their comrades.

Starcius enters Corstopitum and takes command of the remaining forces to continue the killing.

Romans Raid a Neutral Village

The Romans Raid a Neutral Village. Day 25 of 180 AD -- ad VII Kal. Invictus, 933 AUC Source VII Image III: Marku scares the 28th

Soldiers of the 28th Draco under the tribune Matthius respond to these reprisals from the Erringers by launching an assault on the peaceful village of Cilurnum, with horrific brutality. The village warriors had all been training north of the village, so that the Romans rushed in upon a settlement filled only with unarmed craftsmen and one napping warrior, a kinsman of Siereadan, who is butchered in his bed. Women are raped by bands of Roman soldiers roving from hut to hut, and newborn babies are spitted upon spears and carried about as grim trophies. Then the main bulk of the warriors arrives, beholding in rage their devastated village; upon witnessing the inhuman wrath of these outraged warriors, the commander of the 28th orders a panicked retreat toward Corstopitum without giving battle.

The repercussions of this atrocity would be long-lasting. After fruitless negotiations, the neutral inhabitants of Cilurnum join the war against Rome, opening a western front which would remain implacable even when other fronts go silent.

Roman Reinforcements Received

Roman Reinforcements Received. Day 30 of 180 AD -- ad III Kal. Invictus, 933 AUC Source VII Source IX Source X

The Valerian diplomat, Conal, implores Rome for more aid from the Roman legions; the aid comes quickly: the town garrison is doubled with veteran troops of the 6th legion. The reprisal raids continue little abated except that Romans are now able to hide in the depths of their city unharmed, while the grove and stables both require team tactics to distract the elite legionaires posted there.

Tuatha Blockade the Mines

Tuatha Blockade the Mines. Day 44 of 180 AD -- prid. Id. Invictus, 933 AUC Source XI Image IV: Fyrdsmen at Mines, Heading to Raid

The eventual response of the Tuatha, after exhausting diplomacy, to the shockingly savage raid on their village is to blockade the mines at Cirsium. Aodh marches the Fianna to Cirsium and appoints Mawr the Lord of the Mountain. Requests for aid are sent to Erring, seeking to gather enough men to set up a continual and unbroken perimeter. Many of the Fyrd arrive to support this endeavor, and it is a warrior of the Fyrd named Caddoc who kills the first Roman blockade runner.

This blockade will last nine weeks; in that period, the Romans are forced to buy ore from the south at much greater prices.

Tuatha sweep into Corstopitum

Day 60 of 180 AD -- ad XIV Id. Felix, 933 AUC

The Fyrd joining the blockade are accustomed to launching waves of attacks upon Corstopitum from that position, but the Tuath warriors under Aodh have been restrained by their civilian leadership from escalating their participation to raids. Yet Rhiannon, Seireadan, and Seneca break these orders in order to strike the grove and perform the heroic deed of slaying the two legionaries of the elite 6th posted there. The Roman grove, again unprotected, becomes an important weakness in the Roman defenses during these wars. Not only that, but it will also become the preferred killing field for many bandits in the future, long after the current wars have been resolved.

The Roman Crafter Militia

Day 66 of 180 AD -- ad VIII Id. Felix, 933 AUC Source XII Source XIII Source XIV

A Roman potter named Eunapius, seeing an absence of military leadership, creates an informal militia of non-soldiers to respond to the barbarian invasions. This militia will never decisively defeat the attackers, but it does on several occasions bloody the noses of raiding parties more accustomed to seeing disordered and panicking Romans fleeing before them. The Romans learn how to gather together and use greater numbers to overcome skill and ferocity.

Northern Economy Flourishes

Day 72 of 180 AD -- prid. Idus Felix, 933 AUC Source XIV.I

Taking advantage of the constant raids which have resulted in severe economic disturbance for the traditionally more productive Corstopitans, Cilurnum is the first area in the region to boost its local industry with more furnaces. Arby and Aengus of the Tuatha create the first of such devices, with even more on the way. In the words of these skilled craftsmen, "Iron will soon flow like water to all the freemen of the North."

The Hundred Disbands

Day 87 of 180 AD -- ad III Kal. Pius, 933 AUC Source XV Source XVI

Clovis, King of the Hundred, abandons his people to retire peacefully in the Roman lands: he has recently been informed of a bastard son named Theodgrim, a loyal Roman citizen, serving in the local military; and Clovis can no longer tolerate raising arms of war against the Romans because of this; the other Hundred tribesmen, recovering from their shock, agree among themselves to dissolve the Hundred, since a kingdom without a sacral king can only bring down the disfavor of the gods. Cynewulf wanders into the wilderness lost and dejected. The Fyrd, formerly watched over by the Hundred, are let free to plot their own course under their new leader, Rush. This well-respected warrior also assumes the Lordship of Erring. Raids continue on Corstopitum.

A Cultural Renaissance

Various Dates -- Dies Varia

During this period filled with dangers and fear for the Romans, a class of troubadour arose to calm the frightened masses and, just as great art and literature had flourished in Athens during the grim times of the Pelopponesian War or as Cicero had perfected rhetoric in the troubled last days of the Republic, so too here a renaissance happens during constant attacks. Witness these timelessly classic ballads:

It's fun to stay at the F-Y-R-D Living in a Ganker's Paradise I Will Survive

Book II: The North's Ebb

Over the period within this book, the nature of the barbarian struggle against Rome changes from a righteous and unified fury of the many, guided by inspired leaders, into the predatory banditry of a few. The Ravens have lifted their blockade of Cirsium, purchased by tribute from the wealthy Magistrate of Corstopitum; Aodh and Liam go on trips abroad; Rush falls in battle against his own kindred; and the casus belli of the Hundred no longer inflames the spirits of those who raid so that they seek to crush all Romans, but rather they seek out easy marks among the unarmed and weak Romans like bandits, even while their Roman equals begin to surpass them by unhindered training. Yet the Romans, though always more numerous and rich, have much to repair before they can successfully take the battle into the North itself.

A Peace is Made with Romans, and Broken

Day 108 of 180 AD Source XVII

Starcius Nanduin, seeing the disbanding of the Hundred as an end to the blood debt of Romans, negotiates a peace between Rush and Corstopitum in the Corstopitum arena, and declares that anyone to break this peace will surely be a 'man-hyena' feasting on the remains of an old feud. Rush agrees initially, but then reverses his decision upon suspicion that Starcius is going Roman. The leadership of the Fyrd then seek to escape the dishonor of oath-breaking by claiming that they are now 'Picts' and bear no responsibility for pacts made by the Fyrd.

The Fyrdpict War: The 1st Erring Civil War

From Day 110 until Day 126 of 180 AD.

Source XVIII Source XIX Source XX Source XXI Source XXII

Following these talks, Starcius is attacked by Rush upon his return to Erring, and receives grievous wounds. Having escaped narrowly with his life, he gathers around him a small force of followers including Caddoc and Meinard in order to fight against the former Fyrd.

The Picts are as numerous as ever and would threaten to overwhelm this small band by numbers, if not for lacking so much prowess in battle: only the leader Rush can match Starcius in battle skills and knowledge. After days of running battles and bloodshed throughout Erring, Rush is mortally stricken in an engagement and carried from the field. From his deathbed, he yields to several points in Starcius' peace demands including that he should relinquish his Lordship to Cadarn of the Nervii, a warband whose greatly diminished numbers and strength are viewed as a threat by neither of the feuding sides, and who are actually seen as a long-time ally by Starcius.

Cadarn acts as mediator in peace negotiations but does not favor Starcius as much as Starcius had hoped, causing deep resentment. The war between the FyrdPicts and Starcius ends in a draw: Erring has been strewn with far greater Pictish casualties, many of whom will never be replaced; yet Starcius has gained nothing by the negotiations, since he wanted a far more conclusive end. Even after they are bound to a peace, the two sides argue over the victory. As Cadarn sums it up, "I won, you both lost. Sorted."

Cadarn Gives Away the Erring Lordship.

Day 145 of 180 AD. Source XXII

Cadarn, feeling that Lordship is not powerful enough for him, soon grows tired of his duties and gives his Lordship away to a female apple-gatherer named Mackena, who has become popular among the the warrior-trainees for giving them apples.

Changing Nature of Raiding: Zakke's Great Raid, and the Log-out Bandits

Day 147 of 180 AD Source XXIII: Zakke's Raid Source XXIV: Banditry Source XXV: More Banditry

In perhaps the last of the true raids, Zakke of the Picts ranges around Corstopitum on a 12-hour killing spree that claims the lives of 25 Romans, many of them soldiers and quite skilled. Increasingly, the other raiders are running from these armed targets, only daring to raid the unarmed whenever they see no danger of retaliation. This is more in the nature of banditry than a war.

Troubles and Crime Wave Depopulate Erring

Day 147 of 180 AD Source XXVI Source XXVI.I Source XXVII Source XXVIII

Erring is falling into lawlessness and desolation since the civil war. The inhabitants now must endure several unaccustomed plagues. The Romans have gained enough strength that they now begin their own raids, but the true source of disturbance remains within the Erring community. A spate of murderers and thieves from within Erring itself have been causing great alarm and suspicion.

The 24th Audax's Northern Campaigns

Day 153 of 180 AD Source XXIX: 24th's Diplomatic Letters Source XXX: Description of Battle

The attacks upon Corstopitum having greatly lessened during the civil strife among Erringers, soon the 24th Audax has recovered enough to form up and march northward, under the command of 7 centurions, toward Cilurnum intending to garrison the fort there. Their legate, Marcus Quintilius Ferox, sends letters to negotiate peace with the Tuatha de Biatach, but finds them still defiant although having abandoned their Cirsium blockades. These legionaries have made camp by the 27th milecastle, when the Tuatha and their local allies cross over the wall in a large horde led by 14 captains of war. Ferox's outnumbered forces are soon bottled up in the arena; and after a period of hurling insults and curses in their barbarous Gaelic tongue, the Tuatha storm and capture that redoubt with heavy losses, including the warchief Aodh dragged grievously wounded from the field. Despite this spirited defense, the Roman counter-offensive in the North becomes stalled for a while.

Cultus Viduus Forms

Day 170 of 180 AD

Around this time, the Cult of Viduus arises in Caledonia. Starcius Nanduin begins preaching the message of this new faith on both sides of the Hadrian, forming a congregation equally among Romans and Free Men. The object of this faith is a god known as Viduus, about whom little is understood and much whispered--even now when all remnants of his worship have been erased. Some say that Viduus is the parter of souls and is pleased by the deaths of all people, regardless of their rank or allegiances. Those people say that the Cult sought to create as much death and destruction as possible in order to satisfy their dark god. In whatever case, Starcius spreads this religion to Eunapius, the newly-returned Cynewulf, and Meinard.

Caddoc's Rebellion: The 2nd Erring Civil War

From day 183 until Day 204 of 180 AD Source XXXI Source XXXII Source XXXIII

Lady Mackena is away from Erring on family affairs, giving Cadarn the Lordship temporarily as steward in her place. Although he quickly passes the title and its duties to another person again, he still regards himself as the overall steward; therefore he intervenes in an incident between Caddoc and Hamilcar in which Caddoc chases Hamilcar after believing him to be a known murderer and thief. In the aftermath, Caddoc calls Cadarn an unjustified tyrant who has given away those powers he seeks to use; and in response, Cadarn orders four of his men to attack Caddoc and Capito, unarmed and unresisting.

This brutal incident by the Nervii triggers an angry rampage by Caddoc's men against almost everyone in Erring, but particularly against the newcomers and crafters. Such is the insanity caused by their rage that their desires become particularly focused on footwear, demanding shoes from all those whom they accost. Starcius meanwhile attempts to give Caddoc's men a chance to settle down and rethink their actions--in gratitude for past service in his own causes and as veterans of the Corstopitum raids. This fails.

Dispatches from Mackena try to end the conflict, but it resurges with renewed intensity, until it merges seamlessly into an entirely new war.

The Dissenter's War: The 3rd Erring Civil War

Day 204 of 180 AD Source XXXIV

The CV, having grown disgusted with the constant ravaging of Erring and with the ineffectiveness of Mackena's orders demanding a cessation, throw their military weight behind her cause, calling themselves her Sworn Spears. They contact Mackena at her distant retreat and ask her to authorize the administering of an oath that will separate those loyal to her rule from those who are dissenters wishing to maintain the present state of lawless chaos. She agrees to this.

The CV immediately confront six Nervii with this vow of loyalty; and finding these Nervii loathe to swear loyalty to Mackena, slay all the Nervii present in a battle without incurring losses. Ironically, they soon find that the Nervii have made peace with Caddoc's men, whom the CV had tried to spare earlier, in order to ally against the CV. Yet the Nervii and their allies are beaten en masse in another battle soon after. Mackena returns and orders the CV to stop, saying that she had meant the oath only for her own guardsmen; they comply.

A new Legion Raised in Corstopitum

Day 213 of 180 AD Source XXXV

The merchant Augir gives some relief to the hard-pressed situation of the Romans by raising a new legion out of his own coffers. This wealthy man gives his loyal follower Aristarchus command over this rather small force. The unit is much less than ten centuries in size, a exceedingly paltry size for a legion. Some Romans will often question the true loyalties of the 29th Excelsior, deeming it to be the pet legion of its wealthy financier; yet at the same time, the 29th will become involved in several important wars against the North.

The Angelsachsen Announce Seizure of Roman Land

Day 216 of 180 AD Source XXXVI

Having secretly built up a settlement in Roman lands while the raiding parties of other barbarian tribes diverted Roman attention from the Empire's remoter holdings, the Angelsachsens now declare the swath of land south of the 27th milecastle as their own sovereign territory.

Book III: The Roman Ascendancy

The era of the Roman Ascendancy marks the ripening of Roman power, after its roots were planted and nurtured amid the internal disorders of the Free Peoples. Weakened legions merge into a strong cohesive whole; not just tentative raids, but now even massive invasions flow in a new northward direction; and the Roman economy takes the lead with the roar of furnaces and the clang of hammers. In every aspect of comparison, the North has become a distant second to the Romans. A certain faction of the North has noted this well.

The 18th is Formed of Two Weakened Legions

Day 225 of 180 AD Source XXXVII

Two Roman legions of ancient standing and renown, the 24th Audax Fidelis and the 28th Draco, having been depleted in the defense of Corstopitum and by the daring but failed campaign of the 24th into the North, are commanded to merge together as the 18th Gemina Audax and to consolidate their remaining numbers under new leadership. Of the former legates, Ferox retires to his farmstead in the Latium plains, and Decimes is believed to be among those slain in the barbarian raids. Ageus Marchum of the 28th now leads this new force, with Marcus Maximus Felix of the 24th appointed to laticlavian tribune. The combined strength of the two legions thus merged, however much they were separately weakened, is still enough to dwarf all other Roman military units, with 25 centuries of men; and the greater cohesion of these joined units now bodes ill for future enemies of Rome.

The Fishers' War: A Grinding Struggle for the Milecastle

From Day 216 until Day 342 of 180 AD Source XXXVIII

The Angelsachsen have announced a sovereign nation south of the Hadrian. Reaction from both sides is swift in coming. The inhabitants of Cilurnum immediately move to support their southern neighbors in this takeover bid by sending their best warriors, such as Fores and Rhiannon; other northern warriors from Erring make long trips to defend the Angelsachsens as well. Meanwhile, on the Roman side, the 29th launches pacifying patrols into the area; when the other Free Peoples flock to the area and stiffen the defenses there, these patrols are bolstered with increasing help from the newly-forming 18th.

At first, the Romans are repulsed with great numbers of dead, outclassed by Tuatha warriors armed with swords and helms. The western Free lands have not been exposed to such hardships and power struggles as their eastern neighbors, and are only lightly raided compared to Erring up until now. They have had long to prepare stores of arms and to train. Their skilled warriors are known to jump singly amongst several legionaires and cut them down with a longsword.

Yet Roman numbers and determination could tip the scales, weapons could be smithed and soldiers could be trained. Increasingly the Romans were rebounding from their calamities, and slowly these things were happening.

Romans Hold Gladiatorial Games

Day 228 of 180 AD Source XXXVIII.I

The growing resurgence of martial spirit amongst the Roman soldiery is put to an inspiring display in gladiatorial contests managed by Artimus. The masses of Corstopitum are treated to 23 combatants being killed for their entertainment on the sands of the arena. Glory itself aside, these fighters have risked their lives for rich prizes never before seen in such local matches: 12000 sesterces and the first suit of hamata ever crafted in the region, in addition to smaller prizes.

The games have been divided into a boxing tournament, a gladiatorial tournament, and a team melee event. Oisin from the North wins the boxing matches; Thadius of the 29th takes first place in the gladiatorial tournament; and the 18th Gemina fields Felix, Vitorius, and Ursus in order to defeat two other triplets in the melee event.

Cynewulf is Elected Lord of the Erringers; Conall, of Cilurnum

Day 243 of 180 AD Source XXXIX

Cilurnum had become leaderless, Liam of the Ravens having been struck down and bed-ridden with a strange malaise. Conall, the Ard Drui of the Ravens, is now chosen to lead in his place.

Meanwhile, in Erring, a month has past since the Dissenter's War. The power of the proud and quarrelsome clans continues to be very strong; Mackena has been unwilling or unable to assert her authority over the various tribes, who behave as they wish, whenever they wish. Erring has become a no-man's land between factions.

In these circumstances, the long-awaited Erring elections conclude and the popular vote decrees the return of Cynewulf Guthgeorn to Lordship. Mackena disagrees with this election result and wishes that the power be handed over to her again, but Cynewulf has been gone for many a day on some journey. Messengers reach him of the election and bid him return in order to sort the issue out with Mackena. Although he is eager to be back upon his way, he complies. Accordingly, this warrior agrees initially to give up the Lordship to Mackena, but only on one condition: custom dictates that one lord must fall to the next lord in duel; and while some go through this motion as an empty formality, Cynewulf's sense of honor as a warrior disallows him to yield to anyone but his true superiors in battle. It is against his code to go docilely into a fake duel and to lose intentionally to satisfy this ancient custom. Therefore, he offers Mackena unlimited duels until she should eventually succeed.

Mackena and Cadarn take turns in belittling this condition, calling it foolish and a flight of ego; Cynewulf, angered at the disrespect for his warrior code, rescinds his offer. As he broods in anger, the other members of the Divider cult speak to him of their desires to part from the culture of the North and its chronic troubles. Conflict looms again in Erring.

The Client Kingdom: The 4th Erring Civil War

From Day 249 until Day 279 of 180 AD

Source XL: Declaration of the Kingdom Source XLI: Laws of the Kingdom

Now came the time of the Client Kingdom in Erring. Various people hold various opinions about the aims of the Client Kingdom, yet the majority seem to agree that the ultimate outcome was the final blow against Erring's vitality. Some are of the opinion that this very outcome was always the primary intent of Cynewulf and his supporters in the CV, a group labelled by some as a death cult eager to bring ruin and murder; but others more generously maintain that the Client Kingdom was meant in good faith as a move to provide stability for the ravaged town.

In any event, Cynewulf now declares himself King by right of the popular election and by the divine will of Viduus. Cynewulf addresses the thriving Roman citizenry of the South, professing the state of Erring to be in such an impoverished turmoil that only the guiding example of Rome could ever bring its inhabitants some hope for the future. He swears an allegiance to Rome in exchange for this assistance, promising to end raids upon Corstopitum from Erring.

Immediately, the past opponents of the CV arose in order to inflame the multitude against this step toward conciliation with Rome. Many of these men were the same notorious cut-throats known for hiding in the trees near Corstopitum, robbing and murdering the unarmed newcomers, and fleeing in a panic from the armed. Whether these opponents organized their rebellion because of a true concern for the freedom of all Erringers, or perhaps solely from concerns for the undisturbed continuation of their own petty brigandry, remains a matter of contested opinion.

Yet regardless of motives, the CV and the rebels clash throughout Erring, CV gaining the upperhand, yet not so firmly to quash the spirits of the rebels entirely. Talks are then held with the 18th Gemina Audax for a possible demonstration of combined power that might terrify the rebels into an awed obedience of the new order. After some debate amongst the officers of the 18th, the legion agrees to this demonstration of overwhelming power. Yet no sooner had Roman troops begun the march northward than the Tuatha begins assembling in the West to support the rebels and to interfere in Erring's affairs.

The Loyalists and their allies from the 18th Gemina, numbering only 9 captains and centurions among them, intercepted the first Tuatha invasion force, led by 14 captains, in the woods near the borders of Erring and crushed them utterly, although Cynewulf receives a grievous wound during the battle. The first few days were a complete smashing of the combined rebels and Tuatha, so that the rebels pleaded to have more of every kind of supplies from their Tuathan backers.

In the lull afterward, a law code for Erring is created, outlawing murder and theft, while creating a common defense force; and Corstopitum's groves witness an end to the slaughter of unarmed newcomers and craftsmen. Yet some also say that the reign of Cynewulf was not just a little bit mad, for he is said to have sold one of the hillforts of Erring to a Roman for just one apple--and a wormy one, at that, it is said.

Meanwhile, the rebels seek haven in Cilurnum and gather arms and forces there over the next few days, returning on certain days when they know the Romans and Loyalist garrison to be understrength, sometimes winning a victory, but always failing to hold Erring for long when the full forces of the Romans and Loyalists return. These two forces recognize that the rebellion cannot be defeated in Erring until Cilurnum is crushed as well; and so, they march upon the west. An invasion force led by 9 centurions is confronted at the wooden gates of the village by a defending force including 7 captains of the Raven clan. The Tuatha force fights bravely for its homeland, yet the clash of arms claims only one Roman notable: the tribune Felix, carried away upon his shield clutching a grievous wound. An ally had inflicted the wound in the confused melee. The other Romans hold the village for a whole day before leaving, killing a handful of more rebels there, but they are ordered by their Legate Ageus to not pursue a scorched earth policy--in contrast to the Loyalists' desires to reduce the hornet's nest to rubble.

And thus the war continues, with more raids traded back and forth from this rebel bastion.

The Lordship of Cilurnum is Seized

Day 273 of 180 AD Source XLII: Seizure of Cilurnum

On a certain quiet day in Erring during this war, Cynewulf decided to venture out to Cilurnum alone to hunt rebels arming there. He finds many and becomes the hunted. In the stalking through forests that ensues, Cynewulf meets several Ravens and Cadarn of the Nervii in single combat. All of them are brought down by his spear, Morgenceald, which has ever been a bane to the faithless; then upon emerging from the woods into the Biatach village, he beholds the Lord of Cilurnum himself issuing from a grand hut to do battle. Conall, Ard Drui of the Ravens, soon lies slain; and Cynewulf wrests the scepter of lordship from his limp hands, claiming rule over Cilurnum.

Cilurnum had fallen, although resistance remained to be put down. But Fate oft brings reverses at the peak of triumph.

In a Palace Coup, CV surrenders to Rebels

Day 279 of 180 AD Source XLIII: The Viduite Truce Source XLIV: Cynewulf's Farewell

As Cynewulf was away, battling thus in Cilurnum, his own advisors and supporters in Erring were discussing among themselves. High Priest Starcius Nanduin, who had written the laws of Erring himself, wielded in secret the true power of the Cult; and now Fohmyn, a newly inducted member of the CV priesthood, was speaking to him in great alarm. Untrained in battle and quite confused by the current web of politics, Fohmyn was earnestly prevailing upon his master to seek a temporary peace so that he could train and learn; he thought that this could be done in such a way as to appear the victors without any further fighting to earn it, and he convinced Starcius by his persistence to seek this diplomatic victory. They began speaking with Mackena and others.

The 18th legion is initially allowed to stay in the Erring region, but is asked not to attack any rebels while CV holds these closed-door peace talks with the rebel leaders. Ageus, the legate of the 18th, is angered and feels betrayed by such dismissive treatment from the CV. He pushes his tribune Felix to pull the legionaries out of Erring and leave the CV to their troubles. After sometime, it is apparent to Felix that the CV despises the legion's presence, and he formally withdraws his troops.

Cynewulf now returns to Erring with the Lordship of Cilurnum, but the struggles of the day would come to nothing. The tribune of the 18th Gemina informs him that the legion has been ordered to leave as a prelude to discussing peace with the rebels. The King comes into the talks, hears their content, and protests by walking out. The Client Kingdom is crumbling away at its highest mark.

The legion has left with feelings of betrayal; the rebels return to Erring re-invigorated by perceived signs of weakness; and Cynewulf departs eastward for his Germanic homeland, still laden down with ten looted spears and five shields, yet destroyed utterly. In the aftermath, the CV finds that its negotiated victory falls apart as soon as its means of exerting power are reduced. The rebels openly claim true victory and dictate terms, as well they might. Erring, such as it is and had long been, is returned into their hands.

The Fishers' War Rekindles

Until Day 342 of 180 AD Source XLV: Ultimatum to the 29th Source XLVI: Augir's Response Source XLVI.I: Tideas' Letter Home

The wars of the Client Kingdom had drawn away the eyes of most Romans from the Angelsachsen question and the Fishers' War. Now, however, the focus of the Roman population returns to the Angelsachsens. The 29th Excelsior had continued leading its small pacification patrols into that area with indecisive effect, for often the Angelsachsens would spot them coming and disappear as if by some barbarian magic; yet now the forces of the Tuatha are free of diversion and return to supporting the secession there, so that the 29th once again meets true resistance; meanwhile many of the bandits of Erring, having become based in Cilurnum for their own safety during the Client Kingdom, are now free to return to their lifestyle of ambushing unarmed newcomers in the roman groves from their new base. Because of these new developments, members of the 29th begin crossing over the wall, killing armed and unarmed alike while seeking raiders of Corstopitum and allies of the Angelsachsens. The war has become mired down in brutality, and as one of legionaries of the 29th writes in his diary:

"It has been how long since I have been stationed in the frontier. The barbs grow bolder at every point. I see death and carnage around me. The war has been devastating. I fear the worse though. I think it has been more devastating to my mind than my body. Today, I received words that fellow Romans were being killed back home, and that touches an angry part of me.

"The line between soldiers and civilians is blurring. Even their own Lord has picked up weapons. That same line is blurring between my sanity and madness. I think being in the woodland, hiding, waiting for the just moment to strike has left me estranged with myself. My legate's order appeared to have rust. I can't remember anymore what he told me not to do and to do in this war.

"The enemy is approaching. I shall drop this off at the carrier in the fort. Perhaps the only way to end this war quickly is to kill every single living thing. Yes. That shall do. Perhaps then death will find me."

Other leaders having fallen in various of the many battles, the Tuathan diplomat Gwyn now commands and speaks for the Ravens. Upon experiencing the scorched-earth raids of the 29th, he angrily issues an ultimatum to the merchant house PI, stating that Augir should rein in his soldiers and stop attacking the across the Hadrian. Augir answers that Cilurnum harbours known supporters of the Angelsachsen secession, as well as raiders of Corstopitum who likewise make no distinction between the armed and unarmed; and that if the Tuatha allow these to cross the wall, then they have no standing to demand otherwise of Roman soldiers.

The 18th's First Cilurnum Campaign

From Day 342 of 180 AD until Day 85 of 181 AD Source XLVII: Gwyn's Defiance Source XLVIII: Conal Gives Valerian Declaration of War.

This ultimatum being uttered, the forces of the 18th march upon the Angelsachsen village to aid the 29th in their long struggle there. This combined show of might almost immediately compels the villagers to open negotiations with the tribune of the 18th Gemina, seeking Roman mercy, and the talks produce a peace that brings the Angelsachsens under the dominion of Rome, with a monthly tribute of war gear to be paid to the 18th Gemina.

Pacification had come to the Milecastle at last, but the deep involvement of the Tuatha de Biatach from across the Hadrian was not overlooked as peace concluded. Many thought that a peace treaty between Rome and the Ravens would be swift in coming, since the Tuatha no longer dashed into battle with gleaming helms and flashing swords, great in numbers; war had worn upon them, so that their numbers dwindled and their once-bright gear was tarnished and marred by many blows. Knowing this, the tribune of the 18th calls upon the Raven tribe to seek terms of peace, pointing out that the original casus belli had been settled. Gwyn, their diplomat and acting leader, responds:

"The Angelsachsen are free to make any deal they wish. This does not change our stance on the presence of roman soldiers on or near our territory. As the angelsachsen no longer need our protection, the only reason we have to attack your soldiers is the fact that Morrigan hates them and demands their demise, wherever they are."

The Tuatha then gathered their diminished forces, which now amounted only to that which could be captained by 6 leaders, and launched an invasion into Roman lands; on its path to Corstopitum, this invasion travelled through Villa Longinus where the powerful merchant family known as the Valerians had set up a trading post. Here they massacre all the unarmed workmen and despoil the outpost, a move sure to bring the peaceful merchant house behind the already strong Roman war machine. They then proceed onward, until near Corstopitum, Gwyn himself is swept away on the currents while fording a river, and feared drowned. His remaining forces are confronted by a much larger Roman force at the edge of the town , where they are handily routed.

The 18th now descends upon the Cilurnum region in force, and encamps near the village of Cilurnum itself. Many small battles are fought throughout the village for dominance. In one battle, a 10-man squad led by the tribune of the 18th storms a hut inside which 7 Ravens have shut themselves up in order to escape death; the Romans gain entry with Felix leading the assault and receiving a grievous wound during the warm welcome; the slaughter inside is great, until the nine remaining Romans step over the dead Ravens and carry their wounded tribune away on his shield.

New Legate of the 18th

Day 34 of 181 AD Source XLIX

In the middle of this campaign, the legate Ageus is slain in battle, and Vlad is appointed in his place. Dark rumors have been whispered of a mutiny from within the 18th itself, and also of a Roman pugio stabbing astray during the confusion of a pitched battle. In any event, the new appointment is hailed heartily by the soldiers, who fight the fiercer.

The Barbarian Diaspora

Day 43 of 181 AD Source XLIX.I

With war raging in Cilurnum, explorers from two barbarian clans on the periphery of the Tuatha holdings, the Lucii and the Heruskoz, have sent out expeditions to discover better lands. Having been drawn into the war in support of the Tuatha by indiscriminate killings of their own clan members residing among the Tuatha, these clans now seek new lands upon which they may live under the shadow of no other tribe and reap the consequences of no diplomatic stances but their own. Maurizio of the Lucii claims the territory of Botach, the farthest lands from the conflict, and discusses peace with the 18th legion.

While much smaller in number than the main clan of Cilurnum, the dispersion of these minority clans is a loss of allied manpower for the Tuatha.

The Romano-Tuathan Peace Treaty of 934 AUC

Day 85 of 181 AD Source L: Treaty of 934 AUC

The Tuatha have endured the war upon their lands for some time, fighting and dying in attempts to reclaim their village; but now their warriors are eroded to few; their furnaces, grown cold and unattended. Their remaining elders send messages to the tribune and legate of the 18th in private, expressing fears that soon their tribe and its glories shall be obliterated from all but the dusty tomes of history, if not for their hope of Roman clemency. Yet these elders say, be gentle in peace, for a proud people such as the Raven tribe cannot abide domination long without rising up again.

The Romans, having no authorization from the Emperor to claim land above the Hadrian, are contented by these words of submission and begin talks for an abiding and respectful peace. So ends the turmoil began by the Fishers' War.

Hic finitur primum volumen Annalium de Hadriani Limitibus.