map for Summer, 211, as of Syracuse's move

Bruttia repulsed from Voconti by Gaul (Gaul v Bruttia 4-0, Gaul gains 4PP). Syracuse repositions. Rome watches and snacks on dromedary pretzels and wolf nibble chips. Carthage loses its 4Ax in a failed attempt to scale the walls of Agrigentum.

Spring 211, Carthage's attack

Sorry, this should show Bruttia's control of Panormus.

ETA: There, fixed.

a bridgehead too far?

The forces of Gaul were just beginning to get settled into their new digs on the island of Sicily after their conquest of Panormus last year. But now it seems they may have to pack up their bergens again and shift sharpish, as a defeat at the hands of the Bruttian and Syracusan armies has sent them reeling in retreat.

Advancing to meet the more cautious Bruttian foe, the warriors of Gaul beat on the backs of their shields with their spearbutts and shouted (unintelligible) insults at their slowly advancing foe. Rushing forward, the bands of red-haired swordsmen crashed into the Italiot line with a mighty crash and rove deep into it in several places. But the Bruttian footmen simply withdrew a short distance--like a receding wave--then, as their flankers came up on the right through the foothills. Surging forward around the rocks of the Gallic pincers, the lightly armed Bruttians showered javelins into the enemy and lapped around them. Panicking, one portion of the Gauls tried to withdraw but found themselves unable to. Alarmed at finding themselves isolated and vulnerable, they broke and ran.

While the fighting had been going on in the center of the field, the Gallic army's cavalry had advanced more slowly in the east. But no matter how slow their advance, it had still been fast enough to leave them unprepared and surprised when a force of Syrcusan horse arrived in their left rear. While the bulk of the Sicilian horse rode to meet the Gauls, their fastest riders set off for the enemy's camp. After a token resistance, the old men and boys guarding the spare horses and tents fled, and the Syracusans ran rampage through the Gallic baggage, looting and burning and sampling the tasty pot-a-feu bubbling on the campfires. The remainder of the Celts seeing their retreat (and wine supply) cut off and their right wing crumbling began taking French leave, leaving the field to the Italiot allies.

Gallic field army loses two additional elements and retires to Akra Leuke, Ruteni, or Vocontii. Bruttia now owns Panormus. New map upcoming shortly.

A mighty battle yields a quick result

A full report will follow shortly, but the army of Gaul was defeated by the combined force of Bruttia and Syracuse. Two elements of Gallic warband were isolated and cut down by the Bruttian line, while the light horse of Syracuse raided and pillaged the camp of the Celts while they were in battle.

2 PP for Syracuse, 2 PP for Bruttia. Gaul -2 Wb plus two other elements, must retreat.

excitement mounts!

Gaul having adopted a wait and see attitude, the army of Bruttia sailed from Etruria to conquer Panormus. Contingents hastened to their aid from Rome and Syracuse. The Mediterranean waits with baited breath to see if Carthage will stand by their northern ally. Will this be the climactic show-down of the Second Punic War? Have the torc-wearers overstepped by taking to the waves, or is the Middle Sea becoming a Celtic lake?

Stay tuned!