Below are the briefings, maps, etc, that I provided the players.
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| From the Battle of Strasbourg Wikipedia page |
Julian - You are Caesar Julian responsible for the defence of Gaul. You are new to military command and it is very important that you make a name for yourself with the troops and increase your reputation. The Emperor Constantius has been successfully campaigning in the East. He is jealous of you and has been undermining everything you have tried to do. He has said that you are not capable of dealing with such a military problem as this and consequently has dispatched troops under one of his generals (Richomer) to deal with the barbarian incursion. You have to decide whether you will wait for Constantius (and his main army), thereby risking losing credibility in the eyes of your soldiers, or attack now and secure fame for yourself.
You were raised in a Greek speaking household, and spent your youth at schools in Athens. You were raised as a Christian, but your study of the ancient philosophers has convinced you that it would be better for the empire if it returned to it's Pagan Roman roots. This position is not always popular with the men.
Your inclination is to attack now before Constantius' troops come and take all the glory. But being a prudent man, you have called a council of your senior officers to ask their advice. After you have listened all you want (at least three game turns), you will make your decision. Remember, the only thing worse than losing glory to Constantius, would be to fight on your own, and lose.
What you know about your council:
Sebastian - Your best officer, although a German by birth. One of the best officers in the Roman army. An excellent tactician and very popular with the troops. He has recently replace Trajan as Master of Infantry.
Victor - A Sarmatian by birth. He is known for his cautious approach. He is the Master of Cavalry. He is responsible for scouting reports.
Richomer - Master of Offices. German born. He commands the Household Guard of Emperor Constantius, who have arrived to assist you. He has come with a message telling you in part to share the danger and to not rashly commit yourself to the risks of decisive action, single handedly.
Trajan - Former Master of Infantry. Born in Rome, proud of being a true Latin. You had him replaced by Sebastian because Trajan is lazy, incompetent, and he was very critical of you in front of the men. He is dangerous and probably has his own eye on the throne. Be careful. However, he has friends in the court of Constantius.
Equitius - A kinsman of yours, and Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). He has a high sense of honour and you respect him. Just like you he is very respectful of the old ways, and has high regard for the Senate. He is the highest ranking Civillian Official present in all of Gaul, second only to you in most matters. But he is a civillian without a military appreciation for things.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. The young soldiers like him, the old soldiers respect him. He is going to achieve great things. He is the son of the former Caesar of the West, but you were not responsible for assasinating your predecessor. You don't think Potentius has any ill will towards you.
You were raised in a Greek speaking household, and spent your youth at schools in Athens. You were raised as a Christian, but your study of the ancient philosophers has convinced you that it would be better for the empire if it returned to it's Pagan Roman roots. This position is not always popular with the men.
Your inclination is to attack now before Constantius' troops come and take all the glory. But being a prudent man, you have called a council of your senior officers to ask their advice. After you have listened all you want (at least three game turns), you will make your decision. Remember, the only thing worse than losing glory to Constantius, would be to fight on your own, and lose.
What you know about your council:
Sebastian - Your best officer, although a German by birth. One of the best officers in the Roman army. An excellent tactician and very popular with the troops. He has recently replace Trajan as Master of Infantry.
Victor - A Sarmatian by birth. He is known for his cautious approach. He is the Master of Cavalry. He is responsible for scouting reports.
Richomer - Master of Offices. German born. He commands the Household Guard of Emperor Constantius, who have arrived to assist you. He has come with a message telling you in part to share the danger and to not rashly commit yourself to the risks of decisive action, single handedly.
Trajan - Former Master of Infantry. Born in Rome, proud of being a true Latin. You had him replaced by Sebastian because Trajan is lazy, incompetent, and he was very critical of you in front of the men. He is dangerous and probably has his own eye on the throne. Be careful. However, he has friends in the court of Constantius.
Equitius - A kinsman of yours, and Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). He has a high sense of honour and you respect him. Just like you he is very respectful of the old ways, and has high regard for the Senate. He is the highest ranking Civillian Official present in all of Gaul, second only to you in most matters. But he is a civillian without a military appreciation for things.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. The young soldiers like him, the old soldiers respect him. He is going to achieve great things. He is the son of the former Caesar of the West, but you were not responsible for assasinating your predecessor. You don't think Potentius has any ill will towards you.
Sebastian - You were born a German, but have been a loyal Roman soldier your whole life. You are Master of Infantry of Julian's army (the field army of the Western Provinces). The only infantry you do not command, are the garrison troops of the fortresses. You are a capable, seasoned officer and very popular with the troops. You are without a doubt the best commander on Julian's staff and what you say carries a lot of weight. Many of the junior officers will support you, whatever you say. Trajan is your enemy, as he was the previous Master of Infantry, but was removed from office by Julian and replaced by you. He has connections with Constantius, however, so Julian retains him as a senior officer.
You, like many of your men, are a Christian. You have nothing against Romans of other religions, but the one difference you have with Julian, is he wants to return back to the older Roman pagan ways.
Your aim is to get Julian to attack the barbarians now. If he does, you will probably gain a great deal of credit for victory, as it is well known that you are his best general. If he waits, Constantius' generals will certainly steal the glory.
What you know about the council:
Victor - A Sarmatian by birth. Master of the Cavalry. Cautious. He is very beloved by his horsemen, mostly because he kept all of them alive during the recent civil war. He is very protective of his cavalry, but is still a good commander in battle.
Richomer - Master of Offices. German born. He commands the Household Guard of Emperor Constantius. A very good officer, with very good troops.
Trajan - Former Master of Infantry. Born in Rome, proud of being a true Latin. He hates you, you took his job. He was not very good at his job, but blames Julian and You for losing it. Be careful. However, he has friends in the court of Constantius.
Equitius - Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). He is distantly related to Julian. Very important, but not to the army.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. He is the son of the former Caesar of the West. You like him, but do not know where his loyalties are.
You, like many of your men, are a Christian. You have nothing against Romans of other religions, but the one difference you have with Julian, is he wants to return back to the older Roman pagan ways.
Your aim is to get Julian to attack the barbarians now. If he does, you will probably gain a great deal of credit for victory, as it is well known that you are his best general. If he waits, Constantius' generals will certainly steal the glory.
What you know about the council:
Victor - A Sarmatian by birth. Master of the Cavalry. Cautious. He is very beloved by his horsemen, mostly because he kept all of them alive during the recent civil war. He is very protective of his cavalry, but is still a good commander in battle.
Richomer - Master of Offices. German born. He commands the Household Guard of Emperor Constantius. A very good officer, with very good troops.
Trajan - Former Master of Infantry. Born in Rome, proud of being a true Latin. He hates you, you took his job. He was not very good at his job, but blames Julian and You for losing it. Be careful. However, he has friends in the court of Constantius.
Equitius - Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). He is distantly related to Julian. Very important, but not to the army.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. He is the son of the former Caesar of the West. You like him, but do not know where his loyalties are.
Victor - You were born a Sarmatian, but you have been a loyal Roman soldier your whole life. You are Master of Cavalry and equal in rank with Sebastian. Together you are the senior army commanders, although Trajan is along, out of respect. You don't like this situation - you have spent the past decade very carefully keeping your cavalry alive and well, in spite of the bloody civil war fighting. For that reason, many of them are seasoned veterans, and very loyal to you. This coming fight that Sebastian and Julian are itching for will be very dangerous and could cost many lives.
You, like many of your men, are a Christian. You have nothing against Romans of other religions, but the one difference you have with Julian, is he wants to return back to the older Roman pagan ways.
You are responsible for the border scouting along the Rhine river, and you think that the barbarians do not pose a pressing threat, and you would be better of waiting for reinforcements to make certain of victory. Your aim is to convince Julian to wait. If it is going to be a battle, your aim is to keep your cavalry safe.
What you know about the council:
Sebastian - A German by birth. Master of the Infantry. An excellent commander, and not afraid of a fight. He is very loyal to Julian, and will see this battle as a way to make a name for the young Caesar.
Richomer - Master of Offices. He commands the Household Guard of Emperor Constantius. A very good officer, with very good troops. He was born a German.
Trajan - Former Master of Infantry. Born in Rome, and somewhat proud of being a true Latin. He hates Sebastian, who took his job. It is unsure what his feelings are towards Constantius. He may not be the best battlefield commander.
Equitius - Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). He is distantly related to Julian. Very important, but not to the army.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. He is the son of the former Caesar of the West. You like him, but do not know where his loyalties are.
You, like many of your men, are a Christian. You have nothing against Romans of other religions, but the one difference you have with Julian, is he wants to return back to the older Roman pagan ways.
You are responsible for the border scouting along the Rhine river, and you think that the barbarians do not pose a pressing threat, and you would be better of waiting for reinforcements to make certain of victory. Your aim is to convince Julian to wait. If it is going to be a battle, your aim is to keep your cavalry safe.
What you know about the council:
Sebastian - A German by birth. Master of the Infantry. An excellent commander, and not afraid of a fight. He is very loyal to Julian, and will see this battle as a way to make a name for the young Caesar.
Richomer - Master of Offices. He commands the Household Guard of Emperor Constantius. A very good officer, with very good troops. He was born a German.
Trajan - Former Master of Infantry. Born in Rome, and somewhat proud of being a true Latin. He hates Sebastian, who took his job. It is unsure what his feelings are towards Constantius. He may not be the best battlefield commander.
Equitius - Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). He is distantly related to Julian. Very important, but not to the army.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. He is the son of the former Caesar of the West. You like him, but do not know where his loyalties are.
Richomer - You were born a German, but have been a loyal Roman your whole life. You are Master of Officers, the commander of the Imperial Household Guard, sent by the Emperor Constantius to tell Julian that he should wait for reinforcements.
Personally, you think Constantius is just jealous of Julian as the barbarians don't seem so strong. For political reasons you must convey Constantius' message and be cautious of contradicting him. Your aim is to give Julian the best advice you can without damaging your standing with Constantius. If there is to be a battle, your 2,000 household guards are the best troops in Julian's army.
What you know about the council:
Sebastian - Master of Infantry for Julian. A very good commander. Maybe the best in Gaul. He was born a German.
Victor - Master of Cavalry for Julian. Cautious, but good. Has miraculously kept his cavalry alive during the recent, bloody civil wars. He was born a Sarmatian.
Trajan- A senior officer. You don't know much about him. He was born in Rome, a true Latin.
Equitius - Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). Supportive of the government, and that means the Emperor. But you don't think he cares which Emperor.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. You don't know why he is in the council, but he is likable.
Personally, you think Constantius is just jealous of Julian as the barbarians don't seem so strong. For political reasons you must convey Constantius' message and be cautious of contradicting him. Your aim is to give Julian the best advice you can without damaging your standing with Constantius. If there is to be a battle, your 2,000 household guards are the best troops in Julian's army.
What you know about the council:
Sebastian - Master of Infantry for Julian. A very good commander. Maybe the best in Gaul. He was born a German.
Victor - Master of Cavalry for Julian. Cautious, but good. Has miraculously kept his cavalry alive during the recent, bloody civil wars. He was born a Sarmatian.
Trajan- A senior officer. You don't know much about him. He was born in Rome, a true Latin.
Equitius - Marshal of the Court (the Court of Constantinople, the capitol of the Empire). Supportive of the government, and that means the Emperor. But you don't think he cares which Emperor.
Potentius - A very highly regarded junior officer. You don't know why he is in the council, but he is likable.
Trajan - You used to be the Commander of Infantry, until Constantius replaced the former Caesar of the West, with this young upstart Julian. For some reason he doesn't like you, and replaced you with that popinjay Sebastian. You have heard some ugly things about Sebastian's past, and when you spread rumors and spoke ill of him, you were replaced. You were born in Rome, and represent one of the true Latins, who should hold all the real positions of power in the Empire.
Your aim is to discredit Sebastian. You don't really care who gets credit for the battle, Julian or Constantius. In battle you will not command the main battle line, but probably the secondary infantry (auxilliaries, archers, etc.)
What you know about the rest of the council:
Sebastian - You don't like him. A German by birth. He has your old job. Not fair.
Victor - A good officer of Cavalry. A Sarmatian by birth. But what good has the Cavalry every done? And he is a Sarmatian! Victor tried to stay out of the fight all during the civil wars, maybe he is a coward?
Richomer - The officer of the Household Guard. A German by birth. Here on Constantius' orders. Maybe if you work well with him, on Constantius orders you may replace Sebastian?
Equitius - A high ranking civilian. He is a Greek by birth. He controls the paychests of the soldiers, and also is very loyal to the capitol (Constantinople).
Potentius - Another cavalry officer. For some reason the other officers (Sebastian and Victor) like him.
Your aim is to discredit Sebastian. You don't really care who gets credit for the battle, Julian or Constantius. In battle you will not command the main battle line, but probably the secondary infantry (auxilliaries, archers, etc.)
What you know about the rest of the council:
Sebastian - You don't like him. A German by birth. He has your old job. Not fair.
Victor - A good officer of Cavalry. A Sarmatian by birth. But what good has the Cavalry every done? And he is a Sarmatian! Victor tried to stay out of the fight all during the civil wars, maybe he is a coward?
Richomer - The officer of the Household Guard. A German by birth. Here on Constantius' orders. Maybe if you work well with him, on Constantius orders you may replace Sebastian?
Equitius - A high ranking civilian. He is a Greek by birth. He controls the paychests of the soldiers, and also is very loyal to the capitol (Constantinople).
Potentius - Another cavalry officer. For some reason the other officers (Sebastian and Victor) like him.
Equitius - You are Curator Palatii, Marshal of the Court. You are the highest ranking official in Gaul, except for Caesar Julian. Julian is a distant cousin. You are Greek born. You are a civilian with only limited military experience, however you control the paychests, and have been asked by Julian to keep the soldiers up to date on pay. You are very conscious of your position and feel yourself above all this military riffraff, especially those who rose from the ranks of barbarians, like Sebastian, Richomer and Victor. From your perspective, it seems more prudent to wait for reinforcements but you will advise whatever seems honourable for you to try and impress Julian. You are very loyal to the capital at Constantinople, and to whomever is Emperor. Is it possible that Julian will make a better Emperor than Constantius? It might be good for the stability of the Empire to have a learned man in charge.
What you know about the rest of the council:
Sebastian: A senior officer, who was born as a German. He is a good leader, or so the other military men tell you.
Victor: A senior officer, who was born as a Sarmatian. Also a good leader, but you understand that he is very cautious. His men are responsible for scouting, and may be useful to try to get parlay messages out to the German leaders.
Trajan: A senior officer, who was born as a true Latin, in Rome. He is currently out of favor, and was replaced by Sebastian in his job as leader of the Infantry.
Richomer: You have had dealings with Richomer before. Although he was born a German, he has a taste for the finer things in life. But he is also a first rate military man. He commands Constantius' household guard, and will be sure to keep an eye open for those who are loyal to the Emperor, and those who are loyal rather to Julian. Be careful of him.
Potentius: A young man. Like all young men, he is more interested in women than he should be. Perhaps that is a weakness? The other military men like him, perhaps he shows promise that you just don't see.
What you know about the rest of the council:
Sebastian: A senior officer, who was born as a German. He is a good leader, or so the other military men tell you.
Victor: A senior officer, who was born as a Sarmatian. Also a good leader, but you understand that he is very cautious. His men are responsible for scouting, and may be useful to try to get parlay messages out to the German leaders.
Trajan: A senior officer, who was born as a true Latin, in Rome. He is currently out of favor, and was replaced by Sebastian in his job as leader of the Infantry.
Richomer: You have had dealings with Richomer before. Although he was born a German, he has a taste for the finer things in life. But he is also a first rate military man. He commands Constantius' household guard, and will be sure to keep an eye open for those who are loyal to the Emperor, and those who are loyal rather to Julian. Be careful of him.
Potentius: A young man. Like all young men, he is more interested in women than he should be. Perhaps that is a weakness? The other military men like him, perhaps he shows promise that you just don't see.
Potentius: You are a junior officer, but from a very noble family which adds weight to your opinion. Your father was the previous Caesar of the West, however, he was kiled by his own men at the end of the recent Civil War.
You have found a home in the army, and are a very skilled cavalry officer. You hope to rise in the army, and want your record and achievements to recommend you to higher service in the Empire. You admire successful senior officers like Sebastian and Victor.
You want to attack now and get the battle over with. If you wait for reinforcements, the barbarians might do untold damage.
What you know about the council:
Sebastian: A senior officer, commander of the Infantry. Very responsible, and very talented. Your father and his men spoke of Sebastian as if he were the best general in Gaul.
Victor: Another senior officer, commander of the Cavalry. Also very responsible and beloved by his men. The junior officers under him tell you that Victor is extremely popular with his men, because he kept them out of the recent Civil War battles, and kept most of them alive, when so many other Roman soldiers were killed on one side or the other.
Trajan: A senior officer, but one you want to be like. He has a reputation for being lazy and incompetent, but for some reason, he served on your Father's staff, as his master of Infantry.
Equitius: A civilian. He is very important at court, and is very loyal to the Empire. You don't think he is a military man. He seems to know many important women, and who knows? A politically connected wife might be good for your military career.
Richomer: Another legendary senior officer. He is the Master of Offices for Emperor Constantius, that means he is the commander of the Emperor's Household Guards. He has brought 2,000 elite guardsmen here to help Julian. He also has brought messages from the Emperor.
You have found a home in the army, and are a very skilled cavalry officer. You hope to rise in the army, and want your record and achievements to recommend you to higher service in the Empire. You admire successful senior officers like Sebastian and Victor.
You want to attack now and get the battle over with. If you wait for reinforcements, the barbarians might do untold damage.
What you know about the council:
Sebastian: A senior officer, commander of the Infantry. Very responsible, and very talented. Your father and his men spoke of Sebastian as if he were the best general in Gaul.
Victor: Another senior officer, commander of the Cavalry. Also very responsible and beloved by his men. The junior officers under him tell you that Victor is extremely popular with his men, because he kept them out of the recent Civil War battles, and kept most of them alive, when so many other Roman soldiers were killed on one side or the other.
Trajan: A senior officer, but one you want to be like. He has a reputation for being lazy and incompetent, but for some reason, he served on your Father's staff, as his master of Infantry.
Equitius: A civilian. He is very important at court, and is very loyal to the Empire. You don't think he is a military man. He seems to know many important women, and who knows? A politically connected wife might be good for your military career.
Richomer: Another legendary senior officer. He is the Master of Offices for Emperor Constantius, that means he is the commander of the Emperor's Household Guards. He has brought 2,000 elite guardsmen here to help Julian. He also has brought messages from the Emperor.
The idea for the game came from one of the Wargaming in History volumes - Goths, Huns and Romans by Simon McDowell. As detailed in the book, the ideas for particulars in the scenario are based on Valens' battle of Adrianople, but using the terrain and historical persons from the Julian situation. It was a lot of fun, and the players had a good time. I think next time I try this, I will insert some more structure, as it was too easy for the more eager players to overshadow the less eager participants (that could have been a product of being online, though).
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