[center][b][u]MID-CAMPAIGN EVENT, 219BC[/u][/b][/center]

[b][center]*** The Second Battle of Syracuse, 1st of Maius 219 BC ***[/center][/b]

The Gods spit upon the man who cannot follow orders, and Legatus Horatius' failure to intercept the Carthaginian column [b]before[/b] it reached the city of Syracuse has allowed Hasdrubal to gather his strength. Reinforced by turncoat Sicilians, and elements of Hannibal's Iberian army in Spain, the Carthaginian column has grown in size to 15,000 men. 

Though the Senate is vocally displeased with Horatius' conduct, they are refraining from calling him back to Rome to explain himself - given the force of the Carthaginians that now surrounds Syracuse. 

Rome cannot at this time afford to land additional legions on Sicily, and so Legio V Almeria and Legio Sexta Ferrata must rally themselves against the situation. Furthermore, Syracuse's grain stores are in little shape to withstand a lengthy siege, and Hasdrubal does not care to storm the city. Therefore, the Carthaginian army must be broken on the field of battle, lest the two Roman legions wish to simply starve to death. 

Consul Cornelius has ordered an Alae - an auxiliary legion made up from conscripts of Rome's Italian client states - to the scene, and they have landed in time to assist in the battle. This Alae has been allotted to Legio Sexta Ferrata's command. 

[b]Battle Details[/b]

[hider=Alae I]
Commander: Toxilus Maecenus of Vulci (Subordinate to Legatus Titus Pomponius Philo)

Etruscan Infantry (Light armour, spears and shields): 3,000

Etruscan Slingers: 1,000

Etruscan Horsemen (Light armour, spears): 1,000[/hider]

[hider=Hasdrubal's Army]
Commander: Hasdrubal of Carthage

Iberian Infantry (Heavy armour, sword and shield): 10,000

Iberian Slingers: 2,000

Sicilian Turncoats (Militia, spears and shield): 3,000[/hider]

Legio V Almeria and Legio Sexta Ferrata will stand side by side against the onslaught, but must not falter. Defeat here will spell the end to Roman rule of Sicily.