[center][b]TURN 2: 88 B.C.[/b][/center]

[b]Grand Varectian Republic, Delosian Province, 88 B.C., Late Spring[/b]

The Delosian Conquest over ten years ago had turned the Varectian Republic into a power capable of more than just subjugating uncivilized tribal federations. The Thecian colony of Sarecia was a two hundred long legacy, home to some of the fiercest warriors in the realm. The conquest of Delos aside, Delos itself was probably closer in culture to Varus than any other territory yet conquered. The island, grassy on the cool edges with desert plains running along it's barren center, was an excellent hub of trade and commerce between Thecia and Varectia, though no love had been lost between the two. Though conquered, the people brooded themselves as second rate citizens. But not forever.

General Sericles of Thecia had served as the Royal Master of Horse to the Thecian army during the Varectian conquest, but had been recalled during the [b]Thecian Wars[/b] (93 B.C. - 88 B.C.), which meant that any resistance to the Varectian province in the colony had all but dissipated. Sericles however, returned as quick as he could, and this time with the Silver Shield mercenaries at his back. The Thecians, bested by the flexibility of the Varectian Legion in the hilly terrain of the Sarecian city-state, would choose the battleground this time.

With the Legion X [i]Delosia[/i] still in garrison, Sericles ordered 5,000 of the Silver Shield mercenaries forward against the two villages of Bica and Taracles. The Silver Shield mercenaries, assembled in several tight phalanxes, were set upon by the local Auxilia almost immediately. It was no conquest.

[center][img]https://www.warhistoryonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/maxresdefault-640x360.jpg[/img]
[i]Silver Shield mercenaries in the field outside Bica, 88 B.C.[/i][/center]

Though larger, 8,000 Varectian Auxilia simply could not cause enough damage to disrupt the Sarecian soldiers. Sericles masterly maneuvered his troops into an advantageous position over and over, until the Varectian commander Gaius Marius of Tuebia ordered a general retreat. It was fate still that smiled on the Varectians, for the Sarecians remained to collect their dead then retreat back south to Delos.

- [b]Delos[/b] is attacked by [b]5,000 Sarecians[/b].
- [b]Delos Province[/b] loses 2,500 Auxilia.