After...
A brief "medical episode" requiring hospitalization (luckily, being UK-based, the ambulance, tests, overnighting, medications etc. etc. are free at point of service: phew...) followed by a ghastly bug, more medico tests plus a dip into painting and modelling while recuperating, delayed things a tad.
So, where were we...?
Caeog's Progress.
Caeog pushes south west with his whole force, rushing through the Pro-Roman hillfort cluster at XLIII (no time to ravage), and making for the confluence/fork of the upper Nida valley; hoping to inspire a revolt here. However, the locals are NOT friendly (modified result of 17)
On the Roman side Caesetius marches to Fort Firmium to resupply. Caninia overawes two septs in the north. Albinius, at Fort Difforum is resting and resupplying.
Next day I (as Caeog now) have a choice: seek out one of the isolated Roman columns, move further into potentially Roman-friendly zones in the hope of prompting a revolt or to go ravaging.
I feel I need a victory against a Roman force to improve my chances of spreading the revolt. The alternatives (put my force out on a limb by pushing south/south west or west or wait for the Romans to concentrate and reorganise) seem riskier. Attacking the forts looks like a no-no. With the other two Roman detachments currently static I MAY be able to catch Caninia.
However, the Council decides to try to spread the revolt and so we move West - raising two districts (and about 100 men) but finding another hillfort cluster hostile.
Day 14 - 15, and the Romans seem to be inactive or just resting up.
To have any hope of seriously increasing the size of Caeog's army we really need to raise the more densely populated lowland areas to the south - but this means pushing towards the coast road (speedy movement for the Romans), the potential to be trapped against the sea AND being caught in country more suitable to the Romans.
On the other hand, there is still the chance of catching one of the Roman forces while they are isolated.
Day 16:
Caninia receives word of Caeog operating in his rear. He at once marches south, headed for friendly Hillforth Cluster XLIII (commanding access to the north and east), where he intends to camp.
Albinius too has been informed of the rebels' movements, and heads north west to Fort Nidenum.
Caesetius, unaware of developments, in the west, pushes to subdue more rebellious septs in the north and centre and reach the (isolated) friendly sept in the north centre to "show the Eagle" and reassure.
Isca does nothing.
Caeog calls a Council. After two hours they decide to seek out a Roman force - and decide to head north, for Caninia's command. Moving north and then east they come across his trail in the region of Hillfort Cluster XLX and follow. At day's end they see the fires of his camp. They will rest-up, planning to swoop on him as he moves out the next day.
Day 17:
However, as dawn breaks, Caeog's scouts report Canina's command already standing-to before their camp, on the slopes above and across the River Nida (Neath). Friendly locals [Dice Test] must have informed him of Caeog's presence.
With the other Roman forces both within a day's march of his position Caeog really has little choice. He drawn up his men opposite Caninia. The river is fordable here for most of its length, but it and it's steep, wooded banks will be a nuisance.
We have a battle to fight: The Battle of The Nida...
