Turn 1 - Military unit construction along what I am dubbing the Pyranean Line. Spain is controlled by Otho, the current Emperor and I need to maintain a defensive line along the mountains to protect my flank, while I move the Germania legions under Vitellius into Northern Italy.

Treachery to begin this scenario!

Turn 1 - A bidding war is underway for the support of Macer in Carthage, Africa. I am playing as Vitellius and I am already stretched thin over Britain, Germania and Gaul. Having to worry about Africa, seems like a headache I can't afford.

I am playing the 25 turn "Year of Four Emperors 68 AD" scenario for AGEOD's. One of my gaming resolutions for 2017 was to learn the AGEOD system and play this game. It is clear to me early on, that AGEOD offers great insight into the Roman period with this strategic, operational game and it's various DLC.This is my second attempt at this particular scenario (which comes with the main game). I originally tried the scenario not knowing about unit construction, blockades, etc. Basically I knew how to move my units and read the map and so I attempted unsuccessfuly to lead the German legions under Vitellius against Otho and the other pretenders clamoring for the throne after the assasination of Emperor Galba by the Praetorians.This second time though, I am using the various layers within the game to hone in on important information like strategic locations, supply and where I can construct/recruit troops from. I am also learning how important commanders can be to your success during the campaign.I have to say I really like this game. There are just the right amount of political, diplomatic decisions to make.Below are some of the things I am considering as I kick things off...The challenge for Vitellius is to concentrate his forces and advance into Italy quickly to defeat Otho before the new Emperor can organize his forces. Complicating this challenge is that the scenario begins during the winter and that Vitellius must also maintain control over the very challenging regions of Germania, Gaul and Britannia while he does this.Maybe the most important early political decision you will have to make is whether to invest in and support Macer in Carthage. Because I am playing as Vitellius and my forces aren't as concentrated as Otho's or the Danube legions to the East, I am going to take a pass on supporting Macer and getting involved in Africa.If you play as Vitellius, you need to make an early decision about how you are going to seize Rome and defeat Otho the current Emperor while protecting yourself from attack by Otho's forces in Spain.The Pyrenean Line of Praesidium, Auxillia and Impendimenta that I am investing my treasury in is my answer. There are other strategic issues, like how I am going to garrison Britannia and still support the effort to take Italy and how strong must my force along the German frontier be.If you haven't tried this game yet, or have wondered about the AGEOD system, I encourage you to follow this blog. Previously, I have blogged about thefor this game and I plan to blog more about Alea Jacta Est in the weeks ahead.