Increasing warlike activity among the Gallic tribes in the north finally erupted in 197BC when a large Gallic host invaded the peacful provinces of the Republic. Fortunetly the Seneate had recently dispatched L. Aemilius Paullus to the area formed as it was with troops previously destined for action in the east. Advancing north Paullus determined to take aup a position astride the advance of the Gallic host. He selected his position well. On the western flankwas the xx Sea, while on the the ground rose quickly as the valley was narrow near the small town of xxx. Now, in the warmth of a an Italian spring day the forces deployed. Not a breeth of wind blew through the olive trees. 

The Roman army was divided into four bodies. The main body[1] consisted of Roman & Allied legions under Paullus' direct command was deployed in the centre. The legions deployed in three lines. Staioned in front were the velites, here they were to delay any sudden Gallic advance. Some distance back were the main fighting strength of the legions. Deployed in two lines were the hastati followed by the principes. Paullus hoped that the two lines would be sufficent to stop the expected fanatical Gallic charges. He drew his veteran triarii up on the right of the second line in an uncharacteristic position to provide greater protection for the right flank of the legions. Deployed opposite Paullus's legions was a seething mass of Gallic warriors[2].

However, Paullus deployed poorly and the legions under Q. Marcius Philippus [6xBd(O), 2 Sp(S)] and assorted supporting Roman & Italian cavalry were unable to deploy completely. Opposite Philippus was an Allied tribe of Gauls including associated warriors mounted in chariots. This defined the right of the Gallic line. To Philippus left was a small olive grove covered hill and beyond this the coast. Deployed in the depths of the olive groves were Italian auxilia and sailing swiftly along the coast Rhodian galleys complete with their complement of Rhodian Marines.

On the Roman right flank Paullus' legions were protected by the light skirmishing cavalry of his Numidian allies. The area where the Numidians were deployed continued for some distance until the flat plains were replaced by a the rising ground of a large hill. Like that on the Roman left it was steep hill and covered by olive trees. Opposite the Numidans were two further Gallic tribes, one allied and the under a Helvetti chieftain.

Before the sun had reached it's mid point the sound of Gallic warriors bellowed across the valley. The warriors encouraged by stories of riches and past victories struck their shields with weapons in an attempt to casue fear in the Roman ranks. The Legions stood firm. The Gallic host, now lamost frantic advanced forward all along the line. [ Three of the four PIP dice were 6's].

with much and held sufficiently that I could advance part of the weaker legion on the left flank and wheel the elephants and some Ligurains on to the flank of the main mass. The other elements of this command, well the Hastati at least advanced and with the help of some Ax who sprung their ambush slowed an Allied tribe's advance.