German high command

Just finished some command stands to lead my ancient germanic hordes. First up is Ariovistus the German Suebi King (on the left - from Foundry)who fought Caesar at The Battle of Vosges. King Ariovistus' held the political status of official friend of the Romans. Gallic leaders had asked Caesar for protection against Suebi who they claimed were 120,000 in number and settling on their lands and taking hostages.Caesar agreed to speak with Ariovistus who refused Caesar's request for a meeting. He said Caesar should come to him -he wondered why Rome was interfering. Caesar's response was to stop encroaching into Gaul and to restore hostages taken from the Aedui Gauls. Refusal would bring reprisals. The Gallic chiefs then stirred things up by telling Caesar the Suebi had increased their presence with up to 100 clans gathered on their lands. They asked Caesar what he intended to do about this clear violation of hgis recent demands to Ariovistus. Caesar responded by marching 4 legiosns to confront the Germans. Several more meetings between the two leaders broke down and achieved little. Caesar learnt the Germans were awaiting the full moon - so he took advantage of this and attacked himself.The Germans responded with vigor, but Roman tactics soon led to panic among them. As they fled, Caesar led the pursuit. Ariovistus managed to escape.Ariovistus may have escaped but it is unlikely that he retained any position in the citizen-army of the Suebi. When the Usipetes and Tencteri were driven from their lands by the Suebi in 55 BC, he is not mentioned.

He was dead by late 54 BCthe manner of his death is unknown. Tacitus notes that to flee from battle, abandoning one's shield, was shameful among the Germans, and those who did so often hung themselves and that traitors and deserters were hung, and cowards drowned! Above- One of Ariovistus allied Chieftans (who is actually a grenadier barbarian figure!)