Well, that was fun.
The invasion of Carthage and African territories initially went well, and captured by the I with minimal casulties. Thaspus soon followed with the II rowing in and taking it, but then the I had a costly win against the desert tribes in Lespis, and the Egyptians are blockading the last territory of Africa I lack. Therefore, I attempted to consolidate until I can break diplomatic ties with them to clear their blockade so I can come in and steal the settlement, but the desert counter attack has been very strong. I had to extract the I to retrain, had the II gradually wear down and then eventually be defeated, and had to call in my garrison legion the V from southern Italy to make up the shortfall- mostly made of auxillia troops, they've since gained the name Africanas after repulsing a wave of Desert armies. However, they ran dangerously low on soldiers, Thaspus was lost to the Desert tribes again, and they've only just held on in the face of sabotage and intrigue from agents whilst the I re-recruits.
Up in the northern Alps, things have also been quite hectic. I was close to securing Raetio et Noricum, but a massive barbarian counter attack swept me completely away! The III was butchered again (they have all the luck), the V Alpina just about secured the mountain passageways, my spies poisoned a ton of people and Patavium was raided. I called in some reinforcements, rebuilt the III and V in the new pattern of early legionaries, and headed north again. The VI was particularly successful, capturing a settlement, Octuduron all by themselves and proceeding the hold it, buying enough time for the VII (which has hoplites in it from Massalia! Rather cool) to relieve it.
I bribed a barbarian border tribe, the Treverii, to be my client state, and as the campaign reached a critical phase against the Cherusci mercenary barbarians started making their appearance in my ranks, especially cavalry. After a few tough battles, the III, V and VI managed to take the rest of the province, whilst Massalia and the Treverii took the opportunity to expand into Germania, creating a little buffer zone for Rome. The VI took the name Minerva after the temple founded in Octuduron, whilst the spies and agents in the area were shuffled a little so that some could sail to Carthage and help the situation there. As it stands, the Cerusci are still at war and still dangerous, but are only able to enter the province via one route, and the III, V and VI are all deployed in the province, with the VII in Cisalpina to lend support and rotate in if needed.
So, what next? Secure the border up north until public order dies down. A legion will then be able to be redeployed to other pressing theaters (my African invasion stumbled somewhat due to the North taking up most of my resources), probably the VI. I've allied myself into a corner in Gaul, between client states and the Gaulish confederation being my allies, so that is relatively safe, too. Africa still needs to be conquered, though- both desert factions are strong, and the incoming I will need support to push on against them. The II needs replenishing still whilst the IV is down to fielding gladiators, but once back up to strength three legions should be enough to secure Africa and launch a few raids here and there. I plan on lifting the Egyptian blockade so that I can come in and take Macomedes for myself- Egypt is pretty much down to Cyrene, as the Seleucids have steamrolled them out of Egypt- and with that flank secured focus on pushing inland and towards Iol.
After that? Probably Spain. Most of the penninsula is at war with me for one reason or another, and the III's defeat still hasn't been avenged.
And I shall go Softly into the Night Taking my Dreams As will You