Suebi Superpower

[EvolvedSaurian]

Alright, we definitely need a map now.

Some thoughts: Once Massilia falls, as I assume it shall soon, the attention of the other powers will probably start to get a little wary of the hairy northern barbari. Macedon and the Hellenic states might try something, but I have no idea as to what.

Also, the Swebezoz have been expanding at a break-neck pace for years, without stopping, near as I can tell. Time for some consolidating, man. I'd like to see how much the Suebi religion influences Gallic beliefs, and vice-versa. The Gauls were somewhat noted for road-building, something the Romans took and improved on. The Suebi could probably do much the same.

And, I'm not sure if you've mentioned it, but they could probably start coining money, helping along the economy and trade and etcetera.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

That one is definitely the best I can do, map-wise, at the moment.

To address your other inquiries:

Massalia, I think, is a little outside the power of Macedon and the other Greek States, right now. I would say that the nearest regional powers that could challenge them presently, are Rome, and possibly Carthage and Epeirus.

I was planning an expedition to the Balkans, but you're probably right about the Suebi's phenomenal tally of conquests so far, so I'll give them a period of rest and consolidation. Maybe I'll put the Scordisci on the map there instead.

Speaking of roads, thats another subject I plan on bringing up.

The fusion of Germanic and Celtic Polytheism will be an enduring aspect of Suebi culture down the centuries.

Suebi Coinage is an inevitable result of what transpired in this TL.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

Actually, instead of having the Suebi invade the Balkans this century, instead, I could have Odovacar launch and invasion from Noreia (Austria), into the stretch of northern Italy just above the Adriatic Sea, giving the Suebi a second avenue to the Mediterrenean, after Massalia. After that, the consolidation phase can then begin.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

28 HSF/ 262 BCE.

With fresh waves of Belgae warbands and settler groups appearing in the Aquitanian lands north of the Pyrenees, certain Gallic communities, such as the branch of Tectosages that migrated there generations ago, began to pack up their meagre possessions, and moved on further. Some travelled through the mountain passes of the southwest, until eventually seeking refuge in the territory of the Celtiberi.

Others moved to the southern coast and set up camp there. They made smoke signals, to alert any passing ships, hoping to contact either Hellenic, or the Phoenician sailors from the wealthy city of Kart Hadast (Carthage). Once establishing contact, many of the Celtic exodites would either trade with them, or offer military service in exchange for taking them, and indeed, their families with them to the merchant's own homelands, wheresoever they may be.

In the far north of the Sweboz Federation, King Odovacar had begun fortifying the various trading stations that dotted the Scandza coast, as well as the islands that lay between Scandza and the great Cimbroz Peninsula (Denmark). Before long, this act of securing trade encourages a trend among the Scandza tribal lords into consolidating there own holdings in this way.

It was also in the same year that Odovacar made a permanent treaty of friendship with the nations of the Scirians and the Bastarnae in the east, and with the powerful Wahloz Scordisi commonwealth in the south. Warriors of the Scordisi that had fought in the service of the Sweboz Kings, come home and begin training their own countrymen in the new Sweboz art of war.

And King Marobod, now in effect the lord and master of Gaul, musters his warhosts for the campaign to force the Hellenic state of Massalia into submission.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

In the Spring of year 28 HSF, the Swebozez Army marched toward the Hellenic city-state of Massalia. The Boule of Massalia, having kept account of the situation among the northern barbaroi, levied a force of fifteen thousand citizen-soldiers and hired mercenaries, versus the twenty-five thousand strong Sweboz army.

The elected Polemarchos (commander-in-chief) of Massalia, against the better advice of his mercenary captains, decided that he could defeat the barbaroi in open battle. He led the army of metic conscripts and polis volunteers to where the Sweboz army was encamped.

The Polemarchos, accompanied by a Keltoi mercenary officer and his retinue, rode towards the barbaroi basileus, Marobod. He told them, through the Keltoi mercenary to vacate Massalian territories at once, or suffer for his folly. Marobod in return, told the Polemarchos that if he and his troops did not lay down their arms and submit to his overlordship, then they would suffer for theirs. Insulted the Polemarchos and his party rode back to their own side.

Soon the Hellenic general ordered his Psiloi (skirmishers, archers and such) to race ahead of the army, while the hoplites marched slowly forward. Marobod ordered his infantry to advance slowly. The core of his infantry, known as the "Speutergardaz" (pike-fence), would leave a gap of twenty yards between them so that the Fyrd-troops, armed with hunting spears, axes and swords, would stream through to protect the Speutergards' flanks. The Sweboz archers would march close behind the main infantry line in support.

Marobod ordered half of his cavalry to ride a quarter-mile to the east, while the the Druhtinaz, would lead the other half in the other direction. The infantry would be left under the command of a senior Warchief and Eorl called Einar.

Once in range, the bowmen of the Sweboz had begun loosing their arrows into the Massalian ranks, this caused many of the Hellenes to charge forward.

The Psiloi got close enough to the Sweboz line to hurl their missiles, but groups of fyrdsmen charged from between the Speutergards and persued the psiloi. They ran back when the Hoplites had begun chasing them. By then, the Speutergards had reached the hoplites and by then battle had joined.

The left wing of the Sweboz cavalry had then wheeled around the whole Massalian army, and begun to trot towards the two-thousand strong Hippeis (cavalry) brigade.

While Marobod wheeled his horsemen toward the rear of the leftside of the Massalian infantry. They rode hard, and smacked into the ranks with such force, that under the combined pressure of Sweboz Horse and Foot, began to route.

The left Sweboz cavalry wing then started to break into a gallop, and charged at the Hippeis, led by the Massalian Polemarchos.

Within moments, the remaining Massalian infantry's morale had collapsed from the heavy losses, and they began to route too.

Marobod and his detail then rode towards the the remaining Hippeis and joined in the slaughter. The Polemarchos got stabbed through the mouth by the Druhtinaz, which discouraged the rest of the surviving Hellenic Horse, who then started fleeing. The battle was over.

 

[rcduggan]

I enjoyed reading about the battle with Massila, it was well-written.

What's happening in Italy right about now? Different from OTL?

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

In a few years, a conflict is going to arise between two of the main Celtic groups in northern Italy. One of the tribes is allied to the Suebi, so not long after the conflict starts, they're going to send a taskforce to aid them. As you might imagine, the Romans in the south, who are already embroiled in the First Punic War, are going to be very worried about the situation ongoing in the north. Suffice to say this will be the beginning of the end for Rome.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

Two days after the battle that took place just 17 miles north of Massalia, Marobod's army appeared on the horizon. The Sweboz taskforce began taking up position outside the city's walls.

King Marobod sent forth a messenger, a Gallic merchant whom often did business in this region, so he was fluent in Hellenic speech. Through his hired interpreter, Marobod told the city's leasders, whom were standing atop the ramparts, that further resistance was futile, and that in holding out against the Sweboz, and expecting help from anyone was not only pointless, but was only detrimental to themselves alone.

Marobod made the merchant to tell them further that if the inhabitants of Massalia were to surrender, and to submit to his overlordship, then he swears that the city would not be looted and it's citizens would go unmolested. He promises to rule the Massalians with a benevolent hand.

Knowing that they had lost the battle and their current situation was untenable, the Massalian Archon and the councillors decided to fling the gates open and permit the entry of the Sweboz Army. They stepped down from the walls to greet their new masters.

Marobod and his retainers rode on horseback into the city before the rest of the army marched in. He slid off his stallion's back and, through the interpreter, greeted the Massalian leaders face-to-face.

"Its a good thing that you lot had the good sense not to fight me, for you have a lovely town here, and I would hate to level it and kill you all. We both of us have much to discuss this day."

The Archon and councillors took Marobod and his officers with them to talk about their future.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

The Sweboz chieftains followed the councillors to the Bouloterion, the building where political meetings took place. Once there, King Marobod took charge of the meeting.

"Did anyone of you seriously think that your forces would have sent us fleeing for our lives?" he asked savagely. "You people are too accustomed with the feuding nations to your north. "

"None of you could have anticipated that one such 'barbaroi' group would have triumphed over the rest. You thought that your position was safe here. Safe from your cousins from across the southern sea. You lot have totally misjudged the situation. And your arrogance offends me."

The Gallic merchant, called Brinno, translated the Northerner-King's criticism to the Massalian oligarchs.

"I only wish to spare your city from attack," Marobod continued "because it is more valuable to us in it's current condition, than what I would do to Massalia if it wasn't for you knowing of the reality of your position. I need an avenue into the Southern Sea trade. While all of you need a strong protector." He paused while his words were translated.

The Archon, called Timandros, cleared his throat get the Barbarian Leader's attention. "Would you be so kind as to tell us who you are and where it is you hail from." The Gaul retold the Archon Timandros' words.

Marobod rolled his eyes. "I am Marobod. Son of the great King that was Hariwolafz. And I am the Druhtinaz of the Western Sweboz and Conqueror of the Wahlaz, and this your city."

"And I am Timandros, son of Heliokles, and incumbent Archon of Massalia. And I need to be sure that my city and it's people are safe under your care?"

Marobod swiveled round to him. "You dare doubt my word?"

Timandros shook his head. "I don't wish to question your honour, Lord Marobod. But as the chief elected official of Massalia, my people's welfare is always among my paramount concerns."

"Well now your most paramount concern is how much faith I have in your loyalty," snarled Marobod. He then turned to the rest of the council.

"Remember this day forever. For this is your first day as loyal subjects of the mighty Sweboz Federation.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

King Marobod brought the Massalian Council out to the Agora (market) and in the sight of the public, forced the oligarchs into swearing allegience to him. As was the custom, he took some of their children with him to make sure their oaths would be nothing less than genuine.

Marobod also stationed six-thousand men of his army in the city for it's "defence". And another nine-thousand men were stationed in newly erected forts around Massalia for further protection. The remainder of the army, mainly fyrdsmen, were disbanded and allowed to return to their families and homes.

For now, Marobod was personally content with all that he now ruled. Now he had an outlet to the Mediterranean, he planned on resettling Venetii and Pictone (northern Aquitanians) shipwrights on the southern coast of Gaul. Those sturdy, high prowed Venetii vessels that so fascinated him a few years ago could be put to better use in the Southern Sea.

He thought also of expanding the old Wahlaz road network, and building many forts for every couple of miles, that would be manned by fyrdsmen whom would be serving their annual four months of military service. And in the true spirit of brotherly love, Marobod would be sending King Odovacar dozens of Wahlaz and Hellenic merchants and craftsmen.

Through the years, Hellenic and Celtic concepts in literacy, mathamatics, advanced architecture, engineering and philosophy would imprint themselves into Sweboz culture.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

After learning of his younger brother's success against the Massalians, King Odovacar began preparing for the invasion of the territories between the client kingdom of Noreia's southern frontier and the northern point of the Adriatic Sea.

There resided an Illyrian tribe called the "Histri", whom would have to be forced into submission.

This campaign was not planned out of mere jealousy for his brother's achievement, but the Sweboz nation needed and additional outlet to the Mediterranean, as well as closer sea-route to the Hellenic Kingdoms.

Odovacar recruited soldiers from the Cherusci, Chauci, Langobards, Gutanz, Hasdings, and the Cimbroz. This force amounted to forty-thousand strong.

He also sent an envoy "requesting permission" from the King of Noreia for the Druhtinaz to lead his army to cross his country. The Noreian King had little choice to comply.

By the Autumn of the year 28 HSF (262 BCE), Odovacar led his troops into war with the Illyrian Histri tribe.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

Odovacar led his army into defeating the tribal forces of the Illyrian Histri and Pirusatae nations. He captured all the main strongholds in the interior, and fortified the coastal settlements.

The King also brought carpenter's and shipwrights with his forces on his expedition. New roads linking the settlements of the newly annexed territory with the kingdom of the Norici.

Those roads like those now being buit across Swebozlandom in the north, were crafted from split wooden planks layed atop causeways dug into the earth.

The new network was needed to facilitate trade, not to mention supporting the numerous garrisons throughout Odovacar's kingdom.

The shipwrights, originating from the Scandza tribes in the north as well as the Venetii captives from his younger brother's conquests, were taken to the coastal settlements.

Odovacar was deeply impressed by the huge boats of the Venetii, and also with the sleek and graceful shapes of Scandza craft. Now, he could have ports and harbours built in the south, so he could have more ships built to compete with the Mediterranean trading powers.

After resettling the bulk his troops on the northern Adriatic coast. He then travelled to the court of the King of Noreia, known to history as "Noriorix".

To strenghen his influence with the tribal kingdom that lay between his heartland and his newly aquired province in the south, Odovacar proposed to Noriorix's daughter, the lithe and graceful seventeen year old Merewenna.

Noriorix, whom had no sons, was satisfied with the proposal, prefering a familial relationship with his overlord rather than living in fear of his displeasure.

After the wedding feast, Odovacar brought his young bride to his palace in Swebaheimat. The year 29 HSF (261 BCE) was the beginning of an age of prosperity and cultural growth.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

As Venetii craft are alledged to be precursors to the medieval caravels, and the scandinavians may have possessed their rather sleek vessels for centuries before they decided to fix them with sails, how likely is it if some of the Mediterranean powers were to adapt these ship designs?

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

After the capture of the city-state of Massalia, King Marobod went touring about his realm. He ordered that the old road networks be extended, and that forts and watchtowers be constructed every couple of miles, and be manned by members of the regional Fyrds or tribal militias.

Coinage based on his likeness was to be minted for the first time. Odovacar, at the same time made a similar commandment.

And temples to Wodenaz, Tiwaz and Thunor were ordered to be constructed in many of the main cities. Since the Wahloz druids percieved Wodenaz as very similar to the God Lugus, they chose not to protest against this decree, and decided that they must in fact be the same deity.

In Massalia, literacy was seen to be in use on a much greater scale then it was among the Gauls. Upon being told that highborn Hellene children were taught to read and write from a young age, Marobod would have educated slaves and freedmen from Massalia brought to his court, and that of his brother, so his children, as well as those of his noblemen, could enjoy the benefit of this foreign, but fascinating skill.

Indeed, hearing of the tales and poems that the Hellenes had recorded on papyrus, wax tablets, and sheepskin, tales like the "Iliad", among others, not to mention for the purposes of keeping trade records and the communication foreign correspondents across the known world, impressed upon the young king the importants of literacy.

His lieutenants and followers in his inner circle were somewhat leery of their lord adopting weird and alien ways. But he was a strong leader of forceful personality and firm vision, and they had experienced nothing but success and prosperity under his rule, so their were no murmurs of dissent on the issue.

Marobod even attempted to learn the written code of the Hellenes for himself. But though he was a very clever man, the administration of his kingdom kept him constantly busy. Through the years, both him and his brother what own a growing cadre of scribes in their households, providing the basis of a growing civil service in the Sweboz Federation.

Marobod had chose the old Biturige city of Avericum as his new captial. More Sweboz settlers would arrive in the region.

And the construction of ships on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts had just begun, within a couple of years, Swebo-Gallic merchant vessels would start to appear increasingly in the ports of Carthage, Rome, Syracuse, Athens, Corinth, Pergamon, Antioch, and Alexandria.

In Odovacar's kingdom, he recruited Celtic Druids and Hellenic scholars into his court. He had begun the process of developing the administrative infrastructure of his realm. He introduced the Wahlaz magistrate-offices of "Verehon" (regional magistrate), and "brehon" (clan-magistrate) throughout the old tribal lands. These roles were filled out by foreign druids and native-born nobles, all appointed personally by the King. And the minting of coins made in his likeness was ordered by the King. In the meantime, the ships he ordered to be constructed on the northern Adriatic coast were sent off to trade with Epirus, Macedon, and the cities of Hellas and those the dwelled on the southern continent that the Hellenes refered to as "Libya". In the first year, the merchant ships were constantly harrassed by Illyrian pirates, so Odovacar authorized his people stationed in the Adriatic to arm their vessels, attack Illyrian ships, and to launch raids on their coastal settlements.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

In th Spring of 29 HSF/261 BCE, the King Odovacar took a retinue of two-hundred Companion-Thanes (royal guards) and forty slave-attendents with him to visit the realm of his younger sibling, the King Marobod. One of their trips around Gaul included a detour to the Arverni capital of Gergovia.

The combined royal trains of both rulers amounted to three-hundred and fifty thanes, 90 slaves, three-hundred and sixty horses, and ten ox-drawn wagons. They all moved in line towards the large stone walls that surrouded Gergovia. Within moments, they walked beneath the arched entrance as the large wooden doors withdrew before them.

The wall-towers and ramparts guarded by the veterans of Marobod's conquest of the city just two years before. The royal entourage weaved their way slowly through the streets of wooden and straw-topped huts, before reaching the larger stone building that were the armouries, smithies, and shops.

"I think you were maybe a bit too lenient with these folk, brother," tutted Odovacar. "Its as if they don't realize that they're no longer their own masters anymore."

Marobod shook his head nonchalently. "It matters not to me their overall attitude. As long as they remember who their true masters are before they even think of rebelling. Should the time come when I need to remind them, then they'll wish that they'd think more kindly of us."

Odovacar nodded. "I hope they won't be too much for you to handle?!"

Marobod smiled. They've proved meek as lambs, so far," he muttered tersely.

"Wolves can act meek also, when it suits them," Odovacar replied.

Finally they reached the huge, sloped-roofed building that was the palace of the Verrix's of Arvernotorg. When the royal Sweboz party reached the front courtyard, a troop of guards and a pack of slaves cordially intercepted them.

The captain of the Swebozez warriors that guarded the Verrix day and night, bowed before the two Druhtinaz'.

"My Lords, his mightyness, the Verrix, is feasting in the central hall."

"Does he think it polite not to greet his fellow sovereigns in person?" demanded Odovacar.

The guard-captain cleared his throat. "His Lordship is often under the weather, sire."

"Don't you dare make excuses for him," Marobod growled.

They all walked on into the palace to meet the Verrix.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

The ample form of the Arverni Verrix, Lurodudoc oi Torvael, was sat at the head of the banquetting table in the main hall of the palace. He was chatting to several noblemen whom knew him from his days before his elevation to tribal kingship. It was then that Marobod, Odovacar, and five Thane-Companions walked into the chamber.

"Oh Marobod dear fellow. We just caught in the deatails of our conver....." but Marobod cut him off.

"Shut your face," he balked. "When you recieve word of a fellow Chieftain is visiting your house, you make it a point to intercept him in person. What's the meaning of this," he demanded angrily.

Lurodudoc frowned. "My friend, theres no need for this bluster. We've been waiting eagerly for your return."

Marobod scowled and crossed over to the table. "Perhaps you've been eagerly waiting to tell me why income from your nations tribute to me has been a little thin this year?" he enquired harshly.

The Verrix was seemingly taken aback by Marobod's insinuation. "Are you accusing me of dishonesty? We've had a bad harvest this year. Its not our fault that the God's test us so."

Marobod gave a harsh laugh. "Bad harvest? You and your cronies are glutting like pigs, and you've had a bad harves?! Don't piss on me."

The Verrix was offended. "You know, I'm not appreciating your tone, Lord Marobod."

Odovacar finally spoke up. "Like his tone or not, you owe him a proper explanation for your lack of gratitude."

Lurodudoc shot him a look. Who is this man that speaks to me so," he demanded.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Marobod said sarcastically. "This is my dear big brother, the Druhtinaz Odovacar of the Northern Realms. And if you continue to avoid the subject, Lord Lurodudoc, I'll pull your damn head off," he suddenly snarled.

One of the Arverni noblemen rose to his feet and pointed a finger at Marobod. "You dare threaten the sacred person of the Verrix," he shouted angrily.

Marobod raised his eyes to the ceiling. He stepped toward the outraged Wahloz nobleman, smiled slightly, and then head-butted him between the eyes, sending the fellow sprawling across the table and the food on it.

"Guards," shouted Odovacar. "Take those idiots out of the hall before my brother kills them," he ordered.

The Thanes-of-the-Guard grabbed the assaulted noble and his companions before forcefully walking them out of the chamber.

Marobod moved to the Verrix's side, grabbed him by the collar, hauled him up, and then grabbed him roughly between the legs.

"Listen you tubby Wahloz piece of shit," he growled in Lurodudoc's ear. "You owe me for this food you scarf, the slave-girls you hump, and the so-called respect of your people. Now, if you think you can with-hold information from me. Then, I'm going to keep twisting, and twisting," Marobod's voice started getting louder and harder with each word. "And I'll keep squeezing, and squeezing. Until....." he paused, "your balls will pop," he roared into the suffering Verrix's ear.

"Alright," gasped the terrified Lurodudoc. He then told the brothers everything they needed to know about an upcoming rebellion. He told them of the number of Insubre mercenaries being hired into the retinues of the minor chiefs of the Arverni.

The Verrix was then confined permanently to his personal quarters. His guards were under orders to never let him leave the walls of the palace, but were told that he was permitted all the beer he required.

Later in the evening, Marobod and Odovacar were in the feasting hall, with their retainers, enjoying a meal, and watching as a troup of slaves playing pipe-music, and perform acrobatic stunts.

"I think you better cut the fat bastard's throat one of these days, little brother," said Odovacar, as he was consuming a roast goose-leg.

"He deserves worst," murmured Marobod as he observed the lithe movements.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

After the Verrix Lurodudoc oi Torvael gave up the names of the rebel chiefs to Marobod, orders were given to Swebozez forces to seek out the dissidents, and execute them and their families. Any foreigner present in Arvernotorg who was identified as a Insubre was killed on the spot.

By the time the purging of the Arverni aristocracy was considered complete, Marobod took Odovacar to the Hellenic city of Massalia. Odovacar was deeply impressed with the beautiful agoras and temples that he came across. So impressed in fact, he invited many more Hellene architects, engineers, doctors and scribes to accompany him back to Swebaheimat.

In the years to come, extensive public works of the sort that had never before been known in the lands north of the Rhine took place. The construction of a new palace in Swebaheimat was ordered by King Odovacar. It was to be located at the edge of the city, and it was intended to be modeled on the regal abodes of the Hellenic sovereigns across the Southern Sea.

By the year 31 HSF/259 BCE, the Swebozez ships that were built in Massalia and the Adriatic port of Segestica, had been put to sea, and made frequent visits to Syria, Macedon, Hellas, the Anatolian coastal cities, Egypt, Rome, Syracuse, and the Phoenicien commonwealth of Carthage. Within five years, there were Hellenic, Punic, Syrian, and Egyptian merchants travelling as far inland as Bibracte and Vesontio (old Sequani capital), searching for new markets.

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

As Venetii craft are alledged to be precursors to the medieval caravels, and the scandinavians may have possessed their rather sleek vessels for centuries before they decided to fix them with sails, how likely is it if some of the Mediterranean powers were to adapt these ship designs?

Seriously, how fast would the Greeks, Carthaginians, and the Romans adopt the designs of craft that were made to endure the rougher seas of the north Atlantic?

 

[Lysandros Aikiedes]

In the year 35 HSF/ 255 BCE, a Scordisi nobleman, a former mercenary in the service of the Sweboz and the Epeirotes, rises to the power the chieftainship of his sept. His name is Acco oi Liscos, and he trains his own clan-militia in the use of the phalanx formation. He leads his people in many successful raiding operations against the enemies of the Scordisi, and quickly gains the respect of his peers among the other clans. By the year 37 HSF/ 253 BCE, the leaders of the other Scordisi groups elect him as their overlord.

One of his first acts as the King of the Scordisi was to reaffirm his people's friendship with the Sweboz Federation. Not only that, but he also needed the Sweboz navy to step up it's raids on Illyrian territory to their west. Acco needed the Illyrian tribes attentions to be divided so he could lead his warriors on a campaign to give their country access to the Adriatic. By the following year, most of the Illyrian tribes north of Epeiros were either completely subdued, or forced to acknowledge the Scordisi as their superiors.

In that same year, the last great rebellion of the Arverni tribe against Sweboz rule occured. Many of the Averni nobility, having grown resentful that they were no longer masters in their own home, began inciting the indigenous population to assault the Sweboz settlements.

The rebellion lasted in all, three months of the summer before opposition was crushed for the very last time by Marobod. Many more people were massacred. Ring leaders were executed, and their families reduced to slavery.

When the truth emerged that non other than the puppet-Verrix himself, Lurodudoc oi Torvael had secretly sent money to aid the rebellion through intermediaries living outside the palace, King Marobod rode to the city of Gergovia at the head of a large force. He entered the Verrix's hall, and after gaining confirmation of the the tired, drunk, and morbidly obese Lurodudoc, he gave him a choice: take his own life, or die by the Druhtinaz' own hand.

Lurodudoc chose the former. With the help of servants, he fell upon his sword. Marobod then demanded that the druids and surviving nobility acknowledge him as the new Verrix. And they had no other choice.

In the year 39 HSF/ 251 BCE, Acco of the Scordisi leads his forces to invade the territories of the Thracian Maedi and Agrianoi tribes. Both are the vassals of the Kingdom of Macedon. This leads to a war with the great Hellenic power, further down the road.