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Hi all, just downloaded Hannibal.

Fired up the longest 2nd Punic War scenario and playing as Carthage.

Am I correct in assuming that I first have to capture Saguntum before I can move Hannibal through Gaul and towards Italy? The regions in northern Iberia are blocked and I can't move through there.

Any way to speed up the siege? Since this is the early game era, I'm not having much siege equipment built. Is there any way to capture a town faster or is it basically all about the waiting game and starving them out?

Hello, Mikkel.

In fact, in the 219 SPW scenario the game starts before war is declared between Carthage and Rome.

The war will start either with the capture of Saguntum by the Carthaginian player or after the romans defeat the Illyrian pirates. In the first case, after you conquer Saguntum, a diplomatic option will appear to "clear the northern road" and prepare the crossing to Italy. Note that Massalian and Emporiae lands will remain neutral for some time, and although you can cross them (and draw some supply) you cannot attack them.

The siege of saguntum can indeed take several months. A few points:
- Carthage armies (and all non-roman factions, in fact) do not build siege engines, only roman legions do.
- The siege will tend to be faster with a larger besieger force, so you probably should move Hannibal and Hasdrubal's forces to the siege.
- the siege will end either with the surrender of defenders or, if sufficient breaches are made to the walls, when you can assault it (the siege icon will be red then)
- the chance of making breaches can be increased by using one of the "decision cards" at your disposal, the "siege works". Beware though, because they are not fault-proof and their number is limited - and will not be replenished. The war is long and you may want to save some of these cards for later...
- during the siege you should prepare your strategy - either by buildiing additional land units for Hannibal's army (and lots of supply carts ) and/or building up your fleet...

Hope you enjoy the game!

(PS: if you want to jump straight to the war, you have the "extra" 218 scenario, that starts right after Hannibal's crosssing of the Alps)