Standing Orders for Attack On Pirate Anchorage, Vicinity of Tucca

I. Scouting squadron shall continue its sweep westward per previous orders until such time as they are slightly to the west of the suspected enemy anchorage. At that time, the northern most ship in the screen shall head south to rendezvous with the next picket ship. Those two shall continue south until encountering the third, and so on until the squadron is reconstituted as a fighting formation. They shall close in on the position of the pirate camp, attempting to affect a rendezvous with either Flotilla 2 or Flotilla 1.

II. Two Liburnae scout ships closest to Trojan Horse Fleet will detach and move out ahead of the main body and scout the last reported position of the pirate anchorage, east of the Numidian coastal village of Tucca. If the anchorage is not immediately spotted, continue to work west along the coast towards the town of Igilgili.

III. Upon detection (or confirmation) of ships present at enemy anchorage, one liburnae shall retreat in direction of friendly forces, making appropriate signals when in visual range. Second liburnae shall move north, establishing an observation position at such distance as to minimize detection but maintain surveillance on anchorage site.

IV. Flotilla 2 shall position itself to the northwest of the target area. Flotilla 1 shall position itself slightly to the northeast. The Trojan Horse Fleet shall take up position between the two flotillas. All three formations shall remain over the horizon, undetected by ships at anchorage.

V. When the other ships are in position, and upon confirmation of enemy position, the Trojan Horse Fleet shall sail south towards the anchorage, with the fire ships in the lead. Approach the anchorage “normally,” at low speed, as if preparing themselves to join the other ships at anchor.

VI. Wind and current conditions from early morning to mid afternoon will assist ships drifting into the anchorage. Once abandoned, the fireships will tend to continue into the mass of anchored ships. Two liburnae shall sail immediately behind the fire ships. Once the fires have been lit (as close to the anchored ships as possible), the skeleton crews shall jump overboard, and swim for the liburnae. Once the men are safely aboard, liburnae are to depart northward with all due haste to join the remaining 6 biremes of the Trojan Horse Fleet. Fleet will attempt to engage enemy forces primarily by bombardment, avoiding a general melee until they are reinforced by the Mare Nostra.

VII. Smoke from the anchorage will be the signal for the main body of the Mare Nostra Fleet (consisting of both flotillas and scout ships) shall attack, taking advantage of ensuing confusion brought on by initial attack with fire ships. Friendly forces will have the advantage of the wind at their backs, adding to the difficulties of any enemy ships attempting to flee to the safety of the high seas.

VIII. The goal of this attack is to seek a decisive engagement, sinking and capturing as many enemy ships as possible.

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OOC: In the event that the scouts determine that the enemy fleet has fled prior to the arrival of friendly forces, the Roman fleet will proceed to its secondary target, keeping an eye out for any signs of pirate vessels heading east. Orders for the attack on Chullu Harbor will be issued separately.