Rule of the Arvern.

[Aenos]

Rule of the Arvern.
An EB-AAR using the Arverni.

Houserules:
-Only 1/3 of the army may consist of mercenaries.
-May only retrain a maximum of 2 units per city, per turn within the borders of Gaul, outside of that only ‘native’ forces will be retrained.
-Not allowed to stand at a bridge for longer then 1 turn.
-May not recruit any units whatsoever in towns without a governor.
-Generals must stay in the capital until the age of 20.
-May not use very-high tax setting unless I’ll drop into the red if I don’t/am in the red.
-Must roleplay with general’s traits unless this isn’t practically possible to add to the story in a logical way.
-Played on VH-H.

Here it is, the beginning (well, only the houserules) of my new AAR. I'm sorry to not have been able to start this weekend but I'll try to make the first part either today or tomorrow.

[NeoSpartan]

VH/VH with the Arverni?????
Good luck... u'll need it.



p.s. besides "normal" difficulties of being a Gaul, remember u get no warcry, no bonus fighting in snow/trees 'till .81

[Aenos]

I always do my campaigns VH-VH and I didn't think the Arvern would require any 'special treatment'? I hope I am not mistaken though.. Wouldn't want to have to end again soon..

And seeing I haven't played with Gaul more then a few turns at all I guess it'll take a bit to adjust. Though I've read the Romani finally don't use the damned triarii only armies so I think I might be able to manage.

[GMT]

Epeiros is a lot stronger in 0.8 too so the Romans will have a lot more trouble with them. In my Aedui campaign the Epirotes finished off the Romani for me

Your economy sucks though cuz for some reason I'm unable to build paved roads or upgrade mines.

[Aenos]

Aye, I've noticed in the maps posted by other fans. They appear to be able to actually hold some land in Italy. However, should they be beaten I'll be facing quite a hard nut to crack.. I do prefer playing a hard campaign over an easy victory-only one of course though, so I guess I shouldn't complain and just get started. *laughs*

[NeoSpartan]

Well I in my Aedui camplain Rome came after me by 268BC!!! So if ur "lucky" they won't come after u so fast like they did with GMT.

I decided to stop my Aedui camplain after I found out about the lack of bonuses since I had some house rulz in my campain that DEMANDED those bonuses because I couldn't use other tactics.

One of the house rulz was NOT to place my army on top of a hill in the Campain map so the AI will attack it. What way I start the battle in very steep high slope, and the AI has to come after me.


but PLZ let us know in ur AAR what tactics u used to beat the Romani in VH/VH.... the EB fans and I might learn something

[GMT]

One thing I always do in my Aedui/Arverni campaigns is go for Aventicos ASAP. You can really use the barbarian phalanx unit you can recruit there when fighting the Romani. I forgot their name, I think it's Mori something..

[Aenos]

Chapter 1: War with the Aedui; A vision that leads to victory.
Aneirin oi Lugos, Verrix of the Arverni, saw his capital Gergovia where fertile rain blessed the land. A moment later he stood before Bibracte, main city of the Aedui confederation (his enemies), burning in flames, a flash of lightning splitting the sky. Then he heard the screams of dieing men and women as he saw his sword rising high over the green lands of Gaul.

Aneirin sat upright in bed, sweating heavily. He quickly rose, put on a pair of trousers and paced out of his room.

‘A dream you say?’
Ulrigos, head-druid of the Arvern court, looked a bit surprised at Aneirin. Aneirin nodded and described the dream in detail. The druid frowned and silence fell as he pondered the information.
‘Very interesting.. Verrix, I believe Taranis, lord of thunder and storms, has granted you a vision.’
Aneirin frowned and seemed as pleased as surprised.
‘Taranis? I wouldn’t have expected that.. Why would the lord of storms send a vision of war?’
‘I sadly cannot answer that question. The signs are unmistakably clear though. Rain over Gergovia, lightning splitting the skies of Bibracte.’
A slight smile came to the Verrix’ face.
‘But what does it mean, Ulrigos?’
‘The civil war that has taken so many lives will in the end be won by you, great Verrix, and the lands of Gaul will be united under the mighty sword of the Arverni.’
The druid looked down at the ground and as he looked up again Aneirin saw his face had turned grim.
‘However.. Bibracte in flames, cries of death.. I fear many of our people will die as well before a final victory is achieved.’
Aneirin sighed, thinking of his people.
‘This news saddens my hearth.. I’m old, Ulrigos and I can feel the burden of time weighing heavily on my shoulders.. When I was younger I fought many a great battle and took many Aedui lives. Though it pleases me to know this war that takes such a great toll from my people will end in victory, the price asked is great.. And yet I do not think I have a choice, either we shall fight and win a costly victory, or we shall surrender and wither away slowly under our enemies rule..’
A fire was lit in the eyes of the old king and he felt some of his old vigour returning to him.
‘No! I shant be remembered as a coward, Ulrigos.’
With that he left the druid and went for a midnight stroll enjoying the cold, refreshing air.

In the following weeks the Verrix’ hall at Bibracte was bustling with activity as the great chieftains of the Arverni met with Aneirin to discuss war plans. It was decided that the armies would gather in the three largest Arvern cities. Gergovia in the south, Viennos in the east and Vesontio in the north. The Verrix himself would lead the army of Gergovia northward to strike at the main armies of the Aedui, whilst he was moving there Adcobrovatos, a skilled chieftain from the northern lands, would lead the forces of Vesontio in an assault of Gergovia. With luck, they would cripple the Aedui by destroying their military might and taking their main city. However, there was one weakness in this plan, for their enemies also controlled lands south of the Alps. All agreed it could not be afforded to leave the heartlands open for an attack. Therefore, Belenos, chief of Viennos, would take his warriors and hold the mountain passes. An offer to Taranis, bringer of the vision, was given and the plan slowly came into action. Within the coming years the fate of Gaul would be decided.

---

Here you go, the intro. About 'defeating' the Romani? Well, I plot to quickly destroy the Aedui in 'mainland' Gaul and then let them keep their Italian province. With luck I can get them to become my protectorate and keep peace with Rome for a while.

Mori Gaesum? I heard of them, I'd prefer to take that town only after a while, are they truly that needed? Anyway, thank you both for the advice.

[Aenos]

*sighs* Sadly, no matter how hard I try it appears to be impossible to play the Arverni on Vh-Vh.. So I'll be changing it to Vh-H.. A shame really, but I'd rather have it that way then to see myself lose within the next few turns..

[Aenos]

Damn.. It posted bloody thrice?!

[Moros]

I played the Aedui once back in the days the open beta wasn't even there. I tell you if there's one thing important when playing them is finishing of the aeudui quickly enough to build up and expand. Also the Belgae provinces have quite good units. Anyway I've played with the Aedui in a more recent build and I tell you the gaesatae are worth their money, but they aren't that effective against triarii. However if you are able to train slingers (that's a new unit no?) do. Use them to take out the triarii. 2 slingers a triarii, One which they'll chase one who'll sling at their behinds. Really effective. Aslo note that your generals have verry good troops and they are free too. So don't be afraid to use, tough be carefull to retreat them when needed. You don't want to loose your generals.

[Aenos]

Thank you for the advice, Gertgregoor. Will try and get some slingers as soon as I have money..

And as an update on the current situation (on Vh-H to remind you.). I've recently destroyed the Aedui military in mainland Gaul with a few key battles and am besieging Bibracte and their northern-most city (can't think of the name..). Shame though that the Romani are coming north.. and they decline my requests for an alliance..

[NeoSpartan]

Pray to Gods for time......
.......hopefully they will listen.

[Aenos]

Well it seems Taranis (don't really know why I picked him for this AAR but yet..) has given me the time you speak of. The Romans are fighting heavily with Epeirote and the remaining Aedui are still between me and them. Would actually prefer to just destroy them but their armies are a lot stronger then mine due to the money injections they get..

[Moros]

note that Massilia will give you hoplites and is good for money (sea trade) yet it will fasten the war with the Romans. Anyway keep the AAR comming!

[NeoSpartan]

Don't worry the Romans will come for the Aedui (and then u). Just try to get a ceasefire from the Aedui if its been 1year of non fighiting.

[NeoSpartan]

note that Massilia will give you hoplites and is good for money (sea trade) yet it will fasten the war with the Romans. Anyway keep the AAR comming!

What type of hoplites, Taxei???

[Aenos]

note that Massilia will give you hoplites and is good for money (sea trade) yet it will fasten the war with the Romans. Anyway keep the AAR comming!

Of course the AAR will come, hopefully I'll manage an update this evening. Perhaps I'll take Massilia someday.. When I have money+an army..

Oh and I guess I've been quite lucky. *grins* When the Aedui send a small stack towards my undefended lands a rebel army destroyed them. Shouldn't we all love the amount of rebel spawns in EB? *laughs*

[Moros]

What type of hoplites, Taxei???

Massilian hoplites. No Match for triarii or something, but better than your average soldier, I think. Not as good as the Mori Gaesum, I believe. Not sure tough.

[Aenos]

Well, if they're cheaper then the Mori it might be worth it.. Hmm..

[Moros]

Check the edu if you want to know their stats. Or try a custom battle, if you can find them.

[Aenos]

Thank you for the help.

Anyway, I'm writing again, hopefully it will be finished this evening.

And about the Romani, they seem to have spared me for now. It's 265 BC and they've still not even got near to attacking me. I believe they're trying to take the path 'around' the Alps as to not attack the Aedui. Never thought those buggers would actually help me.

[NeoSpartan]

Thank you for the help.

Anyway, I'm writing again, hopefully it will be finished this evening.

And about the Romani, they seem to have spared me for now. It's 265 BC and they've still not even got near to attacking me. I believe they're trying to take the path 'around' the Alps as to not attack the Aedui. Never thought those buggers would actually help me.

Keep an eye on Roman expansion U don't want surprices.

Oh and Gertgregoor
Are Massilian hoplites like Hoplitai Iphikratides (the white ones with boots of KH)?? U can buy Mercs of Hoplitai Iphikratides around that settlement. HOWEVER there are also some hoplites (not sure if they are the Massilian hoplites) that u buy as mercs too, BUT they don't fight in a phalanxs, they fight as the Hypaspistai with spears and gaelic swords.

I'll in the Costume battle to make sure tonight..... late at night....

[Aenos]

I'm sorry to dissapoint you, but I won't be able to update today. I managed to finish the first half of the update but the other half will have to wait for tommorow.

[Moros]

Those Massiloi hoplitai have an attack value of 10 (9 with swords) and defence value of 21 (10,8,3). Their recruitment cost is 1036 and have an upkeep of 259.

Mori gaesum:
attack: 15 (10 for swords)
Defence 20
recruitment cost: 2050
Upkeep:512
And have phalanx formation

[Aenos]

Seems the Massilian ones are quite cost-efficient, I think I'll soon take Massilia.. Writing again.

[Moros]

note that there are only 60 men in 1 unit, If i recall correctly.

[Aenos]

Might be hard to use in that case.. *shrugs* I'll conquer Massilia anyway (if I can that is) as it grants access to the Mediteranean.

[Aenos]

Chapter 2: War with the Aedui; War for Gaul.
The main army had made it’s camp between the two rivers in central Gaul. Aneirin sat in his tent when a devastated messenger stumbled in.
‘H..hail Ve..rrix!’
Aneirin looked up at the young messenger, his clothing was shredded and covered with blood, a fresh cut was visible on his arm.
‘By Lugos! What’s happened to you soldier?’
‘We.. We were attack..ed, milord.’
A short pause fell and the soldier regained himself.
‘The Aedui forces from Gergovia nearly annihilated the relatively small army under Adcobrovatos.’
Aneirin looked at the ground as sadness filled his heart.
‘My son.. Does he live?’
‘Yes, Verrix, he managed to escape after his brave attempt to guard the flanks of the retreating army.’
A slight smile appeared on the Verrix’ face as he heard his son had survived.
‘You may go soldier, though I suggest you to visit the herbalists before you leave for Viennos again.’
The soldier bowed muttering a few words of thanks and left the tent.

‘The cowardly Aedui have attacked our greatly outnumbered army from Vesontio. Only a handful of our men managed to retreat to safety. If our enemies wish to die in battle then I shall gladly bring them that opportunity.’
The face of Aneirin was grim and filled with both anger and sadness.
‘Verrix, I agree, we must meet them in battle. But I don’t think we should do anything rash. They’ve taken a strong, defensive position.’
‘What do you suggest we do then, Belenos?’
‘When I rode here from the south I noticed a small, lightly wooded area. If we can lure them to attack us there we have a far greater chance of achieving victory.’
Amminos, the youngest son of the Verrix, looked a bit surprised at this plan.
‘But if what you say is true, and they are in a defendable position, I don’t see what would make them willing to abandon it and come here, where we have the advantage?’
A few of the other commanders nodded but Belenos grinned.
‘We’re deep in Aedui heartlands, but a few miles from Gergovia itself to be exact, I find it hard to believe that they have not been watching our every move closely. Surely they have some scouts around the camp. Therefore I think that if we make it look like we’ve sent away most of our soldiers they might make a bold move and strike at us here. This is what we need those forests for, if we can station a few hundred of our men there, they will not be seen but still be able to get here in time for any battle.’
Most commanders nodded in agreement and though a few mutters could be heard the cunning plan was accepted.

Two guards sat at the edge of a small forest. They were ordered to watch the small bridge which was the only place within a day’s ride to cross the river. If the Aedui decided to attack Aneirin had wanted to be certain to know. Suddenly one of the guards rose.
‘Look at that hill over there! Might be the Aedui..’
He pointed into the distance. A few minutes passed as they both stared at the distant hill.
‘I fear you’re right, Periadoc, there are too many people moving over there to not be an army..’
Periadoc nodded.
‘Let’s go, we must inform our commander.’

‘Verrix, two of my soldiers just reported they had seen the Aedui coming this way from Gergovia.’
The officer bowed deeply and Aneirin grinned.
‘Thank you for the news. Now go and prepare your men, the long awaited battle will soon commence.’



The Verrix sat on his horse and spoke to his gathered army.
‘Brave men, sons of Gaul! This war has slowly crept over all of our mighty lands, causing many dead and ruining our economy. Rumours tell us that the eyes of the southern ‘civilized’ nations are turning their eyes northward, to us! I fear that if this war doesn’t end soon we might never recover. Therefore, fight with all your strength and know that victory is within our grasp!’
A mighty roar was bellowed by the soldiers. As they calmed down orders were shouted, horns were blown and positions were taken along the forest edge. Slowly the enemy approached. The Arvern cavalry charged forward and threw their heavy spears at their lightly armoured adversaries. Within minutes over 100 Aedui, frightened they hastened their pace and, with a mighty charge, reached the forest.
‘Hold the line! Show them your strength!’
Aneirin shouted at his men as the battle truly began. Then he turned to his son and second-in-command, Belenos.
‘Blow the horn, my son, and give the sign to our cavalry.’
Belenos nodded and the sound of the mighty war-horn was heard by all who fought that day. Within moments the light cavalry, that had been skirmishing since the beginning of the battle, swung around and charged at the unguarded backs of the Gergovian spearmen. Many Aedui died in that minute but when the governor of Bibracte, Dennoros, charged at the light Arvern cavalry they had to retreat and regroup. Aneirin swore heavily and overlooked the situation. His light cavalry had been driven off, his left flank was crumbling and the middle and right were barely any better. Knowing he was losing the battle he charged in himself. Slashing with his long sword, fending off attacks with his shield the Verrix and his personal escort devastated his enemies and strengthened the hearts of his men.



The battle was won and the Aedui military in mainland Gaul had been nearly completely annihilated. Within the following years Bibracte, Cenabum and Avaricum were taken by the armies under Anarein. When he finally returned to Gergovia he had united the main heartlands of Gaul and only the small lands to the south of the Alps remained under Aedui control. Slowly the economy was restored and Gaul prospered.

---

Have to thank the EB-crew for the great generals made for the Gauls, they look great! (and of course everything else is great as well *laughs*)

Well, that concludes the war with the Aedui. I wonder what will come next.. Though the Romani have signed peace with the Epeirotes they seem to expand eastward instead of northward. *shrugs*

[Aenos]

Blimey.. Seems the Romani are now moving at me rapidly..