Greetings from the RS team!

As you may know, we're hard at work on a complete overhaul of our mod, version 2.0, and eager to share some of our work with you!

This thread is going to offer up some sneak peaks at new units, buildings, traits, scripts, our new map -- every aspect of the new Roma Surrectum. This gives us a place outside of our faction previews to share works in progress and get feedback -- what do you like, what don't you like, what do you want to see, and how much do you love Rome? (dvk insisted on that last bit... :D)

One of the key elements of RS 2.0 is a total revamp of the Celts -- a truly extraordinary people who spread from Britain to Asia Minor -- fine craftsmen, fearless explorers, crafty traders and, of course, bloodthirsty warriors! We don't feel that they've ever been given the respect they deserve in RTW, and we aim to change that. RS 2.0 will feature three Celtic factions and many additional Celtic units covering Europe from the windswept Caledonian highlands to the mountain strongholds of Galatia. The Celtic hosts in RS2.0 will be something to behold, and so we start off this thread of previews with a brand new unit -- the Gallic Champions!

GALLIC CHAMPIONS



Gallic Champions are the the best of the best -- elite Gallic warriors who have blooded themselves many times in battle. These men are utterly ruthless, but they are not wild-eyed fools -- they know when to charge, and when to hold their line and await the enemy. Their morale is beyond question, and their discipline rivals that of Rome's legions. They fight in close-knit bands, bound by blood-oath to a warlord or noble and always ready to die for their cause -- but too canny to throw their lives away needlessly like those idiot naked fanatics!

Celtic warfare was based on individual heroism and acts of valor -- battles between Celtic armies often began with one-on-one combat, as champions from each side would challenge each other to duels fought in the no-man's land between the watching hosts. A man could become a legend in his tribe by fighting such a duel -- or end up with his skull used as a wine cup!

Gallic Champions are these men -- veterans of many years combat, cold-eyed killers who have sent many a foe to his grave. They are outfitted simply but effectively, with excellent Gallic chainmail and a solid Celtic shield, a stout spear for use in defensive formations, and the classic Celtic longsword to hack their way through an enemy line.

The Gallic Champion is the ultimate in Gallic heavy infantry -- combining the infamous Celtic charge with the solid discipline required to form a shieldwall or repel cavalry. They are few in number and very expensive, but are powerful enough to turn the tide of battle if used properly...

[Stats: excellent moral and excellent discipline, can form close formations, excellent armor, bonus v. cavalry, elephants, and chariots, can form shield wall, powerful charge, inspires nearby units, excellent melee ability - very expensive heavy infantry.]