Gaesatae Question

**cmacq** · 04-26-2008, 04:24

Bravo, I like that champions of the Gaesatae. Given the nature and purpose of this order, its either that they were the champions, or the fodder of the Gaesatae. Personally, I try to stay away from the drug issue, as it seems to provoke more curiosity from the tonic crazed moderns than an interest in the ancients. In truth many of these were of duel use. I might suggest that this issue is in part born from rationalization, primarily foisted on a trusting public by some educators, with a need to legitimize a mighty hankering for unsaid substances? I simply classify the naked fanatics under my; Human Nature Rule Number Three.

Never underestimate the power of Stupid. If in fact they did use drugs before battle, this serves only to bring my Rule Number Three into sharp relief.

**paullus** · 04-26-2008, 05:12

You know, I agree. But as I've said, I'm no Celtic expert, and I come from a field where, rather than eagerly trying to make out subject look wilder, we try awfully hard to imagine them as the historical personification of our dreams of rationality, intellect, and moderation. I think its possible there was some sort of drug involved, but I also think they were just a little bit pscyhoT, which those of you who watch college bball will understand.

And yes, any of the EB Celtic experts would tell you that they see the Gaesatae in EB as the warrior champions from among the Gaesatae. There were a few attempts to figure out some hiring scheme for the Gaesatae that would see a faction hiring a Gaesatae army, with a couple of the EB Gaesatae accompanied by several units of regular soldiers.

**Parallel Pain** · 04-26-2008, 05:15

So yes drugs of some kind and yes they deserve their melee stats and their 2 hit points as they can and did kick butts of green troops in melee.

Good, confirmed yet again.

**cmacq** · 04-26-2008, 06:02

Right,
for the EB Gaesatae, the stats, yes. As far as drug use, its a game.

As the historic counterpart, these represent relatively small groups of fanatics common within the much larger formation of Gaesatae (spearmen; the term used as the spear was the most common weapon). These fanatics seemed to have been used as psychological shock troops. Drugs used among the fanatics possible or possibly not. Drugs used among the troops of the larger Gaesatae formations, other than wine, most likely not. Remember, that the ancient Kelts believed that their soul was immortal and among some religious orders, if killed in battle they would simply be reborn into another life. Those who were convinced that their soul would live forever and that if killed they would be reborn in an instant were indeed these naked fanatics. Most likely they were naked to demonstrate the last full measure of their devotion, which in turn would scare the holy B-jesus out of their enemy. More so, if their enemy understood that they were not drugged. Yes, yet another...

...this is madness, moment.

**General Appo** · 04-26-2008, 10:03

As far as I´m concerned, there really isn´t a problem at the moment. Paullus has admitted that the Gaesatae ddescription isn´t the best one out there, and that it´s being looked into for EB2.
As for the Gaesatae´s comabt abilities in EB, I at least don´t have a problem with them. They die pretty easily from missiles, especially javelins, but kicks normal units ass in melee. And by normal, I mean just that. Against elite units they aren´t actually all that good, a unit of Pedites Extraordinarii can pretty much defeat them all by itself. Of course, if you´re playing on VH all that changes, but hey, it´s VH, what do you expect?

**Metalstrm** · 04-26-2008, 12:42

Thanks for the replies Paullus. That was basically what I wanted to know. I don't personally believe drugs were involved but given how you went about it, I think it's a fair addition to the game. Obviously adding that it is all hypothetical somewhere in the unit notes would have helped the cause.

As for the stats, I'm somewhat unsure of them. I think they fairly depict the gaesatae as the elite celtic unit, but the double hitpoint... I don't know, seems a bit too much at times. I think reducing the hitpoints to 1 and somehow compensating with a very good attack skill and enemy morale effects would be more accurate. But anyway, things aren't bad as they stand.

Parallel Pain, don't take stuff for granted.

**Metalstrm** · 04-26-2008, 12:51

On second thought, if what Elmetiacos said is true (and I don't have a reason to doubt it), than the historical basis for the Gaesatae unit must have been somewhat rushed..