Quote Originally Posted by Exosus View Post
Unless you specifically create one you do not share a border with the Romans upon defeating the Averni unless I am remembering wrong. Rarely will the AI cross rebel territory to attack you, meaning you can move East and take eleutheroi territories until you can be certain you have the capacity to out-produce your foes.

Oh, one other thing - don't feel compelled to build your top-quality units. They are not cost-effective when you are having the money troubles you speak of. The levy spearmen are sufficient and can be produced in massive amounts. Just make sure to build farm upgrades and health upgrades to replace the population.
I disagree. The Romans have multiple times marched across Bononia to attack me in Mediolanum, even if they don't, by the time you defeat the Arverni, the Romans will most likely have taken all three northern cities.

Plus, the levy spearmen are crap against Romans. Decent against other Gauls and hold the line well enough, but when fighting Romans, you need swords, not spears. But I agree build your population as well.