Gauls anyone?

[Javolenus]

Hi All,

I've just started playing XGM, so I thought I'd introduce myself with a question about the Gauls.

Basically, I was curious to know if there was much difference between XGM and RTW with regard to the Gauls?

I was also wondering if anyone played as the Gauls, and if so, what their experiences/thoughts were?

I also notice that Gaulish leaders can build minor settlements - do these ever grow into larger ones or are they simply an alternative to watchtowers?

And finally, I wanted to ask: in order to get the best out of XGM, should I really be playing a Greek faction?!

Cheers for now guys.

[CaesarVincens]

Welcome to the most enjoyable mod for RTW!

I've not played the Gauls in XGM, but I do know there are differences.

Minor settlements are realistic replacements for watchtowers, as you surmised.

The Greek factions got the most attention in this mod, but you don't have to play them to get full enjoyment.

I recommend getting Suppanut's ethnic traits because they give a lot to the barbarian factions, especially the Gauls.

[Scutarii]

Actually, I have played the Gauls, mostly to try them out after there recent roster changes in some of the recent versions, so here goes:
The Gauls now have a much better functioning skirmisher unit (1st barracks), AP like all the peltasts and equipped with spears, so don't be afraid of sending them out a bit to get attacked by cavalry, they can take them and are easily retrained. Gaul also gets the Gaesatae unit (3rd barracks), which is a replacement for the Naked Fanatics. They get the 'scare nearby troops' trait and have good stats, good for anti infantry. Heavy Spearmen are added to the 3rd barracks to counter any heavy cav, and are a match for Romans Princepes. But most of all, there are no more super-powerful Forresters: you get Chosen Slingers instead. But don't underestimate these guys, withe melee stats nearly up to Chosen Swords, they can duke it out as heavy inf. and because slings have AP in XGM, they are also lean, mean killing machines with a coulpe of experience points. You might enjoy the fact that they also get Berserkers! Also, archers are moved to 3rd barracks, and slings are 2nd tier.

Anyway, thats the roster changes. All that is in addition to the original vanilla roster. I agree with all CaeserVincens said, and I have to say that whiel you should eventually play the Greeks/Maks to get a very enjoyable experience, there are tons of other opportunities out there in XGM to get the most out of it. Don't feel pressured to play as the Greeks if you don't want to.

If you play as Gaul, you may want to note that the Independant Gaul factions represents the constant infighting between tribes. Very rare were large confederations of many tribes. So you won't just be getting Gaul right off the bat so you can concentrate on Rome, you'll have to earn Gaul and then repel the Romans! But you've got more time as the Romans are preoccuped with Carthage and Pyrrhus at the start.

[Hippias]

Now that is a quality summary of my favourite faction.

Keep the faith Javolenus - play around with some hellenic factions, get some XGM experience and then come back to the Lords of Battle - my dream campaign is to sweep the foul city dwelling nations into the middle sea and see a Celtic world from sunrise to sunset....

Don't worry - after playing XGM for a couple of months you will be getting carried away as well

[Javolenus]

Hi There,
Many thanks for the replies and encouragement - very much appreciated. I'd be interested to learn more about the Ethnic Traits - is this a downloadable module?
Meanwhile, thanks again - will keep you posted as to progress.

[Archbaker]

Ethnic traits are currently a downloadable add-on, but it is in beta and will require some editing of your own to work.

Also, the Gauls get javelin chariots. This is not a great unit but it requires few men and can be trained at the blacksmith, and besides it is a really cool unit so I always try to have one in my armies.