We arrive at the final of four looks into the player factions in COIN Series Volume VI, Falling Sky.  Here follows the counsel kept among the fierce northern warriors of Belgica….

The Belgic Tribes

Your Nation.  The Romans know that you are preeminent in courage among the Gauls.  Caesar came to soften and subdue Belgica, but she always rises again.  You will win by keeping the tribes across Belgica and beyond in revolt—in allegiance to you and under your Warbands’ control.

Relations.  Exchange help with the Arverni often, but be careful not to weaken the Romans so much that Vercingetorix ends up king of all Gauls!  There is no dishonor in warning the Roman and the Aedui off from punishing Belgica to deal with Vercingetorix instead—but to compel and draw them, Vercingetorix must show strength, so help him.

War.  You can Rally an impressive host of Allies and Warbands but do not have the fortifications available to the Arverni and Aedui.  So you must March to keep your army mobile against the Legions, even if only within Belgica itself.  Outside your home regions, Rally will cost you more as the Belgic affinity is less.  But do not fear to seek victory in Celtica, in Germania, or in Britannia.  Raid when needed to augment your Resources; Battle when you can harm to your enemy—especially with Ambiorix, fearsome on the attack!  But beware an enemy’s riposte:  you can replace Warbands easily enough, but your daring leader less so.

Ambiorix with some Belgic and Germanic friends – production game pieces.

Talents.  While you and the Germans may war upon one another, you also are bound by kinship.  You can Enlist them to fight alongside your Warbands as one, or to guide their energies against the Romans and Aedui as is their tradition.  Your own warriors are second only to the Germans in ferocity—at least in the minds of the enemy:  they can Reveal themselves to Rampage and frighten the short-statured Latins and already Romanizing Celts into Retreat or submission (as long as not fortified or well-led).  In Battle, Ambush tactics will enable you to come to full grips with any invader, overcome Legions, and surprise a Fort or Citadel before its gates close.

Auguries.  Despair not if victory appears near then dashed.  Your revolt will leap back to life like magic fire.  Rally and rebuild, and move again with a new host.  Destroy Legions, but should you and the Arverni succeed against Caesar, a time may come when you will need to move against Vercingetorix’s Allies also.  Always purge Aedui agents from Belgica.  Make the most of your Germanic cousins, but know that they will compete with you for Control of your homeland and given the chance will Raid or Ambush you from within your midst:  Enlist their chieftains to gather their strength but ever to March on enemies distant from you.

Articles in this Series: Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4

Author: Volko Ruhnke