Insubres

The campaign brief

"The Romans, however, […] were terrified by the fine order of the Celtic host and the dreadful din, for there were innumerable horn-blowers and trumpeters, and, as the whole army were shouting their war-cries at the same time, there was such a tumult of sound that it seemed that not only the trumpets and the soldiers but all the country round had got a voice and caught up the cry." – Polybios, Histories II.29.5-6

We are the Insubres, proud lords of the plains in the middle of which we established our great town of Mediolanon, where we keep the sacred icons of our state. Blessed with an abundance of wine, all kinds of grain, and the finest wool; our lands on this side of the great Alps are a source of envy for many. If not for the sharpness of our swords, we might soon have lost that wonderful source of our famed generosity. Even though we are a simple and content people, we will not hesitate to strike hard and fast against those who oppose us!

Our people were part of the first generations of Celts who crossed the Alps. We have witnessed the rise and fall of many peoples as the ages passed by. We have seen Rome when it stood under the yoke of the Etruscans and we have seen the same Etruscans fall under the weight of their pride. We build cities to trade and protect our merchants, but we are also besiegers and plunderers when someone makes the mistake of threatening us or our allies.

Did our forefathers not sack Rome itself, plundering its riches and driving away its so-called proud citizens as wretched slaves? Is it not true that only because of their facing us and our brethren, Boii and Senones; having become accustomed to being cut up by our swords; they could neither undergo nor expect any more terrible experience, and therefore finally become somewhat sufficiently trained in war to face the perfidious invader Pyrrhos in the South?

Today, Rome stirs once more. Will her legions march north, uniting our foes against us? Will they turn the courage that we taught them when they faced our fathers against us? Stand fast, men, sharpen your swords and prepare for war. Watch out for our treacherous neighbours, the fickle Cenomani and Veneti, for even if they share our blood, they are weak and not to be trusted… Set aside the best of animals, order the druids to prepare a round of sacrifices to placate the gods. Send out our envoys to the Boii and Gaesatae, evoke their lust for riches and plunder to be won! War is nigh, and will arrive ever sooner for those who do not prepare to face it. Therefore, ready your blades, and prepare to fight! For we have burned Rome in the past, and burn it shall once again when we, Insubres, rise in valor and strength!