Gaul

## Overview

   Originating in the Swiss Alps and spreading north and westward, Gaul (synonymous with Gallia, Gaulish tribes, Gallic tribes, Celtic tribes) is now a broad term used by the Romans referring to the regions of France, Switzerland, Belgium, and southwest Germany. Dozens of different tribes inhabit these lands composed of tens of thousands of individuals claiming heritage to the vast forests and snowy peaks of middle Europe. The biggest confederations of tribes include those of the Celtic and Aquitani peoples. Little is known about these people except for brief skirmishing encounters in northern Italy as well as employment contracts of Gaulish warriors as mercenaries. In their homelands, infighting appears to run rampant among the various tribes. It is rumored that the Gauls fight side by side with orc berserkers, ripping un-subjugated tribes to bloody tatters until they submit. The Gauls themselves fight with a wild fire in their eyes; a certain insanity that has stirred whisperings along the coasts of interspecies mating. Certain "half orcs" wearing hoods and cloaks have been reported to Roman authorities on multiple instances.

### Native races

France and Belgium: Humans, Barbegazi (halflings), Dames blanches (nymphs), Farfadet (Fey folk), Lutin (gnomes), Melusina (naiads), Wodewose (Satyr)

Austria & Switzerland: Humans, Barbegazi, Dwarves, Giants, Fairies, Kobolds, Lutin, Undines (naiads)

Aquitania: Humans, Elves, Basajuans (satyrs), Iratxoak (brownies), Jentil (plains giants), Lamia (nymphs), Mairu (mountain giants), Tartalo (cyclopes)

### Non-human occupants

Gaul is the second most non-human inhabited region of Europe next to Germania. A wide range of alcoves of different species exist, including orcs, elves, gnomes (known there as Lutin), faeries, mermaids, and even a tribe of dwarves with strikingly red skin. While the Celts don't seem to care about whether or not other species interact with them, most non-humans prefer to form their own secluded communities, often hidden in forests and shrouded using magical barriers. There is even speculation as to the existence of a large, beautiful elven city hidden deep within the Schwarzwald

### Religion

Celts and Aquitani alike worship a huge pantheon of gods, each clan preferring a different deity. Unique to their cultures is the inclusion of animal and nature worship, regardless of their holy or magical properties. An ordinary boar may be revered as a mythical being by the Gauls.

## Diplomatic Relations and Government

The Gallic people do not share a unified government, relying upon temporary confederations to see successful campaigns. Many see no rhyme or reason to Gaulish diplomatic tactics. However, few have spent enough time wading through the endless alliances, grudges, and conflicts between the dozens of tribes to fully understand the intricacy of Gallic politics. When the Gaulish tribes *do* organize though, they are a force to be reckoned with, having done under several nations much larger than themselves. Because of their barbaric, raiding nature, they are generally hated by their neighbors.

### Rome (Mixed relations)

The Romans both fear and respect the Gauls. Less than two centuries ago, Chieftan Brennus and his orc tribesmen carved their way through Italy, eventually invading and sacking Rome. They were able to hold the city for several months before returning home. There is still evidence of acidic orc excrement stained into the floors of Patrician mansions. For now the raids have stopped, and fragile alliances have been struck with the tribes of Gallic gnomes and mountain-men in the alps - a significant barrier between Rome and the ire of the rest of the Gallic tribes. The Romans do not easily forget when they've been bested, and they are frequently on guard when receiving envoys from the north.

### Greece and Macedonia (Hostile)

The Greek people have been invaded a multitude of times by Gallic tribes, mostly within the last century. The Gauls attempted to plow into Delphi after a chain of successful battles against the united Grecian states - in search of the large treasure pile said to be stored there. After the battered Greek troops had reformed, however, they beat the Gauls back and chased most of the troops back to Gaul. Relations between the two cultures remain hostile to this day due to extortion rackets and never-ending raids.

### Seleucids (Hostile)

Shortly after their defeat in Greece, part of the defeated army split off east to Anatolia, forming a colony known as Galatia. The Galatian Gauls were hired to assist a statesman overthrow his brother's dynasty within the Seleucid empire. Though 10,000 men strong, the Galatians were quickly overwhelmed by the Seleucids' War Elephant units. Galatia survived as a territory, however, and continues to harass and terrorize neighboring Seleucid territories for tributes.

### Egypt (Employed)

King Ptolemy IV has just recently hired the Galatian Gauls as mercenaries and bodyguards for his dynasty, although it is unclear if he intends to use them for offensive purposes or to reinforce Syria.

### Carthage (Employed)

Hannibal of Carthage has also hired mainland Gauls to participate in his war against Rome, promising spoils of War and feasts of blood. The Gauls have happily obliged.