Iceni (Emperor Edition)

The Iceni inhabit the eastern regions of the semi-mythical island of Britannia. Its location, beyond even the wild woodlands of Gaul, means only the most intrepid merchants venture to the Cassiterides, or ‘Tin Isles’. Though Caesar’s invasion in 55BC was largely a failure in military terms, the Senate was so impressed by his daring, it declared 20 days of celebration./n/nHowever, whilst Rome entertains itself with romantic notions of an isle of savages, the Iceni have reached a level of sophistication that belies this populist stereotype. They have a bustling capital city, in which skilled artisans manufacture the torcs worn by the nobility, and other finely-wrought jewellery. Such artefacts, combined with their blue woad war paint, gives the warriors of the Iceni a unique and startling appearance in battle.

The fens and flatlands of the east provided perfect conditions for the development and perfection of an unusual brand of chariot warfare. Charioteers kept their distance from the enemy, pelting them with javelins until gaps appeared in their lines before charging into them. Iceni warriors dismounted to attack vulnerable troops, then fled if the situation became less favourable.

Far removed from the trouble brewing in the Roman world, the Iceni are in a perfect position from which to build their strength. If they manage to unite the divergent tribes and kingdoms of Britannia, a spectacular transformation might occur: from peoples of myth to rulers of the civilised world!