Tips for a Pontos campaign

[phoenixemperor]

I am trying to get going as Pontos and was looking for some tips.

The AS hate me so ;_;

They already drove me from playing as Hayasdan

[tapanojum]

It's been a year since I played Pontus but I was relatively successful. Conquered All of Asia Minor up to Antioch, and had most of Greece coming into my control until I kept getting CTD's in 240's BC.

I ignored Sinope for a decade or two and went to conquer the other independents to the east ASAP before AS betrayed me. Once they finally betrayed me, I had conquered the independents that border their own cities, and was able to sweep through and take out AS cities in Asia Minor while holding my own in Amasaei (sp)

Once Ptolemy betrayed me, I went to conquer all Ptolemy settlements in Asia Minor, and marched out into Antioch. From there I had to constantly max out garisson with tons of Phalanxes. Both Ptoly and AS loved to send full stacks of elites into Antioch constantly. This was good because Antioch became a magnet for Gray and Yellow death while I was able to expand into Greece.

From the beggining, conquer the independents to the east and try to focus on getting your economy up towards the right direction. Disband the medium cavalry you begin with as it costs too much to upkeep. Phalanxe+Body Gaurd Cav do wonders (Hammer & Anvil).

Hope that helps

[phoenixemperor]

Well I decided to bum rush the Seleukids in Asia Minor

A couple of heroic victories later, I am in control of Sardis, Ipsos and Mazaka, and am back into the black.

[gosam]

Infrastructure-wise I'd suggest putting a satrapeia philhellenike (L3 gov) in Ipsos and Nikaia, and then build up the regional mics up to level 4. this will give you access in Nikaia to hoplitai, keltohellinikoi hoplitai, thraikioi peltastai and thraikioi prodromoi which are all great troops. In Ipsos you'll get access to Klerouchoi phalangitai to replace your levy phalangites.
The mine in Nikaia bring in 1200 mnai/turn for the first level, which is a nice boost.
I also like to conquer the two bosporan towns for the increase in sea trade.