Pontos Campaign (VH-VH)

This would be my first entry on this forum, and I'm striving for it. I have been playing Europa Barbarorum for years, and it's the only reason why I have RTW installed on my laptop. The content it has is almost endless and gives one of the most unique experiences a mortal would ever have.

So, I was screwing around those "nigh-impossible" campaigns. Saka-Rauka was interesting, but I got lucky on my campaigns and managed to get out of debt, which I will definitely talk about in my future entries. But, playing with Pontos turned into a literally save-scum fest. Until I managed to find a way, it was just impossible to survive, lacking proper missile units or being unable to replenish my phalangites hurt my process.

Anyways...
272 BC Summer.

You have two forces out in the field, and a largely garrison force led by your faction leader. Your starting recruitment is utterly bad, trash (write your own words), and you'll soon be in debt. And Grey Death is waiting for you to show weakness...

So, you have to get ahead of them.

First, start to build ports, roads, etc. Then recruit a diplomat. Send your current diplomat to Side.

Besiege Mazaka immediately and take it on the next turn (with your faction leader). It has only a small garrison force with a family member, so it should not be hard.

Looking at the diplomacy screen, see that you are at war with Ptolemy (That's the cheese part).

Offer ceasefire and trade rights for 15k (yup). They could tone it down to a regular tribute, don't take it. You need fresh money. You should be able to add "Ephebic Training and Armory" to your construction queue after that one.

Next, build a fort towards the east, leave a small garrison, and head towards Ipsos and Sardes. This would be tough, the garrison would give you some headache. Chariots could wear your fragile pantodapoi down, so you have to utilize your FMs and Cappadocian Cavalry against them.

Do not forget to send your new diplomat to Europe. Sooner or later, you will declare war on Koinon Hellenon via Sinope.

After capturing Sardes, you will start to make money. Build native barracks in Mazaka and spam Caucasian Archers. You will need these guys if you want to capture Ankyra; the Tindanotae (and Naked Spearmen) would cause too much trouble in hand-to-hand combat.

Well, that is enough for me folks. You have military power, economic stability (and diplomatic security if you had allied yourself with Epeiros, Ptolemaios, etc.) It is up to you from now on.