first 10 turn without blitzing:
pahlava: - 8000 - 12000
pontos: - 12000 - 20000
getai - 4000 - 8000
saka : I have never gone mad to roleplay with them

the problem is I always keep some units otherwise in VH you commit suicide.
So at the first phase to blitz for 15 -20 city is a logical .... that you can role play that time you may have a full stucks of levies also you have a chance to lose a battle but if you have less than 5 cities you have no choice to lose.