I would have to agree about Saba , I really prefer to wander in the steppe , if I am to choose between wastelands that is .

On the other hand I absolutely hate playing with the Empires at the start of the game : Carthage , Ptolemy , Seleukeia . Haven't managed to get to turn 3 with them .

After all , you get to kick their collective butt as KH , my absolutely favorite faction ( except for the fact that my Spartan Generals don't get to have Spartan bodyguards later in the game - oh the tragedy , boo-hoo )

Satyros