A guide to EB blitzing, for new players.

[vartan]

For Hayasdan, Mtskheta and Kotais are only a short-term blitz. You also want to take Kabalaka and Ani-Kamakh. I do not include Trapezous here as it is relatively harder to keep settled and will likely put you at war with Koinon Hellenon. Building roads as soon as possible will also allow your armies to march longer distances each turn, which is crucial for Hayasdan as the Caucusus is a very mountainous region.

NOTE: Phraaspa isn't included in this blitz as it is farther away and leaves the Seleukids with an easy city to snatch from you. Also note that the first enemy city you will want to take it Karkathiokerta as it is a homeland province and will give you a base from which to send attacks into the Seleukid empire.

Good luck.

[athanaric]

Epiros:- Raze Taras of all improvements, set taxes to V high, leave worst unit behind, move others to Greek mainland, disband all but one boat...IMPORTANT, move spy into Taras, and keep him there.Take Pella and Demet on turn one. Very east to do, because the elephants mean no siege neccesary. After taking Pella (and razing Royal Tombs), move General and then combine units one at a time to siege Demet (do it this way, as most dont have enough movement points). Then use the Taras/Pella money to hire all mercs, use this Army to take Demet. Train best horse unit availabe in Ambrakia, send all towards Athens.Then on turn 2 immediately beseige Athens, taking it on turn 3 (after combining armies), as well as Chalkis. Then Corinth and Sparta on turn 4/5. There is normally a lone Mak general somewhere around Sparta. Kill him and Mak are eliminated.

You, sir, are a Barbarian. Though I admit that's a very good way to win the entire game before 270 BC.

NOTE: Phraaspa isn't included in this blitz as it is farther away and leaves the Seleukids with an easy city to snatch from you. Also note that the first enemy city you will want to take it Karkathiokerta as it is a homeland province and will give you a base from which to send attacks into the Seleukid empire.

Good luck.

Karkathiokerta is also the best natural fortress in this game. Plus it makes a very good staging point for raids and campaigns right into Seleukid heartlands left and right. I shut down the AS this way, and did so with almost disappointing ease.

[satalexton]

Agree. It's always a wonderful sight to see 5 units of archers + 2 units of slingers wipe out half a full stack.....

[WinsingtonIII]

I do not include Trapezous here as it is relatively harder to keep settled and will likely put you at war with Koinon Hellenon.

But you can easily get a ceasefire with the KH (at least I did), because you don't share a border. Plus, it's always good to have another Black Sea port. But if Pontos decides to come knocking it can be difficult to defend due to the distance to your capital. Ani-Kamah is definitely easier to defend because of the mountain passes (which I believe start the game with a decent half-stack rebel army in them, so if you leave them alone they will delay a Pontic or AS attack from that direction).

[vartan]

But you can easily get a ceasefire with the KH (at least I did), because you don't share a border. Plus, it's always good to have another Black Sea port. But if Pontos decides to come knocking it can be difficult to defend due to the distance to your capital. Ani-Kamah is definitely easier to defend because of the mountain passes (which I believe start the game with a decent half-stack rebel army in them, so if you leave them alone they will delay a Pontic or AS attack from that direction).

Well-said. The KH treaty is usually unnecessary if you occupy. If necessary, the treaty is easily attained, though. The port, wonderful. I actually make it a secondary objective to obtain the two provinces in the Crimean (I believe it is called the Crimean), the peninsula across the Pontic Sea (aka Black Sea). I enjoy sea trade. Pontus isn't a problem to be honest. Defence is easy due to your Caucasian Archers. Also, I would rather take Ani than leave it alone, as AS usually takes the province within the first decade if you are careless.

[WinsingtonIII]

Well-said. The KH treaty is usually unnecessary if you occupy. If necessary, the treaty is easily attained, though. The port, wonderful. I actually make it a secondary objective to obtain the two provinces in the Crimean (I believe it is called the Crimean), the peninsula across the Pontic Sea (aka Black Sea). I enjoy sea trade. Pontus isn't a problem to be honest. Defence is easy due to your Caucasian Archers. Also, I would rather take Ani than leave it alone, as AS usually takes the province within the first decade if you are careless.

I've been trying to avoid all-out war with the Sauromatae, so I haven't moved to the Crimea yet, although I'm planning on it soon. Sea trade is probably the second best money maker in the game after mines, that's why I suggest taking Trapezous early, and you're right, I actually haven't had any problems with Pontos, in fact, we're still allies surprisingly enough. I actually was suggesting taking Ani Kamah, I was pointing out that there is also a wandering rebel half-stack in the mountain passes to the West of Ani Kamah that can act as a bit of a buffer against the AS coming at Ani Kamah from that direction, although it is not a particularly big buffer. And yes, Caucasian Archers are essential to early game defense as the Hai, they will save you many a time.

[vartan]

I've been trying to avoid all-out war with the Sauromatae, so I haven't moved to the Crimea yet, although I'm planning on it soon. Sea trade is probably the second best money maker in the game after mines, that's why I suggest taking Trapezous early, and you're right, I actually haven't had any problems with Pontos, in fact, we're still allies surprisingly enough. I actually was suggesting taking Ani Kamah, I was pointing out that there is also a wandering rebel half-stack in the mountain passes to the West of Ani Kamah that can act as a bit of a buffer against the AS coming at Ani Kamah from that direction, although it is not a particularly big buffer. And yes, Caucasian Archers are essential to early game defense as the Hai, they will save you many a time.

Ah...the wonders of ancient-world simulation =) just gives me a really good feeling inside

Mining for gold, silver, iron, tin, and copper. Trading these and more across the seas (and across land). Breeding some of the ancient (and modern) world's finest horses (not the biggest, but just the right size). What more could a guy ask for??

EDIT: Hayasdan: Kotais and Mtskheta (in either order), Kabalaka and Ani (in either order, or simultaneously).

[satalexton]

Perhaps getting rid of the greek pretenders and restoring the Persian Empire? Sitting on a golden throne as King of Kings, with hot naked dancers feeding you grapes and wine?

[athanaric]

Update on Sauromatae:

Gava-Yugra is top priority. It contains a mine (income: 600/turn) right from the start.