Where should I go to next?

**QuintusSertorius** · 09-30-2010, 02:38

This is my Epeiros-as-Massilia game so far:

I could reason good (roleplaying) justifications for taking Tolosa (getting involved in the disputes of a neighbouring Celtic tribe, helping one faction gain the upper hand in return for trade and support) and Emporion (coming to the aid of the local Greeks who felt oppressed by the Iberians). They also give me a neat little corner of the map with sea trade and even some mines thrown in. Nice sustainable little empire.

Only I can't really see where to go next. I've got an alliance with Rome, which should hopefully keep them off my back for a while. I don't want a war with them (so Segesta is out), I'd lose. I can barely support a non-garrison force as it is, and they're my best trading partner.

Burdigala seems possible, though I'd then be extended over a thin strip between the Aedui, Arverni and eventually the Lusotanni. It would also pitch me into a not-so-eventual war with Aedui or Arverni sooner than I'd probably be ready for. Not sure I could come up with a real reason to attack it, though. It's not near Massalia and there are no Greeks there.

Arse is a long way away and in the Qarthadastim's orbit. Again they're good trading partners. I can think of even less reason to make a sortie on Velika than Burdigala.

Have I reasoned myself into a corner here? Perhaps I should wait it out for a bit and build up my economic infrastructure? Still have improvements to farms and markets in Tolosa and Emporion to come.

I could always build some ships and take Krete in the meantime, that's got Greeks and some rich sea trade. Though it might be stretching it a bit to see them join a league with Massilia. Feels more like a metagame type choice.

Thoughts?

**Unintended BM** · 09-30-2010, 03:32

One time as the KH, I had my last surviving Spartan bodyguard general travel to all the different islands and capture them, and I had him stop in in Africa and stuff like that. He had his own little Odyssey thing. You could find some reason for Carthage to make you mad and do that to the western islands at least. Krete is kind of a stretch though.

**Geticus** · 09-30-2010, 04:50

If you rely on trade with Karthadasht and Roma then turtle for a while, build up enough income for a decent size army, and then besiege Gergovia until it submits. Conquer Gergovia, Viennos, and Burdigala, build good roads and open up some land trade around your core region.

**Taedius** · 09-30-2010, 05:27

I would focus on economy as well. What difficulty are you playing on? I would expect the Arverni to attack in the not-so-distant future, thereby giving you plenty of reason to counterattack and invade. Atleast you could make money from a punitive expedition. Then, of course, you'd get the attention of the Aedui. Then the Sweboz. All while the Lusotannan close in from the south.

As for RP casus belli, a strategy I sometimes use is to train a general of the culture in question, sponsor him with an army of his own people, and let him go in search for a kingdom on my expense. It is an expensive trick, but pays of in the long run. You could use it for Burdigala, or even Numantia. But yes, costly...

**Basileus_ton_Basileon** · 09-30-2010, 06:55

You can rush down Italia and free your fellow western greeks from the tyranny of the barbarians.

**Burebista** · 09-30-2010, 07:43

I think you should go for as many rebel settlements you can . The more southern the better. If i were you i would get Burdigala & Velika . or maybe storm Arse and the 2 quarthadastei provices in spain. then steal the balearics too. that will practically end all problems with quarthadastei as they won't be able to retaliate. then consolidate by taking all Iberia.

optional stratedgy...go for sicily and the 2 italian islands. nice spot with plenty of money. And greeks , if u wanna roleplay.