You´ve reminded me how much fun a Pontus game is, especially in the beginning, when you struggle with your finances, beeing pressed from multiple sides by far superior enemies. So, i´ve started a new game couple of days ago, and though i´ve attacked and took Mazaka on the first turn ( spy opened the gates, as usual.. lol ), i´ve taken a bit different way this time, and didn´t wipe out the Seleucids from Asia Minor too soon. When the time came, i did what i had too, but meanwhile i´ve managed to let Karkioherta (sp?) rebell ( twice^^ ), and got "cease fire" offer from the greyish faction right the turn after, without any force diplomacy. Now, i´m free to slowly grab Asia Minor, avoiding a too long common boarder with Seleucids, who became too busy fighting Ptoleys ( and the rest of their neighbours. Just some info, for the case... Keep writing, i´m curious to compare your advancements with my own ( H/M, like yours ), and good luck. Looking forward for more :)