Saka "building" bodyguard cav (I think an error)

[mikepettyrtw]

which brings me to my next thought, The Parthian Kingdom did not exist in 272 BC. The Satrap of Parthia broke away under Andragoras in 255 BC and in 238 Arsaces lead a revolt against Andragoras which formed the Kingdom. So technically, the should not exist when you start the game. Although, considering how important the Parthians became later on, it would be a poor choice to leave them out of the game.

I wish there were emergent factions in EB to represent the Parthians

Somebody must either hate Pahlava or is getting hammed by some silver chevron'd Cataphracts. (JK)
The Saka were the first to have Cataphracts; and they began their development some 100 years before the start date.(Correct me if I'm wrong) If I recall in game text (some of which is visible in the screen shots in this thread), the development of Cataphract began around the time of the Battle of Guagamela, and so was well complete by 272 I believe.
Note: The Saka did not cease their tribal nomadic system until they settled in Baktria and India (hence Saka reforms). You can build Saka Cats in places with nomadism and pastoralism. You don't have to settle down in cities to stick a Kontos on an already heavily armored nobleman's horse! All it takes is a big tree lol
If what you are saying is correct, then Pahlava would never have stood a chance AT ALL against the Seleucids. I does not matter where you are (who you are playing as), the fact remains that Pahlava is already vastly disadvantaged, anyone who played a campaign as them knows this.... They are one of the few checks on grey death, and even yellow fever, without Cat's they would be steam rolled in 30 turns.
(The AI build them early, and they have a great effect on Auto-Calcs.)

so Im guessing they would still have fought with their original tribal cavalry???

Which brings me to my last statment.....
Cataphracts are their original "tribal cavalry". You can recruit them by spending your starting money to build a high kings herds (or Royal Courts can't remember)(IIRC) in Khiva and if IIRC, also with a bit more money, you can build the buildings required to train them in Nisa too.

The Grivpanivar (SP) monster Cat's are their settled Late Elite Cataphracts that are only build-able in places with Pahlava reformed Gov.
Now if they started the game with those things (Grivpanivar), then I could understand your sentiment.