that's first something turns with VH Pontus. got to play further, but at least the proclaimed starting challenge of Pontus is already gone. also, no one has declared war on me (yet) and all neighbors except Trapezus and Armenia are friendly (and the latter two are my next targets)
I m in turn 50 something with Pontus on VH after P4 beta, and the starting turns were same, took over easily Cappadosia and Galatia,everybody wanted to trade and have a NAP or a DA and the Spartans at a point offered them selves to be my satrapy, ( i reject).

I am very carefull with the diplomatic decisions, not to provoke, but till now the AI is pasive, not only against me but also against other factions next to my borders, i.e. as i stated in an earlier post, Trapezon was at war with 3 factions, Colchis, Armenia, Kartlii), almost from the begining of the campaign, and no one army tried to enter their lands.

Now i have conquered Cappadosia, Galatia, Armenia, Colchis, kartlii and Cimeria, practicaly by marching and battling in and owtside their settlements, since their forces were always just standing by their cities waiting.