Eastern Nomadic Factions... Need Help? Ask here.

[Steppe Merc]

Yeah, those should be Daha cavalry, but were never fixed. The starting units will be changed for the Parthians.

I find disbanding some units is helpful, as is trying to forment rebellion amongst the Selecuids. The nomadic rebels are nasty, and are hard to take out, and their provinces aren't as rich (but aren't all one entitity, like the Selecuids).
Unfortuanetly this is all from memory, as I haven't really been able to play at all lately.

[The Persian Cataphract]

Yeah, those should be Daha cavalry, but were never fixed. The starting units will be changed for the Parthians.

I find disbanding some units is helpful, as is trying to forment rebellion amongst the Selecuids. The nomadic rebels are nasty, and are hard to take out, and their provinces aren't as rich (but aren't all one entitity, like the Selecuids).
Unfortuanetly this is all from memory, as I haven't really been able to play at all lately.

That's right. I usually wait for Hecarompylos and Hyrcania to rebel. I find the usage of forts to be much of a relief (When I have the money to build them that is, and it takes quite a time to profit with the Pahlava), because those Dahâ horse archers needs to be disbanded unless there is a bold strategy to make. I usually dismiss those nomads up in the northeast and to the direct north, because as you said they are poor. The rebel horse archers are a true pain, and that is why I try to avoid a direct conflict with them.

Once Hyrcania revolts, they are nearly a walk in the park. With Skunxa, the spy, life gets much too easy. The Hyrcanians usually revolt while having no more than the Ârshtîbârâ or the Thanvâbârâ. Having a general, or even two as Nîsâ soon or later will get a general's unit (I always campaign with Arsaces, those 40 or so horsemen are helpful when it comes to occupying Hyrcania)

Like I said, I aim to keep my alliance with the Seleucid and the Bactrians as long as possible, before I'm able to get something of an economy and an army. Walls are practically essential early on, because nomadic raids will annoy the player quite early on. Forts are excellent as well, and placing them close to bridges, with archer units, and you've got an excellent horse archer deterrent.

I said that the Parthian campaign is as tough as nails and I still mean it. It's a heck of a challenge, though I kind of miss the horse archer action early on. I'm godly with those units. Succumbing to the use of spearmen/archer combo and foot archers has never been my forte. I blame RTR for getting me used to such tactics =P

Important to know is that allowing either the Seleukid or the Bactrians to advance to late stages is a certain death ticket for the Parthians. Though the Pontic place-holder general unit is excellent versus elephants and chariots (Correctly used, they can chew armoured elephants like mere snack, let alone like breakfast), but then again they are just that. Placeholders. Sending cataphracts versus elephantry is suicide, and allowing the Hellenic East attain such an economical and technological advantage late on, means an instantly much more challenging campaign for the Parthians. Taking advantage of the local rebellions in Gabae, Carmania, Atropatene, Albania (Can't remember the EB name of province, but it is Albania of RTR) and seizing Maracanda in Soghdiana, will prove to be cakewalks for the Parthians, and especially with spies, even easier. Many towns also lack trivial defences, such as walls. As long as one waits for these settlements to revolt however, for those Greeks may grow grumpy...

Oh yeah, the Parthian economy is a pain in the beginning. This cannot be stressed enough. You'd think the Macedonians are a paradox. Playing the Pahlava requires a bold, yet a cunning mind, knowing when to strike, and when striking, to do so with courage. Relive Parthava as Ârashk, wow... On VH/VH Parthia is a challenge to any player.

[Teleklos Archelaou]

Very nice post PC. It makes it sound really cool - and it sounds like you have to have a good strategy too. Not as many people in the mod played much as Pahlava I think (testing) as some of the other factions, so it's good to hear these things.

You can thank the previous faction coordinator sharrukin for the wealth of varied buildings they have too! He was always pushing for more!