Parthia can build colonies?

[The Persian Cataphract]

TPC is working on the remaining Pahlava descriptions - we'll see what he thinks about the possibility for having them. Keep in mind Parthia has a ton of buildings that other cultures don't get. They are just about maxed out in all possible buildings (and they get a few more in the next build!).

This is correct, however to the contrary of many views, the Pahlavân were through especially their Bâzrangî (Clan of Persis before they were supplaunted by the house of Sâsân and subsequently the Andigâs clan) clients very proficient in trading through the sea where the Pahlavâ not only established embassies in the far East, but also deep down in coastal Africa, Dravidian India (Which became the Pallava) as well as coastal southern Arabia. Therefore the current Hellenistic colony building is merely a place-holder, however with a purpose; We do actually aim to get a colony'esque building.

The two reasons why we rarely hear of Parthian exploits on the sea are quite obvious, foremostly that they fielded equestrian armies which are not compatible with sea warfare, thus subsequently we never ear of Parthian clashes on the sea. However, what bolsters this view of them being a mercantile colossus, is indicated by Parthian influence as far out as today's Malaysia. Some dubious authorities stretch this eve further by designating a Filipino island a direct product of Pahlavân influence... Which of course is pretty far-fetched since the gathered facts already make them quite extensive by influence only, with Bâzrangî colonies scattered across coastal Africa apparently down to Mozambique, Zanzibar and Madagascar, as well as Sindh, parts of Arabia, and southern India, out to trading connections in Malaysia.

Drawing a few dots between these destinations will inevitably portray something completely astounding; An implied monopoly on the trading for some periods (Important mention is that diplomatic relations between Arsacids and Bazrangids is sketchy as best, the given explanation for their exploits in Africa seems rooted in a "displacement" but on the other hand in the Kârnâmag-î Ardashîr we see the Bâzrangî portrayed as Arsacid friendlies).

So it is not only correct that the Pahlava will for instance have one of the most extensive building trees, but historically, their story is truly one of many spectra; How they from merely being nomads were to became the avatar of the Achaemenid legacy. It's really an exciting change, and there is far more in store for them than described here.