EB 1.0 Balance

[Pharnakes]

You sure I can't tempt you?

Not even shadow factions for the deaths and MTW style FLs?

Admit it. Your tempted.

[Callicles]

Interesting points from everyone. Achieving balance, playability, the chance to change history, and historical realism must be extremely difficult. I applaud the EB team for continuing to strive for perfection.

My largest frustration comes from Baktria. I would like it to be more of a toss-up between the Parthians and Baktrians to see who dominates in the East. I have only rarely seen Parthia dominate. For some reason, it seems that Baktria is just an economic powerhouse (likely because of the rich cities they begin with). Also, I think they get a huge benefit by being able to use the Seleukid MIC's. It explains their steamroll into the west, whereas Parthia has to slow down and develop each city before moving on.

But regarding the Taras question that seems to be dominating this thread, is it possible to make a script that gives Taras to the Romans if the player is any factions other than Rome or Epeiros?

[LordCurlyton]

I don't see why that's necessary. Check my KH campaign in the faction progression thread (it seems to have been missed b/c it preceded one of Soggius' massive updates). Playing with BI, AI Rome declared war on Carthage less than 10 years into the game and conquered Taras in roughly 2-3 years. They took Alalia, Karali, and Messana before Carthage mustered up troops and pushed back, retaking the isles and making all of Sicily Punic. As it stands the Romans and Punes are furiously fighting over Rhegion, in fact, it is a rebel city right now as the Carthies took it and promptly had it rebel. The Carthies are also engaged in the Sand Wars with Ptolies, who are 2 for 2 so far in crushing AS, though they just signed a peace with Ptolies and got Kyrene, so I don't see it lasting too long. Plus the Aedui have gained the upper hand in the Great Gallic Civil War.
I really think the conquest of Taras is the result of lucky battle roll for Romani, as if it had any phalanx units they will tend to kill a disproportionate amount and since the AI doesn't manually fight battles....the devs have really done all they can to encourage Rome to go after Taras and to their credit, teh Romans usually do. Its just that they don't attack with a real force and lose repeatedly.
EDIT: And Baktria only can use the regional MICs of AS, not factional. Its the Ptolies who truly benefit from any AS falterings since they can use Factional and regional MICs of AS IIRC.