I have read with interest and dismay the info that i can not recruit local troops to defend Sardinia from the hated Carthos... Sigh. "Sardinian and Corsican units..."

I confess, I am new to the game, I am playing the Romani, and have set it at a very low setting to get the "feel," so more experienced players may laugh at my questions, and i understand that. Ok, so, I was wondering about a few quick things?

1) Preamble AI won't make truces??? I am the Romani, as I say. I had taken all of Italy and managed to establish a truce with Epiros after taking Taras. I also overran eastern Sicily from "rebel" Greeks, who steadfastly refused to make a pact of any kind with me!! Then, my "oldest and best friends," the now-hated Carthos, turned on me in 200 BC, and that after I had scrupulously avoided doing anything to offend them (there are so may "rebel" town to expand into that was easy -- I thought anyway)!! I quickly overran Lilibeo (western Sicily), Sardinia and Corsica (sorry for the modern terms but i am still learning!). I then offered them terms, and they refused!!! I learned a new "strategy" at that point.

In playing RTW I had learned if you drop an army onto the coast of Africa you will soon lose it, and any city you conquered. Instead I assembled a fleet and army in Sicily and "raided" Africa. I would seize a town, putting all the populace to the sword, and then "burn it to the ground." My "raiders" would then return to the ships, and treat the next town further west or east on the coast to the same "lesson." Within a short time my treasury was burgeoning, which i used to build those grossly expensive buildings one needs to expand, like mines and such, while quickly reducing the Carthos to impotence. With no ports they soon were driven from sea. I left spies on the mainland, and when one detects a new port built it is a sign it is time to repeat the lesson --- and add to my treasury!!

1) Question To this date (about 140 BC, or SIXTY years of war!) they have steadfastly refused any offer of a truce and trade rights, even if i try to sweeten the offer with cash!! Is the AI really that obstinate, and/or dumb?

2) Since THEY refused any truce, I have also seized the Balearic Isles from them (Bocchorros?), which brings us back to the thread, "Sardinian and Corsican units." The western Med is awash with Balearic Slinger "mercs," but I can not recruit any in my own town??? What's up with that???

3) Since the Carthos keep fighting, I have since overrun all their towns in Iberia too. That soon brought me into conflict with the Lusos, even tho' I scrupulously avoided entering their territory and offered them trade rights (I really am a sort of peaceful guy!). After THEY lost two towns to me they wisely entered a truce. So the AI WILL make SOME truces??

4) Preamble "Freed Slaves??" Mean-when, as resources permitted, I had conquered a few rebel strongholds in "southern" Gaul, and "Illyria" down to Epiros. About 175~ish, my ALLY (shades of the Carthos) the KH, turned on me; the blackguards! I destroyed no fewer than FIVE (5) armies they threw at me in Illyria, and they showed no signs of stopping; all offers of a truce were rejected. So, I hoped my "Carthaginian Strategy" would work here too; I seized Crete, and established it as a base of operations. Then i descended on their "strategic rear" and laid waste the Peloponnese, Athens, Chalkis, Halikarnasis, and Myletes. Rhodes i besieged, but have kept as second Aegean base.

4) Question Its now about 140 BC, the KH keep fighting, and I am trouncing them. But I am armpit deep in rocks and pebbles, and was wondering where the devil the KH got all these "freed slaves" of a sudden? Its not a big deal. My two armies currently rampaging into the western Aegean (I have conquered down to Pella now they are weakened) are trouncing them at each turn. BUT... why can't "I" raise any units of "freed slaves??"

5) Maybe I don't understand this MIC-mack thing too well. However, its 140 BC and while the rebels running around Italy have the Polybian reforms, "I" am still fighting with Camillan troops!!! What's up with that????????? IIRC, I am at MIC level 4 in Rome and Capua!

All advice and constructive comments greatly appreciated (its my first post!).