Hm you should give the Getai a try then. Start poor, but a lot of mines in the surrounding provinces fix that problem once you get them. Doesn't start bordering anyone, the closest factions get stuck in their stalemate down in Greece which leaves them easy prey for you if you so chose. If you don't want to fight them, you can easily take Naissos, stick half a dozen Drapanai, and they can't do jack to you even if they have all of Hellas. You could then head northeast to take the Black Sea cities, west to Illyria and it's mines, or northwest into Central Europe to fight the Romans and Germans instead.
They have good light infantry, *Komatai, Komatai Pelekuphoroi, and Drapanai* medium infantry, *Getikoi Stratiotai, Taxeis Triballoi, Galathraikes, and Thraikioi Peltastai* and heavies.*Thraikioi Rhomphaiaphoroi, Komatai Thorakitai Stratiotai, Ischyroi Orditon, and Komatai Epilektoi* Add to that good composite archers *Scythians and Komatai Agrianai* and good cavalry *Scythian Nobles, Thrakioi Prodromoi, and Tarabostes* makes an army you couldn't ask any more of. Plus nearby celtics/galatians, illyrians, and greeks to fill out your ranks if you desire.
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