A guide to EB blitzing, for new players.

[WinsingtonIII]

I do not include Trapezous here as it is relatively harder to keep settled and will likely put you at war with Koinon Hellenon.

But you can easily get a ceasefire with the KH (at least I did), because you don't share a border. Plus, it's always good to have another Black Sea port. But if Pontos decides to come knocking it can be difficult to defend due to the distance to your capital. Ani-Kamah is definitely easier to defend because of the mountain passes (which I believe start the game with a decent half-stack rebel army in them, so if you leave them alone they will delay a Pontic or AS attack from that direction).

[vartan]

But you can easily get a ceasefire with the KH (at least I did), because you don't share a border. Plus, it's always good to have another Black Sea port. But if Pontos decides to come knocking it can be difficult to defend due to the distance to your capital. Ani-Kamah is definitely easier to defend because of the mountain passes (which I believe start the game with a decent half-stack rebel army in them, so if you leave them alone they will delay a Pontic or AS attack from that direction).

Well-said. The KH treaty is usually unnecessary if you occupy. If necessary, the treaty is easily attained, though. The port, wonderful. I actually make it a secondary objective to obtain the two provinces in the Crimean (I believe it is called the Crimean), the peninsula across the Pontic Sea (aka Black Sea). I enjoy sea trade. Pontus isn't a problem to be honest. Defence is easy due to your Caucasian Archers. Also, I would rather take Ani than leave it alone, as AS usually takes the province within the first decade if you are careless.

[WinsingtonIII]

Well-said. The KH treaty is usually unnecessary if you occupy. If necessary, the treaty is easily attained, though. The port, wonderful. I actually make it a secondary objective to obtain the two provinces in the Crimean (I believe it is called the Crimean), the peninsula across the Pontic Sea (aka Black Sea). I enjoy sea trade. Pontus isn't a problem to be honest. Defence is easy due to your Caucasian Archers. Also, I would rather take Ani than leave it alone, as AS usually takes the province within the first decade if you are careless.

I've been trying to avoid all-out war with the Sauromatae, so I haven't moved to the Crimea yet, although I'm planning on it soon. Sea trade is probably the second best money maker in the game after mines, that's why I suggest taking Trapezous early, and you're right, I actually haven't had any problems with Pontos, in fact, we're still allies surprisingly enough. I actually was suggesting taking Ani Kamah, I was pointing out that there is also a wandering rebel half-stack in the mountain passes to the West of Ani Kamah that can act as a bit of a buffer against the AS coming at Ani Kamah from that direction, although it is not a particularly big buffer. And yes, Caucasian Archers are essential to early game defense as the Hai, they will save you many a time.

[vartan]

I've been trying to avoid all-out war with the Sauromatae, so I haven't moved to the Crimea yet, although I'm planning on it soon. Sea trade is probably the second best money maker in the game after mines, that's why I suggest taking Trapezous early, and you're right, I actually haven't had any problems with Pontos, in fact, we're still allies surprisingly enough. I actually was suggesting taking Ani Kamah, I was pointing out that there is also a wandering rebel half-stack in the mountain passes to the West of Ani Kamah that can act as a bit of a buffer against the AS coming at Ani Kamah from that direction, although it is not a particularly big buffer. And yes, Caucasian Archers are essential to early game defense as the Hai, they will save you many a time.

Ah...the wonders of ancient-world simulation =) just gives me a really good feeling inside

Mining for gold, silver, iron, tin, and copper. Trading these and more across the seas (and across land). Breeding some of the ancient (and modern) world's finest horses (not the biggest, but just the right size). What more could a guy ask for??

EDIT: Hayasdan: Kotais and Mtskheta (in either order), Kabalaka and Ani (in either order, or simultaneously).

[satalexton]

Perhaps getting rid of the greek pretenders and restoring the Persian Empire? Sitting on a golden throne as King of Kings, with hot naked dancers feeding you grapes and wine?

[athanaric]

Update on Sauromatae:

Gava-Yugra is top priority. It contains a mine (income: 600/turn) right from the start.