AS keeping allies

[Epimetheus]

I don't think there's any scripting to it. The Pahlava start out with an army right outside Asaak, and they start out positively hating the AS, even though they're allied, so they almost always attack immediately. But every so often, they'll decide not to. I've seen it happen in some of my games too.

I think the fact that you're playing the Ptolemaioi may have something to do with it as well. As I recall, the Ptolemies start out being at war with the AS, Pontos, and Baktria. Because you're the human player, both Baktria and Pontos consider you to be a much greater threat, even if you aren't anywhere near them, and thus remain in solidarity with the AS. However much the Pahlava and Hayasdan may dislike the AS, if Baktria and Pontos aren't willing to join them, then they won't attack.

I'm willing to bet that if you make peace with Baktria and Pontos, the Hai and Pahlava are going to start eating the AS up.

[Unintended BM]

I've been at peace with Pontos since probably turn 2. I've had a diplomat heading toward Baktria for a while now, but I always forget to keep moving him. I think he's in Baktrian territory now though.

Maybe Saka has something to do with it. Baktria and AS look preoccupied by Saka, and I don't know if Pahlava is at war with them, but if they are, maybe that would explain it. Pahlava does have a rather large border with them.

[Epimetheus]

One thing that also happens is that the longer you keep an alliance, the better relations you'll have, and the less likely it is for the alliance to be broken. There's a good possibility that because the Pahlava remained allied to the AS for so long, that their poor starting relations have improved to the point that they may no longer be interested in attacking them at all.

I doubt the Saka are much of a factor at the moment. The Pahlava and Saka start out being really close allies, and that only improves with time. I've almost never seen them at war, at least not any time in the early game.

[A Very Super Market]

When playing as any of the lesser Diadochi, I find that the AI conspires to bring the brunt of the AS empire against me. The other one province factions seem to make peace with the AS only when I join in the fray, and treat my diplomats with fleeting animosity. I'm pretty sure that it's just another AI thing, and they you playing the Ptolies caused it.

[Ludens]

I doubt it's the script. It's a pretty consistent observations that A.I factions at war with the human player get an easier time from the other factions. Nothing to do with EB, as even the Gamespy review of R:TW complained about this.

[WinsingtonIII]

I don't think there's any scripting to it. The Pahlava start out with an army right outside Asaak, and they start out positively hating the AS, even though they're allied, so they almost always attack immediately. But every so often, they'll decide not to. I've seen it happen in some of my games too.

Interesting. I've never seen that, but I'm sure your right.