DISCLAIMER: As I'm writing this post I've not yet tested this out but will do so after.
As the title states I want to find out when and/or if you should save money as ERE due to the faction trait "Economic Powerhouse" (+5% interest on treasury at end of turn etc.).
Because ERE is the target to a lot of migrating forces which will sack/raid/raze your provinces, your starting income is at best unsustainable. Due to these variables I think it would like to see what you guys think about saving money from the start which might sustain you better than your income once you get the ball rolling.
The only thing I did spend money on was governors in my 4 highest income regions with the "Byzantine Urbanisation" (-10% Construction cost, + 5% Tax rate) edict. I don't know yet if this will pay off, but I am trying it out for now.
I've now saved 5850 from my starting treasury, this will give me a interest of 292-293. This will of course grow more and more every turn I don't spend any money.
I've already tried spending nothing on military as ERE and not lose a single battle for the first 2 turns so I know I can handle the start that far.
Some quick stats (based on the assumption you have a positive income, regardless of how small):
5000 = 250
10000 = 500
20000 = 1000 (Benchmark, you can build some t1 buildings with interest alone)
24000 = 1200 (Benchmark, you can build some t2 buildings with interest alone)
When you reach these benchmarks you will be able to improve your economy, handle all your problems and snowball out of control (I hope).
Foreseeable problems include:
- Multiple hordes in different locations (Black sea invasion included)
- That Sassy Empire to the East
- Multiple hordes in different locations (2 turns in a row)
- Losing battles because you're not as good as you thought
- Multiple hordes in different locations (3 turns in a row)
- Poor sanitation leading to sickness
- Multiple hordes in different locations (Because CA hates the Greeks and wants you to play as a horde faction)
- Damn history! You scary!
Thoughts?