Pergamon pointers

[TSD]

I wanted to start playing with a small faction to learn the mechanics. I've restarted 4-5 times already trying different things, but it always seems I end up hamstrung. Maybe I picked the worst possible faction to start with.

1. Tried to improve public order first, that just led to me getting bankrupted without really doing anything to quell the native discontent which is the source of the public order problems.
2. Currently, I decided to focus on maximizing income...I'm in the black but not exactly rolling in dough. i.e. couldn't afford a full 20 stack. I know trade is important, but as Pergamon your options are limited. So as of now my game is make some income and put down the inevitable rebellions.
3. Tried expanding, again, due to the public order situation and rebellions springing up every time I put one down. Taking another city is a simple enough task, holding onto both cities while attempting to right the ship is another. I was hoping I would be able to make enough money to at least afford two half stacks to defend two settlements while trying to fix the public order, but at this point it doesn't seem feasible.

The question I have is, is this expected? How many buildings that provide state influence do you need to build to counteract the native discontent?

[bubba 777]

puppet state 4-5 surrounding settlements...i got to turn 30 and i was making 22k a turn

[AltanIV]

What I personally did was declare war to the the ptolemys, took the city they had in pergamon's starting province (the other they in Anatolia is not worth keeping at this point, either let the Seleucids take or raze it), then I took Pella from Makedon, then Thrake... Let's just say at this point Pergamon is doing pretty well. Also don't be afraid to be bankrupt a few turns, it's still possible to turn the table. You don't much choice with PO as Pergamon is Hellenic but it's starting region is 100% Makedonian (Also raid your neighbors (mostly the Ptolemys, that helps a tiny bit)