Pontus, Media Atropatene and Baktria Announcement
- Weak Dynasties: -1 loyalty from subject characters
- Multiculturalism: -50% native discontent in all provinces
- Tributary Treaties: +100% tribute income from vassal
- Mercenary Forces: -20% recruitment cost for mercenaries
- Political Ambitions: +2 Pontic cultural influence in all provinces
- Naval Marauders: +60% bonus income from raiding
Introduction
As the Macedonians and Greeks have their successor kingdoms following in the footsteps of Alexander, why should the Persians not taste a similar honour. After all, the Persian Empire was far older, more stable and more enlightened than the realms of the Macedonian brutes ever were. Pontus was founded by the rulers of the little city of Cius who claimed to be a descendant of Dareius the Great of Persia. As Persian heritage still slumbered in the region, unsubdued by the long Macedonian rule many of its neighbours had to endure, Mithridates I., the ruler of the city, sought to utilize this Old Persian spirit to unite and to conquer the surrounding area. Now, the young kingdom of Pontus is protected from bigger empires mainly by its obscurity, few of them have recognized its slow but steady expansion in the east of Asia minor. Making use of Persian techniques of administration, the small kingdoms economy is efficient and growing, allowing for further expansion. What the kingdom is sorely lacking, however, is a significant port to improve its trade capabilities; the city of Sinope to the east might be a suitable candidate. Before this goal is achieved however, it is crucial to not provoke the barbaric Galatians to the south. They are formidable, and Pontus yet lacks the strength to expel them from the land for good. The conditions for Pontus are favourable however, and if the young kingdom plays its cards right, it might well achieve dominion over all the lands by the black sea. For now however caution is paramount.
Spoiler for Pontic Roster:
- Weak Dynasties: -1 loyalty from subject characters
- Multiculturalism: -50% native discontent in all provinces
- Tributary Treaties: +100% tribute income from vassal
- Achaemenid Legacy: +3 recruitment capacity for armies
- Persian Traditions: +6% tax rate in all provinces
- Zoroaster Religion: +2 Persian cultural influence in all provinces
Introduction
Media Atropatene is a small, and relatively young kingdom stabilised in the third century BC. In a world of greater empires it started out as a mere satrapy under the rule of Dareios III. Of Persian and later Alexander the great, but, as the Great empires of the time have since collapsed under their own weight, Media Atropatene has gained room to breathe and became an independent kingdom. It is named after its first ruler Antropatenes, who managed to shed his status as Macedonian subject when the Seleucid Empire was established. The reason this has not been opposed by the Seleucid dynasty likely has to do with the kingdoms lack of natural resources, while its rocky mountain ridges make it ill-suited for conquest. At the same time the countries warm climate and frequent rainfall, make it ideal for agriculture and its livestock and grain are the kingdoms greatest treasures. Like many of its neighbours Media Atropatene has a tradition of breeding fine warhorses and utilizes them in their strong and versatile cavalry. A strong military is indispensable to the country, since, while it might not be a prime target for any great power, there are many small nations vying for control over Asia minor, and to profit from the vacuum of power, left in the wake of Alexander.
Spoiler for Median Roster:
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Originally Posted by Eladryel
