After quite a few test runs I think I have devised a good strategy to start off as the Scythians. It's a rough guide, but it is still clear enough to understand what to do. Feel free to criticize it.
First off, I would initiate an operation. I call it ''Operation Steppes'', where I take over all settlements on the steppes (Campus Sakkae (Parthia) and Chersonesos (rebels)),in other words, I would unify the steppes under one banner. I would start this off by conquering Chersonesos with troops assembled from Campus Scythii and Tanais and, in the mean time send the spy into Thrace to gather information and raise his subterfuge.
I would also send the diplomat near Campus Alanni to Campus Sakae to negotiate trade rights with the Parthians, they accept that. The treaty would be short-lived but, since Scythia is in such a poor region, every coin counts which is why I would also advise to raise all taxes to very high, if possible, in all settlements. When the trade is established, the diplomat should go down the road leading to Asia Minor to negotiste peace with Parthians to when their settlement is taken.
Alright, back to Chersonesos, I think the fight won't be too difficult as it's garrison consists of hoplites and militia cavalry. When the seige is over and the settlement is your, I would take units with the most experince points and transfer them back to Campus Scythii. I wouldn't send them to Campus Alanni because it would take too long.
While marching to Chersonesos, Campus Alanni should churn out as many horse archers as your budget allows because the Parthians have a preety good garrison in Campus Sakae. I would gather all troops intended to capture Campus Sakae at the river crossing. You could use also some troops from Tanais to bolster the army. It is possible that some Parthian garrison troops leave the settlement, if so, I would advise crushing those units in order to weaken the garrison and then lay seige. With careful manouvering of troops you would surely get the settlement. When the settlement is yours, send the troops with the most experince points towards Campus Scythii.
That would be the end of Operation Steppes. After the taking of these two settlements, you might go after Vicus Venedae (rebels), with troops coming from Chersonesos and Campus Sakae, if it hasn't been conquered already by the Germans. If it has been conquered I would first build up the economy and army if you really wish to expand in the north, or aouth into Thrace. I still can't decide whether to then expand into Thrace or Germannia as both are easy to destroy but their neighbours might pose a problem.
During the expeditions, I would recruit a diplomat in Campus Scythii, who would go all around the weatern portion of the map asking for trade rights and map information. Also, whenever I get the first family member come of age I would send him with two horse archer units to build watchtowers along roads and hunt down rebel armies. I find that a general's bodyguard with two horse archers a strong enough army to counter rebel armies in Scythian starting lands. It also provides a great way in raising the family members command and experince. As for peace with Parthia, if you stick with the road you will almost certainly bump into a Partian diplomat. The Parthians would always accept ceasefire and the renewing of trade.
Well, what do you think? It is any good?
First off, I would initiate an operation. I call it ''Operation Steppes'', where I take over all settlements on the steppes (Campus Sakkae (Parthia) and Chersonesos (rebels)),in other words, I would unify the steppes under one banner
I would also send the diplomat near Campus Alanni to Campus Sakae to negotiate trade rights with the Parthians, they accept that. The treaty would be short-lived but, since Scythia is in such a poor region, every coin counts which is why I would also advise to raise all taxes to very high, if possible, in all settlements. When the trade is established, the diplomat should go down the road leading to Asia Minor to negotiste peace with Parthians to when their settlement is taken.
Alright, back to Chersonesos, I think the fight won't be too difficult as it's garrison consists of hoplites and militia cavalry. When the seige is over and the settlement is your, I would take units with the most experince points and transfer them back to Campus Scythii. I wouldn't send them to Campus Alanni because it would take too long.
While marching to Chersonesos, Campus Alanni should churn out as many horse archers as your budget allows because the Parthians have a preety good garrison in Campus Sakae. I would gather all troops intended to capture Campus Sakae at the river crossing. You could use also some troops from Tanais to bolster the army. It is possible that some Parthian garrison troops leave the settlement, if so, I would advise crushing those units in order to weaken the garrison and then lay seige. With careful manouvering of troops you would surely get the settlement. When the settlement is yours, send the troops with the most experince points towards Campus Scythii.
That would be the end of Operation Steppes. After the taking of these two settlements, you might go after Vicus Venedae (rebels), with troops coming from Chersonesos and Campus Sakae, if it hasn't been conquered already by the Germans. If it has been conquered I would first build up the economy and army if you really wish to expand in the north, or aouth into Thrace. I still can't decide whether to then expand into Thrace or Germannia as both are easy to destroy but their neighbours might pose a problem.
During the expeditions, I would recruit a diplomat in Campus Scythii, who would go all around the weatern portion of the map asking for trade rights and map information. Also, whenever I get the first family member come of age I would send him with two horse archer units to build watchtowers along roads and hunt down rebel armies. I find that a general's bodyguard with two horse archers a strong enough army to counter rebel armies in Scythian starting lands. It also provides a great way in raising the family members command and experince. As for peace with Parthia, if you stick with the road you will almost certainly bump into a Partian diplomat. The Parthians would always accept ceasefire and the renewing of trade.
Well, what do you think? It is any good?