Total War: Pharaoh Ithaca
| Total War: Pharaoh Ithaca | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Ithaca |
| From Game: | Total War: Pharaoh |
| Culture: | Mycenaean |
| Playable: | Yes |
Ithaca is a Mycenaean minor factions in Total War Pharaoh, led by Odyseus.
Overview
In the Iliad and Odyssey, Odysseus is loyal (supporting Agamemnon when others question his leadership), and a capable counsellor, diplomat and archer. At first, Ithaca is likely to rely on native units, including decent club and spear infantry and archers.
Starting Position
Ithaca begins with one region, the island of Cephallenia, close to the north-west corner of the campaign map. Starting in a corner reduces the number of potential enemies nearby, although Ithaca starts at war with the Teleboans, who control an island region south of Cephallenia. Ithaca's starting region is a minor settlement which can produce food and wood, so initially you don't have a region providing stone, bronze or gold.
The starting army of Odysseus includes a unit of Exemplary Ambushers, javelin infantry who have the vanguard deployment ability (they can deploy outside your army's normal deployment zone at the start of a battle). Ithaca's roster includes skilled but lightly armoured swordsmen and some good ranged units; it lacks good chariots and (like most factions) does not include cavalry.
Strategies for Ithaca
Defeating the Teleboans to the south of your starting region is likely to be your first priority. Afrer defeating the enemy army in the first turn, you may need to return to your island to recruit more men, before taking the island of the Teleboans. The Teleboan region provides bronze, which you can trade for additional food (at least, until you need the bronze for the upkeep of higher-tier units).
After taking over the island of your initial enemy, the Teleboans to the south of your home region, you may want to take the region to the north of your home region, to complete your initial province. The faction which occupies the region to your north is likely to be at war with the faction north of them, so they may be distracted - despite this, you may find that their region is well-defended. You may find that nearby cities on the west coast of the mainland are better targets in the early campaign, particularly if their rulers are distracted by a war with Agamemnon.
As you are a minor faction starting with one region, your territory may look like a tempting target for opportunistic rivals. Improving the defences of your cities, for example by adding guard towers in the cities and forts in outposts, may be useful.
Legacies
As a Mycenaean faction, you can choose between the legacy of Atreus the First Wanax, and Perseus the Hero. The Atreus Legacy is about completing objectives to gain Dominance, which you can use to swing diplomatic deals in your favour, for court actions and to boost your Legitimacy during civil wars. The Perseus Legacy is about building your strength through Unity, acquiring allies and vassals, and having access to global recruitment in which you can recruit units from the rosters of your allies and vassals.
