Pontus (RTW Faction)

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File:Symbol128 pontus.jpg

Pontic faction symbol.

Pontus (Πόντος) are one of the factions in Rome: Total War designed to be non-playable. However they can be made playable by simple modifications to the game files, via descr strat.txt‎. They are a Greco-Eastern faction, with Greek names and the Greek gods. Troops include fast-moving, javelin-armed cavalry as well as phalanx troops and chariots.

Game Play

Starting Position

Pontus starts in the north and east Asia Minor, with historical Greek colonies, north of the Seleucid Empire, and west of Armenia. They begin close to rivers and fords which provide a good early defense. Pontus begins their campaign with 3000 denarii.

Cities:

• Sinope - Capital, Great opportunity to become a rich city with access to a port and mines.
• Mazaka

Family Members Pontus begin with 3 family members, with several sons already close to coming of age.

Win Conditions

Short campaign: Take 15 provinces,and destroy or outlast the following factions: Armenia and Thrace <br\> Long Campaign: Take 50 provinces,and become supreme ruler of Rome.

Units

Pontus has Typical Macedonian style pikemen along with cataphracts, various javelin cavalry and chariots. Pontus also have access to a wide range of mercenaries in their starting and surrounding provinces.

Pontic General's Bodyguard.

Infantry

• Peasants
• Eastern Infantry
• Hillmen
• Phalanx Pikemen
• Bronze Shields

Cavalry

• Pontic Light Cavalry
• Pontic Heavy Cavalry
• Cappadocian Cavalry
• Scythed Chariots

Missle

• Peltasts
• Archers
• Chariot Archers
• Onagers

Buildings

As Pontus are of Eastern culture they have access to the secret police and spice caravan structures. Their culture also reflects their look on the campaign map.

Temples

Pontus has access to three temples:

• Zeus - Happiness temple
• Aphrodite - Population growth
• Hercules - War, Gives experience

Unique Units

• General: Like all Eastern generals, the Pontic general's main weapon is the javelin untill the late general becomes available.
• Bronze Shield Pikemen: Macedonian style pikemen, with good attack but weaker defence.
• Cappadocian Cavalry: Cataphract type unit, with the same charge as regular cataphracts, but weaker defence and attack.
• Pontic Heavy Cavalry: Javelin cavalry with good melee attack.

Strategy guides

One possible strategy as Pontus would be to take the rebel and Greek/Seleucid provinces to the west as well as Tarsus to the south. Then you can move against Armenia, Thrace and, Egypt.

• See also Pontus - RTW guide for a comprehensive strategy guide.

History

Pontus was founded by Mithradates I Ktistes,son of Prince Mithradates of Cius,who was murdered by Antigonus Monothanus.Antigonus planned to murder Mithradates the younger as well,but Mithradates was tipped off by Demetrius Poliorcetes,and fled to the powerful fortress of Cimiata,from which he extended his power,and was joined by various troops from across the region.Eventually he proclaimed himself king.He made alliances with various towns to protect them from the Diadochi,and allied himself with the Gauls of Galatia.His Kingdon remained independent until the the reign of Mithrdates VI.Though Mithradates was a strong king,he had the misfortune of being forced to face the Romans.He fought against them with some success for a time,but even Mithradates was no match for Pompey the Great and he was defeated. Later Pharnaces II rebelled again against the Romans and Julius Caesar quelled the uprising quickly, hence the saying "Veni, vidi, vici" I came, I saw, I won.

RTW Factions
Armenia | Britannia | Carthage | Dacia | Egypt | Gaul | Germania | Greek Cities | The House of Brutii | The House of Julii | The House of Scipii | Macedon | Numidia | Parthia | Pontus | Scythia | Seleucid Empire | Senate | Spain | Thrace | Rebels