~ Pontus ~
Mithridatic Kingdom of Pontus
The Kingdom of Darkness on the Shores of the Dark Sea
Banner
The banner of Pontus depicts a silver starburst above a silver crescent moon upon a dark purple background. King Mithridates I, the Poisoner, was born on a night with a bright crescent moon.
Capital
The Royal Palace at Amaseia is where King Mithridates the Poisoner and his family reside. It also contains various kinds of dungeons. The palace is at the heart of the great city, surrounded by taverns, brothels, and apothecaries. The expansion of the city was completed in 264 BC. Upon completion, Mithridates awarded his eldest daughter, Crown Princess Zenobia, the epithet "the Cruel" for whipping the slave workforce into shape. He also passed a new edict, the Edict of Revolutionary Darkness, which encourages all ethnic groups, cults, and militaries everywhere (except in lands ruled by the Mithridatic Dynasty) to rise up and overthrow oppression. Pontic diplomats and spies will actively incite rebellions and Pontus will provide financial and military support to any rebel group.
Leadership
King Mithridates I, the Poisoner, is the absolute monarch of Pontus. He was born in 309 BC to the Lady Lilith in Pontus. His father is unknown. After several assassination attempts on him and his family members, Mithridates began building an immunity to every poison that claimed one of his family members. He is now immune to every poison known to man. The image depicts Mithridates, aged 38, when he seized the throne of Pontus in 272 BC. His late wife, the Lady Nysa, died under mysterious circumstances in the same year. With Nysa, he had three children: Zenobia (born 286 BC), Mithridates born 284 BC), and Pharnaces (born 282 BC). Mithridates also has numerous concubines and mistresses, not all of them willing, and therefore has numerous other children. Mithridates claims to be a practicing Zoroastrian, but most Zoroastrian priests refute this, saying he worships Angra Mainyu not Ahura Mazda. Mithridates is secretly working on an elixir of immortality so he can be king of Pontus forever!
Economy
The economy of Pontus is primarily based on the buying and selling of poisons and antidotes. Other important commodities include cloaks, daggers, and secrets.
Official Currency: drachmae (silver coins)
Culture
Pontic culture revolves around the decadent royal court and its complex webs of intrigue and murder. The most cunning spies and assassins are held in high esteem.
Official Language(s): Persian, and Greek
Official Religion(s): Greek Polytheism, Anatolian Paganism, and Zoroastrianism
Military
Armament: iron scale or linothorax armor; bronze helmets; wood shields; iron swords; iron-tipped spears, javelins, and lances; chariots with iron scythe-blades; wood bows and arrows; and catapults.
Land Units: Spearmen, Pikemen, Archers, Light Horsemen (javelin-throwers), Cataphracts, Scythed Chariots, and Elite Assassins.
Naval Units: Biremes (missile warships), Triremes (ramming warships), and Quadriremes (boarding warships).
Pontic Naval Presence: East Black Sea
Diplomacy
Relations --
Friendly: Macedon, Sparta (ally), Epirus, and Egypt
Good: Carthage, and Boii
Neutral: Baktria, Parthia, Aorsoi, Getae, Suebi, Rome, Arverni, Gallaeci, and Iceni
Bad: Scythia, and Athens (war)
Hostile: Seleucid Empire, and Pergamon
Welcome, traveler, to the dark kingdom. When the sun sets you'll be allowed entrance into the royal palace to meet with his royal majesty and state what you wish to propose.
