Persia - playing as Rhodes - quite slow

[Southern Hunter]

Not a complaint but a note. Playing as Rhodes, it is extremely slow to build up to the point where you can challenge almost anyone. Not saying this is wrong, but apart from building up some colonies, just can't get the pops and resources to build an army to take out even Crete. 100+ turns so far, and still looking forward to maybe owning a region

Am I missing a quick shortcut to greatness?

[Surt]

Haven't tried a once province nation yet, but Finding easy victims like revolting regions, unclaimed regions, regions of larger powers that are losing their other wars would be prime targets.
Also going for a unlimited unrestricted pop build up seems like a must if none of the other options are going well. This should give you the money and manpower to attack someone.

[Pocus]

If you want to speed up thing, forget maintaining a standing army of appreciable size for many turns. What you should do is alternate between a cheap army, used only for defense, and a relatively powerful mercenary army, for offense and expansion. You can and should 'burst-recruit' mercenaries when you feel you have enough gold to sustain a 6-turns campaign. Use this time to conquer some regions, then once done, disband, rebuild, and wait again.

[Gray Fox]

This AAR is not from the Persia DLC, but may be of some help.

viewtopic.php?f=563&t=96457

[Southern Hunter]

This AAR is not from the Persia DLC, but may be of some help.

viewtopic.php?f=563&t=96457

I have played Rhodus in the original campaign and had no problem. The Persia campaign is a whole different kettle of fish in my experience.

[Southern Hunter]

If you want to speed up thing, forget maintaining a standing army of appreciable size for many turns. What you should do is alternate between a cheap army, used only for defense, and a relatively powerful mercenary army, for offense and expansion. You can and should 'burst-recruit' mercenaries when you feel you have enough gold to sustain a 6-turns campaign. Use this time to conquer some regions, then once done, disband, rebuild, and wait again.

I will have to restart and try this out I guess. I presume you keep a little bit of LI/LC as support troops then burst recruit mercs. Certainly my 'safe' way was not getting anywhere fast.

[Gray Fox]

After you gain control of your starting province go to the steppes and get control of the provinces that make cataphracts and horse archers. Your army will rock. Good luck!