Sparta
Sparta is but a shadow of its former glory, and the days of Leonidas and the Three Hundred are a distant memory. But there is some of the old blood left in them, and the Spartans can be a devastating force with a little guidance.
While a small state, with a very small population, Sparta may not seem like an intuitive choice at first glance. But their location, in the southern part of Greece, is very well defended. Like the Three Hundred before you, with a well placed elite force, you can hold off armies many times your own size.
Playing as the Spartans will allow you to see the game at a slower pace. Rather than starting with hundreds of provinces, you start with three. This means you will have time to integrate any new lands and understand what a single city is worth, at least when it comes to your own economy.
Try these factions out for yourself, and see what works best for you. The beauty of Paradox games is that no two are the same, so if it first you run into trouble with a particular neighbor, they may be your best friend next time around. Experiment, and don’t be afraid to reload if things go pearshaped!
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