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{{ :nations:flags:la_Pythium.png?100&nolink|}}
======LA Pythium, Serpent Cult======

=====Lore=====
Pythium is based on the eastern Roman Empire and Byzantium. Its history and military
bears a legacy of Ermor, as did Byzantium from Rome. The Theurgs and their ceremonial
magic are influenced by the lavish liturgy of the Orthodox Church. The Cathedral of the
Spheres is filled with chanting, the fragrance of incense, and processions of Theurgs robed in gold and
silver. Ritual magic is a public and religious affair. The serpent-and-emerald part of the nation is more
free-form fantasy fiction, and comes from the name I think.
In the late era the nation is influenced by the mystery cults and religious worshipers of subjugated lands,
much as the late Roman empire became a melting pot of imported religious beliefs and faiths. The
mystery cults of Isis/Sarapis, Mithra, Dionysos and Euleusis gave Pythium in the late era a new and
interesting flavor. The serpent priests are more of a fictional addition, and probably came about as a
result of the sacred serpent cataphracts and hydras. Since the mystery cults were inspired by the cult of
Isis, a serpent priest with a C'tissian legacy felt fitting. I'm personally quite fond of late era Pythium,
since my thesis was about the Roman Isis/Sarapis cult. -Illwinter

The Emerald Empire of Pythium was a splinter empire of the great Empire of Ermor. As dark arts were practiced in the heart of the Empire, the stars warned the Theurgs of Pythia to flee the impending doom. They led Pythia away from the falling Empire and formed an imperial theocracy under their wise rule. As Ermor slowly crumbled, the Emerald Empire struggled to keep the old Ermorian provinces under their rule. From these provinces came strange cults and foreign beliefs. Just as Ermor was seduced by the C’tissian cults of Death, the Pythians were fascinated by the exotic practices of the lizardmen. With shadows lingering near, the C’tissian cults were particularly seductive. No other people had such knowledge of Death and the dead. The popularity of the Theurgs diminished and the Serpent Cult gradually replaced the old state cult. But the Serpent Cult was not the only foreign cult that got a foothold in the Empire. Heretical mystery cults flourish and threaten to cast the Empire into disorder. Pythium uses a reformed legionnaire army with frontier soldiers and mobile field troops. The Serpent Cataphracts have received special status and they have become the most respected force in the Empire.
===== General Overview =====
{{:misc:magic:nature.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:water.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:death.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:astral.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:air.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:fire.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:earth.png?nolink}}{{:misc:magic:blood.png?nolink}}\\
Wide as an ocean and deep as a bathtub, LA Pythium has the gimmick of being the only nation to let you purchase access into all eight [[Magic]] paths. It also has the gimmick of recruit-anywhere stuff: you won't need forts right away, because there's stuff to be found in the frontiers as well! To top it off, it's the only nation to give you a [[bless]] effect for free, an extra Major Poison Resistance that doesn't prevent you from purchasing more Poison Resistance in Pretender creation, because Poison is the only thing that Pythium can handle consistently well. Many say that the lack of magical depth is Pythium's biggest problem, but that's a trend across all of the Late Age's Human nations: the real problem is that you don't have enough money and Priests to cover everything, and that you might spread yourself too thin.
===== National Features =====
 

^  Special Race Attributes  ^  Military                                                                                                                                                            ^  Magic Access                                                                                                                                                  ^  Priests                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ^  Buildings                                                                     ^
| Humans \\ - Some with inherent [[Poison Resistance]] {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}(5-15) or \\ [[Fire Resistance]] {{:abilities:resist_fire.png?20&nolink}}(5)                   | - Medium & Heavy Infantry\\ - Tower Shields\\ - Above-Average [[Map Movement]] \\ - Off-fort options of lesser quality \\ - Gladiator Levies\\ - Sacred Reptiles \\ - Sacred Assassins  | {{path>N3}} (rare 4)\\ {{path>F2}} (rare 3)*\\ {{path>W2}} (rare 3)\\ {{path>S2}}\\ {{path>D2}}\\ {{path>E1}} (50%)*\\ {{path>A1}} (33%)\\ {{path>B1}} (10%)*  | Average but costly ({{path>H2}}) \\ \\ Free {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](10) [[bless]] \\ \\ {{:abilities:temple_trainer.png?15&nolink}} ??Hydra Hatchling#1859??s from Swamp temples + Capital \\ \\ {{:abilities:heretic.png?15&nolink}} Mystical [[Heretic|Heretics]] \\ (A * denotes heresy paths)  | {{:misc:gui:citadel.png?30&nolink}} Standard [[Fort|Forts]] \\ \\ Off-fort mages  |

Rare is 5% (one-in-twenty) for {{path>F3}}, and 0.625% (one-in-160) for {{path>N4}} and {{path>W3}}.


==== Capital Special Sites ====

^  Temple of the Spheres                                                                             ^  The Sacred Swamp                                                                                                                                  ^  The Imperial Capital                                                     ^
| {{:sites:sites_0040.png?nolink }} \\ Enables recruitment of **??Theurg??**.\\ Produce {{gems>1S}}  | {{:sites:sites_0052.png?nolink }} \\ Enables recruitment of **??Serpent Priest??**, **??Hydra#1850??**, **??Hydra Hatchling#1859??**.\\ Produce {{gems>3N}}  | {{:sites:sites_0068.png?nolink }} \\ Enables recruitment of **??Serpent Lord#765??**, **??Serpent Cataphract#763??**  |

===== Unit Overview =====


==== Commanders ====
Pythium is a nation that drafts many of its units from anywhere. It has a large variety of mages. It can recruit in and out of forts. You have a large path diversity but are limited in paths.

Most of the off-fort mages are [[Heretic|Heretics]], which will eventually scrub away the candles in an area (could be weaponized if you bring large stacks to remove the enemies domain). 

^ Img                                                     ^ Unit Name                                                                                                                                                                                                         ^ Special Attributes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ^ Comments                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ^
| {{:nations:la:pythium:scout.png?30&nolink}}             | **??Scout??** \\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 25\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 4 \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1                                                                 | {{:abilities:stealthy.png?15&nolink}} [[Stealthy]](50)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Good for foreign recruitment and while you have palisades and are building up to forts, they have niche strategic uses for sieging vs assassins but normally they are only made in provinces that have them natively.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:serpent_assassin.png?30&nolink}}  | **??Serpent Assassin??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 75\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2                                                        | {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](15)\\ {{:abilities:stealthy.png?15&nolink}} [[Stealthy]](60)\\ {{:abilities:patrol_bonus.png?15&nolink}}[[Patrol Bonus]](25)\\ {{:abilities:assassin.png?15&nolink}}[[Assassin]] (2)\\ {{:abilities:scale_walls.png?15&nolink}}[[Scale-Walls]]  | A good assassin that can kill even during sieges and very likely to inflict a high amount of [[poison damage]] on the target. Need gear for survivability and can take your bless. \\ \\ While waiting for targets, they are useful at [[patrol]] to clean up after ??Reveler#1880??s, for example. However, you might find the assassins too good at their job: They can target a ??Reveler#1880??, ??Epoptes?? or ??Heliodromus?? in the same province as an event. \\ ??Leo??s are safe.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:centurion.png?30&nolink}}         | **??Centurion#1869??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 70\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 22\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ + foreign Rec                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Your base unit commander since he is only 1 recruitment point. Very capable, can get anywhere, and lead 3 squads with a +1 morale boost and 4 squads without a morale penalty. Can do all formations and is the cheapest commander that can lead formations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:tribuni.png?30&nolink}}           | **??Tribuni??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 80\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 30\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1                                                                | {{:abilities:inspirational.png?20&nolink}} [[Inspirational]](1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Step up from Centurion, has a shield for more protection, and can lead 3 squads with a +2 morale boost or have 5 squads without penalty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:magister_militum.png?30&nolink}}  | **??Magister Militum??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 110\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 22  \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2                                                    | {{:abilities:old_age.png?20&nolink}}[[Old Age]](55/50)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Your best unit commander, able to lead 120 troops. He is however old, costs 2 recruitment points and almost twice the upkeep of a centurion. Recruit when you need a big army lead by one commander (likely with morale boosters).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:battle_deacon.png?30&nolink}}     | **??Battle Deacon#2151??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 65\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 19\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1                                                     | {{path>H1}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](5)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Priest leaders, useful for moving and blessing your Serpent Riders and Hydras.\\ If leading Hydras, you may want to give them a ??Dragon Helmet?? For a morale bonus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:serpent_acolyte.png?30&nolink}}   | **??Serpent Acolyte??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 70\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2                                                         | {{path>N1,H1}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}7\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](5)\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?20&nolink}}[[Supply Bonus]](10)\\ {{:abilities:temple_trainer.png?20&nolink}} [[Temple Trainer]](??Hydra Hatchling#1859??)                                  | Cheap fort researchers and fluffers.\\ They are a spammable way to give your troops poison resistance (??Gift of the Sacred Swamp??) and to bless your fort mages.\\ \\ Having one at each //Swamp// temple is a gold-saving method for amassing Hydra Hatchlings. It can also be done at their [[Capital]], even if it isn't in a swamp.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:renata.png?30&nolink}}            | **??Renata??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 150\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1  \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2                                                               | {{path>W1,D1,100%WSN}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}11\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Two very similar mages, being the main combat mages coming out of your non-cap forts.\\ Renatus are usually the most preferable of the two because it has a 1/3 chance to be a {{path>D2}}.\\ Renata are more situational, able to have {{path>W2}} and boasting a situational AoE Holy grenade attack.\\ \\  {{path>S1}} randoms can form [[communions]], with Nature being relegated to ??Mossbody?? and ??Construct Manikin??.\\ If you have a favorite, you can cast ??Katabasis?? on them to save them from death multiple times; they have a chance to become a stronger Death mage each time.  |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:renatus.png?30&nolink}}           | **??Renatus??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 150\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1  \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2                                                              | {{path>W1,D1,100%SDN}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}11\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | :::                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:serpent_lord.png?30&nolink}}      | **??Serpent Lord#765??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 100\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 56\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only  | {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](5)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | While there are very few uses for this commander, light thugging is one of them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:theurg.png?30&nolink}}            | **??Theurg#1874??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 135\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 2\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only        | {{path>S1,H1,100%AWS}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}9\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Communion mages left over from the Middle Age.\\ Production is restricted to the capital, but they are guaranteed to have a path in Astral, and they may add Air to your communions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:serpent_priest.png?30&nolink}}    | **??Serpent Priest??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 265\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only     | {{path>W1,N2,H2,100%WSDN,10%WSDN}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}13\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](15)\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?20&nolink}}[[Supply Bonus]](20)\\ {{:abilities:temple_trainer.png?20&nolink}} [[Temple Trainer]](??Hydra Hatchling#1859??)           | The big cap-only mage (though certainly on the lower end of "big", even with LA standards).\\ \\  Your ??Foul Vapors?? and ??Serpent's Blessing??/??Gift of the Sacred Swamp?? caster. Since Pythium doesn't need nature gems to protect their army from poison, ??Foul Vapors?? is a more economical option. \\ Also a Nature Communion Master.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:leo.png?30&nolink}}               | **??Leo??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 80\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 22\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ foreign Rec Only                                               | {{path>F1,10%N}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}5\\ {{:abilities:resist_fire.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Fire]](5)\\ {{:abilities:fire_power.png?20&nolink}}[[Fire Power]](1)\\ {{:abilities:heretic.png?20&nolink}}[[Heretic]](1)                                                                                                                          | A tougher ??Centurion#1869?? that knows some fire magic.\\ Paying extra may be be worth it if for a Commander that does more than just stand in the back.\\ Can support lines with evocations and Summoning ??Will o' the Wisp?? (Fire elementals would require proper positioning). \\ Could be used as light thugs, especially if they get {{path>N1}} (that 10% random path) and fight in Heat 3.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:heliodromus.png?30&nolink}}       | **??Heliodromus??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 90\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2\\ foreign Rec Only                                          | {{path>F1,100%FN,10%F}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}7\\ {{:abilities:resist_fire.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Fire]](5)\\ {{:abilities:fire_power.png?20&nolink}}[[Fire Power]](1)\\ {{:abilities:heretic.png?20&nolink}}[[Heretic]](2)                                                                                                                   | Proper fire mages (compared to Leos).\\ Able to bring down bigger fire spells, such as full-sized ??Fire Elemental#594??s.\\ A {{path>F1N1}} can't do to much, but you can have one cast ??Taurobolium?? to be a {{path>F3N2}}, which'll be able to give your armies Fire and Cold Resistance and cast battle-wide Fire stuff such as ??Heat from Hell?? and ??Flaming Arrows??, and which an make more {{path>F3}}'s with ??Summon Flame Spirit??.                                                                                                                                              |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:mystes.png?30&nolink}}            | **??Mystes??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 40\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ foreign Rec Only                                               | {{path>N1,10%EN}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?20&nolink}}5\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?20&nolink}}[[Supply Bonus]](10)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Cost effective research monkeys and the only non-fort mages that are not heretics.\\ Plop down a lab anywhere and mass produce ??Swarm?? casters and a ??Vine Man?? creators                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:epoptes.png?30&nolink}}           | **??Epoptes??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 110\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 2\\ foreign Rec Only                                           | {{path>N1,100%EN,10%N}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?15&nolink}}7\\ {{:abilities:disease_healer.png?20&nolink}}[[Disease Healer]](1)\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?20&nolink}}[[Supply Bonus]](30)\\ {{:abilities:heretic.png?20&nolink}}[[Heretic]] (2)                                                                                                       | Requires two turns to recruit an upgraded  Mystes with some more magic, Supply Bonus and is Disease Healer but reduces your dominion.\\ \\  Half are earth 1 which is more likely to occur than the 5% on Mystes. Earth randoms can be used to point buff and ??Earth Meld?? enemies, ??Summon Ogres?? for sieging or stitched into communions for bigger buffs. \\ Can cast ??Epopteia??.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:reveler.png?30&nolink}}           | **??Reveler#1880??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 50\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 1\\ foreign Rec Only                                       | {{path>N1,20%NB}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?15&nolink}}3\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?20&nolink}}[[Supply Bonus]] (10)\\ {{:abilities:cause_unrest.png?15&nolink}} [[Causes Unrest]] (+2 Per Month)\\ {{:abilities:heretic.png?20&nolink}}[[Heretic]](3)                                                                                                   | On paper they are worse Mystes (produces a lot of Heresy and unrest with lower Research). You spam them for their 10 percent chance of {{path>B1}}.\\ You're often going to have a lot of gold to make labs, and you can recruit cheap troops as patrollers from anywhere, so you might as well recruit a few of these guys.\\ \\ Blood adds useful utility in and out of labs, if you can boost it. \\ Their signature Ritual, ??Orgy??, is a cheap way to get freespawn chaff (though getting Revelers that can cast it might cost you quite a bit).  \\ \\ Notably better leaders than most other mages.                                            |
==== Troops ====
Pythium's Late-Age army is based on the organization of the Late Roman & Early Byzantine "legions", with cheaper  Limitanei drawn from the "frontier" provinces and elite Comitatenses/Palatini deployed from the forts. Most of your men are pretty-well-equipped for the Late Age; unfortunately, good equipment goes with high {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}}Resource costs, and the cheaper guys are both sub-par at fighting and limited in movement range. You'll practically need {{:misc:scales:productivity.png?15&nolink}}Productivity Scales if you want large and effective armies.
^ Img                                                       ^ Unit Name                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ^ Special Attributes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ^ Comments                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ^
| {{:nations:la:pythium:milite.png?30&nolink}}              | **??Milite??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 8\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 9\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 5\\ + foreign Rec                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Militia with Javelins & Tower Shields that you can spam out of any province.\\ You can expand with them, sure, but you'll take quite a few casualties in doing so.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:limitane.png?30&nolink}}            | **??Limitane??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 8 \\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 26\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 5\\ + foreign Rec                                                                  | {{:abilities:castle_defence_bonus.png?20&nolink}} [[Castle Defence Bonus]](1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Well armored and rec anywhere makes them often better then most indies.\\ Useful for protecting important sites but limited by resource costs. Limitanei have Javelins and a lower Recruitment Point cost, but Primani are much better-suited for the front line with their better armor and 11 Morale.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:limitane_primani.png?30&nolink}}    | **??Limitane Primani??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 10\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 30\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 9\\ + foreign Rec                                                          | {{:abilities:castle_defence_bonus.png?20&nolink}} [[Castle Defence Bonus]](1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | :::                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:comitatense.png?30&nolink}}         | **??Comitatense??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 15\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 26\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 21                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Your elite fort troops, often used for expansions.\\ Armies made of //only// them are also good at claiming ground and responding to threat with their high map move. Comitatenses are often better expanders as they cost less and have javelins (they're essentially decent Limitanei), but the Palatini have better armor and higher stats (they're essentially decent Primani).                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:palatine.png?30&nolink}}            | **??Palatine??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 20\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 30\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 31                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | :::                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:standard.png?30&nolink}}            | **??Standard#2475??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 30\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 26\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 21                                                                            | {{:abilities:standard.png?20&nolink}} [[Standard]](1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | The extra squad morale is very welcome and a few should be sprinkled in any infantry formation.\\ While the Limitane Standard is cheaper, the Limitanei have significantly less map mobility and will hold your Comitatense/Palatini army back.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:limitane_standard.png?30&nolink}}   | **??Limitane Standard??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 20\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 26\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 21\\ + foreign Rec                                                        | {{:abilities:castle_defence_bonus.png?20&nolink}} [[Castle Defence Bonus]](1)\\ {{:abilities:standard.png?20&nolink}} [[Standard]](1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | :::                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:gladiator.png?25&nolink}}           | **??Gladiator??** \\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?20&nolink}}10  \\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1 \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 9                                                                               | [[levy]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Two attacks with a bonus against shielded foes make this the unit of choice against medium infantry. Their low resource cost makes them easy to mass, but they will disappear after either inflicting or suffering damage in battle. Very useful for early expansion or as an emergency defense recruit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:retiarius.png?25&nolink}}           | **??Retiarius??** \\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?20&nolink}}10  \\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1 \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 9                                                                               | [[levy]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Your mainstay expansion, rush, and counter-rush units. These deal effectively with several types of elite low strength units due to their net attack and extremely high piercing damage. Extremely cost-effective unit, with fog warriors, will of the fates, and mass flight they are weapons of mass destruction.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:serpent_cataphract.png?30&nolink}}  | **??Serpent Cataphract#763??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 65\\  {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 56\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 46\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only              | {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}} [[resist poison]] 5\\ [[Dying Shape]](??Serpent#764??) \\ [[mounted]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | Very good for dealing with PD dumps, and very strong (albeit expensive) expanders. They have 2 forms in battle but die after if the first form is killed. Fluff these up with ??Body Ethereal?? & ??Luck??, and 12-20 of them can clear almost arbitrary PD amounts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:hydra_hatchling.png?20&nolink}}     | **??Hydra Hatchling#1859??** \\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?20&nolink}}35  \\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1 \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 15\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only               | {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:regeneration.png?20&nolink}} [[Regeneration]] 10%\\ {{:abilities:vulnerability_fire.png?20&nolink}} [[susceptible to fire]] 10\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}} [[resist poison]] 25\\ {{:abilities:poison_cloud.png?20&nolink}} [[Poison Cloud]] 4\\ {{:abilities:unsurroundable.png?20&nolink}} [[Unsurroundable]] 2\\ {{:abilities:undisciplined.png?20&nolink}} [[undisciplined]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_blunt.png?20&nolink}} [[blunt resistant]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_pierce.png?20&nolink}} [[pierce resistant]]\\ {{:abilities:animal.png?20&nolink}} [[Animal]] \\ {{:abilities:cold_blooded.png?20&nolink}} [[cold-blooded]]\\ {{:abilities:swamp_survival.png?20&nolink}} [[swamp survival]]\\ {{:abilities:swimming.png?20&nolink}} [[swimming]]\\ {{:abilities:recuperation.png?20&nolink}} [[recuperation]]                                                | Hazardous to mix with other troops until your mages can grant Poison resistance. Has some uses as early expansion units in a retreat strategy, leaving behind clouds that will kill the chasing independents.\\ Can soften up heavy cav and many other unit types but suffer vs ranged attackers and can not one turn capture provinces which makes them a bit sub par. \\ Having ??Serpent Acolyte??s at the capital and every //Swamp// temple pumping them out will give stacks for later game. \\ \\ Make sure to have your other troops hold so ??Gift of the Sacred Swamp?? can be applied to them.  |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:hydra.png?30&nolink}}               | **??Hydra#1850??** \\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?20&nolink}}210   \\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 1 \\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 50\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only\\ Recruit Max 1/turn  | {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:regeneration.png?20&nolink}} [[Regeneration]] 10%\\ {{:abilities:vulnerability_fire.png?20&nolink}} [[susceptible to fire]] 10\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}} [[resist poison]] 25\\ {{:abilities:poison_cloud.png?20&nolink}} [[Poison Cloud]] 8\\ {{:abilities:fear.png?20&nolink}} [[Fear]] 5\\ {{:abilities:unsurroundable.png?20&nolink}} [[unsurroundable]] 4\\ {{:abilities:undisciplined.png?20&nolink}} [[undisciplined]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_blunt.png?20&nolink}} [[blunt resistant]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_pierce.png?20&nolink}} [[pierce resistant]]\\ {{:abilities:animal.png?20&nolink}} [[animal]]\\ {{:abilities:cold_blooded.png?20&nolink}} [[cold-blooded]]\\ {{:abilities:swamp_survival.png?20&nolink}} [[swamp survival]]\\ {{:abilities:swimming.png?20&nolink}} [[swimming]]\\ {{:abilities:recuperation.png?20&nolink}} [[recuperation]]  | Can be used in combination with a high morale commander and fluffed with ??Body Ethereal?? and ??Luck?? for good clear potential. Absolutely hilarious with protection buffs and ??Mass Flight??, but in general not very often recruited or massed due to their high upkeep and how they can not easily be combined with your troops in combat.\\ Pythium can get around that with ??Gift of the Sacred Swamp??, and the sacred status makes these hydras cheaper than ever to maintain. \\ \\ You can still lose troops even with +10 poison resistance, but any sacred units/mages will easily be immune thanks to the bonus poison resistance.                                                                      |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:limitane_solaris.png?30&nolink}}    | **??Limitane Solaris??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 14\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 26\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 18\\ foreign Rec Only                                                      | {{:abilities:castle_defence_bonus.png?20&nolink}} [[Castle Defence Bonus]](1)\\ {{:abilities:resist_fire.png?20&nolink}} [[resist fire]](5)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | A cross between a Limitani/Primani and a Comitatense/Palatine.\\ Their stats are in-between the two, plus being resistant to fire evocations and not suffer Fatigue from heat.\\ Hard to amass since you can't get them from forts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:primani_solaris.png?30&nolink}}     | **??Primani Solaris??**\\ {{:misc:gui:gold.png?15&nolink}} 18\\ {{:misc:gui:resources.png?15&nolink}} 30\\ {{:misc:gui:recruitmentpoints.png?15&nolink}} 27\\ foreign Rec Only                                                       | {{:abilities:castle_defence_bonus.png?20&nolink}} [[Castle Defence Bonus]](1)\\ {{:abilities:resist_fire.png?20&nolink}} [[Resist Fire]] 5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | :::                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

==== Heroes ====

^ Sprite                                                     ^ Unit Name                                                              ^ Abilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ^ Comments                                                                                                                                         ^
| {{:nations:la:pythium:master_of_the_games.png?30&nolink}}  | **??Master of the Games??**\\ Start with a Heroic Ablity\\ Mulit Hero  | {{:abilities:ambidextrous.png?20&nolink}} [[ambidextrous]](2)\\ summons in battle:(??Gladiator??x2)\\ Must fight in arena                                                                                                                                                                                                      | You periodically get Light Human thugs.\\ They must participate in area battles.\\ often die in them as other nation would enter bigger monsters.  |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:hero.png?30&nolink}}                 | **??Hierogallus - Hero??**                                             | {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]](5)\\ {{:abilities:old_age.png?20&nolink}}[[Old Age]] (60/50)\\ [[Mounted]]                                                                                                                                        | An old Centurion on a Horse/lizard. Better Protected Commander.                                                                                  |
| {{:nations:la:pythium:pontifex_serpentus.png?30&nolink}}   | **??Gallus - Pontifex Serpentus??**                                    | {{path>W2N3H3}} {{:misc:gui:research.png?15&nolink}}15\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?20&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}}[[Resist Poison]] 20\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?20&nolink}}[[Supply Bonus]] 30\\ {{:abilities:temple_trainer.png?20&nolink}} [[Temple Trainer]](??Hydra Hatchling#1859??)  | A 5 path Serpent priest and a Throne claimer.                                                                                                                        |

===== Magic =====

==== National Spells & Summons ====

**??Pride of Lions??**: Conj 3, {{gems>10N}}, {{path>N2}}, {{:nations:la:pythium:great_lion.png?30&nolink}} ??Great Lion?? (summons 10, + 1 for every bonus Nature path): Great Lions are fast {{:abilities:animal.png?15&nolink}}animal chaff that get two high-damage attacks each combat round. 

**??Contact Lar??**: Conj 5, {{gems>16N}}, {{path>N1}}, {{:nations:la:pythium:lar.png?30&nolink}} ??Lar?? (summons 1): A very good Mage in spite of how easy it is to summon him, with decent paths ({{path>W1E1N2}}), {{:abilities:stealthy.png?15&nolink}}[[stealth|Stealthiness]], and {{:abilities:ethereal.png?15&nolink}}[[ethereal|Etherealness]]. His paths aren't as special in this nation as they were in [[ermor-ea|past]] [[pythium-ma|versions]] of it, especially since your ??Serpent Priest??s can use ??Foul Vapors?? and your ??Epoptes?? can typically cast the same Earth stuff, but he doesn't take fort turns and his Earth access is consistent.

**??Daughter of Typhon??**: Conj 9, {{gems>30N}}, {{path>N5D2}}, {{:nations:la:pythium:Daughter_of_Typhon.png?30&nolink}} ??Hydra - Daughter of Typhon??: Summons a [[Unique]] and {{:abilities:immortal.png?15&nolink}}[[Immortal]] size 6 Hydra. Summoning the big Hydra without [[Empowerment]] or special [[Pretender]] design is technically doable, but it requires a super-rare {{path>D2}} ??Serpent Priest?? who's fully-boosted in Nature with a ??Treelord's Staff?? and a ??Moonvine Bracelet??. You might want to look into the [[Tartarian Gate|Tartarian Strategy]].

**??Gift of the Sacred Swamp??**: Ench 2, {{path>N1H1}}: An efficient-but-short-range way to put Poison Resistance on your troops before they walk into Poison Clouds. This could let you field both non-sacred men and super-sacred Hydras safely, or you could simply use it to drop ??Foul Vapors?? without worry.

**??Katabasis??**: Ench 3, {{gems>8D}}, {{path>D1W1}}, Only cast by ??Renata?? or ??Renatus??es: Acts like a discount [[Twiceborn]], the mage returns alive to the lab were the ritual is cast instead of dying (and they will keep all afflictions gained). Unlike with Twiceborn, you can recast it on a favorite Renata or Renatus multiple times. The effects of twiceborn will supersede Katabasis if the mage dies, returning as a ??Wight Mage?? Instead. Like with twiceborn, this has a  20% chance to increase the mage's Death level by 1, up to {{path>D4}}.  Renata and Renatus with Katabasis can be transformed.  They still retain the twice born status, and if they die, will return as the creature they transformed into.  They will no longer be able to cast Katabasis after being transformed.

**??Epopteia??**: Ench 3, {{gems>12N}}, {{path>N1}}, Only cast by ??Epoptes??: Trades Candles for a +2 in Growth scale until next spring. If you time it right, you can easily make a large profit over the game while saving some Pretender points. 

**??Awaken Hamadryad??**: Ench 5, {{gems>25N}}, {{path>N4}}, Only in Forests, {{:nations:la:pythium:hamadryad.png?30&nolink}} ??Hamadryad?? (summons 1): In general, not a worthy summons, you have recruitable Nature 3s and can forge booster, and there are not many things this unit is good for since it is completely immobile and can only be cast in forests. The innate caster, Hard to kill, and 3d6 ??Harpy??s has SOME applications when your un-forted labs get attacked but hard to justify when you can have 2 Lars.

**??Taurobolium??** Thau 3, {{gems>6N}}, {{path>N1F1}}, Only cast by ??Heliodromus??es: One of their number gains plus 2 {{:misc:magic:fire.png?nolink}} and plus 1 {{:misc:magic:nature.png?nolink}}for a year but become a {{:abilities:heretic.png?20&nolink}}[[Heretic]](5)(only one Heliodromus can benefit from this at a time).  Mostly likely, this will turn them into a {{path>F3N2}} mage, but a rare Heliodromus could start with {{path>F2N1}} (1/20), turning them into a {{path>F4N2}} mage.


**??Orgy??** Blood 1, {{gems>1B}}, {{path>B1N1}}, {{:nations:la:pythium:satyr.png?15%nolink}} ??Satyr#1881?? (summons 1), {{:nations:la:pythium:maenad.png?15&nolink}} ??Maenad?? (summons 6): A excellent spell with a lot of potentially if you get lucky and Start a early blood economy. For one Blood slave, you get 6 Berserking chaff and a stealthy Satyr Seducer that can make more of them for the rest of the game (Stealth lets them run from enemies with little consequence). If you had 2 Blood Revelers, you could summon 2 Satyr and 12 Maenad a turn, and each Satyr produces 1 Maenad a turn. This could potentially result in recursive growth, hopefully making entire legions of Maenads every other turn if not interrupted. With assassin items, Satyrs can steal you stronger mages from the enemy.





==== Magic Access ====
You can access all magic paths, but most are stuck at very-low levels (1, 2 if you're lucky), and some are not even guaranteed.

{{:misc:magic:nature.png?15&nolink}}**Nature** is technically Pythium's most spammable path, since you can get {{path>N1}}'s even outside Forts. Your off-fort {{path>N1}}'s (??Mystes?? and ??Reveler??s) are recruited in a single turn, and your Mystes are your most-efficient Research Monkeys. Pythium also has access to ??Lar??es from [[ermor-ea|pre-Bishop Ermor]], which elevate your low Nature and inconsistent {{:misc:magic:earth.png?15&nolink}}**Earth** access off-capital in exchange for Nature Gems.

Off-capital Forts produce mainly {{:misc:magic:water.png?15&nolink}}**Water** (from ??Renata??) and {{:misc:magic:death.png?15&nolink}}**Death** (from ??Renatus??es), along with some Nature from your off-capital Priests and {{:misc:magic:astral.png?15&nolink}}**Astral** from roughly a third of your Water/Death Mages. Astral is //not// very reliable off-capital, and your deepest and most-reliable access is from ??Theurg#1874??s (who are incidentally your only {{:misc:magic:air.png?15&nolink}}**Air** Mages until you get ??Faery Queen??s). Despite the nation's history, LA Pythium has a hard time building [[Communions]].

{{:misc:magic:death.png?15&nolink}}**Death** can be climbed via multiple castings of ??Katabasis?? up to {{path>D4}} and more. But to reach this, it will require many ??Renatus?? spending many Death Gems and dying many times and avoiding certain [[afflictions]] in the process.
 
??Reveler#1880??s offer access to {{:misc:magic:blood.png?15&nolink}}**Blood**, but you have to mill for {{path>B1}}'s. It helps that Revelers can be recruited in one off-fort Lab turn, like ??Mystes??, but they also generate Unrest and wear down your Dominion. Climbing into Blood with these guys is still a little faster than trying to bootstrap without them, though.

Last-but-not-least, you get a surprisingly-high amount of {{:misc:magic:fire.png?15&nolink}}**Fire** from the Limitanei's off-Fort Cult (??Leo??s and ??Heliodromus??es) -- for Pythium, anyway.

Pythium relies on [[melfice-belmont-boosting-and-access|boosters]] and [[Summon spells]] if it wants higher magic. Water and Nature magic offer many Summons for path climbing, such as  ??Naiad??s ({{path>W3N3}}), ??Kokythiad??s ({{path>W3D3}}), ??Lamia Queen?? (Strong Death and nature with some blood), and ??Faery Queen??s ({{path>A3N3}}). With a Heliodromus, you can ??Summon Flame Spirit??s to have multiple {{path>F3}}'s.  
====Combat Magic====
Mage power comes from the spam-ability of mages and forming communions. Boosters and empowerment are required to be responsible high in a path. 

Early game magic comes from Renatus and {{path>N1}} mages with gems to Spam and over well enemy with chaff. 

Because you have all the paths and the ability to boost them eventually, your mages can stack a lot of buffs on your already impressive infantry. It is possible to buff your mass javelins infantry to threaten late-game armies. This does hinge on your ability to quickly Research and gathers big enough communions.

The nation has many ways to apply [[Poison Resistance]] Efficiently, which is very useful to a nation that uses  Hydras. Apply it and then cast ??Foul Vapors??.

If you keep up with the magic game, you mage lineup may look like a medium-size communion, backed by an assortment of others and a lot of {{path>N1}}s that act as Magic Archers and Spot debuffs. Other Words Slinging more spell then having big casters.
====Ritual Magic====

Because of low but wide pathing, one of the better uses for your mages outside of research and site searching is summoning chaff many different kinds. ??Mystes?? and ??Reveler#1880??s with ??Ivy Crown??s Making ??Vine Men??. Death Nature Renatus and Renata can ??Construct Manikin??,

Summoning ??Spectral Mage??s has chances to forge you Crystal Items. 
====Magic Items==== 

===National Discount===
  ***??Serpent Kryss??**: Const 4, {{path>N1}}, {{gems>4N}}. The same dagger on your Serpent Assassin. Ignores 60% of enemy armour, High poison damage, and grants some Poison resist. Useful on a counter-thug character. 
  ***??Gloves of the Gladiator??**: Const 2, {{path>N2}}, {{gems>8N}}. Go Kung fu by two handing glove with bonus strength, MR, and 3 additional extras. 
  ***??Astral Serpent??**: Const 4, {{path>N1S1}}, {{gems>4N4S}}. Grants extra [[Poison Resistance]] and a bonus high poison damage attack.
===== Strategy =====
==== Early Game ====

Expansion is fairly easy with Pythium, a group of Milite, Gladiators, and Comiatesnes plus an Assasins for harder regions, you can Claim land fast and reliably. If you need troops for number replenishments, you can build troops ahead of time and have your army pick them up as they move instead of going directly to forts.

Good idea to build several labs early. mass-producing Mystes will accelerate your Research Goals.
placing a lab in an unprofitable province is the best place to recruit Revelers to get started looking for blood mages and Casting ??Orgy?? while not greatly hurting your potential income. 

Outside of swarm, Vine Men, and nature spam, your magic game is limited.

Usually, your Comiatesnes plus spamming Gladiators and Milite will beat back early rushes.
==== Mid Game ====

FIXME What is the first big research rush, what is the first big powerspike, where do you shift recruitment? what are the big magic diversity issues, are there particular globals you should gun for
==== Late Game ====

FIXME How do you close out the game if you are in it, is the high-level research stuff you can do uniquely well, does your nation fall off, aka do you have to force things to conclude swiftly
===== Strategy Guides =====
FIXME
Link here to guides for the nation, on and off(?) the wiki. This should likely include things like suggested pretender designs as well as strategy guides.

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