The phrase 'Alea jacta est' is Latin for 'the die has been cast,' and it's fitting given the unpredictable nature of gameplay in many strategy titles. One such game that challenges players with tough decisions is Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties, where understanding your units' strengths and weaknesses can be the difference between victory or defeat.

In this guide, we'll focus on one particular unit type found in AoEIII: The Pontus Guide. This unique unit has been a subject of much debate among players due to its somewhat ambiguous role within the game's complex mechanics.

So, what exactly is the Pontsuis and why should you consider including them in your army? Let's dive into it!

What are Units?

-------------

Before we can even begin discussing specific units like the Pontus Guide, let's quickly cover some basic terminology. In Age of Emporese, a unit refers to any trainable or deployable entity on the battlefield that serves a particular function.

In AoEIII: The Asian Dynasties, there are several different types of units available for each civilization. These include infantry (foot soldiers), archers (bowmen), cavalry (mounted riders), siege engines (heavily armored machines used to breach enemy defenses), and finally, unique units that are exclusive to certain civilizations.

What is the Pontus Guide?

----------------

Now let's talk about our main subject: the Pontsuis. The Pontus Guide is a versatile infantry unit from Greece in Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynastities. They excel at dealing moderate damage to enemy infantry and archers, making them great all-around soldiers for any army looking to add some flexibility.

Pontus Guides are trained at Barracks (like other Greek infantry) once you've reached the Medieval Age. In terms of stats:

- Cost per unit: 50 gold

- Damage vs Infantry/Archers/Cavalry/Siege Engines: +20/+10/-30/

Why Should I Use Pontus Guides?

------------------------------

So why might you want to include these seemingly average units in your army? Here are a few reasons.

1. Flexibility - As mentioned earlier, the Pontus Guide can function effectively against multiple types of enemy units (infantry and archers), making them an excellent choice for players who prefer versatile armies rather than specializing too heavily into one particular unit type.

2. Value For Money - Compared to other Greek infantry options like spearmen or hoplites which cost more gold per unit but offer similar damage output, the Pontus Guide represents good value given their low price point of just 50 gold each when trained at full production capacity.

Tips & Tricks

-------------

If you're new to playing Age III or looking for some tips on how best utilize your Pontus Guides in battle here are a few additional suggestions:

1. Micro-Manage - Like any infantry unit, micro-managing your Pontus Guides can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Keep them spread out but still within supporting distance of each other so they don't get overwhelmed by enemy forces.

2. Use Them To Screen Your Main Forces - Before sending in your more expensive or important units like archers or heavy cavalry, use a line of Pontus Guides as 'sacrificial lambs' to absorb initial damage and tie up enemy attention while you maneuver into position.

-------

In conclusion, the Pontus Guide may not be the flashiest unit out there but they certainly have their place in any well-rounded Age III army. With their moderate stats across multiple types of units combined with an affordable price tag makes them a great choice for players looking to add some variety and depth into their forces without breaking the bank.

So next time you're deciding which infantry option is right for your Greek civilization, don't dismiss these versatile soldiers out of hand - give 'em a try!

Alea jacta est pontus guide