InExpeditions: Rome, players are presented with several key choices that can dramatically impact the outcome of the story and the development of their character. One of the most significant decisions involves whether to kill Mithridates VI of Pontus, a brilliant tactician, a powerful enemy, and a symbol of resistance against Roman dominance. This moment is not just a test of strategic thinking it’s a challenge to your sense of justice, ambition, and the legacy you want to leave behind. Choosing to kill Mithridates or spare him is a decision packed with consequences, both immediate and far-reaching.
Who is Mithridates in Expeditions: Rome?
The Historical Context
Mithridates VI, often called Mithridates the Great, was the King of Pontus and a formidable opponent of Rome in history. InExpeditions: Rome, he is portrayed with all the cunning, intelligence, and charisma that made him such a legendary figure. He resists Roman rule, not merely for power, but for the preservation of his people’s freedom and culture. Understanding his motivations adds weight to your choice he is not a mere villain, but a ruler with a purpose.
His Role in the Game
Throughout your campaign in Asia Minor, Mithridates represents the biggest threat to Roman control. He’s clever, resourceful, and has the support of local factions. Eventually, your path leads you to a confrontation where you must decide: do you kill Mithridates and end the resistance once and for all, or do you allow him to live and risk the possibility of future rebellion?
Reasons to Kill Mithridates
Securing Roman Control
From a strategic perspective, killing Mithridates is the surest way to secure Roman dominance in the region. As long as he lives, he remains a symbol of defiance that could inspire future uprisings. Eliminating him sends a strong message to any would-be rebels.
- Prevents Mithridates from regrouping and reigniting conflict
- Ensures a more stable transition to Roman rule
- Earns the approval of the Roman Senate and military
- Reinforces your reputation as a decisive leader
Fulfilling Duty as a Roman Commander
As a Roman legatus, your primary responsibility is to serve the Republic. Killing Mithridates fulfills that duty by eliminating a sworn enemy of Rome. It’s a decision that aligns with loyalty to the state and may be favored by many of your legionaries and allies who seek order over leniency.
Ending the Conflict Permanently
By executing Mithridates, you put an end to the war. There’s no risk of negotiation falling apart or of him finding a way to rebuild his army. For players who prefer clear-cut endings and minimal loose ends, this path offers a sense of closure and finality to the campaign in Asia Minor.
Reasons to Spare Mithridates
Political and Diplomatic Value
Mithridates is not just a warlord he’s a king with influence. Sparing him could open diplomatic doors and allow you to establish a client kingdom or puppet ruler under Roman oversight. This approach requires finesse but may result in a more peaceful integration of Pontus into the Roman system.
- Can leverage Mithridates’ influence to prevent further bloodshed
- Possibility of gaining valuable allies among the locals
- Appeals to characters and factions who value diplomacy
- Makes you appear as a wise and merciful leader
Ethical and Role-Playing Considerations
From a moral standpoint, Mithridates may be viewed as a leader fighting for his people’s freedom. If your character is role-playing a more humane or pragmatic Roman, sparing him could align better with those values. Choosing mercy might strengthen bonds with certain companions or factions within your army.
Potential Future Alliance
Although risky, allowing Mithridates to live could open the possibility of him becoming a future ally, especially if he sees value in cooperating with Rome. The game sometimes rewards long-term thinking, and a spared enemy can sometimes become a powerful friend under the right circumstances.
Companion Reactions
Party Dynamics and Loyalty
Companions inExpeditions: Romeare deeply impacted by your decisions. Killing Mithridates might be praised by pragmatic or vengeful party members, while others may see it as a brutal or unnecessary act. Likewise, sparing him could be admired by those who value compassion, but seen as weakness by hardliners.
These reactions can affect loyalty missions, personal interactions, and even whether some companions remain by your side later in the game. Be sure to consider how your closest allies view Mithridates before acting.
Long-Term Game Impact
Storyline Branches
Major decisions like this one shape the trajectory of the game. If you kill Mithridates, the immediate threat is gone, but you may face resistance from his followers or allies seeking revenge. If you spare him, you may need to invest time in negotiations, control efforts, and managing political unrest.
Endgame Implications
Depending on your choice, the ending of the game could change. Killing Mithridates might result in Rome applauding your actions, but it could also cement your legacy as a ruthless conqueror. Sparing him might lead to a more complicated, nuanced ending where peace is preserved but at a diplomatic cost.
Role-Playing the Decision
Playing a Ruthless Conqueror
If you’ve role-played your character as a tough, uncompromising leader, killing Mithridates fits well with that image. It reinforces your authority and provides a clear example of Roman strength. This style of play is often about power, dominance, and a strong military legacy.
Playing a Diplomatic Strategist
On the other hand, if your character values diplomacy and long-term stability over brute force, sparing Mithridates adds depth and consistency to your role-playing. It may be the more challenging route but can provide a richer narrative and more interesting gameplay scenarios.
Deciding whether to kill Mithridates inExpeditions: Romeis one of the game’s most significant choices. It tests your loyalty, strategic vision, and personal values. Both paths execution or mercy offer compelling rewards and consequences, each shaping the story and your character’s legacy in profound ways. Before you make your decision, consider not only what is most efficient but what kind of leader you want to be remembered as. The fate of Mithridates is not just a moment it is a defining chapter in your Roman saga.