The lands to the north of the Euxine, nominally under the control of Pontus and King Mithridates VI, have been the source of rampant rumors. Pharnaces, son of Mithridates and governor of those lands, seems to be withdrawing support from his father and setting up to take over whatever is left of the Pontic kingdom after the war against the Romans is finished.

Favonius, an envoy from Pharnaces has arrived to discuss terms of peace with Pontus, declaring Pharnaces 'King Pharnaces II of Pontus'. The envoy's name is Traxilles, and has come bearing a gift of 100 elite horsemen from the Cimmerians.