Little Kourosh, continuing his cunning plans to infiltrate all the Persian tribes and create unprecedented solidarity, now turned his attention to the more nomadic and lesser-known tribes. He knew well that although these tribes might have less political influence at court and appear simple in their lifestyle, they were potential forces for his future army and the expansion of his empire, thanks to their harsh way of life, their unparalleled resilience against the adversities of nature, and their special skills in warfare and mountain life. Winning the loyalty of these tribes was a delicate challenge that required a deep understanding of their culture, customs, and motivations; a challenge that Kourosh, with his intelligence and insight, was ready to face.
He thought of the Mardii, a mountain-dwelling and fierce tribe known for their fearless warfare and unparalleled skill in guerrilla and mountain battles, who sometimes resorted to raiding to secure their livelihood. Their leader, Tahmuras, was considered a mysterious, ruthless man with a fearsome presence, who cared only for the power and survival of his tribe. Kourosh knew that attracting such tribes required offering them opportunities to flourish their martial skills in a constructive framework in service of the empire, not in the path of plunder and destruction. He thought of transforming their inherent violence into a protective force for the empire, by guaranteeing them an honorable, beneficial life and opportunities to display their bravery in a greater cause.
Then his mind turned to the Dropici, a tribe about which there was little direct information in ancient texts, who perhaps leaned more towards superstitions and primitive beliefs, their lives intertwined with the fear of spirits and unknown forces. Their leader, Farhad, was a naive and traditional man who was easily influenced. Kourosh knew that to attract this tribe and bring them under the banner of the empire, he had to guide them towards new ideas through gradual education and by demonstrating the tangible benefits of welfare, security, and progress, without challenging their deep-rooted beliefs or disrespecting them. He intended to win their trust by providing a better life.
The Sagartii, a semi-nomadic and agile tribe with kinship to the Medes, were also of vital importance to Kourosh. They were renowned for their unparalleled skill in using ropes and lassos in battle and played a key role in wars as a light-armed and swift cavalry. Their leader, Ardeshir, was a farsighted and independent man who prioritized the interests of his tribe and was looking for opportunities for its growth. Kourosh thought about recruiting the Sagartii into his cavalry and utilizing their unique skills in swift and surprise attacks. He knew that to win over Ardeshir and his tribe, he had to offer them common interests and a prominent position in his future army; a position that would grant them power and prestige.
In all these interactions and secret plans, Kourosh's grand strategy for the unity of the Persian tribes and the creation of a single nation became clear. He was aiming for a merit-based system in which individuals would attain high positions based on their abilities, skills, and loyalty, and not merely on their tribal lineage or blood status. This would allow him to recruit elites and capable individuals from all tribes and employ them in the structure of his government and army; a system that valued merit over monopoly and employed the best in service.
Justice and fairness were two fundamental and unbreakable principles for gaining the trust of these tribes. Kourosh knew that to win the loyalty of the tribes, especially those with a history of hostility towards the central power or other tribes, he had to create a fair and transparent system for resolving disputes and distributing resources. He believed in respecting the cultural diversity of each tribe; each tribe could maintain its own customs and beliefs, as long as they were within the framework of the empire's laws and respected the overall unity of the nation. This approach helped to create a common and inclusive Persian identity, while also honoring tribal identities and allowing them to find their place within the larger structure of the empire.
Ultimately, the military integration of these tribes into a unified and central army was one of Kourosh's most important goals. He intended to build a powerful and unrivaled army based on the strengths of each tribe: leadership and command from the Pasargadae, tough and resilient infantry from the Mardii and Germanii, and agile and swift cavalry from the Dai and Sagartii. This unique combination would turn his army into a force that was not only invincible on the battlefield but also a symbol of the unity, solidarity, and power of the Persian nation; an army that could defend the land like a steel shield against any threat.
These initial communications and plans, which took shape during Kourosh's childhood and in his secret solitude, formed the fundamental seeds of his thousand-year empire. He knew that winning the trust and loyalty of these tribes was a long and difficult path, but with his modern insight, innate charisma, and unparalleled ability to understand people, he was determined to guide them all towards his great dream for Persia; a dream in which all peoples, together and united, would strive for the glory and prosperity of their land.