I have restarted once again to try new strategies and tactics and I noticed an oddity this time around: when I captured Amphaxis, Parorbelia (just north-east of Pella, north of Borboros) was already Macedonian. I've only played to this point about three times but this is the first time I noticed that.

Did it start as Western Odrysian and rebel? Does it start independent and I just happened to get there first or something? (Unlikely since Amphaxis was already Odrysian and I advance like an arthritic turtle at the best of times....)

What a superb game. One thing, though: it's so addictive it ought to carry a health warning! "I'll just secure that flank...."

I think that city or one right by it (north of the first Chalcidian city, right?) also always rebels to me. It's a Macedonian city, maybe the AI just doesn't keep a large enough garrison in it?

Yes, that's the one: it's basically the second Odrysian city than you're likely to come across. Interesting how the first two times I got to this point, I had to fight for it. I've restarted about six times so far (and have yet to finish :-) and each game has thrown new twists and surprises at me.

FWIW, it was definitely a rebellion; I caught a city in the act last night. I wonder if you still need to capture a Macedonian city which is rebelling or if you can just walk in and take it?