That's what it looks like.
Since there is no forewarning to this: Unless you know what you're doing, DO NOT BUILD YOUR FIRST HIDEOUT IN TURAN OR THE THEBAN HIVE.
When starting bonuses were first added, core players quickly found out that two starting countries are significantly better choices than others: The Theban Hive, for providing twelve elite peasants and gear and situationally useful armor from month one onward, and Turan, for three extra warrior gals and having a bunch of technologies available much earlier, most notably hyenas and raiding parties.
To compensate for the generous signup bonus, harsher punishment/challenge events were added - If you cozy up to the Thebans, they'll want you to deal with their enemies in return, and the Turanians have a very loose attitude towards private property. If you have some experience with Piratez, you can use - the loot from a failed assault on your hideouts is top notch, if you can survive. As for Turanians, the major money theft is thankfully a one-time deal and all you can do is adjust your budget accordingly, and in future months you only have to deal with minor thefts of 100k once per month. To compensate for the losses, I suggest taking every opportunity for loot - every mission, every necropirate patrol, and research bounties and monster hunting ASAP.
