A sustained martial surge has enlarged the borders of Persia (rost) by 3 cities this campaign season. Granaries in the newly won territories were secured intact to feed the wintering garrisons. 'A commander who counts his oxen before his soldiers will always arrive first,' remarked a supply officer of the winning column. In the amphitheatre of Persia, the crowd rose as one to cheer the returning standard-bearers.
From the shipyards to the frontier garrisons, Persia (rost) has augmented its martial strength by 3 battle-ready units. Centurions report that the recruits show exemplary stamina and devotion to the eagles. In the forum of Persia, crowds cheered wildly as victorious wreaths of laurel were laid upon temple steps. 'My son stood in the first rank and writes that the enemy never found their courage,' said a sail-maker of Persia.
Pigeons loosed from the lighthouse at Pharos carry word that Greece (Zikurat) has extended its imperial aegis over neutral Byzantinum. The local population watched in silence as cavalry patrols established headquarters in the central marketplace. It is generally agreed that the only undeniable victors of the campaign are the vultures wheeling above the battlefield. 'Whether king or archon rules, the price of Egyptian wheat remains governed by the wind,' shrugged a grain factor.
The elders of Chersonesus chose prudence over futile resistance, inviting the legions of Persia (rost) to occupy the high citadel. Public heralds announced that private property and temple rites would be respected under the new administration. Neutral envoys watched the tidings with guarded expressions, dispatching swift messengers to their respective masters. Veterans in the baths note, as they do each year, that the previous war was better organised.
Columns of Persia (rost) marched into Cyprus at dawn, meeting elders at the frontier with olive branches rather than spears. The municipal council quickly ratified the new order, swearing fealty before the altar of the forum. Sacrificial bulls were led garlanded through the streets of Persia, and the smoke of thanksgiving rose from every altar. 'Carthaginians would call it luck; we call it drill,' sniffed a drill-master of Persia.
The peaceful seclusion of Cyrene is ended, absorbed into the growing empire of Egypt (GraffTroll). While neighboring envoys express formal sorrow, the reality of military possession admits no debate. In coastal trading colonies, harbor masters recorded the movements of foreign fleets without taking part. Stone carvers in the capital are already growing weary of chiseling new names upon conquered boundary stones.
Carthage (Keeper) grows by 2 garrisoned cities and boasts 5 cities in all. Tax rolls of Egypt (GraffTroll) lengthen by 1 town, bringing the total to 4 holdings. A bountiful season for Greece (Zikurat), which expands its territorial domain to 4 strongholds (+1). The granaries of Persia (rost) are filling: 3 new provinces pay tribute, and the realm now stands at 6 centres. The dominion of Rome (Deathrun) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 2 cities to an impressive 5.
Some say that the sacred geese of Greece honked in warning exactly when the delegation from Persia arrived.
Dense river mist shrouds the border passes this 1; sentries warm themselves over braziers and curse the damp chill.
THE PUBLIC BATHS of the lower quarter announce their grand reopening after pipe repairs. Pure mountain water, heated caldarium, fragrant oils.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Persia (rost) | 6 | +3 |
| Rome (Deathrun) | 5 | +2 |
| Carthage (Keeper) | 5 | +2 |
| Greece (Zikurat) | 4 | +1 |
| Egypt (GraffTroll) | 4 | +1 |