A freedman of the archive, copying the day's reports, notes that Persia (Mitch Cackers) has concluded the campaign season with a remarkable gain of 3 additional strongholds. Foreign observers concede that the realm has decisively seized the initiative. 'The historians will make it sound far tidier than it was,' predicted a scribe, sharpening a reed. Veterans in the baths note, as they do each year, that the previous war was better organised.
Military Accounts from the Marches
Dramatic Advance: Rome (Vorden999) Expands by 3 Strongholds
A sustained martial surge has enlarged the borders of Rome (Vorden999) by 3 cities this campaign season. Granaries in the newly won territories were secured intact to feed the wintering garrisons. 'Carthaginians would call it luck; we call it drill,' sniffed a drill-master of Rome. The vestals of Rome kept the sacred fire bright through the night, and the magistrates declared a day of rest.
Military Accounts from the Marches
Imperial Muster: Persia (Mitch Cackers) Enrolls 3 Fresh Units
A major expansion of military power has been unveiled by Persia (Mitch Cackers), bringing 3 fresh units into the line of battle. The impressive muster has bolstered public confidence while giving pause to neighboring rulers. Festive bonfires illuminated the acropolis of Persia late into the night as heralds proclaimed the triumph. Sculptors of the forum are said to be carving all new statues with detachable heads, to save time later.
War trumpets echoed across the drill fields of Rome (Vorden999) as magistrates inspected 3 newly raised cohorts. Smiths have worked through the nights hammering greaves and spear-points for the marching columns. The senate of Rome assembled in festive white togas, pouring lavish libations of wine to celebrate the conquest. 'The gods love a swift hand, and Rome has been swift,' observed a priest of Mars.
Military Accounts from the Marches
Chariots of Victory: Greece (GreenGlass) Takes Peaceful Possession of Byzantinum
The peaceful seclusion of Byzantinum is ended, absorbed into the growing empire of Greece (GreenGlass). While neighboring envoys express formal sorrow, the reality of military possession admits no debate. Neutral envoys watched the tidings with guarded expressions, dispatching swift messengers to their respective masters. Cartographers at the library have been told to leave generous blank margins on every map until further notice.
Military Accounts from the Marches
Dominion Extended: Chersonesus Bows to Persia (Mitch Cackers)
Augurs interpreting the flight of birds on the sacred hill declare that Persia (Mitch Cackers) has extended its imperial aegis over neutral Chersonesus. The local population watched in silence as cavalry patrols established headquarters in the central marketplace. The poets, as is their habit, will compose odes for whoever pays the better fee. 'A tablet costs two obols, a war costs a province; I know which I would rather buy,' remarked a stationer.
The Ledger of Grain & Silver
Silver arrives from the new holdings of Carthage (goldplasma): 1 more centre in the books, 4 centres altogether.
Ledger-keepers of Egypt (tof tof) write a happy line (+2) and total the realm at 5 strongholds.
The dominion of Greece (GreenGlass) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 2 cities to an impressive 5.
Grain and silver flow abundantly to Persia (Mitch Cackers), adding 3 provinces to stand at 6.
Tax rolls of Rome (Vorden999) lengthen by 3 towns, bringing the total to 6 holdings.
Forum Gossip & Port Omens
Gossip in the public baths suggests a dynastic betrothal between an influential patrician of Rome and a noble daughter of Carthage.
A traveling sophist claims that maps seen in the camp of Rome show the tributary lands of Persia already marked for partition.
Public Notices & Forum Ephemera
Swarms of locusts darkened the sky over the southern farms; garrison commanders set their men to beating pots and pans.
Public Notices & Forum Ephemera
FRESH FIGS and dried dates from the Syrian caravan. On sale at the south market stall until they are gone.
