In the Year 2 of the Era · Inscription 2 — Ancient Mediterranean
2 Years of War: Egypt (dragonnfl) and Persia (Mitch Cackers) Still at Daggers Drawn
Warfare between Egypt (dragonnfl) and Persia (Mitch Cackers) has spanned 2 straight years without a single treaty or festival truce to interrupt the slaughter. Both treasuries are strained to the breaking point, yet pride forbids any concession. Heralds arriving before the senate announce that fresh levies are already being marshaled. Local tavern keepers remark that advancing cohorts and retreating phalanxes possessed an identical thirst for untaxed vintage.
Field Reports of the Generals
Rome (Jaxson301) Commands the Greatest Territory
Pigeons loosed from the lighthouse at Pharos carry word that Rome (Jaxson301) continues to set the tempo of Mediterranean affairs, directing an empire of 9 strongholds from its central citadel. Rival states watch with growing unease as the gap between leader and pursuers widens. 'The gods love a swift hand, and Rome has been swift,' observed a priest of Mars. Philosophers in the agora note that glory is eternal, but replacing lost baggage mules and broken oars proves ruinously expensive.
Field Reports of the Generals
Brazen Campaign: Rome (Jaxson301) Secures 4 New Cities
Fortune has favored the arms of Rome (Jaxson301) beyond all expectation, resulting in the acquisition of 4 provinces in a single sweep. Triumphal arches have been decreed to honor the legates who directed the marches. Poets in the taverns of Rome were already composing verses that compared the generals to Achilles. The sellers of laurel wreaths report an excellent season, and have not yet decided for whom they are rooting.
Field Reports of the Generals
The Anvil of Mars: Rome (Jaxson301) Expands Its Ranks
A lavish muster has been proclaimed across Rome (Jaxson301), adding 3 disciplined units to the imperial roster. Foreign ambassadors watched the military review from the forum portico with visible unease. The Egyptian priests, who have watched empires come and go for three thousand years, merely noted the date. The poets, as is their habit, will compose odes for whoever pays the better fee.
Field Reports of the Generals
Rome (Jaxson301) Establishes Authority over Baleares
With no standing army to oppose the advance, Baleares has peacefully opened its bronze gates to the cohorts of Rome (Jaxson301). Imperial scribes immediately commenced a census of the olive groves and storehouses. In foreign ports, merchants and grain dealers adjusted prices with dispassionate speed upon hearing the news. 'Fortune favors the resolute, but disciplined cohorts turn fortune into certainty,' noted a seasoned legate.
A peaceful column of infantry from Rome (Jaxson301) crossed into Crete and took charge of the public granaries. Neutral city-states have noted the quiet efficiency with which the territory was absorbed. 'Armies march, but the olive harvest comes round regardless,' said an old farmer, not looking up from his pruning. It is generally agreed that the only undeniable victors of the campaign are the vultures wheeling above the battlefield.
Envoys, Treaties & Pacts
Banners United: Carthage (Vorden999) and Egypt (dragonnfl) March in Concert
Envoys from Carthage (Vorden999) and Egypt (dragonnfl) have sealed their brotherhood over smoking altars, demonstrated by 1 concerted operation in the field this season. Officers of both realms shared rations and battle plans in high spirits. Barbarian chieftains beyond the frontier were seen counting their spears and watching the roads. 'Whoever commands the citadel, the caravans must still pay the crossing toll,' muttered a pragmatic ferryman.
The Ledger of Grain & Silver
A bountiful season for Egypt (dragonnfl), which expands its territorial domain to 6 strongholds (+1).
Greece (goldplasma) reports abundant harvests and rising revenues, securing 1 additional stronghold to reach 6.
Tax rolls of Persia (Mitch Cackers) lengthen by 1 town, bringing the total to 6 holdings.
Rome (Jaxson301) counts its gains: 4 cities more in the census, 9 centres in all.
Rumors from the Baths & Taverns
It is murmured among the shipwrights that Greece has ordered twenty triremes with a suspiciously shallow draught, fit for the coasts of Egypt.
It is whispered at the bath-house that Carthage has quietly bought the debts of the largest banker of Egypt.
Civic Decrees & Oddities
Hailstones the size of walnuts hammered the tiled roofs of the camp town, and the horse-lines stampeded.
Civic Decrees & Oddities
ATTENTION VINTNERS: Two score empty terracotta amphorae in sound condition, sealed with pitch. Inquire at the harbor granary.
