The Universal Record & Senatus Gazette

Perjury and Blood: Rome (Jaxson301) Renounces Pledges to Greece (goldplasma) in Dalmatia

The peace between former allies dissolved in an instant when Rome (Jaxson301) marched treacherous cohorts into Dalmatia, overthrowing the encampment of Greece (goldplasma). Scribes report that ambassadors of Greece were dining in the tent of the commanding general when the attack commenced. Sailors in the harbor of Greece refused the night watch, saying that the sea was safer than the land. Experts of the rostra are unanimous that the outcome was inevitable, now that it has occurred.

First Among Sovereign Crowns: The Ascendancy of Rome (Jaxson301)

With 11 cities in its ledger, Rome (Jaxson301) has established itself as the leading power of the age, 7 strongholds shy of total victory. Its armies are well-provisioned and its frontiers heavily fortified against potential coalitions. Surveyors measuring the roads along the frontier report that envoys from lesser states throng the waiting halls. Veterans in the baths note, as they do each year, that the previous war was better organised.

Position Lost: Egypt (dragonnfl) Dislodged at Libyan Sea Under Blows of Rome (Jaxson301)

The defensive line held by Egypt (dragonnfl) in Libyan Sea crumbled under a sustained bombardment of javelins and heavy stones hurled by Rome (Jaxson301). Abandoning their baggage in the camp trenches, the defenders beat a disorganized retreat. Scouts report that the army had marched from Ausonian Sea, three days along the old road. The routed troops found shelter at Alexandria. The legal justifications offered by imperial rhetoricians are as ornate as they are thoroughly unconvincing. Lamentations arose from the temples of Egypt as priests offered desperate sacrifices to stay further calamity.

Greece (goldplasma) on the March: A Gain of 2 Centres

A magnificent campaign season has propelled Greece (goldplasma) into glory, expanding its realm by 2 cities across the known world. Staff legates report that every objective was carried with exemplary discipline. Citizens across Greece thronged the sacred way, singing hymns of triumph to the gods of war. 'A masterstroke of siegecraft that will be studied in the academies for generations,' observed a Greek engineer.

Grand Feat of Arms: Rome (Jaxson301) Surges Forward with 2 New Conquests

Few predicted the whirlwind advance of Rome (Jaxson301), which seized 2 additional cities before rival forces could assemble an effective counter-stroke. The treasury overflows with newfound tribute and grain. Trumpets and bronze cymbals echoed through the streets of Rome as magistrates declared a festival of thanksgiving. It is observed that heralds on both sides have used the word 'glorious' so often that it has lost two thirds of its value.

The Waning of Persia (Mitch Cackers): Severe Territorial Losses

A season of bitter retreat has cost Persia (Mitch Cackers) no less than 4 strongholds, shattering illusions of imperial invulnerability. Neighboring rulers take measure of the wounded realm, plotting fresh incursions for the spring. 'Whichever flag flies, the harbor dues are collected at dawn,' observed a customs clerk. Fortune-tellers at the crossroads are doing excellent trade; they predict victory for everybody, in turn.

False Friendship: Egypt (dragonnfl) Attacked by Carthage (Vorden999) in Leptis

Wine-sellers on the Via Sacra, never short of gossip, assure us that Carthage (Vorden999) has perfidiously broken its covenants, assaulting the cohorts of Egypt (dragonnfl) at Leptis after marching beside them as comrades. Sentries of Egypt were slain at their posts before realizing their allies had turned foe. 'A tablet costs two obols, a war costs a province; I know which I would rather buy,' remarked a stationer. In the senate of Egypt, bitter accusations were hurled at the generals as the grim news spread.

The Bitter Struggle: Egypt (dragonnfl) and Persia (Mitch Cackers) Fight on with Undiminished Fury

There is no softening in the hostility that pits Egypt (dragonnfl) and Persia (Mitch Cackers) against one another, sustained now through 4 unbroken years of campaign and counter-stroke. Envoys who attempted mediation have retired in despair. Travellers at a roadside inn near the border argued the matter over bread and olives until the lamps burned low. A scribe in the chancery was heard to remark that the gods have been very consistent in their silence.

A bleak ledger for Carthage (Vorden999), falling to 4 strongholds following the loss of 1. Grain and silver flow abundantly to Egypt (dragonnfl), adding 1 province to stand at 7. The treasury of Greece (goldplasma) swells with tribute, advancing to 8 cities (+2). Surveyors of Persia (Mitch Cackers) rub out 4 boundary marks and sigh over a realm of 4 cities. A bountiful season for Rome (Jaxson301), which expands its territorial domain to 11 strongholds (+2).

A merchant from the north swears that the wagons of Carthage have been repainted in the colours of Egypt.

A scorching heatwave bakes the southern plains; commanders pitch leather pavilions beneath olive groves and debate the omens.

FOR SALE: Sound bronze cuirass and crested iron helmet, slightly dented by sling-stones. Suitable for an ambitious centurion or mercenary officer.