The civic fires of Persia (Mitch Cackers) have been quenched for the last time as its final redoubt surrendered to encirclement. Foreign garrisons now occupy the forum where free citizens once assembled to decree laws. The standard-bearers of Persia lowered their eagles and walked with bowed heads through the empty forum. 'The wheat will be dear this winter and the wine dearer,' predicted a grain merchant.
With an overwhelming total of 17 strongholds under its sway, Rome (Jaxson301) stands merely 1 city away from the 18 cities required for complete hegemony over the known world. Rival courts are paralyzed with dread as the hour of ultimate decision nears. Festive bonfires illuminated the acropolis of Rome late into the night as heralds proclaimed the triumph. 'The sacred chickens fed greedily before battle; the triumph of Rome was ordained by the gods,' noted a temple augur.
By pressing forward on every front with unyielding vigor, Rome (Jaxson301) has increased its holdings by 2 strongholds. Neighboring monarchs watch with mounting anxiety as the balance of power shifts decidedly in one direction. In foreign ports, merchants and grain dealers adjusted prices with dispassionate speed upon hearing the news. Whether the subjugated citizens will greet their conquerors with garlands or poisoned wine remains to be seen.
Exhaustion and tactical surprise have combined to strip Greece (goldplasma) of 2 strongholds during a single disastrous summer. Magistrates ordered special sacrifices upon temple altars to appease the angry deities of war. Courtyards in Greece filled with mourners, and the price of black dye doubled within the hour. 'Armies march, but the olive harvest comes round regardless,' said an old farmer, not looking up from his pruning.
Columns of Rome (Jaxson301) withdrew in bitter frustration from Cyrene after their supported storming attempt was bloodily turned back by Carthage (Vorden999). The defenders repair their parapets in high spirits, confident in their unyielding strength. Panic swept the marketplace of Rome, sending merchants fleeing and citizens rushing to secure their goods. 'Carthaginians would call it luck; we call it drill,' sniffed a drill-master of Carthage.
The armories and training grounds of Rome (Jaxson301) have answered the call of the high command, mustering 2 new military units this season. Columns of fresh recruits bearing newly forged bronze armor were reviewed by magistrates amidst patriotic fervor. Auction houses in Rome reported a sudden boom as captured spoils were put up for sale. 'Our grain stores and armories are prepared to hold what the frontline has taken,' declared a chief quartermaster.
Neither time nor exhaustion has softened the bitter rancor dividing Egypt (dragonnfl) and Persia (Mitch Cackers), whose armies continue to trade slaughter across scorched boundary ditches. The same armies met again at Jerusalem, with no better manners. 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.
Through 6 unrelenting years of bloodshed, Greece (goldplasma) and Persia (Mitch Cackers) have traded atrocities until neither side remembers what sparked the initial conflict. Camp scribes have run short of wax tablets to record the tally of fallen hoplites. Foreign magistrates convened emergency councils, weighing how best to navigate the altered balance. 'Words and treaties are merely the garments with which force clothes its naked ambition,' remarked a neutral diplomat.
Egypt (dragonnfl) reports abundant harvests and rising revenues, securing 1 additional stronghold to reach 4. Greece (goldplasma) strikes 2 cities from its ledger and now claims 9 cities. Empty granaries and shuttered counting-houses in Persia (Mitch Cackers): down 1 stronghold, to 0 strongholds. Ledger-keepers of Rome (Jaxson301) write a happy line (+2) and total the realm at 17 strongholds.
Merchants arriving from the east whisper that sea captains of Egypt have been quietly escorting cargo galleys belonging to Rome. Observers of court intrigue note that ambassadors of Rome and Carthage poured libations together at the festival while their armies advanced.
Gentle autumn winds blow across the vineyards, bringing a rich vintage though elders warn the calm campaigning season will soon expire.
THE PUBLIC BATHS of the lower quarter announce their grand reopening after pipe repairs. Pure mountain water, heated caldarium, fragrant oils.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Rome (Jaxson301) | 17 | +2 |
| Greece (goldplasma) | 9 | -2 |
| Egypt (dragonnfl) | 4 | +1 |
| Carthage (Vorden999) | 4 | 0 |
| Persia (Mitch Cackers) | 0 | -1 |