Recorded in the Year 2 · Tablet 2 — Ancient Mediterranean
United by Oath: Greece (MapMaker) and Rome (goldplasma) Pledge Mutual Aid
The league formed between Greece (MapMaker) and Rome (goldplasma) has borne immediate fruit, recording 1 operation of direct military cooperation this year. Sentries on both sides of the border fraternized openly, toasting the enduring concord of their sovereigns. Caravan masters in the desert cities doubled their escorts and raised their tolls. Local tavern keepers remark that advancing cohorts and retreating phalanxes possessed an identical thirst for untaxed vintage.
Frontier Proclamations & War Bulletins
Thunderous Campaign: Egypt (Mitch Cackers) Secures 2 New Cities
Signal fires relayed along the mountain ridges confirm that the realm of Egypt (Mitch Cackers) has registered an astonishing gain of 2 strongholds during the year's hostilities. Such rapid growth has altered calculations in every neighboring palace. 'The sacred chickens fed greedily before battle; the triumph of Egypt was ordained by the gods,' noted a temple augur. Cartographers at the library have been told to leave generous blank margins on every map until further notice.
Columns of Greece (MapMaker) withdrew in bitter frustration from Crete after their supported storming attempt was bloodily turned back by Egypt (Mitch Cackers). The defenders repair their parapets in high spirits, confident in their unyielding strength. Consternation gripped the assembly in Greece, where magistrates met behind guarded bronze gates in fearful silence. 'The gods love a swift hand, and Egypt has been swift,' observed a priest of Mars.
By swift maneuvers across undefended valleys, Carthage (Spacewielder) has incorporated Baleares into its growing sphere of dominion. Standard-bearers planted the imperial eagles upon the acropolis while the populace looked on. The vestals of Carthage kept the sacred fire bright through the night, and the magistrates declared a day of rest. 'A masterstroke of siegecraft that will be studied in the academies for generations,' observed a Greek engineer.
Columns of Egypt (Mitch Cackers) marched into Cyrene 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. Poets in the taverns of Egypt were already composing verses that compared the generals to Achilles. 'Carthaginians would call it luck; we call it drill,' sniffed a drill-master of Egypt.
Frontier Proclamations & War Bulletins
Dalmatia Brought Under the Aegis of Greece (MapMaker)
The peaceful seclusion of Dalmatia is ended, absorbed into the growing empire of Greece (MapMaker). 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. Whether the subjugated citizens will greet their conquerors with garlands or poisoned wine remains to be seen.
The Balance of Strongholds
Tax rolls of Carthage (Spacewielder) lengthen by 1 town, bringing the total to 7 holdings.
The dominion of Egypt (Mitch Cackers) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 2 cities to an impressive 8.
A bountiful season for Greece (MapMaker), which expands its territorial domain to 6 strongholds (+1).
The treasury of Persia (Jaxson301) swells with tribute, advancing to 7 cities (+1).
Ledger-keepers of Rome (goldplasma) write a happy line (+1) and total the realm at 5 strongholds.
Rumors from the Baths & Taverns
The agora is abuzz with the rumor that Rome and Egypt have drafted a secret pact of friendship upon a waxed tablet in a seaside villa.
Whispers in the port taverns claim an emissary from Carthage was seen slipping from the residence of an envoy of Greece disguised as a grain merchant.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
The rivers ran low this season, and engineers of the army complain that the pontoon bridges rest on gravel.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
STRAYED: A grey donkey with a white nose, answers to nothing. Return to the baker near the Fountain Gate.
