In an act of supreme duplicity, Persia (Jaxson301) abused its trusted access to strike directly at Carthage (Spacewielder) in Saguntum. The betrayed survivors swear vengeance before the altars of the gods. Urgent dispatches borne by naval dispatch-galleys report that the frontier burns with mutual fury. The sellers of laurel wreaths report an excellent season, and have not yet decided for whom they are rooting.
The strategic initiative firmly rests with Persia (Jaxson301), whose territories now encompass 9 vital cities toward the goal of 18 cities. Though complete triumph requires further campaigns, the realm commands respect from every quarter. In the forum of Persia, crowds cheered wildly as victorious wreaths of laurel were laid upon temple steps. It is generally agreed that the only undeniable victors of the campaign are the vultures wheeling above the battlefield.
In a heroic display of fortitude, the garrison of Carthage (Spacewielder) has firmly held Leptis against a heavily supported offensive mounted by Egypt (Mitch Cackers). Outnumbered defenders locked their bronze shields across the breaches and shattered the assault columns. Auction houses in Carthage reported a sudden boom as captured spoils were put up for sale. 'The treasury will be heavy this winter,' predicted a tax farmer, rubbing his hands.
An ambitious advance by Egypt (Mitch Cackers) and Rome (goldplasma) aimed at Libyan Sea ended in a reciprocal bounce, with neither line able to breach the enemy shields. Heralds in the capitals are already claiming the standoff as a defensive masterstroke. According to couriers riding hard from the frontier, calm has settled once more along the border. Barbarian chieftains beyond the frontier were seen counting their spears and watching the roads.
Reports brought by grain merchants docking at the harbor reveal that Persia (Jaxson301) and Rome (goldplasma) met in the mountain passes of Sarmatia, where equal momentum produced a reciprocal bounce. After hours of spear-thrusting without advantage, both generals sounded the retreat. A scribe in the chancery was heard to remark that the gods have been very consistent in their silence. 'Armies march, but the olive harvest comes round regardless,' said an old farmer, not looking up from his pruning.
The armories and training grounds of Egypt (Mitch Cackers) have answered the call of the high command, mustering 1 new military unit this season. Columns of fresh recruits bearing newly forged bronze armor were reviewed by magistrates amidst patriotic fervor. Crowds in Egypt chanted praises to the legions, decking public colonnades with flowers and palm fronds. 'The sea-lanes and provincial revenues now answer to Egypt,' proclaimed an ambitious harbor prefect.
Surveyors measuring the roads along the frontier report that the bitter clash of arms between Carthage (Spacewielder) and Egypt (Mitch Cackers) shows no sign of cooling, driven by grievances that neither senate can forgive. Old men remember when the war began, 4 years ago. Veterans in the baths note, as they do each year, that the previous war was better organised. Slave dealers at the Delos market reported brisk business, as always in times like these.
Warfare between Egypt (Mitch Cackers) and Persia (Jaxson301) has spanned 3 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. The legal justifications offered by imperial rhetoricians are as ornate as they are thoroughly unconvincing.
Carthage (Spacewielder) strikes 1 city from its ledger and now claims 7 cities. Grain and silver flow abundantly to Egypt (Mitch Cackers), adding 1 province to stand at 7.
A traveling sophist claims that maps seen in the camp of Persia show the tributary lands of Greece already marked for partition. It is whispered at the bath-house that Carthage has quietly bought the debts of the largest banker of Rome.
Fierce thunderstorms strike the frontier camps; several javelins were struck by lightning, terrifying the camp followers.
LAMP OIL of the finest quality, pressed in the hills, sold by the measure or the jar. Delivered within the walls.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Persia (Jaxson301) | 9 | 0 |
| Egypt (Mitch Cackers) | 7 | +1 |
| Carthage (Spacewielder) | 7 | -1 |
| Rome (goldplasma) | 6 | 0 |
| Greece (MapMaker) | 5 | 0 |