The Universal Record & Senatus Gazette

False Friendship: Rome (goldplasma) Attacked by Greece (MapMaker) in Vindobona

The tragedy of Vindobona will long be remembered in the annals of dishonor: Greece (MapMaker) fell upon the exposed flank of Rome (goldplasma) with calculating cruelty. While emissaries scramble to invent pretexts, the grim reality of betrayal stands bare. 'Peace and war are the two hands of one body,' quoted a rhetoric teacher to his bored pupils. Sailors in the harbor of Rome refused the night watch, saying that the sea was safer than the land.

Triumphal Progress: Carthage (Spacewielder) Gains 2 Strongholds

Wax tablets carried by the imperial post confirm that Carthage (Spacewielder) has concluded the campaign season with a remarkable gain of 2 additional strongholds. Foreign observers concede that the realm has decisively seized the initiative. 'I have sold lamps to both sides and I intend to go on doing so,' declared an oil merchant. Priests report that both armies sacrificed bulls to the same war god, leaving Olympus to resolve an awkward celestial dilemma.

Supported Assault Broken: Carthage (Spacewielder) Defends Leptis from Egypt (Mitch Cackers)

The battlements of Leptis held fast under a furious shower of javelins as Carthage (Spacewielder) defied the reinforced hosts of Egypt (Mitch Cackers). Seasoned defenders met the charge at the palisades, forcing the attackers to sound a retreat. Sacrificial bulls were led garlanded through the streets of Carthage, and the smoke of thanksgiving rose from every altar. Wise men agree that the matter will be settled by the next war, as the last one was.

Resolute Defense: Rome (goldplasma) Throws Back Persia (Jaxson301) from Aegean Sea

Columns of Persia (Jaxson301) withdrew in bitter frustration from Aegean Sea after their supported storming attempt was bloodily turned back by Rome (goldplasma). The defenders repair their parapets in high spirits, confident in their unyielding strength. Lamentations arose from the temples of Persia as priests offered desperate sacrifices to stay further calamity. 'Such bold campaigns permanently redraw the maps of the known world,' remarked an envoy in the court of Rome.

Unbroken Line: Persia (Jaxson301) Weathers Storm of Rome (goldplasma) at Sparta

Pilgrims descending from the oracle road relate that Persia (Jaxson301) has held the fortress of Sparta against all expectations, breaking a reinforced assault hurled by Rome (goldplasma). The magnificent stand has electrified the citizens and sent shockwaves through the enemy camp. From the ramparts of Persia, beacon after beacon blazed to carry the glad news to the distant provinces. 'The sacred chickens fed greedily before battle; the triumph of Persia was ordained by the gods,' noted a temple augur.

Levies in Carthage (Spacewielder): New Cohorts Mustered

Bronze furnaces blazed across Carthage (Spacewielder) to supply 2 additional combat detachments entering active service this season. Supply wagons loaded with grain and shields stand ready to accompany the new formations. 'Our grain stores and armories are prepared to hold what the frontline has taken,' declared a chief quartermaster. 'In my grandfather's day the border ran elsewhere, and in my grandson's it will run elsewhere again,' reflected a surveyor.

False Oaths: Carthage (Spacewielder) Turns Upon Persia (Jaxson301) in Saguntum

Customs officers at the harbor chain, questioning every captain, have learned that legions of Carthage (Spacewielder) have invaded Saguntum, falling upon the detachments of Persia (Jaxson301) notwithstanding their mutual assistance in the previous campaign. Skirmishes were reported at Tyre, where both sides claim to have won. The sudden clash leaves the strategic balance of the entire region in disarray. Priests at the neutral oracles accepted gifts from both sides, uttering ambiguous prophecies regarding the outcome. Whether the subjugated citizens will greet their conquerors with garlands or poisoned wine remains to be seen.

Blood on the Frontier: Carthage (Spacewielder) and Egypt (Mitch Cackers) in Protracted War

The frontier separating Carthage (Spacewielder) and Egypt (Mitch Cackers) remains an open wound where swords are drawn on sight and no quarter is offered. Emissaries dispatched to treat for an exchange of prisoners were turned back at spear-point. The two sides also clashed at Egyptian Sea. 'The fishing was good today, which is more than the generals can say,' reported a fisherman at the quay. Experts of the rostra are unanimous that the outcome was inevitable, now that it has occurred.

Carthage (Spacewielder) reports abundant harvests and rising revenues, securing 2 additional strongholds to reach 9. The treasury of Persia (Jaxson301) strains under mounting adversity, receding by 1 stronghold to settle at 8. Fortunes wane for Rome (goldplasma), whose realm shrinks by 1 city, leaving them at 5.

Tavern talk has it that a lost letter from Carthage to Persia was found wrapped around a cheese in the market. Wild rumors suggest that Rome has secretly ordered five hundred bronze shields adorned in the distinctive martial insignia of Greece.

Dense river mist shrouds the border passes this 6; sentries warm themselves over braziers and curse the damp chill.

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