In an act of supreme duplicity, Persia (MapMaker) abused its trusted access to strike directly at Rome (Mitch Cackers) in Memphis. The betrayed survivors swear vengeance before the altars of the gods. Customs officers at the harbor chain, questioning every captain, have learned that the frontier burns with mutual fury. The poets, as is their habit, will compose odes for whoever pays the better fee.
At the close of another arduous campaign year, Persia (MapMaker) stands foremost among all contending nations with 10 cities under its command. While 8 strongholds still divide the court from the 18 strongholds required for victory, its preeminence is undeniable. The senate of Persia voted a golden wreath to the commander and a double ration of wine to the rank and file. 'Such bold campaigns permanently redraw the maps of the known world,' remarked an envoy in the court of Persia.
A determined defense by Persia (MapMaker) in Chersonesus has completely frustrated the grand plans of Rome (Mitch Cackers), whose supported assault broke against stubborn resistance. The ditch before the main gate remains littered with shattered scaling ladders and abandoned shields. Panic swept the marketplace of Rome, sending merchants fleeing and citizens rushing to secure their goods. 'Our grain stores and armories are prepared to hold what the frontline has taken,' declared a chief quartermaster.
The armed legions of Persia (MapMaker) swell this season with the addition of 2 fresh detachments, fully equipped from state armories. Camp prefects have already distributed rations and standard poles to the newly formed units. The senate has voted to thank the gods, with a note that the thanks may be redirected. 'Words and treaties are merely the garments with which force clothes its naked ambition,' remarked a neutral diplomat.
Contending columns sent by Carthage (Jaxson301) and Rome (Mitch Cackers) arrived simultaneously at the defiles of Punic Sea, resulting in an impenetrable deadlock. The ground remains unoccupied, marked only by discarded javelins and furrowed sod. 'The fishing was good today, which is more than the generals can say,' reported a fisherman at the quay. The legal justifications offered by imperial rhetoricians are as ornate as they are thoroughly unconvincing.
Wine-sellers on the Via Sacra, never short of gossip, assure us that the assemblies of Rome (Mitch Cackers) voted extensive levies, bringing 1 new command into the theater of operations. Veterans were recalled from their farms to drill the young spearmen in the ancient tactics. Festive bonfires illuminated the acropolis of Rome late into the night as heralds proclaimed the triumph. 'The sword has severed what treaties and envoys could not hold,' observed a veteran tribune of Rome.
Dispatches delivered by mounted messengers report that Persia (MapMaker) has perfidiously broken its covenants, assaulting the cohorts of Egypt (goldplasma) at Memphis after marching beside them as comrades. Sentries of Egypt were slain at their posts before realizing their allies had turned foe. 'Whichever flag flies, the harbor dues are collected at dawn,' observed a customs clerk. Lamentations arose from the temples of Egypt as priests offered desperate sacrifices to stay further calamity.
There is no softening in the hostility that pits Carthage (Jaxson301) and Egypt (goldplasma) against one another, sustained now through 4 unbroken years of campaign and counter-stroke. Envoys who attempted mediation have retired in despair. At Delphi the priestess was asked the same question by both camps and gave both the same riddle. Experts of the rostra are unanimous that the outcome was inevitable, now that it has occurred.
Tribute diminishes and garrisons falter in Egypt (goldplasma), which drops 1 province to retain just 3. Persia (MapMaker) counts its gains: 1 city more in the census, 10 centres in all.
Gossip in the public baths suggests a dynastic betrothal between an influential patrician of Greece and a noble daughter of Rome.
Gentle autumn winds blow across the vineyards, bringing a rich vintage though elders warn the calm campaigning season will soon expire.
MASTER PHILOSOPHER from Athens gives daily lectures upon Stoic fortitude in the shade of the northern colonnade. Free admission; donations welcomed.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Persia (MapMaker) | 10 | +1 |
| Rome (Mitch Cackers) | 8 | 0 |
| Carthage (Jaxson301) | 7 | 0 |
| Greece (Spacewielder) | 6 | 0 |
| Egypt (goldplasma) | 3 | -1 |