The Universal Record & Senatus Gazette

Fierce Treason: Persia (goldplasma) Falls Upon Egypt (Mitch Cackers) in Jerusalem

The councils of state have been shaken to their foundations by events in Jerusalem, where Persia (goldplasma) trampled sacred oaths to launch a treacherous assault upon Egypt (Mitch Cackers). The victims were utterly unprepared, having expected friendly aid rather than naked blades. 'Whether king or archon rules, the price of Egyptian wheat remains governed by the wind,' shrugged a grain factor. Crowds in the plazas of Egypt listened in stunned disbelief as heralds delivered the dire proclamation.

First Among Sovereign Crowns: The Ascendancy of Rome (MapMaker)

With 10 cities in its ledger, Rome (MapMaker) has established itself as the leading power of the age, 8 strongholds shy of total victory. Its armies are well-provisioned and its frontiers heavily fortified against potential coalitions. Customs officers at the harbor chain, questioning every captain, have learned that envoys from lesser states throng the waiting halls. Stone carvers in the capital are already growing weary of chiseling new names upon conquered boundary stones.

The Field Is Ours: Carthage (Harri) Surges Forward with 2 New Conquests

By pressing forward on every front with unyielding vigor, Carthage (Harri) has increased its holdings by 2 strongholds. Neighboring monarchs watch with mounting anxiety as the balance of power shifts decidedly in one direction. Barbarian chieftains beyond the frontier were seen counting their spears and watching the roads. The poets, as is their habit, will compose odes for whoever pays the better fee.

The Waning of Egypt (Mitch Cackers): Severe Territorial Losses

Exhaustion and tactical surprise have combined to strip Egypt (Mitch Cackers) of 2 strongholds during a single disastrous summer. Magistrates ordered special sacrifices upon temple altars to appease the angry deities of war. Old soldiers in the wine-shops of Egypt spoke loudly of better days and were not contradicted. 'I have sold lamps to both sides and I intend to go on doing so,' declared an oil merchant.

Grim Retreat: Persia (goldplasma) Stripped of 2 Provinces

No eloquence can disguise the grave contraction suffered by Persia (goldplasma), which surrendered 2 cities to victorious enemy hosts. Crowds in the plazas listened in sullen silence as the list of lost fortresses was proclaimed. The bakers of Persia found their ovens cold at dawn, for no one had the heart to light them. 'Send for the Sibylline books; there may be something about this,' urged a worried pontiff.

The Trumpets Sound Victory: Persia (goldplasma) Ships Legions Across the Waves to Cyprus

A great line of warships provided safe conduct for the transports of Persia (goldplasma), ferrying legions from Miletus across the swells to Cyprus. By midday the shoreline was bristling with javelins and leather pavilions. The senate of Persia voted a golden wreath to the commander and a double ration of wine to the rank and file. 'Our grain stores and armories are prepared to hold what the frontline has taken,' declared a chief quartermaster.

Perfidy in the Field: Egypt (Mitch Cackers) Double-Crosses Persia (goldplasma) in Sidon

The peace between former allies dissolved in an instant when Egypt (Mitch Cackers) marched treacherous cohorts into Sidon, overthrowing the encampment of Persia (goldplasma). Scribes report that ambassadors of Persia were dining in the tent of the commanding general when the attack commenced. Consternation gripped the assembly in Persia, where magistrates met behind guarded bronze gates in fearful silence. The legal justifications offered by imperial rhetoricians are as ornate as they are thoroughly unconvincing.

An Inherited Hatred: Greece (tof tof) and Persia (goldplasma) Lock Shields Once More

There is no softening in the hostility that pits Greece (tof tof) and Persia (goldplasma) against one another, sustained now through 4 unbroken years of campaign and counter-stroke. Envoys who attempted mediation have retired in despair. Slave dealers at the Delos market reported brisk business, as always in times like these. Experts of the rostra are unanimous that the outcome was inevitable, now that it has occurred.

The dominion of Carthage (Harri) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 2 cities to an impressive 8. Egypt (Mitch Cackers) loses 2 cities to the enemy and keeps only 5 holdings. A bountiful season for Greece (tof tof), which expands its territorial domain to 6 strongholds (+1). Surveyors of Persia (goldplasma) rub out 2 boundary marks and sigh over a realm of 5 cities. The treasury of Rome (MapMaker) swells with tribute, advancing to 10 cities (+1).

Some say that the sacred geese of Carthage honked in warning exactly when the delegation from Greece arrived. Merchants arriving from the east whisper that sea captains of Egypt have been quietly escorting cargo galleys belonging to Greece.

A blood-red halo encircled the sun at midday in 5; augurs spent hours inspecting bird entrails upon the sacred hill.

MOSAICS laid to order: dolphins, gladiators or your own family crest. Free sketch for senators.