Imperial ambition met with resounding triumph as Rome (Эльф ушастый) expanded its dominion by 3 cities across the marches. Quartermasters report that captured stores will easily sustain the expanded frontline. 'Carthaginians would call it luck; we call it drill,' sniffed a drill-master of Rome. In the forum of Rome, crowds cheered wildly as victorious wreaths of laurel were laid upon temple steps.
Urgent dispatches borne by naval dispatch-galleys report that the council of Rome (Эльф ушастый) has expanded its armed might by commissioning 3 additional formations on land and sea. Shipyards and drill grounds have been bustling day and night to equip the levies. 'The sacred chickens fed greedily before battle; the triumph of Rome was ordained by the gods,' noted a temple augur. It is generally agreed that the only undeniable victors of the campaign are the vultures wheeling above the battlefield.
Recognizing that minor city-states cannot endure between clashing titans, Greece (MonsterSerg) has peacefully incorporated Byzantinum into its domain. No spear was cast, though the proclamation of annexation was posted before midday. Priests at the neutral oracles accepted gifts from both sides, uttering ambiguous prophecies regarding the outcome. Sculptors of the forum are said to be carving all new statues with detachable heads, to save time later.
The elders of Cyprus chose prudence over futile resistance, inviting the legions of Persia (Xenonic) to occupy the high citadel. Public heralds announced that private property and temple rites would be respected under the new administration. Grain brokers at Alexandria quietly revised their price lists, adding a small premium for uncertainty. Whether the subjugated citizens will greet their conquerors with garlands or poisoned wine remains to be seen.
In a textbook display of martial power, Egypt (Orkinon) crossed into Cyrene and set its standards in the civic plaza. Ancient neutrality yielded swiftly to the presence of disciplined cohorts. 'The gods love a swift hand, and Egypt has been swift,' observed a priest of Mars. A freedman of the archive, copying the day's reports, notes that supply depots for grain are already being constructed.
The peaceful seclusion of Dalmatia is ended, absorbed into the growing empire of Rome (Эльф ушастый). 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. The senate has voted to thank the gods, with a note that the thanks may be redirected.
Surveyors in Carthage (Базослав) redraw the map with 2 fresh boundary stones; the realm now counts 5 cities. The treasury of Egypt (Orkinon) swells with tribute, advancing to 5 cities (+2). The dominion of Greece (MonsterSerg) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 1 city to an impressive 4. Persia (Xenonic) grows by 2 garrisoned cities and boasts 5 cities in all. Tax rolls of Rome (Эльф ушастый) lengthen by 3 towns, bringing the total to 6 holdings.
Whispers in the port taverns claim an emissary from Greece was seen slipping from the residence of an envoy of Carthage disguised as a grain merchant. Rumors persist that Persia has promised to support the maritime claims of Greece in exchange for regular shipments of grain.
An earth tremor shook the lower town at dawn, cracking an aqueduct pillar; priests offered bulls to the earth-shaker.
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| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Rome (Эльф ушастый) | 6 | +3 |
| Persia (Xenonic) | 5 | +2 |
| Egypt (Orkinon) | 5 | +2 |
| Carthage (Базослав) | 5 | +2 |
| Greece (MonsterSerg) | 4 | +1 |