A great silence has descended upon the ancestral sanctuaries of Egypt (Orkinon), where altars lie cold and neglected. The state that once commanded vast horizons has vanished like smoke upon the sea wind. 'When the foundation of statecraft crumbles, stone bastions cannot long endure,' reflected a veteran senator. In the amphitheatre of Egypt the games were cancelled and the crowds went home in silence.
Urgent dispatches borne by naval dispatch-galleys report that the banners of Rome (Эльф ушастый) cast the longest shadow across the Mediterranean, backed by 13 cities in full submission. Rulers of lesser realms convene anxious conclaves to deliberate on whether to form a league or sue for terms. In foreign ports, merchants and grain dealers adjusted prices with dispassionate speed upon hearing the news. It is generally agreed that the only undeniable victors of the campaign are the vultures wheeling above the battlefield.
Dispatches delivered by mounted messengers report that the state ledger of Carthage (Базослав) shows an impressive growth of 2 cities following decisive victories in the field. Public altars smoked with offerings of thanksgiving as magistrates proclaimed days of celebration. The vestals of Carthage kept the sacred fire bright through the night, and the magistrates declared a day of rest. 'The gods love a swift hand, and Carthage has been swift,' observed a priest of Mars.
Heavy blows on multiple fronts have cost Egypt (Orkinon) 2 vital strongholds in rapid succession. Where once proud eagles flew over secure redoubts, foreign watchfires now burn within sight of retreating columns. 'An army that stretches its supply lines beyond the reach of its wagons courts ruin,' observed a retired tribune. Courtyards in Egypt filled with mourners, and the price of black dye doubled within the hour.
The great encounter at Thebes concluded in complete paralysis as the supported armies of Carthage (Базослав) and Persia (Xenonic) neutralized each other upon the battlefield. By twilight, both hosts had retired behind their fortified ditch-lines. Slave dealers at the Delos market reported brisk business, as always in times like these. 'In my grandfather's day the border ran elsewhere, and in my grandson's it will run elsewhere again,' reflected a surveyor.
According to couriers riding hard from the frontier, Greece (MonsterSerg) has held the fortress of Miletus against all expectations, breaking a reinforced assault hurled by Rome (Эльф ушастый). The magnificent stand has electrified the citizens and sent shockwaves through the enemy camp. From the ramparts of Greece, beacon after beacon blazed to carry the glad news to the distant provinces. 'The sacred chickens fed greedily before battle; the triumph of Greece was ordained by the gods,' noted a temple augur.
Wine-sellers on the Via Sacra, never short of gossip, assure us that the enduring vendetta between Egypt (Orkinon) and Persia (Xenonic) flared afresh this season, with frontier pickets skirmishing without respite. Old treaties lie forgotten while fresh battlements are thrown up along the riverbanks. Border posts at Egyptian Sea reported fresh fighting. The senate has voted to thank the gods, with a note that the thanks may be redirected. Barbarian chieftains beyond the frontier were seen counting their spears and watching the roads.
A freedman of the archive, copying the day's reports, notes that the mutual enmity between Greece (MonsterSerg) and Rome (Эльф ушастый) has hardened into permanent defiance, defying every diplomatic entreaty. Both realms have converted their border farmsteads into armed watchtowers. Further blows were exchanged at Macedonia in the same season. Priests at the neutral oracles accepted gifts from both sides, uttering ambiguous prophecies regarding the outcome. 'I have sold lamps to both sides and I intend to go on doing so,' declared an oil merchant.
The fortunes of Greece (MonsterSerg) have sunk to their lowest ebb, restricted entirely within the fortifications of Miletus. Neighboring kings watch the perimeter like vultures, awaiting the hour when the lone bastion must capitulate. In the temples of Greece, smoke from somber offerings drifted over silent, downcast congregations. 'Defeat is a stern teacher, but only the wise survive to heed its lessons,' noted an exiled general.
The treasury of Carthage (Базослав) swells with tribute, advancing to 11 cities (+2). Egypt (Orkinon) loses 2 cities to the enemy and keeps only 0 holdings. Greece (MonsterSerg) strikes 1 city from its ledger and now claims 1 city. The dominion of Rome (Эльф ушастый) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 1 city to an impressive 13.
It is muttered among the forum colonnades that Carthage sent a gift of pure Cretan wine and fifty amphorae of olive oil to the magistrates of Rome.
A blood-red halo encircled the sun at midday in 5; augurs spent hours inspecting bird entrails upon the sacred hill.
FRESH FIGS and dried dates from the Syrian caravan. On sale at the south market stall until they are gone.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Rome (Эльф ушастый) | 13 | +1 |
| Carthage (Базослав) | 11 | +2 |
| Persia (Xenonic) | 9 | 0 |
| Greece (MonsterSerg) | 1 | -1 |
| Egypt (Orkinon) | 0 | -2 |