The civic fires of Greece (MonsterSerg) have been quenched for the last time as its final redoubt surrendered to encirclement. Foreign garrisons now occupy the forum where free citizens once assembled to decree laws. The senate of Greece sat through the night, and by morning had blamed the weather, the generals and each other. 'The wheat will be dear this winter and the wine dearer,' predicted a grain merchant.
Only 2 strongholds divide Rome (Эльф ушастый) from absolute victory, having amassed 16 of the 18 cities of the civilized world. Sovereign after sovereign dispatches frantic riders seeking allies, but time grows short. 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.
A sustained martial surge has enlarged the borders of Rome (Эльф ушастый) by 3 cities this campaign season. Granaries in the newly won territories were secured intact to feed the wintering garrisons. 'The omens were good, the roads were dry and the enemy was careless,' noted a camp prefect, ticking them off on his fingers. Sacrificial bulls were led garlanded through the streets of Rome, and the smoke of thanksgiving rose from every altar.
The armories and training grounds of Rome (Эльф ушастый) have answered the call of the high command, mustering 2 new military units this season. Columns of fresh recruits bearing newly forged bronze armor were reviewed by magistrates amidst patriotic fervor. The sculptors of Rome were commissioned that very evening to carve a triumphal arch. 'I have mended sandals for three legions and never seen them march so fast,' boasted a camp cobbler.
Strained supply lines have taken their toll on Persia (Xenonic), which has been obliged to stand down 1 operational command. Relieved levies returned to their olive groves and farms while generals grappled with shortened frontlines. 'Even Hannibal lost his elephants to the cold,' mused a schoolmaster, 'and Persia is no Hannibal.' Augurs interpreting the flight of birds on the sacred hill declare that remaining garrisons are being consolidated.
Diminished revenues have extracted a heavy price from Carthage (Базослав), forcing the high command to cashier 1 regiment from service. Dismounted cavalry led their horses to public markets, selling war-gear to feed their families. The bakers of Carthage found their ovens cold at dawn, for no one had the heart to light them. Sculptors of the forum are said to be carving all new statues with detachable heads, to save time later.
Shock and indignation reverberate through the courts after Rome (Эльф ушастый) delivered a stabbing blow to Carthage (Базослав) in Baleares. The sudden onslaught shattered treaties that had been solemnly sworn over smoking altars. The two sides also clashed at Punic Sea. In the forum of Rome, crowds cheered wildly as victorious wreaths of laurel were laid upon temple steps. 'Such a day is worth a hundred speeches in the senate,' declared a retired consul.
Heralds arriving before the senate announce that the bitter struggle between Greece (MonsterSerg) and Rome (Эльф ушастый) has now raged for 5 years running, with neither sovereign willing to sue for peace. Frontier settlements have been burned and rebuilt until only ashes and stubborn pride remain. Priests report that both armies sacrificed bulls to the same war god, leaving Olympus to resolve an awkward celestial dilemma. 'Armies march, but the olive harvest comes round regardless,' said an old farmer, not looking up from his pruning.
Empty granaries and shuttered counting-houses in Carthage (Базослав): down 1 stronghold, to 10 strongholds. The census of Greece (MonsterSerg) shortens (-1), leaving 0 towns on the rolls. Tax-gatherers of Persia (Xenonic) return with lighter bags, for 1 province has been lost; 8 remain. Ledger-keepers of Rome (Эльф ушастый) write a happy line (+3) and total the realm at 16 strongholds.
Whispers in the port taverns claim an emissary from Carthage was seen slipping from the residence of an envoy of Rome disguised as a grain merchant.
Hot dry winds from the south lift clouds of dust over the legion roads; sentries tie wet cloths about their faces.
ATTENTION VINTNERS: Two score empty terracotta amphorae in sound condition, sealed with pitch. Inquire at the harbor granary.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Rome (Эльф ушастый) | 16 | +3 |
| Carthage (Базослав) | 10 | -1 |
| Persia (Xenonic) | 8 | -1 |
| Greece (MonsterSerg) | 0 | -1 |