An Inherited Hatred: Carthage (Базослав) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez) Lock Shields Once More
A relentless cycle of raid and reprisal continues to consume the resources of Carthage (Базослав) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez). Sages and priests have long ceased their appeals for concord, resigning themselves to endless enmity. Skirmishes were reported at Neapoli, Numidia, Roma and Sarmatia, where both sides claim to have won. In foreign ports, merchants and grain dealers adjusted prices with dispassionate speed upon hearing the news. It is observed that heralds on both sides have used the word 'glorious' so often that it has lost two thirds of its value.
Dispatches from the Legions
Shields of Greece (MonsterSerg) Shattered at Home: Persia (Kowalski) Enters Athens
In a humiliation that will long echo in the chronicles, Greece (MonsterSerg) has witnessed the fall of Athens to the banner of Persia (Kowalski). The home guard stood firm along the inner wall until completely surrounded by attacking cohorts. The legal justifications offered by imperial rhetoricians are as ornate as they are thoroughly unconvincing. Mothers of Greece gathered at the walls to ask every passing rider for the names of the fallen.
Dispatches from the Legions
Ruthless Primacy: Persia (Kowalski) Holds the Widest Borders
From the mountain passes to the coastlines, the authority of Persia (Kowalski) stands superior to any single rival, bolstered by 13 strongholds. Counselors in competing realms search the auguries for any sign of overextension, but find little comfort. Auction houses in Persia reported a sudden boom as captured spoils were put up for sale. 'Whoever commands the citadel, the caravans must still pay the crossing toll,' muttered a pragmatic ferryman.
Dispatches from the Legions
Macedonia Falls Once More: Standards of Greece (MonsterSerg) Replace Those of Persia (Kowalski)
According to couriers riding hard from the frontier, Greece (MonsterSerg) has fallen upon Persia (Kowalski) in Macedonia, marking 2 separate captures of this disputed fortress during the war. Neither power appears capable of imposing permanent dominion over the scorched citadel. 'Empires rise like the summer tide and recede like the winter ebb,' noted a visiting philosopher in the agora. The treasurers of Persia began burying their silver in cellars, trusting nobody with the keys.
War trumpets echoed across the drill fields of Carthage (Базослав) as magistrates inspected 1 newly raised cohort. Smiths have worked through the nights hammering greaves and spear-points for the marching columns. In the amphitheatre of Carthage, the crowd rose as one to cheer the returning standard-bearers. 'The omens were good, the roads were dry and the enemy was careless,' noted a camp prefect, ticking them off on his fingers.
Dispatches from the Legions
Imperial Muster: Persia (Kowalski) Enrolls 1 Fresh Unit
The armories and training grounds of Persia (Kowalski) have answered the call of the high command, mustering 1 new military unit this season. Columns of fresh recruits bearing newly forged bronze armor were reviewed by magistrates amidst patriotic fervor. The senate of Persia voted a golden wreath to the commander and a double ration of wine to the rank and file. 'A masterstroke of siegecraft that will be studied in the academies for generations,' observed a Greek engineer.
Chamber of Envoys & Alliances
A Clash Across 4 Years: Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) and Persia (Kowalski) Locked in Strife
Centurions returning on leave to the city swear that the conflict between Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) and Persia (Kowalski) has persisted across 4 campaign seasons, draining treasuries and leaving frontier fields fallow. Neither sovereign will stoop to sue for peace while an army remains in the field. The poets, as is their habit, will compose odes for whoever pays the better fee. 'Whichever flag flies, the harbor dues are collected at dawn,' observed a customs clerk.
The Balance of Strongholds
The granaries of Carthage (Базослав) are filling: 1 new province pays tribute, and the realm now stands at 10 centres.
Surveyors of Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) rub out 1 boundary mark and sigh over a realm of 5 cities.
Ledger-keepers of Persia (Kowalski) write a happy line (+1) and total the realm at 13 strongholds.
Tribute diminishes and garrisons falter in Rome (Luis Rodriguez), which drops 1 province to retain just 4.
Rumors from the Baths & Taverns
Tavern talk has it that a lost letter from Greece to Rome was found wrapped around a cheese in the market.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
Swarms of locusts darkened the sky over the southern farms; garrison commanders set their men to beating pots and pans.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
GAMES IN THE CIRCUS: Three days of chariot races and veteran beast-hunts declared to honor the victory. Free bread distributed at the gates.
