Acta Diurna · The Daily Chronicle of the Forum

The Bitter Feud of Carthage (Базослав) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez)

Augurs interpreting the flight of birds on the sacred hill declare that the mutual enmity between Carthage (Базослав) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez) has hardened into permanent defiance, defying every diplomatic entreaty. Both realms have converted their border farmsteads into armed watchtowers. Border posts at Numidia, Sarmatia, Sicilia and Venetia reported fresh fighting. Slave dealers at the Delos market reported brisk business, as always in times like these. 'A tablet costs two obols, a war costs a province; I know which I would rather buy,' remarked a stationer.

Fortunes Rise for Carthage (Базослав): A Bold Leap Forward

The strategic audacity of Carthage (Базослав) was crowned with success this season, securing 2 new provinces through rapid concentration of force. Banners taken from opposing hosts were dedicated in the chief temple. Philosophers in the agora note that glory is eternal, but replacing lost baggage mules and broken oars proves ruinously expensive. 'Such bold campaigns permanently redraw the maps of the known world,' remarked an envoy in the court of Carthage.

Severe Blow to Rome (Luis Rodriguez): 2 Citadels Snatched Away

The strategic fortunes of Rome (Luis Rodriguez) have ebbed dramatically, with 2 provinces wrenched away by triumphant rivals. In the barracks, veterans openly question the wisdom of the magistrates who planned the disastrous campaign. The standard-bearers of Rome lowered their eagles and walked with bowed heads through the empty forum. Whether the subjugated citizens will greet their conquerors with garlands or poisoned wine remains to be seen.

The Ramparts Stand: Persia (Kowalski) Holds Sinai Against Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis])

A brilliant feat of defensive tactics was achieved at Sinai, where Persia (Kowalski) resisted the full fury of a supported assault directed by Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]). Military observers praise the composure of the defending magistrates during the fiercest hour of the struggle. 'Such a day is worth a hundred speeches in the senate,' declared a retired consul. In coastal trading colonies, harbor masters recorded the movements of foreign fleets without taking part.

Shields and Spears: Carthage (Базослав) Recruits 2 Additional Cohorts

Enriched with provincial tribute, Carthage (Базослав) has placed 2 new fighting commands into active service. This formidable reinforcement sends a clear message of resolve to rival courts. In the public squares of Carthage, captured spoils were displayed before throngs of ecstatic citizens. Fortune-tellers at the crossroads are doing excellent trade; they predict victory for everybody, in turn.

Military Expansion: Persia (Kowalski) Marshals Its Host

An impressive display of military readiness unfolded in Persia (Kowalski), where heralds announced the completion of 1 new military formation. Crowds cheered from the ramparts as the cavalry rode out in gleaming bronze breastplates. Sacrificial bulls were led garlanded through the streets of Persia, and the smoke of thanksgiving rose from every altar. 'A commander who counts his oxen before his soldiers will always arrive first,' remarked a supply officer of the winning column.

5 Years of War: Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) and Persia (Kowalski) Still at Daggers Drawn

Urgent dispatches borne by naval dispatch-galleys report that the bitter clash of arms between Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) and Persia (Kowalski) shows no sign of cooling, driven by grievances that neither senate can forgive. The two armies have faced one another for 5 campaigning seasons. It is generally agreed that the only undeniable victors of the campaign are the vultures wheeling above the battlefield. Messengers of distant kings hurried through the foreign quarter with sealed tablets, saying nothing.

Carthage (Базослав) counts its gains: 2 cities more in the census, 12 centres in all. The treasury of Rome (Luis Rodriguez) strains under mounting adversity, receding by 2 strongholds to settle at 2.

A traveling sophist claims that maps seen in the camp of Rome show the tributary lands of Egypt already marked for partition.

Heavy snowfall seals the mountain defiles, forcing marching legions to winter in fortified camps until spring.

LESSONS IN RHETORIC: Win every argument at dinner. Teacher is Greek and expensive; first lesson free.