Acta Diurna · The Daily Chronicle of the Forum

Unforgiving Hatred: The Long Clash of Carthage (Базослав) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez)

Through 6 unrelenting years of bloodshed, Carthage (Базослав) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez) have traded atrocities until neither side remembers what sparked the initial conflict. Camp scribes have run short of wax tablets to record the tally of fallen hoplites. Bankers of Corinth lent to both sides at the same rate and slept soundly. 'Boundaries drawn by the spear are as transient as footprints upon coastal sand,' observed a wandering chronicler.

Greece (MonsterSerg) Bereft of Its Cradle: Carthage (Базослав) Occupies Macedonia

Centuries of possession ended in a single afternoon when Carthage (Базослав) stormed the ancient battlements of Macedonia, putting the retainers of Greece (MonsterSerg) to flight. Signal fires upon the high citadel were quenched before neighboring garrisons could respond. Scouts report that the army had marched from Epirus, three days along the old road. The senate of Carthage assembled in festive white togas, pouring lavish libations of wine to celebrate the conquest. 'The gods love a swift hand, and Carthage has been swift,' observed a priest of Mars.

Carthage (Базослав) Leads the World with 14 Strongholds

Preponderant strength belongs unmistakably to Carthage (Базослав), holding sway over 14 fortified centres across the civilized world. While rival monarchs attempt to calculate counter-moves, the vanguard of the leader continues to dictate terms. The Rhodian shipowners met in their guildhall and voted to keep their vessels in port until the quarrel cooled. Cartographers at the library have been told to leave generous blank margins on every map until further notice.

Thunderous Reversal: Greece (MonsterSerg) Retakes Athens from Retiring Cohorts of Persia (Kowalski)

The contested citadel of Athens counts 2 separate conquests this conflict, yielding on this turn to an assault by Greece (MonsterSerg) against Persia (Kowalski). Little remains unbroken within the municipal precinct after so many violent transitions. Caravan masters in the desert cities doubled their escorts and raised their tolls. Experts of the rostra are unanimous that the outcome was inevitable, now that it has occurred.

Resolute Expansion: Carthage (Базослав) Adds 2 Cities to Its Realm

Pigeons loosed from the lighthouse at Pharos carry word 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. 'Fortune favors the resolute, but disciplined cohorts turn fortune into certainty,' noted a seasoned legate.

Shrinking Borders: Persia (Kowalski) Bereft of 2 Provinces

Surveyors measuring the roads along the frontier report that the holdings of Persia (Kowalski) have suffered a brutal contraction, shedding 2 strongholds under relentless enemy pressure. Frontier commands have been restructured in an attempt to halt the collapse. 'An army that stretches its supply lines beyond the reach of its wagons courts ruin,' observed a retired tribune. Local tavern keepers remark that advancing cohorts and retreating phalanxes possessed an identical thirst for untaxed vintage.

Vengeance Unquenched: The Ceaseless War Between Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) and Persia (Kowalski)

Warfare between Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) and Persia (Kowalski) has spanned 6 straight years without a single treaty or festival truce to interrupt the slaughter. Both treasuries are strained to the breaking point, yet pride forbids any concession. Slaves bearing letters between the great houses whisper that fresh levies are already being marshaled. Veterans in the baths note, as they do each year, that the previous war was better organised.

The Last Redoubt: Rome (Luis Rodriguez) Clings to Dalmatia

The ancient dominion of Rome (Luis Rodriguez) has shrunk to the circuit of stone enclosing Dalmatia. Priests in the temple offer daily sacrifices, imploring the deities to shield the realm's last redoubt from encirclement. Whispers of impending doom rippled through the baths of Rome as the extent of the disaster became known. Sculptors of the forum are said to be carving all new statues with detachable heads, to save time later.

Grain and silver flow abundantly to Carthage (Базослав), adding 2 provinces to stand at 14. The dominion of Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) prospers under favorable stars, growing by 1 city to an impressive 6. A bleak ledger for Persia (Kowalski), falling to 11 strongholds following the loss of 2. Rome (Luis Rodriguez) suffers severe contraction, forfeiting 1 city to hold a diminished total of 1.

The agora is abuzz with the rumor that Persia and Greece have drafted a secret pact of friendship upon a waxed tablet in a seaside villa.

An earth tremor shook the lower town at dawn, cracking an aqueduct pillar; priests offered bulls to the earth-shaker.

FRESH FIGS and dried dates from the Syrian caravan. On sale at the south market stall until they are gone.