Crown of Hegemony: Carthage (Базослав) Master of All
Universal mastery now rests firmly in the grasp of Carthage (Базослав), whose veteran legions and shrewd statesmen have vanquished every contender. Ambassadors from the furthest corners of the earth throng the rostra to offer gold and pledge perpetual obedience. The senate of Carthage voted a golden wreath to the commander and a double ration of wine to the rank and file. The poets, as is their habit, will compose odes for whoever pays the better fee.
Merely 0 strongholds separate Carthage (Базослав) from ending the age of divided crowns, having raised its tally to an overwhelming 19 cities. In the Senate, triumph wreaths are prepared in secret while the commanders review the marching columns. Crowds in Carthage chanted praises to the legions, decking public colonnades with flowers and palm fronds. 'The sea-lanes and provincial revenues now answer to Carthage,' proclaimed an ambitious harbor prefect.
Dispatches from the Legions
No Respite for Cyrene: Carthage (Базослав) Wrests Stronghold Back from Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis])
A fresh storm of javelins in Cyrene has seen Carthage (Базослав) wrest the town from Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]), marking 2 captures across these bitter seasons. The palisades, patched repeatedly with green timber, barely held for an hour. The attack came out of Gulf of Sytris. Bakers across Carthage baked honey-cakes stamped with the eagle, and the poor ate for nothing. 'Make room on the wall of fame,' laughed a mason of Carthage, 'I have a new name to chisel.'
Dispatches from the Legions
Endless Contest: Carthage (Базослав) Ejects Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]) from Leptis
Disputed possession of Leptis has shifted for the 2 times of the campaign, with legions of Carthage (Базослав) recovering the town from Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]). The defenders offered only brief resistance before retreating through the rear colonnade. Riders from Numidia had carried the orders to the front. 'My son stood in the first rank and writes that the enemy never found their courage,' said a sail-maker of Carthage. In the amphitheatre of Carthage, the crowd rose as one to cheer the returning standard-bearers.
With an increase of 4 strongholds to its credit, Carthage (Базослав) has emerged as the clear victor of the campaigning season. Captured war-gear was paraded before cheering crowds in a grand display of imperial majesty. 'A masterstroke of siegecraft that will be studied in the academies for generations,' observed a Greek engineer. Children in Carthage ran beside the returning cavalry, flinging myrtle sprigs beneath the hooves.
Dispatches from the Legions
Disaster on the Frontier: Persia (Kowalski) Stripped of 3 Territories
A disastrous sequence of reverses has cost Persia (Kowalski) no fewer than 3 cities in the course of a single campaign year. Dismayed elders held crisis assemblies through the night as messengers brought word of crumbling frontiers. Gloom enveloped the forum of Persia as citizens absorbed the bitter reality of imperial contraction. 'Even Hannibal lost his elephants to the cold,' mused a schoolmaster, 'and Persia is no Hannibal.'
Chamber of Envoys & Alliances
Perfidy in the Field: Greece (MonsterSerg) Double-Crosses Carthage (Базослав) in Macedonia
The peace between former allies dissolved in an instant when Greece (MonsterSerg) marched treacherous cohorts into Macedonia, overthrowing the encampment of Carthage (Базослав). Scribes report that ambassadors of Carthage were dining in the tent of the commanding general when the attack commenced. The granary wardens of Carthage sealed the doors and posted guards over every sack of wheat. It is observed that heralds on both sides have used the word 'glorious' so often that it has lost two thirds of its value.
Chamber of Envoys & Alliances
An Inherited Hatred: Carthage (Базослав) and Persia (Kowalski) Lock Shields Once More
Letters sealed with lead and carried by relay riders affirm that the enduring vendetta between Carthage (Базослав) and Persia (Kowalski) flared afresh this season, with frontier pickets skirmishing without respite. Old treaties lie forgotten while fresh battlements are thrown up along the riverbanks. The quarrel spilled over into Byzantinum, Crete and Sinope, where villages were burned. A scribe in the chancery was heard to remark that the gods have been very consistent in their silence. Barbarian chieftains beyond the frontier were seen counting their spears and watching the roads.
The Balance of Strongholds
The treasury of Carthage (Базослав) swells with tribute, advancing to 19 cities (+4).
Fortunes wane for Egypt (Foxirus [SuperLis]), whose realm shrinks by 2 cities, leaving them at 4.
The granaries of Greece (MonsterSerg) are filling: 1 new province pays tribute, and the realm now stands at 3 centres.
Persia (Kowalski) strikes 3 cities from its ledger and now claims 7 cities.
Rumors from the Baths & Taverns
Rumors persist that Rome has promised to support the maritime claims of Egypt in exchange for regular shipments of grain.
It is muttered among the forum colonnades that Persia sent a gift of pure Cretan wine and fifty amphorae of olive oil to the magistrates of Carthage.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
A pale comet was seen over the eastern hills for three nights in 9; augurs disagree on whether it favours the sword or the plough.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
FOR HIRE: Skilled mule-driver, knows every ford between the river and the sea. Ask for Cassius at the sign of the Blue Amphora.
