Recorded in the Year 10 · Tablet 10 — Ancient Mediterranean
Dagger in the Dark: Greece (Эльф ушастый) Betrayed by Rome (Luis Rodriguez) in Sparta
The councils of state have been shaken to their foundations by events in Sparta, where Rome (Luis Rodriguez) trampled sacred oaths to launch a treacherous assault upon Greece (Эльф ушастый). The victims were utterly unprepared, having expected friendly aid rather than naked blades. 'Empires rise like the summer tide and recede like the winter ebb,' noted a visiting philosopher in the agora. The augurs of Greece found only ill omens in the entrails and refused to name the next day's sacrifice.
Military Accounts from the Marches
Endless Contest: Greece (Эльф ушастый) Ejects Carthage (MonsterSerg) from Crete
Weary phalanxes of Carthage (MonsterSerg) were dislodged from Crete by a fierce assault launched by Greece (Эльф ушастый), recording 3 changes of rule since the war began. Military observers query whether the prize is worth the blood spilt to garrison it. Dispatches delivered by mounted messengers report that new palisades are already rising above the moat. Children in Greece ran beside the returning cavalry, flinging myrtle sprigs beneath the hooves.
Military Accounts from the Marches
The Bounds of Empire Widen: Persia (Kowalski) Claims 3 Cities
A sustained martial surge has enlarged the borders of Persia (Kowalski) by 3 cities this campaign season. Granaries in the newly won territories were secured intact to feed the wintering garrisons. 'Such a day is worth a hundred speeches in the senate,' declared a retired consul. Wine merchants of Persia rolled their finest casks into the squares and gave them away to all comers.
Miscalculation and overextension have brought bitter consequences to Greece (Эльф ушастый), resulting in the forfeiture of 3 crucial provinces. The public mood has soured, with angry voices in the agora demanding accountability from the generals. Courtyards in Greece filled with mourners, and the price of black dye doubled within the hour. Philosophers in the agora note that glory is eternal, but replacing lost baggage mules and broken oars proves ruinously expensive.
Military Accounts from the Marches
Bitter Repulse: Rome (Luis Rodriguez) Frustrates Supported Advance of Carthage (MonsterSerg) upon Ligurian Sea
The town crier of the lower market, hoarse since dawn, cries that Rome (Luis Rodriguez) has repulsed a coordinated storm of Ligurian Sea launched by Carthage (MonsterSerg) with formidable allied backing. Siege towers were set ablaze and the assaulting cohorts were driven back in disorder. 'My son stood in the first rank and writes that the enemy never found their courage,' said a sail-maker of Rome. Messengers in Carthage ran from door to door bidding the citizens to ready their bundles for the roads.
Military Accounts from the Marches
The Citadel Preserved: Carthage (MonsterSerg) Denies Berber Sea to Rome (Luis Rodriguez)
Columns of Rome (Luis Rodriguez) withdrew in bitter frustration from Berber Sea after their supported storming attempt was bloodily turned back by Carthage (MonsterSerg). The defenders repair their parapets in high spirits, confident in their unyielding strength. Panic swept the marketplace of Rome, sending merchants fleeing and citizens rushing to secure their goods. 'I have mended sandals for three legions and never seen them march so fast,' boasted a camp cobbler.
Envoys, Treaties & Pacts
The Bitter Struggle: Greece (Эльф ушастый) and Persia (Kowalski) Fight on with Undiminished Fury
The frontier separating Greece (Эльф ушастый) and Persia (Kowalski) remains an open wound where swords are drawn on sight and no quarter is offered. Emissaries dispatched to treat for an exchange of prisoners were turned back at spear-point. The quarrel spilled over into Byzantinum, Miletus, Sinai and Sinope, where villages were burned. 'Peace and war are the two hands of one body,' quoted a rhetoric teacher to his bored pupils. It is observed that heralds on both sides have used the word 'glorious' so often that it has lost two thirds of its value.
Envoys, Treaties & Pacts
The Bitter Feud of Carthage (MonsterSerg) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez)
Heralds arriving before the senate announce that the bitter struggle between Carthage (MonsterSerg) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez) has now raged for 3 years running, with neither sovereign willing to sue for peace. Frontier settlements have been burned and rebuilt until only ashes and stubborn pride remain. Experts of the rostra are unanimous that the outcome was inevitable, now that it has occurred. 'A tablet costs two obols, a war costs a province; I know which I would rather buy,' remarked a stationer.
The Ledger of Grain & Silver
The realm of Carthage (MonsterSerg) shrinks on the wax tablet by 1 city; only 11 cities still pay tribute.
Greece (Эльф ушастый) loses 3 cities to the enemy and keeps only 4 holdings.
A bountiful season for Persia (Kowalski), which expands its territorial domain to 9 strongholds (+3).
Grain and silver flow abundantly to Rome (Luis Rodriguez), adding 1 province to stand at 10.
Unconfirmed Reports & Street Talk
Tavern talk has it that a lost letter from Persia to Rome was found wrapped around a cheese in the market.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
An earth tremor shook the lower town at dawn, cracking an aqueduct pillar; priests offered bulls to the earth-shaker.
The Forum Board & Daily Announcements
MOSAICS laid to order: dolphins, gladiators or your own family crest. Free sketch for senators.
