Chronica Antiqua & The Mediterranean Inquirer

Broken Oaths: Rome (Luis Rodriguez) Assaults Carthage (MonsterSerg) at Carthage

According to couriers riding hard from the frontier, the leaders of Rome (Luis Rodriguez) have executed an infamous treachery, turning their spears upon unsuspecting allies of Carthage (MonsterSerg) in Carthage. Outraged elders denounce the impiety in every forum across the known world. Local tavern keepers remark that advancing cohorts and retreating phalanxes possessed an identical thirst for untaxed vintage. Black cloth was hung from the gates of Carthage, and the flute-players were forbidden to play in public.

A Season of Conquest: Rome (Luis Rodriguez) Adds 3 Provinces

Fortune has favored the arms of Rome (Luis Rodriguez) beyond all expectation, resulting in the acquisition of 3 provinces in a single sweep. Triumphal arches have been decreed to honor the legates who directed the marches. The sculptors of Rome were commissioned that very evening to carve a triumphal arch. Fortune-tellers at the crossroads are doing excellent trade; they predict victory for everybody, in turn.

Grim Retreat: Carthage (MonsterSerg) Stripped of 4 Provinces

The fortunes of Carthage (MonsterSerg) have taken a perilous turn for the worse after enemy offensives severed 4 cities from the realm. Cohorts fought bravely in rear-guard actions, but the loss of vital tribute cannot be masked. 'When the foundation of statecraft crumbles, stone bastions cannot long endure,' reflected a veteran senator. The populace of Carthage gathered in anxious knots at street corners, searching the horizon for grim portents.

The Ramparts Stand: Persia (Kowalski) Holds Thebes Against Carthage (MonsterSerg)

In a heroic display of fortitude, the garrison of Persia (Kowalski) has firmly held Thebes against a heavily supported offensive mounted by Carthage (MonsterSerg). Outnumbered defenders locked their bronze shields across the breaches and shattered the assault columns. Auction houses in Persia reported a sudden boom as captured spoils were put up for sale. 'Such bold campaigns permanently redraw the maps of the known world,' remarked an envoy in the court of Persia.

Supported Assault Broken: Carthage (MonsterSerg) Defends Memphis from Persia (Kowalski)

The battlements of Memphis held fast under a furious shower of javelins as Carthage (MonsterSerg) defied the reinforced hosts of Persia (Kowalski). Seasoned defenders met the charge at the palisades, forcing the attackers to sound a retreat. Bakers across Carthage baked honey-cakes stamped with the eagle, and the poor ate for nothing. Cartographers at the library have been told to leave generous blank margins on every map until further notice.

Unshaken Phalanx: Persia (Kowalski) Repels Onslaught of Carthage (MonsterSerg) at Alexandria

A determined defense by Persia (Kowalski) in Alexandria has completely frustrated the grand plans of Carthage (MonsterSerg), whose supported assault broke against stubborn resistance. The ditch before the main gate remains littered with shattered scaling ladders and abandoned shields. The treasurers of Carthage began burying their silver in cellars, trusting nobody with the keys. 'The sea-lanes and provincial revenues now answer to Persia,' proclaimed an ambitious harbor prefect.

Blood on the Frontier: Carthage (MonsterSerg) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez) in Protracted War

There is no softening in the hostility that pits Carthage (MonsterSerg) and Rome (Luis Rodriguez) against one another, sustained now through 6 unbroken years of campaign and counter-stroke. Envoys who attempted mediation have retired in despair. Bankers of Corinth lent to both sides at the same rate and slept soundly. Sculptors of the forum are said to be carving all new statues with detachable heads, to save time later.

Swords Never Sheathed: The Unbroken Feud of Carthage (MonsterSerg) and Persia (Kowalski)

A relentless cycle of raid and reprisal continues to consume the resources of Carthage (MonsterSerg) and Persia (Kowalski). Sages and priests have long ceased their appeals for concord, resigning themselves to endless enmity. The two sides also clashed at Alexandria. Travellers at a roadside inn near the border argued the matter over bread and olives until the lamps burned low. Veterans in the baths note, as they do each year, that the previous war was better organised.

Surveyors of Carthage (MonsterSerg) rub out 4 boundary marks and sigh over a realm of 5 cities. Silver arrives from the new holdings of Persia (Kowalski): 1 more centre in the books, 14 centres altogether. Rome (Luis Rodriguez) grows by 3 garrisoned cities and boasts 14 cities in all.

A merchant from the north swears that the wagons of Carthage have been repainted in the colours of Rome.

Swarms of locusts darkened the sky over the southern farms; garrison commanders set their men to beating pots and pans.

STRAYED: A grey donkey with a white nose, answers to nothing. Return to the baker near the Fountain Gate.