Empire: Turn 14 (220-210 BC)

Situation in 220 BC

A blow for Carthage as Numidia revolts, just as Hannibal appears as the city's great captain. Historically Numidia was firmly under Carthaginian control when Hannibal appeared, but Carthaginian possessions further west did not spread north of IBERIA. In the game, Carthaginians do not have Numidia at the start of Hannibal's run, but have Gallia instead. This actually slightly favours Carthage as there is no -1 modifier for operating outside of the original empire when attacking Numidia.

The Carthaginians, with their five great-captain campaigns, go first, but disastrously roll a 1 when attacking Numidia, which is not enough despite Hannibal's +2 modifier. A second campaign succeeds, and Hannibal moves on to Cisalpina. Because he is a great captain, he ignores the usual -1 modifier for attacking a controlled province, but still suffers -1 for attacking outside of the original Carthaginian empire. With his +2 great-captain modifier, he therefore needs a 3, and that is exactly what is rolled. There are two Carthaginian campaigns left, and two possible targets: ITALIA and Sicilia. The former would see a +2 modifier for being a great captain, but -1 for being outside Carthage's original empire and -1 for attacking a controlled homeland. The chances are therefore even. Attacking Sicilia would require a sea-crossing, followed, if successful, by a campaign with +2 for a great captain but -1 for being outside Carthage's original empire. The chances are therefore 5-4 against. So attacking ITALIA has the slightly better chance of succeeding, and would have a major effect in that success would see Magna Graecia and Sicilia becoming independent and so easier for Carthage to conquer. Accordingly the Carthaginians use their fourth great-captain campaign to attack ITALIA, and succeed with a 6. For their final campaign they attack Sicilia, but the fleet is lost at sea (a 1 was rolled).

The Macedonians successfully invade Pontus.

Rome has to reconsolidate its control of ITALIA, but, requiring a 5 or 6, only rolls a 3.

The Parthians expand by conquering the province of Persia.

Carthage dominates the West, and Macedonians the East, but the Parthians are resurgent and Rome is about to get Scipio the Younger