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Carthago! is a game by G.M., louisxiv just made a site for it.
Carthago! is a game by G.M., louisxiv just made a site for it.
Thu 30th October ’25
7:45pm for 8pm BST
From: Sammus’s Boast:
We returned to the Morning Breeze and met up with Agripinus, who put on his gear and cast an augury to determine where Si'aspiqo’s purse was. He thought it was in the settlement to the southwest. We then set off in search of the miscreant and the purse. I had my sword and a cloak as did Baal-Shaq and we both carried torches. Mago and Toxoanassa had their normal skirmish gear. Amphius had his marine armour. The weather was deteriorating, dark and cloudy. It was the last quarter of the moon which had set, so it was very dark. We set off southwest into the settlement, and past a marketplace, close to the inn where Si'aspiqo had been robbed, which was now shut.
Agripinus muttered another prayer and pointed off in a direction that led into smaller and smaller lanes. We came to some round huts and a small square, where dogs started barking at us. It had now started to rain. There were shouts to which Mago replied and told us that they wanted to know who we were. There were more noises in a language that I didn’t understand and the sound of loud bangs of alarm from a couple of the huts. Agripinus led us on through a tangled set of interlocking houses and yards, until we saw torches ahead and there was an exchange of words between Mago and the torchlit group ahead. They asked what our business was, telling Mago that this was their neighbourhood and we couldn’t come here armed for battle without there being trouble. Mago translated for Agripinus, who explained that one of us had been robbed and we were looking for the goods and the robber and that we would not cause them a problem.
The spokesman for the torchlit group told Mago that we should return in the morning and ask for Ertebas, and he would take us to Ablan, the district judge. Si'aspiqo offered a reward for the return of his purse and a substantial portion of the contents, then we returned to the boat, with Baal-Shaq and Amphius acting as rearguard. The Greek saw a few torches and people keeping their distance but following us for a while. The group had seemed like poor citizens rather than military or even organized crime.
In the morning, we returned to the same area. Mago asked for Ertebas and was directed to a slightly bigger house with a yard where there were a few large dogs and a sturdy citizen who introduced himself as Ertebas. It was raining heavily as he took us to Ablan, and the wind was blowing fiercely; it was lucky we were not at sea. Ertebas wore a rain hat and waxy cloak to protect against the weather, and I was glad of my own hat and cloak.
We were admitted into a larger house and shown into a small chamber with an elder well-dressed man, and we were invited to sit on stools. He started in Punic, but then went back to the local language, with Mago acting as interpreter. He asked us to tell our story and Si'aspiqo related how he had been in a bar and had had his purse strings cut and his purse containing over 50 gold pieces stolen. There was some back and forth between Mago and Ablan and Ablan had been surprised at the large sum, but Si'aspiqo explained that it had been in settlement of a debt and he had inadvertently put it in his purse. Si'aspiqo offered half of what he received back as a reward. At this point Ablan turned to Ertebas and asked what he had found. The latter handed over a purse containing 48 recently minted Carthaginian gold coins.
Ablan explained that someone had come to buy a barrel of wine from Ertebas last night and had a purse containing many gold coins and no explanation of how he had come by it. Ertebas had confiscated it. Si'aspiqo confirmed that it was his purse and stood by his reward. There were more words between the judge and Mago and then Mago relayed that Ablan felt that 8 gold pieces was perfectly adequate as a reward. We were told that if we lost something else or there was another crime against us then we should come and ask for the judge. Si'aspiqo apologized for our hasty action and explained that we had moved in haste due to the large sum involved.
Ablan said that we were strangers here and that they did not want there to be any trouble with Carthaginians, then asked if we were satisfied with his judgment and Si'aspiqo agreed that we were and that we were grateful for his wisdom. Ablan told us to go in peace. Agripinus gave a long speech giving the thanks of the Carthginian state. Si'aspiqo asked Mago if it would be appropriate to pay judge, but Mago did not think so, we should just leave. Si'aspiqo went up to Ertebas, and they shook hands and Ertebas invited us to his place for wine.
We all sat under his stoop and were served bread and wine and Ertebas and Mago talked. We drank several ceramic mugs of rather good wine and found that Ertebas was a wine seller. He wondered whether we might like to buy some of his wine and we took him and introduced him to Kallicrates when we returned to the Morning Breeze. Kallicrates then returned with Mago to Ertebas’s place to finalise a deal. Si'aspiqo, Amphius, Baal-Shaq and I accompanied them. Ertebas maybe knew enough Greek to make a deal, but things went more smoothly with an interpreter. Kallicrates ordered 20 small barrels of wine at 5gp each to be delivered the next morning. Amphius and I finished the barrel we had started and had to be helped back to the ship. Mago was not up to the task of bearing a large man like me and fell over, so Baal-Shaq had to take over leaving Si'aspiqo and Mago the easier task of bearing Amphius. By now it was still raining, although the wind was a little was less blustery, but the weather served to sober up the Greek and me.
Si'aspiqo cast cantrips to help decide whether we should go to Karalis first, or sail directly to Carthage and Agripinus carried out an augury. There seemed to be no ominous portent against going to Karalis and so we decided to do that as both Mago and Si'aspiqo had things to collect there. We stayed in port for another day as there was steady rain and no wind at all. The wine was loaded from a cart pulled by a donkey and 3 trips were needed to deliver 20 sealed barrels or casks of the wine. Si'aspiqo got out the shell and cast a cantrip to predict the weather and thought it would be dry and fair the following day. Later in the day the rain stopped, and we had some hot food in town.
The morning of 24th July was fine, with a fair wind from the southwest, which meant that we needed to row out of harbour. Once out of harbour we could tack east. The day and night passed quietly and the next morning the wind was from the northwest, and we made good progress for the day.
We hove to at night and both Si'aspiqo and I both heard a strange voice calling us in our dreams, but we managed to avoid answering its call, however the helmsman started clambering over the side and had to be pulled back by Agripinus, who was on watch. Neither he nor Amphius, who was also on watch, heard the voice, only those asleep. Kallicrates and others of the crew were talking concernedly on deck, and I understood from Amphius that they speculated on what had disturbed us. It did not seem like a siren as that usually affected those awake. Perhaps there was a sunken ship nearby and one of victims might be haunting us in our sleep.
Agripinus started singing a hymn and soon it started brightening in the east and he greeted the dawn. There was a fair wind for Karalis that day and we sailed on, with the shore sighted soon after midday. We sailed along the coast for a little way and were met by a Carthaginian guard ship. Agripinus had on his armour and gave his name and rank and we sailed on. The guardship had not come out to meet us last time, we had sailed here, so there seemed to be a heightened military readiness. We rowed into harbour in the late afternoon.
The next morning, 27th July, Agripinus went to the temple and exchanged news, while Mago collected his tools and Si'aspiqo collected his gear. Agripinus reported back that Carthage was dealing diplomatically with the tribes in the north of the island, as the army wanted to clear any rebellion ready to fight in Sicily. Provisions were provided and Kallicrates loaded them along with everything Mago and Kallicrates had brought on board and was concerned with how much cargo we had aboard.
We spent a modest night out in Karalis and then set sail on 28th July with a fair wind for Carthage. The following day was sunny and warm with a good wind from the north and Kallicrates felt the Gods were with us. Around noon we saw sails on the horizon, and soon there were more and more of them heading roughly towards us. Eventually 17 large ramships came into view with many men rowing and lots of shields and glittering armour in view. One diverted to come in hailing distance and Agripinus told them his name and destination. They rowed on by, and we sailed on to Carthage. Mago said that this was a large detachment from the main fleet and war or military action must be afoot. There were 200 berths in the centre of the harbour in Carthage, but normally most ships would be in storage, laid up for time of war. These looked like they were heading from Carthage, probably for Sicily. Later that day, we saw the shore and then the lights of the city. Kallicrates decide that as it was a fair night, then with help from Amphius we should be able to make harbour.
Unfortunately, there was a misjudgement coming in to moor and the Morning Breeze bumped against a quay whilst manoeuvring in the dark. There was a challenge as it was a surprise a ship would moving in the dark, but Agripinus answered and we managed to moor safely in the early evening of 29th July.
Party & company:
Met:
Places:
Party Loot: —
From: Sammus’s Boast:
By dawn on 18th July a gale was blowing. Everything was lashed down, and I removed my armour and just wore my tunic, a woollen cloak and a waterproof hat. Agripinus began singing a holy hymn of Tanit to encourage us all and kept singing for three hours. By this time the weather had deteriorated and there was a lot of spray and rain, and the wind had increased to storm force. Agripinus took a short break from his hymn but then began once more, and some of us joined in as we began to learn the words and tune and all felt encouraged. The ship began pitching horribly and everyone was soaked and feeling chilled.
Every three or four hours Agripinus took a short break from his hymn but then started once more. Kallicrates ensured that the man at the helm was relieved regularly as it was exhausting work. The ship continued to run north of west before the wind, trying to keep ahead of the following waves. The ship continued to pitch violently, and the fierce wind and heavy rain continued until dusk on 18th July, but then the storm dropped back down to a gale, but the rain continued.
The gale continued until midnight when the wind eased just a little and veered to come from the southeast, and the drizzle and spray lessened. Kallicrates came round and reassured as all that the worst was probably over. We nibbled on some dried sausage, but we were all soaked through and chilled to the bone.
The gale blew on unchanged until dusk on 19th July but then finally began to ease. Agripinus was able to cease his singing and heal Mago who was suffering from exposure. I am sure the priest’s hymn had aided our survival and whispered my thanks to Tanit. After midnight, the wind dropped to brisk, and the crew gave a cheer. The wind was now from west of south, but it had started rained heavily once more. Mago was still suffering from exposure and Agripinus carried out two more rites of healing after which Mago felt much recovered. We all managed to huddle together in the early hours of 20th July and got some rest.
At dawn on 20th July there was a brisk wind from the southwest and Kallicrates discussed our options with Agripinus. With this wind it wasn’t possible to make for the African coast, so they decided to sail north for either Karalis or maybe the Balearic Islands depending on how far we had been blown west. With the aid of Si'aspiqo’s arts a fire was started in a tripod stand on deck and hot drinks were prepared.
During the day the sail tore and had to be replaced with a spare, while the tear was repaired. Mago spotted land on the northwestern horizon. The sailing master thought it was one of the Balearic Islands, maybe Minorca, where the port of Mago the namesake of our comrade lay. If that was correct, we would need to sail due East for a day and half to reach Sardinia and then sail south along the coast to Karalis from there or sail south of east to aim for Karalis directly. It was soon clear that the harbour of Mago lay ahead but unfortunately a sail tore and had to be replaced, and we knew we would be unable to reach the main harbour before dark. Under the guidance of Amphius we made it safely into the outer part of the harbour in the rain and dark and anchored up ready to row into the harbour proper after the sun rose. Si'aspiqo cast a cantrip with the conch and thought the next day would be fair weather.
At dawn on 21st July some fishing boats arrived and tried to sell us fish. Kallicrates asked Mago to translate and he told them thanks, but that we were going into harbour to get some warm food. As predicted it was a fair day, but with a warm wind from west of north which meant we had to row in. We made our way past a point and then an island with a Carthaginian fort and then a naval yard with a Carthaginian warship. We moored close to the town on the south side of the island.
Mago was taken by Kallicrates to help him buy provisions, while Agripinus went to visit the authorities, and the crew went in search of some hot food. The rest of my comrades and I stayed on board to rest and guard the boat.
When Agripinus returned he told us he had heard that there was rebel activity on the west coast of Sardinia, so this area should be avoided, and we should sail directly to Karalis. The commander had not heard of Hannibal of Uttica. The priest had spent some time healing a soldier with a badly broken leg, as a favour to the commander.
Mago arranged for supplies from the small local market and then bought a bronze Celt-Iberian sword. It was quite old, with Sardinian marks on it, but had no particular virtue. He sold it to Amphius for a substantial profit.
We stayed in port for the rest of the day and at dusk Mago, Amphius, Si'aspiqo and I along with some of the crew went ashore for a few drinks and some food. When we started to head back to the ship, Si'aspiqo noticed that his purse was missing – the strings had been cut. It had contained 50 gold pieces which Amphius had just paid him in settlement of a debt. He realised that it must have happened when he had been jostled going to the jakes at the last bar and thought he knew who had done it. We returned to the bar, but Si'aspiqo could not see the man or anyone spending his money.
We returned to the Morning Breeze and met up with Agripinus who put on his gear and cast an augury to determine where Si'aspiqo’s purse was. He thought it was in the settlement to the southwest. We then set off in search of the miscreant and the purse.
Party & company:
Met: —
Places:
Party Loot: —
From: Sammus’s Boast:
We sailed on until dawn on 6th July. Kallicrates informed Agripinus that we had water for a few days, but not enough to go straight to Carthage and we discussed where we might go first. We decided to head for Carthago Nova, initially. Agripinus gave Kallicrates 120gp to pay for the trip to Carthage. Our discussions also involved the likelihood of pursuit and Baal-Shaq told us that his note to Hannibal told him that his share of the loot would be left at the temple of Baal in Carthage, so he would know our planned destination.
The wind blew lightly from the north, and we had need to tack to make progress. Si'aspiqo used the conch Hanno had given him, to help forecast the weather. He told us that the weather would remain fair. We saw a few sea birds but little else as the day passed uneventfully and we sailed on at night with Amphius as lookout.
By dawn on 7th July, the wind had died and then a light wind came up from the southwest, which was ideal to sail to Carthago Nova. Mago spotted some whales and Si'aspiqo forecast the weather would continue fair with the wind from west or southwest. We sailed on at night lit by the moon which was about 5 days short of full. By the next morning there was a light wind blowing from the west and we had another good day and night’s sailing.
The wind freshened from the northeast on 9th July and soon Mago spotted the coast ahead. We saw a few fishing boats and later in the day a merchant ship. We had some rowing to do, and I joined in with the crew. At dusk Kallicrates decided to just drift at night as we were too far out to anchor. Amphius kept watch to check that we didn’t get too close to shore.
During the early hours of the morning, we were had got quite close to shore and the wind had backed to come from the southwest, so Kallicrates hoisted a small sail, for the last part of the night. We sailed along the coast for the day. Mago failed to spot some fishing boats, and the fishermen shouted curses as we got too close to them. Kallicrates thought we should reach port the next day and we sailed on under the stars and moonlight.
By dawn on 11th July there was a fresher wind now from the northwest and we had to tack. Mago saw five ships far off in a line on the horizon to our right. He thought they were warships and Kallicrates thought they were ramships, as they were going into the wind, on a converging course for Carthago Nova.
We sailed on into harbour and Agripinus announced himself and the Morning Breeze to a guardship and we moored just before dusk. The five ramships looked like they were part of the war fleet Mago told us. Agripinus went ashore and asked for audience with Hanno but was told the man was busy that day. The priest asked an official to arrange an audience for him the next day.
The harbour was swarming with sailors from the warships and soldiers too, as my companions and I made our way into the town in search of refreshment and news. I stuck close to Toxoanassa, which was just as well as she was soon surrounded by sailors gawping and jabbering in Punic. Toxoanassa and I bought some drinks, and they were content with that.
Si'aspiqo and Mago stayed close to Agripinus and kept out of trouble, but Baal-Shaq and Amphius were involved in an altercation. Baal-Shaq took exception to a comment and a brawl erupted. He was a very handy boxer and soon laid out one man and a second. Another stumbled into Amphius, who managed to avoid him. Baal-Shaq punched a third and as someone tried to pass Amphius, to join in, the Greek tried to trip him. The man kept his feet and turned on Amphius but missed. Amphius grabbed him and spun him round and then dodged a haymaker and moved back out of range. Meanwhile Baal-Shaq knocked over one or two more opponents and when Amphius’s adversary noticed this, he quickly left the scene.
We learnt little information from our visit. Agripinus spent more time talking about our journey across the desert than hearing any news. Mago was told that there was a lot of work in Carthage for men with his skills as they were readying lots of ships for a fleet to Sicily, to sweep the seas of Romans and stop them ferrying troops across the straits. Once Baal-Shaq and Amphius rejoined the rest of us after their brawl, we gave up and returned to the ship. Kallicrates ordered some food from the shore and soon multiple vendors arrived. It was a raucous night in the port.
On the morning of 12th July Kallicrates ordered barrels of fresh water to be loaded on board the Morning Breeze and Agripinus left to seek audience with Hanno. The priest returned at noon. He had learnt that the fleet was going along the coast to the northwest and that relationships with Syracuse were somewhat strained although support against Rome was still expected. Large numbers of Roman troops had crossed the straits to Sicily. He had been advised to return to Carthage as soon as possible. Agripinus then went to the military chapel to commune with Tanit and ask for the goddess’s blessing in heading east as soon as possible.
Kallicrates ordered more barrels of water which were loaded aboard with Kallicrates complaining about the prize. Three more warships were rowed into harbour during the day, as there was no wind.
On the morning of 13th July there was still no wind, and we rowed out of harbour. Si'aspiqo again forecast the weather via the conch – it would be calm for some time he thought with the hope of a breath from the north. We spent the day rowing and saw no warships just a few fishing boats. Kallicrates complained about the extra he had to pay for fresh water in time to leave and Agripinus gave him 20gp.
Soon after midnight, on 14th July, the wind started to appear. It was a cooler wind from the north and by dawn it was blowing quite well and we sailed out into the sea and turned eastwards. The day passed quietly, and we sailed on at night. Amphius spotted some whales nearby. We sailed on the next day and night with the wind unchanged.
At dawn on 16th July the wind had veered to come from the east. We sailed on and Mago eventually spotted a ship similar to our own off to the south, heading for the African coast. Kallicrates steered away slightly to let it slip away to the south. Towards the end of the night Amphius spotted the African coast ahead. By the morning of 17th July the wind was from the southwest and the first clouds for a week or more were seen. With the conch, Si'aspiqo forecast that the weather would remain similar for the next day. We sailed on east under a light wind passing a few fishing boats, and by the end of the day Kallicrates thought that we were about a day west of Hippo.
That night Amphius guided the Morning Breeze around some debris and noticed that the sea was getting a little choppy – he woke Kallicrates and then Si'aspiqo. The latter, with the help of the conch, forecast a storm incoming ahead, with bigger waves to come. We had the choice of sailing out to sea and running before the storm or trying to make landfall somewhere on the coast before it hit. As we discussed the options Amphius saw a flicker of lightning on the horizon. Agripinus asked Tanit for an augury as to whether it was more auspicious to head north or south and was advised to head north, which matched the advice from Kallicrates. The helm steered us away from the coast into deeper water to the north, ready to run before the storm.
Party & company:
Met: —
Places:
Party Loot: —
I set as the era the year of the accession of the Pharaoh Ptolemy II, son of Ptolemy, so we begin in the year 18 of that reign, and I use a simplified system of twelve months with no regard for the multiple systems of intercalary days, weeks, months or moons of our own various cultures nor those we have passed through. I shall use the month names used by the main story-teller, a Gaul, Sammus the Strong, but number them to disambiguate their order.
–Si'aspiqo