The capital of the Eleutheroi stands strong and proud at Syracruse, Romans nor Carthagians will march upon it. The Ptolemiacs are ever expanding, and the battle of Sardis in the winter of 233 marked their war upon the Makedonians. Leaving one of the generals of the army dead, with his vetern force annihilated has struck a deep blow the the people. Many screamed the defeat came only because of the decietful tactics of the Ptolemics, who could defeat the homeland of Alexander? Further east into Asia minor, in the following spring, the Ptolemies sieged a recently conquered city. The governor of city north of the besieged had heard the recent news, and gathered every able man to rescue the city. Alas, the combined forces of the mercenary army and the besieged general, totaling closign to 1900 troops, was not enough to deter a smaller force of 800. The troops were slaughtered, leaving only those who managed to retreat alive. Thankfully the two generals did not die, however, it would appear no help is coming. This defeated however has brought home a solid truth: We cannot survive in a world where the persians and former generals of alexander have joined to war against us. The armies of old shall turn north, and to the west, where our enemies are weak, and secure the Illyrian domain. The Romans will come one day, and we must be ready. Fortifying the passes of the alps, where we will have the greater advantage, will ensure we have a defense capable of withstanding the might of the greatest force ever seen in the west.

More of a rant/AAR that may include pictures, maps for sure, I don't really bother with shots of the battles. Also, I'm hoping my reforms to the final tier troops will be able to beat ptolemic Kleruchoi Agemata and galatians, because they just freaking ATE my other soldiers. Empires can be forged on the anvil with a steady hammer and the right material, but these guys are like trying to smash a steel ball with a feather. Any tips?