Punic Carthage

## History and Current Events

Carthage is a nation that sprawls along the ivory coast of northern Africa with colonies dotting the southern Iberian peninsula. This regional power is ruled from the coastal city of Carthage, a major maritime port. Carthage originates from a small Phoenician colony that sailed to Tunisia about 600 years ago with the purpose of creating trade routes to Iberia. After the destruction of the Phoenician's capital city (Tyre) by Alexander the Great, Carthage assumed the position (of power) over all other Phoenician colonies and trade routes.

   Tensions would rise in 219, as Rome incited war in Sardinia. The resulting slaughter of the entire Carthaginian population and consecutive threats from Rome to Carthage not to retaliate enraged people at the capitol. Punic warlocks would attempt to perform long distance curses on Roman senators - their efforts constantly thwarted by a vengeful Minerva, who would reflect the curses back upon their casters. A young but inspiring Hannibal Barca would not allow these injustices to stand and sought guidance from the demon Baal. Baal led Hannibal and his army of 40 thousand through conquered Saguntum of Iberia to the Swiss Alps, where he faced frequent ambushes and rock traps from gnome guerillas. Baal granted Hannibal's warlocks with streams of fire, and soon they had exterminated the local populace with a clear path to Rome. Having already dominated two Roman armies in Trebia and Lake Trasimene, it is said that Hannibal's mind has been set on a new Roman target and has no intention of returning to Carthage. Rumors among his troops note that Hannibal hasn't quite seemed himself and worry about the nature of their new patron.

## Government

Carthage is an oligarchic republic. Every year, 300 of the wealthiest families in the nation vote on the two new *sufetes,* or high judges, of the executive branch. In contrast with Rome, Punit generals (such as Hannibal) are considered part of a separate political structure and are voted upon by the citizenry. The *adirim* , a council of wealthy elders, made most legislative decisions in conjunction with the sufetes.

## Religion and non-humans

### Religion

Having originated in Phoenicia (now gone and occupied by the Seleucids), the early Carthaginians originally worshipped a variety of Canaanite gods. However, over the generations these traditions were slowly erased, and the knowledge of the many Canaanite deities is all but forgotten - save for one supreme god, **Baal**. Despite being feared by other cultures as a demon of immense power commanding scores of greater demons, the Carthaginians fully embrace their dark lord. Baal does not appear to outright harm his constituents but allows them to wield him as a tool in destroying their enemies. The sorcerers who utilize his unholy powers are called **warlocks**. In the city of Carthage, the Grand Warlock Academy sits on Byrsa hill adjacent to the city's citadel. Some warlocks report colleagues serving 10 years or longer having suffered personality changes or mental decline, but Baal assures me that this is not the case.

### Non-humans

Being a trade city, Carthage has had its fair share of humanoid traders and travelers who usually visit undisturbed. However, none of them ever appear to have the desire to stay, citing a "peculiar feeling" while in the city. The traders (the "regulars" being Tritons) quickly exchange their goods and return to their ocean home. Having no permanent humanoid residents, Carthage has never had to deploy laws regarding citizenship.

Desert creatures such as scorpion men occasionally raid the smaller villages of the coast, but the sand wyrms and basilisks appear to avoid the territory entirely.