The advance into the lands of the Aztec proceeded at a rapid pace,
with Punic forces already arriving onto Tampico's doorstep at the onset of
the conflict. Punic scouts reported that the Aztec army was woefully
disadvantaged and outdated in comparison to the modern arms of the Punic Army.
Both long and composite bow archery was the standard amongst Montezuma's
rank and file infantry. For all of the Aztec Immortal's posturing,
his forces weren't as bloodthirsty or elite as he'd like his foes to think.
It was reported that the Columbians had successfully seized Halifax,
putting thousands of British refugees to flight across the ocean.
Some of them sought asylum in the Punic Sea and it was widely rumored
amongst the elite in London that the governor of Halifax had defected
over to the Phoenicians and divulged a number of state secrets.
Tampico was seized after a one-sided skirmish.
The city was bombarded in the night and assaulted in the morning
when the groggy eyed defenders were depleted of strength from holding vigil.
One notable encounter though saw the complete annihilation of an entire volunteer Rifle corps.
This event inspired resistance among the Aztec people where Montezuma could not.
Back in the Med, Phoenicians began making more contributions towards the war effort.
The Drydock in Utica soon became a nexus for the construction of warships
and many workers flocked to the coastal city to work.
A brief sortie turned into a slaughter as Punic cavalry parties descended on Tuitan.
The real objective, the seizure of Huaxyacac was still so far away though.
That port needed to be captured immediately, lest the arms of the Third Roman Coalition
find the solace it needs in the valuable transit route between Japan and Russia.