Salvete sodales et amici ludorum;
Here, we have the quarters of the second edition of the ludi Romae Conditionis. As we all know, Rome was said to be founded on April 21. Although nowadays Romans-in-spirit live scattered across the globe, the technology of the 21st century has brought some of us together again in unison. And even though we do not have the Gods much to offer, I humbly dedicate these chariot races to them. After all, where chance governs, governs the divine...
We'll start rightaway with the first QUARTERS.
Group I (Damnator, Morgareth, Phaethoon, Myrtilos)
As the crowds are well aware of, the winner of these ludi circenses gets to spend an extra point on statistics. While this may seem like only a small prize, it can give that charioteer the edge in future competitions. Today, we see Damnator, Morgareth, Phaethoon and Myrtilos facing off against each other. Damnator is a two-fold champion and is eager to score. Morgareth has also won the races once, but the former glory of Aurata has been steadily weakening the past few races. Perhaps he and his "Infernerator" may restore what was lost. In any case, he's got new tactics, so that should work... Oh, they've already started while I was babbling! Yes, it's Morgareth who takes the lead! Damnator and Myrtilos are slowly closing in. Myrtilos is the first racer of the Blues. Actually everyone is secretly hoping for them to win a race, but of course, they need a little luck. But there has been hope for them this year.
Phaethoon is coming on strong but he seems to have missed out on the suden burst of speed of the three others. Will his stroke of luck for Russata end here? He's done remarkably well in the last races. Well, it doesn't seem like it's going to end anytime soon: Myrtilos and Damnator are locked in a deadly struggle, which slows them both down. The Fulmen Draconis slowly drives the Aquila against the walls! However, instants before Myrtilos is forced to abandon ship, he clasps the edge of the White's chariot. Damnator bellows in frustration as his chariot, too, slams into the nearest wall.
Morgareth crosses the finishing line first. Even having scraped the spina couldn't take the victory away from him. Phaethoon, cautiously for once, comes second. Well done! Too bad for the people who wagered their money on Damnator.
1. Morgareth
2. Phaethoon
3. Damnator's face carressed the walls
4. Myrtilos's chariot was reduced to splinters by the walls
Group II (Bibax, Indutiomarus, Maximus, Juba Bane)
This group might yet surprise us. Maximus is an ex-winner but has since not really displayed incredible prowess in the circus. Indutiomarus is a bit of an unlucky case. Sure, everyone agrees he's good, but circumstances always seem to be against him. Still Russata and Aurata can't complain until now, they are both represented in the semis for certain. Juba Bane, Veneta's third charioteer, has modified his "Aenglish Wildfire". Rumour has it, that he can rival the likes of Romulus with it. We'll see... but the first signs look promising! Juba Bane is in pole position. This crowd cheers enthusiastically. This doesn't look like sheer luck! Maximus and Indutiomarus are hot on his tail.
Oh, and there's Bibax, the enfant terrible of Albata and the worst charioteer of the entire circuit. He's always drunk, and rumour has it that his owner, Lucianus Dionysius, neglects him terribly. Well, his "Vigor Serpentis" looks to be grey more than white. Still, his randomness can pose a threat. My words here have barely left my mouth, or there already calamity strikes for poor Indutiomarus! In a wild, uncontrolled flurry, Bibax bashes into the "Gallia Victrix". The Golden chariot is sent into the walls. Bibax continues to zigzag his way to the rest. Albata fans have a good laugh right now, while the Aurata fans feel humiliated.
In the heat of the battle between Maximus and Juba Bane for first spot, Maximus is eventually the one that loses; he takes a bend too narrowly and crashes against the spina. Well, that leaves Albata and Veneta. But not if it depends on Bibax. Although Juba Bane has not slowed down, Bibax has speeded up! The Blue driver, too busy with maintaining first position, is suddenly struck down from his Aenglish Wildfire, by Bibax' drunkard whip, dipped in alcohol and excrements. Albata cheers loudly, in a mixture of surprised joy and irony. The other factiones boo Bibax out of the circus.
1. Bibax
2. Juba Bane was too whipped up by Bibax
3. Maximus and the spina: it just won't work out
4. Indutiomarus paved the walls with his chariot
Group III (Caesar, Rufus Pavor, Callidus, Victorinus)
This is the quarter everyone has been looking forward to. A new face shows up at the starting grid. But before I tell you more about this mysterious man, let's run over the old familiars. Well, Callidus is one you can always count on to get somewhere. However, as is generally known, he's never won a race, even though factio Russata is the most solid factio right now, and has chances of beating Albata. Victorinus, although he and his "Res Publica" have not been on the tracks for such a long time, is beginning to become a bit of a has-been already. He's gathered zero points up until now.
As the pack speeds down the tracks, immediately Callidus and the newcomer, Rufus Pavor, are in a duel for the lead. Pavor is a new driver for factio Purpurea. If he's as good as Romulus, the other factiones have something to fear in the future. The crowd is enjoying this battle... ah, the rivalry between Russata and Purpurea! Certainly for Callidus, this is personal. As their battle proceeds, we almost forget about Caesar, the second Veneta driver. It's up to him to get into the semis. A big responsibility rests upon his shoulders. He's in last position, but suddenly he appears to go in overdrive! Victorinus is left puffing air as the "Tempestas" races past him. However, Rufus Pavor and Callidus are still too far for him to catch up with.
Although Callidus is slowly forced to let Pavor slip away and increase the lead, even Callidus-haters agree that this is probably his best race ever. Those speeds! Those reflexes! The syncronity of the spans! This is perfect, absolutely perfect... It would be nice if we could have two winners, but in the end there can only be one and that is Rufus Pavor.
Indeed, the other factiones have a new reason to fear. Factio Veneta leaves the circus for the Romae Conditionis ludi. Victorinus once again gathers 0 points. Better luck next time.
1. Rufus Pavor
2. Callidus
3. Caesar
4. Publius Victorinus
Group IV (Pericolosus, PD Robur, Hannibal, Trophimus, Romulus)
The best has been kept for last. This last quarter features five charioteers, no less! Six-fold champion Romulus is surely one of the favourites here. He won the Romae Conditionis ludi last year and now he is backed by an incredible result of his second driver. However, there is also Pericolosus, rising star of Albata and two-fold champion. His partner in crime, Damnator, may be gone but he can still pose an enormous threat. PD Robur looks a bit bleak. Aurata hasn't been doing well lately. There is also the ever-present and ever-grinning Hannibal of Praesina. The brute will never change, but that may not be a bad thing.
The fifth charioteer - oh, wait, they've already gone! Romulus in first position. Will this be an all-out Purpurea-fest? Domitianus-haters are probably spinning in their graves right now. Pericolosus is in second position, determined to grasp the victory, if necessary with violence. But our second newcomer of today, Trophimus, is also out there! Trophimus rides in the Praedator and is factio Praesina's latest trick up their sleeve. In any case, the young blood seems to want to advance here quickly: Trophimus has left Robur and his leader Hannibal behind and is catching up with the leading duo.
The crowd is aware of the fact that three racers can yet pass into the semis. The best third of the quarters will accompany the rest into the semis because everyone in group II but Bibax was gutted there. PD Robur makes a slight collision with the walls: not enough to kill him or damage his Quadriga Ignis thoroughly, but the excellent opportunity for Hannibal to move in and be freed from his last position.
Pericilosus now has the lead. The speed he is attaining is amazing. The struggle for second spot is between Romulus and Trophimus, but in the end, it's Trophimus who comes second, by inches difference. Hmm, two newcomers, both in the semis. This will be their real test. Romulus, as best third racer in these quarters, also goes into the semis.
1. Pericolosus
2. Trophimus
3. Romulus
4. Hannibal
5. PD Robur
***
Soon: the semis.