Ludi Conditionis Romae!

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Ludi Conditionis Romae!

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sun Apr 13, 2003 10:57 pm

Salvete Romani,

This time, it's a big party (as big as virtual parties can get 8)).

Sure, you've had your fun with the first circenses, trying out the chariots and starting the fire with some rookie charioteers. And of course the second installment, a brutal, blood-curdling battle between charioteers who appearently were more brawl than brains was quite exciting to follow.

But.

Can you handle the Ludi Conditionis? That's right. In honour of the mythological foundation date of Roma mater, April 21 753 BCE or simply the moment it all began for us Romans, the Aediles organise a third circenses. All 10 charioteers from the last two races are considered entered again. Changes should be reported to the Aediles privately or in public. New contestants are more than welcome. We're aiming at 12 or 16 this time so we can organise quarter finals too.

What's so different about this one, then? Why should *I* bother to compete? Quite simply put, because there's something to gain. The winner of this race may, for the next races, spend one point extra on his or her statistics of their chariot. Now one point, you may say, out of 30, what difference does that make? Well, it can make the difference between winning and losing, between surviving and falling. It gives you a slight edge ahead of the others... And as we all know, it's that where it all comes down to.

Plus, you'd want to compete not to risk the pantheon's wrath. After all, this *is* about the foundation of Rome and without that event there would have been nothing here. No site, no community, no me, no you. So if you love Rome, you should join us and compete ;).

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Rules and information can be found on the site!

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Valete bene!
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Tue Apr 15, 2003 11:39 am

Salvete,

Just a small message to let you know that Tarquinius Dionysius has joined factio Veneta, leaving only factio Purpurea and Praesina as one-man-factiones. Ironically they rank first and last, respectively :twisted:.

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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Apr 21, 2003 1:34 pm

QUARTER FINALS

Salvete omnes!

I would like to welcome everyone to the Ludi Conditionis, which celebrate the mythological foundation date of Rome. 12 charioteers of the six factiones have chosen to show up at the circus, cheered on enthusiastically by their loyal supporters. Many familiar faces at the line-up, including two new riders. We see that both newbies belong to factio Veneta, which seems to have rocketed past the other factiones in size and is now as large as Aurata, the largest! However, we have seen that it isn’t always size that matters, given the fact that the Golden faction never made a serious chance in the finals and their chariots have been ruthlessly splintered against the walls or their charioteers assaulted and defeated. Or they were just too slow.

Hannibal and his sponsor, Quintus Claudius Locatus, boast that if Romulus of Purpurea can do a stunt by winning two times in a row despite being the only one of his factio, they – the Greens – can do just the same with their new tactics. Mencius, who sponsors the Golden driver Morgareth, also changed tactics in order to make a better chance. It appears that the influential clan of the Dionysii is scattered among no less than four factions. We hope that doesn’t give trouble at home. We don’t have gladiatorial bouts today so they’ll have to wait fighting each other for now! Anyway, let’s get down to business!

GROUP I (Damnator, Hannibal, Caesar)

The first quarter immediately takes the public’s breath away. Supporters for the Whites, the Greens and the Blues have gathered in the circus. They all well aware that all three drivers in this quarter use violent tactics to achieve their goals. The vicious Damnator, longtime veteran and mercenary in his "Fulmen Draconis", eliminated three chariots in the last races and won his semis only because he was the only survivor twice. This is not a good omen for Hannibal in his "Elephant" and Caesar, the Blue newbie in his "Tempestas".

Immediately the three drivers take a quick, fast-paced start. Hannibal assumes the lead in an authoritarian manner and takes a few risky twists and turns, avoiding collision with both walls and spina. The Greens go out of their mind. Their only driver, their champion, is taking quite a lot of risks. However, he remains out of range of Damnator and Caesar for now, who go for each other’s throat. Just as Caesar manages to win a few metres and let Damnator behind him, Damnator lashes out with his whip, which is slung around Caesar’s throat. Caesar is forced to let go of his chariot to avoid further accidents and is brutally flung into the sand. His "Tempestas" becomes a loose cannon and is only halted half a round later when the horses suddenly realise their master is gone. Damnator makes haste now to catch up with his rival. It must be noted that all chariots in this quarter have raced at a frantic pace. It’s truly breath-taking. However, in spite of all power display Hannibal manages to keep Damnator at bay for the rest of the race and they finish in that order.

1. Hannibal (Pr)
2. Damnator (Ab)
3. Caesar (Ve) (was seperated from his chariot by Damnator’s whip)

GROUP II (Bibax, Maximus, Juba Bane)

The Whites and the Blues remain in their seats for the second quarter. The Blues desperately crave a victory but they hide behind the confidence that out of three chariots, one should logically make it into the semis and the finals, no? The Greens, celebrating Hannibal’s victory in the streets and in the many bars and tabernae around the circus, have been replaced by the Reds, who have secretly prepared new tactics to grasp the title of champion. We’ll see.

The start signal is given. The three chariots make a decent start, but nowhere near as furious as in the first quarter. Bibax quickly gets ahead of the other drivers and manages to surprise friend and foe by his determined display of power and speed. Juba Bane, another new charioteer of factio Veneta, desperately tries to fill up the ever growing gap between him and Maximus of the Reds, who is slowly but ever more certainly catching up with Bibax. Cheered on by his loyal supporters, Maximus passes Bibax almost effortless, followed at a short distance by Juba Bane in his "Aenglish Wildfire". The driver allegedly is of Briton heritage and was a local champion in Britannia. Bibax, panicked by suddenly becoming last and losing the lead, begins to lose control over his span and, failing to regain control, crashes into the walls of the circus. Factio Albata rolls its eyes collectively. This is the third time in a row Bibax fails to accomplish something! Maximus and Juba Bane battle it out for the first spot, meanwhile, but by the third round it’s clear that Juba, despite his speed boost, can’t catch up with Maximus anymore. Maximus in his "Centaurus" wins the second quarter!

1. Maximus (Ru)
2. Juba Bane (Ve)
3. Bibax (Ab) (crashed into the walls of the circus)

GROUP III (Indutiomarus, Morgareth, Myrtilos)

The third quarter features three veterans of the races. The disciplined and well-respected Myrtilos of factio Veneta, who has steadily been building his career in the circus, and two charioteers of factio Aurata, the unearthly strong Indutiomarus and Morgareth, the best charioteer of factio Aurata. With their combined strength they hope for victory this time. The Blues are now openly desperate for a victory, having witnessed the elimination of Caesar and the loss of Juba Bane. The Golden crowd is fairly confident this time. They are absolutely certain that this time, things will be different for them.

The three chariots start. Oh no! In the first corner Morgareth in his "Infernerator", trying to avoid collision with the spina, scrapes against the walls with his wheels. One of his horses trips and his chariot keeps hanging against some kind of iron bar in the walls – a construction mistake, the architects will later admit – and there he goes, stuck and broken. The Golden supporters go on to support Indutiomarus, who, with a stoic facial expression, continues his race, his muscles bulging from under this clothes, his fist tightly holding the reins of his chariot. Myrtilos, however, in his "Aquila", moves like the wind and is much, much faster than Indutiomarus, who is forced to give up his battle with the sole Blue left, and comes second long after Myrtilos crossed the finishing line, enthusiastically hailed by his friends and loyal supporters.

GROUP IV (PD Robur, Romulus, Callidus)

We have seen a strange phenomenon today. The first quarter was the most violent and furious one, but gradually the quarters have become more and more peaceful today. This one is the epitome of non-violence. However, that doesn’t make for a boring race! Group IV features the unhappy Publius Decius Robur, in his "Quadriga Ignis", the last hope of factio Aurata. The two others are well-known. Finalists in the previous two races. Romulus bested Callidus each time, and they are now the most bitter rivals. Factio Russata and Purpurea shout and yell to each other, singing dirty songs and using religious curses. Luckily the Aediles have placed them on opposite sides of the circus, with the remaining Aurata supporters between them.

The start signal is given. Robur, in spite of making a quick pace, much quicker than we are used to see in the generally cautious and slow factio Aurata, falls behind Romulus and Callidus who get engaged into a tight battle over the leadership of this race. Everyone knows that Romulus always passes the spina very narrowly. But this time, too, no accident befalls him. There must be something going on here. Divine protection, perhaps? Callidus and his "Celetior" however do not give up the chase. While the Red and the Purple battle it out, the first Golden supporters begin to leave the circus, seeing that Robur will never catch up with the leading duo. Sad, sad, sad. Romulus and Callidus are driving side by side, looking at each other grimly, not speaking a word. The public is nearly going out of its mind. The remaining supporters of factio Aurata have either joined the supporters of Russata or Purpurea now. They take the corners and straight lines at a frantic pace. Callidus, falling behind a little, now uses his special speed boost in the last laps, giving everything he’s got. He comes closer and closer in the last straight line. Romulus is getting visibly nervous as a seething red arrow is threatening his leading position, but in the final few seconds Romulus maintains his first position and crosses the finishing line first.

1. Romulus (Pu)
2. Callidus (Ru)
3. PD Robur (Au)
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Apr 21, 2003 1:38 pm

SEMI FINALS

So who's made it into the semis? Everyone who won a quarter, of course, and the two best charioteers who came second in the finals. In this case, that’s Callidus and Damnator. As such, the semis are entirely composed of veterans. Experience seems to play a role after all. Factio Aurata remains unrepresented in the semis, as only factio. Too bad. They really need to look at their tactics again. The slinking group of Aurata supporters has gone underground or hiding in their homes, fearing the contempt of the others, or concocting new plans for victory. Anyway now, let's go! Let's see if Damnator makes any more victims, if Myrtilos can reach the finals again and if Romulus has an accident waiting for him!

GROUP I (Hannibal, Myrtilos, Callidus)

This is Hannibal's first final. The Greens are very proud of their future champion and are cheering him on enthusiastically even before the race begins. He looks confident and calm. Do we have a new champion in the making here? Myrtilos of the Blues is sharing this calm. Callidus, on the other hand, seems very nervous. His rival, Romulus, is not present, however. But there isn't much time to think as the start signal is given very suddenly. The three chariots get into action immediately, sweeping up the sands of the circus as they go. Hannibal takes the lead, storming ahead with his "Elephant". The Punic driver has a smile of victory on his face. Myrtilos' "Aquila", however, seems to become unstable and he narrowly avoids collision with the walls of the circus. The Blues hold their breath as Myrtilos continues experiencing problems with his chariot for the rest of the round. When he gets back into the action, however, the damage has been done: Callidus and Hannibal are too far ahead of him. In the next lap the inevitable appears to happen as Callidus, jumping up and down in his chariot for sheer excitement and stress, shouting to his span, passes Hannibal in the straight lanes and snatches away victory right in front of the Green supporters' noses.

GROUP II (Romulus, Maximus, Damnator)

It appears to be a good day for factio Russata. Two players in the finals! Good job! Or sheer luck, as the Whites sneeringly call it? Romulus, almost elevated to the status of demi-god by his supporters, is calm and ready to face Damnator's fury and Maximus’ balanced tactics. The Aediles need to calm down the public, however, as the traditional shouting match between the Reds and the Purples begins to take on more violent proportions and both groups begin to throw bricks and sticks at one another. The Whites join in on both sides, enjoying the comfortable position of outsiders. After the crowd has been calmed down somewhat, the race can begin. Once again no surprise: Romulus takes the lead as if possessed by a magical power. Maximus and Damnator follow closely. Damnator, in passing Maximus during a speed boost of his span, lashes out at the chariot sponsored by his owner's brother. However, his whip gets stuck around the axles of the chariot and for half a round, Damnator effectively drags around Maximus. What a spectacle! Romulus profits from this situation by further increasing the distance between him and his opponents. Damnator gives his whip a few furious yanks and pulls it free, also pulling out one of the "Centaurus'" wheels! Maximus however, realising all is lost, pulls a last ditch effort and lashes out in self defence against the smirking Damnator, reaching his feet and brutally pulling him out of his "Fulmen Draconis". The Aediles have the calm the seething Reds again as they threaten to get physical with the Whites. The Purples pray and thank the Gods for giving them another victory.
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Apr 21, 2003 1:41 pm

FINALS (Hannibal, Myrtilos, Callidus, Romulus)

Since the finals would include every best and second-best chariot to have a total of four, changes had to be made to reach the number as both Maximus and Damnator were defeated by each other's brutality and - some say - stupidity. The line-up includes Hannibal, the first Green to reach a final, Myrtilos, who made it again, although more by luck than anything else, and the two traditional finalists, Callidus and Romolus, ready to settle the score between them - at least, that's what Callidus says, who has been preparing for his race almost all day. He looks tensed.

And off they go! It's Hannibal and Romulus who come out of the first corner as leading duo. "the Elephant" certainly has improved its condition. Both driver and span are eager for victory. To the dismay of factio Praesina, however, Hannibal is forced to give up the chase in the next curve as Romulus once again goes so close round the spina that it almost seems as if he is going to collide but is then miraculously saved - by his own skills or by a divine intervention? Callidus has passed Myrtilos and a few seconds later the red storm, coming at his top speed, passes Hannibal. Red and Purple supporters don't even think about cursing each other now: it’s too damn exciting to watch the races! Myrtilos and his "Aquila" have gained some considerable speed as well, and in the straight lines he catches up with Hannibal. Both Blue and Green chariot drive alongside each other, Hannibal looking for a good chance to lash his rival but finding none, Myrtilos looking for a good chance to have his horses speed up even more but equally finding none.

This battle once again goes between Romulus and Callidus, ladies and gentlemen! Romulus now goes faster than we have ever seen, his "Celeres", a blur on the sand tracks, his horses moving at an almost unnatural speed. By Jove! Even Callidus, who would leave all the rest at more than an arm’s length distance in any given race, sees that he can't catch up with Romulus anymore. Myrtilos and Hannibal cross the finishing line together, sharing the third spot. And so, Romulus wins... again! Factio Purpurea prevails! Romulus' sponsor, Marcus Moravius Horatius Piscinus, declares with a smile that no other champion would be more befitting to win ludi in honour of Rome’s founding.

Factio Purpurea increases its hold over the ludi circenses and the extra statistics point is awarded to Romulus. Congratulations!!!

1. Romulus (Pu)
2. Callidus (Ru)
3. Myrtilos (Ve)
3. Hannibal (Pr)
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Hannibal

Postby Q. C. Locatus Barbatus on Mon Apr 21, 2003 2:59 pm

I must say I'm happy that we have made it to the final this time. But praesina is here to stay! Next time we're going to win, gentleman! Be aware of that!

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Finish

Postby Primus Aurelius Timavus on Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:26 pm

Maybe I should change Callidus' name to "Montoya".
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:36 pm

Salve Tergeste;

:lol:

As long as Callidus doesn't end up like Senna it's all good ;). Romulus threatens to become our local Schumacher here!

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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:44 pm

Salvete omnes,

I present you with the latest updates and statistics on the Ludi!!!

Factio rankings:

1. Purpurea [68]
2. Russata [48]
3. Albata [39]
4. Veneta [31]
5. Aurata [19]
6. Praesina [18]

Purpurea, as mentioned in the Ludi report, increases the distance with the other factions, in spite of being a one-man-factio. It's almost unbelievable. Russata and Albata have switched places (so have their most important drivers in the invididual rankings). Veneta jumps over Aurata, strengthened by Myrtilos' good prestation. The newcomers had an impact of almost zero: Caesar earned 0 points, Juba only 1. Praesina is also on the rise. Aurata drops another place from four to five after this ludi's poor prestations. Their best driver, Morgareth, ranks only 5th.

The usual suspects remain stuck in their last spots: no signs of advance for PD Robur or Bibax. Ill luck or bad tactics?

Perhaps the next ludi will bring more luck for factio Aurata. Will Praesina and Veneta continue their upwards movement? And will Russata or Albata be able to best the almost invincible Romulus of Purpurea? Or do we need to look for a big surprise? Who knows!

Next Ludi Circenses will be organised in the beginning of June, to celebrate SVR's second birthday. Stay tuned ;).

Valete bene!
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Postby Curio Agelastus on Tue Apr 22, 2003 8:53 pm

Salvete,

Oh well, he tried. Just for the record, my driver is Juba-Bane, not Juba. A descendant of the noble gens Scribonia could never employ a driver called Juba - but a Juba-Bane is a different matter. ;-)

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Postby Horatius Piscinus on Wed Apr 23, 2003 10:44 am

Salvete

Eh? Whaddee say? Ju-Ju-Bean? Or was that Ja-Ja-Bing?

Aediles, now that we have some numbers to work with and can make odds might we get into some real Roman games and begin gambling our sestarces away? Nothing like throwing a virtual curse when there is some virtual money at stake.

Gnæus Dionysius Draco wrote:Factio rankings:

1. Purpurea [68]
2. Russata [48]
3. Albata [39]
4. Veneta [31]
5. Aurata [19]
6. Praesina [18]



BTW Romulus Felix does not appreciate being comapred to some shrimp jockey [He's afraid it will frighten off all the noble ladies and leave him with only ancillae] Oh, and in other news, the price of Romulus' lather has just gone up

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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:06 pm

Salvete omnes;

Just a small update. Atticus, owner of PD Robur, has changed his tactics and statistics. A haphazardly passing Aedilis at the training camp of Aurata noticed that PD Robur has progressed a lot!

In other news, I'd like to notify everyone that there is a new tactic available at the Ludi to choose, and that is tactic H, which is a defensive tactic that lowers your damage, wall and spina risks. Now ain't that good ;).

Valete bene,
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