Ludi Diei Natalis!

Everything related to the ludi circenses and its teams or workings, including games or contests in the Societas Via Romana. Bring on the fun!

Moderator: Aldus Marius

Ludi Diei Natalis!

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed May 28, 2003 5:29 pm

Welcome, welcome everyone to the Ludi Diei Natalis! These are held to honour the foundation of the Societas Via Romana, on June 1, 2755. Let the races begin!

Today I will present you with the quarter finals.

Draco
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Quarters I

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed May 28, 2003 5:30 pm

GROUP I

For the first quarter, held to honour our own Societas' birthday June 1st, three chariots appear at the starting line. Hannibal, convinced to continue the rise of factio Praesina, in his well-known "Elephant". Publius Decius Robur, the nobleman who became a racer, boasts he and factio Aurata have changed their strategies and will prove to their fans that they are here to stay. A small but hopeful band of supporters encourages their Golden hero and his "Quadriga Ignis". The third chariot belongs to Caesar, one of the three blues. Factio Veneta has achieved moderate successes in the previous race, but the unlucky rookie Caesar was defeated in the quarters already. And off they go!

Hannibal immediately takes the lead, closely followed by Caesar. PD Robur follows at a distance. The Golden fans fear for a repeat of their humiliating defeats in last races. The Green and Blue fans enthusiastically cheer on their racers. Caesar, known for his love for the spina, breathttakingly rounds it very closely and is now racing alongside Hannibal, who lashes at him to no avail. Like a skilled professional he avoids all blows. Suddenly Hannibal's "Elephant" begins to shake and he begins to zigzag, narrowly avoiding the walls. PD Robur uses this opportunity to gain some speed but is still third. Hannibal, recovered from his near-fatal adventure, furiously chases the blue "Tempestas" down the racing track. Caesar, overconfident perhaps, doesn't see this one coming: the whip of Hannibal lashes around his throat and the blue charioteer is removed from his chariot, leaving him coughing in the sands. And then suddenly PD Robur, his "Quadriga Ignis" shining in Sun, passes the amazed Hannibal. Although the Green hero tries to catch up with PD Robur, latter one crosses the finishing line first. This seems to bode well for the factio Aurata. Have they truly changed or was it just luck?

Robur is certain to go to the semis, Hannibal has to await the results of the rest but stands a pretty good chance.

1. Publius Decius Robur
2. Hannibal
3. Caesar was whipped out of his chariot by Hannibal!
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Quarter 2

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed May 28, 2003 5:31 pm

GROUP II

Another three starting chariots appear at the starting lines for the second quarter. The factio Praesina fans leave the circus, making space for the hordes of Albata fans who have come to cheer on the violent Damnator. Damnator and his "Fulmen Draconis" also boast that their tactics, skills and abilities have improved. He is facing off against the strong, impressive Indutiomarus. This Gaul wrestler leads the "Gallia Victrix" span and is not afraid to use his whip. The third contender is Juba Bane in his "Aenglish Wildfire". Although violence is not his primary tactic, rumour has it that he is pretty handy with a quarterstaff, given to him by his master, in self-defence.

The starting signal is given! Juba Bane and Damnator thunder ahead down the track, side by side, dangerously close, leaving Indutiomarus and his chariot behind them. The grown crowds supporting factio Aurata are, however, quite confident. PD Robur has already secured a spot in the semis and he too came back from a seeimingly lost position. And indeed Indutiomarus, mocked as the slowest racer on the track, begins to advance quite nicely. However, Damnator and Juba Bane are still locked in a battle for the first place. The battle is so tight that even the sadistic Damnator is afraid to use his whip or to attempt to push him against the walls. In the end, however, Damnator gains inch by inch to Juba Bane and is finally able to shake off his adversary. Indutiomarus steadily approaches Juba Bane now but the Blue charioteer now also speeds up, desperately clinging to his second place. And so they cross the finishing line: Damnator first, exhausted, Juba Bane as a good second and Indutiomarus last… again. Damnator goes to the semis, Juba Bane will have to await the other results.

1. Damnator
2. Juba Bane
3. Indutiomarus
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Quarter 3

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed May 28, 2003 5:32 pm

GROUP III

The third quarter of these, until now, all in all fairly correct and peaceful races, if we forget the incident between Hannibal and Caesar, where former taught the latter a lesson in humility. Three veterans appear at the starting lines here, each with their own loyal followers. The first one is the much-doubted Bibax. Again it doesn't look like he's sobre, but who knows, it might be an advantage for him! Next is Maximus, cheered on by the factio Russata fans in his "Centaurus". The last one, finally, is Romulus, three-fold winner of the races and a legend already. Although factio Purpurea is but a small factio, having only one professional racer, the circus is half purple coloured!

And here they go! Almost missed the start because of my own babble. Romulus naturally and calmly assumes the lead, as expected by the Purple fans and as feared by the Reds and the few Whites who have stayed to see how their Bibax and his "Vigor Serpentis" will fare. Luckily the Aediles are here to make sure that the Reds and Purples don't start fighting again. For a moment it looks like Bibax is effectively staying ahead of Maximus but then Maximus effortlessly passes by his adversary without even trying to lash out his whip at him. Factio Albata is growing tired of Bibax' bumbling. Romulus, now feeling the breath of an eager Maximus in his neck, speeds up. The tension rises. Can Romulus be defeated? And if so, will a Russeus, a Red, do it? The Reds hope so! The distance between them is slowly growing smaller with only a few laps to go, we'll – Oh! There! A wheel of the "Celeres" collided with the spina and the shock tore it a part! Maximus, cheered on loudly passes the wreckage as if he had defeated the champion himself. The Purples are at a loss. They feel compassion for their champion, who is unconscious, lying in the sand, and contempt for the Reds who claim this victory as if it's theirs to celebrate! To no avail. Maximus passes into the semi final. Bibax is too slow and will most certainly not go to the semi.

1. Maximus
2. Bibax
3. Romulus had an unpleasant encounter with the spina
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Quarter 4

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed May 28, 2003 5:33 pm

GROUP IV

Oh boy oh boy... Romulus against the spina in the quarters... Who could have thought that? Nevertheless, now that it's certain the new champion will not be from factio Purpurea, each other factio and its supporters are more excited than ever. The last quarter promises to be one between speed demons. Morgareth has always been the fastest Golden charioteer in his "Infernerator" and Callidus narrowly missed out a complete victory twice owing to Romulus. Myrtilos, the Blue leader, is responsible for the quick rise in the tables of factio Veneta last race. All experts agree he has the potential. But will he have the required luck? Who knows!

The starting signal is given. Oh man, look at that speed! Morgareth is lightening-fast, leaving the others gathering dust as his "Infernerator", going at infernal speeds, blasts over the racing track. Callidus and Myrtilos go side to side for the second spot. The factio Aurata supporters stand up and vigorously cheer on their hero. What did he eat today? Or what did his horses eat? The Blue fans, on the other hand, are very eager to have at least one chariot in the semis since, since given the speed of this trio, it's uncertain whether Juba Bane will reach the semis. Callidus' racing heart however cannot be swayed by compassion. With a superior grace he passes Myrtilos. Myrtilos responds by taking a twist round the spina but this proves to be fatal: his "Aquila", the proud Eagle, meets the spina on its way and Myrtilos is sent flying through the air. Callidus is cheered on wildly by his supporters. A sign of the Gods! It must be! In the two quarters where a Red competed their closest rival crashed against the spina. Morgareth however proves to be superior to Russata's make-believe magic and confidently finishes first. Callidus is still fast enough to make it to the semis.

This means that there will be no Blues and no Purple in the semis! Amazing!

1. Morgareth
2. Callidus
3. Myrtilos hugged the spina

May 30: the SEMIS!

Valete,
Draco
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Re: Ludi Diei Natalis!

Postby Horatius Piscinus on Thu May 29, 2003 1:12 pm

Gnæus Dionysius Draco wrote:These are held to honour the foundation of the Societas Via Romana, on June 1, 2755. Let the races begin!


Salve Draco
Are you certain of that date? A year or two off I think.
Vale
Moravius Piscinus
M Horatius Piscinus

Sapere aude!
User avatar
Horatius Piscinus
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1194
Joined: Sun Sep 15, 2002 7:39 am
Location: Ohio, USA

Postby Marcus Pomponius Lupus on Thu May 29, 2003 5:47 pm

Hmm, strange, I thought he was only one year off....depends on whether or not you count in the year 0 I suppose...

Once again, it is made painfully obvious that mathematics and Greek-Latin don't mix very well ;-)

Lupus
Marcus Pomponius Lupus
Iurisconsultus
User avatar
Marcus Pomponius Lupus
Eques
Eques
 
Posts: 307
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:40 pm
Location: Belgica

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Fri May 30, 2003 11:20 am

Well as I said I can't count, :lol:

SVR was founded, officially, on June 1 2754 AUC (2001 CE). I was indeed only one year off, as Lupus remarked.

Thanks for noting it!

Expect the semi reports today, if I can get my computer to work (I'm on Tiberius' computer for the moment).

Pax vobiscum,
Draco
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Semis I

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Fri May 30, 2003 1:24 pm

GROUP I (Damnator, Morgareth, Maximus)

A semi final reserved for speed demons, so it seems. It's not the first time Damnator and Maximus face off against one another. Factio Albata and Russata both claim they can now dethrone Purpurea, but they will have to get past one another first! Damnator, the violent White, is ready to slam himself into Maximus, who is eager for victory. Keeping these two hot heads a part is Morgareth. Although the circus is predominantly white and red coloured, the so-called "Golden Horde" has increased… Let's see if their hopes come true!

There they go. Amazing! Morgareth and his "Infernerator" take a head start… It looks as if driver and chariot are flying over the racetracks! Maximus and Damnator try their best to catch up with them. The fiery red "Centaurus" and the alabaster white "Fulmen Draconis", cheered on by their respective supporters, speed up faster and faster now. Suddenly, while Damnator is trying to pass Maximus, all eyes turn to Morgareth, who appears to have taken a bad turn and keeps hanging against the spina for a moment. Luckily the charioteer keeps it cool and immediately manages to steer his "Infernerator" away from the spina. The Aurata fans surely felt their hearts stop dead in their tracks for a moment! Meanwhile Damnator has passed Maximus, taunting him all the way. Maximus cannot catch up with his White challenger. Morgareth crosses the finishing line first, followed by Damnator. Unless two racers perish in the following semi, Maximus does not pass into the finals.

1. Morgareth
2. Damnator
3. Maximus
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Semis II

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Fri May 30, 2003 1:26 pm

GROUP II (PD Robur, Callidus, Hannibal)

This is an unusual semi. Outside the circus Veneta and Purpurea fans have found each other and are now drinking together to try and forget the loss of their heroes. Are secret alliances being forged? Some of the more violent fans have taken their sadness to the squares around the circus and are protesting, accusing the Aediles of having sabotaged the races in favour of Russata and Aurata. It is true that the main sponsor of the Golden chariots, Publius Dionysius Mus, ís prætor... and the main sponsor of the Reds, Primus Aurelius Tergestus, his his colleague. Well... of course we can't just accuse the good Ædiles of a conspiracy, but you'll have to admit it's suspicious. Anyway. Here at the starting line we see Hannibal, confidently towering above his adversaries in his Green "Elephant". Callidus beams with self-confidence now that his sworn rival Romulus has gone. The third contender today is PD Robur, who is racing a final for the first time. He looks somewhat nervous.

Yes, and there they go, the start signal is given! As expected, Hannibal is the first to emerge out of the first bend in pole position, followed very closely by both Callidus and PD Robur. Seeing the duo come closer and closer, and intoxicated by the chants, cheers and battle cries of the Green fans in the circus, Hannibal realises his only chance of winning is to employ his whip. His knuckles become white as he clasps it tightly, whipping his horses as though they were his adversaries. Callidus passes Robur. Robur passes Callidus again. And both are closing the gap with Hannibal real fast. Hannibal seems prepared to face them. Both the Red and the Golden chariot now race alongside the Green chariot as they prepare themselves for going round the corner. Hannibal knows he can only hit one opponent at once. He lashes at Callidus. Callidus dodges the first lash and steers out of the way but it's too late: a second lash of the whip grabs Callidus' arm, and he is torn from the reins of his chariot by Hannibal's brute force. Seeing him roll through the sands, the Red fans are outraged at this display of brutality. PD Robur passes the spina closely and then passes Hannibal. And this way, they cross the finishing line: again, a Golden chariot comes first, this time followed by a Green.

1. PD Robur
2. Hannibal
3. Callidus was seperated from his chariot by Hannibal's whip

The finals will be held on June 1.
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

FINALS

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sun Jun 01, 2003 11:30 am

THE FINALS (Morgareth, PD Robur, Hannibal, Damnator)

Hmm, a peculiar final. PD Robur is in his first final and is noted as one of the favourites with the bookies. A month ago factio Aurata seemed doomed. But now they have two chariots in the finals! Who could have guessed that? It's Hannibal's second final. But will he last against the preternatural speed of the "Infernerator" and the "Quadriga Ignis"? Who knows. Damnator is a veteran to the finals but has never actually won. Fast racers like Callidus and Romulus have always been able to best him and remain out of the range of his furious whip and his tactics to drive his adversaries against the walls. The Albata fans now hope for a final confirmation of their idol's racing abilities, seeing how he has improved his speed and acceleration in the semis and quarters.

The starting signal is given. Morgareth and Hannibal go neck on neck for the first spot. Damnator gets ahead of PD Robur. The Aurata fans are still happy though and some are even singing! They seem confident that their racers will finally grasp a much-anticipated victory after the humiliation endured in the last edition. Praesina has also gained supporters, drawn mainly from disappointed Veneta fans. And it sure is on down there in the circus! Hannibal lashes out at Morgareth, but the flailing of the Punic racer is laughably useless as Morgareth gains more and more speed and effectively, by the end of the second lap, is way ahead of him. And there go Damnator and PD Robur. Damnator grins at PD Robur, carefully going with one finger across his throat. PD Robur does not seem swayed by this threat and manages to drive his span into a higher velocity.

The White and the Golden are catching up with Hannibal. Morgareth is still way ahead. And suddenly a nighmare seems about to happen for the overjoyed Golden supporters; Damnator is driving PD Robur against the walls of the circus, slowly but steadily, and Morgareth misses a collision with the spina by a hair's breath, losing a few ornamentary pieces while scraping against the deadly marble. Is Morgareth doing this on purpose? Has he become that arrogant already? PD Robur manages to free himself out of his precarious situation thanks to Hannibal, who has now fallen back between the two others. Damnator, forced to let his prey go, is furious and begins to lash at Hannibal. Soon the two brutes are locked in a deadly battle while PD Robur moves on.

Then it happens. Damnator's whip meets Hannibal's throat. The Punic charioteer however manages to hold on to his reins with one hand and uses the other to lash his whip at Damnator. The end of his whip hits Damnator in the face while both charioteers are now attempting to take the last curve! Damnator falls back in his "Fulmen Draconis". Hannibal is forced to let go and is flung out of the "Elephant". Damnator fails to regain control over his span and jumps out of it shortly before it breaks apart, flung against the walls by its own horses. What a spectacle!

Of course, the remaining rounds are now rounds of triumph for factio Aurata. They feel they have not only one, but two winners. Yes, Aurata's definitely back in the game! Congratulations Morgareth, and his sponsor, Aulus Dionysius Mencius!

1. Morgareth
2. PD Robur
3. Damnator was forced to abandon ship by Hannibal
4. Hannibal was removed from his chariot by Damnator's whip


***
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sun Jun 01, 2003 11:44 am

Salvete sodales,

Later today the Ludi pages will be updated, but of course I already have the new statistics with me :).

* factio Albata gains 16 points but falls from second to fourth position; its best driver, Damnator, still retains the second position though, and even increases the gap between him and Callidus. Bibax drops from eighth to tenth position.
* factio Aurata gains a spectacular 44 points and jumps from fifth to second position; Morgareth, its best driver, goes from the fifth to the fourth spot in the individual rankings. PD Robur gains one spot and is now seventh, Indutiomarus falls another two places and is now ninth.
* factio Praesina gains 11 points but remains last; Hannibal drops from fourth to fifth position.
* factio Purpurea gains 0 points but is still in pole position in both the individual and factio tables; so if Romulus has a good race next time his position is fairly unthreatened.
* factio Russata gains 9 points and drops from second to third position; Callidus, too, drops from second to third position. Maximus falls from the sixth to the eighth place.
* factio Veneta gains only 1 meager point and is now fifth. Myrtilos goes from third to fifth position. Juba Bane shares the tenth spot with Bibax and Caesar remains last of the platoon with zero points.


So, the question is, will Aurata continue this trend or was it just a good amount of luck? Will Purpurea do better next time, and will Veneta finally be able to get out of their bad position? Two of their drivers have had very poor results so far. Ill luck or bad tactics?

One thing is certain: next races will be very exciting!

Valete,
Draco
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sun Jun 01, 2003 11:46 am

I would also like it to call to your attention that there is a new tactic available, namely tactic H (defend). You can see what it entails on the strategy and rules pages of the Ludi.

Draco
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Tue Jun 03, 2003 9:59 am

Noted! ;)

Hannibal (and his sponsor Locatus) of the Greens will be pleased with his new colleague!

Draco
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus
User avatar
Gnaeus Dionysius Draco
Curialis
Curialis
 
Posts: 1618
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2002 8:04 pm
Location: Belgica

Postby Publius Dionysius Mus on Tue Jun 03, 2003 5:35 pm

Aurata is on the move!!!

Victory for Aurata!!!

The Golden Horde is coming to get you all :twisted:

See you at the next Ludi...
Publius Dionysius Mus

No Spartiate soul left alive to tell
How bravely they fought
By treason they fell
(Ancient Rites - Thermopylae)
User avatar
Publius Dionysius Mus
Eques
Eques
 
Posts: 236
Joined: Wed Aug 28, 2002 11:55 pm
Location: Belgium


Return to Ludi Societatis

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests