by Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Jan 12, 2004 2:21 pm
SEMIS
Group I (Romulus, Hannibal, Phaethoon, Pericolosus)
Greetings! It seems all factiones are represented in the semis. That's a while ago. This first semi promises to be an exciting one. Three violent charioteers and one gracious example of piety. Or has Romulus' luck with the Gods run out? As they start, it seems not. He takes the lead convincingly. Hannibal tries to keep up with him but is forced to let go already on the next straight line. Pericolosus, the White revelation of these ludi, races past Phaethoon and soon past Hannibal as well. His turning technique is nervous and cross but his speed is magnificent!
In the fourth round Hannibal and Phaethoon, who have been prodding each other and shouting threats to one another, engage in battle. Hannibal is first to deliver the fatal strike by raining a few blows with his whip down on the reins and hands of the "Hamaksa Purdaes" charioteer. However Phaethoon, in falling back, lashes out uncontrollably at Hannibal, whose chariot is set on fire. Hannibal jumps out of the "Elephant" before he himself is consumed by the flames. What spectacle! In the meanwhile, the impossible has happened: Romulus has been passed by Pericolosus on pure speed and they cross the finishing line in that order.
1. Periclosus
2. Romulus
3. Hannibal was counterstruck by Phaethoon
4. Phaethoon was eliminated by Hannibal
Group II (Callidus, Damnator, Indutiomarus, Juba Bane)
The second group here features three fast charioteers and a slowpoke. However, since Damnator uses violence, Veneta has a chance of passing into the finals - the first time in a very, very long while. The start indicates good chances for Indutiomarus, who is in pole position, chased by Callidus. Yes, the Reds are very eager these days. It's clear from the start that Juba Bane and his "Aenglish Wildfire" are far behind. The Blue fans are leaving the circus and have decided to get drunk in the local taberna. So it's between Callidus, Damnator and Indutiomarus.
It's been a long time since we've seen such tight competition. The fans of the three factiones, who are normally among the noisiest, are deadly silent. This is simply too exciting! Indutiomarus is passed by Callidus but both are passed by Damnator. On the straight lines however the other two get everything out of their chariots they can. Callidus surely has been training but there he almost hits the spina. The back of the "Celeres" scraps against the deadly marble and wood splinters fly into the cold sands of the arena. A shive goes through the Red fans. Damnator and Indutiomarus pass him. We see the nervousness on Indutiomarus' face and Damnator looking grim. It's the last round. Callidus comes on strong. He passes Indutiomarus! The distance between him and Damnator shrinks. And instants before the finish, Callidus passes Damnator and comes first.
1. Callidus
2. Damnator
3. Indutiomarus
4. Juba Bane
**
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus