Ludi Romae Conditionis - Circenses

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Ludi Romae Conditionis - Circenses

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sat Apr 17, 2004 5:11 pm

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.
Last edited by Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Curio Agelastus on Sat Apr 17, 2004 10:37 pm

Wooooh! Go Juba Bane! But... Is he actually in the semis? After all, he did come second... But at the same time he didn't actually finish, so I'm not entirely sure. Could you clarify please, Draco?

Bene vale,
Marcus Scribonius Curio Britannicus.
Marcus Scribonius Curio Agelastus
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:47 pm

Salve Curio,

Well, he does receive one point for being second (that is, the last that was eliminated in this case), but since he was eliminated, I'm afraid he doesn't pass into the semis.

Incidentally, this is also my 900th posting.

I rule 8).

Vale,
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sun Apr 18, 2004 12:17 pm

SEMIS

Group I (Morgareth, Bibax, Rufus Pavor, Trophimus)

Eight charioteers and their spans have raced their way into the semis, but only one will get the extra point. Perhaps it will be one of these four! Morgareth has reached a semi once again. Actually, come to think of it, to prove that his victory last year wasn't an odd stroke of luck, he should win again. And factio Aurata can surely use the extra points. But he's been doing will hithereto, so who knows. Second on the starting grid is Bibax. He and his "Vigor Serpentis" show no signs of reparation, let alone preparation. It's as if Albata purposely taunts the others by sending this drunkard to the circus. The two other charioteers we have in these semis are the newcomers Rufus Pavor and Trophimus. Let's see how they face off against each other!

And OFF they go! Morgareth dominantly takes the lead. It's already appearant from the start that Bibax will not be able to repeat his onslaught. The rest is simply too quick for him. Unless, of course, accidents happen. Trophimus and Rufus Pavor are racing side by side. Now it's Trophimus who leads, then it appears to be Pavor. Still, Pavor seems to have learnt a lot from his teammate Romulus, and his turning technique is slightly superior. Both charioteers are racing to catch up with the "Infernerator" of Morgareth.

The Aurata fans cry in anguish as the two rivals approach the leader. It seems inevitable. The three chariots go into the spina bend. And there! With a decesive bump, Pavor pushes Morgareth off course. The reins and whips of his span become entangled and his right wheel hits the spina! One of the horses trips and falls over, and Morgareth is flung out of his chariot. The angry roars of the Golden fans are only a wee bit less noisy than the combined cheers, songs and curses from the Purple and Green fans.

Pavor is catching up with Trophimus, who used the accident to gain the upper hand in their duel. On the last straight line, Pavor finishes his business and shoots past his Green opponent. Bibax crosses the finishing line half a day later, when everyone has left the circus. Oh well.

1. Rufus Pavor
2. Trophimus
3. Bibax
4. Morgareth had an appointment with that large marble colum

Group II (Phaethoon, Callidus, Romulus, Pericolosus)

There's no real need to give a long introduction of these four racers. The crowd is well aware of who they are and what they can do. Callidus could enact his long-awaited revenge here upon Romulus by finally besting him, and of course there's also Pericolosus who challenges Romulus's authority on the racing track. Phaethoon is the odd one out, but he's been extremely lucky - and violent - in the past ludi. We shall see.

As they begin to roll, Romulus emerges as the leader when they leave the first spina bend. Purpurea is openly talking about a seventh victory, but we shall see. They consider this day to be a good omen: what better ludi than those in honour of Roma herself, and its founder, could there be for a seventh victory? Well, in any case Callidus and Pericolosus seem convinced to stop their opponent dead in his tracks! The "Flora Mortis" of Pericolosus once again moves at preternatural speeds. It's not as much the gifted talent or the grace that does it, it seems to be the shape of the chariot and the speed of the span. In any case, he moves across the tracks like a white blur, sneaks past Callidus and soon removes Romulus from the first spot.

Now it's down between Romulus and Callidus for the second spot, so it seems. Surprisingly few cheers from Russata, although they are filling nearly half of the circus. They're all holding their breath. According to inside sources, Callidus has been training hard. He can beat Romulus. And what do we see there? Oh, my! Unheard of! Callidus is effectively passing Romulus! Although he's not as speedy as in the quarters, his efforts manage to overcome his long-time rival. Romulus tries hard, but Callidus keeps him from the second spot until the finishing line. As expected, Pericolosus finishes first. Phaethoon comes last.

1. Pericolosus
2. Callidus
3. Romulus
4. Phaethoon

***

Go into the finals: Rufus Pavor (Pu), Trophimus (Pr), Callidus (Ru) and Pericolosus (Al).
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:02 pm

FINALS

Featuring: Rufus Pavor, Callidus, Trophimus and Pericolosus

Ah, we've all been looking forward to this one, haven't we? Of the four charioteers who are still in the running, two of them are the two newcomers and revelations of these ludi circenses. But will they hold out against Callidus, who races tighter than ever and bested his nemesis Romulus in the semis, and Pericolosus, who has won two races out of four participated ones? It will sure be exciting.

[tbc... I have to go here in the midst of reporting, argl]

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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:37 pm

[cnt'd from previous posting]

Well, the start is amazing! The spans and charioteers try their utmost best, but the battle of these speed maniacs is so intense that Rufus Pavor and Pericolosus even seem to forget that they employ violent tactics, as all four race side by side in what seems to be one of the most exciting circenses battles yet! Purple, Green, White and Red are the colours of the circus now, and each factio seems to be determined to stay on the battle ground for as long as possible!

Trophimus and Callidus seem to make a joint effort to take the lead, as Rufus and Pericolosus momentarily fall back. Whips crack and dust swirls in the air as all four charioteers move at high speeds through the circus. As they go around the spina once more, a definite order becomes visible: Trophimus first, then Callidus, then Rufus and then Pericolosus. But there! The crowd roars and rises from their seats: unexpectedly, Pericolosus bangs into Rufus Pavor. His ornamented chariot, the "Pugnus Martius" crashes and breaks against the spina, leaving the driver unconscious from the clap but physically unharmed. Pericolosus is slowed down a little, but not as much as his two opponents have hoped.

Callidus makes a brave assault on Trophimus' leadership, but is unsuccessful. Could it be true? Will we finally see a Green victory in the circus? Praesina is hoping hard, and with them the other cancelled factiones, who don't want Callidus to win, and certainly not Pericolosus. In a trail of sand and dust, Pericolosus and his "Flora Mortis", seems to slowly confirm the worst fears of his opponent: he moves in, just as Callidus makes another attempt to depose Trophimus.

Without much ado, and to the disappointment and anger of his many opponents, Pericolosus' alabaster chariot passes the fiery red span of Callidus. But Callidus isn't giving up yet. His "Celetior" slowly approaches the "Flora Mortis" again. Pericolosus suddenly falls back and aggressively attacks his Red opponent. Callidus narrowly escapes the spina but then scrapes the next wall. He's back on track, however, but Pericolosus has gained the upper hand and is now racing towards Trophimus.

Will it be Trophimus, the sympathetic Green newcomer, or the White danger of Pericolosus that will claim the first spot? They go into the last straight line! And there, Trophimus must recognise his superior in Pericolosus. Decesively, he is defeated by his White opponent by more than thirty meters as the "Flora Mortis" rockets across the finishing line first.

**

Congratulations to Ariadne Dionysia Veneta, owner of Pericolosus. She may spend an extra point on her charioteer!

**

Soon: points breakdown. How are the factiones doing? 8)

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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:06 pm

AFTERMATH

So, this year's fourth ludi have passed, perhaps it's time for a breakdown.

First, let's see how much each factio earned these ludi.

ALBATA +29

Damnator +0
Bibax +5
Pericolosus +24

PURPUREA +17

Romulus +3
Rufus Pavor +14

PRAESINA +16

Hannibal +0
Victorinus +0
Trophimus +16

RUSSATA +16

Maximus +0
Callidus +14
Phaethoon +2

AURATA +3

PD Robur +0
Indutiomarus +0
Morgareth +3

VENETA +1

Myrtilos +0
Caesar +0
Juba Bane +1

****

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

1. Pericolosus (72)
2. Damnator (40)
3. Romulus (39)
4. Callidus (37)
5. Phaethoon (29)

6. Hannibal (20)
7. Maximus (17)
8. Trophimus (16)
9. PD Robur (15)
10. Rufus Pavor (14)

11. Indutiomarus (8)
11. Morgareth (8)
13. Bibax (6)
14. Myrtilos (3)
14. Juba Bane (3)
16. Caesar (2)
17. Victorinus (0)

***

FACTIO RANKINGS

1. Albata (118)
2. Russata (83)
3. Purpurea (53)
4. Praesina (36)
5. Aurata (26)
6. Veneta (8)

***

Draco,
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