Ludi Diei Natalis - Circenses

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Ludi Diei Natalis - Circenses

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Sun May 30, 2004 6:03 pm

Salvete lusores!

Upcoming: the circenses to celebrate our third year of existence... indeed, on June 1 2001 CE or 2754 AUC, the Societas Via Romana was officially declared founded, after some months of preparing work. What would be better to celebrate this than ludi? 8)

So, expect chariots blazing through the circus near you very soon...

Valete,
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:51 pm

Salvete!

Well, finally here they are, the ludi circenses Diei Natalis!

For those new to the SVR, the ludi circenses are a virtual form of chariot racing. Elsewhere in this forum section you can find how you, too, can compete. The more, the merrier!

QUARTERS

Group I: Damnator, Indutiomarus, Hannibal, Callidus, Juba Bane

The first group of these quarters are of differing backgrounds, differing tactics and different sponsors. Some have been here since the beginning, others have not.

They don't want to waste time and start immediately! Hannibal and Indutiomarus fall a bit behind while the rest battle it out for a head-start. However, as the five charioteers, each cheered and booed by their fans and opponents, leave the last bend for the second round, it looks like nothing is certain! Now Hannibal is leading, with Damnator and Indutiomarus in the back. The Aurata crowd is even too shocked to respond quickly when Damnator suddenly barges his "Fulme Draconis" into the "Gallia Victrix" and ends Indutiomarus's campaign against the walls.

Meanwhile, Callidus and Juba Bane have snuck up on Hannibal and passed him. A Red and a Blue battling for the lead! This sure is a novelty here in the circus. But Damnator is coming on strong as well. He passes Hannibal's green "Elephant" and stays out of whip range. Then, with fluid ease, the Red and Blue contender are seperated by the speed of their White opponent, who now assumes the lead self-assuredly. Hannibal can't catch up with the rest anymore; he scrapes the spina and is forced to stay in the back to avoid further havoc. Meanwhile the battle between Callidus and Juba Bane rages on, but eventually it ends in favour of the more race-hardened "Celetior" of Callidus. Still, for factio Veneta, Juba Bane is the hero of the day: he held his own with the greatest.

1. Damnator
2. Callidus
3. Juba Bane
4. Hannibal
5. Indutiomarus smacked against the walls

Group II: Publius Decius Robur, Romulus, Maximus, Morgareth

So, 2756 champion Damnator is already in the semis... what to expect for his erstwhile rival, Romulus? Sure, Romulus hasn't done a terribly bad job and factio Purpurea has been boosted somewhat by its talented newcomer, but isn't it time the master himself teaches all those young upstarts a lesson? In any case, it doesn't look like he's going to have an easy time! As the chariots start rolling, Morgareth of Aurata battles for the lead with Romulus. PD Robur, another Golden charioteer, comes on rather weakly while Maximus is doing his usual trick: a steady start that will undoubtly escalate into an all-out speedfest.

Morgareth has taken the lead, but Romulus is hot on his tail. Maximus of Russata, the only Red champion thusfar, scrapes his "Centaurus" against the walls and avoids accident by a hair's breadth! PD Robur passes his failing contender, but Maximus nor Robur have a true chance of ever really catching up with the leading duo, speeding towards their next round like two eagles.

Maximus and PD Robur are now both in full speed, but although the gap is closing with Morgareth and Romulus, they'll never catch up with them. Robur's "Quadriga Ignis" scratches the spina and this gives Maximus the chance to pass his opponent. The exhilarating end is a near foto-finish for Morgareth and Romulus. Both factiones claim to be the victor, but in the end the impartial judges decide that the victory is Romulus's to celebrate. Still, Aurata can't pout since they are now also certain of a spot in the semis.

1. Romulus
2. Morgareth
3. Maximus
4. PD Robur

-----

TBC with groups III and IV of the quarters... which will be the weirdest quarters ever!

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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Thu Jun 10, 2004 1:07 pm

Group III: Pericolosus, Myrtilos, Phaethoon, Trophimus

Pericolosus is another drive for whom we should look out. Let's see how he fares in this race. His brother in arms Damnator has already passed the quarters. In this third quarter of the ludi Diei Natalis, he will face off against veteran Myrtilos, Phaethoon and Trophimus, whose second ludi have been highly anticipated by both racing fans and Praesina. Still, Pericolosus proved too strong a hurdle to take for Trophimus last time in the finals. Will this time be different?

As they take off under a rainy sky, it appears that Phaethoon is having problems to keep up with the pace of the other contenders. He and his "Hamaksa Purdaes" have always been a bit of a loose cannon in the races, but today, the cannon isn't aimed in the good direction, so it seems. The flaming red chariot fails to pick up a good pace. The other three form a tight clot, however. Especially Trophimus is battling hard to secure a first spot and he gains the upper hand when Pericolosus and his "Flora Mortis" viciously assault Myrtilos's "Aquila" in the sixth round around the spina. One collision suffices to drum the "Aquila" against the spina. The chariot breaks and the span runs loose across the tracks! Amidst this confusion, Phaethoon, who could have had a small chance to pass the slowed down Pericolosus, has to avoid a wild horse and smacks against the walls.

The battle is now between Trophimus and Pericolosus. If both survive, they are sure of their place in the semis, but of course, why should they buy the milk if they can get the cow for free? The movement of the charioteers is hindered by the rain and the mud has made this race a grim, confusing one. Pericolosus closes in on Trophimus in the eighth round. The "Praedator" avoids an attempt to end his racing career, but in all his vigour, Pericolosus slips in the mud, and his "Flora Mortis" crashes against the spina! This leaves Trophimus as sole victor, and means that the best third in the quarters will also pass into the semis... factio Praesina can be happy, in any case!

1. Trophimus
2. Pericolosus crashed against the spina
3. Phaethoon took a closer look at the walls
4. Myrtilos suffered an accident against the spina

Group IV (Caesar, Publius Victorinus, Bibax, Rufus Pavor)

Analysts agree that this should be, even for poorly talented racers like Bibax, not a very hard group to overcome. All are hoping that Rufus Pavor of Purpurea will confirm his good results of the previous circenses. His opponents of today are Caesar of factio Veneta, Victorinus of factio Praesina and the ever-drunk Bibax of factio Albata. Bibax has become a bit of a joke on the circus and should normally not pose a great threat. Victorinus has had the ill luck of acquiring 0 points until now. Perhaps this could change soon? Caesar, then, is still waiting for his big chance to prove himself.

We'll see. They start in greatly unequal order: Purple first, then Green, then White, then Blue. Already Rufus Pavor's skill is appearent to all spectators and while some cheer him on, others are muttering things about conspiracy theories of putting him in a group so weak. However, Purpurea is awoken harshly from their dreams of a double-head victorious duo, just like Albata has one, as it is the Albata drunkard, Bibax, who lashes out at Rufus Pavor. Pavor slows down and zig-zags across the track. Bibax moves in for the kill and pushes the "Pugnus Martius" against the walls! The dream ends in splinters.

The tracks have become so muddy right now that the charioteers are moving at half the speeds they are used to. This turn of events bodes well for Bibax, who is tasting blood and goes on a killing spree: his next victim is Caesar, almost last in the rankings, absolute last in the previous racing season. His weathered blue "Tempestas" is flung against the walls without any consideration. At this moment, Publius Victorinus slows down and lets Bibax pass, then speeds up again and waits for the right time to strike. The spectators are holding their collective breath. Then, in a spina bend, the "Respublica" smashes into the "Vigor Serpentis" at full force. Bibax, incompetent to respond to the vengeful strike of Victorinus, drops out of his chariot. His span can only barely avoid killing its own master, but the ruckus is so intense and immediate that Victorinus, in the fashion of Phaethoon in the third quarters, has to avoid collision himself, and ultimately... crashes against the spina!

Unbelievable! A race with everyone eliminated! The factiones all share a moment of deep humility...

1. Victorinus slipped against the spina
2. Bibax was pushed against the spina
3. Caesar was pushed against the walls
4. Rufus Pavor was pushed against the walls

----

For the semis, this means that not only the best third joins the winners, the fourth and fifth best charioteers also join them.

Passing into the semis are: Damnator, Callidus, Romulus, Morgareth, Trophimus
Passing into the semis because of all the accidents are: Juba Bane, Hannibal, Maximus

----

Coming soon: the semis.
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Jun 14, 2004 2:48 pm

We're back with the...

SEMI-FINALS

Group I: Damnator, Maximus, Trophimus, Hannibal

Well well, two Praesina chariots in one semi. This is probably the first time that happens, and is a sign of the improved vigour of factio Praesina. Although it would need a miracle for them to contend for the first spot this year, they will definitely not remain behind. Many fans across the factiones hope that Trophimus will defeat the perennial Damnator in these semis. Maximus and Hannibal have been tipped as outsiders.

As they take off, it's Trophimus and his "Praedator" who take the lead, cheered on loudly by over half of the circus! They make it look like he's already won. Damnator seems to stay behind for an unknown reason, while Maximus tries to stay out of Hannibal's whip range and occupies the second spot. But then, after a round or two, the "Fulmen Draconis" suddenly advances on Hannibal, taking the Punic brute by surprise. Before the "Elephant"'s driver can respond, he is viciously pushed against the walls. One side of the chariot breaks off, but it keeps rolling! Hannibal uses all his might to avert a second collision, but Damnator's brutality is too strong, even for Hannibal, and the second collision effectively breaks up the entire "Elephant".

Meanwhile Trophimus and Maximus are closing in on each other. Maximus has once been a Russata champion, and he'd like to repeat this success. Russata and Praesina fans are screeching at the top of their lungs. Then, roars from the Albata supporters are added as Damnator makes his way to the leading duo throughout round six. Trophimus has shaken off Maximus, who is now straight in Damnator's visor. Damnator and Maximus have faced off many times before, and nearly each time to the detriment of the Red charioteer. This time is no different. It takes only one stroke of the whip to eliminate Maximus. The driver of the "Centaurus" rolls through the sands of the circus. The aediles need to call for order, as the Russata fans begin to throw stones and other objects at the Albata fans and Damnator.

It doesn't seem like Damnator will be catching up with Trophimus, however, until the Green's new golden boy scrapes the spina! Luckily no one is harmed, but the "Fulmen Draconis" seizes this opportunity to shoot past the "Praedator". Damnator keeps his lead until the very end and becomes first. Trophimus does not disappoint but the Greens had expected more. The Reds are looking forward to the next semi.

1. Damnator
2. Trophimus
3. Maximus was whipped up by Damnator
4. Hannibal unsuccessfully inspected the walls

Group II: Callidus, Juba Bane, Romulus, Morgareth

It's been a while since Juba Bane was doing so well... he has surprised both friend and foe with his remarkable result in the quarters. Still, he is no favourite in this semi, facing three ex-champions, among whom the legendary Romulus who single-handedly defended Purpurea's glory last season. The circus is coloured in the four colours of the factiones present: Red, Blue, Purple and Gold. There's not much left of the rivalry between Russata and Purpurea nowadays, because everyone hates Albata. Oh well.

At the take-off, Morgareth and Romulus jointly take the lead. Their race was the tightest last time. The "Infernerator"'s steadfast poise is not as nice to behold as the "Celeres"'s fluid grace, but they do match up nicely. Juba Bane and Callidus are in a battle for second and fourth spot. The clot of charioteers is moving very closely in one another's neighbourhood, and the circus is filled with cries of joy, anger, hope and despair.

Callidus scrapes the spina with the edge of his "Celetior"! Luckily, however, both the span and the charioteer are unharmed, but they have dropped to last position. Romulus is now leading, with Juba Bane and Morgareth now in battle for the second spot. Veneta fans can't believe their eyes, it looks like the "Aenglish Wildfire" is fighting the very gods. Callidus has regained his momentum, meanwhile, and seizes his opportunity when Morgareth makes a wrong twist and slams against the walls. The "Infernerator" is back on track immediately, but is now last.

Juba Bane tries to pass Romulus, but the Purple driver is relentless, zig-zagging across the track to prevent his contenders from passing him. However, during one of these manoeuvers, the beautifully ornamented "Celeres" rubs against the walls, losing some of its paint and decorations. Purpurea fans are in shock when they see, after Romulus has recovered from this blow and finds himself in the race again, that Juba Bane and Callidus now lead!

Romulus and Morgareth don't give up, but end up wasting their energies fighting each other rather than the leading duo. Juba Bane crosses the finishing line first, followed by Callidus. It is a joyous day for factio Veneta. Finally, someone in the finals again. It's been a long time. Russata is also relieved that they've made it, while Aurata only confirms its worsening results and reputation.

1. Juba Bane
2. Callidus
3. Romulus
4. Morgareth

Coming soon: the finals!

Passing into the finals: Damnator, Trophimus, Juba Bane, Callidus
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Jun 14, 2004 8:20 pm

FINALS

(Damnator, Trophimus, Callidus, Juba Bane)

This is an unusual final in that some of the charioteers here didn't meet each other before in finals. Trophimus is in the finals for the second time out of two races and it's clearly visible that Praesina has mobilised all fans, even the crippled and elderly, to come and support the Greens. Juba Bane however also has his share of supporters. Recently the ranks of the Veneta fans have swollen again and it shows! Green versus Blue? Reminds us of the good old days of Roma Antiqua! Will the Gods finally render justice to the old champions? In fact, this final looks very classic as a whole, with no Domitian factiones present. Representing the Whites is Damnator, second in the global rankings and champion of 2756 and representing the Reds is Callidus, perpetually second in finals. Perhaps his day has come today!

The start signal is given. In a turbulent storm of noise, the four charioteers take a blistering start. They're all more or less equal in terms of speed, vigour and acceleration. Their spans are each trying to get ahead of the other. Trophimus avoids Damnator's whip but falls back to the last spot after the first time around the spina. Callidus leads, followed closely by Juba Bane. For now, Trophimus seems to think it's wise to stay a little behind the "Fulmen Draconis". And he's right, as in round four, after fruitlessly trying to pass his opponent, Damnator gleefully shatters factio Veneta's dreams of championship by giving the "Aenglish Wildfire" a push so hard that both span and chariot trail off into the stables, ricocheting against the walls. The sight is comical for the other factiones, but not for the Blues, who have now decided to support all others.

Trophimus has soundlessly returned and passed Damnator during his manoeuver on Juba Bane. He and Callidus are closing in dangerously, and Damnator is speeding up again as well. It's round eight and still three charioteers are in the running to become first! Damnator passes his two contenders, much to the dismay of the other factiones... and there, Callidus attempts to pass his White foe, but unluckily for him, he's on the wrong side of the wall. The "Fulmen Draconis" brutally barges against the "Celetior". Its wheels break, ejecting Callidus from his chariot into the front row. He plunges in the middle of the Green fans, but they treat him with respect.

Trophimus still makes a few half-hearted attempts at sneaking up on Damnator, but the grizzled brute is on the watch and keeps his defences tightly locked until he crosses the finishing line.

Yet another victory for factio Albata. What will the other factiones do?

---
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Jun 14, 2004 8:46 pm

POINTS GAINED

In descending order...

ALBATA + 26

Damnator seizes the full 24 points but remains second. Not that it matters much, because the first charioteer in the rankings remains Pericolosus, who only gains one point. Bibax also receives one point and has already more than tripled his score from last year, now at seven points. In the factiones ranking, Albata now has 46 points more than Russata, that is second.

PRAESINA +19

Praesina did a mighty fine job. Trophimus gained 16 points, putting him on the fifth spot of the rankings after only two races. Hannibal gains one point and keeps steady as usual, while Victorinus finally loses his 0 points and gains two points. Factio Praesina is now making an assault on the third spot, and if they continue to repeat their successes, nothing is impossible.

VENETA +15

Veneta gains a whopping 15 points, which is a lot, given their results last year. They are still last in the rankings, but the difference with Aurata is shrinking rapidly. They owe their points to Juba Bane, who gets the full 15 points and rises from fourteenth to ninth, differing only two points with PD Robur (eighth) and three with Hannibal (seventh). Myritilos and Caesar meet each other at the bottom of the rankings, just before Victorinus of Praesina.

RUSSATA +14

A decent score for Russata. Callidus gains 11 points and occupies the third spot, jumping over Romulus, who is now fourth. A victory may even make him second in the next circenses. Certainly the entire top-5 still has a chance at becoming the individual champion. Despite his bumbling in the last few races, Maximus still gains three points. Phaethoon seems to have run out of luck and gets no points. In the factiones ranking, Russata remains a solid second. Closest opponent, Purpurea, still falls short of more than thirty points to be of any threat. Russata should definitely aim at full victory now.

PURPUREA +4

The game is not over yet for Purpurea: Romulus still has a chance of becoming 2757's champion, but the times are tough for the Purple racing factio. Romulus gains four points, Rufus gains none after his unfortunate exit in the quarters. This rise and fall pattern is typical of factio Purpurea but nearly made them champion last year. Hopefully it will make them champion this year. To win the factiones ranking they would need a miracle to happen.

AURATA +2

Morgareth gains two points, and that's it. Perpetually unlucky Indutiomarus has nothing once again, and PD Robur has fallen back to mediocrity after a brief rise last year. Factio Aurata now needs a good dose of luck and perhaps some bolder (but not crazy) tactics to get back on track, or else they may well end up last this year....

TEAM STANDINGS (after five circenses, with four to go -- ludi Piscatari will be cancelled because of the delay of the ludi Diei Natalis)

AURIGAE

1. Pericolosus - 73 (albata)
2. Damnator - 64 (albata)
3. Callidus - 49 (russata)
4. Romulus - 43 (purpurea)
5. Trophimus - 32 (praesina)
6. Phaethoon - 29 (russata)
7. Hannibal - 21 (praesina)
8. Maximus - 20 (russata)
9. Juba Bane - 18 (veneta)
10. PD Robur - 15 (aurata)
11. Rufus Pavor - 14 (purpurea)
12. Morgareth - 10 (aurata)
13. Indutiomarus - 8 (aurata)
14. Bibax - 7 (albata)
15. Myrtilos - 3 (veneta)
16. Caesar - 2 (veneta)
16. P Victorinus - 2 (praesina)

FACTIONES

1. Albata - 143
2. Russata - 97
3. Purpurea - 57
4. Praesina - 55
5. Aurata - 28
6. Veneta - 23

----

Coming next... ludi Apollinares, July 6!

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Postby Curio Agelastus on Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:36 pm

Whoooh! Go Juba Bane! How are... um... The humble risen! :-)

Congrats to Damnator, I'm sure it had nothing to do with the identity of the race organiser.

Cue cheesy American presenter voice: *And yes it's more biting sarcasm from the man who brought you pointless attacks on the Dionysian Empire!*
8)

(Don't worry Draco, I know it's your fratres who roll the dice) :twisted:
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Postby Marcus Pomponius Lupus on Tue Jun 15, 2004 12:22 am

Good job Juba ! After months of careful testing, it seems that your chariot is finally in perfect shape, if only the rest of Veneta could say the same :oops:

Perhaps we need to go on an orientation meeting, to really get to know our charioteers, what drives them, what do they drive ?

Or I could finally get out of denial and read through the different strategies...

Congrats and Vale bene
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