Ludi Apollinares - Circenses

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Ludi Apollinares - Circenses

Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:42 pm

Salvete sodales,

I know, I seem to be making it this year's tradition to be overdue with the ludi reports each time, but the circus was burned down by Scribonian revolutionaries trying to topple the Dionysian Empire, so we were busy rebuilding. Nonetheless, I proudly present this year's sixth ludi circenses.

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QUARTERS
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Group I: Damnator, Indutiomarus, P Victorinus, Callidus, Bibax

The circus has been rebuilt, the charioteers have been training and the crowds are present to cheer their heroes, or boo them if necessary. As the chariots start, Damnator dominantly takes the lead, as expected, with the others on his tail like a pack of hungry wolves. The first spot seems lost to the hated Whites, but the battle for the second spot is tense! Bibax assaults the current second, Victorinus, but experiences a brutal backlash when the Green charioteer sends the "Vigor Serpentis" crashing against the spina. Exit Bibax for the umpteenth time. Rumour has it that Albata is only keeping him for comic relief, or to taunt the other factiones: even with a player that bad, they can still win the title.

Callidus is now trying to pass Victorinus by pressuring him and using sheer speed rather than force, but the ever-unlucky Red player suffers the same fate of Bibax, much to the dismay of the Red fans. Victorinus is riding a good race, his best since ages. Indutiomarus, another perpetually unlucky charioteer, is hesitantly sneaking up on Victorinus, who himself is now fruitlessly chasing Damnator. The clash between Gold and Green is a quick and decisive one: Indutiomarus' "Gallia Victrix" joins the wreckages of the "Celetior" and the "Vigor Serpentis". Aurata and Russata need to be held back to prevent them from attacking Praesina fans. They are calmed down only when, much to their amusement, calamity strikes once more, this time in the form of the walls and Damnator. Victorinus seems to have overstretched himself in this race, and the "Fulmen Draconis" crudely puts an end to his dreams.

1. Damnator
2. Victorinus was pushed against the walls by Damnator
3. Indutiomarus was pushed against the spina by Victorinus
4. Callidus was pushed against the spina by Victorinus
5. Bibax was pushed against the spina by Victorinus

Group II: Pericolosus, Trophimus, Romulus, Myrtilos

The masses are in uproar after last races. It seems that even after the first quarter, factio Albata is slowly becoming invincible. The people are both disappointed in the sloth of the organisation in setting the ludi on the rails, and the spectacular but predictable result of the first quarter. Bookmakers are also dissatisfied. As such, nearly everyone hopes that this quarter will at least offer some degree of unpredictability. In taking off, Romulus, sixfold champion for factio Purpurea, fluently takes the lead, with Trophimus and Pericolosus an inch behind. Myrtilos seems to opt for his own safety and falls back.

It seems that Myrtilos's choice was a wise one, as Pericolosus and Trophimus pass Romulus and form a very unstable leading duo. Tensions between White and Green are mounting. Then, Pericolosus, current leader of the rankings, barges into the "Praedator" as both are taking a bend with only minimal room left. Trophimus is unable to control his chariot as his span comes out of the bend, but his chariot is flung against the meta. However, Pericolosus now also flails to remain in control: the dust and debris swept up by the crash of the "Praedator" have also rendered the "Flora Mortis" uncontrollable, and in the next straight line it tips over and crashes against the spina.

Myrtilos musters a great effort and shows that he at least intends to beat Romulus, but you can't argue with experience. Both charioteers cross the finishing line in that order. The crowds have cooled down somewhat, but the fans of factio Praesina remain very angry. Their hopes are now set on their leader, the Punic brute, Hannibal.

1. Romulus
2. Myrtilos
3. Pericolosus causes his own undoing
4. Trophimus was pushed against the spina by Pericolosus

---

coming soon, groups III and IV
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:12 pm

Group III: Publius Decius Robur, Morgareth, Phaethoon, Juba Bane

This quarter should normally be a bit less violent than the previous two, but you never know with a loose cannon like Phaethoon. There are two Aurei in this quarter, and they're going to need a good stroke of luck if they want to get out of their bad position in the rankings, being semi-last. Everyone is looking forward to the results of Juba Bane, who's shown spectacular improvement lately. Some people say that Juba Bane is part of the Scribonian conspiracy, but as the charioteers blast off, hardly anyone thinks of that.

Morgareth is in pole position! It's been a while since he had a decent race, despite being a former winner, and he's looking to do better, appearently. The Golden fans are shouting at the top of their lungs, as their two charioteers are leading. Juba Bane is closing in, along with Phaethoon. The fiery brute flings his whip at his Blue contender, but to no avail. He later tries to lash out at PD Robur, who evades and scrapes the walls, but is unharmed. Juba Bane and his "Aenglish Wildfire" have now gone in overdrive, so it seems, and left everyone behind them. Now cheers are coming from the side of Veneta! Aurata has turned into an angry mob, and the eventual second spot of Morgareth can barely soothe them. Where is their former grandeur? PD Robur once again fails miserably, and Phaethoon's loose cannon was aimed inaccurately this time...

1. Juba Bane
2. Morgareth
3. PD Robur
4. Phaethoon

Group IV: Hannibal, Rufus Pavor, Maximus, Caesar

For Russata, this is their last chance to earn a spot in the semis, and Maximus is the man to do it. Likewise, Hannibal has to do the same for Praesina. Caesar of Veneta is considered an easy opponent, but it seems he has been improving lately. And with a bit of luck, if he wins, all three Blues could be in the semis! Rufus Pavor of Purpurea also poses a formidable threat, but only time will tell if his recent successes were an accumulation of luck, or genuine talent.

In the first rounds, Maximus takes the lead. He looks determined to hold a tight grip on the first position. Soon however, his number one spot is challenged by Rufus Pavor, who passes him with ease, quickly sending his "Pugnus Martius" past his opponent. Maximus is now caught in the platoon with Hannibal and Caesar. Hannibal looks frustrated and madly flings his whip around. The crowd gasps as it furiously hits Maximus. Maximus, struggling to get the whip from around his throat, releases the reins of his "Centaurus" and rolls in the sands. Hannibal quickly advances and leaves Caesar in a tight spot. However, the "Tempestas" evades the "Centaurus'" wreckage. It cannot catch up with Hannibal's "Elephant" however. In turn, Hannibal is fighting a lost battle against the pure speed and control of Rufus Pavor, but at least Praesina is certain to be represented in the semis! For the Reds, it's a black day.

1. Rufus Pavor
2. Hannibal
3. Caesar
4. Maximus was eliminated by Hannibal

After the quarters are over, news reaches the crowds that Caesar is also passing into the semis. The reason: in Group I, only one charioteer advanced, and so the quickest third also passes into the semis, and today, that's Caesar. All three Blues in the semis! The gods have begun to favour the former underdogs. Go Veneta!

---

Passing into the semis:
Albata: Damnator
Aurata: Morgareth
Praesina: Hannibal
Purpurea: Romulus, Rufus Pavor
Russata: /
Veneta: Myrtilos, Juba Bane, Caesar

---
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:18 pm

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SEMIS
--------


Group I: Damnator, Myrtilos, Juba Bane, Caesar

Although this semi-final features three Blues racing against only one White, the circus is colourful as always. The Albata fans have gathered as an impressive army and are getting tired with the invectives and jealous comments of the other fans. Red, Green, Gold, Purple ànd Blue, they've all gathered to cheer on the Blues! It seems that factio Veneta is universally liked, because right now they'll have the chance of teaming up and denying Damnator's umpteenth final. We'll see.

As the charioteers start and the spans blaze through the tracks, it appears that Myrtilos trails a bit behind. His dark blue "Aquila" is having some trouble finding the right pace, or his span won't listen, whatever it is, after the first two rounds he has fallen back considerably. The public's attention has gone to the leading threesome anyway. It appears to be an especially bitter duel between Damnator and Juba Bane. Both names are heard shouting from the tribunes. The magistrates are beginning to feel uncomfortable... the representants of the evil Dionysian Empire and the Scribonian Revolutionaries going head to head!

Caesar seizes his opportunity and breaks out in the straight lines, taking the lead! However, his upsurge doesn't last long. The "Fulmen Draconis" increases its pace and quashes Caesar's resistance, by driving his "Tempestas" against the walls. The chariot rips open and the span is set loose upon the track, with Caesar himself luckily unharmed. Juba Bane has used this opportunity to gain the upper hand, and is now leading. Damnator has fallen back. Myrtilos thinks his time has come, and tries to sneak up on the White champion, but to no avail. Quicker than the crowd can start booing Damnator, his whip lashes out and deprives the "Aquila" of its driver. Exit Myrtilos.

Damnator now races to catch up with Juba Bane. Although the "Aenglish Wildfire" is speeding through the circus with great ease, it's visible to even the bitterest of Albata-haters that the "Fulmen Draconis" is a notch faster. Juba Bane's lead is shrinking, with only one round to go. Six metres. Four metres. One metre. The crowd can hear both charioteers bellow at the top of their lungs, driving their span ever faster. Finally, as both chariots race side by side, it's wheels of the "Fulmen Draconis" that cross the finishing line first!

1. Damnator
2. Juba Bane
3. Myrtilos was eliminated by Damnator
4. Caesar was pushed against the walls by Damnator

Group II: Romulus, Morgareth, Rufus Pavor, Hannibal

So, with Damnator being the curse of everyone's hopes, it's up to the others to save the day. Mad crowds outside the circus have gathered and are picking fights with Albata fans. Not winning races decreases popularity, but constantly winning them has exactly the same effect.

This semi-final features two Purple charioteers, a Golden and a Green. Morgareth and Romulus, both former champions, are leading at the start of the race. The over-elaborate design of the "Infernerator" contrasts nicely with the sleek and sobre design of the "Celeres" as both Imperial factions struggle for control over the races. Rufus Pavor is in a secure third place, after having passed Hannibal.

But there! Suddenly a horse bearing no factio's colour runs loose across the tracks, just as the pack of racers is going around the spina's meta! Romulus brusquely avoids collision with the animal, but sends his "Celeres" against the meta, smashing it completely and rolling over the sands unconscious. Morgareth has more luck and only scrapes the walls, as does Hannibal. Only Rufus Pavor has come out unharmed, and is now leading the race. The Purpurea fans are not sure how they should feel: their champion, their crowd pleaser is wounded, but his teammate has secured the first spot. Morgareth and Hannibal battle it out for the second place. The Greens want another final so badly, and Aurata want their days of glory to return. In the end, it's Morgareth who stays out of Hannibal's whip reach, and crosses the finishing line second.

1. Rufus Pavor
2. Morgareth
3. Hannibal
4. Romulus crashed against the spina

---

Going into the finals:
Albata: Damnator
Aurata: Morgareth
Praesina: /
Purpurea: Rufus Pavor
Russata: /
Veneta: Juba Bane


----
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Postby Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Thu Jul 22, 2004 2:06 pm

--------
FINALS
--------


(Damnator, Juba Bane, Rufus Pavor, Morgareth)

After the rioting in the streets last night, mainly between Albata fans and fans of other factiones (except Purpurea, who stayed wisely at home), the situation in the circus has become explosive. Another victory for either Albata or, to a lesser extent, Purpurea, will surely incite the anger of the other fans so much that the Scribonian Revolution may finally begin -- we may see the end of the Dionysian Empire!

Spoken of the Scribonian Revolution, factio Veneta has experienced a sudden leap in strength lately, and it shows in the circus. Aurata has also joined the fray, and hopes that Morgareth will finally wipe out the disgrace they experienced in the last two races. Rufus Pavor is racing his second final, whereas for Damnator, everyone has lost track of how many finals he has raced.

Reflecting the grim and explosive mood of the public, the races start off extremely violent. Morgareth advances and snatches away the lead, only to be brutally crushed before the eyes of the spectators moments later, when Damnator's "Fulmen Draconis" drives the "Infernerator" in splinters against the walls. Juba Bane and Rufus Pavor are now battling for the lead, accelerating quickly, and giving each other no quarter. Now, it's the "Aenglish Wildfire" leading, then it's suddenly the "Pugnus Martius". Veneta and Purpurea are locked in a tight battle for the control of the race, but Damnator, too, is coming on strong.

Then, as the tight clot goes around the spina's meta, Rufus Pavor swings towards the "Aenglish Wildfire". Its extensions, merely thought to be ornaments, break the chariot's wheels. By the sudden break, Juba Bane falls and hits the column of death. The Blue fans gasp and the aediles are keeping a close eye on the spectators, but there are no signs of violence yet, luckily. Now it's down between Damnator and Rufus Pavor. The part of the crowd shouting Pavor's name outnumbers those who shout Damnator's.

Damnator passes Rufus Pavor on the straight line, but then, in another bend around the meta, where moments ago the "Aenglish Wildfire"'s wreckage was cleared away, Pavor and his "Pugnus Martius" execute the same manoeuvre, ducking for Damnator's menacing whip. The "Fulmen Draconis" slides through the sand without wheels and tips over. A huge cry of relief breaks out at the Purpurea quarters. Albata fans are streaming out of the circus onto the streets, while the fans of the other factiones don't know what to do. They're happy Damnator hasn't won, but as they see the seventh victory of Purpurea in two seasons, they still feel a bit queasy.

1. Rufus Pavor
2. Damnator was pushed against the meta
3. Juba Bane was pushed against the meta
4. Morgareth was pushed against the walls

---

What does this mean for the points calculation?

In descending order...

PURPUREA +27
Romulus +3
Rufus Pavor +24

The winner takes it all, as usual. Romulus squeezes out three points, and this is enough to maintain himself in fourth position. Rufus Pavor rises through the ranks and is now fifth (coming from eleventh). Factio Purpurea as a whole remains in the top-3 and is now at 84 points, falling short of 24 points to get even with Russata and having a comfortable gap of 20 points with Praesina.

ALBATA +20
Damnator +20
Bibax +0
Pericolosus +0

By reaching another final, Damnator has jumped over Pericolosus in the rankings, and is now in pole position for the title. It will be very hard to remove either of the Whites from the top-3 at the very least, for the coming races. Bibax bumbles on in the lower regions of the rankings and shares the fourteenth spot with Myrtilos. Factio Albata as a whole is still unchallenged though, with 164 points, which is 56 points more than Russata.

VENETA +19
Myrtilos +4
Caesar +1
Juba Bane +14

Good races for Veneta as a factio, and not bad for the individual racers. Myrtilos shows some more promise but is still locked in the lower rankings, as is Caesar, who is actually lucky to have received this one point. Still, he shares the last position with Victorinus. Juba Bane has climbed another three spots, going from ninth to sixth (and sharing it with Praesina's Trophimus). He is keeping Veneta together right now.

AURATA +11
PD Robur +0
Indutiomarus +0
Morgareth +11

Although factio Aurata can't really complain about these races, their decay seems unstoppable. Only Morgareth earns points and still remains rises two places, to tenth position. The other two are sinking into the lower regions. The good news is that Aurata has regained its fifth position over Veneta, but the difference is rapidly shrinking - only two points seperates them.

PRAESINA +5
Hannibal +4
Victorinus +1
Trophimus +0

Bad races for factio Praesina, but the potential is still there. Victorinus shares the last position with Caesar, while Trophimus is sharing the sixth spot with Juba Bane, another Blue. Perhaps something of the old Veneta-Praesina rivalry is true? :) At any rate, Praesina seems fairly well cemented in fourth position, but it still could go either way with a good stroke of luck.

RUSSATA +0
Maximus +0
Callidus +0
Phaethoon +0

Russata hasn't completely squandered its chances of becoming this year's best factio, but prospects are beginning to look a bit dim. Perversely, Purpurea's victory and Veneta's rise have only strengthened Albata, to the detriment of factio Russata. Callidus is still their main force, occupying the top-5 as only charioteer without a single victory. Their erstwhile victor, Maximus, has dropped from eighth to eleventh position while Phaethoon has dropped from sixth to eighth. A new victory would bring them back completely, but as we all know... anything may happen! ;)

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