Salvete,
I have to apologise to everyone twice. First for being a few days overdue with the last ludi of '57, and secondly for not writing detailed reports about the quarters. My scribe was to go to the circus, but instead he took the money and went to a brothel -- not the kind of stuff I pay the man to do. At any rate, the scribe has been fired, but it appears that I am without quarter reports, devoid of inspiration and overwhelmed with end-of-the-year work as I am.
QUARTERS
Group I
1. Trophimus
2. Morgareth
3. Caesar
4. Phaethoon
Group II
1. Callidus
2. Maximus
3. Pericolusus
4. Rufus Pavor
Group III
1. Damnator
2. Indutiomarus
3. Juba Bane was destroyed by Damnator
4. Romulus was eliminated by Damnator
Group IV
1. Myrtilos
2. Hannibal
3. PD Robur
4. P Victorinus
SEMIS
Group I: Morgareth, Callidus, Indutiomarus, Myrtilos
Three usual suspects are fielded against a lucky Blue. Let's see how they fare. Although Damnator cannot be beaten anymore for the first spot this year, actio Albata can. All they have to do is make sure Damnator doesn't survive the semis. But in this semi, it's Gold against Red and Blue. Morgareth and Callidus are the first to race forward. Callidus has been invogorated by his much-anticipated victory in the last races, and is easily letting Morgareth behind him. Indutiomarus and Myrtilos are in hot pursuit, and Morgareth now has to turn his attention to them. Indutiomarus uses his hulking chariot and composition to prevent Myrtilos from passing the Golden duo. Although frustrated, he does not give up.
Everyone is struck by surprise as Callidus suddenly hits the meta. He took a turn too freely, and now must suffer the consequences of his speed. The charioteer himself is unharmed, but the Russata fans now know that any chance of becoming 2757's team lies in Maximus's hands. By the crash, Indutiomarus and Morgareth have to avoid the tilted chariot and scrape the walls. Temporarily Myrtilos turns this to his advantage, but not enough to keep the two Golden charioteers from winning this semi: Morgareth is first, Indutiomarus is second.
1. Morgareth
2. Indutiomarus
3. Myrtilos
4. Callidus slammed into the meta
Group II: Trophimus, Damnator, Maximus, Hannibal
Two Greens versus one Red and one White. Two of them are violent racers, and have proven their lethal potential more than once. Maximus is the first one to gain the upper hand after a confusing starting round, with much dust swirling up and a lot of bravado on either side. Hannibal briefly skirmishes with the spina, and is soon left behind by the others. Damnator and Trophimus are going neck-on-neck for a second spot.
Damnator cracks his whip, but the whip almost hits its own master. He curses and tries to pass Trophimus the regular way again. Meanwhile Hannibal knows that he's lost this battle, unless one of the others experiences and unfortunate crash. But, unfortunately for Hannibal, Maximus's Centaurus is keeping a steady pace and appears to be succeeding where Callidus failed this time. Damnator and Trophimus don't get anywhere near him during the entire race. Trophimus is then forced to fall back after he, too, briefly touches the meta and spina in a wild chase of Damnator. The evil White seizes this opportunity, and easily becomes second. All hope is not lost for Russata to win '57, but this means Damnator must at least become third, and Maximus first, in the finals!
1. Maximus
2. Damnator
3. Trophimus
4. Hannibal[/b]