by 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
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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
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Coming soon: the semis.
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus