by Gnaeus Dionysius Draco on Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:17 pm
SEMI I: Publius Decius Robur, Publius Victorinus, Juba Bane, Indutiomarus
Two Golden, one Green and one Blue. I don't think we ever saw such a semi before. The dominant factiones have to sit this one out! The circus looks very colourful.
Juba Bane takes a head start. His "Aenglish Wildfire" keeps the other three at bay successfully; and then to say that he used to be one of the worst charioteers! Times change. At any rate, Robur and Victorinus seem to engaged in a degradation battle, as Indutiomarus is slowly bridging the gap with Juba Bane. Both Victorinus and Robur are hungry for a victory. Robur is the better man, but Victorinus has more tricks up his sleeve and wham, there the "Quadriga Ignis" is pushed once, twice and then three times. As they anter the bend with the meta, Robur's destiny has become inevitable; his chariot bangs against the meta with such force that its charioteer rolls out of it and its span is frightened. Victorinus, under loud cheers of the Green supporters, tries to go on and catch up with the leading duo, but this has become a mission impossible.
Juba Bane and Indutiomarus duke it out in terms of technique and speed. Indutiomarus is stronger and more regular on the straight lines, but Juba Bane is better apt at rounding risky bends. So it is that first Gold leads, then Blue, then Gold, and then again Blue as they leave the last bend. Indutiomarus is at an advantage: a straight line! But the "Aenglish Wildfire" throws a last ditch effort, and crosses the finishing line first.
1. Juba Bane
2. Indutiomarus
3. Publius Victorinus
4. Publius Decius Robur was pushed against the meta
SEMI II: Romulus, Rufus Pavor, Myrtilos, Maximus
It seems a bit odd to have semis without Albata. But all the same, the other teams are happy to fill in for them, heh. Here we have the two strong Purple charioteers, one Blue and one Red. For Russata, it's a matter of life and death to reach the finals. Myrtilos knows he doesn't need to accomplish anything, but the Blues are of course hoping for a second finalist. For Purpurea, anything less than a final would be a disgrace.
Going, going, gone! Myrtilos and Rufus Pavor emerge as leaders from the first passage through that dangerous, murderous hairpin with the meta as its unforgiving guardian. Veneta and Purpurea are screaming at the top of their lungs. Maximus and Romulus are also fighting an intense battle. While Romulus applies his confident recipe of grace and concentration, Maximus moves at frantic speeds. Soon, he passes his contender. Meanwhile, Rufus Pavor and Myrtilos are entering another hairpin. Much to the surprise of everyone, the "Pugnus Martius" suddenly barges into the "Aquila". Myrtilos is taken by surprise. His span is already out of the bend, but his chariot slips and one of its wheels breaks against the meta! Myrtilos is out.
Now is down to Purple and Red. Russata fans look dangerous; their faces are painted with red body paint, and their war cries sound like those of barbarians. Honestly, if I was a Purpurea fan, I'd be a bit afraid. After all, here in the Societas Red and Purple are not on best terms! Romulus seems to have to let go of Maximus, who is just too fast for him. Now it's a struggle between Rufus Pavor and Maximus. Both spans thunder down the tracks with great ferocity, and they ride side by side, unrelenting in their determination. By Jove, it's a photo finish! But judges and personnel agree: the span of Rufus Pavor was a split second earlier than the "Centaurus". Part of the Russata crowd is pleased with Maximus reaching the finals, but another part goes on to riot in the City, claiming the judges have been corrupted with Purpurea money! Certainly, the circus is in turmoil...
1. Rufus Pavor
2. Maximus
3. Romulus
4. Myrtilos was slammed against the meta
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Pass into the finals: Rufus Pavor (pu), Maximus (ru), Juba Bane (ve), Indutiomarus (au)
Gn. Dionysius Draco Invictus