Ludi Circenses Finals of the Ludi Conditorum 2761 a.U.c.
== 1:00 PM ~ Live at the Races ==
Salvete Race Fans! This is M. Verus Paenula REPORTING LIVE from the
Circus Maximus this afternoon for the Ludi Circenses Finals of the
Conditorum!
This grand race is the culminating competition in the first Circenses
of the 10th Anniversary Year of the refounding of the Respublica, and
today we will be covering four of the finest racing teams, one from
each factio, here at the Circus Maximus.
Here at the Circus, the crowds are bustling about, meeting with
friends, browsing the vendor carts, examining the racing factio
displays set up around the Circus. As the crowd make their way in to
the event, many are spending high denarii with the Locarii, who are
proving that they are the leeches many people call them. But, they
insist that the buyers do so voluntarily and that Mercurius is on
their side. Whether this is the business side or the thief side, one
can only debate!
We are going to visit with some of the factiones and see what their
take on the day's race is. We now make our way through the crowds and
over to the Factio Albata display. We are here with Spurius
Genucius, one of the trainers at the Factio Albata Stables. Can you
tell us about Consularis Equitius' entry today and how you think he
will fair?
Spurius Genucius smiles and sips his wine, then states:
Consularis Equitius' chariot, Ars Longa, is driven by Aoife of the
Silures. Aoife is descendant of the ancient Silures, who made a
fierce resistance to the Roman conquest about AD 48, with the
assistance of Caratacus, a military leader and Prince of the
Catuvellauni, who had fled from further east after his own tribe was
defeated. Like his ancestors, Aoife is skilled in effective "guerilla
warfare" on the track and is not easily subdued. He, like the ancient
Romans wrote of his ancestors is "non atrocitate, non clementia
mutabatur": changed neither by cruelty nor by clemency. Albata is
proud to have this veteran of the track representing us today. Do not
expect an easy run with Aoife in the race!
Thanks Spurius Genucius for that update and good luck in the race
today! Now we make our way over to the Factio Russata display, where
several of the drivers and trainers are speaking with the fans. We
are here with Numerius Ovidius, one of the new drivers for Russata.
Numerius Ovidius, what can you tell us about the Reds and the race
today?
Numerius Ovidius strokes one of the Russata horses on the nose, then
hands the reins to a servus.
"Well, as a new driver, I have only driven in practice runs in the
Trigarium, so I can't exactly tell you what goes from a driver's
perspective, but it has to be a tremendous strain on one's soul to be
able to concentrate on the race and at the same time be judged by
literally thousands of spectators, some who support you, and some who
would love to see you flung end over end out the back side of your
chariot! What I can tell you is that Russata's entry in the finals
represents one of our finest teams!
Amara Aegeus the Greek will be driving Celeritas, the chariot
sponsored by T. Arminius Genalius. Amara has raced many a track in
Graeciae and Roma and we expect his successes to follow with him on
the track today. He carries a small marble figurine of Apollo in the
leather bag attached to his side. It was a gift from his mother years
ago when he began his career. A veteran of the track, his is skilled
and precise in his execution of tactics in the lanes, so do not
expect an amateur showing from him today. He has taken Russata to
the Finals. While no easy task to accomplish, the process is
certainly not foreign to him. We have all the confidence in the
Mediterranean that he will be the Victor today!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Good luck and may the Gods
be with you in your first race, whenever that shall be! We now are
going to attempt to get through the crowds, which are packing into
the Circus like sardines in an amphora!
We have made it across to the Factio Praesina exhibit where we will
attempt to speak with the veteran drivers, Spandex the Vandal and
Vindex, sponsored in the earlier races by Gaia Aurelia Falco Silvana,
who is also now walking up to us. Salvete! Some veteran thoughts from
the three of you on the race today?
Spandex, the veteran driver of the famous Praesina chariot,
Velociraptor, volunteers these words:
"Yes, Praesina will win! No question about it!" Gaia Aurelia
says: "Hopefully, Spandex is correct! Praesina has been very
fortunate during this Ludi, and we can only hope that we can continue
this winning streak! Many hours of work and training have gone into
providing the best entries possibly for this year's special Ludi
celebrations, both at the Green stables and the Ludus Praesinus. We
can only hope for the best, as this is exactly what we have planned
for. The Praesina entry today, Volcanus, sponsored by Q. Servilius
Priscus, is one of our new models and should prove to be a winning
one. Volcanus is being driven by Merddyn the Celt. Many may know
Merrdyn from previous races as he is one of our best drivers, and
spends a lot of his free time recruiting for the Greens" Vindex
adds, "We are currently seeking more entries in the coming events for
both Factio Praesina and Ludu Praesinus, as we have available stalls
and beds for our competitors."
It looks like the Greens are ready for anything! Thanks and we will
see you inside shortly! Vindex turns to speak with other fans,
handing them a papyrus about the Factio. Gaia Aurelia instructs
Spandex to give us a chariot escort to the Veneta display!
Riding through the crowds is much easier than trying to force
yourself through the crowd. "Yes, it is!" states Spandex, as we
arrive at the Veneta display. Thanks for the ride, Spandex. He
salutes and returns back toward the Praesina exhibit.
We are here at the Factio Veneta display and everyone is wearing
blue. The horses even have specially-dyed blue blankets. We are
speaking Censor Ti. Galerius Paulinus, Citizen Q. Vitellius Triarus
Vopiscus, and Bellator Marius, driver of Vopiscus' chariot, Venetus
Daemon.
Salve Censor! I expected you to already be inside on the terraces by
now!
Censor Galerius pauses and says:
"Just making sure everything is in order for our entry today, Venetus
Daemon, driven by Bellator Marius and sponsored by Vopiscus."
Vopiscus states, "We had to make some last minute changes, which we
have just completed. Guys, send her to the line! We're running out of
time!"
The Factio Veneta servii clear the way, and Marius drives the chariot
toward the entrance gates of the Circus Maximus for the opening
ceremony.
Censor Galerius continues, "We are excited about today's race. We
have had the most entries in the Circenses, but only ended up with
one entry in the finals. We have made some long needed adjustments
for this year, but have had to make further corrections to refine our
initial adjustments. We are ready now, and hopefully you will see
Veneta bring home the Victory corona!"
Censor, I would not be surprised if they don't! Good luck and see you
inside! We now go inside the Circus for the opening ceremony.
== 1:30 PM ~ Opening Ceremony ==
We are now here inside the Circus Maximus on the upper terraces, as
we observe the hoards of fans, who are filing into their seats and
waiting for the opening processional to begin. Little by little, the
crowd makes its way into the Circus; most are seated now, though the
latecomers are dashing about, trying to find seats...any seats, but
preferably those with a good view, and not behind some tall German or
Nubian barbarian who would obstruct their vision...not to mention
that these benighted barbarians still haven't heard about the
benefits of daily bathing, and, shall we say, are rather pungently
scented...
At last, everyone seems to have found a seat somewhere, if only in
the topmost and worst tier; the air crackles with excitement. The
buzzing is so loud that one would have thought that someone had
disturbed a beehive, and that, too, at a most inauspicious moment in
apian life. The Porta Pompae is opened, and trumpeters, begin to
play, the gates open and the musicians enter, playing the Triumphant
Entrance of the Chariots.
<big>[[
http://plutusonline.com/midis/benhur.mid Click Here to listen
to the Charioteer Music]]</big>
As the opening processional enters the arena, the track fills with
the multitude of attendants here to support the races today. First,
after the musicians, comes Curule Aedile Sex. Lucilius Tutor,
followed by Quaestors L. Vitellius Triarius and M. Hortensia Maior
and the Aedilian cohors, who enter the Circus on chariots provided by
the various factiones. Behind them come the Consules, M. Moravius
Piscinus Horatianus and T. Iulius Sabinus, then the Censors, C.
Fabius Buteo Modianus and Ti. Galerius Paulinus, next come the
Praetors, M. Curiatius Complutensis and M. Iulius Severus, followed
by many other Magistrates and Guests.
Now, another contingent of trumpeters enters, marching around the
track as their brassy music fills the air. After them acrobats
leaping and turning somersaults skip along, preceding a far more
serious group which now makes its way around the track: a
vexillation of soldiers from Legio XXIV, one of those which defends
Rome and expands her sway, march in perfect time under the watchful
eyes of their centurion, the wise and faithful Gallio Velius
Marsallas. As they pass the pulvinar, they salute the magistrates,
never missing a beat in their perfect drill. Next, as a change of
pace from the more somber military mood, desultores, acrobatic riders
who leap from one horse to another and perform other feats as they
ride, now appear, entertaining the crowd with appetizers for the
equestrian events to follow.
Next, come plaustra, carts carrying the images of the Gods. The
statues of Those Who Made Rome Great are robed in the finest fabrics,
brilliantly hued with the most exquisite (and expensive!) dyestuffs,
their clothing woven by weavers whose skill is little inferior to
that of Minerva herself. The statues themselves have been crafted by
the finest sculptors in the known world, a worthy tribute to the
Deities they represent. Close behind are the tensae, litters bearing
still more, and equally impressive, images of the Gods; as each is
borne to its place (the highest today reserved for the Capitoline
Triad), as newly-elected Flamen Falacer, Q. Valerius Poplicola,
honors the deities with an offering of incense and a libation, for
the curule aediles have graciously granted him the honor of presiding
over this race.
Finally, come the contestants in today's races, driving their
chariots into the Circus and making a ceremonious passage down the
track along the spina, then turning the meta to return up the other
side. The roar of the crowd is tremendous as the charioteers finish
their processional and move to take their places at the gates.
Reading the papyrus handout from the greeters, given to us upon
entrance into the Circus we give you the run-down on today's Semi-
Finals races as issued by the officials at the Trigarium:
* Ars Longa of Factio Albata, driven by Aoife of the Silures and
sponsored by Gn. Equitius Marinus
* Celeritas of Factio Russata, driven by Amara Aigeus the Greek and
sponsored by T. Arminius Genialis
* Volcanus of Factio Praesina, driven by Merddyn the Celt and
sponsored by Q. Servilius Priscus
* Venetus Daemon of Factio Veneta, driven by Bellator Marius and
sponsored by Q. Vitellius Triarus Vopiscus
As the charioteers form their line, the servii secure the reins and
the drivers dismount to draw lots for their lane positions with
Quaestor Hortensia. The charioteers draw their lots, and take their
positions accordingly. As you may recall, the gate is marked with the
signs of the zodiac; lots are drawn to determine which entry takes
which place. Albata draws first and selects Libra; Praesina is next
and gets Pisces, then Russata chooses Capricorn, while Veneta draws
Scorpio. They take their places in the gate. The banners of the
factiones are briskly snapping in wind, and the crowd anxiously
awaits the start. Custos Venator reads a short poem about courage in
the face of danger to the crowd, then turns the Podium over to Flamen
Q. Valerius, who rises, takes the mappa from Quaestor Vitellius and
waves the gleaming white mappa for attention. A hush falls over the
crowd. All eyes are now fastened on the Flamen Falacer. He raises his
right arm, the horses snort wildly as the drivers tighten the reins,
the mappa drops, and the gates spring open, launching the restrained
chariots! They're offÂ…tearing out of the gates like Iuppiter's
lightening bolts!
== 2:00 PM ~ The Finals Race ==
As the chariots break the starting line, the Circus completely
explodes with a thunderous roar as the spectators cheer on their
favorite teams! Out of the gates first is Volcanus, who is closely
followed by Venetus Daemon and Ars Longa, with Celeritas narrowly
behind! They race down the lanes, throwing dust into the air, but
not pushing the horses too hard this early in the race. They round
the first turning post in a gaggle, with Venetus Daemon emerging in
front of the rest. Now, down the straight-a-way, the four chariots
pull side-by-side and compete for the first position. Coming up on
the second turning post, it is still Venetus Daemon in the lead! Ars
Longa passes Volcanus, but loses his place back to Volcanus as they
come out of the turn. Celeritas pulls ahead, after taking the turn
too fast and being forced to slow his pace some. The first dolphin
drops, as the charioteers fly by.
Racing on and coming up on the first turn, it is still Venetus Daemon
in the lead, followed by Volcanus, then Celeritas, who has just made
a quick dart in front of Ars Longa, and it's back down the straight-a-
way. Attempting to secure the lead, Volcanus lashes Bellator Marius
with his whip! Venetus Daemon returns the favor and keeps on going.
Celeritas and Ars Longa continue to fight for the third position as
they make the second turn of the lap, and the second dolphin is
turned down.
Wait! Venetus Daemon is experiencing some difficulty with the left
wheel of his chariot. We cannot tell what the problem isÂ… Venetus
Daemon continues on now without any obvious concerns. Apparently,
whatever the problem was, it corrected itself. Volcanus and
Celeritas are now competing for second, but Ars Longa is forcing his
way in between them as the round the first turn. The dust is heavy,
so we can't see just yetÂ…YES! Ars Longa has come out of the turn in
second position, as Volcanus and Celeritas compete for third. Down
the long straight stretch on the back side, Ars Longa drives even
harder to catch up with Venetus Daemon, who remains the leader in
this race. Celeritas now takes this opportunity to try and drive
Volcanus into the spina wall, but Volcanus doesn't give in that
easily! Volcanus lashes Aoife of the Silures, driver of Celeritas,
repeatedly until he backs off. Celeritas is yelling something at
Volcanus, but no one can make out what he is saying. With the second
turn approaching, all the drivers prepare to turn, as the gravel and
dust spews up into the air! Out of the turn, it is Venetus Daemon in
first position, now Volcanus has overtaken Ars Longa for the second
position, and Celeritas narrowly trails behind.
As the third dolphin falls, the charioteers speed down the lanes for
a fourth time. The crowds are screaming louder than ever! The race
at this point is somewhat a race of pairs. Venetus Daemon and
Volcanus competing for the lead, and Ars Longa and Celeritas fighting
for third. Again, the chariots round the first turning post.
OOHHH! Volcanus has slid out, taking the turn too fast, but he is
still on his wheels! Seizing the opportunity, Ars Longa and Celeritas
slide by and take the second and third positions. Volcanus speeds
with all he has to catch the others as they round the second turning
post and the fourth dolphin is pulled down.
Over halfway now, the charioteers race down the lanes to the first
turn. As they enter the first turn, Venetus Daemon cuts it sharp and
comes up on one wheel, but the chariot falls back to the ground and
Bellator Marius loses no position in the turn. Ars Longa is managing
to hold on to the second position, as Celeritas and Volcanus fight
for third. Down the back stretch, Ars Longa has now overtaken
Venetus Daemon for the lead, and Celeritas has secured third position
from Volcanus at this point. They race for the second turning post,
turning almost like spokes on a wheel in perfect alignment! Venetus
Daemon and Ars Longa are neck-and-neck, racing down the lanes,
followed closely by Celeritas and Volcanus.
As the fifth dolphin turns downward, the charioteers know the end is
nearing and they prepare for the final run. Pacing each other for a
last final push, the chariots remain in the same position down the
lanes, around the first turning post, then back up the rear side of
the spina. As they make the second turn, Celeritas pulls up alongside
of Ars Longa and Venetus Daemon. Volcanus is following immediately
behind the three chariots as they fly by and the sixth dolphin is
turned down.
As they shoot down the track, side-by-side, each driver tries to pull
ahead of the others and take the lead. They fly around the first
turn, and all three chariots slide in the gravel and bump into each
other. Volcanus breaks hard as not to get caught up in the mess,
which was almost a three-chariot accident. They continue down the
lanes, focusing on the second turning post. Arriving at the turn,
Venetus Daemon cuts sharply around andÂ…something has happenedÂ…it
looks like Venetus Daemon has busted the left wheel hub on the side
of the spina! He continues madly down the lane! Ars Longa and
Celeritas narrowly behind, followed by Volcanus.
The seventh and final dolphin drops and SNAP!!! The left wheel on
Venetus Daemon has come off, takes two bounces and ends up on its
side on top of the spina! Bellator Marius is still on the chariot,
which is being dragged down the lane. Now the right wheel has come
off and the chariot has become a sled! Bellator Marius is trying
frantically to cut the reins, which are tied around his waist! His
patron, Vopiscus, is furiously pacing the terraces, screaming for him
to cut the reins! The Veneta fans are yelling words of encouragement,
but I'm afraid he cannot hear them. He is too busy fighting to stay
alive!
Celeritas, Volcanus and Ars Longa are desperately trying to safely
navigate through the debris and dust storm being created by Venetus
Daemon! Now, the chariot Venetus Daemon is breaking into pieces and
comes to a complete stop, Bellator Marius being yanked over the front
of the chariot and onto the gravel, still trying to cut his way
loose! The crowds have grown completely silent, except for a few
rude spectators from opposing factiones. Finally, Bellator Marius
cuts himself loose and rolls out of the way, as Ars Longa, Celeritas
and Volcanus drive by him. Approaching the first meta, each driver
meets the turn with expected caution, then heads down the back
stretch with break-neck speed!
Meanwhile, on the other side, the Circus medical staff and factio
trainers have rushed out onto the track, have placed Bellator Marius
on a litter, and are now rushing to get him out of the way before the
remaining drivers come around the second turn. Here they come in a
storm of dust, gravel flying everywhereÂ…even up onto the first
terrace where the Senators are seated! Out of the dust comes
Celeritas, followed by Volcanus, then Ars Longa. As they break and
spread out for the remaining short distance to the finish line, they
each fight for the victor's position! Here they come, Volcanus and
Ars Longa side-by-side, narrowly behind Celeritas... and across the
line they come! First is Celeritas, Second Place goes to Ars Longa
by a nose, and Third Place goes to Volcanus!
The Quaestors are certifying the staff opinions of the finish, then
Quaestor Vitellius announces the official certified results. It is a
unanimous decision:
* VICTOR: Celeritas of Factio Russata, sponsored by T. Arminius
Genialis
* 2nd Place: Ars Longa of Factio Albata, sponsored by Gn. Equitius
Marinus
* 3rd Place: Volcanus of Factio Praesina, sponsored by Q. Servilius
Priscus
* 4th Place: Venetus Daemon of Factio Veneta, sponsored by Q.
Vitellius Triarus Vopiscus ***ACCIDENT***
== 2:30 PM ~ Closing Ceremony ==
As the officials clear the track, the drivers and their teams from
today's race circle the spina are saluted by the spectators, fans of
the factiones, the Aedilician Cohors, and the many Magistrates here
today. As the drivers finish their victory lap, Quaestor Vitellius
calls for the officials of Factio Russata to come forward and bring
their driver, Amara Aigeus, to the Podium.
Amara Aigeus drives up to the Podium and stands with his patron, T.
Arminius Genialis. Presenting the gilded Victor's Corona is Consul
T. Iulius Sabinus, also a veteran member of the Factio Russata.
Quaestor Vitellius presents T. Arminius Genialis with a large Greek
red-figure pottery urn, depicting various images of charioteers. The
Flamen Falacer presents Amara Aigeus with a large chest, filled with
Nova Roman Sestertii in both the Declaratio and Quadriga styles.
This being the last of the games of the Ludi Conditorum, Quaestor
Vitellius thanks the participants for a wonderful and challenging
week of events and gives thanks to the Gods for these special
occasions to be celebrated!
As the crowds disperse, the participants exit to their respective
stables to enjoy the celebrations of this, a beautiful Roman
afternoon!
Until we meet again at the next match or race, this is M. Verus
Paenula of the Aedilician Network, signing off from the Circus
Maximus and we will see you here again soon!
Di vos incolumes custodiant!
You may also view the Circenses races on the official Ludi Conditorum
pages at:
http://tinyurl.com/yu8rv6
