The Hippodrome

[TinCow]

The Hippodrome of Constantinople

Citizens and Senators! Welcome to the Hippodrome!

As a friendly reminder to all patrons, supporters of the Blues are requested to sit on west side of the arena, while supporters of the Greens are requested to sit on the east side of the arena. Improper seating may result in grievous bodily harm at the hands of the opposing faction. As always, the Basileus' box (Kathisma) is located in the south, dividing both sections, and is directly connected to the Great Palace by a private staircase.

Chariot Races will be run in the Hippodrome on a regular basis. As is tradition, there will be four chariot teams competing in each race. The teams are well-known to all Romans by their colors, the Blues (Venetii), the Greens (Prasinoi), the Reds (Rousioi) and the Whites (Leukoi). While at one point all four teams competed separately, the Reds and the Whites have long since lost their prominence as independent teams and both act as a 'second' team for the greater factions of the Blues and Greens. The Reds are the second team of the Blues, and the Whites are the second team of the Greens. A victory for either of a faction's teams is considered a victory for the faction as a whole.

The races themselves will be seven laps of the Hippodrome. The chariots will be pulled by either two or four horses, depending on what the factions agree upon before the race begins. The names and notable skills of the four Charioteers (Agitators), along with any other pertinent information about the teams, will be announced at the time the races are scheduled.

Senators are free to make any kind of wager they would like on the outcome of the chariot races. Bets may be made based on which faction will be victorious, which individual team will be victorious, or any other aspect that is deemed worthy of gambling over. Races will be announced several days before they are scheduled to take place, so there will be plenty of time for the placing of bets. Senators are reminded that these bets are private affairs, and enforcement of the terms of the bets must be accomplished by the gamblers themselves. As is well known, the Blues and Greens have a notoriously hostile rivalry, and corruption and foul-play may impact the outcome of the races themselves. In such an event, Senators are urged to keep their followers in line to prevent damage to the city from mass rioting.

---


Historical Background on the Hippodrome:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

J. B. Bury's History of the Later Roman Empire
BBC's Guide to Everything (Excellent Article, with great details about how the races were run)
Wikipedia
Computer generated images of the Hippodrome can be found here and here.

Note on Chariot Races:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The events and outcome of the races will be determined by multiple dice rolls. Teams will have set odds of overtaking an opponent on every lap. Primary teams will have better odds than secondary teams. However, there are multiple factors that can influence the races. All charioteers will have personal characteristics that will give them advantages and disadvantages in certain situations. These will increase or decrease their odds of a successful die roll. Advantages could be things such as doing well with two-horse chariots, being a good starter, or excelling in the last lap of a race. Disadvantages could be things such as doing poorly with four-horse chariots, being weak on laps 3 through 5, or being intimidated by a particular opponent. In addition, there is a small chance that each faction will attempt to cheat. Cheating can take many forms, from minor things like throwing something into the face of an opponent during the race, to major things like sabotaging an opponent's starting gate or bribing a Pit-Stop Soaker (Sparsor) to 'forget' to wet down an opponent's axle, possibly causing the chariot to catch fire. Chariot racing is also a dangerous sport, and it will be possible for chariot teams to wreck and even for Charioteers to be killed. None of the odds for the die rolls will be made publicly available, but a general description of the race will contain clues as to which teams will have advantages or disadvantages in certain situations. The race itself will be described in the form of a running commentary.

[Ramses II CP]

Strator Vissarionas ek Lesvou strides into the common entrance of the Hippodrome with some confidence and an uplifted nose. A rather foolish looking cap is pulled down in what he clearly thinks is a rakish manner over his forehead, but a hint of a scar can be seen protruding beneath it onto his forehead. He is immediately swarmed by a small army of petty merchants, all shouting the superiority of their wares and offering everything from meat pies to crude flags in the colors of the teams. The young man is taken somewhat aback, and rather than just push through he takes one of the men by the shoulder and loudly proclaims,

'Why as it happens I've come just for one of those red flags chased in blue! Here, here, let's clear a space and step aside so we can conduct our business in peace!'

The horde slowly breaks up, with many disgusted and disgruntled looks at their luckier brother. Eventually, after a brief bit of haggling, Vissarionas hands over a few coins and takes the miniature red flag. A careful watcher, or one familiar with the Hippodrome, will note that he was significantly overcharged for the crude little construct. Looking about Vissarionas picks a direction and starts walking, climbing a set of stairs and eventually emerging into the stands above the main stadium.

At first his facade of noble indifference holds up, but as his eyes sweep from end to end, taking in the glorious statues and the sheer scale of the structure a faint look of awe comes over him. For many minutes Vissarionas can be seen just standing there, taking it all in with wide eyes and an open face. Eventually his gaze narrows, and he begins to seek out grounds more appropriate to a noble...

[Ituralde]

Pavlos is in a bad mood. The way he is violently chewing on a peanut is one indication of this. Another is the scar that runs from the left corner of his mouth down across his chin and neck, making the left half of his face appear to be set in constant disgruntlement. The third indicator would be the dark look he is casting across the room where he is laying sprawled on a divan, enjoying the cool shade of this recluse for the Senators, the din of the crowd outside muted.

Attacking a second peanut ferociously he doesn't even spare a glance to the youngling entering, choosing instead to follow his own brooding thoughts.

[Ferret]

Hypatios makes striaght for the Nobles' box. On his way he sees a man agressively destroying a peanut and chuckles. He also notices that everyone else in the box has a scar on their face somewhere and mutters to himself

Must just be bad fighters...

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios takes a break from the swearing ceremonies in the Order chambers to come and check out the Hippodrome. Mid-twenties with flowing blonde hair, the man strides through the market. He is adorned with a small scar on his face from when a Turkish sword nailed his helmet too hard and shards broke off. He is dressed simply and plainly and wears a plain white cape with a purple Orthodox cross on it.

Strolling up to a stand, the young noble asks for tea. While standing there, he feels his cape move slightly. With the moves of a veteran, his hand shoots down and grabs the wrist of a small boy who was attempting to lift the Comes's change purse. Expecting a beating, the boy cowers. Makedonios lets go of the boys wrist, purchases a small plate of dates, and hands it to the boy. Patting him on the head, Makedonios walks away with his tea. The boy just stands there in shock and munches on a date.

Makedonios walks around looking for a good place to sit. He sees a noble box at the far end that is out of the way from some of the hustle and bustle. The box is empty and he takes a seat, puts his feet up, and sips his tea. Makedonios sees Vissarionas looking for a seat and waves at the young Strator to come join him.

[00jebus]

After securing a room at a nearby inn, Lisas heads straight to the hippodrome, making a bee-line for the nobles box as child attempts to take his coin purse, though aware, Lisas allows this to happen as he floats into the box and orders some wine, leaving behind a dissapointed child who now owns one empty sack.

Sunlight shines on his boyish face as he pulls out his real coinpurse and orders some wine, the barman looks slightly annoyed at serving someone so young before passing over Lisas' prefered vintage.

Impressed and slightly intimidated by the battle scars of the other patrons, he takes a table in the corner by himself, and pulls out a small book detailing how to judge a chariot team before a race starts

[Cecil XIX]

Armatos enters the Hippodrome, eager to check out this magnifient facility. So sooner has he entered then he is mobbed by a dozen pickpockets. Despite his best efforts, by the time they are gone his money is missing. Armatos quickly leaves with a scowl on his face.

[Andres]

The noise of the cheering crowd woke up Savvas.

He felt terrible and quietly left the Hippodrome.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Tarasios Sarantinos and Eftsratios Monomachos enter the Hippodrome after the crowd has begun to disperse.

"So, Tarasios, this is your first time in the Hippodrome, I take it? There's no reason to be afraid. Basically it's just a big building with chariot races. The crowd is almost gone."

-"But mister Monomachos, I could hear the race from a mile away and the crowds are just so loud! It makes me tremble!" said the boy in a cracking voice.

"Stay by me, lad. There's nothing to fear. It's important that you go out and see the world instead of remain at home. There's so much you're missing out on... races, gladiator matches, festivals, auctions down at the marketplace, dances.... girls..."

-"Girls make me nervous, sir!"

"Yes, well they used to make me nervous as well. But I eventually got over that and became a real ladies' man. I could tell you stories, my lad, about all the adventures I've had with women. During the wars, I would happen upon many a widow who needed the comforting hand of a strong, virile man."

-"Gosh, that sounds exciting. A little too exciting if you ask me!"

As they near the lowest rows, one of the horses makes a loud whinnying sound and gallops a bit too close to the stands. Tarasios jumps at the sudden fright.

"Calm down my lad, the horses can't hurt you. In order to become a man, you must open your mind to trying new things. That's why I've taken you to this place; to expand your horizons."

-"I know, but large powerful animals make me nervous. And crowds. And big buildings. And loud noises."

"That will pass in time, my boy. If you're ever going to become the lady-killer that I am, you'll need to take your dates out for a good time. They won't like it if you shy away from the exciting places. Have you ever courted a young lady, lad?"

-"Yes, once. But it didn't go well."

"I see... what went wrong?"

-"She tried to kiss me and I panicked. I ran off into the woods and got lost. Now I am afraid of trees, too."

Efstratios sighed and shook his head, laughing at the whole situation. He cared about the youth, because he served with his father on the front lines until that fateful day when he was killed by the lawless criminals who rebelled against the Empire. Watching his best friend die at the hands of political idealists was the hardest moment of his life, and so he vowed to keep an eye on his friend's son. The poor lad grew up with his mother and she was a bit overprotective of him. Now he was frightened of the world.

"In time, you will get over your fears, son. Just stick with me and I'll show you what it means to be a man."

Efstratios gave the youth's shoulder a good hearty slap, which caused him to jump. Efstratios felt bad, but also laughed at the sight.

Then he looked up to the upper levels and saw... something incredible.



An image of beauty.... so unlike any he had ever seen before. She was an angel, radiant and warm, dressed in the finest royal fabrics, and she carried herself with the grace and poise of royalty. She was perfectly proportioned with flawless skin and beautiful eyes. Her hair, long and flowing, shimmered in the sunlight.

Efstratios stopped dead in his tracks, and his jaw dropped. Tarasios Sarantios turned around to see his friend staring up at the Royal booth, eyes locked in a trance.

"What's wrong, Heff?" said the lad, referring to Efstratios' nickname.

....

"HEFF???"

Efstratios' look of awe turns to sadness as the angel leaves the booth, apparently disinterested in remaining now that the race is over. His face reveals his indescribable desire for this woman... what was her name? He had to know who this angel was. He immediately turned around and headed for the entrance of the Hippodrome to try to catch up with her.

Tarasios whimpered and chased after him, afraid to be left alone in such a frightening place.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Efstratios exited the Hippodrome but he recalled that the kathisma is linked directly to the Royal Palace, and it seemed unlikely that he would be able to catch the charming woman of royalty he spotted earlier.

Tarasios was only now beginning to catch up.

-"Ef.... Efstratios! Wait! You just ditched me back there!" huffed the young man, who was out of breath.

"Sorry, my young friend.... but I've never seen a woman that extraordinary before. When a woman like that comes along, it strengthens my faith in God that he is omnipresent and merciful, and an unbelievable craftsman. Such an equisite angel can only be the creation of the Lord God. The hand of man will never create anything so fantastic."

-"You left me alone in a loud place filled with wild horses and strange men and awful food! I was so scared!" the young man said in a trembling voice.

"She is a goddess, Tarasios... she could make an army of men march straight off a cliff into the ocean if she would just command it. She is radiant, beautiful, delicate, and oh so feminine!"

-"Women like that intimidate me! I'm scared!" said Tarasios.

"God must be testing me, my young friend, to present before me such an elusive beauty... I must have her, Taras. I won't be able to go on with my life until I meet this extraordinary woman. I can't get her out of my mind... she is just so... so..." Efstratios could no longer find the words, he was overcome by the most powerful love he had ever felt.

-"Snap out of it, Heff! You're starting to scare me! Aren't you listening to me at all???"

"I know what I must do. I must sneak inside the Royal Palace. We are going to need supplies. Rope, grappling hooks, poisoned darts to put the palace guards to sleep, we will need to steal their armour and locate the master key."

-"HEFF!!! I don't want to sneak into the Palace! It's too dangerous! I'm frightened!!!"

"Once we are inside the main hall, we can sneak into the library, where we can find a list of all the current residents of the Palace. Surely her name must be on the list, and if we can just narrow down where she's staying then perhaps maybe I can call out to her from below her balcony, and sing to her and recite a poem... no, a sonnet! I will need a lute. And I'm going to need far more exquisite clothing. Tarasios, it will be your task to 'borrow' some fine linens for me to wear from the greatest clothing merchant in the city. Then, we will need to collect some flowers... no, hundreds of them..."

Tarasios slapped Efstratios in the face

"What?"

-"Get a grip on yourself, Heff! I can't go stealing expensive clothing from the merchants at the Great Market! And you're a Senator, for the love of Christ, you can't be caught sneaking into the Royal Palace or you could be executed for trespassing and high treason!"

Efstratios winked at the young man. "I never said I'd get caught, my lad."

[AussieGiant]

The young Saracen Officer was taking coffee with his uncle just outside the Hippodrome, both men savouring the strong aroma in the afternoon sun.

"Uncle, all I've heard from men leaving the Hippodrome is this lady called Anna Komenus. Her name seems to be on the lips of every man in this city. Is she somehow significant beyond all others?"

The spray of hot coffee that shot though his uncles nose was enough to illicit a slightly confused look from the normally composed youth. After some moments drying himself off his uncle was composed enough to finally reply.

"Indeed Apionnas, she is rather more significant that most women. She is the daughter of our Basileus. That's the equivalent of a Sultan from your perspective boy...whoever gains her hand in marriage will be part of the royal family and will hold a significant amount of influence. The fact that she is an exquisite creature and a woman of breeding simply adds to her charms."

Putting down his coffee the young man leaned back in his chair and gazed over his uncles shoulder.

Turning finally at what was distracting his young nephew, the uncle saw immediately what the commotion on the steps of the Hippodrome was.

There serenely walking down the steps was Anna Komenus herself surrounded by a number of men and guards.

"That's her my boy, in all her glory."

"Indeed uncle, that does seem to be her. I'll agree she is pretty but has no man seen the harem of the Egyptian Sultan? I'd wager she wouldn't even be considered marriage material if it was just her looks that were to be considered.

She must have many skills over and above what I can see."

The young man raised an amused eyebrow as his uncle's second cup of coffee sprayed itself onto an adjacent table.

The attending waiter could only look on in horror as chaos erupted all around him.

[TinCow]

Citizens and Senators! Men and Women! Old and Young! The wheels are oiled, the horses are restless, and the charioteers need to get paid! That’s right, it’s racing time!

To commemorate the election of the new Megas Logothetes, who ever that unlucky fellow may be, you are all invited to witness the spectacle, the glory, and possibly, the tragedy, of a grand four horse chariot race this Wednesday, July 2nd.

The Blue Faction will be trying to follow up their glorious victory in the last race. Leading the dominant Blue Team, as always is the ever popular Constans Kaspax! His bravery and daring in the last race are still matched only his honor and virtue. Never was a charioteer a better role model for all men, high and low. We expect much from the great Kaspax and he will surely not disappoint!

The Blue Faction’s Red Team returns being led by the surprising Longinius Nicerite. This man may be short in stature, but not in skill! In his debut race, he gave the mighty Green Team a serious scare. Since then his fans have affectionately dubbed him Caesarus Minimus! Let’s hope this nickname is enough to counteract his continuing tendency to perform poorly in the closing laps.

For the Green Faction, Falkon Xerus will once again be leading the Green Team. The last race was a great disappointment for this renowned racer, and he is out for to prove himself worthy of being his Faction’s primary charioteer. Will his string of bad luck continue or will he finally manage to regain the triumphs that he became famous for so many years ago? The Fates themselves may have to conspire against him, if they are hope to stop his mighty chariot, Bellisarus!

The Green Faction’s White Team has gone through great turmoil since Phocas Dandalo’s total failure in his first race. The young man had such great promises that many prominent Greens bet heavily on him. It seems that his total rout caused something of an uproar amongst the men who had previously backed the Whites. Indeed, the old owner himself has gone bankrupt and has been bought out by Senator Michail Arianitis, son of a wealthy merchant and the head of the House of the Tepaki! Under the young Senator’s leadership, Dandalo was sacked and is rumored to be working a galley between Smyrna and Rhodes. In his place, Arianitis has managed to recruit an incredible protégé…

Citizens and Senators, it is my sincere pleasure to introduce you to Magnentius Ferro! The scion of a wealthy merchant family himself, this young man spent years studying in the finest academies in Greece. Yet, instead of commerce, he has devoted his keen mind toward the art of chariot racing! Such a talented man has rarely been seen in any arena in the world. Like Dandalo, he has a tendency to drive his team hard. However, he is not the reckless brute that his predecessor was, indeed he is exceedingly cautious while overtaking and has never once suffered a collision. At the same time, he has mastered the reigns and is rumored to be as strong a starter as the great Constans Kaspax! With his vigorous whipping of the horses he will be a formidable contender in the opening laps. Yet, all is not brute force and strength for this young man. No! Much of his education was devoted to the study of ethics and morality. He is an honest man through and through, and takes great care to congratulate his opponents. Indeed, Magnentius Ferro is such a talented youth that success seems almost certain for him.

Yet, as we all know, anything can happen in the Hippodrome. The only things that are certain are that there will be excitement, surprises, danger, and, most of all, GLORY! Come one, come all, to the Hippodrome on Wednesday, July 2nd to witness this magnificent spectacle!

[TinCow]

Take your seats! Take your seats! The wondrous spectacle of the Hippodrome is once again about to unfold before your very eyes. The world is envious of you, oh great citizens of Constantinople, for you are about to witness the greatest form of entertainment in the known world!

The horses are in the starting gates, and they are raring to go. Crowded in, four-abreast, they are anxious to give the race of their lives. Give three cheers for your favorite charioteers!

For the Blue Team, Constans Kaspax!
For the Red Team, Longinius Nicerite!
For the Green Team, Falkon Xerus!
For the White Team, Magnentius Ferro!

The Starter is waiting for approval from the Kathisma… and he has it! The signal has been given AND THE RACE IS ON!

And what a start it is! They are so close, it’s almost a maelstrom on the opening stretch… it’s impossible to see who has taken the lead! Blue, Red, and White are all jumbled together, trying to break out, with only Falkon Xerus falling behind the pack. But wait, no, Constans Kaspax, the veteran has pulled into a clear lead and it seems… Yes! Magnentius Ferro has managed to outmaneuver the Red Dwarf for the second spot!

And he’s not stopping! No, ladies and gentlemen, Magnentius Ferro, in his first race in the Hippodrome, is charging hard for the lead on the opening lap! What skill, what vigor! I have never seen its equal! AND HE’S PASSED! Magnentius Ferro has taken the lead with a swift, clean attack that did not even risk a collision! And what is this?! Constans Kaspax is in a vulnerable spot after the pass, and the Red Dwarf is exploiting it! Yes, Longinius Nicerite has followed Ferro through the gap and into second place! Both secondary teams are leading the race, what an unexpected start!

Never before, ladies and gentlemen, never before have I seen such a fire in the secondary teams. This is an incredible spectacle! In first and second, White and Red continue to battle for the lead. Little Nicerite knows his late-race weakness and he is obviously trying to compensate for it now, because he is still charging hard. Ferro is whipping as hard as he can, be cannot fend off this blazing bolt coming at him! Nicerite is past! The Red Dwarf leads the race!

Into the third lap now, and the primary teams are not giving up by any means. Falkon Xerus has been struggling to recover from that horrendous start, and old Kaspax is in his way! Not for long, it seems. Xerus, is pushing on his Blue counterpart, a wide swing around to the right… Kaspax sees it and moves to block and… NO! Xerus swerves back and dives close into Kaspax’s left, passing him with barely a hand’s breath to spare between the axles! What a move! A well deserved third place advancement for the Pride of the Green Faction, and within striking distance of the freshman Ferro.

At the mid-point in the race, the new charioteer is beginning to lose some of his steam… his movements look far less comfortable than they did at the beginning and his horses are looking fatigued from their early, strenuous efforts. It seems the White Team got their color by whipping their horses until they had no more blood left in their bodies! Xerus is pushing hard on the flagging Ferro… yes, it looks like… NO, from behind! Xerus is so taken with pushing on Ferro that he hasn’t seen Kaspax coming for him! The Blue charioteer is not content with last place and he’s determined not to be there for long! And he’s passed! Constans Kaspax has regained third place, right behind the junior Blue Faction charioteer! What an error by Xerus, an embarrassment really. He was so caught up in his own advancement that he ignored the threat completely.

Kaspax is determined to move into the top two spots as well! No third place for a great racer like him… but Ferro sees him. Much wiser, this neophyte is, than his elder counterpart. Kaspax is driving hard and he’s maneauvering to pass Ferro. Ferro has nowhere to go! He’s blocked by the tiny Nicerite who is making his chariot huge! Kaspax will surely overtake him now. Yes, and he’s… IMPOSSIBLE! Ferro has escaped! He’s avoided Kaspax’s attack by overtaking Nicerite! That was one of the mot incredible moves I have ever seen! He was boxed in by Red, being charged Blue, and his horses were visibly flagging, yet he dodged to the right and put on a burst of speed like I have never seen before! What a natural racer this man is!

As they round into the sixth lap, Kaspax is hot in pursuit of his quarry! Nicerite is barely even a bother to him as he relentlessly pursues the White chariot. Yes! The Red Dwarf is shrinking back to his old size, perhaps frightened by the visage of his senior charioteer to the rear. And Kaspax has moved into second! He’s done it! Blue is following White at the front and what a battle it is!

This is it, ladies and gentlemen! The last lap and Kaspax and Ferro are going at it with all they’ve got! The White horses look like they’re about to drop dead, they’ve been driven so hard! Only his driving skill is keeping Kaspax behind him and at this rate he won’t be able to do it for… THE RED DWARF RETURNS! Nicerite is a brave little bastard indeed! Kaspax is so focused on victory that he’s completely ignored the Red Team behind him! Nicerite passes easily on the left! What a feat for a man has difficulty in the late laps! Kaspax is irate! Look at him! Oh my, you can bet those are less than chivalrous words coming out of his mouth now! And his anger is going to cost him! Falkon Xerus is taking the same path as the Pocket Rocket! He’s coming up on Kaspax’s left and there’s nothing in his way! Kaspax is going to be shut into last place and… OH THE FATES! Falkon Xerus has hit a rock and swerved heavily! He had third place secured easily, but the jolt has nearly overturned his chariot and he’s struggling just to keep it on course!

And that’s it! The race is over and the new White Team charioteer has won!

In first place, for the Green Faction and White Team, Magnentius Ferro!
In second place, for the Blue Faction and Red Team, Longinius Nicerite!
In third place, for the Blue Faction and Blue Team, Constans Kaspax!
In last place, for the Green Faction and Green Team, Falkon Xerus!

What an amazing turn of events, spectators. Such a brilliant performance has rarely been seen from a new charioteer. Magnentius Ferro has exceeded all expectations. Senator Michail Arianitis must be very pleased with his protégé. And great applause is also due to the Red Dwarf himself, Longinius Nicerite! What a performance for the little man and a very well deserved second place. The Blue Faction should be very pleased to have such a strong and unexpected performance from their secondary team. At the same time, this has been a bitterly disappointing race for supporters of the primary teams. Constans Kaspax put in a very good effort, but was simply out-raced by the lesser teams. Falkon Xerus should be embarrassed to show his face after today’s performance. He’s becoming more well known for his current failures and bad luck than for his past glories which are now quickly fading behind a curse of ineptitude.

[pevergreen]

Throughout the race Michail had been watching his racer closely. When he won, Michail jumps to his feet with a whoop and rushes down to congratulate Magnentius.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Upon entering the Hippodrome, the following message is noticed by all, or at least, all those who are literate:

Be careful at whom you direct your ire at, Basileus. As the Patriarch is the Representative of the Lord here on Earth, the man you have just banned from the Magnaura is the Representative of the Patriarch.

[pevergreen]

Having read these words, although missing the throwing out/banning part of this obviously interesting debate Michail laughs to himself at the uppity attitude of this representative. Michail is getting impatient for another Chariot Race. Michail fancies taking a bet up on his team this time.

[Andres]

Kristophoros, Savvas' loyal bodyguard, heard the words of the Patriarchal representative and quickly left the Hippodrome, knowing that his master would certainly be interested in this public display of rivalry between the Patriarch and the Basileus.

[pevergreen]

Michail enters the Hippodrome, and seeing it almost deserted apart from the few drunks that had no place to sleep, Michail ventures forth to the most sober person he can see around.

"Dear friend, may I enquire as to the time of the next race? This used to be such a lively lot."

The man points out he is the Co-Ordinator of this Hippodrome.

"I dont know, Senator" guessing rank by the clothes, the man continues "My benefactor has recently gone missing so I find myself without funding to hold another race. My children will soon be starving."

"It's Comes actually," Michail corrects, "but we cant have your children starving. I detest poverty. I'm born into a lower class such as yourself, but you can make a name for yourself dear friend. Now, I shall see what I can do about this lack of a benefactor. If I find anything, I shall send my man George back down here. Good Den."

Michail exits the Hippodrome, but spying a hat he likes, takes it off the drunkard and continues on his way, only glancing over his shoulder to see if anyone saw the theft.

[Cecil XIX]

A hired speaker arrives in the Hippodrome to deliver an announcment.

"Lords of the Roman Empire, unite behind your true Basileos! I, Constantine Ksanthopoulos, declare my candidacy for Megas Logothetes!"

[Zim]

A very tired looking Voutoumatis steps into the Hippodrome. Throwing Sophianos' messenger a bemused glance he makes a beeline for the nearest spot wine is served, downing a glass and ordering another.

[TinCow]

Since the game is wrapping up, I thought I'd post my system for figuring out chariot races. As with all rule systems I write in the Throne Room, I consider this 'open source' and anyone can use it for anything they want. Formating is a bit off, since it was written in Word, but it looks legibile to me. Feel free to ask if you have any questions on how this works.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Chariot Racing Odds

Blue Faction: Blue Team (Primary), Red Team (Secondary)
Green Faction: Green Team (Primary), White Team (Secondary)
7 laps per race
All rolls are on a d6, unless noted otherwise

Race Events:
Order out of the Starting Gate:
• Order based on highest roll. Primary Teams get +1 to their rolls. Secondary Teams get -1 to their rolls. Ties roll again.

Odds of Overtaking chariot immediately in front on Each Lap:
• Primary Teams: 5 or 6
• Secondary Teams: 6
• Leading chariot does not roll.
• If overtaking is successful, roll for possible collision between chariots. Collision occurs on a 1 between hostile teams. Collisions occur on a 0 between friendly teams.

Effects of Collision:
1. On 1, overtaking chariot loses a wheel and is out of the race; roll a second time, if 1 or 2 is rolled, overtaking charioteer is killed.
2. On 2, the overtaking chariot is damaged or a horse is injured; overtaking is aborted and all future overtaking rolls require +1.
3. On 3, the overtaking chariot is forced to swerve badly, dropping it back a place from the spot it was before the overtaking began.
4. On 4, the leading chariot is forced to swerve badly, dropping it two places instead of one.
5. On 5, the leading is damaged or a horse is injured; dropping it to last place and all future overtaking rolls require +1.
6. On 6, leading chariot loses a wheel and is out of the race; roll a second time, if 1 is rolled again, leading charioteer is killed.

Odds of Cheating:
• Each faction rolls once at the start of each race. On a 6, the faction cheats.

Effects of Cheating:
1. On 1, charioteers attempts to whip any hostile charioteer who overtakes them. Success on 5 or 6, results in prevention of overtaking.
2. On 2, starting gate of one enemy chariot is jammed, putting them in last place out of the gate. Roll second time, on 1, 2, or 3 the Secondary chariot is effected, on 4, 5, or 6 the Primary chariot is effected.
3. On 3, starting gates of both enemy chariots are jammed, putting them in 3rd and 4th place out of the gate. Factions only compete with each other to determine complete starting order.
4. On 4, Primary chariot uses spiked wheel hubs. All overtaking rolls +1 to collision rolls. If collision occurs, reroll until the result damages the other chariot.
5. On 5, enemy team member bribed. Roll second time, on 1, 2, or 3 the Secondary enemy chariot is effected, on a 4, 5, or 6 the Primary enemy chariot is effected.
6. On 6, two enemy team members bribed, one affecting the Primary enemy chariot and one affecting the Secondary enemy chariot.

Effects of Team Member Bribery:
1. On 1, Horse Holder is bribed, dropping team back one place on start.
2. On 2, Encourager is bribed, making all overtaking rolls require +1.
3. On 3, Charioteer is bribed and will never take first place, also all overtaking rolls between friendly teams have +1 to collision rolls.
4. On 4, Pit-Stop Soaker is bribed, roll once on laps 4, 5, 6 & 7. On lap 4, roll of 6 results in fire. On lap 5, roll of 5 or 6 results in fire. On lap 6, roll of 4, 5, or 6 results in fire. On lap 7, roll of 3, 4, 5, or 6 results in fire. If fire, chariot is out of the race, roll again, if 1 or 2 is rolled, charioteer is killed.
5. On 5, Stable Worker is bribed to injure horse, making all overtaking rolls require +1. Every lap, roll to see if horse collapses; on 6, horse collapses, putting chariot out of the race. If horse collapses, roll again; on a roll 4, 5, or 6, charioteer is killed.
6. On 6, assassin is bribed to poison charioteer before the race, making all overtaking rolls require +1. Every lap, roll to see if charioteer dies; on 6, charioteer dies. If charioteer lasts the entire race, roll one final time; on 4, 5, or 6, charioteer dies after the race.

Charioteer Creation:
• Charioteer with best record gets the Primary team for his faction. If charioteers tied in record, charioteer who placed best last race gets Primary team.
• Charioteers who place 4th twice in a row, or who place 3rd or 4th three times in a row are replaced.
• Charioteers who die are replaced.
• For new charioteers roll. On 1 or 2 they have one trait. On 3 or 4 they have two traits. On 5 they have three traits. On 6 they have four traits. For each trait, roll once. 1 or 2 is a Negative Charioteer Trait. 3 or 4 is a Neutral Charioteer Trait. 5 or 6 is a Positive Charioteer Trait. The same traits can be taken multiple times with cumulative effects. Mutually exclusive traits cannot be held simultaneously, reroll if that would result.
• All new Charioteers also roll for one Background trait.
• After every two races, charioteers gain one trait.

Charioteer Traits:
Positive Charioteer Traits: (d10)
1. Fast out of the Gate: +1 to Order out of the Starting Gate rolls. (ME N1)
2. Sturdy Chariot: If collision occurs and effects charioteer, reroll once. (ME N2)
3. Intimidates Enemy Charioteer: +1 to Overtake rolls against one enemy team. Roll 1, 2 or 3 to effect Secondary team. Role 4, 5, or 6 to effect Primary team. (ME N3)
4. Strong Starter: +1 to Overtake rolls on laps 1 and 2. (ME N4)
5. Strong Finisher: +1 to Overtake rolls on laps 6 and 7. (ME N5)
6. Healthy: If charioteer loses a death roll, reroll once. (ME N6)
7. Lucky: May reroll an Overtaking, Collision, or Collision Effect die once per race. (ME N7)
8. Good with 4 Horse Teams: +1 to overtake rolls when using a 4 Horse Team. (ME N8)
9. Good with 2 Horse Teams: +1 to overtake rolls when using a 2 Horse Team. (ME N9)
10. Experienced Encourager: First collision to occur is completely avoided by both teams. (ME N10)

Negative Charioteer Traits: (d10)
1. Slow out of the Gate: -1 to Order out of the Starting Gate rolls. (ME P1)
2. Flimsy Chariot: If collision occurs and effects the other charioteer, reroll once. (ME P2)
3. Afraid of Enemy Charioteer: Enemy team gets +1 to Overtake rolls against charioteer. Roll 1, 2 or 3 to effect Secondary enemy team. Role 4, 5, or 6 to effect Primary enemy team. (ME P3)
4. Weak Starter: -1 to Overtake rolls on laps 1 and 2. (ME P4)
5. Weak Finisher: -1 to Overtake rolls on laps 6 and 7. (ME P5)
6. Unhealthy: If charioteer survives a death roll, reroll once. (ME P6)
7. Unlucky: The second time the charioteer wins an Overtaking or Collision Effect roll, reroll it. (ME P7)
8. Bad with 4 Horse Teams: -1 to Overtake rolls when using a 4 Horse Team. (ME P8)
9. Bad with 2 Horse Teams: -1 to Overtake rolls when using a 2 Horse Team. (ME P9)
10. Inexperienced Encourager: +1 to collision chance on the first collision roll. (ME P10)

Neutral Charioteer Traits:
1. Aggressive: +1 to all Collision rolls. (ME N2)
2. Cautious: -1 to all Collision rolls. (ME N1)
3. Drives Horses Hard: +1 to all Overtake rolls on laps 1, 2, and 3. Overtake rolls made against Charioteer on laps 5, 6, and 7 gain +1. (ME N4)
4. Easy on Horses: Overtake rolls made against Charioteer on laps 1, 2, and 3 gain +1. +1 to all Overtake rolls on laps 5, 6, and 7. (ME N3)
5. Corrupt Team: +1 to Odds of Cheating Rolls for faction. If enemy team cheats, reroll Effects of Cheating until 5 or 6 is rolled. (ME N6)
6. Honest Team: -1 to Odds of Cheating Rolls for faction. If enemy team cheats, reroll Effects of Cheating until 1, 2, 3, or 4 is rolled. (ME N5)

Background Charioteer Traits: (d20)
1. Young
2. Old
3. From Nobility
4. From Peasantry
5. Veteran Soldier
6. Non-Greek
7. Deformed
8. Handsome
9. Famous Racer
10. Complete Unknown
11. Devoted to the Basileus
12. Scorns the Basileus
13. Devout Orthodox
14. Scorns Religion
15. Bully
16. Kind
17. Intelligent
18. Stupid
19. Fat
20. Short

Active Charioteers:
Constans Kaspax
Blue Faction
Record: First (R1), Third (R2), Third (R3)
Background Trait: Kind
Charioteer Trait(s): Strong Starter, Honest Team, Easy on Horses

Longinius Nicerite
Blue Faction
Record: Third (R1), Second (R2), First (R3)
Background Trait: Short
Charioteer Trait(s): Weak Finisher, Lucky


Magnentius Ferro
Green Faction
Record: First (R2), Second (R3)
Background Trait: Intelligent
Charioteer Trait(s): Cautious, Honest Team, Drives Horses Hard, Strong Starter


Inactive/Dead Charioteers:
Phocas Dandalo (Fired)
Green Faction
Record: Fourth
Background Trait: Young
Charioteer Trait(s): Drives Horses Hard

Falkon Xerus (Retired due to losses)
Green Faction
Record: Second (R1), Fourth (R2), Fourth (R3)
Background Trait: Famous Racer
Charioteer Trait(s): Unlucky, Sturdy Chariot, Weak Starter


Unused Charioteer Names:
http://cunnan.sca.org.au/wiki/Byzantine_Names


Previous Races:
Race 1: 1081 AD:
2 Horse Race
1: Blue - Constans Kaspax
2: Green - Falkon Xerus
3: Red - Longinius Nicerite
4 White - Phocas Dandalo

Race 2: 1095 AD:
4 Horse Race
1: White - Magnentius Ferro
2: Red - Longinius Nicerite
3: Blue - Constans Kaspax
4: Green - Falkon Xerus

Race 3: 1132 AD:
4 Horse Race
1: Red - Longinius Nicerite
2: Green - Magnentius Ferro
3: Blue - Constans Kaspax
4: White - Falkon Xerus

[TinCow]

And here are the races that I ran:

Race 1:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

No cheating

Out of the Gate Order:
7 Blue
5 White
4 Red
2 Green

Lap 1:
Green overtakes Red

Blue
White
Green
Red

Lap 2:
White overtakes Blue

White
Blue
Green
Red

Lap 3:
Blue overtakes White – COLLISION – Blue Chariot damaged, overtaking aborted, future O rolls take +1

White
Blue
Green
Red

Lap 4:
Blue overtakes White
Red overtakes Green

Blue
White
Red
Green

Lap 5:
Red overtakes White (due to White tired horses)
Green overtakes White (due to White tired horses)

Blue
Red
Green
White

Lap 6:
Blue
Red
Green
White

Lap 7:
Green overtakes Red

Blue
Green
Red
White

Race 2:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1095 AD – 4 Horse race

No Cheating (Both teams have Honest charioteers)

Out of the Gate Order:

Blue 5
Red 5
Green 2
White 5

On reroll

Blue 6
Red 5
White 5
Green


On second reroll

Blue
Red 1
White 5
Green

Final Order:
Blue
White
Red
Green


Lap 1:
White overtakes Blue – No collision roll needed
Red overtakes Blue – No collision roll needed

White
Red
Blue
Green


Lap 2:
Red overtakes White

Red
White
Blue
Green


Lap 3:
Green overtakes Blue

Red
White
Green
Blue


Lap 4:
Blue overtakes Green

Red
White
Blue
Green


Lap 5:
White overtakes Red – No collision roll needed

White
Red
Blue
Green


Lap 6:
Blue overtakes Red

White
Blue
Red
Green


Lap 7:
Red overtakes Blue
Green overtakes White – Unlucky reroll results in failure to overtake

White
Red
Blue
Green

Race 3:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1132 AD – 4 Horse race

Green Faction, Green Team cheats (via pevergreen) with additional cheating of Green Team halting before finish line if he is in first place. – Whips all overtaking

Out of the Gate Order:

5 Blue
4 Green
3 White
2 Red

Lap 1:
Green overtakes Blue in dominating fashion (huge bonus)

Green
Blue
White
Red

Lap 2:
Blue overtakes Green, Green whips Blue but it does not stop overtaking.
COLLISION – Blue chariot damaged and horse injured. Overtaking is aborted and -1 to all future O rolls for Blue.

Green
Blue
White
Red

Lap 3:
White overtakes Blue
Red overtakes Blue

Green
White
Red
Blue

Lap 4:
No Change

Green
White
Red
Blue

Lap 5:
White overtakes Green, but fails by bad luck.

Green
White
Red
Blue

Lap 6:
Red overtakes White

Green
Red
White
Blue

Lap 7:
Red overtakes Green, Green lets Red go past him without much struggle.
Blue overtakes White

Red
Green
Blue
White

[Cecil XIX]

I'm impressed, Tincow.