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.

[flyd]

A tall, dark-haired man in plain clothes stands near by, reading the results of the previous race.

[TheFlax]

Some time later...

The Kathisma had been empty since the last race and since another one was not expected soon it was suprising to see Anna drift into view. She seemed out of place and confused, her hair loose and wearing informal clothing. Her soft pink tunica had three-quarter-lenght sleeves and was decorated with bands of beaded embroidery at the neckline and the upper arm. She also had a light blue woolen stole drapped over her shoulder, one end wrapped around the waist to form a girdle. Her head was simply adorned with a slim golden band.

Anna looked around the Kathisma, obviously searching for something. Her face was starting to show hints of irritation when she swiftly turned around, as if something had caught her attention. Slowly she backed herself to the railing of the Kathisma, following her a man came into view, dressed in plain servant's clothing. Closing the distance between them, the man raised a dagger. For a moment, the scene froze as both Anna and the man stared at each other.

Before he could strike, something bowled him over, knocking him into the Princess. Only a burly men in a red tunica got up. Issuing a call, he was soon joined by other men, apparently part of the varangian guard. Their presence soon blocked the view of any onlooker, and little could be seen as they carried the Princess and her would be killer away. Both were limp and sullied in blood, but it was nearly impossible to say who's blood it was.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This event can be seen from Anna's perspective in the stories thread.

[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.

[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.

[flyd]

A scribe known to be employed by the Office of the Megas Logothetes has been watching the race closely and taking notes. As soon as it was over, he quickly left the Hippodrome.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Hippodrome was empty ...

Only some birds were flying around ...

Efstathios sat on a seat near the racing track and looked at the ground.

"I am Senator," he said.

"I am finally a Senator," he said with a little bit louder.

"Now is the time to pay back to all those who have hurt our family!"

"Venetians, Turks, Egyptians, Normans - One day very soon they ALL will get their lesson not to mess with us!" he said with an anger in his voice.

He raised his head and you could see the determination in his eyes ..

He rose from his seat and started to walk towards the gate.

"Soon! Very soon!" he said quietly to himself while exiting the hippodrome..

[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.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Efstratios Monomachos is seen in the hippodrome, gazing past the races... looking up at that balcony. He seems to be remembering something from several years ago.

He walks out of the hippodrome, never to return.

[pevergreen]

The next morning, Michail rises early, moving for the first time in years, with a purpose. The Magnaura that had only finished a few weeks ago still seemed fresh in his mind.

Michail take up his pen and puts it to parchment:

"Let it be known throughout the Empire that the Tepaki are a House for Hire. By commandment of Lord Efstratios, The Ασημένιο ΓΕΡΑΚΙ shall function as meceneries until notified otherwise. In times without employment, the Ασημένιο ΓΕΡΑΚΙ shall follow their own orders."

Michail pins this notice directly over the Patriachs, quite enjoying himself as he does so.

Just before exiting, a muttering of "Slimy bugger got a holiday, should be organising races, not have a party." is heard.

[Ramses II CP]

A crowd gathers on the steps of the Hippodrome seemingly at random, but a curious look of determination and fervency can be seen sprinkled through the men of the group. Though there has been no announcement a ripple of anticipation runs through the crowd, and voices rise and swell discussing the day's news. At last a white haired man emerges from a group to one side and ascends to a small landing. As he clears his throat a hush grows, until in his immediate vicinity a pin could be heard to drop.

My Countrymen, it is well to see so many of you attend! Today I will again speak of...

The Society of Secret Muslims and their Brotherhood of Friends!

Alas my fellow citizens it is a dark day for the Empire. A black cloud hangs over the city, and passersby speak of strange events. On my way here I was told that a plague of toads fell from the skies over Nicaea, and strange illnesses afflicted the gate wards at the great western gate of our own fair city. Tidings and imports of great concern, truly!

The speaker pauses here to shake his head in sadness, and many in the crowd gaze warily at the clouds overhead. Breathing deeply and visibly gathering his will, the man at last carries on with his speech.

Weep for the Empire on this day, good sirs, for on this day the Secret Muslims and their allies have won a great and terrible victory. They won it not on the battlefield, where the courage of noble Orthodox soldiers stands uncontested. Nor on the seas, where our fleets dominate the trade lanes. No, today they worked their hideous will in our very Senate chamber!

Again the speaker pauses, and again he hangs his head and looks to the side. A murmur runs through the crowd, but before it can swell his voice rises once more, though it yet conveys weariness.

You will recall, will you not, that my sad duty before was to inform your noble selves that none other than Caesar Ioannis was one of the serpents in the darkest Order of Secret Muslims? You will recall, will you not, that I begged you to take note of his disgusting habit of rubbing his crescent tattoo beneath his foul garmets? You will recall, will you not, that I warned he marched to pour poison into the ears of our senators, of our very Emperor?

A third time there is a pause, but this time the speaker holds the crowd's gaze, and every man can read in his eyes what his thoughts are; not of sadness but of anger.

So it has come to pass! I have learned that today, just before the close of the Senate session, the Emperor himself proposed an edict all but exiling the pious Patriarch of Constantinople to the as yet unconquered city of Alexandria, best known as the final resting place of Crusader Kosmas Mavrozomis. Let me read you the text of this new law:

Edict 4.5: Patriarch Nicholas III will be transferred to the newly recreated Patriarchate of Alexandria. (The remainder of the text is omitted, whether by calculation or because of insuffucient information it is impossible to tell)

I ask you, good Romans, whose ends could this serve but those of the Secret Brotherhood? I ask you, to whose benefit will this work, if not those cowardly Muslims sneaking amongst us spreading their filth and disease? Without our Patriarch they will have a free hand to spew lies on every corner, and the weakest among us will follow that snake, the Caesar, into iniquity! I ask you, yes, you, venerable parishoners of Orthodoxy, would you have God's voice cast out of your city and exiled to a miserable Fatamid hole?

The speaker's eyes have widened, and his voice has quickened, so that the close of his speech is delivered in a rush of passionately spoke words, and most of the crowd is carried along with him.

The Emperor, may God shelter and guide him, has been misled. Out of love for his wayward son he has proposed an unjust law, but it is not the way of Romans to stand aside and let injustice pass over them! Make your voices heard, make your will known, make your Patriarch safe in this, his holy city!

So says,

Isaeus the Truthspeaker

OOC: Not quite as roly-poly as the first one, but the idea of using the Hippodrome got into my head so I had to put something out there.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Efstathios walked passes the Hippodrome and when hearing the speech he stops to listen it..
After the speech is over he says with a loud voice to himself..

The Patriarch is going to Egypt?? What a surprise!! He smiles..
I hope he gets there in one piece. It would be most unfortunate if something would happen to him. Efstathios started to chuckle..
I hope my vote in the Magnaura helps to get him there! But perhaps after I have left from Alexandria!
Efstathios starts to laugh and leaves from the Hippodrome..

[pevergreen]

Michail walks through the Hippodrome, testing the point of his dagger on this thumb.
"I really am going to have to kill that man one day."

After looking wistfully in the direction of the actual racing arena, Michail leaves.

[Ramses II CP]

On the wide stone steps leading up to the Hippodrome a man begins to speak. His voice is not the loudest in the area, for an event has just been completed within and there are many conversations ongoing as people exit. He has no retinue present to draw attention, and it is apparent that his speech was not prepared ahead of time. Even with all of that a group gathers around him to hear his words, and not long into his speech men are shushing one another at the edges of the crowd to listen.

Brothers, sisters, Romans!

A dark cloud forebodes along the horizon! Black acts and dark deeds hidden in the night threaten the very fabric of Rome! Brothers please, turn to me with your ears and your mind, for I must warn you of a terrible peril. I alone can carry news of the coming disaster, of the plague which will be spread by the pox laden hands of...

A suitably dramatic pause draws much attention to the speaker.

...The Society of Secret Muslims and their Brotherhood of Friends!

Oh it is a terrible day for the Empire! Mourn for the coming cataclysm! Weep for the lives that will fall under the reaper's scythe!

It is true, quite true, that there have been victories. Alexandria was taken for the Empire, yes, and Cairo may already have fallen as well. The Crusaders have carried the word of God and the swords of truth against the infidel, and done well!

It is also true, quite true, that the Grandmaster of the Order and his noble knights have once against crushed a jihad army by killing it's leader. Yes, indeed, for the third time the ill equipped armies of the pious Order have been favored by God to destroy a jihad!

Alas, it is also true, quite true, that a jihad army is even now in range to threaten Constantinople! That same army which has, from the start, been sponsored by a man high in the Council of Secret Muslims. The very same man who watched that army march past him and raised no hand to oppose it.

Caesar Ioannis Komnenos!

That snake, creeping through the confidences of the Emperor, who misled our noble leader into exiling the Patriarch of our great city. That beast who ever plots harm for good Orthodox citizens and unceasingly strips soldiers from the front for his own power mad games. That vile, iniquitious dog licking at the heels of his true Saracen masters!

The poor Emperor, blind with trust for his undeservedly beloved son, cannot see that his boy coordinates this assault for his own convenience. Cannot see that the only possible way the jihad army could know exactly how far to march to prevent the Emperor from being able to ride out and oppose them was to have had the Caesar himself tell them the range! He cannot even see that the Caesar plots insurrection and bloody vengeance!

God preserve the Emperor, who, despite his failing health and greatly advanced age, shows at least the courage to seek battle with the enemy! Alas, he does not see that his son sent these infidel dogs to slaughter his own father, cannot see that the Caesar even now plans to join forces with them when they lay siege to Constantinople itself! Pity the Emperor who so loves his misbegotten child that he must look past that boy's desperate struggles to destroy all he worked for, all he accomplished!

My good fellows, my great friends, I speak here today at great risk to my own life only to say that you must be wary. Watch most carefully for the days to come, and do not let your faith flag no matter what ill acts the Secret Muslims may perform! A hero has arisen, I say, a hero who can set things right and strike down the snakes.

Look to the east, Romans, for your salvation. Out of the sun over the sea shall he come! Watch for his coming, praise his name, for at his side God and Patriarch ride to preserve the Empire and cast down the infidel!

So says,

Isaeus the Truthspeaker

By the end of his speech there are hundreds listening, and word of mouth carries his tale to many ears in many cities of the Empire. Always there are those who disparage his words and mock him, and always there are those who believe him entirely, but few indeed are those who shrug off the story without comment.

[TinCow]

People of Byzantium! Prepare yourselves for the greatest race ever to grace the most magnificent arena in the entire known world!

This is not just a race, it is a trial! A determination of honor and right, as decided upon by the wisest man to ever rule the Roman people. All hail Basileus Aleksios Komnenos!

The most just and righteous Emperor has decreed that the feud between Methodios Tagaris and Nikiphoros Manouelitis will be settled in the Old Style. One race, with both Senators selection teams to champion their positions. The winner will gain not only the honor of a victory in the Hippodrome, but complete, undisputed ownership over the entire city of Scopia! Truly an amazing award for whoever is victorious.

The Basileus has himself decreed that the chariot teams be divided up into pairs by Methodios Tagaris, with Nikiphoros Manouelitis selecting which of the teams he wishes to take first. These Senators are advised to note that while it is possible to place your faith in a mixed pair, the notorious and centuries-old rivalry between the Blue Faction and the Green Faction will not die easily. Mixed teams may result in intense competition between supposedly 'friendly' charioteers!

The Blue Faction will once again have its dominant Blue team lead by Constans Kaspax. His last performance was not very good, but he remains the most experienced driver amongst the Blues. Rumors have it that his recent loss has caused him to redouble his training, and he is now pursuing a new tactic of going easy on his horses in the opening laps. Such a bold move may pay off, as his strong starting skills could well compensate for the less vigorous driving in the early laps, and towards the end of the race his horses will surely have more energy than his opponents.

The Red Team has long been the minor Blue Faction team, but under Longinius Nicerite it has once again gained fame and repute in its own right. His incredible performance in the last race, and his ability to shake off his reputation as a poorly trained dwarf have some men whispering that he has the luck of the Old Gods on his side. While such rumors are blatantly heretical, there is no doubt that Short Longinius is not a man to be counted out in any race!

There has been a great shake-up in the Green Faction. After his stunning victory in his first race in the Hippodrome, Magnentius Ferro has been given control of the primary Green Team chariot! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Senator Michail Arianitis's protégé is now the master of the Greens! His intelligence and skill is now well-known, but was his victory just a fluke? Can the newest charioteer replicate his performance, or will he go down in flames as a one-win-wonder? We will find out soon enough!

The Green Faction's White Team is now in complete disarray! It is now on it's third charioteer in three races. Falkon Xerus, the former primary charioteer for the Greens has been demoted and the disgrace is surely complete for this most famous of men. Some say that he is a broken man and has reached the end of his career, and that his depression has even hurt his skills, making him weak off of the start. Still, the mighty chariot Bellisarus is his and his alone, and perhaps this once great charioteer can regain some of his now long-lost glories. Anything can happen here in the Hippodrome!

So, ladies and gentlemen, citizens and Senators, do not miss the most exciting race to have ever graced this mighty arena! We wait now for the Senators to make their choices. First, Methodios Tagaris must divide the charioteers up into two teams, then Nikiphoros Manouelitis must select which of these teams he wishes to be his champions. When this is completed, the most magnificent and glorious Basileus, Aleksios Komnenos, will himself address the crowd and signal for the start of the race! Do not miss it, or you will bring shame and disgrace on your family for all eternity!

[_Tristan_]

Methodios enters the Hippodrome. He can be seen in hushed conversation with one of the Hippodrome officials, though nobody can get near enough to hear anything said between the two men. Some minutes later, Varangians stand apart to admit Methodios to the Kathisma.

Bowing to the Basileos, Methodios walks forward to stand at the edge of the box. Resting his hands on the railing, he loudly makes an announcement.

"People of the Empire, you are here to witness the trial of a dispute between Senator Manouelitis and myself over the ownership of Scopia.

By the rules set by our most revered Emperor, I am the one to choose how teams are to be composed.

I am known to be an iconoclast, someone who breaks rules, who stands apart from the pack...

People of Rome, I will not fail you...

I have chosen to split the ancestral factions...

The prominent teams of Blues and Greens will be associated, with the "secondary" teams of Reds and Whites running together.

I hope this will offer us the great event you all have been expected.

May the best man win."

With a bow to the Basileos, Methodios leaves the Kathisma and is seen mingling among the crowds.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Theo walks in to the Hippodrome and looks around to find a seat for himself. It's been a long time since there was a race and people are coming from all over the Empire to be witness this event. And Theo is no different. Finally he manages to get through crowed and heads towards private seats. Seeing one open he takes a seat and opens his bottle of wine.

This will be interesting. No matter who wins. If not then I'll propose an Edict that says "All Senators must wear toga and have to race every year". Cheers!

Laughing over his Edict to come Theo takes a sip from his bottle.

[Warmaster Horus]

Nikiphoros, who had gone to the Hippodrome immediately after hearing the Basileus proclaim the race, had been immersed in scrolls and parchment, all of which were in relation to the performances and odds of the four teams. He'd gone down to see the horses, meet the trainers, meet the racers. He'd spoken to professionals, to people who brought home food thanks to their betting. Finally, a few sycophants dedicated to one team had shouted loudly in his ear to support the good one. He'd had a headache for some time, too.
Eventually, he realised there was no way for him to adequately judge the teams. He'd spoken to the pros, but everyone had a different opinion. The trainers and racers were obviously biased, and the bookmakers too. Tiring of this, Nikiphoros went to the Kathisma. The Guard moved to let him enter, and he made his announcement:

"People of Constantinople...

When I heard Senator Tagaris had chosen to sack Alexandria, to break the laws, to kill thousands of people, I was outraged. When I realized the rest of the Senate was not going to act, I was incensed. This is why I connived to bring Tagaris to justice. My conduct has brought us here, and my conduct was fuelled by one thing: the desire to avenge the poor people of Alexandria, those who'd once been part of our Empire, those who'd been mistreated by the Egyptians, those who'd adhered to the Muslim faith by obligation.

People of the Empire...

By standing up for the people of Alexandria, I stood up for those no one else would. I stood up for the underdog, so to speak. This is why I will choose to take the Reds and Whites. One is rumored to be lead by a pagan, the other team has not been successful of late...
But I will let them stand up for justice!

I could have taken the easy way out, I could have given Tagaris what he wanted. But I did not!
Here too, I could take the easy way out. I could have chosen the more popular charioteers. But I will not!
I place my faith and that of the people of Alexandria in the Reds and the Whites.

May the best teams win..."

Finally leaving the Kathisma, Nikiphoros goes to a Hippodrome official, and says:
"Sir, it is done. I will support the Reds and the Whites, and Tagaris will have the Blues and the Greens."

[Smowz]

Nevoulas ek Philadelphias is unaccustomed to such events - however he simply could not afford to miss out on such a spectacle. His opinion of both men was very much in the balance, on one side was the legendary scoundrel himself Methodios and on the other side was the sneaky proud Nikiphoras.

Both men had stood up for what they believed and the unorthodox way of sorting this out had caught the imagination of the empire. Indeed Nevoulas was now gathered with well respected peoples from both his province in the Balkans and indeed from newly inherited Markinople. Where better to start to discuss matters of state then at this grand affair.

Nevoulas looks down on the track and notices the two combatants talking to their respected choices for the race. There are many people dashing about, Nevoulas peers closer to look around at the scene he sees representatives from all over the empire, pale skins, dark skins and even the odd Turkish descendent.

Nevoulas looks over at one dressed in Seljuk design- he was sure he recoginized the all to familiar features. He rises and is about to rush down and confront his long lost relative when Trumpets blaze around and a roar echoes around the arena.

Nevoulas loses sight of the man and feels one of his guests tug at his robe.

'Nevoulas why the long face come enjoy some of the Belgradian wine'

Nevoulas grimaces ... horse pee would taste better he thinks, still he had to be polite and gulps some down, forgetting his moment.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios enters the Kathisma. He acknowledges the crowd and then raises his hands for quiet.

The teams have been decided and Scopia hangs in the balance.

The Basileus raises a piece of white silk.

May God grant victory to the worthy party in this dispute.

He drops the silk, it flutters away in the breeze, signalling the start of the race.

[TinCow]

OOC: The race will be run tomorrow afternoon, EST.

[pevergreen]

Michail enters the Hippodrome, eager to watch his newly promoted racer give him victory. A glint hardens in his eye as he moves down to talk to his racer.

[TinCow]

This is it, Citizens of Constantinople! The Main Event! The Greatest Race of your lifetime! Two teams of mixed loyalties, vying for the greatest prize ever awarded in the history of the Hippodrome. Never before have Blues and Greens run together as partners, and you can certainly bet that this alliance is in name only. Teammates will surely fight against each other, and tensions are high! It is my sincere pleasure to introduce to you the glorious racers!

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

What is this? Senator Michail Arianitis is approaching the starting gates. Yes, he’s walking forward to talk to his own racer, Magnificent Magnentius Ferro of the Green Team. Well, well, something is certainly going on between sponsor and charioteer! It looks like, OH! Magnentius Ferro has struck Michail Arianitis in the face! What in the world is going on down there?! The young Ferro is now extremely angry! Oh, my, but that was a rude gesture. Michail Arianitis is now yelling and pointing at his charioteer, and Ferro is absolutely fuming! The Senator is walking away now, but his driver is visibly upset! What in the world was that all about?

Ignoring these dramatics, the Starter is looking up at the Kathisma, waiting for the signal from the Basileus. And there it is, a piece of white silk floating on the breeze! The starter pulls the gate lever AND OFF THEY GO!

As they jostle out of the gates, the strength of the Factions’ primary teams is clearly shown. The superior quality horses and extra training have put both Blue and Green Teams into the lead! Yes, Constans Kaspax puts himself into an excellent position at the front of the pack, with his erstwhile rival Magnentius Ferro right behind him. Falkon Xerus manages to outmaneuver Short Longinius for third, but that is a mere formality for this race as it is truly the primary teams competing against the secondaries! Methodios Tagaris must be very pleased with this opening performance! What was Nikiphoros Manouelitis thinking when he selected the vastly inferior pairing of Reds and Whites?!

As they move into the first lap, already these temporary alliances are flaring! Look at Magnentius Ferro go! By all that is Holy! I have never seen a chariot move that fast in my entire life, and I’ve seen over a thousand races in this arena alone! Constans Kaspax looked like he was standing still, and Ferro is now has a dominating lead over his ‘teammate.’ That young man has truly earned his nickname as Magnificent Magnentius! That was the most incredible pass in the history of the Hippodrome!

Constans Kaspax is not beaten, though! As they round the bend into the second lap, the Blue chariot is charging hard! Kaspax is known as a strong starter and we’re seeing it right here! He’s coming up on Ferro’s right side, and it looks like he’s going through! Yes, he’s… wait! Ferro is whipping Kaspax! This is completely out of character for a driver who is known to value honesty and fair-play in his racing! He must have been ordered to do this by Senator Michail Arianitis! There’s no other possible explanation for this behavior! Kaspax is shaking it off, however. He’s a tough one, that man, he’s taken a few lashings, but he’s still pulling past… but they’re close! Too close! WATCH OUT! NO! Kaspax and Ferro have collided! There must have been blood in Kaspax’s eyes from the whipping, because he just careened into the Green chariot! Oh dear, but the Blue Team has suffered from that one! He’s slowing considerably. Yes, his left wheel is wobbling and the left-sided horse is favoring his foreleg! This is a disaster for noble Kaspax!

Into lap three now, and the secondary teams are taking advantage of this horrible collision! It’s amazing that Kaspax is still attempting to race, as his chariot is damaged and one of his horses is clearly injured! It will be a miracle if he just finishes the race now! And there go Xerus and Nicerite, streaming past the mortally wounded Blue Team. What a huge blow for Kaspax. He is surely out of the running now!

Ferro’s despicable whipping and that unfortunate collision now have him a clear lead over the pack in the fourth lap. He has driven his horses hard though, and they are beginning to tire a bit. His fellow Green Faction driver, Falkon Xerus is making up some of the ground, and the Greens now dominate the race. Yet we must remember that they are actually racing each other now! Xerus and Ferro, allies by habit, but not by law on this day!

Yes! Xerus is showing some of his old self once again! He’s taking advantage of the flagging Green chariot horses and he’s driving his own team well! He’s coming up on the left of Ferro and looks like he will easily move by on this fifth lap. Yes, he’s through and… what was that? It looks like Xerus has hit a rock in the track and the jolt has caused his chariot to swerve badly, almost overturning! He’s got control of it now and he’s stable once again, but that has completely ruined what was sure to be a move that would’ve put him in the lead. Xerus is truly cursed! Such a shame to see a famous racer like him undone by pure bad luck yet again.

They’re rounding the bend into the sixth lap, and Xerus still is not back up to speed after hitting that rock. Short Longinius is coming up behind him! This is an impressive move for a man who is known to be a weak finisher! Yes, he’s going right by Xerus! That’s either brilliant driving by the dwarf or incredible incompetence by Falkon Xerus, but either way the Red chariot is now in second place, right behind Magnentius Ferro.

And this is it, citizens of Constintinople! The last lap, with the fate of Scopia hanging in the balance. Magnentius Ferro leads as he has done almost the entire race! He’s been in dominating form, though there is bound to be a great deal of anger over his blatant cheating in a race of this importance! It’s not quite over though, as the Green horses are now very tired from Magnentius’ hard driving, and Short Longinius is right behind him. Watch out, little man, or you’ll get a face full of whip! He’s a brave one, that’s for sure, as he’s driving right by Ferro. Ferro’s doing nothing! He’s definitely not letting up on the speed, but neither is he attempting to block the pass nor is he whipping his foe in any way! This makes no sense at all! Of all the chariots on the track, Nicerite’s Red is the only one that is a true opponent no matter how he looks at it. Nicerite is past! Red has taken the lead! AND IT’S OVER! The Red Team under Longinius Nicerite has won the race!

The fate of Scopia is decided, and Nikiphoros Manouelitis has prevailed! What’s this? This can’t be right, can it? Oh, my. The humiliation of famous Xerus is now complete! It seems that somehow on the last lap, Kaspax managed to overtake him! With an injured horse and a damaged chariot, the Blue charioteer still managed to overtake the former pride of the Green Faction. Oh, how the mighty have fallen here in the Hippodrome.

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

I am almost speechless after that race! But almost isn’t good enough to shut me up! HAH! This was a race that will be remembered for ages! What a dramatic turn. I don’t even want to imagine how Magnentius Ferro is going to confront his sponsor after this one! What could Senator Arianitis have said to him to make such an honest man cheat like that? I suspect that we haven’t heard the end of that story. But let’s not forget to give a ‘little’ glory to the impressive Longinius Nicerite. While Ferro certainly didn’t contest that last pass, Nicerite earned that first place in his own right! An excellent race from a man who has been greatly underestimated these past years. He was last out of the gate, and yet he finished first! That’s the second race in a row that he has bested Kaspax, and I suspect that we may see a change in the primary and secondary drivers of the Blue Faction in the future. What a pity about Falkon Xerus, though. He is truly a broken man. For such a famous racer to finish fourth in two consecutive races is horrendous, especially when it was his own bad luck that kept him out of first place! Xerus should have retired long ago, but I suspect he is done now. Ladies and gentlemen, give a round of applause for Falkon Xerus. His glory days are long since past, but he deserves some applause for the entertainment he gave us in his youth. Cheer him now, as he will surely never be seen in the Hippodrome ever again!

[_Tristan_]

As the news reach the people gathered at the Hippodrome, many turn to face the Kathisma. What they see is a grim-faced Tagaris being allowed in by the varangians. Kneeling in front of the raised dais, he exchanges a few word with the Basileos who motions to stand and come nearer.

They are seen walking out of the Kathismas together.