The Hippodrome

[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!