World Cuppet 3 RP, Scores & Squads

[Urszag-Csatoria]

Greetings, citizens. All Hail Csar Laszlo XVII! Here is the latest bulletin of news information for the peoples of the great Unified Csardom of Urszag-Csatoria form the Administration News Service, approved by the Tanácsadók.

** ** ** ** **

Workers at the Locomotive Works of the State have achieved a great increase in productivity in the last quarter, maintaining production of the new Laszlo Locomotive Mk III at unprecedented levels. Growth continues to accelerate with progress up 17% last quarter after only a 14% increase in working hours. This is surely a great testament to the inspiration given to the workers by our Dear Leader Csar Laszlo XVII - only his vision could inspire the industrious workers of the nation to produce such great works of Urszcsar engineering as the Laszlo Locomotive Mk II at such fevered pace. Workers are being rewarded for their success with a great lunch on Imperial Day.

** ** ** ** **

Workers at the State Mining Cooperative were inspired recently by the news that representatives of the great Csar Laszlo XVII from the Tanácsadók would be accompanying chiefs of the Local Civil Service on tours of the mines at Kőszén-Erdei. Under their watchful eye and with encouragement that the will of our Dear Leader was with them, production of iron ore increased 4%, whilst extraction of coal for the great power stations of the Csardom increased by a commendable 7%. Such efforts are to be applauded, and our national salute goes out to the men who risk their lives earn their living in the mines.

** ** ** ** **

The Peoples' Army were called upon once more to crush the nationalist separatism of the terrorists around Hortobágy that would seek to create their own heathen republic from within our national borders. It is not clear whether the rebel scum had any backing from wealthy international sympathisers, but our own Tanácsadók damned any that would seek to help and oppose the Hortobágy separatist scum, as well as praising the brave men and woman of the Peoples' Army for their crushing and decisive victory over the rebel scum. The 12th Division of the Great Hussars supplemented the offensive by the Peoples' Army, with a 100% casualty rate for the rebels. Let their demise be a lesson to all that the iron fist of Csar Laszlo XVII comes crashing down on any that seek to disrupt the Unified Csardom.

** ** ** ** **

The national football team, in their first ever international tournament, recorded a strong and historic victory in their first ever match of the World Cup*, with a 1-0 win over the hosts and former winners of Inis na Dún. Scorer of the goal and captain of the team Lipot Csalfa was hailed as a national hero after the match, with a decree from the Tanácsadók praising the whole team for their efforts in the name of Csar Laszlo XVII and the Unified Csardom as a whole. Hopes are now high for Domonkos Takács and the rest of the Hussar's campaign in Inis na Dún after showing the might of the Urszcsar citizens in this opening fixture. May they crush all opposition before them and return home bearing the World Cup before them!

** ** ** ** **

*[OOC: The Urszcsar press will be, for what are (hopefully) obvious IC reasons, be presenting the Cuppet as the World Cup to the citizens of Urszag-Csatoria.]

[Tagawachi]

The Demonic Order Sound Off On Their 0-1 Loss To Jagoza
One sentence apiece.

Fire - Their defense was really hard to crack, and they got lucky with that goal scored late. We should've handled this one, but for some reason, we couldn't, which makes me burn with anger...

Water - We weren't fluid, and there was a problem with communication that led to our demise this day.

Air - Our chances blew away like the wind, due to the defense of the other squad, who were determined.

Earth - We must be grounded in our faith in one another, as that was just one of five matches to be played, and four remain to be won.

Light - Hope must shine through despair, and we must prevail over the journey to come.

Dark - Perhaps we can creep up like a shadow against our next enemies and ambush them when they are not looking.

Life - Renew strength and vigor in our practices as we strive forward to accomplish more things than has been done.

Death - Do not burrow into sadness and disgrace, for the inevitable shall come.

Entropy - Spontaneity is required of us, for none of it existed today, and the textbook formation and plays didn't work.

Time - Tick, tock, it goes, signalling the moment of our next victory or defeat.

Aether - Which dimension to next: one of victory or defeat?

Gravity - Pull in toward the center, let us concentrate, and try again.

---

In the History of the Elemental League

The First Great Dynasty - Time (I, II, III, IIII, V)

When the organized Elementals' Football League began, the rules were strict. Each team was to be comprised of an Elemental Demon and ten pawn-figures created by the Elemental Demon that day for the game. The pawn-figures were controlled by the Demons' minds, and that was how the game was played. As he is perhaps the oldest and most powerful of them all, Time dominated the competition in the first five seasons. He won the first season by over fifteen points, used to controlling many different objects at once. The other Demons started to catch up slowly and surely, to the point that by the fourth season, Time needed Goals Differential to overcome Water. However, Time is still known as the ruler of this first era of the Elementals' League.

After the fifth season, the twelve demons met and decided that pawn-figures were too predictable after five years of play, and that new figures joining the teams would be needed in order to keep the competition from getting dull. So, different races were allowed to join the league.

[The Unbidden Horde]

How the Different Races of The Unbidden Horde Play Football
An inside look at the intricacies of Unbidden Football

1. Vampires

Perhaps the part about a Vampire that most people forget is that they are still half-whatever it is that they used to be. Hence, there are different Vampires for each of the species that a Vampire can infect. For instance, a human Vampire is a human enhanced in sight, speed, and so forth, while an elf Vampire is an elf that has been corrupted. Depending on what race has been changed, being changed to a Vampire can either be an upgrade or a downgrade. Of course, nothing is only good, and there is a downside to any being being corrupted.

The primary difference between a way that a Vampire plays football and another plays football is that the Vampire relies on stamina and speed more than strength or technique. They do not tire easily at all and seem to be able to run miles forever. If faced with a one-on-one situation, they will hope to blow by the defender if on offense and get at the ball if on defense. If the offensive player comes slowly and deliberately, the Vampire will be left with no choice but to run around in circles around that player, looking for an opening to take away the ball.

This being said, slow, deliberate passing and then shooting is the best way to overcome the Vampires. If you do lose the ball, however, being forewarned of the lightning-fast counterattack to come is essential, for it will occur. Vampires do have the fastest counter-attacking speed in the game, as they can go from a dead standstill to a dead sprint in a manner of milliseconds.

Vampires usually play striking or midfielder positions on the field if they are on a team with others. However, some Vampires prefer playing goalkeeper due to the uncommonly keen sense of agility that they possess.

Next up: Part 2, Orcs

[Terrabis]

Women in Terrabis Translated to English from the native Azerbaijani

Contrary to popular belief, women are not persecuted in Terrabis; instead, they are embraced, and even respected more than men half the time. Terrabis, although a Dictatorship, is a gender-equal society.

Women are allowed to vote, allowed to pick their career field, and allowed to serve in the armed forces with equal opportunity. During a woman's pregnancy, she is given full pay, and given the best medical care available in her area.

In the Military, the "Hell's Belles" are an all-female infantry sniper regiment that is responsible for killing many of the worst monsters that come out of the Abyss. The Belles are a very respected bunch that is highly praised by The One, and therefore, The Chosen as a whole.

In the Priesthood, Priestesses make up half of the Chosen Council that receive instruction from The One. The High Priestess is The One's foremost adviser, servant, and friend. That position has so much power that it is sometimes said that The High Priestess makes about half the decisions in Terrabis by influencing what The One hears and sees.

In Sports, women are in both the DDIFF and the Terrabis Premier League, the only two sports leagues in Terrabis. Though not as strong as the men, women are more agile, fast, and possess higher intellect about the game usually. Hence, the field is evened, and women have had as much success as men have.

The One has repeatedly phrased that without the women in Terrabis, the Terrabi would've been exterminated by the Monsters long ago. Hence, in the dictatorship, every life, whether it be man, woman, or child, is respected, treasured, and cultivated in order that the Dictatorship will be able to forward into the future.

[Duckota]

DUCKBERG SPORTS JOURNAL
Too much of a generical name? Look at the ducks I give!

Duckota surprises Zénéga, ties 1-1. Gearloose reveals new secret weapon for next match.

The Mighty Ducks took on Zénéga as they debuted in the Cuppet last afternoon, in which, shockingly, Duckota tied with Zénéga. The Balafons, on a bigger level than Duckota, didn't seem that happy after the tie. Things started right away, at the third minute of the match when Maria de Galo did a very neat bicycle kick to take the ball out of their own area. Sadly, the ball didn't go correctly to the right place and that made Zénéga take the front on the start. Throughtout the whole match-up, Zénéga dominated the offensive side, seemingly going to obtain the victory.

However, Mauro Ratales, full of heart and speed, danced on the grass, as the Balafons couldn't help but just watch the mouse score to the Duckotian team, 85'. Zénéga tried desesperatedly to score, but nothing helped as both Ducks and Balafons start the Cuppet with one point.

---

Duckota's coach, Gyro Gearloose has developed a "gadget" that should aid the Ducks into their next match. According to the coach, it's a modified Zamboni that should do more than just "clean the floor". The idea, however was from Donald McDuck, known politician and fan of violence who declared that the team was too sassy.

[Zebrabwe]

Rebel Rabble

~~war~~

Early in the morning yesterday, a surprise assault just before dawn freed Moor Street and, more importantly, the central Hong Prong Boulevard from the tyranny of Ibex! The capture of HPB is exceptionally important as now any supply trains to Xi'antler from the southern farms and mines must waste fuel and time taking a winding detour through the neighboring mountains! They might not be as tall as the mountains that hedge in Vender, but the rail system through them is significantly less developed. We will continue to push and fight until all of Hong Prong is under the Zebrabwen flag, and will not rest until the rest of Ibex is free from dictatorship!

~~sports~~

For those of you who are not active in fighting off the Ibex Army, you might find some entertainment in this delightful little competition called the Cuppet. Specifically designed for us smaller nations that are not exactly "recognized" as separate entities from the larger nations we are in the process of splitting from--indeed, even Ibex is forced to settle for the Cuppet as they are still technically a province of Karditan--there is plenty of diversity and a lot of overcompensation present, which make it very entertaining to watch. Now the first game for the Zebrabwens had them seeing a terrible disadvantage: facing the runners-up from the last Cuppet. Further, it seemed this opponent--Misrantis--is even fairly stable as its own state and merely does not wish to partake in the World Cup itself. This seems a little bit underhanded as a way to face easier competition as shown by their thorough 4-1 whooping of the Zebrabwen team. A brace from Mistranti forward Unkiesh Misral would have been plenty to beat the one goal Baraihn Krohnk put in for Zebrabwe, but Semer Debjit and even defender Saqqa Ra-ahra also popped in goals to really just pound it in that Misrantis is here to win.

[Ibex]

(Scene: a run-down dock somewhere on the Inis na Dun coastline. That time of night where you can still kind of see, but not really.)

"...are ya sure 'bout t'is, Iron?"

"A'course, Brick. Ain't nothin' t' be scared of."

"But it's irradiated."

"Bah, radiation. Wha' are ya, some lilly-livered human?"

"But Lilly Liver is an Ibex..."

"Not talkin' 'bout 'im."

"An' t'ese guys don't seem to be too... watchacallit, trustwort'y."

"One o' th' best times I eva had was when I called a numba t'at was scribbled on a bat'room wall. Nobo'y in t'eir right mind would trust t'at, but th' guy was real nice. Took me to a water park and hang gliding!"

"I still say t'at yer lucky ya didn't get murdered."

"Shut yer trap now, we're going. It's not erryday ya get to visit a great nation like Sort'ern Nort'land, e'en iffin it ain't actually alive nomore. Plus, I hear they had accents like ares."

"Ah ain't got no ac-sent!"

A shady-looking man stepped out of a nearby boathouse (or what was left of one.)

"The boat's ready whenever you are."

Iron Horn grabbed Brick Hoof's hoof and dragged him into the boathouse, then all but threw him into the boat. The shady-looking man shoved them off and waved as the boat drifted out towards the channel.

"Uh... Iron... why ain't th' guide comin' wit' us?"

"Wha' are ya blabberin' 'bout? T'ere hasta be a few on th' prow, I heard somet'in' up t'ere a'fore--(he looks towards the front of the boat)--aw, hell. T'ose are Zebrabwens."

"...do ya t'ink they know anyt'in' 'bout Sort'ern Nort'land?"

[Inis na Dun]

Inis na Dún national football team

Formation is 3-4-3.

Number, name, age, position (n/a for goalies and forwards), club, league of club if Inish league (country of club)

Goalkeepers:

1: Jordan Mason, 28, Trefararfordir Celtic (Inis na Dún)
13: Xander Jameson, 33, Old Town Wanderers (Ancharmunn)
23: Ardal Adair, 22, Ballytragorm Rovers, Inish Premier League (Inis na Dún)

Defenders:

2: Phillip Gregg, 31, centre back/right back, Inish Exiles (Ancharmunn)
3: Rónán Mac Coinín, 29, centre back, Sorthern Rovers (Ancharmunn)
5: Conor Riordan, 29, centre back, Hondo (Valanora)
12: Kian Deery, 23, centre back, Tailteann Rovers (Inis na Dún)
15: Jarlath Fitzgerald, 22, centre back, Downross Town (Inis na Dún)
22: Dermot Canning, 32, centre back/left back, Ballytragorm Rovers (Inis na Dún)

Midfielders:

4: Drew Murray, 24, central midfielder, Sean Dermots (Ancharmunn)
6: Eamonn Feeney, 27, central midfielder, Tailteann Rovers (Inis na Dún)
7: Barry Gamble, 24, central midfielder, Ballyglen Wanderers (Inis na Dún)
11: Shane Reid, 29, left winger, Downross Town (Inis na Dún)
14: Lorcan Gilmore, 27, central midfielder, Tranahoe Creans (Inis na Dún)
16: Rory Mullaly, 23, central midfielder, Banmoym Moriartys (Inis na Dún)
17: Tadhg Sheary, 19, right winger, Trefarafordir Celtic (Inis na Dún)
21: Alan Munro, 27, left winger, Tailteann Rovers (Inis na Dún)

Forwards:

8: Ryan Flynn, 26, Ironworks Recreation, Inish First Division (Inis na Dún)
9: Ryan Bickerstaff, 31, Móinéar an Glas Abartas (Inis na Dún)
10: Dáithi Mac Guagáin, 31, Vettlunds (Swartaz)
18: Rohan Wallace, 29, Downross Town (Inis na Dún)
19: Brennan Moore, 26, Trefararfordir Celtic (Inis na Dún)
20: Sean-Finn Murtagh, 17, Móinéar an Glas Abartas (Inis na Dún)

1-11 would be the first choice lineup, slight changes would often be made however.

Coaching staff:

Manager/physio: Fearghas Hill – 47 year old who enjoyed a career as a journeyman football among Sorthern Northland's lower league
Assistant manager/kitman/coach driver – Ciarán Hill – Younger brother of Fearghas, didn't have a career as a journeyman football as he preferred ballet instead. Alleged former member of RUIN, an Inis na Dún separatist group previously proscribed by the Sorthern government to be a terrorist organisation.

Kits

Home/Away


RP Permissions
Try to be creative and to have fun (fun, think about fun). Failing that, cook up a conspiracy and blame it on the Cubans/Russians/Venezuelans/Ken Livingstone/Striking school teachers/Krytenians (delete as appropriate).

[Inis na Dun]

Group A
Sixteen Bits 2–1 Terrabis
Everywhere 1–1 The Holy Forden Church
Rubrumistan 2–5 Hvammstang

. Group A                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sixteen Bits                        2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
2 Everywhere                          2   1  1  0    5   1  +4    4
3 The Holy Forden Church              2   1  1  0    4   1  +3    4
4 Hvammstang                          2   1  0  1    5   6  −1    3
5 Terrabis                            2   0  0  2    1   5  −4    0
6 Rubrumistan                         2   0  0  2    2   7  −5    0

Group B
Cape Cork County 0–2 Aquillan
Hannah 0–0 High Heels
Slovekistan 1–1 Ibex

. Group B                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Slovekistan                         2   1  1  0    7   1  +6    4
2 Ibex                                2   1  1  0    5   1  +4    4
3 Aquillan                            2   1  1  0    2   0  +2    4
4 High Heels                          2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2
5 Hannah                              2   0  1  1    0   4  −4    1
6 Cape Cork County                    2   0  0  2    0   8  −8    0

Group C
Fevelo 2–2 Zebrabwe
Uke Islands 1–5 Misrantis
The Unbidden Horde 3–0 Free University

. Group C                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Misrantis                           2   2  0  0    9   2  +7    6
2 Fevelo                              2   1  1  0    5   2  +3    4
3 The Unbidden Horde                  2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Free University                     2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1
5 Uke Islands                         2   0  1  1    3   7  −4    1
6 Zebrabwe                            2   0  1  1    3   6  −3    1

Group D
Uizasd and the Crexz Islands 1–0 Duckota
New Cotdelapoms 0–1 Zenega
Victorwick 0–0 Cusco

. Group D                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Victorwick                          2   1  1  0    4   2  +2    4
2 Cusco                               2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Zenega                              2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
4 Uizasd and the Crexz Islands        2   1  0  1    3   4  −1    3
5 Duckota                             2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1
6 New Cotdelapoms                     2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group E
Sameba 0–4 Bouncy Druids
Rigerata 1–0 The Ursine Northlands
Perifidious Revolution 0–0 Happy Happy Joy Joy

. Group E                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Bouncy Druids                       2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
2 Rigerata                            2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
3 Perifidious Revolution              2   0  2  0    2   2   0    2
4 Happy Happy Joy Joy                 2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
5 Sameba                              2   0  1  1    2   6  −4    1
6 The Ursine Northlands               2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0

Group F
Prince Bartholomew Island 1–1 Fuglamark
Urbus Tractus 0–1 Shihn'Dohm
Israeli Apartheid Client-State 0–0 New Sirain

. Group F                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Fuglamark                           2   1  1  0    5   1  +4    4
2 Prince Bartholomew Island           2   1  1  0    4   3  +1    4
3 Shihn'Dohm                          2   1  0  1    1   4  −3    3
4 New Sirain                          2   0  2  0    1   1   0    2
5 Israeli Apartheid Client-State      2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1
6 Urbus Tractus                       2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1

Group G
Inis na Dún 2–1 Santazuela
Tropaia 3–1 Mishuland
Urszag-Csatoria 6–1 Neo Starblaydia

. Group G                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Urszag-Csatoria                     2   2  0  0    7   1  +6    6
2 Neo Starblaydia                     2   1  0  1    3   6  −3    3
3 Tropaia                             2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Inis na Dún                         2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
5 Santazuela                          2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1
6 Mishuland                           2   0  1  1    1   3  −2    1

Group H
Külmsaar and Terra Scotia 1–4 Tagawachi
Xurvah 2–1 Jagoza
Hsien-Ko 2–0 Silexhera

. Group H                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hsien-Ko                            2   2  0  0    4   0  +4    6
2 Xurvah                              2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
3 Jagoza                              2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Tagawachi                           2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
5 Silexhera                           2   0  1  1    0   2  −2    1
6 Külmsaar and Terra Scotia           2   0  0  2    1   6  −5    0

[Tagawachi]

The Demonic Order Sound Off On Their 4-1 Win Over Külmsaar and Terra Scotia
One sentence apiece.

Fire - Blaze on toward victory - this is only the beginning!

Water - Scoring four is a tsunami of goals to be respected by those to come.

Air - We blew right through them as if they didn't even exist.

Earth - They seemed scared from the start, not grounded in the faith they had in themselves.

Light - Hope is shining brighter than it has in a long time for us - a win is nice even for the Demons of Old.

Dark - Lurking in the shadows, I managed to strike the ball into the net from afar, to the goalkeeper's surprise and chagrin.

Life - It seemed as if the other team was devoid of me, and I couldn't figure out exactly how this occurred.

Death - I can assure you that I had nothing to do with that, as I was too busy being focused on the match at hand.

Entropy - Random, some of the goals were, which was probably the only reason they went in.

Time - I hear the number of seconds it will take for us to win our next game, but interpreting it is being harder than it should be, dammit.

Aether - Nobody can predict the future, not even you, for it shifts quicker than dimensions do.

Gravity - Everything will return to where it belongs by the end of the pandemonium that has been caused.

---

In the History of the Elemental League

Light and Water

After the great meeting of the Demons made it apparent that more players would be needed, the Demons began recruiting for their teams. This added an interesting aspect to Elemental Football, for it meant that the Demons couldn't control everything that was occurring on the pitch anymore; for the first time, someone that wasn't an Elemental Demon could have an influence on the results of the seasons.

Light became the lucky one for the first two seasons that the new rule was incorporated. With the help of a Phoenix who played the striker position, Light bulldozed the competition in the sixth season, winning by an astonishing twenty-one points and losing only two games all season, a record. The seventh season was harder to win than that, but Light still ultimately prevailed.

By this time, the other Demons had also gathered some great players, and the league became an absolute dogfight. It was like a hot potato between Aether, Earth, and Fire for three seasons, then Water held onto it for three seasons due to the emergence of The Duo: Mark and Herald Dunn. The Dunn brothers helped Water to a three-peat, and the league seemed to be tilting toward Water's side for the moment. However, Water would only lift the title once more in the next twenty years...

[Mesoland]

Mishuland entry for the III Cuppet competition in Inis Na Dún

Head Coach: Yana Hazakwe (Mesoland)
Assistant Coach: Bibi Dukka (Mesoland)
Formation: 4-4-2

ROSTER:

Starting XI:

#1 Biaba Zuka, GK, 35
#99 Hagati Unasiba, LB, 32
#3 Zozo Unasiba, CB, 28 (VC)
#4 Alex Drake, CB, 20
#5 Hargi Mutaka, RB, 29
#6 William Brett-Kagabofwe, LWM, 26
#7 Bernie Blue, LCM, 31
#8 Joakie Vavanitswe, RCM, 33 (C)
#9 Gerard Da Silva, RWM, 27
#10 Babo, CF, 22
#11 Bradley Hakza, ST, 29

RESERVES:

#23 Varata Yugimey, GK, 26
#41 Gorda Gordi, GK, 38
#15 Nahdd Tgwowo, CB, 24
#19 Dunfu Ufnud, RCB, 28
#22 Hajokj Tgyny, LWB, 32
#19 Tidianfum Buji, CM, 30
#95 Jabulani Zakha, CM, 40
#43 Hanio Inum, RWM, 18
#13 Zauanda Naf, RWM, 25
#66 Bijnui Hunna, CAM, 33
#27 Harry Kako, CF, 19
#28 Hiti Barassa, CF, 26
#37 Solomon Ikatu, ST, 19
#69 Yui Buta, ST, 32

---

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (TG me first)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players Y (TG me first)
Godmod other events Y

---

OOC: Note that I am puppet-master of Mishuland, and I apologise about submitting my roster late.

[Perfidious Revolution]

After a glorious run to the quarterfinal in the Copa Rushmore Juvenil U-17, the adults of Perfidious Revolution (a name that is newly legal to call our country) hope to mark a similarly stunning entrance onto the world stage with a deep run in the World Cuppet 3. The players and staff, all labor organizers, are divided over state allegiance--the Parliamentary majority is openly anti-government and has little power to stop the corruption and personal enrichment of Communist Party officials. Some of the players' unions are openly linked to one of the (real, not from the fraudulent election results) two minoritarian parties, the CPGR and the Parliamentary Socialist Party. This sort of connection is verboten in the Democratic Caucus, the informal alliance of the coalition members Libertarian Council Party and Democratic Socialist Party with the supposed opposition New Revolution Party, who are united in refusing to recognize party-aligned unions. While our people struggle with division and partisan strife, the Cuppet may yet win them over to some more noble unity around, say, binge-drinking in public, or buying fancy shoes.

To that end, enter the Agitators:

Elected manager for WCp3: Ansgar Kyriakos
National team manager for the Summit of Summer Team Sports football squad
[OOC: this was a tournament I ran that only had FSC & puppets.]


Formation: PR Wing (SW-1-2-1-2-2-1) Style +2.5 (or 2 or 3 at host's discretion)
Starting Lineup
01 GK Valeria Ware, Militant Steelworkers Union 231 (Parliamentary Socialist Party)
02 SW Gustaf Britta, IWW Motor Transport Workers IU 530 (unaligned)
03 LWB Xesús Svanhildr, SEIU Property Services Division (unaligned)
04 CB Carwyn Pythagoras, People's Glorious Revolutionary Union of Healthcare Providers (Communist Party)
05 RWB Zenzi Vittore, IWW Metal Mine Workers IU 210 (unaligned)
06 DM Shaun Yoshida, SEIU Public Services Division (unaligned)
07 LCM Beáta Philo, People's Glorious Revolutionary Union of Stationary Food Workers (Communist Party)
08 RCM Ana Aflherr, People's Glorious Revolutionary Union of Unemployed Unionist Revolutionaries (Communist Party)
09 LW Aric Valdis, IWW General Construction Workers IU 310 (unaligned)
10 RW Norene Mayim, Revolutionary Public Transit Union 869 (Parliamentary Socialist Party)
00 CF Agostino Dinapoli, IWW Furniture & Musical Instrument Production IU 420 (unaligned)

Backups
11 GK Filimena Piritta
12 SW Unnur Sarava
13 CB Hasim Shea
14 AM Alain Valdes
15 CF Sativa Coburn

[Zenega]

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Egobudike's Kantine
Hastière, Bunami Province

New Cotdelapoms 0-1 Zenega

---

When Chigozie's pick-up brought the men down into Hastière after a long day in the quarry, all tired and dusty and parched, they every one of them made for Egobudike's Kantine, since Iggy Fethawi the satellite man had come and fixed an illegal decoder to Egobudike's receiver. Every one, that is, apart from Olisango who had decided big fat Ego's television must be haunted, and was too afraid to go into the bar. He decided to spend the evening at home with Dorothée and the children, though he would have no peace from them. Most of the men had some sympathy for Olisango's view. After all, Dorothée was a notoriously bossy woman. They also understood why he thought the television was haunted. Since Iggy Fethawi had wired up the stolen decoder, they had seen three Zenegalese defeats and an early exit for the young Balafons in the di Bradini Cup, and yesterday, a throwaway draw in their opening defence of their Cuppet title, when they really ought to have gotten a comfortable winning start. Especially after Maria de Galo's spectacular comedy clearance had ended in an own goal to put Zenega one up inside three minutes. A bicycle kick in your own box? Why, it was just like watching Zaire! But the Mighty Ducks had stolen a late, late equaliser, and Olisango went all faint, and slipped off his chair. Chigozie thought it was probably Egobudike's contraband Wightbeer, but all day in the quarry Olisango complained that the television had a curse on it, and had caused him to have a terrible headache which would not go away, and Zenega would never win again until it was destroyed. Olisango's brother Castro told him to put that thought right out of his mind straightaways, and on no circumstance was he to attempt to destroy Egobudike's TV. So Olisango went home to unhappy Dorothée.

The Kantinero Egobudike ought to have been in a jolly mood, now that his satellite picked up all these Atlantian and Rushmori sports channels and every night his bar was full of the working men of Hastière, spending their hard-earned Zen Shillings and cheering on the Balafons. But Egobudike was not one to dwell on the positives. He was concerned by news that bandits were in the area, causing trouble again. The Zen Liberation Society were out trying to liberate who-knows-what. Mostly liberating hard working men from their lives, so far as he could see. Now Egobudike was not one to worry about politics, since he was doing alright under the new Zenegalese Co-operativist Prime Minister Nnamdi Oluchi, just like he had done under former corrupt Syndicalist dictator General Chukwumoge, and before that under nationalist hard-liner Mpotu, and before that, under the old French Colonial Administration. He also found he could work perfectly well with the Liberation Society so long as they were robbing trains and running the docks and fencing their ill-gotten gains at reasonable prices. After all, Wightbeer doesn't grow on trees. But when they started getting all ideological they were impossible to deal with. Every now and then they would stop targeting distributors of consumer goods and start bombing government offices and police stations and painting murals on houses in the middle of the night. It was intolerable. Any day now the Army or the Police Force or the Defence Militia or the Secret Service or all of the above would be buzzing around Bunami Province like flies around a wildebeest carcass, and the last thing an entrepreneurial trader of commodities like Egobudike needed was a semblance of law and order. It was most inconvenient.

In order to ease his troubled soul, he shouted at Negassi the Ape, a man who had fallen out of a truck and bashed his head on a stone, so that a monkey spirit had gotten in through the wound and now he was a useless dribbling idiot who couldn't speak and who wet himself when he got drunk. Encouraged by the men he had got up on a table and was dancing like a fool, until Egobudike yelled at him, and startled him, and he fell off the table and out the open front of the Kantine into the street. Sopu went out to get him on his feet and dust him down, and brought him back into the kantine. “Ego, you fat bastard, why do you always have to bellow at him like that?” called out Sopu to the miserable Kantinero. He sat Negassi down on a chair and one or two of the fellows tried to calm the poor idiot down, as he had gotten over-excited and hot, and might fit any time soon. While Chigozie was the foreman of the quarry gang from Hastière, mainly on account that he was the only one with a pick-up truck, Sopu was the shop steward, always looking out for their rights and making sure they were treated fairly. He was a spiky character, ready to jump to anyone's defence, whether they needed it or not, and the men called him the Songman because he knew a lot of folk songs and had the voice of an elephant, deep and lush and recalling of a time long forgotten. Though they tell it now that Negassi fell asleep in the truck and fell out when he nodded off, many remember that at the time it was understood the bully Tútú Sunday elbowed him out, and when Tútú left the provinces a week later in the middle of the night, many heard that he went all the way to Sogobe dragged behind a bandit's truck, and that it was Sopu who provided the rope and tied the knot.

Suddenly a great cheer went up in Egobudike's Kantine, and the great fat man poured coffee down himself with surprise. Okeke Yobanna, the wayward young Zenegalese midfielder, had scored a splendid goal in the game against the New Cotdelapomais, picking up the ball deep in his own half, combining with Jean Beauchemin and Amadi Nwebube, befuddling the defence, playing a slick one-two with Jesse Abosi, and getting on the end of a sublime volley to put the Balafons in front. There was a great deal of back-slapping and shouting in the kantine, and when it had quietened down sufficiently, a voice called out in the darkness. “What is the score, boys? What happened?” It was Olisango. Before anyone could reply, a woman's stern voice called out from further in the distance: “Get back here Oli! It is time to put the children to bed, and I am doing it every night, and now it is your turn!”

[Perfidious Revolution]

Politics have been turbulent as always in the People's Republic of Perfidious Revolution. The opposition New Revolution Party have numerical strength in Parliament, but not enough to sustain an indefinite filibuster, even in ideological alliance with the majoritarian parties, other than on specific issues. In addition, their refusal to ally with the Communist Party kept them out of the allocations of top committee appointments within the three-pronged coalition government, although their comrades at the LCP and DSP gave them a proportional share of their power. After the NRP were rewarded by allies for their principled stand against Perfidious Communism (as the political religion of the state is called by international critics), they have shored up a relatively large degree of support for their context-specific insurrectionary agenda in public opinion. State propaganda, largely out of Parliament's control, has yet to acknowledge this, nor the consensus among international democracies that the ruling Communist Party government rigged (and otherwise influenced) the first elections to give them a false and slim lead in the results.

While the Libertarian Council Party and Democratic Socialist Party formed a parliamentary government with the CPGR, this was known to be a political move intended to force the state's hand. It has worked, to an extent: Parliament are sweeping through a number of low-level judicial and bureaucratic appointments over the Communist Party's consensus opposition, under a gradually congealing Democratic Caucus consisting of the LCP, the DSP and the NRP; and even the most stalwart critic must admit that there is a small measure of free speech now, much to the glory of our ongoing, fractured revolution, and giving all a taste for more freedom. The Communist Party must know that their fate is tied in with the amount of power conceded to Parliament; most observers agree this is why they conceded little, although state propaganda contends rather bizarrely that self-determination is a bourgeois, counterrevolutionary value. Regardless, no fresh elections seem to be forthcoming; but some observers suggest that the Party will be forced to recognize their necessity soon, if daily street protests keep up. Violent state reaction to protests has been less of a conspicuous presence than in past years, owing to the public opinion gains of the Democratic Caucus, and mostly confined to the more out-of-reach areas, away from centers of governance and political headquarters.

Recent legislation swept through by the Democratic Caucus:
http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w46 ... on/uhc.png
http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w46 ... ration.png
http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w46 ... rchtax.png

Imposed by the state over the opposition of a majority of Parliament, who are now particularly incensed:
http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w467/FreeSouthCalifas/Perfidious%20Revolution/animalexperiments.png

[The Unbidden Horde]

How the Different Races of The Unbidden Horde Play Football
An inside look at the intricacies of Unbidden Football

2. Orcs

Huge and brutish, Orcs are known for their anger and their strength. Sometimes, they are like bulldozers, knocking over everyone in their path. This is both their greatest strength and weakness. On the pitch, they only know how to do the one thing that they are supposed to do, whether it be score the goal or defend. They grow to be very good at what they are told to do, but if a situation that they are not prepared for comes up, they do not have the faintest idea of figuring out how to handle it.

Orcs usually play the forward or goalkeeper position, though a few prefer to play defense. If an Orc is to play defense, however, it must be taught how to tackle properly so that it doesn't draw yellow and red cards in games all the time. The Orcs that do learn how to tackle properly become supreme defenders who make opposing strikers pay for coming near the Unbidden Horde's goal.

Best way to beat an Orc on the pitch? Run around him, or keep changing tactics to keep him from figuring out what you are doing. Improvisation is your best weapon...

It is also possible to tire an Orc out by the end of the match.

Next up: 3. Wraiths

[Terrabis]

Animals In Terrabis
Translated into English from the native Azerbaijani

At first glance, the Terrabi may be considered a people with few freedoms, oppressed by a supreme ruler who does not care about his peoples and only strives for personal gain. However, this is not true. The Terrabi have become who they are out of necessity, out of the fact that they must face the Monsters of the Abyss every day. The One does care for the people of Terrabis, and the people adore him/her/it in return.

One of the practices of the Terrabi that is perhaps the most unique is that every household has one pet. There isn't a single household that doesn't have a pet, and there is no household that has two pets. They have one and one alone. There are cats, dogs, horses, sheep, goats, ducks, geese, fish, and various other animals that have been domesticated. A domesticated animal that spends six months within a household is henceforth protected and cannot be used for food by law.

The animals are dearly loved by Terrabi children and adults alike, and really become a part of a household. Veterinary clinics are everywhere, taking care of the animals.

In a nation that is perhaps viewed as dark and shady, the animals are like a bright speck of hope, and treated as such.

The One stated, "It is perhaps loving the animals and taking care of them that keeps my people strong and prepares them for another day of hard work and service ahead."

[Duckota]

DUCKBERG SPORTS JOURNAL
Too much of a generical name? Look at the ducks I give!

De Galo finds a way to mess things even more to Duckota. Ducks lose, 0-1.

Maria de Galo is going to set up a record at the Cuppet with the number of times she finds out how to make Duckota take a goal. Set on reserve, de Galo found a way to use the Zamboni. Sadly, the machine went uncontrolled, thankfully causing no incidents, except for a small crash at the wall of the stadium, which didn't end up risking anyone's life. The Ducks' goalie, Louise Duckertin, a friend of hers ended up paying too much attention to the vehicle, leading to a goal from an unnamed player of Uizasd and the Crexz Islands (Do not Blame Duckberg Sports Journal, blame the media from said country.). Coach Gyro Gearloose declared "I'm seriously thinking on putting de Galo on a cage. She messes up everything. I don't even know how she ended up here.".

---

In other news, the Zamboni is being fixed after the results of the last match. Cousin Donald plans to have it to be brutal and also prepared so that de Galo doesn't ride on it.

[Jagoza]

Underground News: Royal FC of Jagoza team to play in World Cuppet.

The Royal FC of Jagoza, a secretive team from Section II of the MFA has been told that they are going to play as the Jagozer team in the World Cuppet. Even though they're woeful on the paddock against the big boys in M7, they should be alright in the World Cuppet, a tournament designed for fellow tiny nations to compete, including ones like Jagoza, which are illegal. Meet the team here...

Coaches
Manager: Emperor Michael Nathans of Michael VII, 54
Assistant Manager: King Humphrey Carter of Jagoza, 52
Trainer: High King Terrence Ford of West Bank, 63

Starters
GK: Baron Ludwig Carter of Karoshire, 32
DEF: Duke Edward Denver of Keshire, 39
DEF: Duke Damien Samuelson of Rite, 27
DEF: Crown Prince Frederick Nathans of Michael VII, 31
DEF: Count Riley Porter of Jagbridge, 37
MID: Baron Lawrence Reynolds of Estaurside, 24
MID: Duke Michael Stevens of Asherton, 41
MID: Crown Prince Tyson Nathans of Michael VII, 27
MID: Heir-Apparent Crown Prince Jonathan Nathans of Michael VII, 34
FWD: Count Wesley Pewter of Sinai, 26
FWD: Baron Gordon Hicks of Frbiba, 35

Subs
GK: Marquess Dylan Weston of Atlancia, 41
DEF: Viscount Jonathan Jordan of Benshire, 31
MID: Earl Reese Martin of Wellsford, 47
FWD: Baronet Otto Nash of Dunton, 33

To Follow the Former Titles of The Holy Empire of Michael VII...

Emperor: Reigns over all of Michael VII, holds political and religious power over the Empire. Heirs are Crown Princes.
High Kings: Reigns over the West Bank or East Bank of Michael VII, holds power over all Kingdoms in such area. Heirs are Princes.
Kings: Reigns over their certain Kingdoms, usually encompassing only a few cities, loses power to High King.
Princes: Heirs to the High Kingdom or any Kingdom.
Dukes: Reigns over a city area, sons of the Princes.
Marquess: Sons to a Duke, or Ineligible to rule over the Duchy.
Earl/Count: Held title in a middle-sized town, usually the younger sons to a Marquess.
Viscount: Brothers of an Earl/Count. Coexists with Earls in the same town.
Baron: Ruler of a small town, sons of an Earl with boundaries within the County of the Earl.
Baronet: Smallest noble title, has no ruling, but holds hereditary title. Successors to the Barons.

And RP Permissions, as per normal Michael VII traditions, anything goes. Style Mod: +5.

[Sixteen Bits]

>run: file 171381361 
>loading...
>
>{bold}the calculation of sixteen bits
>world cuppet 03 computation
>
>confirmed
>
>run: subroutine 956035583a
>loading...
>
>checksum=rumbristan 0-2 sixteen bits
>generating match report...
>
>sixteen bits wins
>
>confirmed
>
>query: display contented smily?
>
>query return: 
>negative
>
>
>subroutine complete

>run: file 171381362 
>loading...
>
>{bold}the calculation of sixteen bits
>world cuppet 03 computation
>
>confirmed
>
>run: subroutine 956035583b
>loading...
>
>checksum=sixteen bits 2-1 terrabis
>generating match report...
>
>sixteen bits wins
>
>confirmed
>
>query: display relieved smily?
>
>query return: 
>negative
>
>
>subroutine complete

>run: file 661170803-2 
>loading...
>
>{bold}the calculation of sixteen bits
>world cuppet 03 computation
>
>confirmed
>
>run: subroutine 652627834.1
>loading...
>
>file: forwardstory 1/8
>generating text...
>
>complete
>
>run: subroutine 652627834.1a
>
>print to screen: textfile
>forwardstory 1/8
>loading...
>

[unpre]

Email Transcript

Email Transcript

From: Surgeon John Hunter, Sixteen Bits Field Trip, Inis na Dun
To: Doctor Theodor Seuss Geisel, Neurobiological Research Unit, Miskatonic University
CC: Florence Nightingale, Hassan i Sabbah, Doctor Herbert West, John the Baptist

Subject: Project Cuppet 3

Networked Solid State Drives and Chips in Organic Matter
Human Trials – the 23% Self-Aware Test Specimens

Dr. Seuss,

Our final experiment is under way. The third-generation chips were successfully fired up, and though we are getting a small interference from the high levels of radioactive isotopes in the local system, Doctor Pertwee-Who has made some compensations to the wifi ports and is quite confident the signal drop-out is within safe and workable margins. The Tamarindian clones are proving to be excellent vessels for the solid state drives, they have good footballing muscle memory and though I may have opposed using them in the first place I have come to see Masvidal's point of view on this, even though I remain firm in my opinion that we should not be seeking the advice of a footballer on this matter. The early signs are that these clones are better equipped for the rigours of tournament football than the Vergenski ones ever were.

As planned we have so far freed up 7 per cent of the available brain matter for the development of independent and individual personality in the Tamarindo specimens, and will gradually release another 16 per cent in the coming days, whilst being vigilant for signs of toxic personality shock syndrome. So far the transitions have been smooth enough. I have to say opening up the first 3 per cent was more a shock to us than to the cloned organic vessels. I am sure Doctors Freud and Jung would have something to say on the matter, but it seems certain to me that the first thing the newly created personality seeds did was form a hard shell of ego, primarily concerned with basic survival requirements like nourishment, sleep and defecation. These hard-wired shells, which Doctor Pertwee-Who described as the Id Shells (he has a very vague recollection of reading Freud, but personally I think he may also have read Steiner and confused the two) immediately began sending protest actions to get the attention of their nurturers, and for three days it was like nursing two dozen babies in adult form. And not one of them house-trained! We didn't think to pack nappies, and ones which fit adults are a very specialist market – we couldn't find the right sort of store here in Inis na Dun and had to let them just run around naked for the most part, mopping up behind them. Fortunately, by the time we increased personality capacity to 7% we had them all cleaned up and behaving more independently, and no unpleasantness bar the odd bed-wetting.

On the field of play the chips have been set to take over completely until the personality elements are sufficiently matured, so that they play with a simple combination of the Sixteen Bit network and Tamarindo muscle memory. It has worked perfectly so far – two wins from two! Doctor Pertwee-Who has become fanatical in his support for the team, despite all our encouragements to remain scientifically stoic.

If I have any concerns it is that the choice of the devil Moloch as the team counsellor and psychotherapist was a poor one, as I stated to the Panel on day one. I fail to see what he can bring to the table – or couch – that will be of benefit to the blossoming identities of the Tamarindo clones. I know he served as team counsellor during Wight's first Cup of Harmony in New Montreal States, but from what I have read, it was hardly a glowing success. And he plainly does not want to be here, nor does he see himself as a psychotherapist. I imagine this is one of those blackmail deals done by someone very high up the food chain, though to what aim, I could not say. Certainly I am not ready to unleash him on the delicate and fragile young egos of my clones until I am sure they are resilient enough to cope with his blessed temper. And does he have to be doused in the blood of sacrificed children, the whole time? To me this is over-demonstrative and quite unscientific.

Yours,

Surgeon Hunter.
Project Cuppet 3 Field Team.

[/unpre]

>confirmed
>
>subroutines complete
>return time: 0.00237333r seconds
>
>end

[Hvammstang]

---

THE QUIET TIMES
& Mannaeyjar Herald

---

BEC ERIU, INIS NA DUN - The Arctic Foxes have proved themselves wily customers again after recovering from an opening day thrashing in the World Cuppet to grab a strong victory themselves. After surprising everyone in the Wightling Commonwealth Cup of Nations by reaching the final ahead of more illustrious counterparts like Tamarindia and Kukalaya, the Hvammstangi national team went into this tournament with low expectations and looked to meet those expectations when they went down 0-4 to the embodiment of Everywhere on the opening day. A second defeat would surely give them a mountain to climb, and while Hvammstangers are always up for a good climb back home in the volcanic peaks of the North Shore Range, they would more likely be packing their bags for a flight home if overcome by Rumbristan. But in the dilapidated community stadium of The Faha, a ground that would be familiar to most Hvammstangi for it's scale and modesty, the Arctic Foxes finally got ticking with a magnificent win and one which significantly reduced the goal difference deficit. Will that be significant in the end? Only time will tell, but if they keep playing like this, they must be in with a shout of qualification to the knockout rounds - and that would be a shock.

Kyösti Lindholm grabbed an impressive first half hattrick to put the Arctic Foxes into a commanding 3-0 half-time lead, and after the Rumbristanis pulled one back early in the second half, goals from Ismo Rislakki and Kimmo Karhu put the game out of reach. Hvammstang looked like they would wipe out their disastrous goal difference margin completely until a late consolation from Rumbristan dipped them back into the red. But with three points on the board, perhaps, if other results go their way and the Arctic Foxes grab seven points from nine, they might just qualify. With Sixteen Bits in the way next, it will take quite a performance. Coach Kaj Haapasalo has ordered twenty five Casio calculators and a slide rule for the game, but can the Arctic Foxes out-compute the Number Crunchers on matchday 3? I've just done my sums, and I make it around 33/1, give or take a couple of lucky breaks.

[Misrantis]

Misrantis Not Travel Far - World Cuppet 3 Right Next Door!

The Football Team of the Misrantian Empire will have the shortest distance to travel to arrive at the World Cuppet, its being held right at the closest land nation to Misrantis, this nation is Inis Na Dun.

The Lost Misrantians found their way amazingly to the Second Cuppet but will have no problems arriving in the third cuppet due to the simple travel, which will make it easy for the team to focus on other things, like winning the games. Misrantis will open the tournament against Zebrabwe. It will be the first meeting between Misrantis and Zebrabwe.

The rest of the group will be Fevelo, Free University, Uke Islands and the Unbidded Horde. The Misrantians are mostly looking forward to the match against the Uke Islands, however, they are most concerned about the match against the Unbidded Horde. However, if Misrantis can escape without defeat, they will advance to the next stage as they try to get back to the final and avenge the World Cuppet 2 defeat on the closest thing they will have to Home Soil.



The photo above is the last known image of Misrantis.

The Misrantis players only experience at the international level came during World Cuppet 2 in the Polar Islandstates. Despite entering the tournament 'under the radar' - Misrantis advanced to the competition's championship match, only being defeated after extra time was required. This result, although a loss, gives Misrantis confidence on its ability to compete competitively in Inis Na Dun.

[Osarius]

OOC: Oops wrong nation

[Aquillian]

((OOC: just realised my roster and initial RP are also under the wrong nation. Doesn't seem to have made a difference, but still... my bad.))

Training seemed to last an age. Alejandro retired to his hotel room immediately after the two-hour session, feeling thoroughly exhausted. 'So much for starting the next match. I'm too tired for this. And I only played ten minutes against Cape Cork County, when the game was already decided.' He thought to himself as he collapsed onto his bed. 'Why does everything seem to take so long now? And why am I so tired? It felt like we were training all day...'

"Because in your mind, you were." A mysterious voice answered his thoughts.

"What the-?" Alejandro flipped over quickly, clutching at the lamp on the bedside cabinet, ready to fling it in self-defence. "Who aare y- no what the hell are you doing in my room? How did you get in? And how did you answer my thoughts? Can you read my mind? What the hell is going on here?"

The mysterious voice belonged to a tall, shadowy figure. Alejandro could make out no sign of a face, just a tall person in a heavy black cloak. The figure moved toward him.

"Don't take another step or I swear I will brain you."

"With the lamp, Alejandro?"

"What the-? How do you know my name?! What the hell is going on?!"

"I will answer all your questions. But first, please put the lamp down."

"Answer my questions and I'll think about putting it down."

The mysterious cloaked figure inhaled deeply. "Fine." It replied. He replied? It sounded male, anyway. "I am The Vox."

"That doesn't answer my questions!"

"Well... If you would let me finish."

"Okay, 'Vox'. Who are you and what are you doing here?" Alejandro spluttered at the figure, still clutching the lamp in one hand, while fumbling blindly for the plug with the other.

"My answer will not make sense until I explain something to you about your gift."

"My gift? W-What do you mean my gift?" His panic was intensifying.

"You have a rare ability to traverse time and space."

The shock seemed to placate Alejandro somewhat. He paused for a moment, staring blankly at The Vox.

"Ah. It appears you are finally willing to listen." The Vox continued. "You have felt tired a lot lately, yes?"

"Y-Yeah..."

"And your perception of time has seemed... off... yes?"

"How do you..."

"These are side effects of your ability. You are subconsciously travelling through time-space, and living multiple paths. Then you are selecting one, which directly affects the reality you exist in."

"Wait... what?"

"You are living out multiple realities."

"Okay, one more word of this crazy shit and I brain you." Alejandro unplugged the lamp as he said it.

"Today, you took part in a training session with the Aquillian national football team. The session lasted two hours, yet you feel as though you trained all day. In truth, this is because you retain memories from the alternate realities you have experie-" The Vox paused as the lamp passed straight through him, shattering against the wall behind him. "That was slightly rude."

Alejandro was scrabbling off the bed, toward the balcony, fumbling at the lock on the sliding door.

"Running from me does not change the truth, Alejandro. I am here to help you."

"Fuck you!" Alejandro screamed, half sobbing as he frantically tugged at the handle, trying to open the still locked door.

"You are unable to control your ability, and as a result, you cannot dismiss irrelevant memory, placing a strain on your mind, tiring you out. Please listen to me."

"You're crazy!" Alejandro shouted back. "Maybe I'm crazy! I don't know! I don't care! Just leave me alone!" He sobbed and beat his fists against the glass door. "WHY WON'T YOU OPEN?!"

"Perhaps it was too soon for you. When you are ready to listen and learn, I will return."

"NEVER! NEVERRRR!" Alejandro bellowed.

"Ale, are you okay?" A muffled voice from the hotel corridor shouted through the door to his room. He recognised it as Sergio Galindo.

"Senor Galindo! I-I-I need help. There is someb-" He didn't finish. The Vox touched him lightly on the forehead and he collapsed into a deep sleep.

"Alejandro?" The muffled voice of the national team assistant manager came through the door. "Alejandro?" Again. Then a thud of a boot against the door. And another. Then the sounds of someone calling somebody over, and fumbling at the lock

The Vox exhaled deeply and disappeared as they opened the door, to see Alejandro slumped against the balcony sliding door, drenched in sweat.

"What the hell happened here?" Sergio Galindo muttered as he looked around the room. The dishevelled bedclothes, broken lamp, and smeared handprints against the glass door all indicated something had happened. But he had no idea what. "Ohhh... Mio Dio. 'Fredo will need to take care of this."

[The Ursine Northlands]

"Two losses in our first two games? Urrgah! That's worse than the WaterGate FishWives managed hwhen the represented the Northlands -- unoffically -- in the previous 'Cuppet'... and they're only amateurs, hwhereas we are supposed to be the best team in the 'Northern League'."

"Well, playing against a faceless side like our latest opponents is always tricky, they seem so weird.*"

"Ayyuh, I know.
"Still ,these hrresults are verrry disappointing... And that's after we sacrificed a bunch of geeseto Margaret, and all..."

"Ur'rmm, maybeso that's it. Maybeso Margraet actually likes geese, so she didn't like smelling them get sacrificed?"

"You mean that they aren't the usual offering to her?"

"For true! Hwhat seems to be standard in most other lands is those smaller 'Chicken' birds -- and only artificial imitations, hrrather than the hrreal thing, at that, instead."

"Oh. So, can we get hold of some of those imitation chickens, and offer them up to Her, before our next match here?"

"Seems hworth a try, doesn't it? Hokay, let's go."



(OOC: * The NorthBears own roster has now been added to their previous post.)

[Everywhere]

"Somehow I don't think that our goalie combining his efforts with the oppositing team to turn the match into a prayer-service rather than a football game like that is what Lord Infinity actually had in mind when he picked the fellow for our line-up, Charlie."

"I agree, boss, but what can we do about it?"

"Nothing, Charlie, abso-bloody-lutely nothing."