World Cup 64 RP Thread

by **Kandorith** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:04 am

Xiangzhóu News:SPORTS

Draw Keeps Hopes High

A draw in a crucial stage of the qualifiers, Kandorith is still in the race with the third in the group crawling up towards Kandorith, with only 3 points in difference and the first place completely out of sight. Kandorith has to perform at it's best now and hope for Svengarda to tame down. Will Kandorith make it, or will the most successful Kandorese team in history leave without qualifying?

We have the exlusive words from Head Coach Xíanjí on the situation:

"Yes it is difficult, but we will succeed. I have full faith in this team and I know we can beat or at least draw the last matches to give the fans that well deserved play-off spot in this competition. The task is massive, but there's no great pressure. Even if we lose because there's only one thing worse that being a loser. It's being one of those guys that sits in a bar, telling the story of how he became a loser, and I never want that to happen to me. And that is why we will keep fighting for victory but will also celebrate and we will be heroes if we get defeated. After all, we are the most successfully placed Kandorese team in history now, this shows the world that we have serious football players and we take the sports seriously. And perhaps, people will now think we are a force to be reckoned with, in sports.

I will of course place the best players in the starting eleven today, we will drive ourselves to the limit and give the fans what they deserve, a total victory in the last matches and a victory in the play-offs!

It is without doubt that the players know what rests on their shoulders, but I have confidence in them to not let the pressure build up. They look relaxed, they look confident and they want to win. They want to be heroes and in fact, they already are our national heroes. Our national treasures. We will go out there tonight, play the ball, control the game and put them under pressure, as it has brought us success in the early games; although we tamed down too much, now we have to be a roaring dragon again, instead of a snoring one.

We can not sleep for one moment on the field now, we need more than one-hundred percent of persistence and we know what the goal is. We are going for that qualification spot, we are going for history, but most of all, we are going for the fun of it. The fans love it, the players love it, we are finally a unit, a true footballing unit. Tonight we will write history and tomorrow we will write even more history, we shall be the heroes Kandorith has dreamt of for so many years."

He is fully enthusiastic and so are the fans, the Kandorese team is assured they can win the day and place themselves. We are looking forward to the upcoming now already deemed historical matches and so are the people at home. Of course His Majesty, The Emperor will be enjoying the match and will be watching the staff closely from the stadium too, as he travelled to see the team play and support them; like every other person within the Empire.
Tonight marks perhaps the D-Day for Kandorith and the National Team in sports, tonight the magic has to make it happen and put the ball in the net. The Match will start around 14:00 Kandorese time and to support the team, Jiayoú Kanduó! To the Golden Wings of Glory!

by **Ko-oren** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:37 am

Time to talk chances, version 3.0 (days to go which rhymes, if you pronounce it 'three point oh')

Group 19: Five teams are still in the race for the first place to advance to the World Cup directly, or the second place and hope for the best. These are the Archregimancy, Michael VII, Ko-oren, Jedi8246 and Bearded Moose in order of the table after match day 15. The Archregimancy have the best chances, they are on 36 points which is eight more than both Michael VII and Ko-oren. Then Jedi8246 is two points behind that, on 26, and Bearded Moose is on 22. As all teams still play three more games, the maximum points for each team are:

Bearded Moose: 31
Jedi8246: 35
Michael VII and Ko-oren: 37
The Archregimancy: 45

This means that Michael VII and Ko-oren can already end Bearded Moose's hopes and dreams with a victory and a draw for both: they'll then have 32 points, higher than Bearded Moose's highest possible number. On the other side of the spectrum, the Archregimancy can already start looking for a hotel with two more points (then they'll have 38, higher than both Michael VII and Ko-oren can get. Of course, the team might look for a nice monastery instead of a hotel, or even a good place to keep the portal into New Montreal States/Wight).

The remaining games for the five teams left in the race of Group 19:

Bearded Moose
Secundus Kasius - Bearded Moose
Bearded Moose - Timfen
Michael VII - Bearded Moose

Jedi8246
Timfen - Jedi8246
Jedi8246 - Michael VII
Ko-oren - Jedi8246

Ko-oren
Michael VII - Ko-oren
Democratic States of Fenbar - Ko-oren
Ko-oren - Jedi8246

Michael VII
Michael VII - Ko-oren
Jedi8246 - Michael VII
Michael VII - Bearded Moose

The Archregimancy
The Archregimancy - Kericia
Silver Beach - The Archregimancy
The Archregimancy - Democratic States of Fenbar

First of all, if BM still want to qualify, they'll have to win everything and still hope for losses with the other teams. They have to take on Secundus Kasius and Timfen first, teams that are now directly below them. These games should be close, and even if they survive this, they have to take on Michael VII who undoubtedly are still in the race by then. Overall, they do not seem to have a bright future...

The Wyverns (Jedi8246), Ko-oren and Michael VII all play matches against each other. In between, the Wyverns take on Timfen, Ko-oren takes on the DS of Fenbar, and Michael VII take on Bearded Moose. The schedules left for these teams are very, very hard, but at least these three can take matters into their own hands. But we'll get back to this.

Finally, the Archregimancy. They have the easiest program left against teams in 8th, 9th and 10th place (out of 10, just saying). This together with their 8 point lead means that probably only a war can stop this team from seizing the group win. In other words: steal the Holy Icon and maybe they'll refuse to play altogether. Do it. Quick.

Back to the three teams in second, third and fourth. This fight will no doubt go down in World Cup history. Three teams, fighting for second place, with only two points behind them. That's not that odd. But they all play each other on the last three days. Now that's movie material. Let's compare the three teams, as the matches between them will most likely define the runner up of this group, their matches against the lower teams of the group should not be that much of a problem. But aware: just when you're thinking of the next match is usually the time when you lose the one you're playing. Out of the opponents of the Three Teams, Ko-oren has the easiest opponent in Fenbar. Then comes Jedi8246 who take on Timfen. Michael VII have to pay attention on the very last day against Bearded Moose, who are not bad at all!

Defense
This one goes to Ko-oren, obviously. They conceded just seven goals in the 15 games played so far, and three of these were in one match against the Archregimancy. The other two are not far apart on 20 and 22 conceded goals.

Attack
Michael VII takes this one with a fair distance. They have scored 37 goals, which is almost 2,5 per game. Jedi8246 have scored 32 (or just over 2/game), and Ko-oren are on 15, which is exactly 1 per game.

Goal difference
Michael VII are on +17, then Jedi8246 are on +10, and Ko-oren is on +7. Should it come down to goal difference, Michael VII should advance.

Points
Jedi8246 is the only team with a disadvantage here: they don't just need to fix their goal difference problem, they also need to fix the two point gap.

H2H record
Michael VII 1–1 Ko-oren (MD 7)
Jedi8246 2–1 Michael VII (MD 8)
Ko-oren 2–0 Jedi8246 (MD 9)

1. Ko-oren     4p, 3GF 1GA +2GD
2. Jedi8246    3p, 2GF 3GA -1GD
3. Michael VII 1p, 2GF 3GA -1GD

This tells us a different story. First let me say that all teams played one home and one away, so everything's fair. Ko-oren won this first fight without a loss, and they even scored more goals and conceded less than both other teams (!) This means that despite their 1 goal per game average, they scored 'overaverage' in these two games! Maybe stronger opponents DO bring out the best in them...

Style
Michael VII favor an extremely offensive tactic, which must clash with Ko-oren's ultra-defensive strategy. The Wyverns are more or less the average of the two teams... Are they the best of both worlds and rightfully balanced in their approach?

History
Jedi8246 have qualified for World Cup 60, but not since. Michael VII has qualified for World Cup 62, which makes them the most recent qualifier between these three teams. Ko-oren still have to qualify for their first World Cup.

These areas are just 7 out of the millions of possible variables. Home advantage is one: which fanbase supports their team the most (Michael VII's stadium has the highest capacity at 100.000, while Ko-oren's Wind Arena comes second with 71.000)? Which nation's star player has the best nights of sleep before these crucial matches? The details will be the tiebreaker here.

KSN experts give Michael VII 35% to finish second

KSN experts give Ko-oren 35% to finish second

KSN experts gives the Wyverns 30% to finish second

by **High Heels** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:53 am

(In the foreign press...)

Rothbardton Times-Herald

Webster divorce takes on new dimensions
By Steve Morton

Wendy Webster is fighting back.

The wife of prominent orthopedic surgeon Dr Carson Webster has filed a cross-complaint for divorce in response to Dr Webster's action reported here on Tuesday. Although her response is under temporary court seal, sources close to attorney Jerry Lee's office have confirmed that Mrs. Webster alleges physical and emotional abuse as grounds in the cross-complaint.

Dr Webster's original filings included both a complaint for divorce on grounds of adultery and a separate action for alienation of affection against the alleged correspondent, Wednesday goalkeeper Kaisa Cuban.

Neither Miss Cuban, Dr or Mrs Webster, nor Mr Lee were immediately available for comment. Cuban is traveling back to her home in Hogklackat after her High Heels national football team scored a dramatic 1-1 away draw against Group 12 leaders Mapletish in World Cup qualifying.

Local legal experts have pointed out the challenges involved in maintaining an action for adultery or for alienation of affection where the offending activity was a same-sex relationship. But Andrea Colavito of the Sowell Law School faculty notes that, "While the drawers of the original statute almost certainly did not consider gay and lesbian relationships in their work, the language of the enacted legislation leaves open the possibility for maintaining such an action. What is unthinkable in one time can become novel in another and commonplace in a third."

by **Slembana** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 12:14 pm

"We won, Jyvx."

"I know, Aaron. It's our fourth successive win."

"What was the score?"

"We won 5-1."

"Against who?"

"Shadowbourne. They're ranked 167th, 82 places below us."

"Who scored?"

"Val Kylx bagged a hat-trick, while Yuppë Tárnix and Don Adobe scored our other goals."

"What position are we in the group?"

"4th. However, we're know knocked out."

"Oh...that's a real shame."

"True dat."

"Who are our next opponents?"

"Thatius. They're ranked 56th in the world."

"We'll probably lose."

"True dat."

"Bye Jyvx."

"Bye Aaron."

by **Turori** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 12:48 pm

A Whole 'lotta Nothin'
Eels Started Campaign with a Clean Sheet

Should the Turori Eels fail to reach the World Cup 64 Finals, as it very much looks like they might very well happen to be on their not-so-merry way to doing, There will be potentially three things they could look back on and lay the blame - as "This is where things went wrong"

The first of those three things that most certainly cost the Eels a reasonable shot at a top-two spot in the Group 14 table was their offensive spark, or lack-there-of at the start of the campaign.

Sure, the Eels scored three goals in their first three matches and conceded exactly zero. Not exactly a bad start, statistically, to the campaign.

The problem for Ematea Saenu's Eels was that it took until Matchday 3 for them to score any of those goals, each in a somewhat important, but otherwise mundane matchup with regional rivals Cosumar.

One of the questions before the campaign started would be who Ematea Saenu would choose as the starting goalkeeper. Of course, the safe choice was Hooizo Nuakoi, the Turoki Tide AFC goalkeeper playing at the top level of both Vilitan an International domestic sport with a UICA Champions Cup and Atlantian Oceania Champions League title to his name. However, the resurgence of the experience Ronji Miiastara at Kiiarana City could not go un-noticed, and, of course, there was Mumau Atla-Siioai. The often-overlooked goalkeeper with just 5 international caps to his name had just led Turoki United to the Vilitan Cup title, the first in club history - largely thanks to Atla-Siioai's performance against Jungle Strike FC in the semi-finals.

In the end, however, Saenu, with plenty of pressure on them after failing to perform admirably at the World Cup in Turori, and, with the eyes of the Cove on the World Cup 64 Qualification campaign with both Vilita and Turori squaring off against each other, decided at least to do one thing that probably he could not be faulted for if it went wrong - stick with Hooizo Nuakoi.

The Turoki Tide goalkeeper did his part at the "Kick off Party" at Eels Park where Turori squared off against the Sandwich Territories to open their World Cup 64 Qualification Campaign. Unfortunately for the fans in the Island Emirate, the same could not be said for the forwards, Liinai Zakakzaka and Anuh Ciniima. The Eels were held to a goalless draw in Turori and 2 valuable points towards potential qualification were dropped just like that.

Then, a repeate performance on the road at The Andromeda Territitories. A distant place, its probably as far as Turori have ever travelled for a match but no statistician really cared to look up the state, especially after another goalless performance - even after Saenu made a switch to a 3-4-3 formation bringing on Anuh Ciniima to try to bolster the attack.

2 Matches played, 4 points dropped. It was not looking good for Saenu and the Eels.

To their credit, the offense woke up against Cosumar. Jukkia Diijelhma got a pair of goals and Liinai Zakazaka added a third. Perhaps a case of too little too late as some media reports were already writing off the Eels chances to qualify from Group 14 with the Vilita Jungle Cats and the Kandorean's off to such a hot start. That said, the Eels had the momentum they had so desired heading into the super-derby - a first ever World Cup qualification clash between The Island Emirate of Turori and the Tropics of Vilita ...

Turori Eels Lineup v. Sandwich Territories ::
[GK] Hooizo Nuakoi, [D] Diauro Dlaminii, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [D] Noa-isinao Wioauoi, [UT] Restiaa Mumamba, [ML] Cediici Tzatzos, [MC] Raso Tareak, [MC] Tiika Diirotora, [MR] Rikko Rawaii, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Anuh Ciniima
BENCH::
[FC] Jukkia Diijelhma, [FC] Loala Kigoouao, [M] Vrotaoa Lorasoiba, [M] Rutaj Ranaso, [UT] Balariita Muzmaara, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [GK] Ronji Miiastara

Turori Substitutions::
(45) - Cediici Tzatzos >>> Rutaj Ranaso

Turori Eels Lineup @ The Andromeda Territories ::
[GK] Ronji Miiastara, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [D] Noa-isinao Wioauoi, [UT] Restiaa Mumamba, [ML] Raso Tareak, [MC] Vrotaoa Lorasoiba, [MC] Cediici Tzatzos, [MR] Tiika Diirotora, [FC] Jukkia Diijelhma, [FC] Loala Kigoouao
BENCH::
[FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Anuh Ciniima, [M] Rikko Rawaii, [M] Jake Gibbons, [UT] Rutaj Ranaso, [D] Diauro Dlaminii, [GK] Hooizo Nuakoi

Turori Substitutions::
(45) - Vrotaoa Lorasoiba >>> Anuh Ciniima

Turori Eels Lineup v. Cosumar ::
[GK] Hooizo Nuakoi, [D] Diauro Dlaminii, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [UT] Restiaa Mumamba, [ML] Cediici Tzatzos, [MC] Raso Tareak, [MC] Rikko Rawaii, [MR] Vrotaoa Lorasoiba, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Jukkia Diijelhma
BENCH::
[FC] Loala Kigoouao, [FC] Anuh Ciniima, [M] Tiika Diirotora, [M] Rutaj Ranaso, [UT] Balariita Muzmaara, [D] Noa-isinao Wioauoi, [GK] Ronji Miiastara

Turori Goalscorers::
5' Jukkia Diijelhma
23' Jukkia Diijelhma
44' Liinai Zakazaka

Turori Substitutions::
(45) - Diauro Dlaminii >>> Noa-isinao Wioauoi
(63) - Raso Tareak >>> Anuh Ciniima

by **Maklohi Vai** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:01 pm

Morning of Day 4, 9 am
"Lina, did those speeches arrive on my desk?"

"Yessir, they did. Three different speeches and three different plans."

"Good. Now, I'll be there in about 10 minutes. I don't want to see the NGO plan, ok? It's not going to happen."

"Ok, sir."

"And Lina, I need TV time at 6 this evening for a speech, and then a meeting with senior officials ASAP."

"Of course, sir. Any extra officials?"

"No, just heads of military departements and all the relevant defense, intel, and security people."

"Yessir. For the speech, all major networks?"

"Yes, book out the big five. Everyone can watch those if they want."

"Is that all, sir?"

"For now. I want the meeting no later than 10."

"Of course, sir. See you soon."

"Good bye, Lina. Thank you very much."

President's Office, 9:30 am. The first to arrive is the Chief of the Navy, Olamuno Kurunakapai.
"Mr. President, did you talk with the Limahinan Governor last night?"

"Yes, I did, and I got results."

"Good, sir. What is the verdict?"

"Not a good one. Are you still ready to implement a blockade?"

"Yessir, my plan was on your desk."

"And I read it. Looks good."

"Thank you, sir."

"The thing is, we need something more dramatic. We can't let any supplies go to Lalo Limahina. None."

"A blockade on all ports, sir? And all foreign ships?"

"That's right. Now, it will look weird to blockade our own colony, but something has to be done."

"Sir, could it really be enforceable?"

"Make it enforceable. And have it ready by 10, when the meeting starts."

"Yessir."

Presidential Briefing Room, 10am
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming. After discussing with the Limahinan governor last night, I am positive that the Limahinan government is the one behind the missiles."

"Was he cold, sir? How do you know?"

"I know because he's a creepy little idiot who couldn't help but let on what he was doing. He called it justice. Kulawo, am I correct in saying that he hasn't shown odd tendencies before?"

"He has not, sir."

"Well that changed. I've talked separately with Olamuno about a naval blockade, but one that is expanded. Do you have that plan?"

"Yessir."

"Is it feasible?"

"Not as much as the previous one, sir, but I think it is."

"Good. Because that's what we're doing."

"Sir, if I may interject----"

"No, you may not, Waruko. I have made my decision. It is the path with least violence. Diplomacy will not work, so we must take action. Any questions?"

"No sir."

"Good. I will be giving a speech to the nation tonight on the matter. What I need is for the blockade to be in place by tomorrow morning, start setting it up as soon as my speech is done."

"What if the Limahinans are hostile, sir?"

"They're going to be hostile. That's a given. Their people will wonder what the heck is going on, and they won't like us."

"What if they get aggressive, though?"

"Then be prepared for an invasion, but only after I give my go ahead. Is this clear?"

"Yessir."

"Good. Get going."

National Television, 6pm
"Good evening, my fellow Vaians. I have not addressed you in this manner since the hostage crisis of the last Cup of Harmony. That incident was a matter of national security, as is the one I speak of tonight. It has come to my attention in the past couple days that our colony, Lalo Limahina, has had some suspicious activity. The government of Lalo Limahina is harboring missiles, and likely troops, in what we suspect is a planned rebellion against Maklohi Vai. This plan, until now, was top secret and known only by senior officials within the Limahinan government. It is the opinion of myself and my advisors that this needs immediate solving. We estimate that a blockade of all trade and goods to Lalo Limahina will send this message. The blockade will start as soon as I finish my speech, unless word is received from Lalo Limahina that they intend to back down. If they do not, we will proceed. If they get hostile or aggressive, we will return the feeling. Make no mistake, we do not want war. We merely want the safety of our country, and will do all we can to protect it. May the ancestors guide you, Maklohi Vai. Good night."

OOC: Limahinan response will be in the Lalo Limahina RP

by **Lalo Limahina** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:18 pm

OOC: It is imperative that you read the last link above for context

Governor's Office, Lalo Limahina. 6:15 pm, shortly in the aftermath of the Vaian President's speech.

"Shit."

"Sir, we can still carry through, right?"

"Of course we can. Everyone just now knows what we're doing. We probably don't even have the backing of our own people."

"We don't, sir. They're calling in mad right now."

"Don't let anybody come in. I'm going to stay in my office."

"Ok, sir. What's the plan?"

"The plan? Well, we can't succumb now. We have to fight for independence. Let this just be a spark to light our revolutionary fire!"

"Sir, we don't have the resour----"

"Goddammit! I want war!"

"Sir, I've told you that all we had was the element of surprise. We don't have that anymore."

"WE HAVE THE REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT!!!"

"Sir..."

"We will fight! And I will tell that damned Vaian that he can suck it!"

"Sir..."

"I'm calling him right now!"

*picks up the blue hotline phone*

"Hello, Maklohi Vai?"

"This is Munako Lumakonapani, the Minister of Defense of Maklohi Vai."

"Hello, minister. Are you going to do your stupid blockade? Bring it on! We will fight back and we won't allow your ships to do this!"

"Governor, do you have the power to stop the ships?"

"I CAN DO ANYTHING."

"Do not question me, Governor. You do not have that power, and you do not have the power to defeat Maklohi Vai."

"Yes we do. You'll see. You'll flail and die. You'll cease to exist."

"We're coming for you, Governor. For you and all your conspirators. Watch."

"Mwahaha! I'll be waiting, dear sir. I'll be waiting."

President's Office, Maklohi Vai. Immediately after phone call.

"Mr. President, he's mad. We need to go get him."

"Are you sure?"

"Yessir, it's the only way."

"Ok, contact Special Forces about this. They'll do it."

"Yessir."

by **Hyskigland** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:39 pm

Di Hārold
Di Furš ænt End Āŋlɨš Tɨndiŋ av di Komunwelþ av Hískɨglænd

Sumir: Di Blʉ-Svards vɨnar dār andra mač kontra Tírænts 3-0.

The Herald
The First and Only English Newspaper of the Commonwealth of Hyskigland

The Blue-Blacks completed a four-game sweep of the two teams ranked lower than them in Group 9 last night, by vanquishing Tyrants 3-0 on the road.

Erɨk Fɨsk followed up his hat trick against German American States by scoring one goal and earning one assist in this evisceration of the group’s third-to-last team, while midfielder and captain Arn Tensmed and defender Gudmen Olstig added the other two goals for the final 3-0 scoreline.

Head coach Everett Lang was in good spirits following the match as the Blue-Blacks once again drew to an even .500 on the campaign, though the team was officially eliminated from contention following a win by Mytannion and a draw by Apox. The Hyskiglandic squad will now be looking for a Cup of Harmony berth in order to continue its first-ever international campaign.

“We have a few goals left to accomplish this year,” Lang explained to the press corps upon the team’s return to Hyskigland. “Firstly, we want to finish strong. There are three Group 9 games left to go, and we’ll be looking to win at least one or two of those, just to show the world that we will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Our second goal is to make the Cup of Harmony, and advance past the group stage in that tournament.”

Before offering the team’s third goal, Lang could not help but smile. “And thirdly, we want Len [Gʉld] to score another goal at some point before the end of the year. We’ll let him take lots of long punts down the length of the pitch to try to catch the opposing defense off-guard again.”

Lang was referring, of course, to the goal which Gʉld scored in the 5-2 loss to The Inevitable Syndicate during the first half of World Cup qualifying. With the second match against The Inevitable Syndicate looming, the opportunity would seem to be ripe for the Hyskiglandic goalkeeper to score another exceedingly rare goal from his position.

“If Coach Lang wants me to try, I’ll try,” Gʉld told The Herald, with the assistance of a translator. “Now is the time of the campaign where we get to have a little fun. We’re not in contention anymore, but we still have matches to win, so we can break out some plays from our bag of tricks and see if anything falls favorably.”

After hosting The Inevitable Syndicate in the city of Stigastrɨnd, the Blue-Blacks will host Western Cuba on the home turf of Svardanʉl F.K. before going on the road to finish their World Cup qualifying campaign against Lacus Magni.

“It’s not the easiest three matches to finish off a campaign,” Lang admitted, “but I see us getting two victories out of it to finish with a winning record. I’ve just got a feeling.”

by **Hutt River** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:50 pm

Claire probably needed a nemesis. A villain who would show his or her true colours at the worst possible moment, hurting all she held dear. She thought about it for a few seconds, but couldn't come up with anyone. There was nothing obviously evil. Chris was probably the closest choice. He was stroppy enough and his jump was so pathetic that it conveniently avoided Claire's insecurities. She looked at Chris, who was mumbling under his breath. Yes. Diabolical Chris. The Fiendish Christopher.

Chris had supposedly disappeared. Claire wondered where he had gone. Was he off somewhere plotting Claire's downfall. If Claire was honest, and she thought she had to be, this was a troubling turn of events. Still, there were some relatively large bodies of water to cross. She noticed something new in the next room. Moving platforms over water, ay? She noticed there were multiple paths across with various configurations of the little posse. They were doing well. Claire hoped she could get them all across the bodies of toxic water. John was fully aware he could do this totally on his own. Thomas hoped he'd never have to.

In the next room, Claire was alone. Which was odd. She wasn't meant to be alone. She was meant to be where there were rectangles to save. Being the only hero in a given space was completely pointless, Claire thought. She noticed there were spikes. That was new. She decided they were probably her kryptonite. The proper radioactive green stuff, not the rubbish red one. She avoided them all and went through the portal.

Wait, a second. Claire felt like she was in the same room as before. Same walls, spikes everything. Except she had Thomas with her. That was strange. She felt something had gone wrong. A disturbance. The world was reacting to their progress, amassing it's forces, plotting against them.

Claire finally had a nemesis.

by **Lymantatia** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:56 pm

Chapter 14 - Freshman-Sophomore College (2001-2003)
He was now in college. He owned a website. He was a very good student.
Chapters
Chapter 1 - Kindergarten (1988-1989)
Chapter 2 - 1st Grade (1989-1990)
Chapter 3 - 2nd Grade (1990-1991)
Chapter 4 - 3rd Grade (1991-1992)
Chapter 5 - 4th Grade (1992-1993)
Chapter 6 - 5th Grade (1993-1994)
Chapter 7 - 6th Grade (1994-1995)
Chapter 8 - 7th Grade (1995-1996)
Chapter 9 - 8th Grade (1996-1997)
Chapter 10-11 - 9th and 10th Grade (1997-1999)
Chapter 12 - 11th Grade (1999-2000)
Chapter 13 - 12th Grade (2000-2001)
Chapter 14 - Freshman-Sophomore College (2001-2003)
Chapter 15 - Junior-Senior College (2003-2005)
Chapter 16-17 - The Children's Football Team (2005-2010)
Chapter 18 - Marriage (2010-)
Lymantatia 2–3 Bongo Johnson
Bad news is: We lost to Bongo Johnson 3-2, so we're permanently eliminated.
Good news is: We're still at third place.
Goalscorers (Matchday 15)
21 mins - Unknown (Bongo Johnson)
23 mins - Jacques Bressler (Lymantatia)
33 mins - Sylvius Johnson (Lymantatia)
51 mins - Unknown (Bongo Johnson)
55 mins - Unknown (Bongo Johnson)
Current Statistics
Average number of time of goals: 41 minutes
Average number of time of goals by other teams: 35 minutes
Most goals by person on Lymantatia's team: Jacques Bressler (23)

by **Ossidiacqua** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:57 pm

SO, YOU WANT TO FOLLOW LA RENAISSANCE ON TOUR?
A guide to international travel and the risks involved, produced by The Magisterium
All hail Grand High Cardinal Giocomo Re

Chapter FIVE:
Electricity
Section THREE:
Appliances

THE BEEPY STICK

What does it do?
We have got absolutely no idea. They appear to be quite high on technology, but have yet to ascertain what the purpose of them is. Owners can often be seen holding them in their arms and waving the paddle-y bit over the ground in arcs whilst they listen to some kind of music player that must be built into the handle of the stick through cumbersome speakers that go directly over each ear. The aim of the ritual appears to be to make the beepy stick make a beepy noise, and owners of them tend to get very excited and happy when this happens. Quite why they are listening to music and listening for a beepy noise at the same time is unclear. This beeping appears to happen for no reason however, and can happen totally at random. Sometimes they dig a hole when the noise is made, sometimes not. On occasions where no noises are made, they can repeat this ritual for many hours to no visible reaction, and so the event may have something in common on a therapeutic level with walking dogs.

Are they common?
This largely depends on your location. On beaches or in remote wooded areas or patches of scrub, owners of beepy sticks can often be seen performing their ritual. In built up areas, they are much rarer, leading tech-priests to theorise that urban city-dwellers tend to drive those that perform the ritual into more rural areas, and they could be something of an outcast.

What should I do if I am offered one?
This is unlikely. In our experience so far, owners of beepy sticks tend not to be the most sociable of human beings, and can indeed towards anyone they perceive as a threat. Those who are friendly frequently lack the social skills a person would find agreeable in an acquaintance, and should be avoided. Owners of beepy sticks and owners of shops that sell beepy sticks are also quite solitary creatures, taking great pride in their possession of their beepy stick, and we can't imagine a scenario where you are offered one.

Are they a sign of wealth?
The opposite, usually, as owners of these devices are often overheard as they search for money and coveted antiquities to sell. As the beepy stick itself is actually quite expensive, our tech-priests have come to think that their owners might not have to spend their time looking for money and coveted antiquities to sell if they refrained from buying a beepy stick in the first place. On the rare occasions that the owner of a beepy stick does find money or coveted antiquities to sell, they are often set upon by other owners of beepy sticks who were also looking for money or coveted antiquities. This puzzle has so far stumped our scientists.

Can I learn how to use it?
We'd be impressed if you did, because we have honestly no idea how it works or what it does, let alone how to use it. If you manage it, please let us know; because we're clueless.

Will it hurt me?
We don't think so. Though, owning one may make you a target for others if you find money or coveted antiquities. We advise you to stay away from them.

by **New Montreal States** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 2:01 pm

Matchday 16 scores!

No challenges today owing to time constraints. Sorry!

by **Jeruselem** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 3:23 pm

After Jeruselem beat Sicoutimont 3-2 at Dazza Dallas Stadium, Amy Pond with Princess Katy

Katy: We're still like 1 point behind them Yes people
Amy: At least we have 2nd spot to ourselves
Katy: We don't want 2nd spot, we want top spot
Amy: Well, we need them to lose a game then
Katy: I don't see that happening
Amy: You'll never know

Katy: Even worse, the Jeru FC girls lost and are 3 points behind them Warriors from Milchama
Amy: Yes, this means they might have to go through the playoffs
Katy: We only have two games left
Amy: Yes, they need Milchama to lose as well
Katy: I don't like playoffs
Amy: We don't have a great record in them do we?

Katy: These are testing times my friend
Amy: I don't think my daughter wants another Cup of Harmony either
Katy: Yes, not my cup of tea either
Amy: They are doing well for their rank
Katy: I suppose that is true
Amy: But they can't afford not to miss the finals this time round

Katy: Neither can we
Amy: Say, how is your insect bite?
Katy: Fine, but the red mark is still kinda there
Amy: Didn't look very nice
Katy: Looked like I had sex with vampire ya know
Amy: It was a vampire beetle

Katy: I declare war on Vampire beetles!
Amy: They don't exist here
Katy: I don't care, I want to wipe them all out
Amy: You probably have nice blood to drink
Katy: Well, they can go bite someone else
Amy: I just saw Russell Fox

Katy: Really?
Amy: At least he isn't my daughter's dad
Katy: Thank God for that. Say, is Melody going to Qazox to find out the real dad?
Amy: I don't know yet
Katy: It's best you find now early
Amy: Yes well, I don't want the grandkids to ask who grandpa is and you can't tell them

by **Jeru FC** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 3:37 pm

Princess Melody and Melody Pond after their Jeru FC lost

Princess: Oh God, we need Milchama to lose now
Melody: It's not all lost, we can still qualify without being top dog
Princess: Taking unnecessary risks is not the solution
Melody: They are expected to be the better team
Princess: That's besides the point, we have an opportunity to qualify via top spot
Melody: I know but we do well in playoffs - unlike Jeruselem

Princess: Two games left, not room for error.
Melody: I guess we need to win both games
Princess: And we need Milchama to lose one
Melody: I dunno, I can't see them losing now
Princess: I guess we can progress via the longer means
Melody: I just hope we don't do something silly

Princess: Oi, you going to Qazox or not?
Melody: I might ruin someone's life
Princess: Never, I'm sure they'll be happy
Melody: Someone people treat infidelty seriously. You might not.
Princess: I'm sure they'll think it's nice to have a famous new family member
Melody: I'm not famous

Princess: Not everyone has a World cup coach in the family
Melody: Some think little of things like that
Princess: You have to know who Dad is
Melody: Maybe he's better off not knowing
Princess: If you don't do it, the kids will
Melody: I guess they will one day

Princess: Exactly
Melody: But I wouldn't know what to do
Princess: We're the experts here, I can help
Melody: Oh yes, your family is full of illegimate children
Princess: Children are children, doesn't matter who dad is
Melody: I'm one of those illegimate children too I guess.

by **Sargossa** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:19 pm

“Admiral on the bridge.”

The bridge crew of the carrier Pride of Cormino snapped to a smart attention as their commander hastily returned from his inspection tour of one of the fleet’s outer echelons. And judging by the look on his face the admiral was not a happy man.

“What the hell happened?”

Nervous glances were exchanged among the command staff, none of them wanting to face their leader’s ire.

“Lieutenant Ramirez, operational control was yours I believe.” Almeyda pointed an accusing finger at the strategic display where three accusingly red dots had pierced the cordon of green and where rapidly approaching the island. “Talk me through that.”

“At 18:00 we received a transmission from Captain García of the Corraldo, he requested confirmation of engagement protocols.” A narrowing of the admiral’s eyes suggested he wasn’t at all happy at his orders requiring any kind of confirmation. The lieutenant took a breath and continued. “The Corraldo went on to issue several warnings to an approaching Polarian container ship before firing a shot across its bow. At which point . . .”

Admiral Almeyda raised a hand to stop the lieutenant in his tracks. “Just . . . stop talking. And get me Central Command.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Night time in Soluca was rarely quiet and this night was no exception. Gregorio Emparán watched the capital’s revelry through his office window in silence, the whitening knuckles of his clenched fists betraying his anger as the full report was read to him.

“So that’s it?” He turned on his aide. “Over one hundred ships surrounding that damned rock and at the first test of our resolve a hulking freighter just sails straight through. Making an utter mockery of this entire endeavour.”

“The captain of the Corraldo was straight out of the academy, this was his first command. It’s entirely possibly he bought in to the whole medical crisis story.”

“I don’t care. I want that ship withdrawn from the line and I want this Captain García put on a charge. Dereliction of duty. No, wait, treason.”

“But the penalty for treason is . . .”

“I’m aware of the penalty. Prepare a statement, inform the press that despite continuing Polarian aggression we have graciously allowed a humanitarian mission to pass through our blockade. We’ll use their own propaganda against them, I doubt the Polarians will admit they artificially created a medical crisis. What’s the situation on the island itself?”

“We have reports of widespread disturbances across Kűlmsaar.”

“Well that’s something at least. Ok, I’m through with this. Now we send a message. I want all available ground forces on Quella mobilised and moved to the port regions. And I want air and sea transports made ready. Contact our assets on the island. They’re to locate a target. A high profile target, someone public and in authority. And they are to eliminate them with extreme prejudice. I will have that island.”

“Of course sir.”

The president watched his aide leave. He sat at his ornate desk with a sigh, taking a paper from the top of an ever growing pile. With a flourish of his pen he confirmed the deployment of a government jet to Esca in Mytannion. He took the next report and scanned it, but the words seem to blur together. He placed it carefully back on the pile.

“What the hell was on that freighter?”

But his empty office had no reply.

by **New Sideburn** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:27 pm

New Sideburn Notches Up Record Victory, Immediately After Falling To Record Defeat
by Matt Hope of the Brinemouth Herald
Today's New Sideburn team looked nothing like the one that had succumbed so violently to Sicoutamont last weekend. In fact, immediately after kick-off, it became clear that this fight was going to resemble a pack of wolves tearing up a lamb.
Within four minutes, unmarked Alicia Scabbard had struck from distance past a stationary Aitor Berriabide. The tally was doubled on the twelve-minute mark, as Dale Brightley slid past Firmin Goiharitz and leapt over the wildly stretching arms of a charging Berriabide, before tapping the ball into the net. The first half wasn't all one way, though; the hosts had a scare when a long Mendiagoi shot shaved the crossbar. However, it quickly became apparent that the Cormorants were effectively pressuring the Basques, confining them to long shots that were comfortable saves for number 12 Portia Thrift. Gerd Thunder almost killed off the game in first-half injury time, through on goal with just the keeper to beat, but Berriabide made a fingertip save to push it onto the post.
The Basques looked a little more alive in the second half, and indeed managed a first real threat from a corner; it was passed directly to Manuel Apolinar Martinez on the edge of the box, who navigated past Strongnesse to shoot at goal from close range; Thrift did extremely well to smother the ball. And it was Grant Beardsley who opened the scoring in the second half, performing his trademark 'drop inside to the left foot and shoot' to marvellous effect. The Basques never really looked like coming back from that, particularly when Brightley was played through on goal and handily beat the keeper once more. Thunder closed out the game in the 84th minute, rising above all to head home a corner. New Sideburn's eighth victory; next is Maklohi Vai at home, before finishing the campaign playing Jeruselem away.

Bright Futures
Dale Brightley had been raring to go and out to impress from the start. Karelline Charmwell's form had been a little... off, lately, so the Basin Plain midfielder was selected in her stead.
It had paid off. Two goals and an assist.
Dale had always suspected Gethin didn't like him, but he had to admit the grizzled bastard had a point; Dale had underperformed in the Serenes pre-qualifiers, so Karelline was favoured to start after that. But now Dale was more than an attacking midfielder; he was an icon for New Sideburn, only the third national player to ply his trade outside the Isles of Serenes and the first to be in the national team at the time. In fact, he'd done very well for himself at Basin Plain, taking advantage of their unique (to a Sideburnese) training regimen to increase his fitness, at the cost of swearing off drinking. This had won him the sarcastic title of 'Straight-edge' Brightley, but it paid off with interest on the field.
More performances like this... that's what he needed. Appealing to Gethin would win him nothing, but if he kept playing like this when he was selected, well...
Three hours later, he was emailed the teamsheet. '10 - D. Brightley' started in the hole.
"Yesssss..."

by **Cassadaigua** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:30 pm

Concerning Discovery Unraveled by Grande Mountain Police
by Rachel Dixon, Concord Heights Times- senior Editor

As many Cassadagans were turning on their televisions to watch a critical game been Cassadaigua and Gaveo for purposes of World Cup 64 qualifying, it was just another day in the office for the Grande Mountain Police Department. Or so it would seem. At about 8am, police were called to break up what neighbors thought was simply a loud party at a home on Coyote Avenue. Police may have thought they were going there to break up the party, or perhaps make a drug or underage drinking bust, but when they arrived at the scene, everyone ran in different directions. Such a response would be common if they were going there for what they expected, so they went inside and detained a few men. There were no women here, which struck the police as a bit unusual if it were a party, so they detained as many people as they could and went searching for drugs. No drugs were found, but what was, was plenty of bomb making equipment. It did not appear as though any bombs had actually been made, unless some of the men that got away had been carried them off with them. Along with the bombs, came a chilling discovery. A manifesto, from a man by the name of Daniel Huxley. Unfortunately for the police, Huxley was not one of the men that they had detained, and none of the men who were had any intention of ratting out their leader. From the manifesto it became clear now that Huxley was the one organizing the violence that has plagued Cassadaigua.

The Concord Heights Times has obtained a transcript of the document, and the police have authorized its release to the general public. It goes as follows:

My name is Daniel Huxley,

I went to Grande Mountain University thinking I would have a chance to be a productive member of society. I thought about a career in law enforcement, though ultimately realized that my skills were best used for science. So I decide to pursue a major in biology, and to be someone who works in labs to find a cure for terrible diseases plaguing the world, not only in Cassadaigua.

However it was very apparent in my freshman year that they only disease of epidemic proportions in Cassadaigua is that of the disgusting discrimination on the basis of gender. I witnessed this early when my friend was given a C on a research paper that far exceeded the paper that the female sitting next to him had wrote. She got an A. If you read the two papers side by side, without knowing which belonged to who, you would have reversed these grades. My roommate did this with 20 students, 14 of them female, who not knowing which paper belonged to who, ALL picked my roommates paper as the better one. Is he really getting a fair opportunity? He is paying GMU the same amount of tuition, but is not going to get the same kind of chance. That is, I thought he was paying the same amount until I realized the amount of deductions to one’s expenses that are available to women, in comparison to men. This was just the start of my horrible experience at GMU. The female professors never had confidence in my abilities. My female peers in the classes disregarded anything I had to say and only ever saw me as a tool for reproduction and nothing more. I once watched a group of these “women”, and I use that word very loosely, completely bully a young man named Seth Johnson because he made the mistake of going over to one of their houses. There he was undressed and raped by the four of them. He was found to be deficient in a certain area, and these women degraded him terribly, posting naked pictures of him all over the internet and throughout the school. Every day became a living hell, being chastised for something he has no control over. Seth reported it to the police, who did nothing. He reported it to the school administration, who did nothing. Three weeks after the incident, Seth committed suicide. The ringleader of this foursome currently plays for the World Cup team. Meghan Kinson, you rapist, one day karma will get you. How’s it feel knowing you were responsible for this man committing suicide?

Cassadagan athletes, to others seem like role models. In other nations, where the man has more rights, there are women who think it is exciting that we have women who do these great things. They want to make themselves out to be these great people, when in fact they have lived a life of entitlement, getting anything they wanted, and allowed to do whatever they want, just like Meghan Kinson. The Grande Mountain Police Department never even investigated the rape. The rest of the world likely just mocks the idea of a man being raped by a woman.

This, is the Cassadaigua no one talks about. One of the most oppressive nations in the entire world, but one that no one ever makes a stand against. We have a group of people, of men, who claim to be fighting for men’s rights known as Male Equality Now. Well, “Now” has been a long time. How long has MEN been fighting, and what have they accomplished? MEN has tried to negotiate. They have attempted peaceful protests and have even undergone a religious conversion to show they were united. Where has this led us? What has changed in Cassadaigua? We have a new President of CASE, who just now stated that she will not allow a man to play on the World Cup roster, but yet Meghan Kinson has started every game of qualifying. Welcome, to the real Cassadaigua. This must stop. And NOTHING that MEN has done has been a success.

So screw it. I am no longer fighting with MEN. No longer will challenges due to time constraints be forgotten!! If you agree with me, then follow me, and we will undertake new tactics in Cassadaigua. There will be blood. There will be fire. There will be casualties. Some will have to go to jail for a very long time, in fighting for this cause. But fight with me, and may your brothers fight with you. We’ll do what needs to be done, even if it means overtaking the queen and making Cassadaigua a nation much like the rest of the world for men are equal, if not superior to women. Do it for Seth Johnson, do it for your fathers and grandfathers who suffered through the oppression. We will NOT be stopped!!

A chilling read, for sure, and certainly the first news that will come of this, is what to make of the allegations towards Meghan Kinson? She and her Dagan teammates were in Gaveo and played to a 3-3 draw, so she does not likely know of this accusation yet, and it will certainly serve as an unwanted distraction as the team heads into the final two games. Kinson did go to Grande Mountain University, and soon thereafter signed with Brattleboro to play her professional soccer. A check of GMU publications do report that a man named Seth Johnson did commit suicide, and that he was the same age as Kinson. Then beyond this, what is to be made of the proclamation that they would overtake the Queen? And furthermore, who are “they”? The Grande Mountain Police did arrest 14 people, though had to release them as they didn’t really have anything to go on as far as charging them. The person they would have wanted, Daniel Huxley, was not among the arrested and it’s safe to say that he is now a man on the run. It may be hard for him to lead this group as a fugitive, but it is probable that one of his followers will ensure his safety. Though he has lived in Grande Mountain most of his life, he could be anywhere in Cassadaigua right now, or maybe not in Cassadaigua at all.

by **Super-Llamaland** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:35 pm

Group 17
Mashiki 2–0 Arcquest
Kialga 1–0 Branta Island
The Babbage Islands 4–2 Melbergia
Super-Llamaland 5–2 The Alphabet Letters
Astograth 1–0 Geisenfried

Group 17 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 The Babbage Islands 16 14 2 0 40 13 +27 44
2 Astograth 16 12 1 3 27 10 +17 37
3 Mashiki 16 11 2 3 43 29 +14 35
4 Geisenfried 16 9 5 2 25 12 +13 32
5 Branta Island 16 7 2 7 21 20 +1 23
6 Super-Llamaland 16 5 2 9 23 25 −2 17
7 Melbergia 16 4 3 9 19 27 −8 15
8 The Alphabet Letters 16 4 2 10 18 38 −20 14
9 Kialga 16 3 2 11 14 25 −11 11
10 Arcquest 16 0 1 15 7 38 −31 1

While the Llamas cannot make it anymore to the next round, they're certainly hitting their stride.

Trevor Duncan had a hat trick and Drew Yiega scored two goals in the last twelve minutes to seal the game 5-2.

While Duncan scored three in the first half, the score was 3-2 as Tyson Richards had a poor performance coming back.

The Alphabet Letters challenged many times but Richards recovered to make many close saves. Then, Yiega was clutch and scored twice.

Ferguson: "Oh, Yiega and Duncan played great."

Can the Llamas keep sixth? Heck, how about fifth?

Tune in next time!

by **Qazox** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:00 pm

A 3-3 draw between Gaveo and Cassadaigua has given new life to the Eagles, after their 1-0 win over Advenia at Estadia Pika. Now Qazox has the one point lead for the 2nd place berth into the playoffs, thanks to Jesse Hilton's 65th minute goal. Polar Islandstates with their 0-0 draw clinched the group outright, and Qazox' win eliminated Leorudo and Gaveo, leaving two games for two teams for one spot. Qazox with a win and a Cassadaigua loss gets in. While a win and a Cassadaiguan draw next Tuesday would all but clinch the playoff berth for Qazox, barring a 6 goal loss to the Dagans on the final matchday. Up next, Qazox seeks to repeat their 7-2 blasting of Bergnovinaia but at Bergnovinaia; while Cassadaigua faces Phalnia at home. Next week is shaping up to be a very interesting one.

STATS
Possession
QZX 57.4%
ADV 42.6%

Shots
QZX 10
ADV 3

On goal
QZX 5
ADV 1

Corners
QZX 8
ADV 1

Fouls
QZX 7
ADV 14

Cards: Advenia Yellow (43rd minute) (red: 76th minute)
Attendence: 84,562
Referee: Beorranna Urth’hrra o Barrdenn (Bears Armed)

by **Shadowbourne** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:29 pm

Shadowbourne Names New National Team Manager

By: Kevin Verbeke | SNSN
12-April 2013

Northcliffe, SHADOWBOURNE---- The National Football Committee of Shadowbourne has made the decision to replace current national team manager Xiodong Russo with 52-year old Lukasz Kellner. At age 29, Russo was the youngest man to ever coach the national side. The team posted an unimpressive 19 and 34 record under Coach Russo's command, struggling to score and often showing a lack of unity. Kellner boasts an impressive track record, both domestically and internationally. He began coaching at age 32, landing an assistant coaching job at Northcliffe University. After 2 years in Northcliffe, Kellner accepted an offer from Ridgebourne State University to become head coach. Kellner become a college football legend in Ridgebourne, winning 6 titles and making 8 Final Four appearances. After lengthy tenure as a sucessfull domestic league coach in Gzbfernigambia, Kellner moved make to Shadowbourne, becoming the coach of Northcliffe United in the Frescola Premier League. His success continued in the FPL; this past season, Northlciffe United won the league and made it to the Round of 16 in the International Firestorm Cup. Kellner broke onto the international scene last year, when he coached Gzbfernigambia's national team in a two-game set of friendlies versus Shadowbourne, where he won one of the two games and won the series on aggregate. Kellner's only experience coaching Shadwobourne's national side came earlier this World Cup, when he filled in for Rossi, coaching the boys to a 1-zip victory versus Slembana. Kellner, who will take over once World Cup qualifying concludes, hopes to breathe new life into a struggling program. He hopes this difficult journey will begin with a birth in the Cup of Harmony, however, he has promised to remain upbeat regardless of whether or not his team receives a CoH birth. "This is the oppurtunity of a lifetime," said Kellner, "I hope to breathe new life into not only this team, but this nation."

by **United Gordonopia** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:19 pm

"...I will fear no evil..."
-Psalm 23:4

The Imperial Anthem bellowed through Empire Stadium. A packed crowd. 160,000. Desperate for the victory that would put their team's destiny in their own hands.

The pitch, a newly installed sea of green, was broken by solemn islands. The players. Facing the tricolor. Iturributa. Gordonopia. Both knew the importance of the match. A win would put either in a position for the playoffs. Lose and depend on the other's later collapse.

The stands. Banners waving. Fans cheering. Hope, desire, cascading onto the field.

Amidst the masses, dozens of security. A precaution. Drowned by a sea of people.

The anthem reached its climax.

Hail Gordonopia! Stand strong!

'BOOM'. The fireworks launched from the ring around the top of the stadium. A glorious flash. Brilliant even in the daylight.

'BOOM'. The bomb went off. The explosion ripped through the field. The noise smashed through that of the rockets above.

Dirt, turf, tossed into the air. Chaos. Screams. Carnage.

A gaping hole where three dozen seats once sat. Bodies limp. Some simply gone.

The field fared little better. The teams lay strewn. Scattered. Confused.

Amidst the shouts, the cries, they slowly rose. Four men lingered. Draper. Stahl. Van Tonder. Mann. They would never wake.

Dust. Smoke. Settling.

The damage had been done, but the true target, the Emperor, was not on the field. In his place lay forty five dead. Forty one fans. Four players. Dozens more casualties. The nation itself scarred. No one cared about winning anymore.

Archangel's warnings had been ignored. Now the balance was due. The blood of Gordonopia stained the pitch. Red amidst a sea of green.

ooc notice: ICly the match is rescheduled to a later date, to be played at a different stadium, though of course the score provided by the hosts stands.

by **Saintland** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:26 pm

Saintland 3, Queer Poco el Mono Ara 1

(SP) After the scare against Kishrael, the Sanctii were not going to make the same mistake against Queer Poco el Mono Ara. The capacity crowd at Royal Stadium watched today as the Kingdom of Saintland defeated Queer Poco el Mono Ara by a score of 3 goals to 1. It was a signature victory for the home side, as they physically dominated the opposition en route to yet another victory in World Cup qualification. "Today, we played our style of match and we defeated our opponent. Now, there are just 2 more obstacles remaining between us and qualifying for the World Cup. We put our trust in God and when God is with you, there is nobody that can beat you. I am now certain that it is Will of God that we will qualify for the World Cup. Today, we defeated Queer Poco el Mono Ara at Royal Stadium. Tomorrow, we defeat those little kids from Backyard Sports at Royal Stadium. Then, we will defeat Audioslavia and we will prove to the entire world that we belong in the World Cup. We will prove that we are for real and we will prove that the Church of Saintland is the True Church." - Prince Andreas

In the 6th minute, Petrus Mamilius stole the ball away from a midfielder at midfield. Mamilius passed it forward to Prince Andreas. Prince Andreas found Stephanus Vagionius. Vagionius shot it and the keeper knocked it out for a corner. Prince Andreas took the corner. He sent it to the far side of the box. Ioannes Poenius found it and headed it into the back of the net. Saintland had jumped out to a 1 to nil lead on Queer Poco el Mono Ara.

In the 11th minute, Saintland tried for more goals. A shot from Silvester Flaccus hit the post. Prince Andreas rebounded it and took a shot. The Prince Andreas shot was sent out for a corner by the keeper from Queer Poco el Mono Ara. The Prince Andreas corner was headed away to safety by a Queer Poco el Mono Ara defender. This scoring opportunity had been wasted. The Sanctii would waste another scoring opportunity in the 18th minute when Stephanus Vagionius sent a shot just inches wide to the right of the goal, resulting in a goal kick.

Queer Poco el Mono Ara took the ball just into the Sanctii box in the 23rd. Lucas Aufidius was covering the striker. Suddenly, the striker took a dive. The referee flashed Aufidius a red card and awarded a penalty to Queer Poco el Mono Ara. On the penalty, Alessandro Seius guessed the wrong direction and the kick went in the back of the net. Queer Poco el Mono Ara had tied the match at 1 on a penalty that should not have been awarded. The capacity crowd at Royal Stadium was furious and the referee was lucky that they didn't storm the pitch and drag him to the Square for a few hours in the pillory. Apparently, some Feministvs Sanctvsterra members were in attendance, as they cheered the referee's decision to red card Aufidius. It was clear they were not from Queer Poco el Mono Ara. The Feministvs Sanctvsterra members had to bear the wrath of the angry crowd while the authorities decided not to intervene.

The match resumed, while the crowd was still furious. Over the following 20 minutes, the Sanctii had a few scoring opportunities, but they did not take advantage of them. They just were not able to put the ball in the back of the net. In the 44th minute, that all changed. A long pass from Georgius Catiotus found its way to Prince Andreas. Prince Andreas took it into the box, finding his way through the defense. He faked a shot, but he passed it to Vagionius. The keeper bought the fake, so Vagionius scored the easy goal. Saintland led 2 goals to nil and the crowd finally calmed down. At halftime, the score remained Saintland 2, Queer Poco el Mono Ara 1. "I still can't believe I was red-carded today. I didn't even touch their striker, but he flopped and the referee decided he had been fouled. I was frustrated, but we are taught to never argue with an official, so I left the match without complaint. I regret that this red card costs me my opportunity to play at home against Backyard Sports tomorrow, but a red card is a red card. It doesn't matter if you did anything wrong or not." - Lucas Aufidius

During halftime, Cantus Virginum played and they were once again cheered by the entire crowd. After their show ended, a few members of Feministvs Sanctvsterra stormed the pitch. They took their clothes off and started running around the pitch naked in a truly disgusting sight. After a few minutes of this, police reinforcements arrived at Royal Stadium. The police subdued the members of Feministvs Sanctvsterra and held them down. They carried out some quick justice by beating them with their nightsticks as the crowd erupted in applause. When the police got tired of using their nightsticks, they handcuffed them and hauled them off to the nearest jail. While the streakers were on the pitch, Royal One used the opportunity to air a quick news program, including highlights from the first halves of the matches involving Kinitaria, Krytenia and Audioslavia. When the situation was over with, Royal One returned to coverage from Royal Stadium and the television audience was informed regarding what had happened.

When the 2nd half finally got underway, the Sanctii continued their dominance of this match. In the 50th minute, Alessandro Seius saved a Queer Poco el Mono Ara shot. He threw the ball forward to Matthaeus Belaeus. Belaeus sent it forward to Paulus Flaccus. Flaccus passed to Prince Andreas. Prince Andreas broke through the defense. He took a shot and his shot deflected off the keeper's hands for a goal. The Sanctii now led 3 goals to 1.

The Sanctii continued for a while to attack. Prince Andreas took a few shots on goal. Stephanus Vagionius got a shot in the 71st minute, which would be saved. The Sanctii kept attempting to score and falling short. When Prince Andreas realized his team probably wasn't getting a 4th goal, he decided to bring on defensive substitutions. He took out his midfielders. Instead, he brought in the Jucundius brothers and he brought in Andreas Inventius. The Sanctii switched to a 6-1-1-1 formation. Over the remainder of the match, the Sanctii played cautiously, deliberately wasting time every chance they got. It proved effective as the Sanctii dominated the possession, as Queer Poco was slowly running out of time. After the referee blew his whistle for the end of the match, the Sanctii remained in the lead 3 goals to 1.

With the victory, the Kingdom of Saintland now has 34th points. Following Krytenia's nil to nil draw with Zwangzug, the Sanctii are in sole possession of 3rd place in Group 2. Audioslavia drew Kishrael 4-4 in a shockingly bad defensive performance for the defending World Cup champions. They are tied with Kinitaria for 1st and 2nd place at 37 points. On the penultimate day of World Cup qualification, Audioslavia will visit Queer Poco el Mono Ara while Kinitaria hosts Zwangzug. Everybody in the Kingdom of Saintland will be hoping for draws in both of those matches and for a draw between Kinitaria and Soviet Canuckistan on the final day. If that scenario plays out, the Sanctii would win Group 2 outright with 2 victories in their final 2 matches and would be through to the World Cup without having to go through a playoff. Regardless of the outcomes in Queer Poco el Mono Ara and Kinitaria, tomorrow's home match against Backyard Sports is a must-win match for the Kingdom of Saintland. A defeat here would end their hopes of making it into the World Cup field. A victory would heighten the stakes even more for the upcoming away match against the defending champions. The Kingdom of Saintland's room to the World Cup will go through Audioslavia, but first the Sanctii must defeat Backyard Sports. Prince Andreas and his teammates cannot afford to look past their opponents for tomorrow's match at Royal Stadium, which will be broadcast live on Royal One. Lucas Aufidius will not play because he has been carded. Instead, Ioannes Gratus gets the start as the Sanctii will use a 4-3-1-2 formation against Backyard Sports. Whether the Sanctii will make it to the World Cup is known only to God, but soon the entire world will know the answer to that question.

Following the come-from-behind victory in Saintland, the Kingdom of Saintland's National Soccer Team was more focused on their next opponent than they had been a day earlier. Today, this was a focused team.

Josephus Flaccus - I was wrong yesterday. I learned from today's near-disaster that we should never take anybody lightly.

Prince Andreas - Well said, Josephus.

Alessandro Seius - Tomorrow, we face Queer Poco el Mono Ara.

Prince Andreas - Last time around, there was a heavy rain.

Silvester Flaccus - I remember that match. You passed me the ball, Andreas, very late in the match and I scored a goal. My shot was awful, but it was impossible to get our footing on that surface.

Paulus Flaccus - We don't need a repeat of that.

Prince Andreas - Now that I think of it, I think we should get a computer installed on this plane so we can watch film on these flights.

Alessandro Seius - I don't know why we didn't think of that sooner.

Stephanus Vagionius - That needs to happen. Andreas, you need to talk to the King about this when we get back to the Kingdom.

Josephus Flaccus - 2 days should be plenty of time to install a computer on the plane and download all the Audioslavia matches from Sanctustube.

Lucas Aufidius - This would allow us to study Audioslavia and be better prepared for that match.

Prince Andreas - Don't worry about Audioslavia yet. If we don't beat Queer Poco el Mono Ara and Backyard Sports, we will only be playing for bragging rights when we face Audioslavia.

Alessandro Seius - Right now, beating Queer Poco el Mono Ara is the only thing that matters.

The team plane arrived at the St. Petrus airport and the players got off the plane to return to their homes. Prince Andreas walked to the Palace, greeting everybody he walked past on the street. He was repeatedly told how important it was that the National Team win their 2 remaining home matches and go to Audioslavia for a shot at going to the World Cup. Prince Andreas entered the Palace and immediately went to see his father, the King.

King Paulus XV - Andreas, I see you have returned home on schedule.

Prince Andreas - Yes. We had a problem with overconfidence today. A few of the players on the team took for granted that we would beat Kishrael and they nearly threw away everything that we had worked for.

King Paulus XV - I saw that.

Prince Andreas - The real reason I came here is because I need a modification to the plane, for the good of our team.

King Paulus XV - What would that be?

Prince Andreas - I want a computer on the plane, so we can watch film during our flights.

King Paulus XV - I see how that would be beneficial to the National Soccer Team.

Prince Andreas - So, does that mean you'll get it installed?

King Paulus XV - It will be installed on the team plane before the team leaves for Audioslavia and I will personally make sure it is loaded with as much footage of Audioslavia matches as we can find on Sanctustube.

Prince Andreas - Good. That should improve our chances against Audioslavia.

King Paulus XV - Make sure the team is focused for these 2 remaining home matches. We can't afford a loss at Royal Stadium to the likes of Queer Poco el Mono Ara or Backyard Sports. That would just infuriate the Royal Stadium crowds.

Prince Andreas - I'll make sure everybody is focused. Have you gotten any leads about the whereabouts of the Feministvs Sanctvsterra compound yet?

King Paulus XV - Unfortunately, those criminals are still at large and we have been unable to find them.

Prince Andreas - Do you think they'll cause any more disruptions?

King Paulus XV - They undoubtedly have something planned.

Prince Andreas - That is worrying.

King Paulus XV - If we make the World Cup, I wouldn't be surprised if some of them sneak out of the Kingdom and go to the site of the World Cup.

Prince Andreas - Wouldn't you be able to arrest them there?

King Paulus XV - That would cause an international incident. The last thing we need to do is infringe on the sovereignty of Wight or New Montreal States.

Prince Andreas - I understand.

King Paulus XV - The other day, when they ruined Cantus Virginum's halftime show, your sister Maria cried for hours.

Prince Andreas - I have to admit that I never really liked Cantus Virginum's music until Feministvs Sanctvsterra went after them. Now, I consider myself one of their fans.

King Paulus XV - You're not the only person that feels that way. Petrus even told me that he now likes them.

Prince Andreas - Feministvs Sanctvsterra doesn't realize that everything they do only backfires against them and their cause. If they think women are "oppressed," now there are women who are happy to be "oppressed" just to show their disapproval of those lunatics.

King Paulus XV - I'm not sure if I actually want to eliminate that organization. They seem like they're just a nuisance and just about everything they do only alienates more of my Subjects.

Prince Andreas - I think you're right about that.

The Sanctii were focused, as they prepared to face Queer Poco el Mono Ara. They would get the victory they were hoping for...

At the Feministvs Sanctvsterra compound, Agrippina the korfball captain was not very happy that Royal One's TV cameras had cut away from her protestors.

Agrippina - Why did they cut away?

Iulietta - They probably don't want to show a woman's body on TV. That violates the False Church's precious morals.

Matthaeus - Yes, it is wrong to objectify women, but a woman has the right to expose her body when she doesn't feel like wearing clothes.

Agrippina - You're right Matthaeus. A man has no right to tell a woman whether she is or is not permitted to expose her body and men should not take pleasure from seeing a woman's body.

Georgius - I can't help it. We men are biologically designed to like women's bodies.

Iulietta - Georgius, check your privilege. A woman's body is hers. You don't have the right to get pleasure from it unless she wishes.

Georgius - I'm sorry.

Agrippina - Its fine, Georgius. You're still conditioned by the Patriarchy to oppress women. You have to learn to overcome that conditioning.

Georgius - Yes, ma'am.

Agrippina - As I was saying, I was hoping that the agents of the Patriarchy would forget to cut away from our protest.

Catharina - That would have been the perfect way to get more male recruits.

Maria - There aren't enough pro-feminist men in this Kingdom. We need more.

Agrippina - We could do the protest again tomorrow.

Martha - If we do that, we condemn more women to years of beatings in the Patriarchy's prisons.

Agrippina - You have to sacrifice a few, sometimes, for the greater good of the cause.

Martha - I guess so, but I would prefer if we didn't sacrifice anybody.

Agrippina - I also don't want any women beaten by the Patriarchy, but it is a necessary price we have to pay to advance our cause.

Iulietta - Let's find some volunteers. Preferably underage volunteers.

Agrippina - That's a good idea. If they're underage, they'll get a few years in a reform school instead of possibly decades in prison.

Martha - Do we actually want to go through with that or can we come up with a better plan?

Agrippina - We have time, but we need to make an impact tomorrow. It may be the last time the Puppet King's son and his band of little Patriarchs play at home in this World Cup cycle. Call everybody together for a meeting. I'm going to see what protest ideas our membership has and we'll democratically choose the right one.

Feministvs Sanctvsterra plotted their next move. Whatever it would be, it was going to happen during the match against Backyard Sports...

by **Filopines** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 3:40 am

Smart, Dumb and Funny PART 14
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13

*at Capital Cafe*
Mark: Who did you say we were meeting here, Luis?
Luis: My parents and my brother.
Rachel: What for?
Luis: They're moving to Fort Town from Rosalo and they want me to help renovate their house.
Kate: That's great! You get to see your family more often!
Luis: I know! I'm so excited! They went to ALL my matches when I was younger and they've been behind me all the 25 years of my life.
Aaron: How weird. Normally, people in this situation would worry and be scared.
Julie: What was their reaction when you told them you were going out with me?
Luis: They were cool with it.
Aaron: He didn't tell them.
Julie: What? Why wouldn't you tell them?
Luis: I did. And they were cool with it.
Aaron: But you didn't tell them.
Luis: Ok. I didn't tell them. But please don't be mad, Jules.
Julie: Mad? You think I'm mad?
Luis: Uhh...no?
Julie: You're wrong. Ugh. (stands up and leaves cafe)
Luis: Jules! I'm sorry! Don't leave! (to Aaron) Did I do anything to you?! (hits Aaron)
Aaron: Yes.
Luis: What?
Aaron: (laughs) Nothing! It's fun.
Luis: I'm gonna pound on you!
Aaron: I'm two years older than you.
Luis: (confused) What's that supposed to mean?
Aaron: It's supposed to mean you're in a very, VERY bad situation at the moment.
Luis: (sarcastically) I'm so scared.
Aaron: You better be.
(Luis runs outside to chase Julie)
Aaron: (to Mark) See what I did there? Huh?
(Mark agrees then looks the other way and stops smiling)
Rachel: At least his parents are still alive.
Julie: Oh, honey. (hugs Rachel)
Aaron: Life is good.

*on the sidewalk*
Luis: Look, Julie, I'm sorry.
Julie: What? Do they hate me? I think they hate me, Luis. I remember last time when they visited, I tried to strike up a conversation with your mum and she just looks away.
Luis: She did that?!
Julie: Don't lie anymore. Why do they hate me?
Luis: It's your nose piercing.
Julie: What?! It's one of those that only looks like a dot on your nose.
Luis: They are really religious. It says somewhere in Leviticus in The Bible it's bad to have piercings and tattoos.
Julie: I don't have any tattoos.
Luis: Yeah, but you've got a piercing.
Julie: Ugh...
Luis: My brother doesn't hate you though.
Julie: Yeah, he LOVES my breasts.
Luis: Well, they are pretty ni-
Julie: Just tell them about us. When are they coming?
Luis: Oh, gosh. They're right across the street. Hide!
(Julie gets confused where to go)
Luis' mother: Luis!
Luis: Mum! I'll come over there!
(Luis runs across the street)
Luis: Mum! Dad! Alvaro!
(Luis hugs the three of them seperately)
Luis' father: What are you doing with that sinful lady there? I thought I told you to stay away from her.
Luis: It's gonna be OK. Just come with me.
(Luis and his family cross the street)
Julie: Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez. Alvaro.
Luis' mother: (crudely) Ms. Denton.
Julie: Please. Call me Julie.
Luis' mother: Julie. (shakes Julie's hand)
Alvaro: Hi, Julie!
Julie: Look at the sky, Alvaro.
(Alvaro looks up at the sky)
Julie: Thank you, that's much better.
Luis: There's a coffee shop just a few metres away. All my friends are there. Mark and Aaron are there, Alvaro, Dad.
Luis' father: Ooh, yay!

(OOC: I really have to be somewhere very soon, so this will be continued tomorrow)

by **West Angola** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 5:01 am

Benguela, Porutuguese Colonial Fortress, 1894
Luke Parrish grabbed another report, then crumpled it angrily and threw it across the room. Gutelle’s position had been overrun, and moving reserves to contain the breach had left other sections of the line vulnerable. Colonel Orien had been left with only half of his original strength, and in increasingly urgent messages to Parrish was making it very clear that he could not hold the line without reinforcements. Parrish had ordered what remained of his reserves, barely two battalions in all, to advance to reinforce Orien, but it was little more than a delaying maneuver. Parrish knew that Orien would need at least regimental strength, if not more, to throw back the Portuguese, who seemed to be sending far more men at him than they had sent at anyone else, but he was hoping that if Orien could hold them off long enough, Parrish would be able to free up some men at a different point along the line, rushing them there to halt the collapse of his position.

At the thickest point of the fighting, around the railway depot, the situation was increasingly bleak for the rebels. Colonel Gutelle was missing in action, presumed dead, and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Green had taken command, trying to rally his men and the reinforcements from Orien to take the building back. The South Benguela Railway Station had once been the pride and joy of the Colonial Rail Company, an ornate building that held a virtual monopoly on all military passenger traffic along the coast. Every soldier stationed in Angola took at least one leave opportunity in Benguela merely to see the station. Now, however, the once-grand building was reduced largely to rubble. The rebel attack that had seized control of the depot the first night had resulted in only superficial damage, as the building had been largely abandoned, but the Portuguese had preceded their attempt to retake it with an artillery bombardment that had smashed down the northern wall of the building and caused part of the roof to collapse. The rebels had responded with a bombardment of their own, although on a much smaller scale, destroying much of the upper level and slagging the entire east side. As the rebels advanced towards the ruined mess, what survived of the Portuguese defenders had found excellent cover to fire from…

The attack on the railway station would be remembered by the survivors as the worst fighting of the war. Edging through the rubble, searching for men who might pop out from behind a massive slab of concrete at any moment, was utterly nerve-racking, and in many cases fatal for the men. Lt. Colonel Green, leading a contingent towards the remains of the platform, was killed by a bullet to the back of the head, the victim some lucky Portuguese sniper who didn’t even know whom he’d killed before five shots punctured his skull. Slowly, the rebels pushed the Portuguese out of the station, taking control of what was, by day’s end, a mountain of broken stone and twisted metal that would change hands no less than three more times over the next two days, and each time exact an ever-increasing amount of manpower and lives to retake.

Having repaired the breach in the line at Gutelle’s old position, Parrish was able to turn his attention to reinforcing Orien. An added bonus was a triumphant report from Colonel Renault relaying that he had thrown the Portuguese back in disarray from his part of the line, which allowed Parrish to add Renault’s men to the soldiers marching to Orien’s aid. Orien and Renault became friends that day, a friendship that would extend to their families and on throughout successive generations, including one of the most successful psychological investigative teams in West Angola. With Portugal’s attack reversed with heavy losses, and General Blyr on the verge of breaking into the fortress itself, the situation looked a lot let grim than before. As Parrish read the final reports detailing the Portuguese retreat, he looked out the tent flap, where the sun was just going down, it had been a good day for the rebellion, and the future of West Angola

NAMIBE CHRONICLE

WEST ANGOLA STUNS BEARS ARMED

NAMIBE- Last night, in front of a packed Warren Memorial Stadium, West Angola vaulted firmly into the driver’s seat as they seek their first-ever playoff spot since the team’s inception. Luke Parrish’s 83rd minute goal set the West Angolan crowd into a frenzy, and despite several late attempts, the Ursines could not equalize as West Angola gained three vital points. In a match that featured several displays of defensive and keeping skill, Blake Green and Co. finally emerged victorious in a match that looked for several minutes, even after Parrish’s goal, as though it would end in a draw. Blake Green stopped two Ursine shots in the final five minutes, including a diving, bobbling grab by the fingertips that brought him a standing ovation from the West Angolan fans near the goal.

West Angola, in winning this crucial match, gained a leg up on the teams below them. Ossidiacqua remains just three points back, but was counting on picking up the difference with a West Angolan defeat last night. West Zirconia was upset 1-0 by Ancharmunn, leaving those teams 4th with 28 points and 3rd with 30, respectively. Despite the relatively light remaining schedule, an away match against Alexanderburn and hosting Runimia, West Angola faces a tough road to the playoff spot: they likely will have to win both matches, which yielded a 4-3 home win and a 2-2 road draw in the opening leg. If West Angola falls to Alexanderburn, they will likely be tied with Ossidiacqua for second, and the rankings will be determined by goal differential, which West Angola holds a two-goal lead in (although that may change with the new results.

Group Three Scores and Standings:

Ancharmunn 1–0 West Zirconia
West Angola 1–0 Bears Armed
Liventia 1–4 Alexanderburn
Romantique Belle Vie 4–2 Runimia
Ossidiacqua 3–1 Kartvelistan

Group 3                             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Bears Armed                          16   14   1   1    36    7  +29    43
 2 West Angola                          16   11   3   2    35   20  +15    36
 3 Ossidiacqua                          16   11   0   5    34   21  +13    33
 4 Ancharmunn                           16    9   3   4    44   27  +17    30
 5 West Zirconia                        16    9   1   6    31   22   +9    28
 6 Liventia                             16    6   2   8    34   34    0    20
 7 Alexanderburn                        16    5   1  10    32   42  −10    16
 8 Kartvelistan                         16    2   4  10    16   35  −19    10
 9 Romantique Belle Vie                 16    2   4  10    20   47  −27    10
10 Runimia                              16    0   3  13     9   36  −27     3

by **The Inevitable Syndicate** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:22 am

Hyskigland 0 - 0 The Inevitable Syndicate
No goals here, I'm afraid!
A bitter nil-nil draw locked the Syndicate out of any chances to qualify for the World Cup last night, as their game against Hyskigland proved fruitless. While both teams had many shots on target, including a corner taken by Pratt that we really thought was going to go in, no goals were actually scored. Nobody was really injured, either, in what proved to be an awkwardly tame game for both sides. While the stalemate did gain us one point, it wasn't enough to qualify properly, with the top two spots being given to Apox and Mytannion.

Chapter i. Negotiations
Chapter ii. Raiders of a Lost Art
Chapter iii. Some Assembly Required
Chapter iv. The Syndicatian Intelligence Agency
Chapter v. Hidden in Plane Sight
Chapter vi. Cramming & Planning
Chapter vii. Pharaohs and Prophecies
Chapter viii. From Fligsive With Love
Chapter ix. Casino Generale
Chapter x. Split Up and Look For Clues
Chapter xi. The Temple of Raresh
Chapter xii. That’s No Room...
Chapter xiii. Diplomacy is the Best Policy
Chapter xiv. Ahlenfi Knows All
Chapter xv. An Irate Emir
Chapter xv and a half: News Broadcast

An Inconceivable Truth
A Story of Syndicatian Climate Change

Chapter xvi. Special Delivery

With all the chaos that was going on surrounding the kidnapping of the Administrator, L, back at the SIA, also had to manage extracting an ancient artefact from an abandoned research center. He’d sent over a fleet of choppers to pick it up, but they were struggling.

“Well, just drop some men in, box it up, and lift it!”
”It’s not that easy, sir. The place is very volatile!” It could go down at any second!”
“And your orders are to retrieve the artefact! I don’t care how it’s done! We have to complete the operation! Just box it and get it out of there!”
”I’m not sure you know how big it is. And how it’s in a hole.”
“Listen to me. I’m on edge enough as it is. We have a kidnapped Administrator, an Emir that’s going batshit crazy, and I’ve been tasked with getting a magic thing out of a hole! Can you please, please just do as I ask? Just take it back to Magnaeus, and our scientists will meet you on the roof of the cartography institute.”
”Yes sir. We’ll do everything we can.”

Lieutenant James Elderry was in charge of the rescue operation. Of course, that was the rescue operation on the Meteoricon, not the Administrator. The latter was best left to the Syndicate’s UNIBOT squad, a secret group of soldiers designed for search and rescue. Anyway, Lieutenant Elderry stepped out of the helicopter, and shuffled down the makeshift ladder the Syndicatian soldiers had created in order to access the abandoned centre.

“Well, that is not going to get that thing on the helicopter.”

“Is anything going to get that thing on the helicopter? It’s the size of a house, sir!” A Lance Corporal said.

“Quite. Right, listen. We can lift it, but that requires blowing a hole in the roof. You three - prime some explosive charges on the roof. We’re far enough away from urban areas so that nobody gets hurt. You four - attach some rope onto the thing. If we can get it out of this hole, then we can brainstorm getting it back home.”

Shortly after the plans were laid down, there was a small *boom*, and the pale sky could be seen. It was, of course, the dead of night, so nothing but the waning moon was present in the sky. The soldiers attached the ropes to a helicopter, and the machine whirred as it pulled the ancient artefact out of the hole in the ground. After falling onto the surface with a resounding *thud*, the men grabbed material from another helicopter and encased the meteoricon in steel. Eventually, the helicopters carried the artefact away towards the Syndicate, hidden by the cover of darkness. As they flew, the research center began to collapse, until it was nothing more than a crater in the ground.

And from that crater, two Ahlenfi men emerged, dust all over their faces. They looked angry.

"Do we tell the Emir?"

"Of course we do! Get to Khabu, we can telephone him!"

And, a lot like the helicopters, the two men rushed off into the night.

World Cup 64 RP Thread

Yeah, Die!

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