Quidditch World Cup 5 - Everything Thread

[Equestrian States]

Quidditch World Cup 5

Welcome to the fifth edition of the Quidditch World Cup, being hosted by the Equestrian States. Feel free to begin posting your RPs and rosters here in this thread. Please direct any OOC discussion to the discussion thread.

With 24 nations participating, teams will be drawn into 4 groups of 6 and will play each team in their group once. Games will be played in venues throughout the Equestrian States, but will center around the capital city of Canterlot.

Groups

Group A
Equestrian States
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Darmen
San Jose Guayabal
Prusseusss
Callumackbar

Group B
Magikal Ghana
Saintland
Northern Sunrise Islands
Umbra Ignis
Thatius
Ferkas

Group C
Taeshan
Waverly Place
Kriegiersien
Sicoutimont
Groteberg
Starblaydia

Group D
Levivania
The United Kingdoms of Zackalantis
Felinetopia
Perlasilangan
The Licentian Isles
Commune-PDTv2

New to Sports RPing?

If you’re new to the NS Sports forum, I strongly encourage you read the Guide to Sports Roleplaying. If you have any general or specific questions, please feel free to post in the discussion thread or shoot me a telegram and I will try to answer your question as best I can.

RP Permissions Box?

When you post your roster for the tournament, please include an RP permissions box so that your opponents will know what you will allow them to do. If you do not post a permissions box, your opponents may take that to mean that all permissions are granted in full and they can do whatever they want. A template for the box is provided below for your convenience.

Code: Select all

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes/No
Godmod scoring events: Yes/No
RP injuries to my players: Yes/No
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes/No
Hand out penalties to my players: Yes/No
Godmod other events: Yes/No

Scorination

Games will be scorinated between 9:00 and 10:00 PM EDT each day unless otherwise noted. Should the cutoff time need to be changed, it will be pushed back and I will try to give no less than one day’s warning before this in the discussion thread.

Tournament Schedule

Pre-Group Stage
Thursday, August 15 - Thread Posted
Monday, August 19 - Group Draw Posted; Group Stage Schedule/Match-Ups Finalized

Group Stage
The group stage will consist of each team playing the others in their group once. All games will be played in temporary and permanent venues across the Equestrian States.

Wednesday, August 21: Match Day 1 - 1v6, 2v5, 3v4
Thursday, August 22: Match Day 2 - 6v4, 5v3, 1v2
Friday, August 23: Match Day 3 - 2v6, 3v1, 4v5
Saturday, August 24: Match Day 4 - 6v5, 1v4, 2v3
Sunday, August 25: Match Day 5 - 3v6, 4v2, 5v1

Knockout Stage
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout rounds. Winners of each game will progress to the next round. In the schedule, "A1" is the team that finished first in Group A and "A2" is the team that finished second in Group A. QF1 is the team that won the A1 vs. B2 match, QF2 is the team that won the C1 vs. D2 match, and so on.

Monday, August 26: Quarterfinals - A1 vs. B2; C1 vs. D2; D1 vs. C2; B1 vs. A2
Tuesday, August 27: Semifinals - QF1 vs. QF2; QF3 vs. QF4
Wednesday, August 28: 3rd Place Playoff - SF1 Loser vs. SF2 Loser
Thursday, August 29: Final - SF1 Winner vs. SF2 Winner

Useful Links

Signup Thread
Discussion Thread
Host Bid
Quidditch on Wikipedia
Quidditch World Cup 4 - Everything Thread

[Equestrian States]

A letter from the chairpony of the Equestrian States Quidditch World Cup Bid...

Greetings, and welcome to the Equestrian States!

If you are reading this, then you are likely planning to travel to our wonderful and magical land to participate in the much-awaited Quidditch World Cup. A sport for witches and wizards (and other magic-users), Quidditch is a thrilling game for both its participants and the audience, no matter where they are from. It has been a long time since the international community met for the sport's premier competition, and we were thrilled to discover that it would be held in our home nation.

While in many countries, security measures would have to be put into place for such an event to prevent non-magic-users (or muggles, as they are often called) from stumbling upon and being traumatized by the sight of people flying around on broomsticks. Here, in the Equestrian States, that will not be necessary. Magic is very much a central part of life for our citizens, and there is no need for such secrecy.

Attached to this letter is a guide to the Equestrian States, which contains info on the venues which will be used for the tournament.

Thank you for visiting, and enjoy your stay in the Equestrian States!

---

Wizards' Guide

Okay, I'm in the Equestrian States. Now what?
First off, welcome to the Equestrian States! Of course you just want me to get down to business and answer your questions. Very well then...

You've likely arrived here via some form of magic, which means that your point of entry is likely on the outskirts of Canterlot (the capital of the Equestrian States) in one of our multiple designated entry zones. Otherwise, you're likely milling about in the middle of Canterlot's Harmony International Airport being very confused. Regardless, you should have made reservations to stay in a hotel downtown or in one of several magical encampments set up in open fields near the venues (if you prefer the traditional arrangements for the Quidditch World Cup).

Venues? Good. Tell me more about those.
The games of the Quidditch World Cup will be played in several venues, located in the areas surrounding Canterlot...

Royal Academy Park :: cap. 67,500
Home of the Canterlot Castles quidditch team, Royal Academy Park is one of two World Cup venues located in downtown Canterlot. The stadium was originally built for the Royal Academy of Magic's school-level teams, but underwent an extensive expansion project when the Equestrian Quidditch League formed almost ten years ago (quidditch had previously been an amateur sport for many years).

The Gorge :: cap. 86,995
While those wishing to walk to The Gorge may find it difficult to do so, any witches or wizards wishing to apparate or fly to this temporary stadium are welcome to do so. The Gorge's name is well-earned, with seating located on two steeply-sloped sides of a hidden valley just a few miles to the northeast of Canterlot. While those seated in the lower portions of the stadium may have some difficulty seeing the games without straining their necks, those in the upper rows will have a superb view.

Ponyville Plaza :: cap. 52,926
One of several venues located outside of the Canterlot area, Ponyville Plaza is home to the Ponyville Parrots club team. A few miles east of Ponyville's pleasant town center, the stadium is somewhat aged, but is structurally-sound. Magic use should be minimized by teams playing in Ponyville Plaza, and saved only for emergencies by their followers.

Sky-High Coliseum :: cap. 59,000
For those witches and wizards who have a fear of height, we recommend you avoid visiting Cloudsdale. One of a number of cities built into the clouds of the Equestrian States, Cloudsdale is a thriving metropolis located about two miles above ground level. Don't worry, there are magical spells you can use to stand on the clouds for a day or two. Ask one of our unicorn mages for instructions on that particular branch of magic.

Catacombs Cavern :: cap. 23,860
From high in the skies to deep underground. Catacombs Cavern is another temporary venue, located in the ancient catacombs underneath Canterlot's Old City district. While it may be a bit cramped, planners found a very spacious section of the extensive cave system to build seating in. Seekers may have an easier time with the snitch when playing in the Cavern as the roof and walls limit the number of places for that evasive little ball to hide. That is, unless it finds its way into one of the side tunnels which can extend over 20 miles in any one direction.

Plainsville District Park :: cap. 145,735
Plainsville is very... plain. The geographic feature that is. There are a number of wide-open spaces outside Canterlot, and the World Cup planning committee wasted no time constructing a massive temporary stadium to be used for the tournament. If you're looking for a "traditional" Quidditch World Cup venue (if any can truly be called that), this is it. Big, with lots and lots of magic holding it up.

I have a few more questions...
Do you now? What do you think I am, some cheap thing for you to throw questions at? If you want your questions answered, go read a muggle book on the Equestrian States! You should have known better, picking up the Wizards' Guide...

---

OOC: The first two matches listed during the group stage will be played at Royal Academy Park. The next two (the third from Group A, and the first from Group B) will be played at The Gorge, and so on.

[San Jose Guayabal]

Line-Up.

Adorgan Ursala
Moringan Zahalov

Beated By'Menova
Adler Ashlanov
Adhan Cooper

Cutter Coslanev
Inogen Malafeev

Bat Groening

Pursuiter Aagamov
Ashora Okalanga

Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players:No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out penalties to my players: /No
Godmod other events: Yes

[Starblaydia]

I give my opponent permission (and actively encourage them) to:
====================
Choose my scorers
GodMod any Goalscoring or Snitch-catching Events, particularly for comic or dramatic effect
Hand out penalties to my players (Within reason, they're not remotely a dirty side)
GodMod Other Events for Humorous Intent

(OOC: Other participants are certainly more than welcome to say that any, some or all of their players are ex-pupils of the Percyvale Academy, Starblaydia's answer to Hogwart's, or that they play for one of the Starblaydi Quidditch Sunday League teams).

Esteemed Colleagues,

I am pleased to inform you of the squad that the Centre is sending a team to the Quidditch World Cup for the fifth time. Our world-famous team comes from the Starblaydi Quidditch Sunday League (known as the SQSL, or 'Squizzle') and, as such, are the finest exponents of the great 'sport of warlocks' known to us. Though we are, of course, hidden within Starblaydia we are, nonetheless, proud of the nation in which we live and the team will strive to match that pride with their performances, and Starblaydia's Wizards and Witches are fully behind their team of former World Champions for the fifth edition!

Listed below are the players we are again sending forth to compete, as well as a brief description regarding each one, as well as the noble House they played for at the famous Percyvale Academy of Wizardry and Witchcraft. Starblaydia will play in the traditional predominantly-purple robes, also detailed below.

Keeper
• Wearing the Number One cloak and keeping goals for Starblaydia will be Enrique Esposito, who plays for the Fox's Irregulars Quidditch Club. A highly-capable Keeper who played for Montfort House, he is an excellent Quaffle-stopper. He is also Starblaydia's Captain.

Chasers
• Harkon Vekkinen is the Chaser with the Number Two cloak, who plays for the ancient Jhani Cavalry side. A Montfort House Quidditch Captain in his time, he is an accomplished tackler.

• The only Witch on the team, Jennifer Havaland, wears the Number Three cloak. Formerly Head Girl of the Coraluna House, her passing is second to none in the entire land; a prized asset of the Neveheim Arsenal Witches side.

• Rudyard Rumplebottom is oft-quoted as saying 'Rumplebottom's the name, goal-scoring's the game'. As such the bearer of our Number Four cloak is the Wizard most likely to be tallied on the scoring scroll. Formerly of Leoric House, he plays for Montepool County Quidditch Club.

Beaters
• Bearing the Number Five cloak is Alfred Grompton, once of Qucksilver House, who's shots with Bludgers are as complex as they are devastating. Currently plays for the Beverington Hawksworth School Old Boys side, where he teaches Arithmancy.

• George Huxtable, descended from the great Leoric Huxtable, is another Leoric House member with a keen eye for an accurate swing at a Bludger. Plays for the Penningworth County Quidditch Club and wears the Number Six cloak.

Seeker
• Xantian The Eagle-Eyed, preferably known as Xantian will be the team's Seeker, wearing the Number Seven cloak. A Leoric House member if ever there was one, Xantian is eagle-eyed (figuratively rather than literally) and occasionally even reckless in his single-minded pursuit of the Golden Snitch. Caught every single snitch asked of him to take the World Championship in the first edition. Currently plays for Montepool County Quidditch Club.

Robes
A crude depiction (the most we could manage for this scroll, I'm afraid) of the former World Champion Starblaydi team follows:

Should any replacements be required in between matches due to unfortunate 'incidents', they will be named and dispatched to the Equestrian States as and when appropriate.

Wishing every team in the competition 'good luck'!

- magically signed -

Cuthbert Cruickshanks
Master of Quidditch
Centre for the Magical Arts
Starblaydia

[Commune-PDTv2]

"Squadron, To attention!"

Ten pairs of gleaming black boots snapped together simultaneously, the echo drifting off with the light breeze across the desert. Besides two large vehicles slightly obscured by aqueous mirages several hundred metres away, the squadron stood alone. Eleven decorated test pilots had been chosen for this project, though many of them thought it was a trivial endeavor. Nonetheless, they stood, poised like chessmen, awaiting orders.

The captain of the brigade was a slender woman with cold eyes and jet black hair scraped into the tightest ponytail imaginable which had then been plaited even tighter. It hung down to the small of her back looking like a carefully crafted whip. She glided along her troops, scrutinising and scowling. If this was a mission to bring glory to the Commune, by Krenek himself, she would not fail. Having made a complete pass, she spun on her heels and addresses the group.

"I was told that I would be sent the most talented, strong and brilliant force in this Glorious Country. It would appear I'm in the wrong place. I wouldn't trust any of you with what we're about to show you and you will do well to remember that. I do not tolerate failure and any instances of failure will be met with swift reprisals. Is that understood?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"My name is Operative Double-Zero and you will address me as such at all times. No contractions, no nicknames, Operative Double-Zero. Understood?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"Well Squadron, allow me to introduce you to the operation. Codename: Happy Rotter."

Turning her back, she spoke briefly into communication device upon her collar and the trucks began advancing towards the group.

"I trust you are all fully briefed on our mission?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"You are all well versed upon this supposedly noble sport of Quidditch based on the information extracted from the deviants?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"And you have all been allocated your positions?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"Then by the left, Sound off."
"Xebandhra Lasik. Keeper."
"Khonan Fharrs. Bludger."
"Yevgheni Krenekian. Bludger."
"Pendraghon Đyuri. Seeker."
"Liliana Darko. Chaser."
"Erika Wyk. Chaser."
"Festus Orhmfals. Bludger."
"Rikhard Kallasdun. Chaser."
"Marina Indrakaf. Chaser."
"Mikhela Ikro. Keeper."

By the end of the roll call, the trucks had pulled up alongside them and two silent officials were retrieving one of the caskets from the load. They deposited the large case in front of Operative Double-Zero and silently retreated. The Operative unclasped the box and took out 10 large manuals casually tossing them towards the feet of the team before withdrawing the main component from the case; A jet pack.

"These packs are a highly advanced piece of weaponry. Obviously, so as not to cause a fiasco within the Equestrian States, all of the actual weapons have been omitted from these versions. Shame ... Anyway, I expect those manuals read, digested and remembered by 0600 tomorrow morning when we will begin training. We have only several days before our departure to the Quidditch World Cup and I expect nothing less than victory. If you truly are the best of the best, this task should not prove difficult. Dismiss."

The team dispersed to regain their manuals and unload their sleeping accommodation for the night.

RP Permissions: Godmodding heartily encouraged, as is everything else. Have fun introducing my team to magic.

ooc: More detailed separate roster to follow, but the names are there should I fail to find time.

[Saintland]

Saintland Quidditch Team

Captain: Albinius Cocceius
Colors: Red and White
Demonym: Sanctii

Roster

Starting Lineup

K: #1 Albinius Cocceius
B: #2 Dagwalus Rabirius
B: #3 Paulus Fufius
C: #4 Salviena Valgus
C: #5 Falco Popidius
C: #6 Dulcilla Sempronius
S: #7 Lucas Falerius

Bench

K: #0 Petrus Petronilla
B: #8 Musa Papirius
C: #9 Seneca Servilia
S: #10 Maria Melissaeius

Notes

This team consists of alumni from the Academiae Praecantatio, the academy of witchcraft and wizardry in Saintland. Paulus Fufius, Lucas Falerius, Petrus Petronilla and Maria Melissaeius were all muggle-born. Although Saintland's magical community is more serious than most about maintaining secrecy, they do not discriminate against muggle-born and have never had a pureblood supremacist movement. The magical community in Saintland also does not discriminate on the basis of gender. Thus, their quidditch team, made up of the best quidditch players in Saintland, includes 3 witches. Salvenia Valgua, Dulcilla Sempronius and Maria Melissaeius are all part of the team.

RP Permissions

I give my opponent permission to:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Give my players yellow cards: Y
Give my players red cards: Y
Give injuries to my players: N
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Godmod other events: Y (but the muggles in Saintland must not find out about the existence of quidditch or magic)

[Kriegiersien]

Magic in Kriegiersien is not very organized. There are Mystics, Mutants, Antimuggles, wandering bards, mages, imposter, witchers, witches, wizards, warlocks, sorcereres, Necromants, Force Users, Monks....

Some have private schools, some live in secret societies, but none of them have connection to the government as own Union. After all magic in all its form is entangled in the Kriegiersien wounderous way of life.

Quidditch is looked down from many as "silly nonsense - like an idea from a childbook author", but the ones interested, who brought the sport from other nations, allowed the building of some teams and occasional games.

But in the end it was not more then a leisure sport.

To build a team for Kriegiersien, the President opened a tournament as qualification and promised a great amount of Gold and Shiny things plus a magical wand for the team who would win the World Cup for Kriegiersien.

The qualification tournament went over 3 weeks, with much backstabbing, magical explosions (mostly outside the arena) and deaths. In the end, a team was formed.

Kriegiersien Quidditch Representants (Nationalteam)




Keeper
Shao
A monk with supernatural abilities, making a hard workout to learn flying on a broom. Calm, bright, always smoking he has learned from World Champions to be a first class keeper.

Beater

Kraven
The Teamcaptain is working out all plans and tactics, when he has time, in his mind, just to be brought back into reality when the game starts. His motto is "winning with style" and his magical abilities are rather average. But he is a talented, merciless player.
Adhan
The scarred, tattooed giant has a memory leak, hidden skills in many, different abilities and only one real quest: "Rescuing a friend out of hell". If he just knew who this friend was. The contest in Quidditch is (like for the most others of the team) just another quest on the road.

Chaser

Imoen
A thief, a magician, an annoying childish character, with divine blood in her veins, the pink haired girl seems to be cheerful most of the time, full of joy, just to fall back in sad mood sometimes. But she is an excellent, fast teamplayer.
Skull Dodgery
An unholy skeleton, that is what real magicans can see in him. For everyone else he is an average, normal human. Did he have black hair? Or red? Doesn't matter, he is a damned good player.
Tim
A level 2 wizard, the only one with real knowledge of the game and real concern to play the game as the sport it is. To score points, crush your oppnents and see them driven before you.

Seeker

Anora
Dreamed of beeing a snitch once. Instead she became a seeker, having the indescribable, magic given talent to feel, understand, find and catch the snitch.

RP: Rules? Magic knows no rules. Maybe the rule of cool.

[Ferkas]

Declaration of the Department of Sport and Culture, FBM

The Department of Sport and Culture of the Ferkian Bureau of Magic (FBM) is proud to announce its first foray into the International Quidditch World Cup. The team is made up of members from the Ferkian Quidditch Association (FQA) and the Quidditch Premier League of Ferkas (QPLF).

Roster

Chasers

#17 - Vladimer Notavesky*
#54 - Altrius McPherson*
#8 - Raquel Cleaver (Captain)*
#41 - Breaden Clough
#11 - Sabina Verotillo

Beaters

#28 - Rodolphus Maximus*
#95 - Octavia Gregoro*
#99 - Eadweard Oldfellow

Keeper

#85 - Palantina Lilla*
#51 - Iovis Toritilus

Seeker

#18 - Xanthus Quila*
#72 - Drusilla Green


* Denotes a starting plaer

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out penalties to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

[The Fair Republic]

Coach Name: Fredrick Hamilton
Colors: Blue and Green
Demonym: Republics
Starters:
Seeker: Amy Patterson #15
Blind Side Beater: Matthew Pryce #10 (Captain)
Open Side Beater: Henry Williams #27
Center Chaser: Olivia Liddi #5
Outside Chaser: Greg Daniels #57
Outside Chaser: Katherine Adams #12

Bench:
Seeker: Joe Donaldson #45
Blind Side Beater: Tim Everson #7
Open Side Beater: Rich Matthews #00
Center Chaser: Becky Richards #26
Outside Chaser: Katie Peterson #19
Outside Chaser: Al Day #21

I give my opponent permission to:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Give my players yellow cards: y
Give my players red cards: Y
Give injuries to my players: N
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Godmod other events: Y

[Equestrian States]

Group Draw

Group A
Equestrian States
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Darmen
San Jose Guayabal
Prusseusss
Callumackbar

Group B
Magikal Ghana
Saintland
Northern Sunrise Islands
Umbra Ignis
Thatius
Ferkas

Group C
Taeshan
Waverly Place
Kriegiersien
Sicoutimont
Groteberg
Starblaydia

Group D
Levivania
The United Kingdoms of Zackalantis
Felinetopia
Perlasilangan
The Licentian Isles
Commune-PDTv2

Updated Schedule

As I was rather busy this weekend preparing to move and was unable to proceed with the original plan, I've shifted the start date for the tournament back to Wednesday. The schedule has been changed to the following and has been posted on the OP.

Group Stage
Wednesday, August 21: Match Day 1 - 1v6, 2v5, 3v4
Thursday, August 22: Match Day 2 - 6v4, 5v3, 1v2
Friday, August 23: Match Day 3 - 2v6, 3v1, 4v5
Saturday, August 24: Match Day 4 - 6v5, 1v4, 2v3
Sunday, August 25: Match Day 5 - 3v6, 4v2, 5v1

Knockout Stage
Monday, August 26: Quarterfinals - A1 vs. B2; C1 vs. D2; D1 vs. C2; B1 vs. A2
Tuesday, August 27: Semifinals - QF1 vs. QF2; QF3 vs. QF4
Wednesday, August 28: 3rd Place Playoff - SF1 Loser vs. SF2 Loser
Thursday, August 29: Final - SF1 Winner vs. SF2 Winner

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

Slowly, a wizard started to write a tale about how the team of a little place in the middle of the sea would somehow write history, but not on the way most people were used to.

The Quidditch Team of Draziw-Esirnus, which for sake of this little tale will just be named as the Northern Sunrise Islands national Quidditch Team, were at last traveling to Equestrian States, with nothing aside of their mere knowledge of the game and some seasons of their national tournament until the eventual clash against the top teams of the Quidditch scene.

The squad was young, mostly because of the fear of embarrassment that the elder wizards had about it, forced the younger ones to go on their places. Suddenly, even the untalented seeker of Goffika, the young Ebony Nooblitz, seemed as a good pick. Too much for the coach, Leonaja Zarasthrusta, to figure out. She eventually decided to bring fourteen players, all of those having to share their flying bus disguised as a Latias. Maybe the elder wizards were right about being embarrassed.

For those who are probably reading this, it would be easier to just list them already, as you will probably wonder, what were those fourteen brave souls?

The two Keepers that Leonaja brought were Rüss Jamantokavok, the younger keeper of the Azkabian side, probably the only player with boyish looks in the entire, fearsome squad of the Prisoners, though it was all fault of being the lovechild of a player of Azkabian and a simple maid of Preppin, a black-haired with almost no color on his skin, making him an albine, and Âüríbá Jöäêí, a more experienced memer of the Campõ team, who had a tanned skin and short hair, toned as black as night.

As for Chasers, sadly, no one of the Azkabian side, known for their rough style, accepted the invitation for a spot at the national team, and may whoever looks around all the multiverse with a mighty power that even our toughest wizard or witch could beat learn that Leonaja tried hard to bring the best in the nation at that area. Instead, however, she could only bring Patti Strawberrycake, a red-haired young witch from the community of Preppin, known for being quite the calm mind; Calmena Groundon, a prospect of Empreon who somehow manages to look a lot like the legendary Pokémon Groudon but also like a common schoolgirl, who while doing good for a rookie, couldn't help the team on most matches; Príncipe Cálculo, the eldest of all the team, also teaches Mathematics at his home community of Mathusani and Luq Badluq, probably the meanest of all the chasers of this team, known for using his skills to attain some sort of pain for anyone who he tackles.

The Beaters that were called for this tournament couldn't be better, if you consider the situations that the national team selection was forced to. The regular Beaters picked were Matyas Huejas from the Community of Rezif, nicknamed as "The Rezifean Earthquake", with shots that use more strength than skill, which while losing a lot in accuracy, tend to be harder to be stopped for a mere keeper; Switzy Lemonade, a green-haired young witch from Preppin, who doesn't have a lot of confidence, but tends to do well when the team is pretty connected. The other two Beaters picked were Magiyan Chusoncha, the only good player of the entire Sonyxw-Ibakw, to the point where he himself left the team, saying that they were too bad for him to save the day and Zolphelina Himernoe, supposedly the second comming of the best player that the team who inspired Hogawa had.

Last, but not least (at all), the Seekers. The regular Seeker of the team, Cavalo De-Pau, oftenly nicknamed as "Horse Face" and "The Ugliest thing ever seen in the entire land", has to wear a mask because if his face is shown, the person that sees it, will be forced to puke. Still, he is pretty talented, which can also be said about the other seeker, but Horse Face is way more competent than the other one. Ebony Nooblitz of the rather obnoxious mismatch of a team that is named Goffika wasn't picked. Naaah, that would be too difficult. She was forced inside the team because the legendary Mary-Sue Betty-Hooves really wanted her in. Even though she's quite an idiot, to the point where she thinks that she is as pale as a corpse, with dark hair, but is the other way around; she has some well-hidden skill.

Anyways, after this little list of the players that this team has, all that is left for this tale, is the action. Now... where is the action at?

Aside from taking the players down forever or for more than two games, I'm fine.

This link has more info on the teams of Draziw-Esirnus/Northern Sunrise Islands, if you need it.

[Equestrian States]

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
National Quidditch Team - Quidditch World Cup 5

Quick Facts
Ranking*: 17th (8.00 pts.)
Nickname: The Flying Equines
All-Time Record: 3-3 (0-0 at Quidditch World Cup 5)
Achievments: Qudditch World Cup 4 (Round of 16)

Group A
#4 - Darmen (14.67 pts.)
#17 - Equestrian States (8.00 pts.)
UR - Callumackbar (0.00 pts.)
UR - Prusseusss (0.00 pts.)
UR - San Jose Guayabal (0.00 pts.)
UR - The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (0.00 pts.)

Tournament Schedule

Group Stage
MD1: Equestrian States vs. Callumackbar at Venue TBD (cap. TBD) in City TBD, Equestrian States
MD2: Equestrian States vs. The Royal Kingdom of Quebec at Venue TBD (cap. TBD) in City TBD, Equestrian States
MD3: Darmen vs. Equestrian States at Venue TBD (cap. TBD) in City TBD, Equestrian States
MD4: Equestrian States vs. San Jose Guayabal at Venue TBD (cap. TBD) in City TBD, Equestrian States
MD5: Prusseusss vs. Equestrian States at Venue TBD (cap. TBD) in City TBD, Equestrian States

Players

Starters
Keeper - Far Soarin' (Pegasus - Female) - 25 - Thunder City Storm
Beater - Enigma (Unicorn - Female) - 28 - Canterlot Castles
Beater - Tryenna Abercrombie (Human - Female) - 23 - Canterlot Castles
Chaser - Spear (Unicorn - Male) - 24 - Stalliongrad Red Stars
Chaser - Spitfire (Pegasus - Male) - 26 - Cloudsdale Lightning
Chaser - Hothead (Pegasus - Male) - 29 - Manehattan Firebolts
Seeker - Farsight (Pegasus - Female) - 21 - Cloudsdale Lightning

Reserves
Keeper - Blunt End (Unicorn - Male) - 24 - Everfree Liberators
Beater - Brute Force (Griffon - Male) - 35 - Thunder City Storm
Chaser - Gregory Hodgepodge (Human - Male) - 27 - Canterlot Castles
Chaser - Travonne Malwartz (Human - Male) - 25 - Canterlot Castles

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes - Minor injuries only, players must be able to start next game
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes - See above for restrictions
Hand out penalties to my players: Yes - Try to keep it to a minimum, however, since my players are generally pretty clean
Godmod other events: Yes - No weather-related events without magical manipulation, and my fans are like my players in that they're not likely to start a magic duel or whatever

---

* - The Quidditch World Cup rankings (as compiled by Adun) are unofficial and will not be used for scorination of the tournament. They are posted solely for IC RPing purposes. Should you wish to use them, you are welcome to do so. Please keep in mind, however, that I won't be using them to determine results and that the skill input in the scorinator will be decided solely based-upon your RPs.

[Umbra Ignis]

The Nomadic Peoples of Umbra Ignis are proud to announce the lineup for our debut appearance in the fantastic sport of Quidditch:

Colors: Black(primary) and red(secondary)

Captain: Varshein Temolse (male)

Keeper: Markus Poyshen (male)

Beaters: Helena DeChey (female)
Zedania Lamare (male)

Chasers: Varshein Temolse (male)
Penelope Friesna (female)
Relnasa Kystion (male)

Seeker: Benvelio Geortachi (male)

Reserves: K-Sevan Hellmish (male)
B-Deandra Duvoos (female)
C-Fredrich Amasterdo (male)
C-Yvesto Bormas (male)
S-Venista Romee (female)


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (Nothing serious)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out penalties to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: No

[The Fair Republic]

Am I in?

[Magikal Ghana]

This is a puppet of Karditan, if anyone's wondering. Also, I'm not very well versed in this sport, so if I mess something up, please call me out on it. Learning experience and all that.

Also, ES, I spelled 'Magikal' like that for a reason. Don't go autocorrect on me

Greetings, from the mystical lands of Magikal Ghana. Our people have long practiced the arts beyond the mortal, but only recently have we learned the methods of magik more commonly practiced across the multiverse. In fact, the one who alerted us of these modern practices is none other than the seeker of the national team, Oluwayemisi Maalouf. An accident involving a criminal amount of unfinished potion, an enchanted guava and a pinch of bad JuJu sent young Oluway through the dimensional mist, with him thankfully landing safely in the land called Starblaydia. When he was found in a forest grove trying to prepare a teleportation potion (which he came surprisingly close to finishing, thanks to his raw magikal talent), he was quickly escorted to Percyvale Academy. It was there the ways of the Wizard were taught to him, and after several years of training and the help of some elder wizards, Oluway braved the mists and charted out the path from Magikal Ghana to the Atlantian Oceania. Under his guidance, magik in our homeland has come very far in a very short period of time, the two distinct styles of magic coming together to form something even more unique.

That unique blend of traditional and modern magiks does not come into play here, however, as Oluway made sure to teach Quidditch to our people the way it is most often played, should the chance ever arise to compete against the wider multiverse. That chance is now, and our team will be roaring into the Equestrian States to shake up the international Quidditch community.

Starters:
Keeper D'kembe Mutombo; <Vice-Captain> Very tall. A bit clumsy on a broom, but his wingspan helps save many points.
Beater Chiumbo Afolayan; Very aggressive. Not very strong. Often bites off more than he can chew.
Beater Chinwe Ihejirika; Very strong. Not very aggressive. Does better when the team is doing better.
Chaser Tau Obama; Brother of Ngozi. Sibling bond helps coordinating attacks.
Chaser Akuchi Okafor; Oluway's first personal protege. Most skillful broom rider in Magikal Ghana, if not the fastest. Ambidextrous, to boot.
Chaser Ngozi Obama; Brother of Tau. Has developed a good pincer move with him.
Seeker Oluwayemisi Maalouf; <Captain> Introduction is in above paragraphs. Very fast on a broom, has good control, and is most familiar with the culture of the wider multiverse. Acts as the team's spokesperson.

Reserves:
Keeper Jumaane Akpu-nku
Beater Nsia Keita
Beater Nsonowa Okora
Chaser Femi Ndaiye
Chaser Chidike Amaechi
Chaser Unathi Nwosu
Seeker Dubaku Olajuwan

RP Permissions: Don't kill anyone. Anything else, go for it. Unconventional wins promoted (captains agreeing to end game, snitch-catching-team-losing if the score allows, etc).

[Taeshan]

For the fifth time Taeshan will enter the Quidditch world cup, for the first time without a single member of the team from the first world cup. With five new starters the younger overall team will look to continue the legacy that the teams before them started.

Starting Roster

Player 	Number 	Position 	Team
Dustin Cohen 	1 	Keeper 	Atlantea Dragons
Patrick McClemon 	2 	Beater 	Knights QC
Liam Twain 	3 	Beater 	Norton Nimbus Quakes
Jackson Tyrone 	5 	Chaser 	Purple Perils
Alejandro Swann 	6 	Chaser 	Sleepy Hollow Silver Snitches
Richard Owlet 	7 	Chaser 	Fallmont Fireballs
Ollivander Williams 	4 	Seeker 	X Island Infantry

And the four subs in case of injury

Backups 			
Dakota Lyle 	8 	Keeper 	Bayern Bludgers
Benjamin Alvarez 	9 	Beater 	Gieron Golden Flashes
John Breckenridge 	10 	Chaser 	Williams Isle Iguanas
Albert Hancock 	11 	Seeker 	Docktown Dark Marks

[Saintland]

The 11 witches and wizards from the land the muggles call "Saintland" had arrived in the Equestrian States. They did not know where they were, much less where they were supposed to be going. The hosts had yet to announce where the World Cup would be held. An owl had delivered a piece of parchment containing the group draw and the schedule.

They had been drawn into Group B. Their first opponent would be Thatius. They knew that they would also face Magikal Ghana, Ferkas, Northern Sunrise Islands and Umbra Ignis. However, they did not know anything about any of their opponents. The magical community in Saintland had traditionally remained isolated, for the most part. Few even bothered to venture to the FFR. The Academiae Praecantatio was a tiny academy, much smaller than the Academy of the Magical Arts in the FFR's Republic of Nejax. While the Academy in the Free Republics was truly massive, with a typical class of students numbering in the tens of thousands and coming from most of the World Changers region, the Academiae had only 50 students or so per year. This resulted in a close-knit community that mostly kept to themselves.

Saintland was not exactly a very favorable environment for witches and wizards. The muggles in the country were still largely unchanged from the Middle Ages. These days, they had some muggle industries and the King of the Muggles had eliminated the nobility in all but name a few centuries ago. Despite all of this, they remained as oppressive a society as they were in the Middle Ages. Instead of the nobility lording over the serfs, now serfdom was technically abolished. However, the muggles were all de-facto serfs of their King.

After the establishment of Saintland, witches and wizards would be discovered periodically by the establishment and would be burned at the stake, under orders from the Patriarch of the Church of Saintland. However, King Ioannes III had a son who was a muggle-born wizard. Somehow evading detection, Prince Paulus was one of those sent by his father to explore the Heretical Lands, as the rest of the world was known at the time. Upon his arrival, he discovered the existence of other witches and wizards. A witch taught the Prince a spell to avoid being burned at the stake. The Prince of Saintland was also taught how to use memory charms and how to make things invisible to muggles.

Upon returning to Saintland with the rest of the expedition, he set about a daring plan to save his fellow witches and wizards from being burned at the stake. Whenever a witch or wizard was captured, the Prince would teach them the spell to resist burning. They would cast the spell and pretend to be burned. Afterward, Prince Paulus promised that he would make sure they were safe.

Prince Paulus followed through on his promise. Establishing a secret magical community and putting enchantments on that community to keep muggles out, the Prince escorted the witches and wizards that survived their burnings into the secret community. Soon, there was an entire village of witches and wizards hidden in Saintland.

Despite this, Prince Paulus was still not satisfied. He knew that there were many more witches and wizards that were not safe. Realizing this, he rode back to the area that now comprises the Free Republics on a magic carpet. On his visit to the mainland, Prince Paulus had secretly purchased a magic carpet. Traveling back to the mainland, he recruited several of the most renowned and adventurous witches and wizards. He was somehow able to convince them to pack up their belongings and move to an unknown land...

[Felinetopia]

Felinetopia Quidditch National Team

Roster

Starters
Keeper- Spotter (Leopard, Leopard Spots, 28)
Beaters- Point (Serval, Crookshank Magic Academy, 17)
Beaters- Blank (Snow Leopard, Iceberg Yetis, 24)
Chaser- Furball Winston (Cheetah, Cheetah Chasers, 24)
Chaser- Salem Gram ("House" Cat, Salem School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 15)
Chaser- Crookshank Jr. ("House" Cat, Crookshank Dragon, 20)
Seeker- Furry Potter (Lion, Crookshank Magic Academy, 18)

Reserves
Keeper- Asghan (Cougar, Crookshank Dragons, 27)
Beater- Stripedback (Tiger, Salem School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 18)
Chaser- Hermaneine (Lion, Crookshank Magic Academy, 17)
Seeker- Seary ("House" Cat, Mountian Caps, 29)

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, no career ending injuries
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, no career ending injuries
Hand out penalties to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes, have at it

[Callumackbar]

Callumackbar Qudditch World Cup 5 Squad:

Keepers
Alexander Haysia* (C)
Bethany Simonsen

Beaters
Meghan Munroe*
Richard Curtis*
Michael Short

Chasers
Ashley Daniels*
Marcus Thomas*
Zach Lees*
Bethany Cahill

Seekers
Cleora Kozlowski*
Ian Alexander

Head Coach: Samuel Dalton

* - Indicates Starting Player

Style modifier: +4

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but nothing too serious.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out penalties to my players: No
Godmod other events: Yes

[Perlasilangan]

Perlasilangani Quidditch Team: The Mulawins

Presenting you the best quidditch players from the Dictatorship of Perlasilangan, Hand-picked by the Dictator Juan Lucas (Juan Antonio Serafino Lucas y Galledo), the mulawins that will take on the quidditch field will be unveiled. and who needs brooms when they have wings? Who needs magic when they have powers? Meh. Their powers can also be considered magic.

LINEUP
Starters
K: Federson (Vicenzo Herminio Federson Judi y Baay)
B: Jaremy (Kimver Jazer Jeremy Caboboy y Ciudadano)
B: Vicrus (Alkes Vic Rus Manahan y Ele)
C: Nemesio (Nemesio Winnie Vito Baldevieso y Mejarito)
C: Lyndon (Lyndon Marco Martel Saycon y Matienzo)
C: Nicco (Audrey Art Nicco Felias y Mopon)
S: Heimer (Jairone Rovie Heimer Galunan y Yting)

Reserves
K: Jon-jon (Enrick Moreno Jon-Jon Apdian y Talatala)
B: Renzo (Giankenneth Phillippe Renzo Portugal y Moncal)
C: Jigan (Timothy Jigan Ricardo Almeda y Hari)
S: Rovie (Rommel Arvie Daren Acupan y Aytona)

For an in-depth detail on the Mulawin race, please visit this link.

RP Permissions
Do anything, except killing. You can transform them into hideous creatures, but you have responsibility of turning them back to normal. (Although I can do that)

[Darmen]

The National Quidditch Team of Darmen, Sponsored by the Darmeni Ministry of Magic

History of Magic in Darmen: Wizards and Witches have lived openly in Darmen since it's founding in 1120. While they are usually not allowed to use magic in Public, there are several exceptions, usually involving self-defence or defence of others. Several schools exist for the magically gifted around Darmen, with the University of Legonian Magic being the highest level of learning. OOC: Magic in Darmen is a mixture of that described in Harry Potter and the type depicted in the TV Series, Charmed.

History of Quidditch in Darmen: Quidditch is usually played as an amateur or recreational sport, although several professional teams do exist in the form of corporate teams made up of workers at certain companies. While no official league exists, local tournaments take place almost every week during the summer and fall, while the National Championship, if it can be called that, is competed in the Spring.

Manager: Batspaz Swamptooth-43 years old-Witch
Former Keeper for the Darmeni National Industries corporate team, Swamptooth is a tactical mastermind. She played Quidditch competitively for 33 years, and continues to play recreationally.

Keeper: Bloodcharm Toadfire-26 years old-Wizard
Currently plays for the Goldwell Energy corporate team, Toadfire has impressive broom handling skills. His ability to defend all three goals is unmatched in Darmen.

Chaser: Wartspoon Bloodbroom-31 years old-Witch-CAPTAIN
Currently plays for the Goldwell Energy corporate team, Goldwell's all time leading scorer. Her ability to send opponents the wrong way is uncanny.

Chaser: Beetlecurse Henbug-19 years old-Wizard
Currently plays for the Univ. of Legonian Magic collegiate team, Henbug is an up and coming phenom. Has the ability to quickly turn a sticky situation into a good one by causing havoc among the opposition, creates turnovers.

Chaser: Leatherscream Shadowweed-25 years old-Wizard
Currently plays for Windwell Energy corporate team. Is Windwell's all time leading scorer. Has the ability to score from long range.

Beater: Henweed Hazelstench-28 years old-Witch
Currently plays for Johnho Amateurs team. First time playing with Professionals. Has a nasty temper, and isn't afraid to forget about the Bludger and just go after opponents with her bat.

Beater: Catstare Bloodtooth-26 years old-Witch
Does not play organized Quidditch, but was spotted by Swamptooth playing in a recreational and was immeadiately regarded as a premier Quidditch player.

Seeker: Batcurse Catstench-31 years old-Wizard
Effectively blind, Batcurse uses Echolocation and a few other tricks he has learned to locate the Snitch. Plays for the Army's representative team.

RP Permissions: Go ahead, get wild. Just don't kill anybody. It's ok to send a player on a little "trip" to some other country during the match, just make sure that they either return before the end of the match, or it's a player non-essential to winning (i.e. the seeker).

[Commune-PDTv2]

"So tell me about our group stage opponents, Pendraghon."
"Yes Ma'am. Although only two of the teams have submitted their rosters through the official channels."
"Really? Do we suspect foul play?"
"Unlikely Ma'am"
"Well keep your ears to the ground regardless. Which countries?"
"Levivania, The United Kingdoms of Zackalantis and The Licentian Isles."
"The Licentians? Really ... Those Apoxian-loving scum ... I don't trust them. Especially not with this cursed hocus-pocus flying about. Magic? P'ah ... "
"The case for it's existence is quite overwhelming Ma'am ... "
"You'll do well to watch that tongue Ms. Đyuri ... Wands, warlocks, witches, I don't trust any of it. There's a rational explanation, mark my word."
"Yes Ma'am, Sorry Ma'am."
"So what of the other squads? Who are we up against?"
"Perlasilangan and Felinetopia."
"And ... ?"
"One are a team of bird-people, the others, cats."
"Hahaha ... This is going to be easier than I thought. Cats ... Ha ... By Krenek's ghost ... "
"So what strategies should we adopt Ma'am?"
"Strategy? We hardly need strategy against a field such as this ... And I thought we were going to get the chance to really put Operation: Happy Rotter through it's paces ... Hahaha ... Cats? ... Hahaha ... Maybe ready the water cannons and don't forget some birdseed for the Perlasilangani ... Hahaha."
"Heh ... Ok ... I mean, Yes Ma'am!"
"Hahahaha ... Cats ... "

RP Permissions: Godmodding heartily encouraged, as is everything else. Have fun introducing my team to magic.

[Equestrian States]

Match Day 1 Results

Group A
Equestrian States 320–70 Callumackbar
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 350–250 Prusseusss
Darmen 230–220 San Jose Guayabal

  Group A                               Pld   W  L    PF   PA   PD  Pts
1 Equestrian States                       1   1  0   320   70 +250    3
2 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec             1   1  0   350  250 +100    3
3 Darmen                                  1   1  0   230  220  +10    3
4 San Jose Guayabal                       1   0  1   220  230  −10    0
5 Prusseusss                              1   0  1   250  350 −100    0
6 Callumackbar                            1   0  1    70  320 −250    0

Group B
Magikal Ghana 170–340 Ferkas
Saintland 440–140 Thatius
Northern Sunrise Islands 220–230 Umbra Ignis

  Group B                               Pld   W  L    PF   PA   PD  Pts
1 Saintland                               1   1  0   440  140 +300    3
2 Ferkas                                  1   1  0   340  170 +170    3
3 Umbra Ignis                             1   1  0   230  220  +10    3
4 Northern Sunrise Islands                1   0  1   220  230  −10    0
5 Magikal Ghana                           1   0  1   170  340 −170    0
6 Thatius                                 1   0  1   140  440 −300    0

Group C
Taeshan 260–360 Starblaydia
Waverly Place 310–110 Groteberg
Kriegiersien 690–50 Sicoutimont

  Group C                               Pld   W  L    PF   PA   PD  Pts
1 Kriegiersien                            1   1  0   690   50 +640    3
2 Waverly Place                           1   1  0   310  110 +200    3
3 Starblaydia                             1   1  0   360  260 +100    3
4 Taeshan                                 1   0  1   260  360 −100    0
5 Groteberg                               1   0  1   110  310 −200    0
6 Sicoutimont                             1   0  1    50  690 −640    0

Group D
Levivania 270–210 Commune-PDTv2
The United Kingdoms of Zackalantis 140–360 The Licentian Islands
Felinetopia 250–170 Perlasilangan

  Group D                               Pld   W  L    PF   PA   PD  Pts
1 The Licentian Islands                   1   1  0   360  140 +220    3
2 Felinetopia                             1   1  0   250  170  +80    3
3 Levivania                               1   1  0   270  210  +60    3
4 Commune-PDTv2                           1   0  1   210  270  −60    0
5 Perlasilangan                           1   0  1   170  250  −80    0
6 The United Kingdoms of Zackalantis      1   0  1   140  360 −220    0

[Umbra Ignis]

The following article is from the Umbra Ignis Daily

Umbra Ignis Squeaks by Northern Sunrise Islands in Quidditch World Cup Opener!

It was a close match here today between the Umbra Ignis Nomads and the Northern Sunrise Islands Draziw-Esirnus. Umbran seeker Benvolio Geortachi was able to catch the snitch 5 hours into the match to give the Nomads the mere 10 point win, 220-230.

Top scorers for the Draziw-Esirnus were Luq Badluq and Patti Strawberrycake, who were scoring left and right against Nomad keeper Markus Poyshen. Starting with a goal within 10 minutes, it was uphill for the Draziw-Esirnus from there. Of all 22 goals scored for the Draziw-Esirnus, 17 went to Luq Badluq alone, followed by 4 for Patti and one for Calmena Groundon. Shortly after her goal, Calmena was taken to the infirmary to treat a bludger to the shoulder, courtesy of Helena DeChey. The official report is that Calmena's shoulder was merely dislocated, and she will be able to make her next appearance.

Now for the Umbran side. Before the snitch was caught, the Nomads sat on a measly 80 points. 5 goals made by captain Varshein Temolse, and the remaining three by Penelope Freisna. The opposing keeper, Rüss Jamantokavok, was having a regular field day, blocking 19 of the attempted 27 shots. Our chasers had a tough time avoiding bludgers, and mostly managed. Penelope's broom was nicked, almost causing her to crash into the audience (She later apologized to a very disgruntled Pegasus whose drink was spilt onto his saddlebags).

Finally, when all hope seemed lost for the Nomads, the snitch was caught in a fantastic frontflip maneuver by seeker Benvolio Geortachi. The Nomads wish to congratulate the Draziw-Esirnus on their efforts, and are looking forward to their next match against Ferkas. Until next time!

By- Firdnak Dashtome, sports editor

[Saintland]

Prince Paulus had recruited several of the most renowned and adventurous wizards in the land that would eventually become the Free Republics. Some of them traveled for Saintland on broomstick. Others traveled by magic carpet. However they traveled, they all arrived together in the secret magical community, located in Saintland.

Upon their arrival in Saintland, Prince Paulus made a decision. The wizarding world would have no kings and no nobility. Instead, all witches and wizards would be equals. They would be led by a Tribune of Magic, who would be elected by a public and open vote of all adult members of the community. To be elected, the Tribune had to have majority support and an unlimited number of ballots would be cast until somebody ended up with a majority. At any time, the Tribune could be recalled, if a fifth of the adult witches and wizards chose to publicly initiate a recall, which would immediately force a new election for Tribune. The Tribune could also resign or force a new election whenever he wished. If the Tribune went 7 years without forcing an election, a new election would be held automatically.

However, to ensure the survival of the community, Prince Paulus understood that young witches and wizards needed to be educated in the ways of magic. In fact, that had been the reason why he had brought several witches and wizards back from the mainland. Establishing the Academiae Praecantatio, which translates as the "Academy of Magic" in English, Prince Paulus became the first headmaster of the Academiae.

Albus the Grey was one of the most renowned wizards of the age, in the World Changers region. He had been one of the wizards approached by Prince Paulus and had immediately agreed to go to an unknown land to help develop a magical community there. Albus the Grey discovered a method to identify individuals with magical talent. This proved to be very useful to the Academiae...

---

The team from Thatius had been over-matched from the beginning of the match. Today was the opening day of the World Cup and the team from Saintland dominated most of the match. Several early goals by Salviena Valgus put Saintland up 30 to nothing. After Thatius scored a goal, Falco Popidius and Dulcilla Sempronius responded with goals of their own.

It continued like this for most of the day. Soon, Saintland had a 200 to 40 lead. However, Lucas Falerius had not yet been able to find the snitch. Just after Sempronius scored another goal to put her team up by 170, Thatius's seeker was suddenly within sight of the snitch. Realizing the scoreline, he decided not to catch the thing. The match would continue.

Several hours later, Saintland had a 290 to 140 lead. Both Valgus and Sempronius had been knocked off their brooms by bludgers. While they both took out their wands and cast a spell to ensure that they would land safely, their broomsticks went flying into the bleachers before either of them could cast an Accio spell to recover the broomsticks.

Saintland's lead appeared perilous by this point. Neither beater for Saintland had been able to cause any damage at all to their opposition. That left Thatius with a 3-on-1 advantage at the chaser position. At this moment, both seekers simultaneously saw the snitch. A mad dash ensued, although the seeker for Thatius was mainly trying to prevent Lucas Falerius from capturing the snitch. Falerius evaded his opponent and his broomstick rapidly descended toward the ground.

Falerius reached for the snitch. After an instant that seemed to last an eternity, Falerius had a grip on the snitch. He pulled the thing into his body. The referee came over to check and determined that Falerius had, in fact, caught the snitch. This resulted in 150 points for Saintland and a 440 to 140 victory over Thatius.

The Saintland team had brought several dozen spare brooms with them, so both Valgus and Sempronius were clear to start against Magikal Ghana. Magikal Ghana had lost to Ferkas by 170 points. With the top 2 per group advancing to the quarterfinals, they knew that the match would be even more critical for Magikal Ghana than it was for them...