Beltane Cup I [Everything Thread]

by **The Sarian** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 9:47 am

Beltane Cup I The Sarian
Host Bid| The Sarian Information | OOC

For fifty three Baptisms of Fire, the competitors went their separate ways, but for this, the fifty fourth edition, the eight greats returned to battle it out, and out of the fire, the Beltane Cup was formed.

Groups

Group A

The Sarian

Greater Watford

Gloriax

Nexxus Drako

Group B

Buyan

HopNation

Yttribia

Ceni

Schedule
~~9th - Group Stage Draw~~
11th - MD1
12th - MD2
13th - MD3
14th - Playoffs
15th - Semi Finals
17th - Final/3PPO

Cutoffs will be at 17:00 UTC. Any changes will be announced as early as possible.

by **The Sarian** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 9:47 am

The Sarian Department of Tourism Presents
The Visitors Guide to the Beltane Cup

Background

The Royal Isles of The Sarian, commonly known as the Royal Isles or just The Sarian is an archipelago in the south of Atlantian Oceania, some 200 miles away from the nearest landmass. The archipelago, which has an area of 47,000 square miles , comprises two large islands, Saria and Regis and 19 other inhabited Islands.

The Sarian is a Constitutional Monarchy, based in the purpose built Capital, King William City that was named after King William I, who reigned from 2018 to 2093. The Parliament is bicameral, based on the Westminster System. The Chief Executive is the leader of the largest party in The Sarian, regardless on if it can gain a majority, although coalitions may be made. The Executive Council is comparable to a Cabinet in most countries. The Legislative Assembly is elected from consistencies from each Province and the Notable Assembly is appointed by the Monarch, on advice of the Chief Executive. The Monarchy is hereditary, with the heir apparent being the eldest son or daughter of the Monarch.

Geography

The climate is a cold marine climate, with strong westerly breezes that bring snow all year round, with the exception of the summer months of January and February, strong winds mean that blizzards occur regularly. Most Islands are mountainous, with the exception of Regis and Porshmap, and dotted with peat bogs and deeply indented coast provides good natural harbours.

You will be in The Sarian in February, the warmest month in The Sarian, where the weather is expected to peak at 20 degrees centigrade, however you are unlikely to feel this with the wind constantly reaching up to 90 MPH.

Five of the Royal Isles will be involved in the games, Regis, will be the 'hub' housing both the opening match and the final, as well as being involved in the group stages and semi finals. Travellers will find this Island the best to stay due to the wide range of accommodation, ranging from some of the most luxurious hotels in the region, to motels costing a few Imperia a night, it also has the most non-football related tourism locations, and extensive travel links to other Islands.

Saria will be featured little, despite it's normally central role in previous Sarian tournaments, the City of Chippenham, the largest city in The Sarian is known for it's vastness and diversity, taking up nearly a quarter of the Island. Visitors should be aware of the east of the city, in particular the borough of Porscu (Poor - S - Cu) which is the industrial centre of The Sarians munition industry in the Sarian, as well as many people walking around with little or no clothes on. However, if you venture into boroughs such as Laycock and Lavington, you will find a pleasant and modern city with many tourist attractions and sublime accommodation, many of which are a must see to any visitor to The Sarian.

Regio will also be featured, with its historical background, you can expect a very different Sarian then you will see in Saria and Regis. Known locally for it's stately homes and rich ties to the Sarian Royal Family, as well as being home to the famous white horse carvings in its hills. A largely rural and agricultural Island, with small towns and cities dotted round it, visitors will experience The Sarian away from the hustle and bustle.

Falkland is the next host Island, also known for its agriculture and diverse wildlife, a popular tourist and cruise ship destination, Falkland is probably the most tourist friendly of all the Islands, as such its travel links and restaurants are superb. Almost every town and city is on the coast, where you can experience award winning cuisine.

The home of both The Sarians fashion and gay community is on the final host Island, Kensingtea. The third largest Island in The Sarian, Kensingtea is based upon its two largest cities, Legacy and Gorgona, both of which are prime examples nationwide of city management.

The Stadia

Lavington Park

City: King William City
Province: Greater KWC Area (Regis)
Capacity: 84,000
Hosting: Final, Opening Match
Home Team: National Team

Home Covert

City: Chippenham
Province: Greater Chippenham (Saria)
Capacity: 82,100
Hosting: Playoff 2, Third Place Playoff
Home Team: FC Chippenham

Queen Priscilla Stadium

City: Marlborough
Province: Saria
Capacity: 73,000
Hosting: Semi Final 2, Playoff 1
Home Team: Marlborough Town

The Matterhorn

City: King William City
Province: Greater KWC Area (Regis)
Capacity: 68,300
Hosting: Semi Final 1, Group A
Home Team: Kings City FC

White Horse

City: New Calne
Province: Regio
Capacity: 67,900
Hosting: Group A
Home Team: Calne City

Moody Brook

Town: Race Point
Province: Falkland
Capacity: 54,000
Hosting: Group B
Home Team: Stanley Warrahs

Gorgona Arena

City: Gorgona
Province: Legacy
Capacity: 52,600
Hosting: Group B
Home Team: Gorgona City

by **Nexxus Drako** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 2:51 pm

I accidentally edited this instead of copying it over to the World Cup 68 roster.

As such, I have no backup and must blank it.

by **HopNation** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 11:13 pm

HopNation Fußball
Team Nickname 'Hops'.
Senior Squad
Rank: 121^st post WC67
Baptism of Fire: Round of 16 for 54^th BOF - record 2-1-1 (6 GF with 6 GA)
World Cup: 6th in Qualifying Group (5-5-6) did not qualify for WC67
Cup of Harmony: Eliminated from group stage (0-0-2)
U21 Squad - as of DBC30
Di Bradini Cup: 4-1-0 : round of 8

HopNation National Fußball Squad

Coaching Staff

Head Coach
- Warren Schmidt
Assistant Coach
- Charles Brinkmeyer
Assistant Coach
- Corey Barden
Goalkeeping Coach
- Timothy Mahmonds
Fitness Coach
- Scott Moe
Medical Staff
- Dr. Tonya Hendricks
- Dr. Jill Hansen
- Kevin Bayts (Trainer)
Physiotherapists
- Tarrence Unduntserwora
- Rittchie Ranranyerbur

Typical Style: +2 (slightly attacking, wing play, short passes, man behind the ball)
Typical Formations: 4-2-3-1^*, 4-3-3, and 4-4-2

#	Name		 Age	Pref. Position	Club Team (HopNation State)
1	Oeny Subanos**	 25	GK		Bayern FC (HBN)
20	Whouf Rantinwar	 31	GK		York FC (HBN)
25	Eburo Chroollack 25	GK		Zorg FC (CPW)
5	Lecho Loontas*	 23	CB		Malt SC (CPW)
3	Bans Kastas	 32	CB		Gypsum SC (DKV)
6	Ess Nysistia	 26	LB		Coppendos FC (CPW)
9	Sid Raefwar*	 25	RB		Coppendos FC (CPW)
12	Rayrd Lesamnal*	 22	CB		Gypsum SC (DKV)
16	Oawo Rayhonrad	 23	RB		Captile SC (BPR)
18	Steat Nykaugh	 28	RB		Guile FC (HBN)
21	Icha Wiashrod*	 29	LB		Herberger FC (DKV)
24	Kins Houndtin	 34	CB		Nightinton FC (BPR)
27	Vaugh Jeikrom	 22	RB		Herberger FC (DKV)
10	Pheir Droimpol*	 19	AM ( C)		Bayern FC (HBN)
13	Ruk Rothrothther 26	AM (R,C,L)	Malt SC (CPW)
4	Teur Smuemund*	 23	DFM (R,C,L)	Captile SC (BPR)
7	Morf Chrortas	 24	AM (R,L)	Tearrain FC (BPR)
8	Uraka Ildechban	 23	AM (L)		Holden FC (DKV)
14	Leuld Biaddan*	 28	DFM (R,C,L)	Malt SC (CPW)
15	Nil Nousskel	 30	AM ( L)		FC Darkton (DKV)
22	Eisa Loostin*	 21	AM ( R)		FC Darkton (DKV)
26	Thriaw Arcerton	 25	DFM (R,L)	FC Indecent (BPR)
28	Honn Worfworf	 26	AM (R,L)	Tearrain FC (BPR)
30	Ike Myer*	 31	AM (R,C,L)	Guile FC (HBN)
11	Pech Schytaing*	 20	F (R,C,L)	Zorg FC (CPW)
17	Brim Swauswor	 25	F (L)		Quazar FC (CPW)
2	Raes Queardest	 23	F ( C)		Gypsum SC (DKV)
19	Eenu Zysamenth	 30	F ( C)		York FC (HBN)
23	Gos Banrayorm	 24	F (R,C,L)	FC Indecent (BPR)
29	Jeus Ebtubtua	 31	F ( R)		Utonia FC (HBN)
* denotes starter* denotes captain

Home and Away kit

RP Permissions if opponent RPs first
Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod scoring events Yes
Issue yellow cards Yes
Issue red cards Yes - within reason and cannot render team unable to continue due to cards
RP Injuries (normal and Godmod) Yes - no career ending or deaths - I reserve right to set return time and/or edit severity with follow-up RP
Godmod other events Yes

by **Greater Watford** » Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:17 am

Kits

Due to the involvement of Watford FC and St Albans CIty FC in the FireStorm VI Cup, Greater Watford are missing some players, including top striker Mario Mannetti, along with Ylvin Serven and James Hemsworth. The squad for the tournament is below:

Code: Select all: 1 GK Gordon Watson 2 DEF Nacho Torli 3 DEF Hamish Doberman 4 DEF Ryan Warthon 5 MID Aaron Smith 6 MID Jan Regan 7 MID Peter Tilder 8 MID Louis Revson 9 ATT Cameron Rastersson 10 ATT Freddy Lincoln 11 ATT Greg Kyle 12 GK Henry Francis 13 DEF Ryan Franks 14 DEF Robby Harrison 15 DEF Sacha Singh 16 MID Ben Rogers 17 MID Tommy Deer 18 MID Ricardo D'Agostini 19 MID Kyle Kerney 20 ATT Norbert Adebayo 21 ATT Lewis Connoly 22 ATT Ignacio Peréz 23 GK Ivor Reynolds

Code: Select all: ================================= Choose My Goalscorers: Yes Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes Injure Players: No fatal or career ending injuries Godmod Injury Events: Yes Red Card Players: Yes Yellow Card Players: Yes Godmod Other Events: Yes =================================

Style Modifier: +3

by **Gloriax** » Sat Feb 08, 2014 6:44 am

GLORIAX SOCCER ASSOCIATION - ROSTERS

Beltane Cup 1

No.	Player		 (Pos)	[footsize]
1. Matthew	Gray 	 (GK)	[23]	*
2. Ethan	Black 	 (DL)	[1]	*
3. Luke		Bryan 	 (DR)	[7]	*
4. Daniel	Cox 	 (DC)	[6]	*
5. James	Allen 	 (DC)	[10]	*
6. Ryan		Butler 	 (DC)	[10]
7. Robert  	Marshall (DL)	[11]
8. Anthony	Dyer 	 (DR)	[2]
9. Thomas	Cole 	 (GK)	[3]
10. Nicholas 	White 	 (MC)	[1]	*
11. Thomas 	Rea 	 (MC)	[6]
12. Riley	Watson 	 (MR)	[9]	*
13. William	Russ 	 (ML)	[10]	*
14. Samuel	Watts 	 (MR)	[4]
15. Oliver	Mason 	 (ML)	[5]
16. Mark	Lewis 	 (AC)	[6]	*
17. Eric	Smith 	 (AR)	[8]
18. Roger	Davis 	 (MC)	[3]
19. Adam	Cooper 	 (AL)	[1]
20. Dylan	Wells 	 (MC)	[5]
21. Liam	Best 	 (MC)	[2]
22. Phil	Stoner 	 (F)	[7]	*
23. Ian		Stoner 	 (F)	[8]	*

Paul Hunter (COACH)

* for starters

KITS:

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS:
Kit: Kirola

FORMATION:4-3-1-2

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
    =================================
    Choose My Goalscorers:        Yes
    Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Yes
    Injure Players:               Yes, but no ending career, killing and stuff!
    Godmod Injury Events:         Never
    Red Card Players:             Yes, but to ordinary extent and valid reason
    Yellow Card Players:          Yes
    Godmod Other Events:          Yes
    =================================

by **Buyan** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:59 am

Buyan Football

Thirty-nine years ago, a couple of Esportivan communist exchange students decide to kick a ball around on a field not too far away from Vadshult. After a lot of history, we’ve now ended the year 2016 and football is tilting the crown as the most popular sport in the archipelago, especially in the western part of the eleven islands. In the third season of the unified Top Division, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis has grabbed the crown once again and reached the last sixteen of the Globe Cup, a great honour for a team that only found their spot near the top so recently. The national President’s Cup saw a victorious Blau-Weiss Pallstadt. The official national competitions contain 47 teams and are still up to expansion, but its popularity mainly lies on the many local teams. Especially in the western part, football is the main sport, whilst being opposed to the popularity of rugby and basket in the east.

Being a newer nation, there is still room for tactical development. However, the days where everyone played 3-4-3 and rushed forward, are over already. in the recent past, Buyanese football was usually noted by powerful midfield play, with a lot of forward focus transcended in one man: a team is often defined by its type of attacking midfielder and the position is probably a bit overrated. Navickas and Cedar, by example, previously grew into the posterboys of the competition that way, a role took by Sverre Devold these days. The new generations, however, demonstrated that the danger doesn't have to come from one person only and the ability from Viztourzys and more recently Pallstadt have allowed them to grow to the highest level. The fact that Hope holds on to the same opinion has certainly helped to popularize the idea.

He is stamping out the old traditions with a renewed midfield where the wings can produce a lot of danger as well, but with a larger focus on the defending as a whole. It was a typical vision in Buyan to see attacking players stay forward when the opposing team launches an attack, causing a lot of pressure and goals, but the national side doesn’t show so. Hope wants a sturdy defence, unless there are opportunities on the wing, with Naess and Zermin or Wreczius as a double lock on the door. The midfielders receive the clear message to work along at all times and Edvald Mattisson only surpassed Havelund as starting attacker once he adapted his game to this plan.

Buyan National Team

Winner of the Baptism of Fire 54

KPB: 93th with 9.63 KPB, post-qual WC67
EspKB: 28th with 2.00, post CEVIII

All-time scoreline: 40 for, 46 against
Game results: 19 wins, 4 draws, 17 losses in 40 fixtures
Greatest victory: BoF 54, Dutzenderland – Buyan, 0-3 / WCQ67, Greater Watford - Buyan, 1-4
Most remarkable victory: WCQ67, Buyan - Ossidiacqua 2-0
Greatest loss: Confederations Cup, Equestrian States – Buyan, 4-0
Most remarkable loss: CoH59, Buyan - Sangti 2-5

Record at the CE VIII: 2 wins, 0 draws, 4 losses: elimination in the qualification round
Record at the BoF 54: 6 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses: victory
Record at the Conf. Cup: 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses: elimination in the group phase
Record at the WCQ 67: 8 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses: elimination in the qualification round
Record at the CoH 59: 0 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss: elimination in the group phase
Record at the CE IX: 3 win, 0 draws, 3 losses: elimination in the qualification round

Top scorer: Edvald Mattisson, nine goals
Most caps: Bronius Bartkus, forty caps

The current record line starts to look like something. Our first six international games were played in the qualifying phase of the Campionato Esportiva, where novice Buyan got drawn with Hessington Island, Dandillis and New Sideburn. Against similarly inexperienced Hessington Island, two victories were obtained, whilst all other four games were lost without marking a goal. Not the kind of record that makes one optimistic, but during their home games against both Dandillis and New Sideburn, they showed good football with hope for the future. They lived up to that prospect with an excellent run in the Baptism of Fire, where they took out Dutzenderland, Crya and The Holy Forden Church in the group stage, before qualifying over Ceni for the quarterfinal. Said duel against Kitsunia-Deesse was ended with a glorious 3-1. The semifinal was a close encounter, but a goal from Elmo Havelund placed them for the final, where it remained nil-nil against The Sarian till the final whistle. Ultimately, a 7-6 penalty series decided upon the victor of the BoF 54.

The expectations for the WC were rather low. The performances in the Confederations’ Cup, where all games were lost, immediately made clear that we’re dealing with a different level now. The opening half of the qualifiers confirmed this, with only ten points, all but one against lower-ranked sides. A draw at home against The Archregimancy ensued a better second part, with five victories and a draw out of eight games. Especially the nine out of nine in the final three games against Ossidiacqua, in Greater Watford and versus Gregoryisgodistan was solid, resulting in an honourable fifth place out of nine, with 26 points, the best result by a BoF-nation. The qualification for the Cup of Harmony was most certainly an honour to end that WC run and grabbing a point against a household name like Western Angola confirmed our rise.

The pressure for the Campionato Esportiva IX, organised in our own nation, was high, but the expectations weren’t fulfilled. In a tough group, facing amongst others Brenecia and the Licentian Isles, the Buyanese team came one point short to make it to the play-offs for the last sixteen. It made the position from Sirius Hope, the national manager, a lot more shaky. It also causes the expectations for the Beltane Cup to be high. The nation wants to see victories this time around!

Buyan Squad

Twenty-three players have been selected for this tournament and we see a few changes in comparison with the previous selection, for the Campionato. Firstly, we note that the eternal trio Bergh-Seber-Erhardt is broken up after the painful injury from Seber against the Licentian Isles. He’ll be replaced by Bengtsmark IF goalie Saldlund, but we can expect Bergh to be the starting man at all occasions.

The same seven names are being selected for the defence, while the same goes for the five attackers. Consistency all the way there, it seems. The only remarkable part of the field where things have been altered is the midfield, where both Ullsmang and Paleckis have been left at home. The former, a Bengtsmark player gets replaced by Halmiini, as expected. The latter from Pajukas Sport couldn’t really convince the coach on the training ground. Remarkably enough, Viztourzys midfielder Karsta Lupeikis received his first chance on the national side.

1. Anders Bergh --- GK --- 31, Jottnar Kallsmudden, --- 31 caps
12. Jan Erhardt --- GK --- 21, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, --- 0 caps
23. Erbald Saldlund --- GK --- 22, Bengtsmark IF, --- 0 caps

17. Alowysz Krupa --- LD --- 33, Garbarnia Hoyersko, --- 14 caps, 8 subs
2. Kazimieras Zemaitis --- LD --- 21, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 27 caps, 4 subs, 1 goal
4. Bronius Bartkus --- CD --- 25, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 40 caps, 1 goal
3. Sigurd Tufte --- CD/DM --- 23, Dinamo Esca, --- 33 caps
13. Jonas Englund --- CD --- 27, Bengtsmark IF, --- 6 caps, 2 subs
5. Gabriel Refshauge --- RD --- 31, Tjelberg Forening, --- 36 caps, 1 goal
18. Ignas Smetona --- RD --- 26, Santa Tecla FC, --- 2 caps, 1 sub

6. Danilius Wreczius --- DM --- 30, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 31 caps, 2 subs
20. Harald Naess --- DM --- 31, Bengtsmark IF, --- 29 caps, 1 sub, 1 goal
7. Quinten Zermin --- DM --- 27, Carrubonieta Il Gueti, --- 15 caps, 10 subs, 1 goal
21. Karsta Lupeikis --- LM --- 28, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 0 caps
8. Frederik Wallenberg --- LM --- 30, Avenida Leal, --- 26 caps, 5 subs, 3 goals
10. Sverre Devold --- AM --- 23, Barbury Town, --- 37 caps, 1 sub, 5 goals
14. Eero Halmiini --- RM --- 24, FC Ararat Severyan, --- 10 caps, 8 subs, 1 goal
15. Marco Castell --- RM --- 25, Canterlot Royals, --- 26 caps, 5 subs, 2 goals

9. Sil Moen --- LA --- 26, Tjelberg Forening, --- 13 caps, 10 subs, 3 goals
16. Edvald Mattisson --- CA --- 30, Bengtsmark IF, --- 18 caps, 13 subs, 9 goals
11. Elmo Havelund --- CA --- 28, AFC Integabad, --- 21 caps, 6 subs, 7 goals
19. Duco Dalmshelf --- CA --- 20, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, --- 0 caps, 2 subs, 1 goal
22. Crassus Hopp --- RA --- 25, FC Nova Tunis, --- 6 caps, 5 subs, 2 goals

Buyan Staff

Manager: Sirius Hope,

After a catastrophic injury in the Paradisian Cup, the ex-international defender took to coaching and acted as Assistant Manager to the Paradystopi squad under Marina Hayduff. In the WC66 cycle, he took over the lead position of the staff and lead his team in an exciting run, which brought them within inches of the World Cup.

In search of more credibility, he took up the challenge to bring modern football capacity to Buyan, a difficult task, to say the least. The success in the BoF enlarged his credit amongst the criticasters and he continued this streak in the WCQ. His choice to ‘first build defence and then attack’ hasn’t gotten him that many fans, but results show he chose the right way.

Assistant: Frederich Allersham,

At the age of 73, Frederich knows more about Buyanese football than anyone else. Legend goes that he participated in the first game ever on our ground, but official stats see him only as a coach. His career seemed to end when he got sacked after ten years of duty in Pallstadt, but he turned out to be the ideally fitting counterpart to Hope with his calm experience.

Buyan Kits

After using regular blues for the Campionato Esportiva VIII, Buyan addressed Vulpine Sportif who provided them with these magnificent kits. The usual shirts will be the red ones on the left, which will be matched with blue shorts and red socks. The goalie will wear white at all occassions while the blue version serves for away games, matched with red shorts and blue socks.

Buyan Permissions

Choose my goalscorers - Yes
Godmod scoring events - No, unless awesome
RP injuries to my players – Yes, but no indication of length of injury if above three games
Godmod injuries to my players – No, unless hilarious
Hand out yellow cards to my players – Yes, up to five
Hand out red cards to my players – Yes, up to one
Godmod other events – No, unless hilarious
Dude, I've got this awesome idea - TG me, I'll be glad to cooperate

Buyan Style

Style Modifier: -3.14

During this Campionato Esportiva, Buyan usually will play in a 4-2-3-1, although Sirius Hope showed that he could be lenient about this, having a personal preference for the 4-1-4-1. Judging by the last few games, Hope will opt for the eleven descripted here.

Anders Bergh is an experienced goalie. The central duo, Bartkus and Tufte is young, but has talent in abundance and know very well both how to start both an organised build-up or play a clever long pass to the sole attacker. On the right wing, Refshauge does the clean-up for the hardworking Castell, on the other side, Zemaitis gets the support from creative midfielder Wallenberg to do the wing from time to time. In attack, Mattisson or Havelund is the lone man. Zermin is the vacuum cleaner behind star player Sverre Devold, while Naess supports the latter when it comes to creativity.

Two recent line-ups from the Buyanese squad showing the two most used systems.

Usually, the line-up for the following game will be provided in the RP of the last matchday. If not, please look back at the last RP written.

In trouble or against a true right-wing attacker, Hope might want to replace Zemaitis by the more defensive Krupa. Another option is to add Lupeikis or Wreczius to the team, instead of Wallenberg. Within the same tactic, Hope might send other accents by replacing Naess by Wreczius, Refshauge by Smetona or Castell by Halmiini.
In case of a slim difference, Zermin or Naess might be sacrificed for a second attacker. Moen probably holds the preference. Another option is to replace a wing midfielder by a striker, such as Hopp or Moen. Another solution from Hope is to send Naess forward next to Devold in order to create a 4-1-4-1, although such might be done through a substitution as well.

Penalties: Bronius Bartkus (if unavailable, in order: Devold, Wallenberg, Mattisson, Bergh)
Indirect free kicks: Harald Naess
Direct free kicks: Sverre Devold
Corners, left side: Marco Castell
Corners, right side: Frederik Wallenberg

Captain: Harald Naess
Vice-captains: Anders Bergh and Sverre Devold

by **The Sarian** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:58 am

THE SARIAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

Brief Description of The Sarian

Bleak, desolate and cold. The words of a recent travel report on The Sarian. Located on the edge of Esportiva, The Sarian has risen up through the sporting world, coming second in the Baptism of Fire and taking points off many established teams in the World Cup Qualifiers. In other sports, The Sarian came third in an interesting World Lacrosse Championships and look to expand into other sports and show of the nations talents.

As for the people, they are different, from the richer provinces like Province Regis, Henrikson Island and Ceremonial Chippenham, you find the whole place filled with luxury cars and smooth Oakhurst Whisky. However, you venture into the East End of any major city and you see a different Sarian, some describe it as a permanent refugee camp. Endless political struggle has twice broke out in civil war, and the latest, just two years ago (OOC: World Cup/Cup of Harmony) has just concluded with the monarchists regaining power.

Politically, The Sarian is very confusing, but lets have a go explaining anyway. Before the Civil War, there were 4 legislative houses, all of whom voted for the Prime Minister from the Leader of the Parties. Now, The Sarian has looked to modernize and now contains only 2 houses, The Legislative Assembly, who are elected from single member constituencies and the Assembly of Notables, who are appointed by the monarch on a part time basis. The Executive Council, the successor of the old Cabinet, is chosen and chaired by the leader of the largest party. He becomes Chief Executive and Head of the Government. Other notable positions are the Foreign Executive, who is responsible for foreign relations and affairs; the Internal Executive who is responsible for home affairs and the Financial Executive who is in charge of ~~raising taxes and cutting benefits~~ managing your money. The Executive Council has 20 members. The major parties in the Sarian are the Conservative Party, Liberation Party, Labourite Party, United Liberals, Unionist Party, Royalty and Dignitary Party and National Front.

The Royal Family, recently re-instated, is much loved in most of The Sarian. But notice I said most, the regions of Konliege and Lajjal both seek independence from the crown and the nation, and both the Liberation Party and the Labourite Party have promised devolution if elected in the first election since the civil unrest.

KITS

Squad

[align=center]Staff
Leonard Heathwait
Age: 59 |Nationality: Sarian | Role: Manager | Club: FC Chippenham

Born in the affluent part of Chippenham, Lavington, Leonard Heathwait has come to success as manager of Sarian Champions, FC Chippenham. After graduating from the University of Greater Chippenham, Leonard went on to become a talk show host for SNN Radio, eventually leaving aged 41 to run for Legislative Assembly as a member of Prosperity and Growth, a small Conservative Party in the Islands. After winning a seat, he ran for re-election four years later but was beaten by Libertarian opposition, on the same evening his father passed away and Leonard, being an only child, inherited the family fortune, just under 6 billion Imperias. He created a gym in Lavington and was soon recognized for his strong leadership skills, then aged 53 he was approached by FC Chippenham Chairman, Peter Walliams to manage the club, a role he held until after the Cup of Harmony, where he got the Sarian job on a full time basis after being interim for the tournament.

Godfrey Potter
Age: 63 |Nationality: Sarian | Role: Assistant Manager | Club: N/A

A born and raised Oakhurstian, Godfrey Potter is the sole survivor of the Baptism of Fire coaching team. He was made interim assistant manager during the Cup of Harmony, and was offered the job shortly after. The complete opposite personality wise to Heathwait, Godfrey is always calm and collected, he is the ying in The Sarians management team.

Goalkeepers

Jonathon Stringer
Number: 1|Age: 33| Role: GK | Club: FC Chippenham |Caps: 30 |CS: 6
First choice keeper, Jonathon Stringer looked to build on his performance in the Sarian Super League in the Baptism of Fire. After a shaky start in the Baptism of Fire, Stringer quickly showed the world what he could do, notching up clean sheets against Rybarre, Alta Bellezza and against Buyan in the final. Stringer continued as first choice keeper throughout the qualifying campaign, only loosing his place after braking his thumb in training, returning in the Cup of Harmony he kept The Sarians losses from coming embarrassing with his cool handling of pressure and diving ability.
Diving: 92|Handling: 87|Reflexes: 92|Positioning: 86|Overall: 90

Brigham Huddleston
Number: 12|Age: 23| Role: GK | Club: King's City |Caps: 0 |CS: 0
'The young one'. Eccentric Brigham Huddleston is yet to make his first team debut for The Sarian and yet it is already being asked if he could be the first choice at the next World Cup and an impressive Super League Season has seen him stake a claim for a place in the CE if needed.
Diving: 87|Handling: 77|Reflexes: 85|Positioning: 77|Overall: 81

Defenders

Isiah Bernard
Number: 2|Age: 26| Role: DR| Club: Montfort University|Caps: 25 |Goals: 3
The star of The Sarian defence, Isiah Bernard climbed higher and higher up in status through out the World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite a disappointing Baptism of Fire, which saw him miss the final, Bernard secured a move to Licentian side, Montfort University and then proved his skill with crucial tackles in the Cup of Harmony.
Passing: 75|Defending: 94|Speed: 93|Shooting: 65|Overall: 90

Carson Seabrooke
Number: 14|Age: 23 | Role: DC| Club: FC Chippenham|Caps: 24|Goals: 3
Some say he shouldn't be a defender, others cheer on his every move. The complete opposite to Firmin, Seabrooke, or SeeSee as his is nicknamed, is an attacking defender with a real flair for football. Working alongside Firmin at both club and country level, the two are a dynamic pair ~~of one defender and one person who should really be a midfielder.~~ of defenders.
Passing: 87|Defending: 86|Speed: 80|Shooting: 79|Overall: 83

Midfielders

Daley Brandon
Number: 9|Age: 29| Role: AMC| Club: Stanley Warrahs|Caps: 28|Goals: 7
Nicknamed The Warrah for his ferocious personality and loyalty to his home town team, Attacking Midfielder Brandon takes no nonsense and always plays his heart out for the team. A guaranteed starter as there is no competition for his place, teams often forget about this dark horse.
Passing: 84|Defending: 22|Speed: 77|Shooting:90|Overall: 89

Camden Stacks
Number: 11|Age: 22| Role: ML| Club: Jottnar Kallsmudden|Caps: 26|Goals: 4
A great Baptism of Fire lead to a transfer to Jottnar Kallsmudden in Buyan, a great season followed. The speedy left winger is one of the players who ~~play shit~~ are quiet for a lot of the game, then stun you with a daring run, taking it passed several defenders before an expert cross.
Passing: 74|Defending: 34|Speed: 88|Shooting: 73 |Overall: 85

Marcus Horn
Number: 13|Age: 18| Role: ML| Club: Pud United|Caps: 0|Goals: 0
Younger brother to star Ross Horn, Marcus Horn got the most assists and most goals in The Sarian Second Division, where his side Pud United came first. If only there was promotion and relegation. Regardless, many Super League sides are watching this player and this tournament could be his way to work himself into their transfer plans.
Passing: 68|Defending: 40|Speed: 71|Shooting: 73 |Overall: 70

Gord Hawking
Number: 17|Age: 25| Role: MR| Club: Marlborough Town|Caps: 27|Goals: 4
After a move to Marlborough Town, Hawking took time to settle and the fiery player we saw at the Baptism of Fire was put out. However, Leonard Heathwait has a way of getting the best out of people and fans and other players alike are praying that he does with Hawking. That being said, the opposition will be praying for the opposite.
Passing: 76|Defending: 29|Speed: 90|Shooting: 75 |Overall: 88

Strikers

Jonathon Creek
Number: 18|Age: 26| Role: FC| Club: Davencreek Victinis|Caps: 14|Goals: 7
What's his name again? ~~Not Ross Horn~~ Jonathon Creek is the second choice Striker for The Sarian, the understudy to Ross Horn. After not really playing at all in the Baptism of Fire, he moved to the Northern Sunrise Islands and played in some friendlies. Then Ross Horn injured himself and people got to see what ~~Not Ross Horn~~ Jonathon Creek can do; score goals, just not as much as Ross Horn. Nevertheless, this could be a good tournament for Jack Crease.
Passing: 78|Defending: 21|Speed: 78|Shooting: 85 |Overall: 82

Ross Horn
Number: 7 |Age: 26| Role: FC| Club: Avenida Principal|Caps: 20|Goals: 25
The crown jewel, the one The Sarian can not do without, the goal machine. Nicknamed Alps by Buyan fans, the striker is pure goals having notched up 4 hat tricks in just 20 games. After suffering an injury midway through qualifying, The Sarian struggled but the striker will stop at nothing to make sure that The Sarian do at least something well.
Passing: 80 |Defending: 18|Speed: 95|Shooting: 99 |Overall: 98

STAFF
Manager: Leonard Heathwait
Assistant Manager: Godfrey Potter
Coaches:
Anthony Reeves
Matthew Simons
Jonathan Dahl
Physios:
Natalie Brenham
Harvey Oswald
Michael Jackson
Paul Kiribat

STARTING LINEUP

Style: +3
Formation: 4-2-3-1

OTHER INFORMATION
Nickname: The Bustards
Captain: W. Tyrell
Time Zone: GMT
Regional Ranking: Unranked
National Stadium(s): Lavington Park, KWC. Home Covert, Chippenham.
Record: Baptism of Fire 54: Runner Up

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes
Injure Players: Yes (Nothing Career Ending)
Godmod Injury Events: Yes
Red Card Players: Yes (Max. 1, or TG me for more)
Yellow Card Players: Yes (Max. 3 or TG me for more)
Godmod Other Events: Yes (TG me if planning to do something drastic)
=================================

by **Yttribia** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 2:48 pm

Thanks to Kirola Sports for this amazing crest

Coaches:
Head Coach: Simon Jewel
Assistant Coach: Jóhannes Vilhjalmsson
Assistant Coach: Krista van Ostermann

These three coaches are by definition, the best in all of Yttribia. Simon Jewel is the mastermind of Yttribian football, with his risk-taking choices on defense taking Yttribia to a respectable fourth in the Baptism of Fire. Jóhannes Vilhjalmsson, the father of Xavi Vijhjalmsson, is one of the best offensive masterminds, managing the high scoring Yttribian club, Gremalsco FC. Krista van Ostermann is the first female manager in Yttribian history, and led the Yttribians to a respectable third in their group at the Di Bradini Cup. She led Stemanisis SSC to their first title in the Premiership, and was recently given a spot in this Yttribian team as a coach.

About Yttribia:
A nation of 31.000.000, Yttribia is located between the nations in Thrilledge and Byfugland, on the continent of Inferiore, in the region of Esportiva; its capital being Fontvieille. The nation's border between the two countries consists of a mountain range known as the Urellans, where most of the Urellians live. There are six official languages, and (in order of usage) they are: English, Spanish, Catalan, German, French, and Italian. The rest of the nation is mostly at sea level, with some of the most gorgeous beaches in the multiverse.

Culturally, Yttribians are proud of how godforsaken they are, with the majority of citizens being listed as godforsaken. A sizeable minority belong to the satirical church, known as the Church of Vilhjalmsson, and a small minority belong to the Urellian Church of Christ. The government is highly is somewhat large, but civil rights are respected by the government. Politically, most Yttribians identify on the left, with the Convergence being the largest registered party in the nation. Others include "el Sindicat del Trellabadores" or the Workers' Syndicate, Partito Verde or the Green Party, the Liberal Party, and the Conservative Party.

The largest five cities in Yttribia are (descending down) Fontvieille, Telino, Gremalsco, Zevella, and Delare Minon.

Formation:
5-3-2 Sweeper

Style Mod:
-1.15

Roster:
Goalkeepers
#1 - Ulrich Draper - 26 - GK - Mardi Lopunnies (NSI) - 29 caps
#20 - Pacey Berger - 24 - GK - Stemanisis SSC (1st) - 6 caps
#23 - Gaspard Irvin - 20 - GK - AC Zevella (3rd) - 0 caps

Berger really screwed up during the Campionato Esportiva, and Simon Jewel has finally seen the light. Ulrich Draper returns as the starting goalkeeper, thus reuniting the Yttribian Wall. "As much as Berger tried, we think we made a grand error on our part. Draper should have been goalkeeper." Simon Jewel told the press at the start of this tournament. Draper returns to the starting XI after being replaced for the CE due to his little playing time with the Mardi Lopunnies.

Defenders
#9 - Hervé Torres - 25 - RWB - Rogglebo TU (EAR) - 35 caps - 4 times subbed in - 0 goals
#11 - Rico Mathews - 23 - CB - Jungle Strike FC (VIL) - 6 caps - 0 times subbed in - 0 goals
#14 - Dezi Burns - 22 - CB - AC Zevella (3rd) - 6 caps - 1 time subbed in - 0 goals
#15 - Xavi Vilhjalmsson - 24 - Sweeper - Crystopolis City (Crystal Empire) - 35 caps - 4 times subbed in - 1 goal
#17 - Tanner Dickinson - 23 - RWB/LWB - AC Zevella (3rd) - 24 caps - 24 subs - 0 goals
#18 - Bailey Linville - 27 - LWB - AC Zevella (3rd) (C) - 35 caps - 0 times subbed in - 0 goals
#21 - Darren Quinones - 26 - Sweeper - Delare Minon FC (4th) - 35 caps - 31 times subbed in - 0 goals
#22 - Bradley Gaspar - 24 - CB - Miners '47 (APX) - 35 caps - 11 times subbed in - 0 goals

The Yttribian Wall has been upgraded, and renovated, with the Wall consisting off Linville, Torres, Matthews, Gaspar and Vilhjalmsson. The transfer season was large and grand for the Yttribians, with Torres and Matthews heading off to Rogglebo TU and Jungle Strike FC respectively, two excellent teams from two excellent leagues. Vilhjalmsson is ready and revived from the terrible Campionato campaign, and he's seeking revenge for the loss at the Baptism of Fire. Captain Linville leads the already experienced team, and he hopes that a championship can be won at this Beltane Cup. Torres has returned to the lineup after recovering from his alcohol poisoning.

Midfielders
#2 - Antonio Abreu - 26 - CM - Alianza F.C. (SJG) - 21 caps - 15 times subbed in - 2 goals
#3 - Onésime Rios - 27 - DM - Telino (2nd) - 35 caps - 10 times subbed in - 0 goals
#4 - Eugène Janvier - 20 - CM - FC Nova Tunis (TJN) - 8 caps - 8 times subbed in - 0 goals
#5 - Bobbie Allard - 26 - CM - Old Corinthians (TLI) - 12 caps - 11 times subbed in - 0 goals
#8 - Ned Goode - 23 - DM - Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS) - 22 caps - 16 times subbed in - 0 goals
#13 - Garfield Robinson - 25 - DM - Delare Minon FC (4th) - 18 caps - 14 times subbed in - 2 goals
#16 - Gustave Mynatt - 29 - CM - Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) - 33 caps - 1 time subbed in - 11 goals

Abreu has made a place for himself in Guayabalese powerhosue Alianza FC, developing over there, and thus earning a spot in the starting XI for Simon Jewel. Ned Goode was recently sent over to Valhallan powerhouse Northbrook Diamonds FK, after being recognized with his great talent. Gustave Mynatt recently scored the goal that sealed Kolektyvinis' victory in the Globe Cup, and became a national hero in both the nations of Buyan and Yttribia.

Attackers
#6 - Aydan Hackett - 28 - FC - Mallwill Hitmonlees (NSI) - 35 caps - 29 times subbed in - 8 goals
#7 - Terry Hyme - 24 - FC - Stemanisis SSC (1st) - 4 caps - 4 subs - 0 goals
#10 - Venceslás School - 24 - FC - Gremalsco FC (5th) - 35 caps - 6 times subbed in - 14 goals
#12 - Moisés Fairclough - 22 - FC - Telino (2nd) - 22 caps - 18 times subbed in - 3 goals
#19 - Sacheverell St Pierre - 25- FC - Montfort University (TLI) - 35 caps - 6 times subbed in - 17 goals

Zach Radclyffe was replaced by Terry Hyme, but the two players up front remain the same. Sacheverell St Pierre had a fall out with the Gremalsco FC front desk, but Montfort University took him up. Currently, he's been training by playing on a practice pitch, so he has really developed a one-on-one mentality while playing football. Venceslás School was pretty much the only bright side in Gremalsco FC's terrible season this year, missing out of UICA competition, but qualifying for the Nexxie Cup. However, he did perform well, despite the loss of Sacheverell, and got a spot, and kept the chemistry alive with those two up front.

Visual Formation:

Kits (provided by Kirola Sport):

RP Permissions:

Choose my goalscorers - Yes
Godmod scoring events - No, unless it's absolutely amazing
RP injuries to my players – Yes, TG me for severity
Godmod injuries to my players – No
Hand out yellow cards to my players – Yes, up to three
Hand out red cards to my players – Yes, up to one
Godmod other events – TG me and I'll talk with you on the godmodding

by **Buyan** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:19 am

With a cheeky smile, Hope lifts his pinkie finger to the tech assistant, a young lad with short, ginger hair with oversized headphones. Gingerphones nods for a second, before realising he hasn’t got a clue and repeats his question.

“Sorry sir, what did you want for a drink?”
“Just water is fine,” the national manager sighs, realising that the sign for a beer isn’t as universal as he hoped. Although he only spend a bit more than a year on Buyanese soil so far, it sometimes feels as if he wasted a lifetime here. The constant pressure from media and officials hasn’t done him that good and when thinking back about the public opinion after the Campionato Esportiva elimination, he can’t but shiver. Although, public...

When he walks the streets of Pajukas, where the national training grounds are founded, most of the bystanders react positively. Not seldom he gets his meal for free and the amount of times some random fellow slammed him on the shoulder, some sort of Buyanese sign of approval, is uncountable. That public seems to realise that they’ve gone from zero to... Well, hero is a major word, but there’s already a trophy in the cupboard. For those people, it’s already marvellous to realise that they’re not being slaughtered every fortnight during the World Cup qualifiers.

The press doesn’t exactly agree with that view, to say the least. Ever since that Baptism of Fire, where everything went so unexpectedly smooth, they’ve been expecting more. And more. And even a bit more. No wonder you’ll seldom see Hope snooping through the pages of the Sports Courier, the Mullsphaller Times or the Ravnar Gazette. It’s with little enthusiasm that Sirius Hope seats himself here today, once again facing the walls of flashes from the photographers for another predictable press conference.

On top of that, the governmental forces agree, although not publicly. But the face from Leader for Life Kazys Portnii spoke for itself, when he had to sit through the game between New Sideburn and Apox in the Round of Sixteen of the Campionato. The location of said game, the brand-new Nine in Dyatinsk, had been erected for this occasion, to see the Buyanese debut at the Campionato. Instead, the Blue Hedgehogs were checking the game behind their television and Portnii couldn’t pride himself over his national side.

Few knew that Hope wasn’t as disappointed with the loss after all. It had been the moral question all night before the ultimate game as his assistant, Frederich Allersham, had informed him off the megalomaniac plans from Portnii to fire Hope in case of qualification in order to become the new national coach. Winning it and qualifying his guys, signing his own departure? Or playing a bit looser and disallowing the team a CE debut? Which way it had gone would be a question to hang in the shadows of history for all eternity. The Hedgehogs played all right, but lost it with three goals to nil.

The person responsible of the press relations started the mass interview with a few one-liners. Hope tried to ignore his obvious statements without looking to bored, a fine margin which he had learned to master over time. He had to say, the hall of the Pajukas City Council House looked quite impressive, not the shabby material pens he had spent his time in at first. The style was tight and a bit too pompous at the same time, a clear remnant of the communist period of the archipelago, but he enjoyed the red and blue banners on the wall.

“... and with that we go to the first questions for mister Hope,” press lad ended his uninteresting talk. Hope grinned, realising that most of the journalists were trying to hide their yawns as well.

“Mister Hope, only three chances in the squad... Can we say that you hold trust in the same guys, even after the disappointing Campionato qualifiers?”

Hope knew he shouldn’t allow the conversation to be dragged to a discussion whether the CE had been yes-or-no, a failure.

“I know what these guys did for us so far and it’s a logical choice as they’re the best.”

Short, quick answers, self-assured look. Oh, bring it on.

“Ravnar Gazette. No Palle Angst as third goalie, but Erbald Saldlund... Was it the right choice to pick a goalie with only twenty games of experience at the highest level?”
“First of all, realise that this is a decision I might with an abundance of options, not due to a lack of opportunities. Buyan can be happy with the amount of young keepers that are fighting themselves to the top ranks of our competition. There’s Saldlund, there’s Angst you already named, but also a Beck, a Hanners, an Engstrom, ... Plenty of good goalies with room to become better. I’ve eventually chosen Saldlund for his UICA experience and the fact that he was strong in the President’s Cup qualifiers. It’s now up to him to prove I’ve made the right decision, as others will try to convince me as well before the World Cup qualifiers. Of course I want to make use of this occasion to wish Ulle Seber a good and full revalidation.”

There you are, smooth answer, making only friends and a friendly nudge to Seber in the end. Goddamned, if it weren’t for that nasty kick in the head against the Licentian Isles, he’ld be the first goalie. Now Hope was left with Bergh, who seemed to be on the way down, and a bunch of youngsters.

“Mullsphaller Times. Also no place anymore for Ullsmang and Paleckis. One could say that they didn’t really received an opportunity to show themselves...”

Hm... Tricky question. One couldn’t outright say that Sico was only here cause all other candidates couldn’t make it, while Paleckis had been downright poor at the training ground.

“No opportunity, no opportunity... We’ve spend a lot of time together with the squad in preparation for this tournament. Ullsmang and Paleckis did their best there, but I must start every selection with a clean plate. Halmiini always has been a guy who deserves his spot in our team for me and that’s only become better now he’s part of a major competition, the Mytanar Top League. With him, Hopp and Castell on the right midfield position, it’s no shame for Sico to bow his head. His time will come, I’m sure. And Paleckis, that’s once again a story like the third goalie. I’ve got so many options to serve as a double for Wallenberg, there’s him, there’s Lupeikis, Hueppe, Goretzka, Plovnarov... The differences lies in details. Karsta has been working hard and the recent UICA campaign convinced me.”

See, nothing negative about that lazy bum of a Paleckis.

“Sports Courier. Once again you opt for no reserve attacking midfield. What if Devold disappoints again?”
“I stand behind Sverre, like I stand behind every player of mine. I disagree with your idea that no one can replace him. Others have shown at multiple...”
“Which others?”
“I’ld appreciate it if you’ld let me finish.”

A few seconds of hesitation from the journalist, a mental fight. Hope kept the higher ground and got away with it. Of course, no one had adequately replaced Devold so far.

“... at multiple occasions that Buyan can choose for different solutions. But I’ve seen Sverre on the training ground, he’s ready.”
“How important is this tournament for you?”

A cracking voice from the back row. As all the journalists kept their focus on Hope, no one knew it was Allersham in disguise, dodging him another bullet.

“Very important. The Beltane Cup provides an excellent moment to spar with opponents with the same level of experience and class. I predict tight games that will be determined by details and it is at such moments players can stand out.”
“The Sports Pages of the Buyan Red Guide. Some say that defeat in this tournament would equal your resignation. Is that correct?”

For the first time in the press conference, Hope hesitated for a second. Not too cocky, not too cocky...

“I’ll fight till the last second for this team and for this nation. We, as a team, have our ambitions. But those are not simply ‘grabbing it or not’. Making a mark in this tournament, that’s our goal.”
“But how does that translate into results?”

Annoying lad, the Buyan Red Guide guy. Writing for the governmental paper clearly comes only for guys who are a pain in the backside.

“First, let get into the semis. From that point onwards, it’s going to be a fifty-fifty competition.”

While the majority of those present scribble and scratch like squirrels on speed, one lady raised her hand.

“Thrash Magazine. There are rumours about Havelund departing for New Sideburn after a liaison with the wife of Edvald Mattisson. What is your view upon it and what will you do about it?”

Oh, Thrashy. You never fail to disgust, do you.

“I have no knowledge of any such thing, so I’m afraid your sources are... let’s be friendly and say ‘incorrect’”, Hope grinned, raising some laughter amongst the other journalists, “but in such a situation, I’ld go talk to them. Once again, if it were, but it’s not. Final question? You there!”

A man with a strange foreign accent asks a question as if English isn’t his first or second, but fifth tongue.

“Whaaat du yu zhink frum zhe oppononts?”
“It’s not an easy draw, but at this level, there’s no such thing as an easy draw. I know most of the press focusses on major favourite The Sarian, as a home nation, and us as the challengers... But I think HopNation has it all to overwhelm us. They’ve battered Mangolana and United Gordonopia during the last year... That’s potential, the Di Bradini confirmed that. Everyone knows already that the Droimpol-Schytaing axe is something to fear, but few managed to stop them. Then there is Yttribia, I think my Viztourzys guys know what potential they have. I’ve been looking out for Mynatt in his first games for the Kolektyvinis and that was impressive stuff. But that goes for the complete team, if Jewel can put their unconventional system in a higher gear, we’re up for a tough game. And then there is Ceni, lowest seed, but all will depend on how they come to this tournament. If they play with pressure, they’ll struggle, but they can become the buccaneers of the group. Our close game at the Baptism of Fire shows what they’re capable off...”

“So,” Hope sighs while he and his assistant have breakfast. “It seems as that went smooth, not?”
“Kind of,” Frederich responds as he ogles the papers in front of him.

Mullsphaller Times

"WE’RE AIMING FOR THE SEMIS"
Sirius Hope keeps ambitions limited: tactics or accepting defeat?

Ravnar Gazette

”LET’S MAKE A MARK”
Hope refuses to think about spot in the final

Thrash Magazine

”I’LD GO TALK WITH THEM”
Havelund-Mattisson conflict looming for national team?

Sports Courier

”I STAND BEHIND SVERRE”
Hope defends his choice for the same squad

Buyan Red Guide

”WE’LL DEMOLISH THEM”
National manager confirms high ambitions

by **HopNation** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 7:52 am

Sports Special with Skip Skudkin

“Ladies and Gentleman welcome to our special sports report. Today we will be talking Beltane Cup and the group of Baptism of Fire Fifty Four participants that will be taking part in this special cup. There are eight total teams entering this competition with a wide array of talents.”

screen fades from Skudkin and displays the eight team logos and a few photos of each squad

“The group draws are done and the teams are slatted to get underway later today. In Group A we have: The Sarian, runner up in BOF 54 and the nation who is also hosting this first edition of the cup, next we have Greater Watford followed by Gloriax and finally the group is rounded out by Nexxus Drako. In Group B we have Bayun, the BOF 54 Champion, our Hops, then Yttribia, and finally Ceni.”

screen again fades from Skudkin and shows the group pairings with team names and national flags next to each.

“Personally I see Group B as being the tougher group as it has a BOF Champion and a BOF Fourth place side in it as well as the other two making the round of sixteen, but both will have excellent matches to watch throughout the three match group stage. Next up we’ll talk with the head coach for the Hops, Warren Schmidt. We’ll be right back.”

the camera pans back to show the studio and Coach Schmidt sitting next to Skudkin, it then fades to commercials. The commercials run for about two minutes and then come back to Skudkin and Coach Schmidt

“Welcome back to our special sports report. I’m now joined by the coach of the Hops, Coach Warren Schmidt. Welcome Coach.”

“Thank you Skip, great to be here.”

“The Beltane Cup, what is it and what does it mean to you and the team?”

“Well Skip it’s a collection of some of the best teams coming out of our class of Baptism of Fire. It’s kind of a showcase of squads that performed well and has stayed active in some international play of sorts. As for what does it mean to me and the team, well, first it’s an honor to be invited to participate. With teams like The Sarian, Nexxus Drako, Buyan, Ceni, Yttribia, Greater Watford and Gloriax, it truly is an honor and will be a good chance to see how we stack up against some old foes after completing a World Cup Cycle. As for the team, we are going to treat this as a tune up for the next World Cup Cycle which should be getting underway sometime after the conclusion of this Beltane Cup.”

“Very good, and this will be your second World Cup Cycle as the teams lead man. How does that feel to be given this honor again?”

“Well its great, I couldn’t be happier to been awarded the job for another cycle. Now that I and my other staff have a better working knowledge of the cycle itself and of our team I think we should do a little better, though we still have a long way to go before we can be considered a contender. I’d give it another couple cycles before we actually make it out of the group stage.”

“Why do you think that Coach?”

“Well, the World Cup is a huge tournament with hundreds of Nations all vying for only thirty two spots, two of which are taken by the hosts, so your looking at the top thirty teams out of roughly one hundred fifty or more. I think the last count of entrants was at one fifty one. So it’s only about twenty percent that make it in. I think we are good, and getting better but maybe not in the top twenty percent yet. This Beltane Cup will be a good indicator of where we are at, too. As there are some teams ranked higher than we are in the World Rankings and some sides ranked lower.”

“I see. It seems you’ve had some time to reflect on this and know exactly what your doing.”

“I hope I do, this game has been my life for many many years now. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the National Team and take them into international tournaments to test our skills. This cycles squad will be no different from last years as we opted not to pull any U-21 players from the Di Bradini Cup team, though they are all deserving of a spot and played well we just felt no current changes would be needed at this time.”

“Those were some good players on the U-21 side, a few of them even from your squad.”

“Yes, I think we had a Defender, Midfielder, and a Forward participate with them.”

“Two of your best I believe.”

“Well yes, Droimpol and Schytaing were both able to make the age cut-off and play. It was good for them to be involved in some more games since our domestic leagues are in the off season right now.”

“Well Coach that’s all the time we have unfortunately.”

“Thank you for having me Skip.”

“Our pleasure Coach, and good luck in the Beltane Cup. Next up is HopTop Chef, I’m Skip Skudkin from HBN and this has been our special on the Beltane Cup. Brew on, Brew well Hoptonians!”

Camera pans back and shows Skip and Coach Schmidt chatting as the program credits roll. The screen eventually fades and the intro to HopTop Chef starts to roll.

by **The Sarian** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 9:54 am

"Joshua! We're out of water. Go to the well." I can still hear my mothers voice calling and it is strange to think of myself as a fourteen-year-old boy, a single child, growing up in a village 200 miles away from Chippenham. I can see myself, stick-thin with long, fair hair with blue eyes that always look a bit startled. Everyone tells me that I am small for my age and they urge me to eat more protein... as if I can ever afford anything that even resembles meat or fish. I have not yet spent many hundreds of hours working out and my muscles are undeveloped. I am sprawled out in the living room, watching the only television we have in the house. Its a huge, ugly box with a picture that often wavers and trembles and there are hardly any channels to chose from. To make things worse, the electricity supply is unreliable and you can be sure that the moment you get interested in a film, the moment your team starts playing football or the moment something pops up on the news, the image will suddenly flicker and die and you'll be left alone, sitting in the dark. But whenever I can, I tune in to a documentary, which I devour. It is my only window onto the outside world.

I am describing The Sarian - 20 years ago, just after the end of communism and before the third revolution. It is not so long ago and yet it is somewhere that no longer exists. The changes that began in main cities became a tsunami that engulfed the entire country, although they took their time reaching the village where I lived. There was no running water in any of the houses and so, three times a day, I had to make my way down to the well with a wooden harness over my sholders and two metal buckets dragging down my arms. I sound like a peasant and a lot of the time I must have looked like one, dressed in a baggy shirt with no collar and a waistcoat. As a matter of fact, I had one pair of Felixan jeans, which had been sent to me as a present from a relative in KWC, and I can still remember everyone staring at me as I put them on. Jeans! They were like somethign from a different planer. And my name was Joshua, not Jossen. Quite by accident, it got changed.

If I am going to explain what happened to me and what I became, then I must begin here, in Estrov. Nobody speaks of it anymore. It is not on the map. According to Sarian authorities, it never existed. But I remember it well; a village of about 80 wooden houses surrounded by a farmland with a church, a shop, a police station, a bathhouse and a river that was bright blue in the summer but freezing a year round. A single road ran through the middle of the village but it was hardly needed as there were very few cars. Our neighbour, Mr Hutchinson, had a tractor which often rummbled past, billowing oily, black smoke, but I was more used to being woken up by horses hooves. The village was wedged between thick forest in the north and hills in the south and west so that the views never really changed. Sometimes I would see planes flying over-head and I thought of the people inside them, travelling to the otherside of the word. If I was working in the garden, I would stand still and watch them - the wings blinking, the sunlight glinting on their metal skin, until they had gone out of sight, leaving only the echo of their engines behind. They reminded me of who and what I was. Estrov was my world and I certainly didn't need an aeroplane to get from one side to the other.

by **The Sarian** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:00 am

Cutoff for Matchday One. Results will be posted shortly.

by **The Sarian** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:09 am

Group A
Gloriax 1–1 The Sarian - Lavington Park; 83,906
Greater Watford 1–2 Nexxus Drako - The Matterhorn; 68,205

  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nexxus Drako           1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Gloriax                1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  The Sarian             1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Greater Watford        1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group B
Buyan 4–2 Yttribia - Moody Brook; 53,835
Ceni 2–4 HopNation - Gorgona Arena; 52,172

  Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Buyan                  1   1  0  0    4   2  +2    3
  HopNation              1   1  0  0    4   2  +2    3
3 Ceni                   1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0
  Yttribia               1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0

by **The Sarian** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 12:09 pm

Part One

My own home, where I lived with my parents, was small and simple, made of painted wooden boards with shutters on either side of the windows and a weather vane that squeaked all night if there was too much wind, and this being The Sarian, there almost always was. It was quite close to the church, set back from the main road with similar houses on either side. Flowers and brambles grew right beside the walls and were slowly creeping towards the roof. There were just four rooms. My parents slept upstairs. I had a room at the back but I had to share it whenever anyone came to stay. My grandmother, who lived with us, had the room next to mine.

There was no railway station in Estrov, it was not considered important enough. Nor was there a bus service or anything like that. I went to school in a slighty larger village, that used to think of its self as a town, two miles down a track that was dusty and full of potholes in the summer, and thick with mud or covered in snow during the winter. The town was called Hunsbury. I walked there everyday, no matter what the weather and was beaten if I was late. My school was a big, square, brick building on three floors. All the classrooms were identical. There was about 500 children in all, boys and girls. Some of them travelled by train, pouring out into the platform with eyes that were still half-closed with sleep. Hunsbury did have a railway station and they were very proud of it, decking it with Pale Maidens on public holidays. But actually it was a mean, run-down little place and ninety percent of trains passed it like it was nothing.

We students all dressed smart. The girls wore black dresses with green aprons and had their hair tied back with ribbons. The boys looked like little soldiers, with grey uniforms and red scarves around our necks, and if we did well we would be given badges with slogans - "For Active Work", "School Leader" and that sort of thing. I can't say I remember a lot of what I learnt at school. Who does? History was important... the history of The Sarian, of course. We were always learning poems of by heart and had to recite them, standing to attention behind our desks. There was maths and science. Most of the teachers were women but our headmaster was a man called Martins and he had a terrible temper. He was short but he had huge shoulders and long arms, and it wasn't unheard of for him to pick a boy up by the throat and pin him against the wall.

"You're not doing well, Henry Phelps" He would boom. "I'm sick of the sight of you. Buck up your ideas or get out of here!"

Even the teachers were terrified of him. But actually, he was a good man at heart. In The Sarian, we were brought up to respect our teachers and it never occured to us that his titanic rages were anything unusual.

I was happy at school and did rather well. We have a star system - every two weeks the teacher gave us a grade - and I was always a five star student. My best subjects were physics and maths, and those were very important to the Sarian authorities. Nobody ever let you forget all the scientific advances The Sarian had made in our past. I was also good at sport and I remember how the girls in my class used to come and cheer whenever I scored a goal. I wasn't all that interested in girls at this time, which is to say I was happy to chat to them but I never hang out with them after school. My best friend was the Henry I just mention and the two of us were unseperatble.

Henry Phelps was short and skinny with jutting out ears, freckles and ginger hair. He used to joke he was the ugliest boy on the Island, and I found it hard to disagree. He was also far from bright. He was a two star student, at best, and was always getting into trouble with the teachers. In the end they gave up punishing him because it did't seem to make any difference. But at the same time he was the star of our military training classes which were compulsory throughout the school. Henry could strip down a QC72 automatic machine gun in twelve seconds and reassemble it in fifteen. He was a great shot. Twice a year there were military games, when we had to compete with other schools using a map and compass to find our way through the woods. Henry was always in charge and we always won.

I liked Henry because he was afraid of nothing and he always made me laugh. We did everything together. We would eat our sandwiches in the yard, washed down with a gulp of whisky that he had stolen from home and brought to school in one of his mothers old perfume bottles. We smoked cigarettes in the woodland, coughing horribly because the tobacco was so rough. Our school toilets had no compartments and we often sat next to each other, doing what we had to do. This may sound disgusting but that was the way it was. You were meant to bring your own toilet paper but Henry always forgot and I would watch him guiltily tearing pages out of his excersise books. He was always loosing his homework that way. But with Henry's homework - and he'd have been the first to admit it - that was probably all it was worth.

The best time we had together was in the summer, when we would go for endless bicycle rides, rattling along the country roads, shooting down hills and peddling backwards furiously. It was the only way to stop. Everyone had exactly the same model of bicycle, and they were all death traps with no suspension, no lights and no breaks. We had no where to go but in a way that was for the fun of it. We used our imagination to create a world of wolves and vampires, ghosts and smart people from New Koln - and we chased each other right through the middle of them. When we finally got back to the village, we would swim in the river, even though there were parasites in the water that would make you sick, and we always went to the bathhouse together, thrashing each other with birch leaves in the steam room that was meant to be good for your skin.

by **Ceni** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 3:45 pm

Cenian Beltane Cup 1 Roster

POS   Number    Player Name (Species)
(Denotes Starter)

GK	4	Gerardo de las Palmas (Verdeano)
GK	33	Silvio Zé D'cruz (Human)
GK      34      Hemi Ataahua Kai Nalani (Human)
RB	26	Lagil Karhy (Katte Picture)
RB	29	Beyaria Shalunlaa (Katte) 
RB	6	Graciano Lucas Lobo (Human)
CB	18	Botert Rensan (Cenian Picture)
CB	20	Liret Benol (Katte)
CB      36      Tama Keoni Peni Whetu (Human)
CB	22	Eutímio Jônatas Fernandes (Human)
LB	10	Coben Jerfel (Illirean Picture)
LB	30	Marnnaud Ishnamai (Cenian)
RM	9	Miguel de Salamancara (Verdeano)
RM	27	Pararan Tenzer (Michosplak)
CM	31	Davalei Evatee (Cenian)
CM	17	Elceyai Valongo (Todarolian Picture)
LM	25	Denshar Gulbot (Michosplak Picture)
LM	15	Nodes Vargas (Verdeano)
LM      37      Tama Malie Nalani Keoni (Human)
ST	23	Diego Ortiz (Verdeano)
ST	14	Tomas Hernandez (Verdeano)
ST	3	Pablito Numede (Verdeano)
ST	12	Pepe Luces Jr. (Verdeano)
ST   	7	César Mariano Silveira (Human)
ST      39      Timoti Hokulani Anakoni Leilani (Human)

Coach                   Specialty       Coach Name (Species)
Head Coach	        General	        Kormin Tenshar (Cenian)
Assistant Coach	        General	        Bethoo Likal (Katte)
Assistant Coach	        Offense	        Akigil Dartess (Illirean)
Assistant Coach	        Defense	        Gualberto Gervásio Mateus (Human)
Assistant Coach	        Goalkeeping	Tane Petera Patariki Ikaia (Human)
Chief Doctor	        General	        Yatri Ciary (Michosplak)
Medical Consultant      General	        Bartessla Leidiolia (Todarolian)

Formation: 4-2-4-1

Style: +3.5
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod other events: N

(More info in first RP)

by **Yttribia** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:35 pm

A man was walking down the street towards his apartment building, when he hears voice call his name out.

"I could tell that you were heading inside to your apartment, Mister Verson. If we may, a word with you quietly. No, this will not be a waste of your time. So please, follow me, as this is a matter of grave importance."

The woman, who appeared to Mister Verson was a woman of average height, brown hair, green eyes, and was dressed in a business casual outfit.

"Now Mister Verson, would you care about telling me a bit about yourself? Any children, your job, what you like to do as a hobby, and that stuff. Nothing too shady about yourself, am I correct?"

The woman would chuckle here, knowing that Mister Verson had much in store to await for him.

"Well, miss...I have a wife, two gorgeous children. I love the sport of football, I usually play music on the saxophone, and bass guitar in my freetime. I jog as well, competed in a couple of marathons, and the like. I work at a co-"

"Used to, Mister Verson. You used to work at a company located in Downtown Telino, involving small games. But now, you've been fired. And please do not run away, there are cameras watching you, as well as people all around you who will physically carry you to our final location by force. Comprende? Also assuming that you wanted to get home to watch the highlights of the Beltane Cup, we lost four-two. Two goals by St. Pierre, one of them off a penalty, which leads to Bronius Bartkus, if I recall, getting a red card. The Buyanese squad made a comeback with two goals from Mattisson, and a goal from Castell and Dyvold. Now that I acted as your personal sports reporter, will you please step into the building?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Verson would enter the building and then get tackled by two men who appear to lift weights. These two men then blindfold him, hindering his sight to just the black cloth placed on his eyes. The two are moved to an interrogation room.

"Oi! What the hell's going on here?! I mean come on, first I get tackled, now the blindfold? Please tell me what the hell is going on?"

"Nothing's happening to you. At least, according to public documentations. Now, according to our security footage, you were caught talking to other 'like-minded' people about staging a mass protest. While the government does allow the right to assemble, we just can't let you do that. According to our previous surveillance on you-"

"What?!"

"Did I fucking stutter? As I was saying, we were doing some surveillance on you, and we noticed you had tried to plan a 'small revolution' in the Urellan mountains, trying to seek independence from the Yttribian nation. While we will respect their right for independence, and by that the Government means we won't. I can tell you that right now, unless you cough up the names of who helped with this plan, the only light you'll be seeing is from your cell. Comprede, Mister Verson?"

"Yes, I understand. However I believe my cause is right! I'm fighting for what I believe in. The Urellans are by far the most under-respected out of all the thirty-one million Yttribians! We demand some god damned respect! We were here first, you know?
Our national motto basically tells-"

"Volem seguir sent el que som, the national motto. Do you know what that means? We wish to remain who we are. Not referring to the Urellan people, specifically. It's referring to all of us. So shut the hell up, and quit acting like you're special."

Verson squirms, and finally sits down into place. The unknown lady to him finally sits down as well, and proceeds to begin interrogation.

"How rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Agent Marcy Xanders. Please state your name into the microphone. And state the crime you've committed clearly as well."

"My name is David Ver-"

Xanders cuts him off, giving Verson a stern look.

"Your real name, Mister Verson. And drop the damn accent. It's a mediocre one at best."

Verson then coughs several times, and proceeds to speak into the microphone

"My name is Enrico Guido Vanafuccio. And yes, that is the name on my birth certificate. What I have committed is not a crime, but an action on behalf of the oppressed people from my homeland. We seek full sovereignty from the oppressive government. We did not commit a crime, but an action on behalf of my people. This is a call for freedom. And we won't be delivered any. That is all."

"Mister Vanafuccio, can you please tell us about your accomplices?"

"No. You might have found me, but you can not take away the rights of my fellow compatriots. They are the ones who will carry out our operation to save our land from terror, oppression, and more. They will one day see a world where our land is free and noble. Not having to deal with any Yttribians."

"Anything else, Mister Vanafuccio?"

"No ma'am."

Xanders then stops the recording, and proceeds to turn off the microphone.

"Head off to your cell, we'll proceed to work with you tomorrow."

"But what about my job? And my children as well?"

"They've been notified of your 'business trip', and your workplace is letting you know off due to a 'matter of grave importance'. Now, head on to your cell. That'll be your home for the next couple of days."

Vanafuccio is then forcefully grabbed, and is taken to his cell, with a sole bed, a weeks worth of orange jumpsuits, a toilet, and a television on a small desk. He then proceeds to turn on the television to watch match highlights. Xanders is currently in the interrogation room, talking to the guard.

"We'll get some stuff out of him eventually. If not, we might have to go through some other stuff that might get him to spill some beans."

"Oh, I truly believe we do, Miss Xanders."

"Until then, goodnight."

Xanders exits the interrogation room, and heads towards the back of the building. As she opens the door, a plethora of televisions appear, each located in a house, with a sole man keeping watch of all them..

"Well, do we have any signs on people behaving badly? Or any conspirators trying to break up our republic? Tell me please, I'm hungry for some more interrogation."

"Not at this time, Miss Xanders, but I will let you know whenever I notice a breakthrough happening currently."

"Thank you, guard."

Xanders walks out of the surveillance room, now making it obvious that she is controlling the nations most secretive surveillance program, reserve for all of Yttribians."

by **Buyan** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 6:03 am

“Come on, Jan, go fetch the ball!” Crassus shouts with his always screechy voice. The Nova Tunis player, a super star in Taijan as architect of their successful run in the last Globe Cup, just launched a shot that should’ve gone somewhere between the sticks but rather seemed directed to the marvellous blue waters that encircle this side of the Moody Brook stadium.

Jokingly, I lift my middle finger on the right winger and yell some banter towards him. He knows I don’t mind and likewise, but it does make me think. Regularly, it was my job to go and fetch everything the substitute players had sent towards the outer ring. During the match, there are always young kids to go and get them, but at half time, no one can give a hand. As the chances that the third goalie will get some playing minutes have gone down from as good as zero to zero at that point, I spend my time climbing railings and grabbling underneath publicity boards to recollect the leather, while Bergh or Seber takes a spot warming up underneath the crossbar.

But here I am, official second goalie of the national team. Of course it didn’t go the way one would want to, as the awful injury from Ulle Seber is something you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy, let alone a colleague from whom you’ve learned a lot. Nonetheless, it feels good. Everyone had been enthused by the campaign Blau-Weiss ran last season, debuting internationally and grabbing the second spot in the ultimate fixture. Defensively wise, all the analysts mentioned and as I rub the blue and white stripes on my gloves, I know they were talking about me as well. But Sirius Hope held on to Anders Bergh and Ulle Seber, and one cannot blame him in that department. Although... Bergh isn’t as good anymore. Or is it just the image from my youth, when a large mid-air action poster of the tall keeper decorated my room that has been shattered now we’re calling each other Anders and Jan? When I first trained with him, I was too afraid to talk to him. Those days are over.

“I’ve got new personnel for that, Crassus!” I shout, whilst pointing towards Erbald.

Erbald Saldlund and Jan Erhardt, the two rising names amongst the Buyanese goalies. One couldn’t count how many articles did comparisons between the two of us. After all, each of us guarded the goal of one of the three title contenders, either Bengtsmark or Pallstadt, whilst being only present at the highest level for two or three years. As Viztourzys has a foreigner, the impeccable German American Manuel Schmidt, between the posts, that gives a certain aura. Fan forums have been filled with the question who of them will step up as national number one in time. Although we act cordially amongst one another, this gives a certain tense vibe.

Today, however, Erbald can have a laugh and a joke about it. I know how thrilled he is already that he can be in the selection. Even if that means that he has to be the ball boy of the reserves, he’s enjoying every minute in The Sarian. It recalls me of my own experiences in Farfadillis and the Licentian Isles... The atmosphere is overall quite upbeat. We dominated the first half and it seems as if the neutral supporter is picking our side. All that’s missing now is a goal...

On my left side, Danilius Wreczius is standing up in the dug-out, shouting some profanities to the referee. On my right, Smetona violently throws a water bottle near the pitch. From our point of view, it seemed as if Venceslas School used a typical example of the schwalbe, flailing his arms as if some sniper took him out. The man in black, however, saw a fault by Bronius Bartkus. Bronius, the quiet yet steady and reliable leader of our defence usually keeps his cool but cannot believe his eyes now. Yttribia got in front already through a mistake of his, when he allowed St. Pierre to launch a rocket, but this time he is sure, that was a correct tackle on the ball. Enraged, he puts his nose against the one from the man who keeps on pointing to the penalty point. It isn’t but then that the referee picks a red card out of his back pocket.

Anger, ... What started out as a calm game in a friendly tournament, in which two sides tried to produce sympathetic football, suddenly turns into a riot. Some of the substitutes around me are already trying to pull down the bench and it takes all my self-awareness not to join them. Struck in disbelief, I look to my left and right. All are standing up, swearing towards School and anyone who comes to mind. The fourth referee tries to calm them down, but little use. Only two other man are still seated, Hope and Allersham, bowing over some diagrams. It’s Hope who notes that I’m not joining the madness and he winks before nodding towards the assistant coach.

“Krupa and Mattisson in, Zermin and Wallenberg out... All or nothing,” I hear him say.

Once again, everybody is off the bench but for completely different reasons now. Although there is two more minutes to play, most of the Yttribians are sitting on the ground, hanging their head with the knowledge that it’s over. Only thirty seconds ago, they seemed on their way to drag a point out of a bonkers game. Edvald Mattisson, clearly angered after being benched during the Campionato, had sent a header past Draper first and scored the equalizer after a scrimmage. When Castell made the impossible true, bringing Buyan ahead, all of us started to root for the defence. Diminished to three, Refshauge, Tufte and Krupa had their hands filled trying to cover both attackers and the dangerous infiltrations from Abreu and Mynatt.

With the game on the verge of an unexpected final result. Xabi Vilhjalmsson decided to show why exactly he had been picked as captain of the BoF Ideal Eleven. He picked up the ball behind his defenders, brought it upfield with a run and a doublepass on Goode and moved past Harald Naess as if the powerful Ravnarian from Bengtsmark IF was a pillar. With our defending midfield out and the left winger, Zemaitis, trailing a bit too much, Vilhjalmsson had forced a four-against-three situation. Even I, who tried to keep my cool in all this, was shouting like a maniac now. Fortunately, his pass on Mynatt was just a few inch too short and Krupa, that strange, small Tanner who always seemed to have his mind on his next cigarette but with a talent for being in the right spot in the decisive moment, got his leg in between. In all his enthusiasm to force a goal, Rogglebu player Hervé Torres had left Zemaitis alone. Suddenly unmarked, Zemaitis gets possession and does the line before sending a crosspass into the box. All are hoping for a third one by Mattisson, but Draper fists it out of the box... Straight toward Sverre Devold. He calmly controls, outwits Goode with a fake and launches it in the top corner, winning us the game.

That the speaker claims that some Dyvold scored cannot break the mood, Buyan started the competition with a victory. While we all celebrate, I turn around to note that two men are still on the bench. Allersham and Hope.

Line-up for the upcoming game

Anders Bergh
Gabriel Refshauge – Jonas Englund – Sigurd Tufte – Kazimieras Zemaitis
Harald Naess – Quinten Zermin
Marco Castell – Sverre Devold – Karsta Lupeikis
Edvald Mattisson

*Two remarkable moments for Viztourzys players.
For the first time in 42 interlands, Buyan will play without Bronius Bartkus, suspended after a red card.
On the other hand, there is Karsta Lupeikis who makes his debut.

by **HopNation** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:48 am

Sports Special with Skip Skudkin

“Hello and welcome to today’s report on the Beltane Cup. The Hops had a good start in the game yesterday with a convincing win over Ceni 4-2. Though the squad would have like to keep a clean sheet Coach Schmidt was able to enter some of his substitutes and give those guys a chance on the field, something that Coach Schmidt rarely does. Which we’ll get a few words from Coach Schmidt a little later in our program, but now lets look at the goal scorers for both sides.

The camera fades off of Skudkin and to some game footage, flipping up the player names, number, and time of goal along the bottom of the screen. In the upper left there are the two Nations flags and the score and game time.

“This first goal is by Pheir Droimpol, who actually just turned nineteen before the start of this cup. Some brilliant play there on the outside by Icha Waishrod as he moves forward from the left back position to join the attack. He plays the ball forward to Ike Myer who then plays the ball forward to Pech Schytaing. Schytaing lays the ball off for Droimpol to hammer home, putting the Hops up 1-0 at just the twelve minute mark. This next goal is from Schytaing, watch as the ball is played into Droimpol from the keeper Oeny Subanos. Droimpol has a quick turn and then sends the ball through the defenders for Schytaing to out run all of them. Gerardo de las Palmas, the Ceni keepr, comes off his line but Schytaing easily slots the ball to his left and just inside the post to put the Hops up 2-0 in the fortieth minute. The third goal of the match comes from Ceni Striker Pablito Numede, which was a header from a great corner kick sent in from Tama Malie Nalani Keoni. Watch this replay again, Numede clearly out jumps two Hop defenders to get a head to that, great placement too as he leaves Subanos screaming at his defenders and feet still planted. So at the half they headed in 2-1 in favor of the Hops. We’ll be right back with the last three goals in this match after these sponsors show you their new products.”

Screen shows an overlay of the half score with the two nations flags surrounding a spinning football and the scores out side of the two flags. It then fades to black and three advertisements run, one for some new football boots from Adisi Football, the second from Nuk Sports and some nutritional supplements, last the views see an ad for FlatLiner a truck bed liner company. As the screen comes back to Skudkin he is joined by Coach Schmidt seated at his right.

“Welcome back folks, lets finish up the three final goals in the HopNation Ceni game then as you can see we’ll speak with Coach Schmidt for a few minutes. To start the second half both teams seemed fairly even, but then just seven minutes into the second Smuemund plays the ball wide for Eisa Loostin. Loostin carries the ball forward down the right flank here. He beats Coben Jerfel and then crosses the ball. A ball that seams to sail a bit farther than expected, but waiting on the back side completely unmarked was Ike Myer who easily knocks in the third goal for HopNation. After that goal we see our first change in the Hops lineup as Coach Schmidt brings on the second youngest forward on the squad, Raes Queardest for his first cap, he enters for Schytaing who will get some good rest before the next match. Then just ten minutes later the Hops strike their fourth goal, this time from the newcomer Queardest. Watch the quick play here from the Hops leading up to this goal. The ball starts wide with Loostin then into Droimpol, back to Loostin one time, and then all the way across the field to Myer. Myer collects and sends in quickly to the top of the box to Droimpol, he turns and finds Queardest. Queardest’s first shot hits the post but as all Hop players are taught from a young age he follows the shot and puts the rebound in easily. With the Hops up 4-1 at this point Coach Schmidt makes two more changes. He takes out left back Icha Wiashrod and attacking midfielder Ike Myer and puts in Ess Nysistia at left back and Nil Nousskel at attacking mid. The final goal comes late in the match when Pablito Numede beats Nysistia and plays the ball to Tomas Hernandez, Hernadez rips a shot that Subanos is able to get a hand to but it goes right over to Numede and he knocks in his second of the match. Overall I think this was a good starting game and good to see some of the backups get some time on the pitch. Now Coach Schmidt your thoughts.”

“Thanks Skip, it was a good game but I would have liked to keep a clean sheet. The Ceni side did a good job of spreading us out a little on the defensive end and capitalizing.”

“They do have some talented players and I’d think they have a good chance at winning a game or two before we are all done.”

“Well Skip they do still have to face Buyan, as do we. But perhaps your right and they can get a win over Yttribia as they also lost to Buyan 4-2.”

“You’re playing Buyan next correct.”

“Yes we should be playing Buyan next, but perhaps it's Yttribia. I honestly didn't look before coming in and I'm not concerned who it is, as both are good squads and we need to be prepared for anyone at anytime.”

“Thoughts on that next game?”

“It will be tough for sure, we never had a chance to face Buyan in the BOF and they were in a completely different group during World Cup Qualifications. They’ve been playing well and will be a great test. If it's Yttribia, more of the same a tough side that we've yet to face and should be a good game for us.”

“Any changes coming for your squad at this point?”

“No, we’ll stay with the same starters. I may switch in some guys to see how they play, as like I said we’re treating this as a tune up for the World Cup Qualifiers that are approaching fast.”

“Right, and with the subs you’ve done is that simply to get people playing time or are you looking for something.”

“A bit of both I suppose. I mean we as a coaching staff are always looking for something, someone better, and someone to challenge a starter for his position. We feel this builds the guys competitive nature and gets them to play better. No spot is safe on the starting sheet. Though I don’t typically make changes during a match, as the guys are well trained and know what I expect at all times, I find it a good way to see some of the other talent and see how they fair against competition other than their teammates.”

“Fair enough Coach, fair enough. Well we look forward to your next match and wish you the best of luck.”

“Thank you Skip.”

“Well that’s all the time we have for today. Next up is HopTop Chef, I’m Skip Skudkin from HBN and this has been our special on the Beltane Cup. Brew on, Brew well Hoptonians!”

Camera pans back and shows Skip and Coach Schmidt chatting as the program credits roll. The screen eventually fades and the intro to HopTop Chef starts to roll.

by **The Sarian** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:38 am

Gloriax's Ian Stoner struck 12 minutes from time to deny hosts The Sarian a winning start to the Beltane Cup at Lavington Park in King William City.

Stoner controlled Mark Lewis's cross at the back post and rifled past King's City FC goalkeeper Brigham Huddlestone to ensure the spoils were shared after a breathless opening to the tournament.

The Glorians were the better team throughout, but they fell behind when Marcus Horn fired in a left-foot thunderbolt from an angle on the left to give the hosts a lead in which their supporters revelled.

In an atmosphere bordering on ecstasy in King William City, Marcus Horn's screamer threatened to provide the 1st Beltane with the fairytale beginning it was hoping for, before Stoner and Gloriax intervened.

Even then, The Sarian manager Leonard Heathwait saw his team almost snatch it in the dying moments, only for striker Jordan Lee to agonisingly roll a shot against the post with keeper Matthew Grey beaten.

Yet over the 90 minutes, Heathwait and his side were perhaps lucky to get away with a draw themselves in front of a partisan 83,906 crowd as Gloriax failed to turn their startling superiority into victory.

For The Sarian, the first nation to host this footballing spectacular, what was supposed to be a day of celebration began with the announcement that the 13-year-old great-granddaughter of the monarch, Princess Jaqueline had died in a car crash.

The 42 year old monarch stayed away from the opening ceremony - which preceded the game - to mourn, but through Chief Executive Robert Balfour, who declared the World Cup open, he asked people to "enjoy the game".

It is unlikely many of the The Sarian fans enjoyed the first 54 minutes of their moment in the footballing spotlight as their team were comprehensively outplayed by a Gloriax side that knocked the ball around the gorgeous surface with consummate skill and ease.

With Lewis sitting in the hole behind the two Stoners, the Gloriaxians had weapons the Bustards defence simply could not handle - and the movement of the front three quickly began to cause the hosts all kinds of havoc.

Huddleston was only spared the embarrassment of his early fumble costing a goal by Carson Seabrooke's reflex block to deny Lewis, before Daniel Cox headed a corner wastefully over.

The Sarian were struggling to get out of their own half with any real consistency and striker Ian Stoner was inadvertently keeping them in the contest, heading off target when he should have done better and seeing another shot expertly saved by Huddleston.

Ross Horn had been forced to feed off scraps until he was inches away from heading in brother, Marcus Horns cross just before the break, but soon after the interval the nation had the goal for which it had been waiting.

Marcus Horn ,the 18 year old brother of star Ross, wrote his name down in Sarian football folklore with a strike of such pure quality it almost took a second for him to realise what he had done.

Gloriax were shell-shocked, but after Lewis's left-foot rocket was tipped away by Huddleston, up popped Stoner to slot in and quieten the crowd.

Lee's late flirtation with the woodwork only compounded the agony for the hosts, but their Beltane Cup campaign remains very much alive.

by **The Sarian** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 10:00 am

Cutoff, results will be posted shortly.

by **The Sarian** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 10:29 am

Group A

The Sarian 5–1 Nexxus Drako - The Matterhorn, 68,201
Gloriax 1–2 Greater Watford - White Horse, 67, 349

  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Sarian             2   1  1  0    6   2  +4    4
2 Greater Watford        2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
3 Nexxus Drako           2   1  0  1    3   6  −3    3
4 Gloriax                2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1

Group B

Yttribia 1–0 HopNation - Moody Brook, 52,980
Buyan 2–0 Ceni - Gorgona Arena, 51,704

  Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Buyan                  2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    6
2 HopNation              2   1  0  1    4   3  +1    3
3 Yttribia               2   1  0  1    3   4  −1    3
4 Ceni                   2   0  0  2    2   6  −4    0

Key
Qualified
Playoffs (At least)
Playoffs (At best)
Just a reminder (so no-one gets a nasty shock), only the top team qualifies, with second and third place going through to the playoffs.

by **Greater Watford** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 12:09 pm

Greater Watford win against Gloriax
Greater Watford won today 1-0, after yesterday's ~~defeat of the same scoreline~~2-1 defeat. Numbers 1-11 were the starting line up, and the team looked to impress after yesterday's loss. Initially, it was a tentative start, with neither team wanting to leave any space. Rastersson got the best chance of the half on 24 minutes, but his shot slipped off the boot, and fell harmlessly wide. At the other end, Phil Stoner came close, but Gordon Watson made an acrobatic save to block him from scoring. The first half ended goalless.
Into the second half, and both teams made some substitutes. It was Greater Watford though, who had made the super-sub, Ignacio Peréz running into the box, and meeting Tilder's cross to open the scoring. Phil Stoner was the forefront of the Gloriax attack, but he was unable to make as much of an impact in the second half. Some good defensive play from Greater Watford ensured a 1-0 win, and 3 points, which gives them a great chance of play-off qualification.

by **Nexxus Drako** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 2:05 am

MD1: Greater Watford 1–2 Nexxus Drako - The Matterhorn; 68,205
12', 47' Lio Golt

MD2: The Sarian 5–1 Nexxus Drako - The Matterhorn, 68,201
89' Robert Hill

  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Sarian             2   1  1  0    6   2  +4    4
2 Greater Watford        2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
3 Nexxus Drako           2   1  0  1    3   6  −3    3
4 Gloriax                2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1

The Nexxus Drako Age

Kent Joseph's Column

Beltane Cup time, not that it really matters, it's just World Cup warm-up as far as I'm concerned, not terribly important.

We did beat Greater Watford 2-1 in matchday one, with Lio Golt, our first Dracon striker, and replacement for the languishing Harrsion Gin, scored two in that match.

Then we played the hosts, The Sarian, where we recieved a 5-1 smashing! Only Robert Hill scored after a really lucky free kick from halfway between the penalty box and the half way line, after a handball from Jarrett Firmin which was entirely accidental.

We just need to at least tie Gloriax to qualify for the playoffs, or get really lucky to qualify straight off, but that'd be a miracle.

Sidestory

A dracon female and a human male sat next to each other on a subway train in Drako City, they looked so different to each other, but yet they loved each other "to the moon and back."

His name was Jack, hers was Kloi. They were not married, nor did they even acknowledge their love in public, for fear that the recent special tensions would come back to bite them. But they still held hands, mostly for safety.

Jack went to say something to Kloi, when a teenage human female got on the train, saw them holding hands, and started a racist tirade.

She was quoted as saying "Cross species breeders like you should be put down", "You're squicking the world, you furfag bastards" and other speciest remarks, mostly relating to the furry fandom and its perceived sexual connotations.

Jack and Kloi just sat there and took the full brunt of the woman's tirade, and when she finished, they simply kissed and gave a middle finger to the speciest bitch.

The woman then grabbed a gun out of her purse, which caused everyone on the train to start screaming and dialing 000, and the speicest bitch then shot both Jack and Kloi in the head, and turned the gun on herself and blew her own brains out.

The incident hit major news headlines across Esportiva.

The Eternal President Nexxus Drako decided enough was enough, and mandated that all sentient species and sub-species (races) were equal, and had equal rights, although that was already the case, except that he was lenient on discrimination, which now carried a minimum 1 year jail sentence and a maximum of life without parole.

It was this incident that would spark an eventual civil war...

OOC: This plot line will be continued in World Cup Qualifying.

by **Buyan** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 4:52 am

Mullsphaller Times

THREE POINTS, BUT WITH A GOOD DEAL OF LUCK
The Blue Hedgehogs escape in the opening forty-five minutes

GORGONA – The second game of the Buyanese national team in the Beltane Cup has resulted in a second victory, but we must say that it once again was a close encounter. Against an enthused and inspired Ceni, we were up for a difficult first half. Striker Pablo Numede came close to the opening goal, but an outstretched leg from Jonas Englund prevented Ceni going ahead. At tea time, it seemed as if Ceni were the favourites, but a quick goal by Mattisson tilted the balance. Eddy demonstrated his great form when he towered above Fernandes and placed it in the bottom corner. Our midfield finally got the upper hand and both a very moderate Devold and Lupeikis came close to doubling up the score. Eventually, it was captain Harald Naess who could decide upon the final scoreline, 2-0, which allows Buyan to ensure a spot in the play-offs.

Read more on
p. 3. Englund impresses, will Bartkus return after his red card suspension?
p. 4. Harald Naess, the captain this team always needed.
p. 5. COLUMN: Chase the group title against the Hops or taking it calm?

Ravnar Gazette

SAD START, SUPERIOR SECOND HALF
Two-nil victory cannot hide shaky defence

GORGONA – Six points out of two games, Sirius Hope can present the Buyanese public a perfect record so far. Yet again, we haven’t been impressed by the level of football shown. After the narrow escape against Yttribia, who have beaten the Hops in the other fixture, Buyan once again started the game too slow. Despite the numerical advantage in midfield, Sverre Devold couldn’t find an unmarked teammate. His hard work to create possession often got downgraded by the lack of creativity from the guys around him. No wonder that Ceni had the best opportunities before the break, Numede and Ortiz couldn’t score. Hope clearly made a few tactical alterations during half time and two minutes in the second half, Sverre Devold sent a great pass to the wing. Castell found Mattisson in the box, who could climb higher than Fernandes, placing the leather in the bottom corner. The sign for Buyan to take the game in their hands and Ceni couldn’t find a way out anymore. A marvellous free kick from Devold found the outside of the post and both Castell and Lupeikis came close to a second one. Eventually, it was Harald Naess who doubled up with a splendid screamer from outside the box. With confidence, the Hedgehogs look forward to the ultimate game of the group phase, where they encounter HopNation.

Read more on
p. 2. Devold: “We showed more guts in the second half.”
p. 4. PREVIEW: Why the Hops could end our streak: the Droimpol-Schytaing connection
p. 5. Naess: “The second one in this shirt, feels great!”

Trash Magazine

MATTISSON STRIKES BACK
Elmo Havelund looks annoyed from the sideline

GORGONA – The rumoured struggle between Elmo Havelund and Edvald Mattisson for Emilia Lundvist seems to have taken a new turn. Mattisson was left on the bench for the Campionato, officially due to a poor form but according to our sources because of problems in his marriage with the celebrated skiing star Emmy Lundvist. We got confirmation from people around the couple, married for six years now and having one daughter, that Lundvist would be seeing someone else, no other than Elmo Havelund, Mattisson’s eternal opponent for the national team. Havelund seemed to beat his nemesis on all fronts now, obtaining a lucrative transfer to New Sideburn, kicking him out of the national eleven and kicking him out of the bedroom! But Mattisson is going for revenge these days and after scoring twice against Yttribia, he reclaimed the starting spot. With result, as he marked the opening goal against Ceni, bringing our nation another victory. Can Eddy also fight himself back in his relation and win both the Beltane Cup and Emmy?

Read more on
p. 3. Mattisson-Lundvist neighbour: “We haven’t seen them in quite a few days.”
p. 4. Pictures!
p. 5. The hidden messages in his tattoos!

Sports Courier

DESERVED VICTORY AFTER STRONG SECOND HALF
”We’ll need to do more for the title,” Hope says, “but we’re building.”

GORGONA – A strange mix between relief and enthusiasm amongst the Buyanese players after the final whistle. All knew that their first half hadn’t delivered what anyone was hoping for. The last line struggled to contain the Cenian attackers and seemed to miss the calm and firm hand from Bronius Bartkus. This allowed Pablo Numede once too many to set up dangerous combinations with Ortiz and Hernandez. A shot of his even got past Bergh, but Englund could push it into corner. In midfield, there were not enough spiffing passes to worry de las Palmas. No alterations at half time, but the duo Castell and Lupeikis received the liberty to play a bit more infield, allowing more combinations with Sverre Devold who immediately presented Castell the assist for the opening goal to a seemingly reborn Edvald Mattisson. The Hedgehogs continued their strong play and both Marco Castell and Karsta Lupeikis impressed with dangerous actions. A free kick from Devold didn’t get any further than the outside of the post, but eventually it was Harald Naess who could add a second goal to the tally, ensuring the three points.

Read more on
p. 2. Hope “We’re going towards our best form, the timing is good.”
p. 3. Karsta Lupeikis looks back at a satisfactory debut.
p. 4. How to beat them in three hops?

Buyan Red Guide

BUYAN DOMINATES IN BELTANE CUP
Only nation left to drop a point becomes major favourite for title

GORGONA – Once again, the Buyanese fans could warm themselves on a victorious display against Ceni. The troops of Sirius Hope started the confrontation with one debuting player, Karsta Lupeikis from Viztourzys Kolektyvinis could celebrate his first minutes for the nation and didn’t let us down, being a terror to Keoni and Lobo at the left wing. During the first half, the struggling Cenians could keep up with our pace, but only by a slim margin. Our defence stood like a house, as they didn’t allow a goal from the opponents. In attack, we missed a bit of luck at the determining moments. Not so after the break. It quickly became clear that Ceni was exhausted after the opening half. Sverre Devold found Castell unmarked and his astonishing crosspass found Mattisson who powerfully scored the opening goal. From that point onwards, Buyan dominated their opponents with ease, creating opportunity after opportunity. De Las Palmas found himself in a shooting range, with opportunities from everyone with two feet amongst the Buyanese. Eventually, it was Harald Naess who placed the final result on the board, a mild 2-0.

Read more on
p. 2. Hope: “I expected a victory and we did so!”
p. 3. Why we are superior in our group.
p. 4. How we’re going to beat the Hops to conclude our three on three.

XI for HopNation game

Anders Bergh
Ignas Smetona - Jonas Englund - Sigurd Tufte - Kazimieras Zemaitis
Harald Naess - Danilius Wreczius
Eero Halmiini - Sverre Devold - Karsta Lupeikis
Edvald Mattisson

Beltane Cup I [Everything Thread]

Beltane Cup I [Everything Thread]

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