World Cup 69 RP Thread

by **The Archregimancy** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:39 pm

"...welcome to the Archregimancy for the lead-up to the match against the Absurdly Polite Gentlemen. There's unprecedented interest here from around the multiverse for this match between the robed monks and the top-hatted gentlemen, with mundy media outlets such as BaruniainSports.com calling it "a match that will define the 'Cup for Chaps'" - which is likely why you can see so many media representatives from World Cup participants... there's a New Montreal States reporter, over there someone from Radio Esportiva, I likely don't need to point out the ursine - and indeed there are dozens of others, including a large sentient granite boulder from one of the more obscure and non-footballing corners of the multiverse."

"Are the monks happy about this, Jerome?"

"Absolutely not, Manuel. They've been forced to let the foreign media in to cover the match under WCC regulations - something which the MFA are denouncing as "unwarranted interference in our internal affairs", though I understand that the Holy Synod have been more conciliatory, hence the granting of entry permits. There was some concern over whether the black attire of both teams would cause on-field confusion; I can show you the pre-match team photos...

"... the visitors looking particular debonair there, and the monks looking like, well, monks. But both teams agreed to wear their traditional colours, and not worry about change kits - the very different headgear proving a sufficient point of distinction. The match itself ended in a 2-2 draw, as the teams vied with each other to either show the virtues of Christian charity on the one hand, or the virtues of amateur Corinthian sporting endeavour on the other. In the end the result seems fair, as the Gentlemen refused to save penalties, and the monks refused to take them. Some of the mundy media present here today are calling the result an 'upset' or a 'moral victory' for the low-ranked visitors, but that perhaps shows a lack of understanding of the unique sporting culture of both nations."

"Talk us through the recent violence, Jerome... any signs of that here today?"

"Not so far, Manuel. The MFA and the Holy Synod seem to have reached a temporary accommodation, a truce of sorts that perhaps allows cooler heads to prevail. But... bear with me Manuel...

There appears to be some commotion behind me...

OH MY GOD!!!!

LIGHT SABRE-WIELDING MONKS FROM THE MFA ARE ATTACKING THE VISITING MEDIA!!!!"

<CRASH>

<SCUFFLE>

"OH, THE HUMANITY...."

<BZZZZZT>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Jerome?

Jerome?

Can you hear me, Jerome?

We seem to have lost Jerome Comneno, who was reporting on the Archregimancy-Absurdly Polite Gentlemen match in the Monastic Republic. We'll try and reestablish the connection, and take you back to the Holy Monastery of Iviron as soon as possible."

by **United Eastedge** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:03 pm

Hard match at the Free Swiss States, sees the navies through!
Aelley City, United Eastedge

The World Cup Qualifiers are reaching the halfway already and definitely, the navies are currently in the best mental and physical moment, since that historic night at the 56 Stadium in San Jose Guayabal. The majority of the bookmakers and analysts were agree that United Eastedge will not make the play-offs this time around, but the thing is that is happening! Last night, the team led by Masson visited the Free Swiss States, which is the team placed at the bottom of the Group 24. Nonetheless, the match saw United Eastedge defeating the home team with some difficulties after a 1-0 full-time result, which was solved at the last minutes with a heroic goal of the captain, Bejamin Holloway. The victory adds three points more to the current champions of the Baptism of Fire, reaching thirteen points, which works to place themselved at the first positions of the standings...

Tactically, there is not information about the opponent, Free Swiss States, since they have not announced their roster officialy yet. But, Masson decided to use their common formation (5-3-2), instead of using the formation used inthe previous two match days against Maklohi Vai and Lojal, which was a 4-2-3-1. Walter Sandoval (GK), Wesley Hammond (RB, RM), Jaime Hall (CB), Caleb Green (CB), Matthew Alvarez (CB), Jonathan Bennet (LB, LM), Daryl Agnew (RM), Benjamin Holloway (CM), Shane Dawson (RM), Brian Ward (FW), and Ray Woods (ST). The majority of them were part of the starting eleven used for the Baptism of Fire, including the Grand Finale against The Fallenmark Islands. Masson announced a change in the startegy in order to execute an innovation in the team, but he used the same for the match against Free Swiss States, which is to wait the opponent by passing the ball over the midfield to the bands, forcing them to open spaces on the back when they go forward to steal the ball.

The match started out with the grandstand almost empty, without Eastedgean fans. However, it was a little stadium, in which the home crowd did not felt that much present. Nonetheless, Free Swiss States was definitely playing seriously, at least in the first minutes of the match. They were pressing on the front without letting the ball for a second, causing the navies to stay at the back taking care of Sandoval's goal. Suddenly, an unknown player took the ball in the right band, opening himself space to run through. He gave a pass to the center of the box, but unfortunately, none of the home players were there to try a shot on goal. The veteran, Caleb Green took the ball, kicking it strongly to the midfield, where Benjamin Holloway was placed, locking the match there for a while. The crowd was a bit, but seemed to be exciting although their team was placed last.

The match was getting slow and the crowd was getting tired. But, United Eastedge was clearly offering more after a great play by Woods and Ward when they were running with it toward the goal. Benjamin Holloway was meters away from them, waiting for a pass over the outskirts of the box. Brian Ward gave him a pass with the heel formidably, but sudddenly, a defender slip strongly, sweeping Holloway and the ball as well. The red card was enough for the defender, since he went to take a shower at the last minutes of the first time. Meanwhile Holloway, was preparing to shoot on the free kick in favor of United Eastedge. He stepped back, looking directly to the left side of the goal. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper saw at his eyes, guessing rightly the direction of the shot. The first time finished 0-0, being a hard match for both teams.

Minutes after the motivational conversation, the second half began with ball possession for the home team again. They had the goal of having the ball throughout the 45 remaining minutes, or at least the most time as possible. Nonetheless, the navies stole the ball over the midfield, trying to press the defenders by counter attacking with five players running fastly. Unfortunately, the strategy did not worked properly because Daryl Agnew suffered an injury on the left leg, being replaced by Chris Dixon immediately, causing the team led by Masson to have the ball a bit more to the front, instead of maintain it over the midfield. Brian Ward shoot twoard the right post of the goal from the left one, being a diagonal shot, which was difficult for the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, he saved him properly without putting in danger his own team. Minutes were passing and United Eastedge was not able to score the goal of the victory at the half of the complementary part of the match.

Was in the eighty-eight minute when the goal finally came with a goal scored by Benjamin Holloway after a great play done the most of it over the bands. Jonathan Bennet ran through the right band until the baseline, passing the ball to the other band when he was close to the box. Wesley Hammond was placed in the left band, receiving the ball perfectly.Thereafter, he gave a pass back to Chris Dixon, who saw Benjamin Holloway alone over the outskirts of the box, with the opportunity to make an awesome play. He hed six option to give the ball to, but he decided to try a shot that went through the line without difficulties, since the goalkeeper did not reached the ball, after it was placed next to the left post and just a bit below the crossbar. United Eastedge achieved their fourth victory, being the second as a visitor.

"Yeah, we are sure we can achieve sometime big this time around. Nobody though United Eastedge would won the Baptism of Fire, and we are the champions. I don't know if the injury that Agnew suffered is severe, but surely we will visit him from here. However, we would like to give one gladden more to our beautiful crowd that is always supporting us, no matter where we are. SIncerely, I'm old to wait for four years more to scarcely experience my first World Cup. It would be great to experience it in the current edition. Apox and The Holy Empire are nice places by the way, but it is too soon to think about that."

That's what the captain, Benjamin Holloway said after the match against the Free Swiss States, showing his excitement due to the great performances the team is showing during these qualifiers. The captain will probably experience just one World Cup in case that the team led by Masson do not make the Finals this time around, but surely with the new professional league, United Eastedge will produce world-class players soon.

But where does that result leaves us at, then? How is the situation in the standings? There are six match days performed so far, approaching to the halfway of the group stage, the navies are currently placed second of the Group 24 with 13 points. In the first place is Audioslavia, going perfectly with 18 points of 18 possible. Kernansquillec stopped stepping the heels of the navies, but now, Buyan has bounced back, being third with 11 points after their 3-0 victory against YSG. Maklohi Vai and Kernansquillec are struggling for the fourth place, while YSG, Lojal, and Free Swiss States are at the bottom, trying to get out from there as fast as possible. It is too soon to look for the two nations that possibly will make the play-offs, but at the moment, Audioslavia and United Eastedge are in qualification zone.

The navies will face Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk gorod at the Aelley Stadium or simply the Ship, which is located in Aelley City, United Eastedge. Noe of the above teams have announced their formations and starting lineups, but we will update you the information as soon as possible. However, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk gorod is currently placed sixth with four points obtained. While United Eastedge is second woth thirteen points, looking to approach to the bulls, which is 5 points away. The match will be the last one of the Qualifying group stage.

President Cohen announces his totally support to Star United States due to crisis
As you may know, The Republic of Star United States, is currently suffering one of the biggest storms ever, causing millions of people to leave their homes in order to take cover in the bunkers of each city throughout the country. According to the latest reports about the climate crisis, the bunkers of Woodbed, Golden, Riverside, and SeaShore will not be receiving more food during the next days, being something difficult for the persons wthin them. Also, the president of the said country, Chris Cross has asked for support to others countries because the situation seems to be out of their control. Fortunately, the President of United Eastedge, Gabriel Cohen, announced today that the nation will be totally supporting Star United States throughout the crisis.

Even though both nations have not had an important relation in the last years, President Cohen decided to help that country with their climate crisis after an announcement that was held today in the Eastedgean capital, Aelley City. "I would like to announce that United Eastedge will be supporting the nation of Star United States throughout their climate crisis. Food will be collected in schools and jobs in order to send it to the cities that are currently with scarce vital sources for life. Also, some bunkers will be opened and ready to receive victims within the next days. I'll be waiting for the answer of President Chris Cross in order to start with the process." Those were the words of the Eastedgean leader, showing its fully support to Star United States.

United Eastedge is growing even in the international relations, being involved in several political issues from the region in which the country is located (Atlas). However, President Cohen also asked the support of many allied nations such as Bratislav, which is one of the most economically powerful ones of its allies due to the economic crisis in which the country is passing through. Nontheless, that will not stop the intention of carity of the Eastedgean most powerful man, which is looking to help with the overwhelming amont of population in bad conditions of life. In this manner, Star United Stated and United Eastedge will have better relations in all senses, or at least that's what it is intended.

Entering to the world of sports, the Road to World Cup 69 is now in process and the climate is a severe problem for Star United States when they play in home. So, United Eastedge also is offering them their little stadiums in order to keep thing as if nothing had happened. In fact, they currently are struggling hard in order to jump spots in the standings, which is being too difficult for Stars to go through throughout the qualifying stage.

by **Jeru FC** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:19 pm

Princess Katy looking concerned and the Jeru FC coach Andre

Katy: You got a plan B?
Andre: Plan A isn't working
Katy: The boys were unlucky, they didn't really play badly
Andre: I think the younger opponents are outlasting them
Katy: Yes, they do seem a bit less fit than they used to be
Andre: Not much help if your opponents are stronger and fitter

Katy: We need a Plan B
Andre: Borrow the Jeruselem team?
Katy: That's too obvious
Andre: I can't do anything illegal
Katy: That rules out pumping the boys with drugs
Andre: We couldn't afford the drugs anyway

Katy: Maybe get them drunk, they play better drunk
Andre: That might be actually legal
Katy: Might work at home, that's legal
Andre: It's legal to play drunk?
Katy: What do you think Jeru FC do most of the time at home
Andre: Might be a plan, away could be an issue

Katy: Anyway, you need a new plan
Andre: Helps if I had more money to do something with
Katy: Say, your home team is taking on Jeruselem to make the finals.
Andre: I know, but I wouldn't be much help to my fellow country folk
Katy: Why didn't you apply to the Jeruselem job
Andre: I'm too old, they prefer women coaches anyway ...

Katy: Err, yeah
Andre: Anyway, let's hope things get better for us
Katy: All is not lost but we can't really afford to lose anymore games
Andre: Hopefully people write us off and we can get some surprise wins
Katy: Yes, maybe that's a real plan
Andre: Well, that sounds like a plan indeed

Katy: We can talk down the team's chances and hope they don't take the team seriously
Andre: And every win is a surprise
Katy: Won't make a difference to the boys because it's all just junket for them
Andre: I'm sure they think it's just a good way to get away from army duties
Katy: Making the finals would like holiday last longer
Andre: That bit is going to be hard ...

by **The United Kingdoms of Zackalantis** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:32 pm

FRUSTRATION OVER LOSSES

The minkstry of sports, who is also the the management of the zach team is facing anger and criticism from zach citizens following two consecutive losses at the qualifiers.
“we know that our team is capable, especially after we saw a 0-4 win over the team from monkeykind, but i guess they got over confident after that impressive victory.", said a fan just outside Cair Paravel stadium.

The team was sitting in the dressing room and their coach walked in. “ What the **** do you think you are doing. You played so well against monkeykind, what the **** happened!?!. People asked me which team that you coached did you find the best. I used to say Her Majesty's Team, but no i must say the team from National School. You are down but not yet out. This year the hopes, aspirations and dreams of a qualification are high, if you fail you ruin zach football. Get your game together boys and girls. This is your chance at redemption."

Saying this he walked out. Silence in the dressing room. The captain Keith Pereira stood up, “he's right you know. We have been playing like asses. Not anymore, we are going to get on the field of play and win that match. (The team cheered). So here's the plan" they huddled close together and decided upon their game plan. They looked like warriors plotting a battle plan.
For indeed THIS IS WAR!

by **Torisakia** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:36 pm

Raiden: The Thunder

Chapter 12: New World

Previously...
Listen to this while reading for feels..

There was a long pause, with no sounds but the screams of Johnny in agony. The screams were so loud that they masked out the sounds of the old warehouse. Mikami, the TCTF taskforce, and everyone else stood in silence, watching over the wounded bodies of Johnny and Cassidy. It would seem that the entire Kira Cult had been crushed, and that Mikami and justice had prevailed over evil. Although incarcerating the two would heavily impact the respective teams they played for, it was the only thing to do given the circumstances. The silence was then broken by Cassidy, who managed to pull a ballpoint pen out her pocket and stabbed herself in the chest with it, bleeding profusely.

"Cassidy!" Jason yelled out, running towards her.

"Quick! Stop the bleeding!" Victor commanded, in a panic.

"It’s already too late. She’ll be dead in a few seconds," Mikami said, obviously in an uncaring tone.

As this was happening, Johnny managed to get on his feet. He figured that when everyone was distracted, he'd make a run for it. But with his gunshot wounds, how far would he make it? Would they even attempt to go after him? Probably not, since they'd think he wouldn't get far. However, this was the best time to retreat, for the sake of himself. As he got to his feet, he quickly stumbled over to the door and opened, as he got halfway out, the TCTF taskforce noticed him trying to leave.

"Wait, Johnny!" One of them yelled, trying to stop him.

"He’s getting away! Johnny!!" Lucas yelled out, in a furious manner.

"Mr. van Zandvoort!" Mikami called out.

"What?!"

"It’s unlikely he has anything else to do but escape. And with those wounds, he’s not going to go far. He’ll stop running soon even if we leave him alone."

"Huh, Mikami, I’m not gonna follow your orders."

"Huh? Very well, then, I’ll leave it up to you."

Lucas, Jessica, and a few TCTF taskforce members went out to go after Johnny, who had gotten a few hundred feet away, but very slowly. As Johnny ran, holding his shoulder due to a wound, he began to have flashbacks of everything that's happened to him since joining the Kiraism following. He first got involved when a friend sent him a link to the Kiraism website over Headbook a few months ago. After looking around on the website, he became very interested with it and joined the following. While in it, he got involved with a group known as the Kira Cult, a cult who kills those who do not believer or follow Kiraism. Through this, he learned of Mikami and the notebook, called the Death Note, that had powers that could kill someone by writing their name in it. Through the notebook, he learned that Cassidy McKenzie, a Torisakian ice hockey player, was part of the Kira Cult too, and together they would help Kira achieve his goal of a New World by killing those who didn't follow Kiraism, even if that meant killing their own teammates and friends. Thing was, the notebook was never real. None of this was ever real. It was all a fix.

As Johnny got further away, he began to grow weak. He eventually made his way to another small warehouse, where he could hide out until the TCTF taskforce and everyone else were gone. He made his way inside, and tried to walk up some stairs to the top floor, but collapsed on them. As he lay there, he began to grow weaker and weaker, as he bled out from his wounds. He eventually accepted his fate, that this all led to his death, and he could do nothing to stop it. As he shut down, Johnny's last vision was that of Lawliet, the sole and sworn enemy to Kira, standing over him, with the blank expression that everyone said he always had. As he saw him, he finally shut his eyes, and died on the stairs, right in his place in limbo, between Heaven and Hell.

A few hours later, Lucas and Jessica found the warehouse that Johnny had entered earlier, however they had no clue where he went to. As they opened the door and walked inside, they found Johnny's body lying on the stairs, in a peaceful manner. They looked in shock, as the one that they had known for years, and his twisted ways, were finally gone.

End.

by **Nephara** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:00 am

The Dwile Warriors
"Y'know, Hadi... I've grown used to living in Apox. It's a good place to live. Good place to play. But ... it's not without its problems."
Hadrian Belfast chewed a nail. Him and Kieron were the only two in the squad to share a foreign club - and they hung around one another a lot accordingly. But Kieron was getting old nowadays - well, insofar as 33 could be considered old - and tended to share his philosophies with whoever was closest. Of late, that tended to be Hadrian himself.
He sighed. "Problems like what?"
"Well, the kid, for example."
"Oh? How's Karsten doing? He's... eleven, right?"
"Twelve in a couple months. Grades aren't so hot. And, well... he hit a kid."
"What?"
"A few kids. Who he ... anyway, this shrink took a look at him on the school's orders."
Hadrian blinked. "They took him to a shrink?"
"Rook Harm saw a fucking shrink! A shrink is not an emasculatin' fucking concept. Anyway. Said Karsten's got ADD... ADHD, somethin' like that."
"Heard of it. What's that mean? It's one of those... 'just a hyped-up kid' things, right?"
Kieron snorted. "Yeah. Attention-deficit. It's all bollocks, you ask me. They're telling me he fidgets. Fidgets, for fucks sake. What's wrong with that?"
"Not my place to say," said Hadrian, blandly. "So's he like... why's he hitting people?"
"Well. The accent's an issue. And the name. And I dunno, he doesn't think before he speaks. And christ, he's big for his age. On the school rugby team, and all. It's fine. Dumb kids make fun of other dumb kids. We grow."
"I thought it was Karsten as was being mocked?"
"Well, you know," said Kieron evasively. "He beat up some rich nerd and took his money once- a couple times. But that's it. Anyway, they were... well, you know. Nerds. A few beatings are good for 'em in their youth, toughen 'em up."
"School didn't see it that way?"
"'Course it fucking didn't!" Kieron spat on the ground. "I told 'em I'll keep an eye on him. As long as it doesn't take a dark turn late in life, when he has to get his shit together. Needs those core values. For now? Kids scrapping is nothing."
"You know, I think your Karsten's the oldest of the children this squad has. And... the daughter. Franziska, right?"
"She's eight."
"Right. Who else is there?"
Kieron pursed his lips. "Well. Guess we're lucky. Obviously none of the women have that option. Would any even be interested?"
"Doesn't really get in the way for Cath'line, obviously. Or Auburn, for that matter. But ... I think Cathy said she wanted kids one day. Had to give it up for sport."
Kieron sighed. "Pity. She'd be a good mother."
"Yeah. ... I think Snowy's not got kids. I've not, obviously. Rutger's not, Rook's not..." Hadrian tallied the 23-man squad in his head, trailing off in speech. "Right," he said, after a while. "Becky and Paula Finnan. Twins, right? Seven, nine, something like that. Meghan Alsatian - she's around five. Franziska Bittencourt's - what, you didn't know? Yeah, she's a cute kid. Real into the colour red these days. She's six. Reece has a son - Lukas, I think? And Keith's girlfriend's pregnant with a boy."
"What about the new bloke?" Kieron cut in. "Kurt Mathias."
"It's not come up in conversation."
"Wonder what sort of kid that'd have to be," mused the goalkeeper. "Ah well. Kurt seems like a good enough lad."
"He is," said Hadrian firmly. "Wouldn't be here, otherwise."
"It's a good squad overall. And I..."
There was a thoughtful pause.
"I think we can do this," said Kieron simply. "That these lads could go all the way. That's all."
Hadrian nodded. "Whole nation thinks the same. We were three games away last match... and God knows if there's anything we can do..."
Kieron grinned. "It's get to, and win, a final. Come on... let's get back to training. There's work to do."

Presence
There was always time for a little vanity.
Jess Mortlock always kept a full-body mirror in her rather sparse office. As a rule she was at least presentably-dressed - usually dark and conservative clothing. She'd never been delicately-built, and her heavyweight-boxer's physique remained even at 48 - though it had become more heavyweight than boxer recently. Still, she'd aged well, considering; her face was still unlined, her arms still strong. A touch of stoutness, a slightly doubled chin and flecks of grey in her peroxide blonde hair, if anything, only added to her presence.
And, hell, she'd always look good in suits. Dark blue ones especially - with a green tie, for that splash of national pride. Mortlock suffered enough for her country - she could allow herself some vanity.
But it was a grim duty she was now left with. Some of her players had been subpar at best, and she demanded answers.
She looked over the list again, all three of those named waiting outside. Catheline Harper. Hadrian Belfast. And, underlined three times, Rook Cathar.

Catheline was first.
She entered when called, already looking somewhat defensive. Her lean, muscular arms, layered in tattoos, were already crossed in anticipation of a bollocking Catheline apparently didn't feel as though she deserved. And her performances hadn't been that poor... but she'd been clearly frustrated by results of late, and it had been getting to her. She was doing everything in her power to keep onto the place at right midfield she was holding onto by a thread - even if it wasn't for the best of the club.
"You wanted me?" she said, icily.
"Take a seat, Catheline."
"I'll stand-"
"Take a seat, Catheline," Mortlock repeated firmly.
The midfielder cautiously complied.
"So. Tell me the truth. How fucked was your hamstring that last match?"
Catheline blinked. She hadn't been expecting that. "Uh. It. Had a twinge. Nothing more. I could play through the pain-"
"And you did, for fifty minutes, against Arkiasis. Tell me, was it worth it?"
"I gave everything I had-"
"Catheline, I'm going to say something. And you're not going to like it, but you are going to listen. You are thirty-one years old. And you aren't indispensable, either. I don't need you to play through an injury and risk it getting worse in a 3-0 win over Arkiasis, for God's sake. I rotate players precisely to avoid this."
Catheline sighed. "... Well, when you put it like that..."
"I do put it like that. Do you understand now?"
"... I'll be good to start against Vaugania."
"It's nice that you're saying that, but no, you could do with the rest. Kylie will start."
Catheline opened her mouth, closed it, then nodded. "Right. Yeah. I'll. Be more honest in the future about my fitness."
"Just think of the team rather than your personal pride, Cath," sighed Mortlock. "You are the vice-captain, after all."
"You're right. ... Should I call in Hadrian?"
"Yeah."
Catheline nodded again, and excused herself.

Hadrian walked in soon afterwards. Cautious. Guarded. Which was fitting, for a defender. He took the seat once prompted, and met Mortlock's stare dead on. How different from the occasionally brittle, unassuming centreback that had been so promising, yet so raw in the 67th World Cup...
"To be sent off in the twenty-sixth minute," opened Mortlock, "is ... entirely unlike you."
Hadrian just nodded. Mortlock, in response, leaned forward over the desk. Neither was willing to break eye contact.
"You're not just a fringe player bolting into the squad at the last second now," continued the manager. "You're the anchor of our defence. You're meant to be a rock out there. But even before those cautions, you looked out of sorts... is something wrong? Privately?"
Hadrian shook his head.
"Talk to me, Hadrian."
"Nothin' to say, is there? I let you down, and I know that. And you know as I know it, and you can trust as I'll do better."
Mortlock resisted the urge to blink, or move her face at all. But 'acceptance' wasn't what she'd expected, and it had taken her off-guard.
"Is that everything, guv'nor?"
"... Yes. You seem to understand anything I'd try to say, anyway," ended Mortlock, somewhat weakly.
Hadrian nodded. "I'll bring in Rook, I guess. ... Good luck trying to talk sense into him, though."
Before Mortlock could ask what he meant (or, rather, decide whether or not she wanted to), Hadrian had excused himself.

The third to walk in, after some time, was Rook Cathar.
He had started all six matches, albeit being substituted early against Kandorith. From this, he'd scored precisely once. And by God, he looked agitated. For better or worse, having two guys brought in ahead of him had made him utterly furious. He took the seat without asking, or being asked, and seethed quietly in it.
"Well, Rook, you're in a slump, that's for sure," said Mortlock breezily.
"... Next time will be different."
"Will it? You should've chalked up another this match."
"... Bad service. I would've made the best of any chances I had."
Mortlock clicked her tongue. "You're sure about that. I'm not so convinced, me. See, you've played six matches, and been off your game for every. Single. Minute. Bar one, in which you scored a goal that had been coming to us one way or another. You might not be aware of this, but we need to step up to qualify, and nobody needs to step up more than you right now."
Rook looked ready to snap back, but held his tongue. "... Give me more time. The goals are gonna come, I'm fucking telling you!"
"Do we have time, though? I'm not so sure we do. Cheney's champing at the bit to take your place in the squad, and me, I'm startin' to sympathise."
Rook's hand clenched on the desk. He wasn't liking this. Mortlock got the sense that had she been anything other than his direct superior, Rook would've decked her.
"What? You don't agree?" Mortlock leaned closer. "Then prove me wrong. Prove the fucking world wrong. But right now? You're nothing but a waste of a shirt. Convince me otherwise next match."
That had probably been a step too far. Rook looked ready to murder someone, but as long as he wasn't actually going to, then it was all for the better.
He swallowed, with great effort. "I'm excused. Right?"
Mortlock nodded. Rook took four quick strides and slammed the door behind him.
The manager sighed, and deflated a little, before pouring out a glass of fine Cranequin whiskey. When you had a confidence striker in a slump, anyone could tell you you had to build their confidence. But confidence was more or less the last thing Rook needed... and with luck, a dose of humility would get him back on his feet.
And if not? Well... there was always Cheney Bittencourt.

by **Yttribia** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:37 am

Part A
Part B

Aurelio really hated the military. He really did. He'd rather be playing football, but instead, he was drafted to play for a team almost no one else wanted to play for at the time. The Yttribian Armed Forces.

However, as much as Aurelio wanted to leave, he had the autocratic General Jo watching his every move. He thought in his mind "A walking example of those generals from those old movies I watched." The extremely hot sun made walking in their heavy uniforms a doozy for the Yttribian soldiers. What shit could he do about it though? Running through his mind was the thought of accidentally getting out of line, and receiving a surprise execution on the spot with the Ohm, and be left behind in the pool of blood that might have ensued? Or the thought that he would miraculously save the entire troop, and receive the highest honor of the Ximena Medal? Honestly, Aurelio could care less. The barren, and desolate streets of Neorudo were enough of a distraction to keep him focused on the assault, as the vehicles rolled into Neorudo.

The town itself was dead. No sign of intelligent life out there yet. The cars began to roll in town, and the eventual consensus was made by the Generals from both nations to dispatch their troops to different sections of the city. Aurelio's troop were all dispatched to the northernmost section of the city. Before everyone went out in search of the three remaining members of the Ohm faction, General Jo hopped out of his car to speak with the troop. "I want you guys to know that there are several extra weapons in the trunk, that you can use along with them Uzis you got on you, alright?" The troop replied in unity "Yes, sir." Jo let out a heavy sigh and smiled. "Even though we barely met, I'd like to let you all know that you are the reason why Yttribia is strong." General Jo went back to his vehicle, as all of the cars drove off into their designated section, as did Aurelio's.

The drive to their designated area was extremely boring, and one that was lackluster. However, once the cars had reached their final destination, and all vehicles were parked, each soldier was paired with two others, as they wanted to be even with the three members of the Ohm faction. Lieutenant Donnersmark gathered the troop up, and had them huddle for 'encouraging' talk. "Do this for our country. Do it or else you'll be fucked." All of the other soldiers, ranging from privates to sergeants were all scared as shit at the thought of being shot by Donnersmark in the head with no hesitation.

Aurelio had the 'benefit' of ending up with two other privates in his group, as the three began to look through this somewhat large building, trying to find three needles in a haystack. Six floors, a broken elevator, countless kilograms of added on weight, and extreme heat made this a fun day for Aurelio, as he could be written in either Syndicatian or Yttribian history books in the future. The three began their treacherous search, hoping all three of them would come out alive. Nothing was on the ground floor of the building, whatsoever. Kicking down doors, making sure there were no members inside was somewhat challenging. After every section of the floor was searched, and cleared, the trio went up another flight of stairs, in which they repeated the same process, to another failure. Doors kicked down, rooms searched, no one in sight. Twenty feet down, forty more feet to go through, at worst.

Third floor. Aurelio and the two other soldiers had an odd feeling about this floor, feeling that there was someone on this floor, and that they were the ones. Aurelio tried to talk the other two soldiers, twins Ron and Don, into knocking the doors down instead of Aurelio, who had done this for the past two floors. Ron and Don didn't oblige with Aurelio's pleas. In result, came one thing Aurelio hated the most, more than his conscription into the military. Fear. He just loathed the entire concept of it, seeing that it made him weak. However, in a situation like this, he just couldn't ignore it. It was there with him. And so, he began to kick doors down, one by one. With his gun in his two hands, the sole of his foot made a great battering ram, as each door was knocked down one by one.

Eleven rooms, and so far? Not a single person to be found. The feeling that there was someone on this floor was diminishing, as was the general idea that someone happened to be inside the building, even town. Aurelio approached the twelfth door of this floor, and with sheer force, and sheer brutality, he began to kick the door as hard as he could. Surprisingly, the door was protected more than it usually was, but the door couldn't budge forever, seeing as the boots were pushing the door, trying to break it open. On one final kick, the door swung open, and inside, were three men. "The last three..." Aurelio muttered, seeing the last three surviving members of the Ohm faction on curled up in a corner.

Without hesitation, Aurelio fired rounds at the three remaining members. Blood began to drip, and the bodies turned into corpses. After a minute, the Uzi had fired all possible ammunition. But that wasn't an issue, for Aurelio had killed the final three members of the Ohm faction, something the Syndicate once thought that was almost impossible, was finished. The Ohm had officially died, and Aurelio would become the man known as the guy who finished it all.

[OOC: Context]

It had been two months ever since the assassination of Brent Stephenson had occurred, and things were finally getting back to normal. Porter Augustin had placed the young Wilhelm Vaal in Stephenson's seat. In those two months, the Government had begun a full on investigation of what went wrong with the scientists, and what went wrong with Brent Stephenson. It was a tough time for the country, as the only thing they really had looking up for them was the sheer idea of playing host to a Cup of Harmony, and the optimism that is qualification for the World Cup. And it was that time of the month. Porter Augustin had to clean up his office, and that meant he was going to deliver his monthly televised address.

The office inside was organized perfectly beyond belief. A large, mahogany desk graced the room, with a one of a kind leather chair right behind it. Behind that was a large window, in which the Fontvieille skyline was visible, with various sights in the distance. One one side of the desk, a vase filled with purple tulips, the national flower. Just across from that was a small Yttribian flag, in a small flag holder. Porter Augustin's office was nicer than it usually was, seeing as he had to clean it up. Well, one of his unlucky interns had to clean the mess up, because Augustin just had to get ready to sit down at the desk, and begin to speak to the forty-six million Yttribians watching at home. For his office became a television studio that day. The smell of the re-done mahogany desk was persistent throughout the room, as the small crew of three people were finishing up all final touches to the room for national transmission.

Meanwhile, outside of his own office, the man himself was getting ready to appear on national television live. He had a single make-up artist working with him, as his personal waiting lobby was closed off to any other guests. Foundations, toning, that sort of thing that Porter never really enjoyed. He tried his best not to squirm in the chair as that single make up artist tried her best to make Porter "Look like the man, after acting like the one." He just thought the entire process was a waste of time, but was told countless times to "Be patient, because you'd rather have to had struggled for beauty than be relaxed and hideous." And so he complied. Quite surprisingly, his make-up artist of around sixty-seven or so was the only person Porter actually took orders from. Sure, he may have listened to countless people and their ideas or suggestions in the past, but not follow through, but his make-up artist was the only person in the whole multiverse to take orders from. And so he did.

One of the young crew members popped out of the office, trying to locate where Porter Augustin was. After finding him still being touched up by his make-up artist, he coughed somewhat loudly before talking. "Excuse me, Miss Ethel? Is the Supreme Administrator ready to appear on camera? We're about to go live in five minutes." Ethel sneered at the young worker, as she looked over and talked. "He's ready when I'm done with him." Ethel the make-up artist worked on some finishing touches with his make-up. "You're all set, Administrator Augustin." Porter stood up from the chair as he took off the a towel which had been wrapped around his neck, in order to prevent the make-up falling onto his suit. "T-thank you...Mother." He walked into the office, as he sat down into the chair which he had sat in countless times. He looked through the window over his shoulder before looking at the camera and teleprompter. As the cameraman began to signal down from ten, Porter took a deep breath and let all of his stress flow out.

"Three, two, one."

A musical intro can be heard in the background as the broadcast has officially gone live on CdRY 1. His teleprompter slowly began to start moving as the musical introduction had ended. He broke a small smile as his face was now seen on all televisions tuned to the main channel. His soothing deep voice calmed most viewers, as he began to talk not into the camera as he put it, but to the people.

"Good evening, Yttribia. As we all sadly know, today marks the two month anniversary of the death of our colleague, Junior Administrator Brent Stephenson. He was one of our keynote speakers at the Corvax Conference for Confidence in the Confederation a year ago, and his death came far too soon. Two months ago as well, the Confederation lost three stellar scientists from Fontvieille University to the ruthless and evil minds behind the corrupt and demented nation of San José Guayabal. We continue to fight for Brent's justice, as he helped mold our great nation into what it was today. As a Party, we are determined to never let go of what happened to our three scientists, and are determined to exact our revenge. Members from across regional Parliaments had been selected by the Council to form a committee to figure out what happened to Junior Administrator Stephenson. After two months of deliberation, we have determined that these attacks were also committed by filthy Guayabalense hands. (OOC: They weren't.) I understand that there are Yttribians of Guayabalense descent, and I understand that they may be treated harshly because of their heritage. However, fear not, for they are Guayabalense by descent only, and Yttribian in their mind, heart, and blood. After deliberation with our other Council members, we have come to a conclusion to declare war on San José Guayabal, and their allies: Rüntenbach, and the Collective Sunrise Islands. I am also hereby openly inviting our friends from the Corvidae Collective, consisting of The Inevitable Syndicate, Felix, The Sarian, and Farfadillis, to meet up with each other in an undisclosed Yttribian city to discuss this matter in great detail and extent.

I would also like to send a hefty dose of congratulations to our chaps in the Mertagne for taking down the Ohm with our allies from The Inevitable Syndicate. The job was difficult, but it was do-able. And of course, the job was finished with flawless execution. I personally would like to welcome the troops participating in the exercise with open arms. It is now up to the rest of our Armed Forces to take down the excuses for nations that are those three. As we, under one banner, the Corvidae banner, would like to show the entire world the change we wish to see. And that change will be brought to the masses by reason, or by force. I ask that you, Yttribia, can unite as one to fight the evil left in our world, for the future is yours.

I ask that you rest easy, Yttribia. For we get to work tomorrow. For we get to work for a better world. Good night."

The room faded to black, as Augustin's Monthly Address to the Nation had ended.

A young vexillographer who had been working with the Yttribian resistance had been hearing over what was going on in the monthly Address. He had been coming up with ideas for the Resistance's flag, and finish sketching up a rough idea of what the flag might look like. "Hey Owen, you might wanna check this out..." The young man had called for the leader of the Resistance to come look at the flag he made. After a while, Owen came down. Noticing the man sitting down who was finishing up the flag, he came over to see what it would look like.

"Yes?" He saw the flag's design before him, and looked in awe.

"It's beautiful..."

by **The Royal Barangay** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:55 am

Five Takeaways from The Royal Barangay vs. Red Blackiland
From a fan's point of view
Seen on barangayanblogs.co.trb

1. Adrian Magcaleng can still play international football. He was given his first start of the season by manager Rick Martinez, and performed well, scoring the solitary goal that kept the Barangayans in the lead of group nine with no points dropped. His performance overall in the pitch showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with despite his increasing age.

2. Rick Martinez could have played his reserves, but opted to play with his regular squad. It was a head-scratcher for Martinez to not utilize his reserves, especially with a crucial game against Bloumany upcoming. The regular squad, despite winning, failed to convert many chances that came their way. The younger ones could have used their opportunity to prove their are worthy of inclusion in the squad.

3. Whether the manager's decision would compromise the Agilang Dilaw's performance against the top seed is to be determined. He still has a full strength squad in his disposal; however, facing a side they faced before and lost to will give them an extra motivation that they could defeat them. However, fitness levels might come into play and confidence of possible players to be subbed in will also be tested.

4. The Agilang DIlaw still remember the 4-3 defeat the Eagles inflicted at Free Republics. It was a painful defeat after a possible group progression (or even a group win) in the World Cup finals were denied by a defeat to this nation. I would not give more details on that loss, but one thing is sure, there will be fireworks in Stadium Bloumany.

5. At least one team could remain unbeaten after the first half of qualifiers. Group 9 has been exciting so far, with the Agilang Dilaw currently leading Blouman Empire by two points, caused by a surprising draw by the Eagles away at Red Blackiland. The Barangayans were also unconvincing in their wins over lower seeds, and this match could see at least one or both teams remain undefeated. I hope the Agilang Dilaw could maintain a perfect record come half time, but yeah, anything could happen.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 1:46 am

Scores

And to take us into the mid-qualifying break, the chaps over at the Imperial Anacreontic Society would like to regale us all with a charming ditty about intwining "The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine"; wot.

To ANACREON in Heav'n, where he sat in full Glee,
A few Sons of Harmony sent a Petition,
That He their Inspirer and Patron wou'd be;
When this Answer arriv'd from the JOLLY OLD GRECIAN
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,
"No longer be mute,
"I'll lend you my Name and inspire you to boot,
"And, besides, I'll instruct you like me, to intwine
"The Myrtle of VENUS with BACCHUS's Vine.

2
The news through OLYMPUS immediately flew;
When OLD THUNDER pretended to give himself Airs_
If these Mortals are suffer'd their Scheme to pursue,
The Devil a Goddess will stay above Stairs.
"Hark! already they cry,
"In Transports of Joy
"Away to the Sons of ANACREON we'll fly,
"And there, with good Fellows, we'll learn to intwine
"The Myrtle of VENUS with BACCHUS'S Vine.

3
"The YELLOW-HAIR'D GOD and his nine fusty Maids
"From HELICON'S Banks will incontinent flee,
"IDALIA will boast but of tenantless Shades,
"And the bi-forked Hill a mere Desart will be
"My Thunder, no fear on't,
"Shall soon do it's Errand,
"And, dam'me! I'll swinge the Ringleaders I warrant,
"I'll trim the young Dogs, for thus daring to twine
"The Myrtle of VENUS with BACCHUS'S Vine.

4
APOLLO rose up; and said, "Pr'ythee ne'er quarrel,
"Good King of the Gods with my Vot'ries below:
"Your Thunder is useless_then, shewing his Laurel,
Cry'd. "Sic evitabile fulmen, you know!
"Then over each Head
"My Laurels I'll spread
"So my Sons from your Crackers no Mischief shall dread,
"Whilst snug in their Club-Room, they Jovially twine
"The Myrtle of VENUS with BACCHUS'S Vine.

5
Next MOMUS got up, with his risible Phiz,
And swore with APOLLO he'd cheerfull join_
"The full Tide of Harmony still shall be his,
"But the Song, and the Catch, & the Laugh shall bemine
"Then, JOVE, be not jealous
Of these honest Fellows,
Cry'd JOVE, "We relent, since the Truth you now tell us;
"And swear, by OLD STYX, that they long shall entwine
"The Myrtle of VENUS with BACCHUS'S Vine.

6
Ye Sons of ANACREON, then, join Hand in Hand;
Preserve Unanimity, Friendship, and Love!
'Tis your's to support what's so happily plann'd;
You've the Sanction of Gods, and the FIAT of JOVE.
While thus we agree
Our Toast let it be.
May our Club flourish happy, united and free!
And long may the Sons of ANACREON intwine
The Myrtle of VENUS with BACCHUS'S Vine.

OOC: Sing to the tune of the Star-Spangled Banner. These are in fact the original words to the tune that later became the US national anthem.

by **Paradystopia** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 3:18 am

Denouement

Parte, th'Foorth
Parte, th'Thirdde, Parte, th'Thirdde-nd-abyt, Parte, th'Thirdde-nd-abytmoor, Parte, th'Not-quyt-th'foorth-yet
Parte, th'Seckond
Parte, th'Fyrst

A machine grunted from the corner of the room causing Psi to snap from his reverie. He was surrounded by a swathe of computers and esoteric devices all bound to the same task and was so accustomed to the monotonous drones each iota of technology emitted that a break in their routine was all the more noticable. It was however, nothing and the grunting machine began again it's usual cycle of labourious inhales and wheezes. Closing his eyes, Psi readjusted the facemask and reclined back into his chair with a healthy lungful of oxygen and the mechanical symphony triumphant around him. 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' Something he'd read in an apparently religious book seized from some tourists. Written by Twentysix Fortyone, which seemed a feasible Communadi name, even if Twentysix apparently went by the name of 'Matthew'. However, it's an apt phrase. So very, very apt given current circumstance.
Psi was dying. In spite of all he had accomplished, in spite of everything, there was no escape this time. His body was decaying rapidly and although a younger self would simply have switched bodies, his mind was soon to follow and Psi could tolerate physical death a lot more than he could tolerate the idea of a mental death. A younger self would have attempted to convert his psyche into computer form once again, a glorious recreation of his escape from the bowels of Muskul'Nuul and proceed to live indefinitely within the gargantuan information mainframe of the Glorious Commune. The tests they had done had proved inconclusive as to whether this would work and the likeliness that he could avoid mental degradation was minimal. The most likely outcome was that his being would become fragmented in the computer realm and the individual pieces consumed by the many anti-virus protocols. He had to be strong to live in that world and strength was something he did not possess in any form of abundance. Currently, all he was focused upon was making it through the upcoming meeting without the need of his life support. There was still his public image to maintain until a successor could be found.
The Krenek bloodline ended with him. Sigismund Krenek; the Glorious Creator, Holy Father of the Glorious Commune had bore no children and his clones had all been hunted down and mercilessly executed so that Psi, the lone creation of Alpha was the last of his kind. The end of an era was fast approaching. The Communadi citizens were growing restless as the rigorous chain of command they were so used to was beginning to split at the seams, there were rumours that the peoples of Apox and Ruenterbach were thinking of invasion and with the Esportivan Council of Nations recently relocating to Apox, Paradystopi diplomacy was unlikely to stop a war if the Apoxians wanted it. Psi had even contemplated an alliance with the Corvidae, but he would not accept another man as his leader and given that the Ruenterbachians, or whatever they called themselves, were part of the anti-Corvidae lot such a decision would be tantamount to politely asking to be invaded and changing the nation's flag to one of pure white. No, there had to be another way.
The only thing he still held the smallest amount of trust in was the Paradystopi Commonwealth. The Paradystopi colonies had little might alone, but together ... Together they could surely rival anyone. Invitations had been despatched to the leaders and governing bodies of the Commonwealth states; The High Council of the Lymrykers; Supreme Matriarch Olga Fasog of the Arka; Self-appointed Autocrat of the Mousebaneska, Lucifer Fluffy; The Jujooan Grandmaster Shaman and even King Rolf I of the Kinshishish. No invitation had been declined and the time was nearly upon them. The first meeting of the Commonwe...

"*huKahk!*"

Psi coughed loudly and a trickle of red leaked from the corner of his mouth. Dabbing it away with his finger, he mused on the crimson liquid. Life was escaping him, fighting it's way to exit every orifice he possessed. The last of Krenekian blood, dribbling from the lips of it's last survivor in the most ignoble fashion. Blood ...
Slowly, he reached for his pen and scratched the word 'Commonwealth' from a sheet which lay across his lap. So vigorously was his scribbling, the paper buckled and tore beneath the angry nib. He wrote a single word below the hole he had just made and smiled.

Consanguinity

All he needed now was for the scientists to hurry up with their experiments. Then he'd be able to make the other leaders an offer they surely couldn't refuse.

by **Schottia** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 4:22 am

Dissatisfied

Part Five

The sound out the key in the door brought Gary back out of his dream. A moment of panic, had he been sitting on the floor all day? What time was it now?

'Training cancelled,' said Karen, slamming the keys down on the table. She shot a glance at Gary who was slumped against the wall sitting in front of the clock, still holding the note. 'What have you done all morning? I mean Gary you need to get a grip.' She marched through to the kitchen, still he said nothing.

'So does that mean we can have a sofa day?' Gary eventually asked. 'I guess if you can't train because of the snow.' He knew the answer already as she emerged from the kitchen, glass of fruit juice in hand.

'I'm going to the gym. I can't afford to take time off. And listen, take a shower or something Gary, please. You are a professional footballer, for god's sake.' With that she was gone again, leaving him to his thoughts.

The hope of adventure was not completely quashed it him, but Karen had given it a good trampling. By what, speaking to him? By being abrupt. But that was just the way she was. He did still love her that was important. He pulled himself up to the table. There sat a football sticker of Karen in her Lammerton strip, a mug shot. She must have kept it a memento, unusually sentimental for the ice queen. He peeled the back of the sticker and stuck it to the edge of the table so it was at eye level when he sat back down.

---

Not long after mid day Gary was felling better and was suited and booted to head out. All weather jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, and boots. He was going to see Abigail, to tell her about the development regarding the note. Visiting her was difficult as she didn't own a phone and her boat was not always moored in the same place. He kind of liked this. After a few attempts he eventually found the vessel about a mile down the canal-way heading out of town. His knock on the door was answered by a sleepy looking Abigail still clutching a dog-eared volume of Dante's Inferno.

'Gary! Come in and get your jacket off.' She beamed warmly retreating back down into the cabin. The cabin, that sounded great. Gary entered behind her not before dusting of some of the snow from his hat and shoulders. 'Hang on, I'll put the kettle on.' Music to his ears. 'Tea or coffee?' Could he dare to have yet another coffee? Hang it all. Better being hung for a sheep than a lamb.

'I'll take a coffee.' He sat down at the narrow table in Abigail's boat, the ceiling nearly scraping his head. He had visited her twice already in the three weeks since they had met. He really had to remember to give people a chance when he met them. What was it that kept binging him here? Was it her, or the boat? She was definitely attractive: in a weird way. Although a bit underweight for his particular taste. Particular taste! That's a bit rich. It makes him sound like an expert on women. Coming from a man who had only ever slept with one woman. No. He was certainly no expert.

'So, to what do I owe the pleasure Mr Corsie?' She asked plonking a huge mug of coffee down in front of him. It was obvious from the way she was dressed that Abigail had had no intention of leaving the house today, loose fitted top over and an old pair of Simpsons boxers. This put him at ease a little. He loved the fact that she did so little. He guessed that there were several days that she would do nothing at all.

'Okay. I was going to say sit down but you are already sitting so no need.' He said checking the temperature of the cup.

'Hang on, I'll stand up.' Abigail jumped to attention, nearly smacking her head of the top of the boat. 'I have always wanted someone to tell me to take a seat, before delivering exciting news.' She giggled, looking down at him.

'How do you know it was going to be good news.'

'Oh crap, you're not ill are you?'

'No I'm not ill! Okay, it is good news but that could have been a dangerous assumption.' He checked the temperature of the coffee again. Jesus how had she somehow made coffee that was over 100 degrees. 'Right then,' he said leaning in across the table, playing along. 'Abigail, I have something to tell you. You, eh, may want to sit down.'

'What is it Gary? Tell me.' She said sitting down slowly, placing a hand on top of his own. This was too much contact; he already wasn't sure how he felt. But her hand is still there, a nice warm comforting hand. She is leaning in close, she is probably just playing along but it's still too much. - Don't forget to speak!

'Eh um eh. I need to come clean about the clock.' It was the change in conversation he needed to pull his had away. He told her the whole story about the clock and how he had lied regarding it belonging to him. He told her about the letter as well and how he felt he had to pass on that message to the rightful recipient. It was surprising how much it was a weight off his mind telling her this. He explained how he had no idea about the best way to go tracking the person down. He just thought that she might want to help.

'That's okay.' She said after listening to him intently. 'I maybe haven't been totally truthful either. The thing is, I do know who the owner of the clock was.' Gary could feel his chest pounding with excitement. 'The clock used to belong to my father.'

by **Electrum** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 4:57 am

Part 4 - Day 3 - Trial Day 1, Part 1

Intro|Part 1|Part 2|Part 3

Breakfast

Justin Themis is on the phone speaking to a friend of his, another prosecutor that he was friends with whilst in law school.

Justin Themis: As you can see... We are stuck in a tight spot here. We already told the police about the kidnapping... But I can't see Aitkens cooperating....

Prosecutor Keyes: Justin, just don't worry about it, maybe things will work out for you today.

Justin Themis: Are you kidding me Paul? She wants my head on a platter after I ruined her so-called "victory"!

Prosecutor Keyes: What makes you so sure that she's taking this case?

Justin Themis: Well duh, she's been investigating and yelling at poor Raynald

Prosecutor Keyes: yes, poor Raynald. Anyways, I best be off. It's very early in the morning, and I have an emergency trial I need to cover today. Good bye Justin.

Justin Themis: Bye!

Prosecutor Keyes: I pray that somehow, Rachael comes back alive.

Justin Themis: Me too.

Courtroom Lobby

Kazuyuki Shirai: You mean... she did it all along?

Justin Themis: Yes, that's the only explanation.

Kazuyuki Shirai: No way! I work for her! Why would she do such a thing?

Justin Themis: She needed a scapegoat... and she must have planted some evidence on you....

Kazuyuki Shirai: I was napping during the murder! Tell them that!

Kira Mayuno: Sorry Kazuyuki, in the court of law, it's evidence or nothing. Sorry, but we can't rely on that testimony.

Justin Themis: That's right...

Kira Mayuno: Justin, today's the day. We need to acquit him today if we want Rachael back.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Justin's radio transmitter started beeping. It meant that the assassin was ringing up.

Darkshade: This is the day of the trial.

Kira Mayuno: Rachael! How is she!

Darkshade: Don't worry about her. People don't die easily. You should concentrate on the matter at hand.

Kira Mayuno: Gah!

Darkshade: Let's just say... I left a suprise for you in this trial. Accept this present that I'm about to ahnd you.

Justin Themis: What?

*Dialtone*

Kazuyuki Shirai: Who was that?

Justin Themis: Oh, no worries.

Courtroom 3 - Provincial Court of Greater Centralis

Clerk: All rise for the trial of Kazuyuki Shirai in the case of Shirai vs Greater Centralis. Shirai is currently accused of murder. How do you plead?

Kazuyuki Shirai: Not guilty.

Clerk: With formalities done, it is now time to hand this trial over to our judge. Members of the gallery, please be aware that this trial is the first
under the new inquisitorial system.

Judge: Yes. Are the prosecution and defense ready?

Justin Themis: Counsel ready.

Kira Mayuno: Co-counsel ready.

Judge: Prosecution? What happened to Prosecutor Aitkens?

Justin Themis: I have no idea, no honour.

Judge: Well in that case, I will have to suspend proceedings at the--

Clerk: Your honour, we have just received word from the Public Prosecutions service that Prosecutor Aitkens has been shot by an unknown assailant.

Judge: WHAT?

Kira Mayuno: This must be that present he was talking about... She is hell bent on destroying us.... so I guess his could be a good thing

Justin Themis: Clerk, is she alright?

???: Yes. She's fine.

Justin Themis: Wait--- it's you!

A young prosecutor of about Justin's age takes the stand. He was Prosecutor Keyes... a prosecutor that went way back with Justin Themis. In fact, they went to the same law school with each other and were close friends.

Justin Themis: Keyes? What are you doing here? You're not rostered with this case?

Prosecutor Keyes: Yes but this was an emergency. Aitkens is now undergoing surgery for her bullet wound, but I have decided to take this case at the last minute. The prosecution is ready to find Kazuyuki Shirai guilty.

Kira Mayuno: Justin, I have the feeling that this present might have been a bad idea....

Justin Themis: I'm not so sure. He knows...

Kira Mayuno: How?

Justin Themis: I'll explain later, but he knows about the kidnapping.

Prosecutor Keyes: The prosecution would like to call Officer Mark Raynald to the stand!

Clerk: Call Detective Mark Raynald

Judge: Please state your name and profession to the court.

Det. Raynald: I am Mark Raynald, detective, murders division.

Kira Mayuno: Time to get ready Justin, we are in the fight of our lives, and Rachael's as well.

Detective Raynald's Testimony: The facts of this case
----------------------------------------
1. The murder happened at approximately 6pm

2. The victim's information is detailed in this autopsy report

3. The cause of death was most certainly unnatural

4. The evidence pointed to Kazuyuki as the killer
----------------------------------------

Judge: Mr. Themis, you may cross examine.

Lawyer Justin Themis knew that this case looked solid. He needed to find some contradictions and fast if he wanted to save her life.

Justin Themis: What makes you so sure that the murder happened at 6pm?

Det. Raynald: We could tell from the body's temperature, the estimated time of death. We could also extrapolate the time from when another person found the body

(Justin: Azai, the person who was the murderer ... supposedly found the body)

Justin Themis: Could you give us a timeline of what happened?

Det. Raynald: Sure. First, the murder happened at 6PM in Hughes's room. The condition of the room was awful. Everything was on the floor, except for a singular bottle. When Azai Kanon came in at 6.30PM for a meeting of some nature that we're unaware of, she found him dead in the room. Police were called and arrived at 7PM. Unfortunately, we don't have any CCTV footage of the lobby, but we do know how he died.

Judge: Who is this Azai Kanon?

Det. Raynald: A citizen of Mizuyuki. She was due to give evidence on Jack Hughes's corruption, and is now under an inquiry for the MIU, whose trial was supposed to start today. Anyways, she was going for a prescheduled meeting with him when she found the body. Here is the autopsy.

Justin Themis: What about the cause of death which was unnatural?

Det. Raynald: Well as you are well aware, there was a knife stuck in his body. But that... that's not the true cause of death. Cause of death was strangulation, and we knew this by measuring levels of oxygen in the blood, which is far lower than what we'd normally suspect in a stabbing.

EVIDENCE: AUTOPSY - Time of death: 6pm, Death was immediate and was caused by a strangulation.

(Strange... this must be a new development. We didn't know anything about the strangulation... Mark probably just found out as well)

Justin Themis: Then what about the knife?

Det. Raynald: Obviously they were trying to put off the investigation. Any real forensic expert would know that the knife was placed there after the strangulation as a red herring. It has Shirai's fingerprints on it.

EVIDENCE: KNIFE - It was found stuck in the body of Jack Hughes. Bears fingerprints of Kazuyuki. Contains the hotel's logo on it.

Prosecution: I think that's enough information. Let's move on. Why exactly was Kazuyuki accused of being a murderer if the cause of death was strangulation and the knife was plunged into Hughes after he died? There was more than enough evidence which suggested that Kazuyuki did in fact kill Hughes.

Judge: Yes. Officer, please continue testifying.

Detective Raynald's Testimony: Why arrest Kazuyuki?
----------------------------------------
1. Kazuyuki Shirai personally knew Hughes

2. We have got decisive evidence found on Shirai's body which points to him being the murderer...

3. The fingerprints were smudged all along the knife, but they belonged to Kazuyuki Shirai

4. The knife was brought into the room from the shared room. 
----------------------------------------

Justin Themis: Kazuyuki personally knew Hughes.... How?

Det. Raynald: We are aware of some inquiries made by Hughes on Kazuyuki Shirai, but we are unsure as to what they are really about. Shirai knows that he was been investigated by some authorities under Jack Hughes's control, even after he was sacked by the government

Kira Mayuno: Don't you think it's a bit weird that he ordered an investigation after he was sacked?

Justin Themis: Another question to add to the list.

Justin Themis: Tell me a bit more about this 'evidence.'

Det. Raynald: We found a bloodied button in Kazuyuki's jacket pocket. It must have dropped from the suit while he was being strangled and fell straight into X's pocket.

(Justin Themis: Oh boy. They have a knife and a button. We're in a world of trouble now.)

EVIDENCE: BUTTON - Bloodied. Must be Hughes's blood. It was found in a red jumper found in the defendant's room.

Justin Themis: How do you know that the button belonged to the victim

Det. Raynald: The victim's blood is on it. Isn't that proof enough?

Justin Themis: What if someone smeared the blood after the death to implicate Kazuyuki?

Det. Raynald: Er... help me Prosecutor!

Prosecutor Keyes: It perfectly matches the other buttons, and there's a missing button on Hughes's suit.

Kira Mayuno: Damn. Can't discredit this evidence

Justin Themis: Ok... going by a different tact, how was the knife held? Was it held by the handle, or the blade or was it --

Prosecutor Keyes: Enough with the silly questions. He said that the fingerprints were smudged throughout the entire length of the knife. There's no way that we can determine the exact positioning of the knife.

(Not again! This is not going well...)

Kira Mayuno: What about that last statement of his?

Justin Themis: What are you trying to suggest with that last statement, may I ask, Detective?

Det. Raynald: That this murder was in fact premeditated.

Justin Themis: No way could this be premeditated! If it were premediated, wouldn't he use a different knife?

Det. Raynald: Sorry. This isn't just any knife, you can't really use it for anything. So for him to bring a useless knife with him into the room means that it was premeditated.

Objection! The murder was premeditated because the knife was bought in beforehand?

Det. Raynald: Yup. The defendant clearly bought this knife in with one very specific purpose...

Justin Themis: He didn't buy this knife.

Det. Raynald: How on earth could you know that?

Justin Themis: It has the hotel's seal on it....

Kira Mayuno: And if it has the hotel's seal on it, then there's no way that it could be premeditated.

Prosecutor Keyes: We've already determined whether or not this knife constitutes premeditated murder.

Justin Themis: How so?

Prosecutor Keyes: Yes this is hotel property, but the real question is where does the knife come from?

Justin Themis: Isn't it obvious? It came from the victim's room.

Proescutor Keyes: Wrong. There is a full set of cutlery in that room. However, if it pleases the court, there is a single knife that is missing from the set. Yes. In fact, the knife was brought intentionally from their room to Hughes's room. And if the knife had to be moved, it becomes a fact that this was premeditated.

Judge: Thank you for that concise explanation. I feel that there is enough evidence to hand down my verdict. I find the defendant, Kazuyuki....

Prosecutor Keyes: Although I believe that there is enough evidence to convict.... I believe you may need to delay your judgement a little bit longer as there is some more evidence which can shed some more light onto the matter. We hear the defense has additional evidence that they need to present.

Judge: I warn you lawyer, if you do not present a piece of evidence which is relevant to this trial, then we will have no choice but to rule in favour of the prosecution.

(I'm stuck in a corner now. If I choose wrong, then it all ends for my assistant.... What to present?)

Judge: Is that true, lawyer? What is it?

Justin Themis: Well there's one piece of evidence I can think of... something odd... something that doesn't fit in. It's this.... wine bottle.Your Honour, you need to remember that the room was found in an unkempt position. All of the things on the table have flown off except for a singular object, this wine glass.

Judge: Prosecutor, could you just confirm that?

Proescutor Keyes: Yup. The only thing that did not fall over - it seems - is this wine bottle.

Justin Themis: And this warrants further investigation!

....

....

....

....

Justin Themis: Any thoughts?

Judge: It is out of the ordinary... Prosecutor, your thoughts?

Prosecutor: Obviously, the bottle was put there after the crime took place, and who placed it there? Of course, it would be the discoverer of the body, Azai Kanon. She could have been so shocked that she put the bottle down after bringing it in after it happened.

Judge: That seems like a plausible explanation. Your thoughts, defense lawyer?

(This trial will be over if I don't object...)

Justin Themis: I don't have anything!

Kira Mayuno: Don't worry, I got this.

Kira Mayuno: We would like to request an explanation. How does the prosecution know that Azai Kanon was the one that set it on the table?

Judge: Fair Enough. Prosecution, could you substantiate your claims?

Proescutor Keyes: Everything I say is well reasoned. Of course I can substantiate the claims. Do you think I would not notice it? We have performed a fingerprint analysis. There was only one set of fingerprints found.

Judge: Whose were they?

Prosecutor Keyes: They belonged to Azai Kanon, as I said.

WHAT?

EVIDENCE: WINE BOTTLE - Has Azai Kanon's fingerprints on them

Prosecutor Keyes: Yes. Azai Kanon went into the room with a wine bottle, presumably as a present where she saw Hughes. She immediately put the bottle on the table when she saw what happened. It's elementary really.

Judge: I see no reason to prolong the inevitable. It is clear that the prosecution has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt that----

Prosecutor: OBJECTION! The prosecution has another witness who saw the murderer walk out of the room.

Judge: But---

(He's handing me a life line here...)

Justin Themis: Your honour! We must examine this testimony immediately! The defense supports the prosecution.

Prosecutor: And it just so happens that this person is present in court right now. I call Angel Meyer!

(What the? What is he doing?)

Kira Mayuno: He's had plenty of opportunities to knock us out, but he hasn't. I think we should just /trust/ his judgement.

Justin Themis: Kira! It's her!

Kira Mayuno: Just laugh and smile in the face of it. It's what Rachael would want.

by **HopNation** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:09 am

HopNation Hops
National Fußball Team News
Game Seven
World Cup 69 – the Cup for Chaps

Group 1
Plc Nation	Pts  +/-
1   Mizuyuki	18    +11
2   NSI		16    +6
3   Thatius	14    +5
4   HopNation	11    +6
5   Jeckland	8       0
6   Evraim	7       0
7   Jecatria	3      -15
8   Tryienne	2      -13

Matches
MD1:  vs NSI
MD2:  @ Evraim
MD3:  vs Jeckland
MD4:  @ Jecatria
MD5:  vs Mizuyuki
MD6:  @ Thatius
MD7:  vs Tryienne
Break (30^th + 31^st)
MD8:  @ NSI
MD9:  vs Evraim
MD10: @ Jeckland
MD11: vs Jecatria
MD12: @ Mizuyuki
MD13: vs Thatius
MD14: @ Tryienne
Win | Draw | Loss

Well did you expect anything else from today’s match? Probably not, well perhaps we allowed 2 two many goals but scoring 6 was nice. It was a decent game, rather lopsided but decent nonetheless. This was also the last game of the first leg too, so now we start all over again and try and do better on the race to the World Cup Proper. I feel we have an uphill battle ahead of us here as well as it will not be easy to change the results of some of those games that didn’t go our way. Let’s take for example the NSI game. We took the Vaporeons to a 2-2 draw at home, but now we must travel to their stomping grounds and play at Union Stadium. I do not see us matching this score line, keep it close sure but I’m for some reason feeling a loss this time. I know I know that’s not being very supportive of our chaps now is it, but I’m just pointing out some realities here and trying to give a fair assessment of what is likely to happen. Anywho lets move on shall we? The other game I think we’ll struggle in will be against Mizuyuki. Sure we kept things interesting, but again this game was at home so no real surprises there. This time we will face the Nova on their soil and they again will get the best of us. There are two other games I’m a bit concerned about, the first being against Evraim. They have proven to be a formittable foe and if we are not ready to play we could once again see a draw come out of that match. The second is Jeckland, as one never really knows what to expect when facing them. They have had some really good games and well some not so good games to be honest. Then there is Thatius who handed us a loss, but a road loss and if memory serves me anything it was only by a goal, so this time could go either way. The couple teams not mentioned should be easy wins even when on the road, but one never knows now do they.

Onto the match, shall we? We were at home in this matchup against the bottom feeder Tryienne. This team has two ties and four losses before they faced us. I’m sure Coach Schmidt had some things to say about this, as we’ve struggled in the past against sides with losing records and I’ve heard he likes his job so losses to unknown last place teams would be a detriment to his career. The game started like many of our other games and the Hops took the high pressure to the max. They put in two goals in the first ten minutes and didn’t look back. They did slow the pace a bit but by the thirty eight minute it was 5-0. Which at that point you could feel and see the disappointment on the visiting supporters faces, the players however still had some fight in them and looked to make a game of this as they scored right before the break giving them some, if very little, momentum going into half time. But with a score of 5-1 it would be a monumental task to come back.

At the start of the second half Coach Schmidt made three changes, taking out Droimpol, Schytaing, and Subanos in hopes to give them some extra rest before the next set of matches. One might think it odd to take out the stars of the squad but no one wants unwanted injuries either, so I can see why he did it. With a new forward, new attacking center mid, and a new goalie between the pipes the Hops looked a little off at first. Especially during the high pressure first ten minutes of the half, as they struggled to get the ball forward into any scoring positions. Once they settle into a more rhythmic passing pattern they looked very comfortable, almost to comfortable if you ask me. It was in the sixty seventh minute that the Hops made it 6-1 and the preverbal nail in the coffin seemed to be in place they just had to knock it the rest of the way in. But then just one minute later the Tryienne side scored and seemed to come back to life and rise from the ashes. The Tryienne side actually maintained most of the possession from that point on but they could not produce any shots, at least not on frame.

So that is where the game would end at a 6-2 route and three valuable points for our Hops. Here is the list of scorers form the game.

HopNation

Droimpol from Loostin 3’

Myer from Schytaing 6’

Schytaing from Droimpol 15’

Schytaing from Loostin 28’

Schytaing from Raefwar 38’
Queardest ▲ | ▼ Schytaing 45’
Rothrothther ▲ | ▼ Droimpol 45’
Chroollack ▲ | ▼ Subanos 45’

Queardest from Rothrothther 67’

Tryienne

Unknown 43’

Unknown 68’

That’s it form me today! Until next time Brew On! Brew Well Hoptonians.

Ringwald Griffinsmith
HopNation Sports Writer

by **Neu Engollon** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:07 am

"Buon Nachi, Neu Engollon.
I'm Magda Wertauer and here with me is my partner in crime..."

"...Gerry Paseult. Thanks, Magda, now I'm a criminal?"

"Criminal mastermind, Gerry. This is the NETV Sports 7 Update with special coverage of the World Cup, 69th edition. Thanks for returning to us for your football coverage."

"Magda, we have seen an incredible climb to the top of their group from the Goats, with their real competition not able to drive off the Goat attacks. We...What? What's so funny?"

"I just got a picture of horns ramming and hoofs stomping and such, nothing really..."

"Oh, hehe, yeah...So, the Goats still staying strong and presenting a severe challenge to everyone else in their group..."

"Gerry, let's review the last few games. Starting with Atanatos. 4-2, Neu Engollon taking it, of course, in Atanatos City."

"Accorzu. So, Atanatos is a no name, at least to us. Not much information on them, they are ruled by President Kane from Atanatos City. I managed to dig up a roster on them from the Hilton Cup Invitational, although I don't know that all the same players have showed up for their World Cup debut, or if they were in their Baptism of Fire debut recently. They seemed to have gotten some experience from the BoF and Hilton Cup, as they didn't totally get bowled over here. I'm going to say that their offensive squad, Connor Dark and Jason Kane, especially, were pretty good opponents, considering. One goal each scored by the two co-captains. Still, wasn't enough to hold off our Goats, even coming off some exhaustion from the McKleigh match, which might have slowed them down and also allowed those two goals easier...Anyway, these guys might be a force to reckoned with down the road..."

"They might indeed, thankfully they weren't so much on Matchday 4. So, then, that brings us to Matchday 5. Francilie? Goats dealt them a loss, 4-1."

"Yeah, again. Not much info on these guys. Francophone nation, footballers and some singers and entertainers come from there. Their football squad competed in the Esquarian Games, but no full roster given. That they got one goal against our boys was a bit of a miracle...and they worked hard for it. I will say that. Four goals for our guys. Brenz, LaBrecq, Hausenbech and new player, Danijel Babić, from Konstanz."

"Babić is a dual citizen, with Nikolian citizenship also, as are many of the Konstanz football club, which is the shared football club of both halves of the city in KERZ, the border econ zone. Glad that we're getting some of the Konstanz players up on the National team now. Babić is a very promising new player. Accorzu...Alright then. So, onto Matchday 6. Camerania. We trounced them 5 to nothing, Gerry."

"Ah, Camerania. I just like saying that. Well...What's to say? Matches like this happen, Magda. Camerania is a Nordic nation that has been a long hiatus. They are a veteran football nation from way back, but should be treated as a newbie. They dropped out of the International scene before Neu Engollon entered it, so, again...New to us. Looks like they've been away too long. They may come back in another cycle, but this one ain't it - With two wins currently under their belt to easier teams, but 4 losses, it's going to take some time for them to get back on their feet again. Also, their press, mainly the Burgundy City Times, were going on about how their big competition was the Equestrian States. They didn't see us coming, I suppose, and we completely blindsided them. Goats scorers for this game were Siebech, Ziendler, Hummelmann, Grazzani, and Hummelmann again."

"A big match for Merich Hummelmann. So, moving on, that brings us to the most currently played match against the Equestrian States, speaking of the Ponies...3-2 victory for us. Narrow one for the Goats, but they pulled it out, in what was the most evenly stacked, anticipated match of the Group between the two juggernauts..."

"Magda, what can we say about this? You needed to watch it. If you haven't, catch the replay tonight on Sports 19. Tense, tense match. This was the predicted big competition for the Group, and for the first face off, we took the ponies down by a goal in their home stadium. Once again, Merich Hummelmann being the breakout surprise star here, with only 14 minutes played in this match, he got the winning goal at the 65' mark. That left some time on the clock with the Goats defense holding off fierce counter attacks. Much credit to Grazzani and Fantinelli..."

"Who both actually play for Equestrian States clubs and were going up against many players they know from that domestic league. Certainly that might have been the edge they needed..."

"Ah, yes. That's what I was getting to, Magda. The edge. Both these guys have been immersed in the unique style of play of Pony nations for a bit now, playing in the Equestrian States and in friendly Inter-league matches that the Canterlot Stars and Appleoosa HC have dabbled in. So, they were ready for how the Ponies might try to swing the momentum back away from the Goats. We can't put it all on their shoulders, as this was truly a supreme team effort. Much of the credit must also go to Oskar Flegzut and Ignacio Anselmetti, our goalies who were able to stay strong through the waves of barrages. Some saves for the highlights there. Also some perfect specimens of how to do slide tackles from LeCuyer and Grosser. Not the easiest thing to do against non-humans that can weigh six times as much as you."

"The end result was not taking down the players, which would have been impossible because of what you just stated, but it accomplished the means of deflecting the attack and knocking the ball out or away. I think the scariest part was how close they came to being trampled during the maneuvers. Some scrapes and bruises for those guys, nothing more, though..."

"Thankfully. Well, they held off the last few attacks of the game, but were unable to lock in a 4th goal. Still, the one tie breaker goal was enough to get them past...this time. Last match day of the Group the Goats will again face the Ponies. This time in the Burgunden Dome right here in our great city. Tickets for the match have been sold out for some time, but there is quite a scalper trade going on from what I'm told."

"I've heard that too, Gerry. Accorzu, so...Tomorrow, the Goats head from one equine nation to another, Falcus, for their second match up with them. The Falcons will host in the Golden Nest in Wingipeg."

"They will be looking for some vengeance. The Goats need to be on extra guard."

"For sure. This will be another great match to watch. Catch it here on NETV Sports 7 tonight. Also, for those of you interested in how our other Astyrian neighbors are doing...Gaul aka Terre Des Gaules is not holding up so well in their first World Cup. They are dropping fast from the middle of their group on down..."

"To be fair, Magda, they are up against really stiff competition in Group 17. They barely had a chance from the get-go."

"This is true, Gerry. Costa De Ouro are not faring as well either, in Group 20, being second from bottom rung. We have high hopes that they might be able to bounce ba-..."

"Magda, it's more than halfway through the group stage qualifying here, I...I just don't know. Also, noted absences from Agrincourt and Nouvel Ecosse, who are strong Astyrian football nations, but sat this one out. Look for them to possibly return for WC 70.
That's it for our coverage of the World Cup tonight. Thanks for watching."

"We'll see you same time tomorrow. Now stay tuned for rugby and roller derby scores from Karl Demais after the break..."

by **Buyan** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:11 am

MULLSPHALLER POST
Rating a recovery by Johan Gredholm

...

Rafal Giertych - 8 – In the manifold of explanations brought up for the return of Jottnar Kallsmudden at the highest level after quite a few years, the name of Giertych who finally gave the Giants some backbone has often been brought up. Tonight he showed why, with a debut that was both solid, quiet and flawless. Perfect match with Tufte in the heart of defence, I dare to say that we have finally found our long-term replacement for Bronius Bartkus. Promising.

…

“There he is, the hero of the nation,” Freddi Ulvan grinned as soon as the tip of Rafal’s nose appeared in the dressing room. Immediately the teammates from Jottnar joined in with the manager, commenting his game with the necessary amount of sneers upon the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk attackers’ capabilities. Nonetheless, he didn’t doubt their warm intentions as they were both proud and glad for him that Giertych had not only appeared, but also performed. The first Jottnar player in quite some time to wear the shirt, to be more exact.

“Yeah, yeah,” Rafal responded, trying to isolate himself of their pats and wishes in a corner of the dressing room. It is not that he didn’t enjoyed the homely atmosphere this squad had created for themselves, he just wasn’t the type of guy that would show any enthusiast emotion. Or any emotion at all, come to think of it. It could be presumed that that had been the reason why the road in Pallstadt had remained barred for him and he didn’t regret joining the Giants. But that wouldn’t inspire him to become more extravert.

Wasting no more words on it, Rafal tied his boots, seemingly focussed on it as if it weren’t the kind of task any seven-year old could do. Despite the temperature hitting rock-bottom on the pitch, he pulled down his pants and replaced them with a pair of shorts. Seeing that, against his personal preferences, most of the lads were still chitchatting whilst adjusting their shin protection, searching for their second sock or – for reasons that the twenty-three year old couldn’t grasp – putting gel in their hair, he booted away to get some laps done.

“Ten bucks,” Henryk Konopka, the rugged and rough striker grinned to those around him, “he won’t even laugh if we grab a title this season. Maybe a wee smile when he puts the cup up and then he is off for ten more rounds over the pitch.”

Laughter arose from the dressing room, while Rafal Giertych – jogging with his head deep between his shoulders, his blue eyes focussing at some point in the distance – continued to prove why he could be named a Blue Hedgehog, contrary to his teammates.

The Nine. Pompous, oversized, awful parking facilities… In short, the theatre of dreams for those young enough to sleep at night, a nightmare for those who couldn’t. Come to think of it, Rafal had been here only once before. As a spectator, one should add, during his darkest of times whilst lost on the bench of Blau-Weiss Pallstadt. His brother had asked to come along with some friends and the necessary amount of beers had made it an entertaining evening. For them. Rafal mainly got wound up over the imperfections in the play and left before the last whistle.

It made him realise he could never be a coach, as it would ache him too much to see his lads underperform while being briefed to avoid their mistakes. That experience had given him some additional sympathy for Hope, who somehow managed to remain calm whilst noting his team mess up so hard during the opening games. Or was it a sign of his weakness, his acceptance that things would one day change for the worst and that when and where was out of his hands?

During the obligatory check of the pitch, more of a press moment than anything useful, Rafal seated himself on the bench. His humble attempt for time alone got hampered when Alowysz Krupa, the assistant coach, joined him. He knew it was forbidden to think like that over a man so appreciated by friends and opponents, but he disliked his attempts for fatherly advice, his tendency for unwanted pills of wisdom shot down the throat of those around him at any moment. Ostensibly, Rafal looked as uninterested as possible, awaiting the first plastic gem.

It didn’t come. They just sat there, the defender and the former defender, calmly counting down the minutes till they could finally prepare themselves for the warm-up. The stadium clock ticked - proverbially, we might be a bit backward but the digital age did strike us already – at a satisfying pace. It wasn’t until most had already made their way back in the tunnel that Rafal rose and followed them.

“You’re welcome,” Alowysz’ muttered.

Some managers would have done an attempt to downplay the impact the Bulls had on the international football stage. Twenty-one goals, yeah, but against teams that are shite! Shite, I tell you! Are we shite? No we’re not! Go kill them, lads! Rafal Giertych couldn’t feel but glad that Sirius Hope was a different man. Calmly, he exposed the dangers of the team, their defence line resembling a fortification, the pace on the wings, the brute power moulded in refined goals from Uulver. He pointed towards the opportunities, how their trademarked kontrapuntzeka ironically might be the exact remedy against this castle of class.

When the tasks where divided, the players made their last preparations while Hope moved along their lines, giving some last bon-mots or warnings to those who needed them. Rituals, one more ridiculous than the other, were conducted in the meanwhile. As Giertych had successfully managed to gain a place in one of the furthest corners, Hope had gone past ten men already. His “How’re you feeling, Rafal” was a bit empty compared to his usual hints.

“Ready,” was the short answer.
“You know…”
“Behind Uulver cutting him short to assist Sigurd, move out on RJ Styrn when necessary allowing Quinten and Harald to assist on the wings without having to look back. Communication,” Rafal rattled like a music box, gaining a new shade of pale with every comment, “Omaexevarria on corners, no playing on offside unless we alter formation, open up the field when Schmidt is in possession but…”

Sirius Hope nodded, scrawling through the back of his mind how to bring this youngster out of his nerve-induced lethargy and bring him back to the real word.

“It’s a chick.”

Baffled, Rafal stared until the Paradystopian with the dark eyes repeated himself.

“It’s a chick.”
“How… Ow, Styrn. But… I don’t believe that matters, no?”
“Nope. Having something between the legs doesn’t matter, no. Neither does being able to recite my guidelines. They say that you should only tell an offensive player to ‘just play’, not a defender. It’s bullocks. Just play.”

With those words, he turned around, leaving Giertych behind with more question marks, but with both feet back on the ground.

Jovellanos visibly had a blast as he hurled another one of his trademark passes near the box. Luckily, Sigurd Tufte was performing top level, blocking off his direct opponent. However, the swift attacking midfielder of the Bulls picked up the ball before Naess and now it was all up to him. In a split second, Rafal decided that there would be no other way to stop Styrn but by pulling her down like a rugby player, clasping his hands around her waist, planting his head involuntary mid-chest. If one would think the referee wasn’t amused – yellow card and a thorough warning – you hadn’t recorded Styrn’s response.

“Before this game is over, I’ll f*** you so hard that you’ll cry for your mother,” she fulminated, her face coming so close to his face that he could see the little drops of sweat glide down her cheeks, on to her neck. If it weren’t for Omaexevarria pulling her back, the ref probably could’ve continued pencilling on the back of his card. He probably didn’t hear the jesting “I’ll love it” from Rafal neither.

The shot of Jarvinen following the fault brought sparks to Schmidt’s gloves, an indication who had the best cards today. The Bulls continued their battering, overrunning most of the midfielders and causing Dalmshelf to feel stranded on the other side of the pitch like Robinson Crusoe, surrounded by bulky defenders instead of palm trees. With more luck than skill and the crossbar as twelfth man, Buyan made the coffee break.

Sixty-five minutes and somehow, the pressure had become a bit milder. For an hour, Audioslavia had strangled their giant fingers around the necks of their opponent, but these had refused to suffocate. When another chance had gotten no further than Schmidt, Lee Sharp decided that it was Rijshaart’s turn to add extra spice to the side. Spice that burned the poor Buyanese throats. First there was a moderate pass by Quinten Zermin, up next was Naess being smothered underneath the pressure. In the duel, Jody Rijshaart placed it upfield despite Harald Naess’ futile attempt to smack him to the ground. Out of nowhere, Styrn appeared in front of Giertych, not only picking up the ball but also leaving him behind in one mighty explosion of speed.

Two seconds later, the nets were waving and the away supporters, sympathetically placed in some corner, could start their celebrations. Watchers worldwide nodded to one another and altered their channel, probably to some game of which the outcome was not yet set in stone. They left with footage of Giertych sitting on the ground, whilst the Bulls were jubilating in the background. What they missed – as did anyone else - was a moment of Styrn walking past Giertych, grinning to the humbled defender whilst the fans had more eye for Rijshaart high-fiving his coach.

“And? Still loving it?”

In later accounts, some would call it a slice of genius. As is customary with history, it was written with the necessary hindsight to make that kind of claim. It is more probable that Sirius Hope had simply weighed all the alternatives and had decided that a small loss was nothing to be ashamed of. Sil Moen, who had worked like a horse on hormones, was subbed for the more defensive Plovnarov and a similar move was done on the other wing with Halmiini and Knutsen. The system, however, was kept as it was.

The same chroniclers will say that the old Audioslavia, who lived for the smallest of margins, would have been satisfied with this result and parked the bus on a side not capable to form a dent in their defensive wall. That it was the fault of Sharp, who tried to get them to play like a ruler rather than a chaser, that the Bulls went on, searching for a second goal. Uulver almost saw his hard work satisfied, leaving the exhausted Tufte behind but missing the target by a hair.

No one who more represented that view than RJ Styrn. As if the referee had just started the game, she still chased every pass on the own half of Buyan. It was during one of those manoeuvres that Refshauge had to pass it back to Giertych. Schmidt, probably noting that Uulver was closing in, yelled ‘no!’, Styrn was coming towards him with her characteristic war face and Rafal saw no other option but to boot it to that poor Dalmshelf, still lost somewhere in the back pocket of a red-and-green defender. He unleashed his right foot against the leather without much direction and it smashed straight into the face of Audioslavia’s first female footballer, who hit the deck at once. Rafal didn’t hesitate, ran towards her and tried to turn her on her back.

“Are you ok?”
“Whu… What?”
“Are you ok?”

It was more a cry, an angsty shout coming from his lips grasping more for air than his victim. Styrn looked around, focussed on Rafal and sneered.

“When I told you to cry for your mother, I didn’t mean you to sob towards me, f***.”

While her smirking teammates helped her up, Rafal was left perplex. As the doc already was on the pitch, Styrn had to go to the sideline despite her protests. As Giertych still stared to her standing there, making wild gestures to the referee, Schmidt decided to boot the ball – returned as by customary fair-play rules – as far as possible. It went to the right wing where Andreij Tal doubted for a second, a costly one, as the fresh Espen Knutsen rushed past him when the ball bounced over the head of the left defender. With Intxausti moving in, Knutsen spotted Sverre Devold unmarked.

That no champagne was drunk in the dressing room was mainly caused by the fact that no one had prepared for the situation, but beers hastily brought from the canteen did the trick as well. In this upbeat atmosphere, it was Sirius Hope who found his least experienced defender sitting in a corner, his towel swung across a shoulder, staring into the void.

“Tough game, heh,” the manager smiled, “but you kept up well. These matches will make you grow as a footballer.”
“Yeah,” Rafal reacted absent-minded.
“Don’t worry about the yellow, you did what you had to do,” Hope tried to cheer him up.
“U-hu…”
“What’s wrong? I hope Styrn didn’t mess with your head too much. And if yes, don’t bother about it,” Sirius spoke, before someone pulled him away for a cheerful hug.
“I’m afraid… She did get some impact,” Rafal whispered to no one in particular.

Line-up for the game against Kernansquillec @The Nine

Manuel Schmidt
Giedius Justs - Rafal Giertych - Sigurd Tufte - Kazimieras Zemaitis
Quinten Zermin – Harald Naess
Eero Halmiini - Sverre Devold - Sil Moen
Duco Dalmshelf

Bench: Seber - Erhardt - Dziuba - Mamontovas - Refshauge - Kluszak - Plovnarov - Knutsen - Lammerschon - Wallenberg - Havelund - Rettinger

Although he keeps quite a few cards on his hand – most notably either entering Kluszak or Rettinger when in trouble -, Sirius Hope knows that one simply cannot alter his line-up after you’ve somehow managed to scrape a point against Audioslavia. Only Gabriel Refshauge will not appear again, he’s yellow-booked for the all-important game against Kernansquillec. The side in fashionable green gave our Hedgehogs one of the first in a series of shocks during this campaign as they not only won, but honestly dominated their opponent at home. It goes without saying that Buyan lusts for revenge, even more at the realisation that dropping any point in the next six games will definitively sign their elimination from this World Cup.

It might be this high pressure, even more than the fact that the team delivered, which might have inspired Hope to hold on to his 4-2-3-1. The offensive trio behind Duco Dalmshelf should be all that is needed to get a few past Kate Ellysa, but experience shows that the Kerns (as they’ve been nicknamed by a rather lazy Buyanese journalist after the more notorious Terns) can put some deadly pressure high up the field. Will Zermin and Naess be able to escape that this time around? Will the –on average – 22-year old defence withstand the pressure? It goes without saying that Buyan enters the arena with a lot of doubts, having only their last game to rely on.

by **Timbermunich** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:04 am

Now that Great Battle and Great One-Arm Willy stayed an extra day to spend more time with their families the time has come for them to set out to the other villages of Timbermunich. They start the day just like they always do when leaving on an adventure; eat breakfast with the families, horseplay with the children, and again like the day before they walk with their wives. This time on the walk they don’t stop off for alone time, but rather just talk and enjoy each others company. Once they arrive back at the house the two Greats actually help clean up the mess made earlier in the morning. They then gather up all the children and head to the front of the houses, where they are greeted by many of the other villagers.

Seeing the villagers waiting for them was certainly a surprise and after seeing the goods and cart full of supplies they collected it was deemed a pleasant surprise. The villagers told the two greats that they wanted to help in any way possible, because after having a day to digest what they heard they too realized this was the best course for Timbermunich to go on. The villagers had arranged a cart and two horses for the Greats to take as well. This way they would not have to walk to all other villagers and would help speed up their journey. Great Battle and Great One-Arm Willy thanked the villagers and told them they would return as soon as they could. They also graciously accepted the other items, extra food and supplies. The two typically did not use anything other than their own two feet to travel and welcomed the new mode of transportation offered to them.

After talking a bit with the villagers and saying goodbye to their families one last time Great Battle and Great One-Arm Willy set out, leaving through the southern gate and then heading slightly east in the general direction of the Vegetal Region where they would eventually arrive at Vegetalista. Once they arrive there they will meet with Nat and his council to go over their plan for the Heart of the Grove, the TimberHeart, and the plan to start a new village within the Heart of the Grove. But it would take them at least two days to arrive there, even with the use of the horses. The two planned to make camp near the boarder of Vegetal, near the Quellwassermunich. This was one of the six natural spring water lakes within Timbermunich’s boarders and was a great place for them to gather more food, rest, and refill any empty water containers. After the stop near the water and eventual arrival in Vegetalista they then planned on heading further south from there to Cottontimber located on the southern edge of the mountains and furthest point south within Populuspen Ridge region. They had yet to think of a resting location between Vegetalista and Cottontimber, but knew they would head west north west from Cottontimber to finally reach Pondesoto, located in the region of Pinophytania.

But for now they would continue on the path to Vegetalista and they looked forward to meeting with Nat again as it has been a long time since they last spoke to him. Both men respected and liked Nat very much, after all he was the one who offered Great Battle his wife after their service of clearing all the trees from the Vegetal region had been done.

So their new journey begins. What will the other villages think of the plan? Will they accept it as the TimberOak Grove villagers had? Will they offer any ideas of their own to the two Greats? We will hopefully find out soon.

Hardwood’s Matches
MD1: vs Sargossa (0-1)
MD2: @ Yids (3-2)
MD3: vs United Comm. of Ayrshire (2-0)
MD4: @ Electrum (2-3)
MD5: vs Lymantatia (1-1)
MD6: @ Mangolana (0-4)
MD7: vs Farfadillis
Day of Rest
MD8: @ Sargossa
MD9: vs Yids
MD10: @ United Comm. of Ayrshire
MD11: vs Electrum
MD12: @ Lymantatia
MD13: vs Mangolana
MD14: @ Farfadillis
Win | Draw | Loss

 Group 2 Table  
  - Team			Pts 
1 – Farfadillis			18
2 – Sargossa	 		15
3 – Lymantatia			14
4 – Electrum			12
5 – Timbermunich	  	10
6 – Mangolana			8
7 – Yids			3
8 – United Comm. of Ayrshire    1
Eliminated|Advanced

  Match 8 
The Corsairs Lineup		| Timbermunich Lineup 
GK  Armando Abad	13 |GK  Great Hatchet Hank	01
DLC Jonás Jacinto	19 |RB  Great Norman		04
DC  Matías Sosa		6  |CB  Great Battle		05*
DRC Guillermo Lucena	5  |CB  Great Battle Axe	03
AML Federico Cifuentés	11 |LB  Great Tomahawk Tommy	06
MC  Rodrigo Defederico	8  |RM  Great Dead-Eye Darrin	07
DMC Matías Escobar	22 |LM  Great Dirty Doug	08
DR  Cristiano Damian	2  |RW  Great Dagger Dan	09
FC  Federico Noyola	17 |CM  Great Wicked Warren	10
FC  Stefano Bustos	10 |CF  Great One-Arm Willy	21
FRC Saturnín Quinteros	20 |LW  Great Kyle Slater	17

by **The Inevitable Syndicate** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:11 am

A Text Document, Lex Crowley's Computer, Undisclosed Location, The Multiverse

Julio tells me I should continue writing up news of the war from my perspective, so that when we win I can publish it and make lots of money. There we go, if you've bought this, you've directly funded my lunch. Thanks. Anyway, I find it difficult to write when things are seemingly going down the shitter, but recently they've perked up, so I'll detail them here:

We finally managed to get a confirmed kill on the last three members of Ohm that are still in the Syndicate. That means they're gone, and I can finally rule my nation uninterrupted from internal forces. We've kept a peacekeeping force in Pinehearth to ease the transition, a joint effort by Yttribian and Syndicatian forces that I enjoyed hearing about. Apparently it wasn't actually too hard, given that most of the Mertian forces are on the other side of the Bekk.

That's where we've been throwing ourselves, but the Rüntenbacher Anti-Air forces have proven quite the match for our paratroopers. The clash of two months worth of fighting is taking it's toll on both the armed forces and our citizens. They pull through though, just as they always have. To most of them, this is just another war, like the war in Ahlenfi, the war against the Tsunami, the war against Mertagne, and now - the war against the multiverse. Except this time, we've got friends to help us out. Astograth, Yttribia, The Sarian, Farfadillis... Felix, and goodness knows who else hiding in nation the world over. I'm not just a world leader but an international celebrity, comparable to your average football player.

Everyone knows me and wishes to emulate me. I hear about this every day. Nowadays, it's the Free Republics with their "Let's be oppressive like it's going out of style" methods of barbarianism, or the Patriotic Front of Kinitaria which lacks a bird on their flag and also contains an unhealthy amount of religion. None of them will ever ascend. I'm done with co-operation. I have my clique, and this is how it will remain.

Speaking of others, Passerini asked for a general weeks ago. I've held off from responding, as frankly, I've had bigger Lesko Salmon to bake, but now that Mertagne's crushed, I'm thinking of sending him Rowan Herman. Served under Bellephoron for many years, he has, and is a fine general that pissed me off the other day when he claimed that I wasn't quite the military commander I should be. Maybe a few years in Felix will solve his issues with me.

I also watched our national football team play in Rüntenbach. I wasn't there, of course, I would have been shot if I'd got within 100 miles of the nation. I watched it on the DataLink. We got shat on, because the team looked like they'd been dragged through about 1093 security protocols and also looked like they hadn't slept. I wouldn't be surprised if that was some sort of Rüntenbacher plot to make themselves look better. We'll certainly be doing the same when they play us here, not at the Flynn Arena, but at Sunrise Park. I'm not having them in my capital, it's too risky.

Also, if there's one thing I've learned from doing this, it's that I don't like writing things. Takes too much time. I'm a man of action, I prefer to use words... If I could dictate (heh) my story to the world, I might have a better time. There's a plan for you, when this is going live - send me a documentary offer?

by **The Sarian** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:33 am

OOC: I can only apologise for this RP, it is done on phone using expensive and unreliable internet. Just figured it would be better to do a crap RP than none at all.

Resistance - Part 3.5

It was hard work, but he knew it could be a lot worse. The fight had lasted for several hours before The Sarian soldiers had managed to break the line, and they had made more advances today than they had in the last six months of war. The beaches were long behind them now, a distant memory of blood soaked sand, and they were now in the hilly west coast of Lojal, the hills with carved Wyverns on them - the historic symbol of House Lojal that ruled over The Sarian in the 10th century.

The sun was starting to set, a beautiful orange sun and Iordan - and indeed the rest of the regiment - knew that the trench wouldn't be ready in time for nightfall, no matter how quickly they made it. The trench was only supposed to be temporary, to hold for a few days before advancing onto the next one, and so forth until they reached Crompton, the capital of Lojal, where the Lord Protector, John Birmingham sat.

Sitting was all John Birmingham was good for, he was a fat, stupid man that had been the joke of Sarian politics before Lojal's separation, but behind the flab, there seemed to be a tactical mind and within three weeks of Lojal's independance, Birmingham had taken control, ruling by fear and religion. Iordan thought that he wasn't to dissimilar to Fredrik Elwing and the rest of the Executive Council, but he did not voice that. That would have been treason, and there is only one punishment for treason.

The call came for the men to stop working and set up their bivy tents, while the watches were being sorted out. "You can never trust a Lojish to fight with honour," the sergeant had told him, "we need the rest, but it's inevitable they will attack. They always do."

The thought scared Iordan a bit, what if he didn't get up in time, and more men were shot down just like Henry because of him? Loading his gun, he walked over and joined the first watch.

by **Super-Llamaland** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:50 am

Tigers Faring Well at the Break

Seven games, fifteen points, third place.

That's where the Tigers find themselves after seven games of qualifying and with seven to go. A point behind Chiata in second, three behind first-place Felix, and only two points ahead of fourth-place Ceni.

The team is still in good position to win the group or place second, despite offense that only scores one goal or four in a match. If you think that's outrageously false, think again:

1-2 L to Chiata
4-0 W to Subspace Embassy
1-2 L to Ceni
1-0 W to Quakmybush
4-2 W to Western European Republic
4-3 W to Felix
1-0 W to Costa de Ouro

The offense at its present state is either brilliant or "eh" in their matches, which obviously needs to change for the better. Meanwhile, the defense is doing well, with three shutouts, showing that this could soon be a team that, at its best, can hang with the Felixes and Farfadillises of the world and also lock down on defense.

The team currently has sixteen goals for and seven against, meaning (on average) they win every game two to one. This is obviously skewed by their routs against the Western European Republic and Subspace Embassy, but is still encouraging.

That being said, the Tigers are playing extraordinarily flexible, urged on by Ferguson's newly inventive tactics. While early slip-ups against Chiata and Ceni weren't the best way to start out, the Tigers have definitely recovered. The offense still vaguely looks like a bunch of different guys running directly at the goal, but a few more qual games and that could be worked out as the youngsters learn. The defense, in contrast, has already meshed together no matter who is in it, and Henry McNeal is as solid as ever in the net despite only being twenty-four.

Can we make it through? Wins against Chiata and Ceni will be vital early on, and beating up Felix in their pitch wouldn't hurt at all. One thing's for sure - this team may not be as good as the one that went to WC68, but it's certainly more entertaining.

Starter Ratings

Henry McNeal - 8: Solid so far, showing all of the traits we saw at the WC68 Qualifiers and with improved feel.

Derrick Nelson - 9: Linchpin of the defense and a good one at that. Really holding the back four (now five with Ferguson's new formations) together with some solid defensive play as well. Seems to be more of a leader than a right back, but that's a problem for the second half.

Ryan Reagan - 6: Decent as a left back, meh as a sweeper. Reagan is still really more of a defender/defensive midfielder type, and cooping up his athleticism at sweeper wasn't really a good idea.

Jordan Valdevic - 2: Ick. Rarely back helping on the defense, and on the attack, his sporadic attempts to jump-start things with a long pass aren't working out. He looks outmatched on the run and while he occasionally helps with a dynamic jolt of playmaking, it really isn't enough to warrant him at center back.

Justin Allen - 3: Solid, except that he's somehow gotten two red cards in seven games. Totally unacceptable to force the Tigers to play a man down in about thirty percent of their matches.

Javier Agudieres - 6: Playing pretty well but not exceptionally well. Really, why can't Ferguson just play diamond 4-4-2 with Agudieres at center back?

Kyle Sturgeon - 4: Not enough pep in his step, meaning that he's really limited the further you get in. As a casual playmaker to keep the ball movement flowing once you have the lead, he's fine, but right now, he's not playing well.

Alex Ford - 6: Good on the attack, and he's keeping goalies terrified with his blasts over the crossbar. But seriously, couldn't you give the bloody ball to somebody else for a change?

Alex Cartwright - 10: Six goals in seven games. Cartwright is once again showing why he's a phenom with his play in the box.

Jake Wiggins - 8: Not doing badly. He's doing what Sturgeon isn't, starting the attacks across the field. Great passer too.

Anthony Player - 5: The only one of the backup midfielders to get a lot of playing time, Player's been decent as a generic center midfielder, really. He's mostly just left the attack to those up front while passing around in the back and helping with some of his runs into the box. I'd support putting him in for Kyle Sturgeon to shake things up.

Peter Masters - 8: Really helping with runs in the box and good movement in there, including that beautiful back-pass to Cartwright against Felix. He holds the ball a sliver too much, but with Ford and Cartwright running around shooting, that isn't really a problem yet. Injured now for a few qual games, which is a problem, though: could he be this fragile ankle-wise in the future?

Jacob Brennaman - 6: Hasn't really played as Ferguson shifts around into a one-striker formation, but has done solidly when he's been on the pitch.

Goals Tally
Alex Cartwright : 6
Alex Ford: 3
Kyle Sturgeon: 2
Peter Masters: 2
Jake Wiggins: 1
Michael McKenzie: 1
Jacob Brennaman: 1

Super-Llamaland 1 - Costa de Ouro 0

Masters 68'

The Tigers really kept the pace and held possession the entire game, only relenting at Costa de Ouro's fierce defensive efforts and brilliant goalie. While the Tigers defense essentially pushed up, leaving McNeal alone with nothing to do (the jerks), Costa de Ouro had still managed to hold under the collective barrage for the first thirty minutes. In the last fifteen of the first half, the D showed some signs of cracking, only a few saves stopping near-goals from Alex Ford and Peter Masters. Before the second half, Valdevic was told to move up to midfield. Ferguson decided to take a risk and wave out Ryan Reagan as well. Cartwright and Ford were pushed up to striker, and the Tigers were playing 2-4-4.

And somehow, Costa de Ouro still didn't hold, even launching a few dangerous counterattacks that Allen and Nelson could barely stop. Reagan was waved back as the two teams evened out slightly, but still nothing happened. Once again, the manager took a risk. Ryan Reagan and Derrick Nelson, the best defenders on the pitch, were waved back. And then - Player for Valdevic.

McNeal/Reagan-Nelson/Player-Wiggins-Sturgeon-Allen/Cartwright-Ford-Masters-Brennaman

There was still some wiggle room, but now there was no turning back. Ferguson took a deep breath and signaled to the referee.

McKenzie for Allen.

The Tigers were playing a bloody 2-3-5.

McNeal/Reagan-Nelson/Player-Wiggins-Sturgeon/Ford-Cartwright-Masters-McKenzie-Brennaman

Never did anybody think that Alex Cartwright would ever play inside left. But there he was.

And it worked. Three minutes after the substitutions, the two-man defense barely repelled a Costa de Ouro attack, and then the counter came roaring back. Alex Ford ("left winger", huehuehue) took the Anthony Player pass on the wing and launched a shot on goal. It wasn't on goal enough, drifting out, and Michael McKenzie stuck out a foot to redirect it. The ball took one bounce, then two, then three, then off the goalie's hand, then rolled inches away from the post and outside the goal. Cornerkick.

It was Jake Wiggins to take it, and he passed it to Alex Ford on the outside. Once again, Ford spun and shot off the post, and Peter Masters flipped it back in the goal. One-nil. The 2-3-5 had paid off.

But seven minutes later, on another cornerkick, a scuffle in the box lead to Masters on the ground with an ankle injury. Landing awkwardly, the doctors said. Possibly out for the rest of the qualifiers, but at least until the Ceni game. Out went Masters, in came the last striker on the bench, Angelo Raymond. The Tigers kept pressing for another goal, knowing that their defense only had two men in it, but couldn't get one.

It would turn out that one was more than enough.

"So yeah, Masters is definitely out."

"Who do we put in on the roster?"

"For the time being, we can go with McKenzie/Brennaman, right?"

"Doubtful. They don't go well."

"Do you want Raymond/Brennaman?"

"Brennaman doesn't go with either of them too well. McKenzie would fit a little better."

"Wait, we could add somebody else."

"Like who? Aidan Ferguson?"

"Well, Brennaman's a goal-scorer, he needs support. Creative playmaking. Tactical brilliance."

"Yeah, sure, and we'll just pick one of those guys off the street?"

"No, off FC New Llama."

"...you want Eden Powell."

"Fifth in the league at goal-scoring."

"The Eirelian immigrant?"

"Yes."

"Look, I'm not sure he has enough experience."

"If he can score two goals against our best NT, shouldn't he be on it?"

"What are you talking about?"

"We played a friendly with FC New Llama. He scored twice in the opening minutes before we came back with four goals. Almost added a third one too."

"...Fine."

by **McKleigh** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 10:41 am

Schedule and results for McKleigh#103
W 5-0 Jul 22 vs. Francilie#358
W 5-3 Jul 23 vs. Atanatos#131
D 0-0 Jul 24 @ Neu Engollon#43
W 2-0 Jul 25 vs. Camerania#309
L 2-3 Jul 26 @ Equestrian States#28
W 3-2 Jul 27 vs. Falcus#75
W 1-0 Jul 28 @ Laiyenda#236
Aug 1 @ Francilie#358
Aug 2 @ Atanatos#131
Aug 3 vs. Neu Engollon#43
Aug 4 @ Camerania#309
Aug 5 vs. Equestrian States#28
Aug 6 @ Falcus#75
Aug 7 vs. Laiyenda#236

McKleigh finds itself unexpectedly tied in second place on points and third after the tiebreaker at the midway mark of qualifying. After opening with two large wins at home the gingers travelled to Neu Engollon. Manager Bruce went with a very defensive 5-4-1 set with star Jonah MacGrough not seeing any action. The match ended in a scoreless draw. Jonah would however score the next match as would O’Branche as the gingers defeated visiting Camerania 2-0. Keeper McDaniel was given a day to rest as Kwiglagliopisa kept the opposition from seeing the net. O’Dooly and McKleigh saw their first minutes of action subbing in at the 75’ mark for McNeil and MacGrough. McGomery also came in for Terry McIntyre at the same time.

At this point the gingers still were in first place. That would all change in their visit to Equestrian States. No, no equestine fans went missing this time, as McKleigh will no longer sell their visiting section tickets to anyone who is not a McKleighvian. The gingers this game put every Peludalta on the roster on the field for this one. This decision was based on the success of a few Peludaltas from McKleigh in the Equestrian league and in the Runner Cup 2 against The Crystal Empire. However, McKleigh fell for the third time to ES in a 2-3 battle, with the 3rd goal being scored in the 2nd minute of 90+5. The choice to play Kwiglagliopisa over McDaniel and Jiopuitipo over O’Flynn can be criticized and debated the play of Blangalamala supports the managers’ theory as he scored the teams’ second goal with McNeil scoring the second off a rebound on a corner. O’Ryan was the only sub after O’Branche was injured just before the half.

With the exception of O’Ryan starting for the injured O’Branche, standard lineups were used and expected results obtained vs. Falcus and @ Laiyenda although the scores were closer than expected as the gingers won 3-2 and 1-0 respectivley. Goals made by Terry McIntyre, MacGrough and McSands against Falcus and McNeil had the only goal against Laiyenda.

William Bruce the manager says he feels there is a great and legitimate potential that the gingers could win their next 7 matches. “We lost away against Equestrian States by one, who then lost to Neu Engollon, who we drew against also in an away match. We face both these teams at home this round. Falcus is my biggest worry in all honesty. They gave us a run for our money at home, we have to travel there next time. The other 4 teams are lower ranked and should be wins if we just play average to good against them.” O’Branche is expected to be healed by the next match.

by **Red Blackiland** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:22 am

Red Blackiland vs. Jasminia Islands

3-0

In the 'Baptism of Fire Derby' , Red Blackiland make a dignity match and win by 3-0 score.

R.B.I.U 70 and Red Blackilandian fans one more time,now with 'Pyro of Dark Devils'.

The Jasminia Islands National team came from Port Louis to make the 'Baptism of Fire teams derby' in Blackberry City in Red Blackiland,more precisely in Red Glorious Stadium.

Jasminia islands came to the match beginning with 4-2-2-2 with fast and active wingers,is a good counter-attack and fast team with good acapacity to make goals and maked a good participation in Baptism of Fire 56.
The match beginned with Red Blackiland team very excited because the atmosphere and in minute 4 , Rusnak make a sensational save in Felipinho shoot,in the following corner,Carmona head up out goal line.In minute 6 and 8,two more chances to Dark Lions in worked attack moves in Jasminia defensive area but in both chances , the players don't taked advantage from it.After minute 10 and 12,two Jasminian chances,a hit in the post by Niles shoot and Metharom's head up.Minute 15 and 21,other aerial attack moves from RB,the headers of Juliano Matheus and Carmona passed near the right-post.Minute 23, a free kick to Jasminia Islands,Warrick take it to the Hargreaves great save and other free kick in minute 30 but now for Red Blackiland,Carmona (the most experienced Red Blackiland player) shaked the post in this free-kick,with counter-attacks of both teams,ended the first half without goals.
A substitution was maked in Dark Lions,Béckenstander enter in the place of Juliano Matheus,advenced the offensive-midfielder RB line and the team consolidate the midfielder and could have more attacks.This maked effect for Dark Lions in minute 6,when Felipinho clared the Takala markation and maked a short diagonal pass,that surprised the Jasminian defense and rest to Carmona complete to the goal net,1x0 goal for Carmona and assist to Felipinho.
In minute 11,a long pass of Bázsta,Felipinho dominated in the chest and maked other long pass to the Jasminia Islands defensive area,Juliano Matheus dominated the ball in the first attempt in the right leg and hit a bomb to the goal net,2x0,goal for Juliano Matheus,ass for Felipinho.
In minute 20,offensive table between Felipinho and Le Tallec,even beging a defender came to the attack to receive a final pass from Felipinho and with the defender way to shoot,shoot a bomb to the right-side of the goal,goal for Le Tallec and assist for Felipinho.
After this,both teams produced dangerous attacks but any counter-attack produced a goal and in final the Dark Lions opted for have the ball possession,the game turn into a cold match and ended in the scenario,3x0 Red Blackiland.
The victory was much celebrated,especially by the technical comitee and Peter Valbuena,keeping the objective already said with humility.

The Red Blackiland-Jasminia Islands hit the record of audience,exactly 52.000 spectators watched the match in Red Glorious Stadium.

The Jasminia Islands fans in away section of Red Glorious Stadium,before the match kick-off.

by **Audioslavia** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:07 pm

"Imagining the worst is no talisman against it." :- Don Paterson

Those grainy super-eight memories danced around my vision like degaussed monitor, or a mis-tuned analogue tv set, or like in old episodes of Star Trek when Kirk would see a girl he liked and the screen would go all misty. I remember trying to recreate that experience with a boy I liked in sixth grade but he just looked at me funny and I was blinking weirdly for the rest of the day.

The footage being played in my minds eye was that of my mother's sixteenth fight, less than a year before I was born. That it was my mother's last fight before news of her third pregnancy - a pregnancy that really should have put a thirty-two year-old woman's boxing career to bed for good - should have meant it was the fight I was most familiar with. The truth is I'd only ever watched it once, as a young girl. I'd cried for the rest of the evening.

Mum had defended her national championship six times, and had hoped the seventh would be as quick for her and as brutal for her opponent as the previous fights. She hadn't changed her training regimen or her diet. She was still confident of being number one.

An older sister had told me, as she'd comforted me during that crying fit, that she'd been there at the time, ringside, for that match, and that she hadn't been scared at all before the bout. Her reasoning, she explained, was that mum wouldn't allow my sis to watch her lose, and so losing was an impossibility.

Sound logic for a seven year-old.

Mum had been winning the fight comfortably until that third round. Her opponent, shorter but broader, had largely been bamboozled by mammy Styrn's quickness. Mum had her mark occasionally stumbling, occasionally needing the ropes for support, more often that not swinging at the pocket of air where my mum had been only a few milliseconds ago. It was all going according to plan.

To this day I still haven't seen the punch. It was a quick one, an unexpected one. I think I was looking down at my juice when it happened. I hear it never looked like much even in the replay, but it was enough.

I remember looking up from my juice to see mum take two very uneasy steps to the side before toppling over against the ropes. Her opponent hopped away towards a neutral corner. The camera zoomed in on mammy to see her eye her opponent with a mixture of bemusement and incredulity. "How dare you punch me in the face. In a boxing match of all things". Mum had, by all accounts, taken a clean one straight to the jaw. She hadn't seen it. Not many people in the crowd did either.

The footage showed her sitting, uneasily, against the ropes. Her initial incredulity giving way to a general haze. The referee hadn't needed to count to ten. It was clear from the eyes that my mum had taken a short holiday from her senses.

The footage from two minutes later saw mammy, the unbeaten, the unbowed, Layla 'Bomber' Styrn, stood in her own corner. A doctor either side of her, checking her eyes. She was there, again. You could see her cut-man ask if she was okay for what must have been the n+1th time, where n is the amount of times one can ask my mother if she's okay without her getting annoyed. "Ah, f*** off Dean, I'm fine. Got caught. That's boxing".

Sweary, aggressive, reasonable. That's a Styrn alright.

Mum was fine. No long term injuries. A mild concussion, that was it, and the short term memory loss that comes with it. That is to say, mum can't remember anything after about the second round. The brain simply stops making short term memories for a few hours after a concussion.

Ten months later, I came along. Twenty months later, that stocky light-welterweight had been forced to give her national title back to my mum. Or, rather, my mum had taken it from a scantily-clad ring-girl while her opponent sat in the corner asking her trainer every thirty seconds why her head hurt so much.

--

The images playing in the hotel's restaurant during breakfast are much, much clearer. High-definition, even. Crisp, sharp pictures from last night's game. Audioslavia's trip to Buyan, where the Bulls charged and roared and then accidentally got a horn stuck in a metal gate, allowing them to fight another day but making them look rather silly at the same time.

I watch myself charge around the middle of the field like I'm watching my mother again. A girl who looks like me, my face, my hair, my clothes, but performing actions that I don't remember.

I had cheered when I watched myself score. The lads, the bastards, hadn't told me who'd gotten our goal. Five goals in six games for me, then. Not half bad.

I'd had to ask Gaizka what I'd said to that number 32 to make him turn so pale. Gaizka had no idea, but we both agreed it was probably something very Ronda-ish. I recognized the face, which was strange. I don't remember the rest of the team except for Tufte and Wallenberg (obviously), and the Kolektyvinis guys, whom I'd seen on the telly. The rest of the team I knew only by name and what they were most likely to do on the pitch. That number 32, Giertych, had obviously left an impression.

..ouch

Ah. So that's what happened. That would explain the faint hexagonal bruises on my left cheek.

I watched as, on the television, a familiar footballer was transformed into a small but densely packed brown sack of spuds by some sort of magical high-speed pig's bladder.

I felt Gaizka pat me on the back with his over-sized hands, and a small smattering of applause eminated from the other tables. I bit off a sizeable chunk from my bacon sandwich, stood up, curtseyed (or 'kind of awkwardly squatted like some sort of slack-bladdered squaddie' as a former teacher had remarked about my attempts at acting ladylike), and sat back down.

I looked back at the telly to see myself uneasily get to my feet, with that Giertych guy trying to ask if I was okay.

From the vantage point of the morning after, and with a dull headache, it looks like a nice gesture. The RJ on screen, however, looks like she wants to strangle the guy with his own ballsack. To be fair, screen-Ronda's eyes are everywhere and nowhere. It's a concussion if ever I saw one.

I don't want to watch myself get subbed off. I stand up and pour myself another coffee. The boss pauses the video. I turn around to see it's been paused with the ball just over Andreij's head, with the defender throwing a funny shape, like he's trying to mis-time a header and fall over at the same time, while somehow accomplishing neither. The boss is giving Andreij the eye. Andreij is sinking slowly into his chair.
"...they scored from here?" I ask, exhasperatedly. I didn't know this.
"Fraid so. Not your fault, of course"
I assume the boss is about to tell us it's nobody's fault.
"It's Andreij's fault" says the boss, smiling, with one hand on his hips and another dramatically waggling in Andreij's direction.

The footage of his mistake gets played over and over again. The repetition allows us to turn any feelings of annoyance or blame into humour. If a couple of the lads resented Andreij after his blunder, they didn't after we'd all given him a thorough if good natured ribbing.

In the end: nothing really was lost. We still had the chance to get one over on the Buyanese when we got them back to Cathair. I couldn't wait.

by **Maklohi Vai** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:17 pm

OOC to hosts: This RP ended up being about 28 minutes long, sorry for that. Feel free to cut it off after I get into the individual group reviews, as many of them are similar in style.

Lumako Kurukapai reports on the first half of Qualifying

by **Mangolana** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:33 pm

The Thoughts of normal Mangolana reporter while attempting to type and article The Sequel.

The stadium opens to the sounds of whatever the hell this thing is. Why am I here anyways. What is the point of even trying to write this article. The Mangolana "LOSER" Mangos have to be the worst fucking team at this World Cup, hell, the worst team in the world. Not only can we kiss ever making another World Cup goodbye, we as a country will never EVER win another match at the World Cup. Even that crap soccer game that most of the world buys doesn't even give us a chance in the fucking UICA's. And why should they I wonder, we have some of the most retarded players in the world here. They could be playing 11 on 0 and still lose because they don't even know what goal is the one they should put that crappy ball into. I still ask, why do I type everything down that I think. I really need to stop doing this shit.

Where was I though, oh yeah, those pieces of shit that we have to call our national team. Not only are we the worst national team in the world, but we were embarrassed by our former regional friends Sargossa 7-1. I mean really? How the fuck do you score 7 goals in one game, especially with 6 of them coming in the first half. The best thing we have to look forward to here in Mangolana has to be the tenth Beach Cup. At least that's something Mangolana can win at, we are the defending champions after all. It's also the only thing Mangolana's ever won at the international level. We could look forward to the olympics, but we suck at individual sports, that's the facts of life in Mangolana. Oh well, I guess we're destined just to be losers. Big, Fat, Losers.

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:40 pm

World Cup 69 Mid-Qualifying Summary

Now that we are halfway through World Cup qualifying, let's take a look at all the groups, starting from Group 1 and going through to Group 24.

In Group 1, Mizuyuki is on top with 18 points, followed by Northern Sunrise Islands with 16 and Thatius with 14. HopNation is in fourth with 11 but they would need a miracle to qualify. This was thought to be a "Group of Life" with the top three teams relatively close in ranking, but nobody extremely high. We think Northern Sunrise Islands will recapture first place in the second half with Mizuyuki taking second.

Group 2 features Farfadillis on top with 18 points but coming off an embarrassing loss to Timbermunich. Sargossa is in second with 15 points, followed by a surprising Lymantatia with 14 and an equally surprising Electrum with 12. We expect the Top 2 to stay as is, with Farfadillis winning and Sargossa finishing second. We also expect Electrum to surprise a good many people by moving into third place.

Group 3 features the defending champs Vilita ahead of shockers The Icemark on tiebreakers. Both teams have 18 points. Kinitaria is way back with 13 points and Boring Paradise with 12. Although we do think Kinitaria is better than The Icemark, five points is just too much to overcome in 7 games, particularly when Icemark should have a couple of easy wins thrown in there. Kinitaria will close the gap on the Icemark, but not enough to come in second. Vilita pulls away to win the group.

Osarius and Taeshan are atop Group 4 with 19 points. Osarius leads on goal difference. Nobody else has more than 10 points. Clearly these teams are going to finish 1-2, but in what order? We predict Osarius will win the group, if only because they play Taeshan at home in the second leg.

Group 5 has the princess prostitutes of Jeruselem on top with 19 points, followed by New Montreal States with 14, Nexxus Drako with 12, and Nova Anglicana with 11. The pretty pretty prostitutes should win this group easily, with NMS coming in second.

In group 6, Ko-oren has a commanding lead with 19 points. They'll win this group easily. Svengarda, Darvale, and Zenic are very close to eachother for second. We're taking Zenic to come in second in an upset.

HorusLand tops Group 7 in a nice surprise, followed by Legalese and Antoletia. Legalese is the best team in this group, but again, five points is too much to overcome to win the group. They'll come in second. HorusLand wins.

Group 8 features The Sarian in first and San Jose Guayabal in second, both with 18 points. Free Republics is third with 15 points. Could last Cup's runner-up fail to even qualify? It's a real possibility. There was no reason for them to lose to Miley World at home, and now they have domestic issues with multiple assassination attempts, one successful, at the last game. They're going to be distracted, and ultimately we think it will cost them. SJG will manage to overtake the Sarian for first.

Group 9 features Blouman Empire in first and The Royal Barangay in second. Nobody else is within striking distance. We expect those results to hold true until the end of qualifying, with Blouman winning and TRB in second.

Group 10 features The Sandwich Territories in first with World #7 Pasarga in second. The Royal Kingdom of Quebec is in third, a point behind Pasarga. However, Pasarga will show the world why they are ranked #7 and win the group, with the Sandwichers coming in second.

In Group 11, Sicoutimont and Turori each have 17 points, with Starblaydia and Kitsunia-Deese well back. We expect Turori to top the group and Sicoutimont to come in second. In a shock, Starblaydia fails to even make the playoffs, joining Free Republics in soccer purgatory.

In Group 12, The Archregimancy has 17 points, well ahead of Karditan, Cosumar, and Hicana, who all have 12. Don't count out last Cup's surprise qualifier Glaser, who has 10. However, we think Glaser was a one-hit wonder and the battle for second will be tightly contested between the other three teams. Ultimately, we think Hicana will advance as a surprise playoff qualifier. The Archregimancy is clearly the best team in this group and should win it easily.

Group 13 sees Polar Islandstates easily on top with a perfect record. Yttribia is in second with 16 points, followed by Eastfield Lodge and Kalumba. Polar Islandstates is clearly the best team in this group, or the multiverse for that matter, and Eastfield Lodge will take second.

Group 14 sees Bears Armed ahead with 19 and Paradystopia with 17. New North Aqmuland is doing surprisingly well with 14, in third place. However, the top 2 will pull away, with Bears Armed winning. Jeru FC is probably the second best team in this group, but with only 9 points, they have much too big a hill to climb.

Group 15 features Zwangzug and Barunia on top by a fairly sizable margin. Barring a collapse, those two teams are finishing 1-2. We say Zwangzug will win the group with Barunia in second. Estope has an outside chance, but they're not good enough to make up the gap.

Runtenbach is on top of Group 16. Meanwhile, favorites The Inevitable Syndicate are in third, 7 points back. Brenecia has 16 points, two ahead of the Syndicate. We expect Runtenbach to win the group, if only because they're so far ahead, and The Inevitable Syndicate to climb back into second place.

In Group 17, Kiryu-shi and Vaugania top the group with 16 points each, with Kandorith and Nephara not far behind with 13 each. It's safe to say this is one of the most surprising groups so far. We expect Nephara to climb up to the top - although they're in fourth place, they're only three points back. Vaugania will take second.

Group 18 features The Licentian Isles with a perfect record and a commanding lead on everyone else. Eura is second with 16 points, followed by Milchama with 13. Again, The Licentian Isles aren't as good a team as Eura, but are too far ahead to not win the group. Eura will close the gap and finish second.

Group 19, the group you have all been waiting far, sees Saintland on top with a perfect record, followed by our very own Gregoryisgodistan, with 15 points. Olastor and West Angola each have 13. We don't expect Olastor's dream run to last through the second half, though they have given the Foot Slaves trouble in the past. West Angola is the only team capable of overtaking Gregoryisgodistan for second, though with the Foot Slaves hosting the second leg on the final matchday, you have to figure we have the advantage. Unfortunately, six points is too much of a gap to close behind Saintland, but we will finish second and advance to the playoffs for the first time ever. What happens there is anyone's guess and we could be heading to the World Cup.

Group 20 features Felix with 18 points, two ahead of Chiata and three ahead of Super-Llamaland. Felix is the best team in this group and should emerge in first place. Super-Llamaland is a rising power and will finish second ahead of Chiata.

In Group 21, Neu Engollon is in first place with 19 points, three ahead of Equestrian States and McKleigh. The land of the talking ponies could wind up joining Free Republics and Starblaydia in the aforementioned soccer purgatory if they fall behind lowly McKleigh. That being said, we expect a much better showing from the horses in the second half, enough to vault them into first place in the group. Neu Engollon will take second.

Valanora tops Group 22 with 18 points. Levivania is second with 15, followed by Saugeais and Filopines with 13 each. Valanora has looked vulnerable this cycle but has only one loss. But Levivania is simply not good enough to win this group, and Saugeais and Filopines are too far back. Valanora gets lucky and wins the group, with Saugeais finishing second.

Group 23 features Valladares on top with 16 points, followed by Sameba and Furellum with 15 points. Valladares is the 4th best team in the world. They will win this group easily. There is no clear second place finisher. Darmen is probably the second best team, but they are seven points back. We'll take Sameba.

Finally, we come to Group 24. Audioslavia is on top with 19, followed by United Eastedge with 16. Buyan and Maklohi Vai have 12 points each. They won the Baptism of Fire in an extra time thriller, and now they have a chance to advance to the qualification playoff in their first ever World Cup attempt. They're in a good position to do it. We predict Audioslavia to win the group, while the United Eastedge fairy-tale run continues and they come in second, advancing to the playoff.

It is sure to be an exciting second half of qualifying. After a mid-qualifying break, action gets back underway August 1.

World Cup 69 RP Thread

Who is online