World Baseball Classic XXV - Everything Thread

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Playoffs Results

Round of 16 - Game 3

Mountainside Field, Stalliongrad
#13  Kinzar                  0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
 #4  Zwangzug                1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 X  3

Zwangzug Wins 2-1

New Harmony Arena, Manehattan
#12  Maklohi Vai             0 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0  5
 #5  Sicoutimont             1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0  4

Maklohi Vai Wins 2-1

Forest Stadium, Everfree
#15  Darmen                  1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
 #2  Yesopalitha             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Darmen Wins 2-1

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare
#14  Vaugania                1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0  4
 #3  Milchama                1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 X  5

Milchama Wins 2-1

Quarterfinals - Game 1

#1 Equestrian States vs. #9 Free South Califas
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

#4 Zwangzug vs. #12 Maklohi Vai
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

#10 West Guiana vs. #15 Darmen
at Mountainside Field (cap. 34,750) in Stalliongrad

#3 Milchama vs. #11 Taeshan
at Ponyville Park (cap. 32,000) in Ponyville

[Kinzar]

Wildcats sent home by Zebras

Following a 3-1 loss to Zwangzug in the third game of the series, Kinzar's first ever foray into the world of international sports can now have the final chapter written on it. At some point in the next few weeks, the players may feel as though they were successful and accomplished a great feat, but that is going to take some time. After all, these are professional athletes, and they want to win. They had a great ride, unexpectedly qualifying out of a group that featured two nations that won a combined six World Baseball Classic championships, and then advancing to the round of 16. President Spencer has not yet made a statement on the matter, as he certainly wants to declare this a great success, but to do so on the heels of a loss could be seen as disrespectful to the players.

We wish Zwangzug, and the other seven advancing nations the best as they move on, and will be rooting for the Zebras to win the title. After all, it's always best to be able to say it was the eventual champion that knocked you out.

[Darmen]

Bishop Robert Lennon, a servant of the Great Goddess. To my brother in the faith, Kumalo Nalokupani, leader of my brothers and sisters in the faith in the nation of Maklohi Vai. I received your response to my letter with much joy. I am very glad that you have taken my suggestions under careful consideration and have decided to follow them. On the issue of open prayer by all, I agree with you that this change should be made slowly. We in no way wish to make our brother and sisters in the faith uncomfortable, and making this change slowly is your best course of action.

On the issue of the number of rubber chickens offered in burnt offering to Margaret, I must caution you. Do not allow your followers in the faith to become lazy in their offerings to the Great Goddess. It is one thing to be poor and unable to afford the purchase of a single rubber chicken, and to have more than enough money to buy several rubber chickens, and then not do so.

I am glad to hear that your government is accepting of our faith, but must once again warn you that the enemies of Margaret are numerous. Treat them with caution and respect, do not underestimate their power. With that in mind though, do not fear them, for she shall protect you from your adversaries.

I will end this letter with one more issue, which has just happend to cross my mind while writing this letter. It occurs to me that you as of now are the only leader in your Organization, although I did see during my visit to your country that several other brothers and sisters in the faith did help you in greeting those attending your service. Perhaps it is time that you delegate some of your previous duties to others in your Organization who you believe are worthy. I cannot stress the importance enough of not being overloaded with burdens in leading your followers in the faith.

I must now bid you farewell dear brother in the faith, as I leave Darmen to travel the multiverse and observe other members of the faith around the multiverse. I have however, directed Father Jimi Dylan, the man who saved Sister Nilani Porunakalanapai from certain interogation at the hands or the Darmeni authorities, and who took over the leadership of my old church, the one I led before becoming a Bishop, to respond to any concerns or questions which you may have, and all letters that are to be sent to me will be diverted to him. I pray to the Great Goddess that he shall respond with the same kindness and thoughtfulness that I have hoped to strive for.

Until I return from my travels, farewell dear brother in the faith. May Margaret guide and protect you.

[Taeshan]

"Well that was shocking."

"Incredibly so."

"Sweeping Western Cuba, it was epic. And we kept our top 7 ranking for sure."

"Yeah, 8 wins in a row as well."

"Been pretty sweet."

"Word. Now what do we got to do."

"Well while we were partying the past few days the final game was played and it looks like we will be facing Milchama."

"Ooh epic matchup, two former champions and two teams that have long known of each other. Shall be an interesting game to watch."

"Yeah."

"So who is playing the other games."

"Well a shocking set of events sees only three higher seeds left.The home Equestrian States, Zwangzug and naturally Milchama. Squeaking past other high seeds were the 9 Free South Califas, the 10 West Guiana, us, the 12 Maklohi Vai and the real shocker Darmen who took down Yesopalitha last night."

"Damn this thing is wide open."

"Yeah, and once we figure out how to get past Milchama we can easily beat the other half of our quarterfinal group. The real test would be the finals."

"Woah woah woah. Dont count those eggs before they hatch."

"Well im just being optimistic."

"A Tae optimistic?"

"Try it some time, might find it fun."

"I dont know..."

[Qazox]

BEST WBC CHAMPIONS LIST
#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
#23: MILCHAMA (WBC 4)
#22: QAZOX (WBC 6)
#21: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 12)
#20: LYCRABON (WBC 20)
#19: ZWANGZUG (WBC 7)

#18: CASSADAIGUA (WBC 14)
RECORD: 18-5
Best Win: Game 5 of Finals (Cassadaigua 6- Newmanistan 5)
Why this ranking? It's not always who you play or who you beat on the way to a title, but how you do. A team that was forced to win two game 3s and a game 5, after looking so dominant in the group stage should be higher on this list; but overall this team comes off as more lucky than good.

Up next #17...

[Zwangzug]

Peter Butel-Tiand checking in. It's the top of the eighth here and Gareth has just gone in to try and close this game out. 3-1 to the Zebras, currently. I was lucky to get some support early on, with Jeremy pushing in Rusensman in the first. Kinzar were patient at the plate and have tried to match our style, which included a departure from their standard pitching rotation. At first they seemed a little off-balance, missing when they tried to foul a few close pitches off and stay in contention early on. However they broke through in the fifth inning, as Deakin would push in Charles. The slightly younger backup catcher, Bret Chizinski, had struck out in between.

Fortunately, we were able to retake the lead in the bottom half. I had reached on a fielder's choice after Penmani-Trebs walked, and Rusensman's double scored both me and Ross-Meyer. Very exciting.

Gareth seems to have set down the Wildcats in order, which is nice.

I am disappointed in the food here. Yes, I have brought my own supply of sunflower seeds, but someone or somebodies has already gone through it. My fellow pitchers from last time around blame the rookies, who perhaps just needed something to gnaw on for their nerves in starting these bracket games. This is plausible, however, I am worried that they have newly-developed poker faces. As for the available stadium concessions, I can say only that they are designed for the local population and not ours.

Eileen and I both enjoy this experience of playing at altitude, though after so many years of tradition, it seems difficult to imagine the Zebras hosting anywhere but the Worm Hole--and even if we did, surely it would be a proper league stadium rather than some minor-league contraption in Outrive. Ah well.

Aha, a victory! I should return this to Gareth before he notices anything amiss, but I'll note that Maklohi Vai are next up. Cynthia has been intrigued by their evocative alphabetical system; Moana appears rather knowledgeable about this and is giving a crash course.

Celebrations first, however, which will have to be mostly in our minds (see food situation, above).

[Milchama]

"Uch"

"Awful game"

"Yeah I feel so bad for those Vauganians"

"Why? We won"

"Yeah that's good but on some real lucky plays"

"Yeah scoring 2 runs without a hit in the 8th is seemingly lucky but quite frankly I think it's because they folded like an accordion"

"As much as I like that simile I have to disagree with you"

"Why?"

"Because I think it was bad umpiring"

"Nah"

"Both of those walks were borderline"

"Sure but the rest was just good fundamental baseball"

"How?"

"Well Artik's bunt was perfectly executed"

"Sure"

"Then Del Kent, the lefty off the bench, pulled the ball to right having both runners advance and letting Scoot score"

"Right"

"Then Finter did the same thing so Flentstein could score"

"And the point is?"

"That's just good fundamental baseball, a sac bunt to move the runners over followed by two sac flies. Would I have rather had hits there? Sure but they got 2 runs in and that won the game for the Warriors"

"Sure"

"So, it was good baseball"

"Nah it was lucky baseball. Also, why the hell are we bunting being down one run in an elimination game?"

"Oh that one is easy. You have a higher probability of scoring a run with runners on second and third and one out as compared to first and second no out. Look it up"

"Nah, you look it up"

"Ok. I just looked it up, you're wrong"

"Goddamnit! I remember being right"

"Well terrible decision"

"Maybe, but it worked out"

"Fair but still lucky baseball"

"Sure but no reason to feel bad for the Vauganians"

"I guess"

"Anyway, now we get to beat up on the Taeshanis"

"Oh yeah"

"It'll be awesome"

"Woo!"

"To the semi-finals we go!"

"Yeah!"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

[Maklohi Vai]

Sorry about the length again. It's tough for me to get time these days.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13

Kumalo could feel the pressures winding down on many earlier stressful fronts, allowing him to concentrate on his letter correspondence and on the team. He read the letter from Bishop Lennon that arrived that morning, and began his reply.

To my brother in the faith, Father Jimi Dylan.
I write to you, brother, under the assumption that our beloved Bishop Lennon has informed you of the details of our communications. I would first like to thank Bishop Lennon for granting his approval on my plan of worship. Rushing the faithful is the worst thing that could be done.

On the matter of chickens, I am interested to hear your thought, brother Dylan. It appears to be an issue on which we mostly agree, but I am intrigued about your wording that warns of laziness. Under what circumstances would sacrifices play into this?

On the matter of enemies, I understand you completely. Our nation is mostly atheist, but that said there are very few militant anti-theists. We will make sure to watch out, and hope you do the same.

On the matter of leadership, I regret that one may come away with the perspective that I am the sole leader, but in fact the actual running of the church is done by others. In a sense, I am a president and they are my cabinet. I am not overburdened by work, just by faith. Please do not fear my ability.

Lastly, Father Dylan, I address you directly. Your aid to Nilani, I believe, saved her from sure interrogation and harsh times at the hands of the authorities. Your assistance is honorable, and I think of no more just action than for your church to name you a Father. Please know you are welcome in my group and in my home at any time you wish, for you, Father Dylan, have my eternal gratitude and respect. May Margaret bless you.

Kumalo closed up the letter with a sigh of relief. He wasn't sure why, but it sure felt good. A small prayer felt appropriate.

"Margaret, may you bless our brothers and sisters in Darmen, for they are worthy of your respect.
Your power, being the great resource it is, could be well applied assisting these great people.
May you consider them to be a worthy candidate for your blessing. Thank you."

---

Game Recap

#12  Maklohi Vai             0 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0  5
 #5  Sicoutimont             1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0  4

Scoring Summary
2nd: Mae'ao hit a solo shot to lead off the inning.
4th: Mae'ao hit a home run to left with two outs.
5th: Mae'ao hit a single to drive in Iao Laina, who had doubled earlier.
7th: Mae'ao hit a two run blast to score Iao Laina and Ri'ino Uilnai

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 30, Arnao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 59, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 3, Aputo Roma’ai 2, Iao Laina 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Koilani Ruputuo 1

[Equestrian States]

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network

Home Crowds Help Phoenixes Sweep Ko-oren
by Steve McNotapony

PONYVILLE - Coming into the Equestrian States’ series with Ko-oren, it was difficult to predict who would come out ahead due to a number of factors. First, although the Phoenixes were the clear favorite when looking at seeding, the Equestrian States sits just four places in front of Ko-oren in the actual rankings (23rd vs. 27th). Also adding to the uncertainty was how each team would come into the series. The Phoenixes had dropped their final game to Kintratar at home, while the Greenblues had plowed through their own group and then fifth-ranked Saugeais simply to reach the best-of-three series. Momentum, unlike rank and seeding, seemed to hand Ko-oren a valuable advantage. Finally, history was also against the Phoenixes, as the last (and only) time they had managed to reach the World Baseball Classic’s playoff stage with a bye to the round of 16, they had been unceremoniously brushed aside by a powerful Milchaman team.

Analysts seemed to be split evenly (at least in the Equestrian States) on who would win the series, but a slight majority was giving the Phoenixes the benefit of the doubt thanks to the Equestrian States’ role as host nation. In my opinion, it was this unofficial home field advantage that pushed the Phoenixes over the edge and into the quarterfinals more than anything else. The fans in Ponyville may be polite most of the time, but there was certainly no doubt that they were 100% behind the Equestrian States national team last week.

Round of 16 - Game 1        1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Ko-oren                 2 0 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  -   3  7  0
 Equestrian States       3 1 0  0 0 1  2 0 X  -   7 12  0

WP: Ripcurrent
LP: Yoshimitsu Patrsu

As the top seed, the Equestrian States played as the home team in the first game. The top of the 1st inning did not go smoothly, however, and before the Phoenixes had even had a chance to bat they found themselves trailing. But it took just six batters for the hosts to battle back and then ahead before extending their lead once more in the 2nd inning. From that point on, it was mostly Ripcurrent who pulled the team through. Pitching almost seven innings, the Equestrian ace was absolutely on form, dominating his opponents until finally surrendering the 7th inning homer that knocked him from the game.

The 9th inning went quickly, the thunderous home crowd roaring as Flutterfire sent down the Greenblues in order to close out the game with a key victory. In a three-game series, it was critical that the Equestrians take the first game to avoid having to win two straight to advance. The win also meant that just one more would be needed for the Phoenixes to advance.

Round of 16 - Game 2        1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Equestrian States       0 0 0  0 1 4  0 0 3  -   8 14  0
 Ko-oren                 1 3 0  0 1 1  0 0 0  -   6 10  0

WP: Andrew Andrus
LP: Yoshiaki Ahiga
SV: Flutterfire

After a dominant start in their game one win, the Phoenixes struggled mightily against the Greenblues to open the second game. Allowing five runs, the Equestrian starter was pulled without finishing the 5th inning, forcing the bullpen to step up. And step up they did, conceding just one more run before shutting down the Ko-oren bats for the final three frames.

Despite mounting a furious 6th inning rally, the Equestrians still trailed by a run heading into their final at-bat, needing to score to avoid letting the Greenblues even the series and force a game three. After Blazer and Matt Jackson went down swinging the stadium was nearly silent in comparison to the game before, but the Phoenixes weren’t about to give up.

With two outs, Ashley Hamilton and Steven Wilson singled to bring the team’s slugger, Firefury, to the plate. On the first pitch, the right fielder launched the ball into the bleachers, sending the crowd to their hooves and feet and the Equestrians into the lead. As was the case in game one, Flutterfire was on fire, knocking out the leadoff batters for Ko-oren and handing the Equestrians a spot in the quarterfinals

World Baseball Classic XXV - Quarterfinals

#1  Equestrian States
- vs -
#9  Free South Califas

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare

After having beaten Ko-oren, the Equestrian States now advances to face Free South Califas in the quarterfinals, who also proved themselves dominant against a favored Lycrabon team ranked considerably higher than them. Although they won their group, Free South Califas struggled throughout the tournament, allowing unranked Central North America to pummel them twice in two embarrassing upsets. However, as their sweep of Lycrabon shows, Free South Califas is no team to take lightly.

In the end, I foresee the series will come down to the home field advantage of the hosts. These two teams are pretty evenly matched, but if the group stage FSC shows up instead of the one that swept Lycrabon, this series will be a lopsided slaughter that the Phoenixes would win easily.

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Playoffs Results

Quarterfinals - Game 1

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare - Scorinated by Cassadaigua
 #9  Free South Califas      1 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0  5
 #1  Equestrian States       0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  3

Free South Califas Leads 1-0

Forest Stadium, Everfree
#12  Maklohi Vai             1 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0  8
 #4  Zwangzug                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Maklohi Vai Leads 1-0

Mountainside Field, Stalliongrad
#15  Darmen                  0 2 1 3 0 2 0 0 0  8
#10  West Guiana             0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

Darmen Leads 1-0

Ponyville Park, Ponyville
#11  Taeshan                 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
 #3  Milchama                0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1  4

Milchama Leads 1-0

Quarterfinals - Game 2

#9 Free South Califas vs. #1 Equestrian States
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

#12 Maklohi Vai vs. #4 Zwangzug
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

#15 Darmen vs. #10 West Guiana
at Mountainside Field (cap. 34,750) in Stalliongrad

#11 Taeshan vs. #3 Milchama
at Ponyville Park (cap. 32,000) in Ponyville

[Cassadaigua]

Game 1- #1 Equestrian States vs #9 Free South Califas @ Baltimare Harbor Grounds

Free South Califas               1 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0  5
Equestrian States                0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  3

It is possible that my scorination of game two will be 2-3 hrs after Equestrian States scorinates the rest of the game. It might be on time too, just want you to be aware of the possibility and not to get scared if its delayed a couple hours.

[Darmen]

Enemies=Kumalo's Grandmother, no?

Father Jimi Dylan, a servant of the Great Goddess. To my brother in the faith, Kumalo Nalokupani, leader of the faithful in Maklohi Vai. Greetings. I know we have never met before, but I would be glad to travel to Maklohi Vai and visit you in your home. This would have to be arranged at a latter time though, as I am quite busy with becoming accustomed to my duties as a Father in the Church of Margaret. I accept the challenge though that Margaret has placed before me, and hope to pass the test with flying colors.

I shall make sure to pass on your thankfulness to Bishop Lennon as soon as he returns from his travels, and I am sure he will be glad to hear it. He is a great man of the faith, Bishop Lennon, and I would not be suprised to see him elevated to the position of High Priest before long.

With regards to the number of rubber chickens that should be offered as a burnt sacrifice to Margaret, I shall remind you that it was not my wording with regards to the laziness of some believers in the faith. But, I do believe that I know what Brother Lennon meant when he used that word. With no requirements to bring any rubber chickens to offer to Margaret as a sacrifice, many may abandon the practice altogether, even if they have more than enough means to buy, or make, rubber chickens to be offered to Margaret in sacrifice. This is the lazy I believe he refers to. I have been told by Bishop Lennon of how you conduct your Organization's services, and I will suggest that you perhaps include a small sermon before the prayer and sacrifice. This sermon could be a means of giving your followers in the faith guidance on what a true believer must do. Until then, only when your followers ask questions will they be taught on the matter of what is right or wrong.

I am glad to hear that you are not overburdened by your work. It is easy to understand how Bishop Lennon may have unjustly come to this conclusion with his trip to your nation and subsequent observation of your services being so short.

With regards to the incident that involved sister Nilani. First, I must say that I am glad to hear that she is alright, and am thankful to Margaret for this. Secondly, I am humbled by your eternal gratitude and respect towards me, and thank you in return. I believe it was Margaret herself who had me arrive at sister Nilani's hotel room earlier than I had planned, allowing me to save Nilani from certain fear and intimidation at the hands of the authorities in this country. While I am sure that her life was not in danger, she would certainly have experience much more emotional and mental trauma than she already has, and for that matter, needs. I pray to Margaret that the Great Goddess will keep sister Nilani safe in the future.

And now brother Kumalo, I bid you farewell. My congregation is waiting for me, and it is only my fifth time leading them in giving praise and worshiping the Great Goddess. It is a much different experience, between looking down on your fellow believers as you lead them in prayer, and looking at Bishop Lennon as he uttered his words of wisdom. I pray to Margaret that she will grant me the same wisdom that has been granted to Bishop Lennon and makes him such a great man to lead us in the faith.

[Qazox]

BEST WBC CHAMPIONS LIST
#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
#23: MILCHAMA (WBC 4)
#22: QAZOX (WBC 6)
#21: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 12)
#20: LYCRABON (WBC 20)
#19: ZWANGZUG (WBC 7)
#18: CASSADAIGUA (WBC 14)

#17: AZ-CZ (WBC 3)
RECORD: 8-2
Best win: Championship game: (Az-cz 6- Qazox 3)
Why this ranking? Coming off of (so far) the only undefeated WBC run, Az-cz' 3rd title run came off as a legend on their last legs stumbling around. They finished 2nd behind 1st timers Taeshan, who won the group with a negative run differential. While the playoff pool and elimination stage wins were typical dominating wins by Az-cz; this team seemed to be going through the motions too much.

#16: TOCROWKIA (WBC 11)
RECORD: 16-4
Best win: Game 2 of semifinals: (Tocrowkia 2-Zwangzug 1 10innings)
Why this ranking? : Unfulfilled potential. A team that won a title in it's 3 straight semifinal appearance, but left so much more on the table. Newmanistan and Cassadaigua were the 2 most dominant teams in the middle third of the first 24 WBCs, and Tocrowkia could and should have been the third.

Up next #15 and #14...

[Taeshan]

"Well i'll be darned. We lost."

"Not really that surprising, we've had a bad season, and Milchama seems to be the better team at the moment."

"Yeah but still, we could have had that game."

"We just got to go out and get them in the next one."

"Yeah but if we dont we are done."

"Yeah, but we definitely saved face."

"But i don't just want to save face...I want to win it all."

"Like that will ever happen again."

"It will happen again if you believe."

"But we lost."

"We are down, not out. We still got this."

"But what if we don't..."

"We will. We will beat the Warriors, twice and move on."

"I hope your right."

[Maklohi Vai]

Sorry about the length again. It's tough for me to get time these days. Please just assume all RPs from here on out are shorter than I wish

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14

With OAM stagnating at around 4000 members, the government aware and accepting, Nilani safe, and his grandmother still in the dark, Kumalo felt an inner peace. All he had to do was write to his Darmeni correspondants, pray, and watch baseball. Not a bad life after all.

To my brother in the faith, Father Jimi Dylan.
I, of course, understand your busy schedule. As I took over a new group of believers myself recently, I know all too well the stresses associated with this situation. Please, do not rush your visit. Any time you visit is a joyous time. As well, I certainly hope you pass your priest's exam with great ease. After the services you have performed in the name of Margaret, I have no doubt that you are capable.

On the matter of chickens, I do indeed now understand your colleague's use of "lazy." I can understand his apprehension, and share in some of it myself. However, I deem it not prudent to enforce a strict limit of chickens. While my church recommended 2 chickens, we did not turn anyone away who did not have a sacrifice. That said, it may be to our benefit to tell the believers, to enforce to them, why the sacrifices matter so much. This matter for sure I will implement. However, your suggestion of sermons does not sit well with me, as OAM was founded to be a safe haven only for those who wanted to be there of their own accord. They come because they want to worship Margaret, not to be preached to. While I understand your inclination to do so, it will most certainly not work for my church.*

My workload remains quite manageable, and I do not begrudge Bishop Lennon at all. He did not stay long enough for hime to get a truly good view of OAM and how we work.

I too am glad that Nilani is safe and sound with us. She is one of the strongest and most remarkable members of our group, losing her would have meant that much more. Also, I am honored by your humility. I would have never dreamed that my words would have such an effect. On the matter of your rescue, I see a brave man with great courage and faith, no doubt, but also differences in our doctrine. The powers you enumerate to Margaret are greater than those we enumerate here in Maklohi Vai, but let this not stand in the way. We are brothers of the faith, and that should be the focal point of our relations. We have no other cause than to worship Margaret.

I wish you luck in your prayers, and I offer my assistance in crafting prayers if you so need. I do so daily for OAM, and I believe this would be not much different. I would be honored to be of your service**. Bishop Lennon is a prime example to follow. I have no doubt you will do his former parish justice. Farewell, brother Dylan. May we speak again shortly.


*OOC to Darmen: Kumalo's opposition can be given some IC cultural backing if you so desire.
**OOC to Darmen: A possible RP line, if you so wish. No pressure to do so.

---

Game Recap

#12  Maklohi Vai             1 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0  8
 #4  Zwangzug                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Scoring Summary
1st: Mae'ao hit a double to drive in Iao Laina with two outs.
3rd: Aputo Roma’ai doubled to lead off, then advanced to third on an infield single by Iao Laina. Ri'ino Uilnai then walked to load the bases for Mae'ao, who promptly delivered a monster grand slam deep over the left field wall. Later in the inning, Wolo Rakinalmanai hit a two run homer that drove in himself and Arnao, who had singled.
4th: Mae'ao hit a solo shot to right.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 32, Arnao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2
RBI: Mae'ao 65, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 5, Aputo Roma’ai 2, Iao Laina 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Koilani Ruputuo 1[/quote]

[Zwangzug]

BeyondLinks: official Blatter account of Kerlagrad Courier Sports!

BREAKING: Two o's for spelling. I'm out for the night.

Blah blah blah long history of a game full of surprises blah.

BREAKING: Maklohi Vai not seeded that far below us after all.

Where by "excitement" is meant "the Zebras getting their butts handed to them by Maklohi Vai."

Well, at least there's some excitement going on here

Or, I could look up some arbitrary statistics, but the Qazox press seems to be around to do that, so why bother.

I could mention some of the individual standout performances in the tournament, but I'm not going to do that, because I'm not an idiot.

@sweeptastic my poetic skills, better than 99% of people who're actually trying.

But that would make me feel sad for everyone who's vanished before us.

Sure, I could replay highlights over the first twenty-five tournaments. Oh for the Things or the Black Wings, eh?

@skywaydreamer @tuba512 @twixtling good points all

And what's the point of us being one of the few holdover teams through the ages if I can't remember stuff like the Nordics?

I mean, what the bleep.

BREAKING: One-named wonder has pushed in 65 runs this tournament alone.

BREAKING: Zebras surrender grand slam to Lumai, whatever they are

BREAKING: Milchamian reconstructionist religion spreads worldwide

But seriously, Tocrowkia. What else don't I remember, if I've blanked on them?

And sure, I don't know the names of all the good players these days, but that's different.

Phoenixes, everyone, my point stands. Not that you'd necessarily need a plural in the mythological sense.

@indieflame shows you how memorable they were.

The mediocre teams from this generation were so entertaining nobody cared about the really good ones.

They were about contemporaries of the Stars, right? And/or the Phoenices?

There were some fantastic teams that never broke through, but the Nordics were different.

I never thought I'd say this but the writer from Qazox is onto something. Early forces, these all-female teams... then what?

Remember Matthew Shaporio? Or was it Shapiro? Dude had our number but I can't spell his name.

BREAKING: Tocrowkia were a fantastically good team.

Wait, what the bleep.

There's a sort of fun fact I'll write up later, have to see how the list pans out.

Actually, go ahead and ask me why. I just might not respond right away.

Reading that list of champions from the Qazox press. Don't ask me why.

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Playoffs Results

Quarterfinals - Game 2

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare - Scorinated by Cassadaigua
 #1  Equestrian States       0 1 0 4 0 0 0 2 2  9
 #9  Free South Califas      0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

Series Tied 1-1

Forest Stadium, Everfree
 #4  Zwangzug                0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 1  8
#12  Maklohi Vai             0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0  4

Series Tied 1-1

Mountainside Field, Stalliongrad
#10  West Guiana             2 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 0  9
#15  Darmen                  2 0 0 4 0 1 5 0 X 12

Darmen Wins 2-0

Ponyville Park, Ponyville
 #3  Milchama                0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0  4
#11  Taeshan                 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1  3

Milchama Wins 2-0

Quarterfinals - Game 3

#1 Equestrian States vs. #9 Free South Califas
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

#4 Zwangzug vs. #12 Maklohi Vai
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

Semifinals - Game 1
To Be Scorinated Friday, March 15th

Equestrian States/Free South Califas vs. Zwangzug/Maklohi Vai
at Royal Canterlot Stadium (cap. 55,000) in Canterlot

#3 Milchama vs. #15 Darmen
at Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 45,000) in Cloudsdale

[Cassadaigua]

Game 2- #1 Equestrian States vs #9 Free South Califas @ Baltimare Harbor Grounds

Equestrian States                0 1 0 4 0 0 0 2 2  9
Free South Califas               0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

The series is now tied at 1. It is possible again tomorrow that my scorination will be a bit delayed to around this time.

[Darmen]

Father Jimi Dylan, a servant of the Great Goddess. Greetings, brother in the faith Kumalo. I must start by clarifying something. In your return letter to me, you wished me good luck in passing my "priest's exam." There are no such things in the Darmeni Church of Margaret. Rather, I was refering to a much greater, and much more important test than could ever be given to me by a mortal man. I refered to the test that Margaret, the Great Goddess herself, has given to me, that is the test of whether I am able to lead my congregation in the faith or not. I apoligise for the confusion. But I thank you anyways for your faith in me, and your wish of good luck. I am humbled by them.

I to agree that any limits on the ammount of rubber chickens to be sacrificed should not be enacted, and that any decision to do so would be the wrong one. From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. I also understand why you are reluctant to give sermons before your prayers, and my suggestion was simply just that, a suggestion. However, I am interested on how you plan to stress the importance of sacrifices to Margaret without the use of sermons.

I thank you for seeing bravery and courage in me, but in fact I think of myself as having neither. I simply did what I felt was right, guided in that decision by Margaret herself. I believe that every believer in the faith should have done the same as me: to protect the other faithful is to protect the faith itself. Who knows what would've happened if Nilani had told the authorities everything she knew about us. Raids would have ensued for sure, and arrests would have taken place subsequently. It could have hampered our efforts to expand our influence on the many souls which do not find themselves among the faithful.

On the issue of differences in doctrine, I too hope and pray that these differences will not drive us apart. Let our faith in Margaret be first on our minds, and our differences last.

I thank you also for your offer in helping to write prayers. Currently, I feel I am doing fine, I have done my best to emulate Bishop Lennon and his great wisdom in the faith.

Farewell dear brother in the faith. I await your response, especially your response to my question about how you will stress the importance of sacrifice to Margaret without the use of a sermon, with much anticipation.

[Qazox]

BEST WBC CHAMPIONS LIST
#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
#23: MILCHAMA (WBC 4)
#22: QAZOX (WBC 6)
#21: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 12)
#20: LYCRABON (WBC 20)
#19: ZWANGZUG (WBC 7)
#18: CASSADAIGUA (WBC 14)
#17: AZ-CZ (WBC 3)
#16: TOCROWKIA (WBC 11)

#15: TAESHAN (WBC 13)
RECORD: 16-7
Best win: Game 1 of Quarterfinals (Taeshan 2- Newmanistan 1 15 innings)
Why this ranking? For finally getting that monkey off thier backs. Basically the opposite of Tocrowkia, as Taeshan struggled to get past the semis before finally getting that elusive title, but has remained a contender. Interesting side note, even counting Taeshan's and Tocrowkia's titles; Cassadaigua and Newmanistan combined to be in 9 consecutive finals (WBC 9-17), winning 6.

#14: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 10)
RECORD: 14-5
Best win: Game 3 of Championship (Newmanistan 3-Secristan 1)
Why this ranking? : They really didn't beat anybody. The title that launched a dynasty was frankly not impressive. They split 4 games with Secristan and Green wombat in the group stage, beat a poor Prux team in the round of 16, struggled past Taeshan and Tocrowkia and faced an equally unimpressive Secristan in the finals.

Up next #13 and #12...

[Zwangzug]

Morning here in Equestrian States. Not long before I have to go out and start game three. Just a little nervous.

Hah.

This last game was close, by the end. We'd taken the lead, sure, but then they tied it up when Ruputuo pushed in Laina and Uilnai. Laina would come in to score their other run as well, but by then we were in control a little more. Hiroto claims he felt fine all the way through but I beg to differ.

Anyway, we were able to grab two more runs to match theirs after they tied it up. This could be something about how it's important to change the momentum. Or, it could most likely be a coincidence. And seeing how Ross-Meyer had been swinging so hard all day, I'm guessing the latter. She's not usually that aggressive, but she was really ready to bring it by the seventh, lashing one out to the wall to push in Nibey-Bute. That surprised me, I thought she'd hold up at third, but nope, in she went. And then Amir pushed her in so there you go.

I'm still a little shaken by that previous game, though. Grand slams...happen, and even if we're piecing together runs some other way, so what? We've had worse losses than that. Is what I keep telling myself. Our ZACK would have been relatively high, until Yania rapped out that double and got our offense looking at least sort of alive. But is it ever intimidating.

Spirits are high, though. I guess a close game gets everybody excited, after a loss like that--well, it wasn't like we were checking out after the third, but...hope was held in reserve. Danny, of course, being Danny, is particularly stoic, or just more offended by the thought that people are burning up chickens for no apparent reason than disappointed in the shellacking. I've confirmed with Ross-Meyer that his normal reaction to a home loss is shrugging it off, unless it's the end of a three-game series, in which case he starts muttering stuff about how the visitors probably shouldn't take the train out because the department of transportation doesn't spend enough (!) on keeping them safe...

Aminda, in contrast, isn't doing so great, I heard her talking things over with the hotel workers and looking really embarrased. Either she made a mess of things by mistake (she's a little wild, but surely not so much as to break furniture in loss-induced rage?) or maybe things just weren't arranged to fit us?

But, that aside, it seems like we're just going to be stretching out these series. Could be a whole lot worse. Free baseball (well, not really, I guess you have to pay to get in. Unless you're Danny and want some revolutionary system...) Okay, the point stands.

I have to find Moana to help me learn to spell prepare for the lineup. Also she said we're all getting pie, for some reason.

[Maklohi Vai]

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15

To my brother in the faith, Father Jimi Dylan.
I apologize for the confusion in my wording of "priest's exam." In Maklohi Vai, the word "exam" is often used for purposes greater than just a test in school. It has the connotation of a true examination: thorough and difficult. It is through this term that I referred to your review by Margaret. I hope that this proceeds without difficulty, and my thoughts are still with you.

It appears we have agreed on the lack of a limit for sacrifices, and I believe this is a good one. On the matter of informing my group why sacrifices are important, I believe a sermon is not appropriate for this purpose in my church, even though it may be in yours. There is quite a lot of history that goes into this: Maklohi Vai is a largely atheist country, and has been for a while.

The first ancestors, after traversing the seas, were believers in a pagan faith, but it was a faith that stressed the importance of the individual, and as such there were no meetings of this faith. It was something discussed in private, not in public. Therefore, there were no priests and no sermons in Maklohi Vai until the latter end of the 19th century* when Jesuit missionaries arrived. They were relentless in pursuing converts, and endlessly annoying with their efforts. Our native population wished no part in this, and so we shut them out. However, this just made them try harder and harder, pushing most Vaians to a view that was very anti-proselytization.

Unfortunately, we weren't out of the muck yet. The Samoan empire attempted to invade Maklohi Vai in 1874, overthrowing the monarchy. They unofficially ruled the country for 3 years, and their first order of business was spreading their new Mormon faith. Endless sermons and long discussions of doctrine pushed Vaians against many forms of overactive religion. The implausibilities presented also started to push many native Vaians down the path to atheism.

But even after the Samoans were repelled, there was still another fight. Portuguese immigrants started to arrive in the early 20th century, bringing with them their Catholic faith. Their favorite discussions were on God and faith, and they went on and on, trying to get people to believe.

From all this, Vaians don't like to be preached to about religion. Even if we were religious, it's not something that would work. Therefore, Father Dylan, sermons cannot happen in Maklohi Vai. I can make suggestions and proposals, but I cannot give a sermon. I hope you understand, my brother.

I too am grateful for Nilani's safety, more so than you might be able to imagine. However, broaching the subject again makes me filled with stress, so I request that we not discuss it further. Likewise, our doctrinal differences should not make a difference in our communication. This too can be dropped.

On the matter of prayers, I understand fully. It is typically best for one to write his own prayers anyway. And with that, I wish you farewell and good tidings. May you prosper under Margaret's guidance, brother.

*Maklohi Vai uses RL time for the period before it made the dimension jump to NS

---

Game Recap

#4 Zwangzug                0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 1  8
#12 Maklohi Vai             0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0  4

Scoring Summary
5th: Mae'ao hit a solo shot to left.
6th: Koilani Ruputuo hit a double to drive in Iao Laina and Ri'ino Uilnai, each of whom had singled.
8th: Mae'ao smashed a home run to right.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 34, Arnao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2
RBI: Mae'ao 67, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 5, Koilani Ruputuo 3, Aputo Roma’ai 2, Iao Laina 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Playoffs Results

Quarterfinals - Game 3

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare - Scorinated by Cassadaigua
 #9  Free South Califas      0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
 #1  Equestrian States       0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 X  5

Equestrian States Wins 2-1

Forest Stadium, Everfree
#12  Maklohi Vai             1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  3
 #4  Zwangzug                0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 X  5

Zwangzug Wins 2-1

Semifinals - Game 1

#1 Equestrian States vs. #4 Zwangzug
at Royal Canterlot Stadium (cap. 55,000) in Canterlot

#3 Milchama vs. #15 Darmen
at Sky-High Coliseum (cap. 45,000) in Cloudsdale

[Cassadaigua]

Game 3- #1 Equestrian States vs #9 Free South Califas @ Baltimare Harbor Grounds

Free South Califas               0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Equestrian States                0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 X  5

Equestrian States wins series, 2G-1

[Qazox]

BEST WBC CHAMPIONS LIST
#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
#23: MILCHAMA (WBC 4)
#22: QAZOX (WBC 6)
#21: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 12)
#20: LYCRABON (WBC 20)
#19: ZWANGZUG (WBC 7)
#18: CASSADAIGUA (WBC 14)
#17: AZ-CZ (WBC 3)
#16: TOCROWKIA (WBC 11)
#15: TAESHAN (WBC 13)
#14: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 10)

#13: WESTERN CUBA (WBC 22)
RECORD: 19-5
Best Win: Game 2 of Championship (Western Cuba 3- Saugeais 0)
Why this ranking? Too recent to make it higher, but impressive as Western Cuba won 4 do-or-die games in the playoffs after going 10-0 in a less than stellar group stage. Beat Milchama and Cassadaigua on the way to the title. A classic example of the right team at the right time.

#12: QAZOX (WBC 9)
RECORD: 9-3
Best win: Game 5 of Championship (Qazox 5- Newmanistan 4 11 innings)
Why this ranking? : The unusual qualifying format that saw a two-stage home-away 1st round, with a 2nd round group stage with only the group winners making the finals. Qazox did become the 1st team to win the title after trailing 2-1 in a 5 game series, and became the 2nd team to win 3 titles; but overall this title has a small asterisk given the format.

Up next #11 and #10...