Baptism of Fire 48 - Everything Thread

by **Deadmans** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:25 am

Deathland City Times

We're in group I

The fans of the national team Deadmnas will be leaving today for Iturributa with the team and the Duke of Deadmans will be leaving as well with them.

Group I
Aexalla
Deadmans
Altito Asmoro
Kerblaekistan
Artsakhestan
Westros

The team was then leaving for the BoF later on. Deadmans need to have a good ranking for the world cup later which is after the BoF finishes. The actual matches don't start until Sunday 22nd of July.

This group might look hard for us Deadmansian people but we have hired lot and lots of zombies for the BoF. The zombies will suck the brains out the opponents if they win or draw with us.

by **Altito Asmoro** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 8:40 am

GROUP I

Well, we expect nothing, except playing with high spirits and excitement. We hope our extensive training at the PRAA's military camps for 6 months will be paid off.

COME!!!

by **Dark** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 8:49 am

Ignore

by **Leorudo** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:02 am

Leorudo Olyimpic Stadium
The day before the flight

Roster(for your convience):

Carlos Azules was having a rough day. He had just had a rough fight with his girlfriend, and his parents were not happy he was going to pursue football instead of becoming a doctor. He also was a few payments back on his apartment, and you know how that is.Well the Manager noticed this and asked him what was wrong, Carlos told him money, family, girlfriend. Shaun had seen this all before, being the Manager for a long time, and he told him,"Carlos, you get to leave all of that behind, for one month, you will take a vacation to a tournement that will have nothing to do with your family, money, or girlfriend. Type in Paradise, Coldplay on youtube,see what you get." Shaun hated the song, but for some reason all twenty year-olds liked it, so he thought, what the hell?
Tommorrow they would leave on the flights, and defense in this tournement would be key.

by **Leorudo** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:33 am

Leorudo Roar A.F.C. Offical Website
Baptism of Fire Predictions and Group Evaluations

Leorudo-Tied with Oswaldia as group favorites, the match that will most likely determine the group is between the too.

Mesoland-This nation has no information revealed to our database, but that doesnt mean they can't mix things up.

Wellboneland-Same as Mesoland, you can never take any team for granted.

Oswaldia-The one that is going to screw stuff up if Leorudo does not take care of buisness.

Boyznichov-They are team just starting out, they can make some noise.

Vielha- No information beyong the fact that they were listed by the hosts.

by **Inthelittlenation** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:38 am

Inthelittlenation hits the international stage!

July 21st 2012 - Section: The Baptism of Fire

Inthelittlenation, the team that smashed the Oileanra Ollmhor Qualifiers is to move on to the world stage. The national football team sets forth to Iturributa tonight following yesterdays group drawings, Inthelittlenation is playing against the nations of The Scandinavian Islands, Vampiric-Krumbian Confederacy, Catocton, Mashiki and group rivals from the Romili Cup, Romili themselves, whom we lost to 0-2. Despite strong competition, Shaquille Ryuunosuke is confident Inthelittlenation can succeed at the Baptism of Fire and has high hopes that they may even win. There's one thing for sure, we've only got one shot at this, so our team has gotta make it count.

King Victor II, son of recently deceased Victor I, has expressed his interest in the cup, noting that he would personally fly out to greet the team and watch the match, should Inthelittlenation proceed to the Round of Sixteen. All of our best wishes are with the team, good luck.

Update: The players have awoken bright and early today and can already be found training for their first big game against Catocton, the completely "un-biased" Betting Station has placed Inthelittlenation at 1:2 odds, for every game.

by **Horusland** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 11:52 am

Baptism of Fire Group Draw
HorusLand in Group E!

The Group Draw of the Baptism of Fire has been released! HorusLand's team will be playing in Ossidiacqua in Group E. The matches start today, and all HorusLand fans are very excited for the official start of this tournament.
HorusLand's players have been training much over the past month or two, but now that the tournament has started, and the Group Draw has finished, they do not know what to expect from the teams of the other countries in the group, as they've never heard of most of them.

Group E
Timfen
Peripanland
Deep Fried Pickles
Bongo Johnson
Wild Isle
HorusLand

OOC: I actually know of all the countries except one here, which is weird. I never thought I knew so many people on NS.
I also realized that half of these countries haven't posted a roster. lol.

The BoF has started!

by **Yorobia** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 12:00 pm

Yorobia drawn in Group D

The groups for the Baptism of Fire has been draw ad Yorobian players are tingling with anxiety for the coming matches. An interview with Yorobia's best player Rainbow Hoof stated that Rainbow Hoof was confident that Yorobia had a chance, especially after placing 9th place in the Equestria Cup III. Fans watching are ecstatic to see their team in action.

by **Wild Isle** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 12:37 pm

Taporuamotu Tapwhenga Team 3-4-3
Nickname: The Narglatches
: U Kiwinga
Home colors: Black-Tan-Brown

Away colors: Green-Green-Brown

The Sacred game of Nohanga was played widely in Wild Isle before connection to the Pakeha, or the world beyond Wild Isle. This Tohunga game was closely related to football, but more physical. Two terrified missionaries explained that the Taparuamotueuns could modify their Nohanga game. Only after the two Salcharians were tied to a wooden pole and seasoned with strong smelling glatchy-grass, only then did the tribe understand.

With the help of the missionaries, the Taparuamotueuns sent in their applacation for the world cup. The few months after that was the skills competition that would determine the Wild Isle national team. The chief chose his men and started up team practices, but the missionaries soon realized that the members of the team were only good for stabbing opponents with a sharp spear. The Salcharians explained the problem to the chief, but instead of the Chief calling a meeting of elders, he just laughed and told the missionaries to find the players themselves.

So after a few more months of tramping through the Wild Isle forest, in search of migrating tribes, here is what they came out with:

(S-Starter)

Goalkeepers
A-S

A is a wood-hard goalkeeper for Wild Isle (rocks are scarce where A lives). His sprawling on the ground tactics are unpredictable and can fool any shooting opponent. A belongs to the Hakamakoonga tribe where he does heavy duty chores like lifting logs.

Kuaharakai

If A cant get the job done in net, then Kuaharakai will. Kuaharakai is the number one penalty shot blocker in the Taparuamotu league. Kuaharakai is good freinds with defenseman, Kakauru. Both belong to the Ruaonemotunga tribe.

Defensemen

Kai

Kai is a developing defensman. Only at the age of eighteen, Kai is usually on the sideline, cheering his teammates on. Kai was a sucsessful goalscorer for Itimaungamanga (which finished last in the Taparuamotu league). Kai trains daily for a chance to make an impact for Taparuamotu.

Kakauru-S

Karauru is any goalies favorite defenseman. Karauru plays on Ruatonemotunga along with goalkeeper, Kuaharakai. During corners, Kakauru will play by either the far or near posts in order to defend the goal. If he sees a goalie in distress, he will be the first one there.

Haku-S

Haku is a veteran defenseman. He was one of the founding fathers of football in Wild Isle.Along with Midfielder, Harau, Haku travels with the chief and assists him in international buisness or Pakeha. Haku was raised with the Awamoanatai tribe.

Upaoupa-S

Upaoupa does not really trust the game of football, he does not respect it, instead he just plays it. Upaoupa was only drafted on the team due to his amazing hand-eye coordanation and his ability to terrify the opponents fowards. Upaoupa is the guard for the Hakamakoonga tribe.

Midfielders
Harau-S

Harau is a starting midfielder for Taparuamotu. Harau's "I dont care how, but this ball is going into this net" style of play has gotten him into lots of trouble. In the Taparuamotu laegue, Harau was the most leaved (carded) player for Terangiwhennua. He volunteers as the village guard and as the chief's "muscle"

Karu-S

Brother of Auru, Karu completes any right sideline play. From his super juking skills to his halarious sense of humor, Karu is a must-have for any succsessful team. Both the national team and the tribe of Kiwinuianga have the "two brothers", Auru and Karu.

Kuakai-S

Kuakai is a well rounded midfielder for Taparuamotu. Kuakai can rush up the field and drill a few shots, then rush back to assist his defense. Kuakai is the leader in assists for Terangiwhenua. When he is not playing Tapwhenga (football), Kuakai is enjoying the Taparuamotueun wildlife.

Nupa-S

Nupa is a speedy midfielder. When he has the ball, you expect him to drive to the net. His speed is his only weapon. Nupa lacks in shooting and passindg skills. Nupa belongs to the Nuikohatuana tribe where he runs footraces.

Uakai

Uakai is the first half to the defensive midfielders. Along with Urukai, Uakai plays a bit behind the other midfielders. Uakai and Urukai work together like clockwork, some say the work better then the "two brothers". Uakai belongs to the Nuikohatuana tribe.

Urukai

Urukai is the second half to the defensive midfielders. Assisting Uakai, Urukai is an amazing partner to the other midfielders and defense. Urukai belong to the Nuikohatuana tribe along with Uakai.

Fowards
Auru-S

Auru is seen mostly streaking down the right sideline, either with the ball or chasing it. Auru is a right foward and a top goalscorer. Auru plays for the Kiwinuianga tribe along with his brother, Karu.

Moamu-S

Moamu is another foward and another top goalscorer for Taparuamotu. He is known for his creative ways of shooting the ball. Moamu plays for the Hakamaoonga tribe where he performed a perfect oonga (bycicle kick).

Noa

Noa has the most goals in the nation of Wild Isle. Noa loves watching the ball strike his foot and then land in the goal. Awamoanatai has won both the cup and the league thanks to Noa.

Ruramoutuawhengakai (Rura)-S

Ruramoutuawhengakai is the only one on the team to not shorten his name for the foriegners (A is an exception, he was born with an unique name). Ruramoutuawhengakai ha great leadership and is the captain of the national team and the Awamoanatai tribe.

Wua

Wua is the center field substitute, Wua usually replaces the captain, Ruramoutuawhengakai. Widely known for his skill at the Haka (a tribal war dance), Wua and his tribemates from Ruaonemotunga will perform a Haka when Wua scores.

Coaches
Assistant coach- Pua'o

Pua'o is not only the Taparuamotu assistant coach, but he is also the team philosopher. Pua'o knows every single Taparuamotu legend, and when the team is upset he will tell them a happy little tale.

Assistant coach- Wheoa

Wheoa hide behind his mask and never speaks, instead as the opponents run by he makes animal sounds and crawls on all fours, attempting to scare the opponent. Not once has Wheoa showed his face to anybody except the Taparuamotueuns.

Head coach- Rhenga

Rhenga is an odd head coach, Rhenga does not waste his time odering the players around, instead, he sits on the bench, deep in thought. Rhenga thinks about the outcome of the game, but not about the tournament, instead he thinks about how it will affect the Taparuamotu gods.

by **Wihsirmir Taoul di wer Qumadosfan** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 1:00 pm

“Today begins a new era in Qumadosfanii Sport! A day that we have all been longing for since the days of old when our more human relatives, the Vegai, shunned and rejected us from their selection process! A day the world shall remember as the Draconian peoples make their mark on the 48th Baptism of Fire and the World Cup that follows!”

The ancient and wizened Jennu Pliso (Grand Minister), Elderath G’yuk, was passionate as he spoke - and most Qumadosfanii would share the emotion. It had been far too long since the Vegai peoples had rejected their Draconic brethren as “too animalistic” and “uncultured”. Beginning today, the Draconians would show the world that forgetting about them had been a huge mistake.

“Our national team, The Firedrakes, will travel to the forsaken region of Rushmore to the little known land of Iturributa, a whelpling state of former Astograthian servants. This is where we shall prove to the world that we are capable of competing with their ‘more natural’ races… without eating them! That is of course should we not prevail by at least a dozen goals - then we will eat the dismal losers anyway.

The first real test for us comes in the form of a nation known only as Daydreamtopia. A scared nation they are. So scared of facing us that a proper team has not even been announced to play us. They hide away behind their borders and quake in fear at just the thought of taking the pitch against us. We shall use that fear to crush whomever they send to face us.

Glory is ours as we have been selected to play in the first match ever at Martyr’s Arena in Garitzeta. It is with honor and respect that we will take the pitch despite the former groveling of the Astograthian bitches the stadium has enshrined. We shall make a point not to anger our hosts by pointing out their inferiority. We shall display the proper face of sportsmanship. And we shall be victorious and make a history for their new arena.

So take note my fellow Qumadosfanii, today we begin our Baptism of Fire! Today we begin our road to usurping greatness from undeserving lesser races! Today people will remember that the Draconian peoples are more than just a myth lost in their histories! Today we make our first steps as future Champions!”

by **Wild Isle** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 1:08 pm

Taparuamotu Tapwhenga Team has been drawn into group E

Group E
Timfen
Peripanland
Deep Fried Pickles
Bongo Johnson
Wild Isle
HorusLand

The schedule has been released!

MD    Country            Odds of winning
MD1 - Peripanland        1/2
MD2 - Deep Fried Pickles 3/5
MD3 - Bongo Johnson      5/6
MD4 - Horusland          5/6
MD5 - Timfen             1/3

by **Mashiki** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 1:15 pm

"Right, this isn't he first match, and what could be one of the most important. It will give our opponents as well as the other people in our group an impression of how well we can play. You've seen me coach our Swamp Soccer team and lead them very close to victory, and I you listen to why I say you can do it again here and maybe even go further. If we play as a team, we can succeed and that is what we want right? So listen to what I say. Do your best, play brilliantly as a team, and win this match!"

Signs Twaqulu's team talk before Mashiki's opening game at the Baptism of Fire.

by **Horusland** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 1:19 pm

-deleted-

by **Democratic States of Fenbar** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:41 pm

THE FENTON CHRONICLE

21/7/12

5 Fensters

DS OF FENBAR DRAWN IN GROUP H

Group H
Arcadian Islands
Cosmic Censorship
Vindesby
Remad
Democratic States of Fenbar
Conclespia

It was revealed yesterday that the DS of Fenbar's first five opponents of the tournament would be: Arcadian Islands, Cosmic Censorship, Vindesby, Remad and Conclespia. Although this may look like a difficult group, (this is all the team's first tournament, so no-one can make an intelligent guess about who will win the group,) the team will remain confident going into the first match tomorrow.

by **Zandistan** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:55 pm

SANT'ELIA HARBOR, OSSIDIACQUA

He will be pleased, thought Karl "Blade" von Zanderstrom III. Yes, very pleased.

The Zandistani Men's National Team arrived in the capital of Ossidiacqua after a relatively peaceful journey on the most luxurious ship in all Zandistan. Admittedly, it still wasn't much of a luxury ship, but the journey was nevertheless calm. Scratch Tzingotürk's itch hadn't acted up at all, always a good sign: the team was safe, nobody on their trail. Especially not those bumbling Zandistani police, who had been tracking the team ever since the lineups were published with a full-Mafia starting XI. Suspicious activity from a nation striving for a clean appearance.

But upon leisurely entering Sant'Elia, von Zanderstrom received the all-important news from the team mastermind. Backup goalkeeper Evanolan Fry looked up from his book, "Good news, Karl."
"Blade."
"My apologies, Blade. The news?"
"Yes, the news," grumbled Blade. Von Zanderstrom was in charge of keeping a clean ship, so to speak. Maintain a low profile with the guys, play the game, go home. No muss, no fuss. And the captain hadn't gotten much sleep so far on the trip with the trouble some guys nearly got into. Already he had caught Melbrue "Tango" Tangari in the ship's bar getting a little too close with a certain female employee named Jessica. Trouble meant the team, illicitly selected, might be forced to resign from the tournament and go home early. Not a good way to break onto the international stage.
"Get on with it."
"Well, the police tracker shows-"
"Shows what?" snapped Blade.
"Well, anyway, the Zandistani police supposedly following us are, well-"
"Are, well, what? I don't have all day, Fry."
"They seemed to have tracked us down...into Iturributa!"
At this, Evanolan Fry collapsed into giggles, and once the meaning of the statement settled onto von Zanderstrom, he let loose one of his huge belly laughs. "HO! HO! HO! HO!"

No wonder Scratch has been so quiet, thought Blade. Here we are, in Sant'Elia, Ossidiacqua, and the people on our tail have chased us to Iturributa. Iturributa! Halfway across the region!
Blade knew they were safe...at least for the group stage, anyway. Five games free of pursuers, maybe Tango can have some fun! Nah, that's just asking for trouble. He chuckled. Five games free, no one can hurt us, and then only a few in which to evade the police, which has always been incompetent. But von Zanderstrom already knew they would have to pray to not get a playoff match in Iturributa, if they got that far. And if Zandistan dispatched further agents, tracking them to Ossidiacqua? That quarry stadium in Collindiana is doubly worrisome, no tunnels to escape into, no way out but up. We could easily be trapped in there. Karl von Zanderstrom III had inherited a trait from his father and grandfather alike: they could never stop worrying. But he knew he had to stop, they were only just arriving to their tournament home to Ossidiacqua, and the team needed to focus on soccer. Don't get ahead of yourself. Too much worrying makes for bad soccer. We are safe for now. And Fry will surely tell him the news. He will be pleased. Von Zanderstrom smiled, for the first time in a long time. Yes, very pleased.

They disembarked the boat, walking the streets of beautiful Sant'Elia, touring the stadiums. First the Rue de Novembre, likely site of a group match or two. What an ugly structure. Von Zanderstrom was shocked by the stadium's horrific outward appearance. All the pipes visible everywhere, who would come to a game here? Yet von Zanderstrom knew nearly everyone would, the spectators here were crazy for this game. Acquans and Zandistanis alike. He had seen enough for today, plenty of time to see it later, on the inside, he decided. They continued walking down the blocks, but towards their temporary Ossidiacquan home, a small in. A beautiful city, he thought. We're so lucky to be here. But nothing could prepare von Zanderstrom for what he would see next:

There it was. The fabled structure. Il Colosseo. Absolutely stunning colors, stained glass, towering over them. Von Zanderstrom was instantly mesmerized. He reached up a hand to stroke the bottom of the glass pane, it's beauty, deep in color, enchanting him and taking him in. His mind wandered to the possibilities. Just a few short weeks...We could be on that pitch, playing for the title of our inaugural tournament, before over 100,000, cheering our every move. This beautiful structure could be hallowed soil for our team, birthplace of future Zandistani football...all ages will remember this place as where we began it, a fabled story. To touch that soil, feel it in between my fingers...sacred dust from a sacred site. Von Zanderstrom wished they were inside right now.

But he suddenly awoke from the mesmerized state. A crowd of people staring at him pointing to the glass, tracing the beautiful designs with his finger. His team nowhere in sight. What in the world is going on??? He freaked, worried his teammates had been taken, and he was next, then breathed a sigh of relief. "They're in Iturributa, no police here. My friends are safe, let them have fun."

Von Zanderstrom soon returned to his trance-like state, slowly meandering back to the undercover inn the team stayed at. It was still early in the evening, but the team captain was exhausted from policing the squad on the journey here. The rest of the team would return to the inn later, around 11:00, they were of no concern to von Zanderstrom in any way. Mind finally at peace, still lost in the depths of majestic Il Colosseo, Karl von Zanderstrom III slowly slipped away into dreamland.

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:41 pm

DE PLACA
Now printed in Japanese and Maori!

BAPTISM OF FIRE
Ciao Ossidiacqua! The Marills are in Group A.

Written by Bret Lindevich

Among the Moving City of Urbis Tractus, the Conservative Commonwealth of Earo, the Arc-Adept of The Circle Of Dark, the unheard country of Aosta and "rivals" straight out of the Romili Cup named as Apox; Group A will also feature the Europeian Marills, Northern Sunrise Islands. Group A will be hosted at Ossidiacqua, which, as you may guess, have a special language. That, of course means, the Marills will have to get a tradutor. With or without a tradutor for the team, NSIFC has already left from Byrd City Airport at the south of the Islands with destiny to Sant'Elia, Ossidiacqua's capital after training at the stadium of the Selyne City Athenians. In some way, NSI has more chances of actually going somewhere, since they are one of the few countries that have a pro league. Lynette Bourbon declared that the team still needs a few twists but will most likely use the tactics of using the women's advantage of fastness and the men's advantage of strength.

by **Wild Isle** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:46 pm

Welcome to the Salchar News Channel, in sports news, the national hockey team is still in search for a goaltender coach, so if you know someone who might be up to the job, call the team up!

Next we travel down to the southernmost island of Wild Isle were they play an international known game that goes by the name of Football. Now we will turn the show over to Ike Nowski in our studio on Wild Isle, Ike, your on...

Hello Salchar, and welcome to an exclusive interview with the Wild Isle team captain Rura.

Hi Rura, how confident about your team in the Baptisim of Fire?

Team shoot, team score

Noo I meant do you think you will do good?

Team good

Yes I understand that your team is good, but how good will they be?

Team good good

Are there any specific reasons your team is good?

Team shoot, team score, team good good

So you belive that scoring goals is a key part to winning this competition?

Score one

Yes, all good games start with one goal.

Score two

Yes, I suppose a second goal could be next.

Score three, tricky hat

Huh?

Tricky hat

Huh?

TRICKY HAT!!!!!!!!!!!
(As soon as rura screams he grabs a knife from his belt and, using the loop of rope attatched, he twirls it around his wrists)

Wow, put that away, I'm sorry I don't know what a tricky hat is supposed to be

(Rura throws the daggar at ike, the point lands right were ikes head used to be. The cameraman, terrified drops the camera so all you can see is shuffling feet and the sound of Rura slapping his hands against his theighs, he is speaking in his native language but the words tricky hat are distinguished)

This is ike nowski, apparently rura has gone berserk, right now he is subdued by security so we will take this time to send the program back up north, I'm deeply sorry about this situation, but for now, goodbye

---

Looks like ike had some trouble with that interveiw, remember Wild Isle has their first game against perripanland later today, you can watch it on Unknown Sports Channel. Also, don't forget about ice hockey we have tickets for a autographing session with the whole Salchar team. That's all the sportsnews for today so goodbye Salchar

by **Arcadian Islands** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:39 pm

Nial Moro bashed the remote control connected to his business class seat as he struggled to relax. The specially chartered Arcadian Air 787-8 was perhaps overkill just for the team of only twenty one players, two coaching staff and eight auxiliary staff which included the sultry Brooke Allen - a competent physiotherapist and part-time covergirl, team doctor Dr. Sidney Wesley, as well as a team manager, security manager, and public relations & media staff. However, a further thirty officials from the Arcadian Islands Football Association (AIFA) and an additional fifty competition winning fans filled up the still new aircraft which had been painted in the livery of the football team.

Returning the remote to its housing, Moro opened his briefcase which was sitting on the empty seat to his right. As he pulled out his ever expanding dossier, the manager looked out the window to his left and over the Goose Sea below. Glancing at his watch, Moro realised there was still over an hour before they landed at Iturributa International Airport, which gave him enough time to look things over in detail before they landed.

'First things first' he thought to himself; opening the dossier the reached to the now familiar service button to request a refreshment. Moro had barely looked over the recently drawn group H when a stunning blonde flight attendant arrived by his row with a disarming smile, and without pause proceeded to place a elaborate paper coaster followed by Macquarie Whisky on the rocks. Moro smiled at the flight attendant, 'Amanda' apparently by her name tag, and returned to his work. He began to look over the group and stadiums as he imbibed the dark amber liquid.

MD1 - Arcadian Islands v Conclespia @ The Settling Grounds, Langaraitz
MD2 - Arcadian Islands v Cosmic Censorship @ The Settling Grounds, Langaraitz
MD3 - Vindesby v Arcadian Islands @ The Settling Grounds, Langaraitz
MD4 - Arcadian Islands v Remad @ The Final Frontier, Guenara
MD5 - Democratic States of Fenbar v Arcadian Islands @ Negaro Street, Guenara

The schedule had been kind, with little travelling required from his team. Langaraitz was the preferred base, as a resort town it would be an environment which was familiar to many of the Arcadian team. The familiar diet of fresh fish and seafood was also one which would hopefully make the transition into the team camp easier, possibly preventing the usual foreign diet related troubles.

Moro looked forward to test his lads against their first opponents, Conclespia. Whilst a good preparation was still needed once they arrived in Langaraitz, Moro felt comfortable with the preparations undertaken before they left. The first match would provide a yardstick to see just where they were. Finding the Conclespia sheet prepared by his assistant, Moro looked over their squad; a 4-2-3-1 formation, an attacking style and ponies. Ponies?

Moro wasn't sure what to make of this, if this was some kind of strange joke from his assistant, Ted. Standing and turning to Ted who was only a row behind him, Moro enquired about this strange detail. Assured the information was correct, or at least had been correctly transcribed from the official release, Moro returned to his seat puzzled. Minutes passed as Moro pondered the situation. It simply must be a mistake he reasoned, surely so.

The formation, a 4-2-3-1, will prove challenging for his defenders, but Moro expected the experience and ability of captain Kensi August sitting in front of the back four would help diffuse the three attacking midfielders. As well, Conclespia would have to be wary of Moro's men and their rather aggressive 4-1-3-2.

Moro was interrupted by the voice of the first officer from the flight deck, who advised the passengers they would begin making their descent into Iturributa shortly. Calling for another drink with a press of the service button, Moro was surprised to see one of the media managers, Rebecca Palali, standing in the aisle. With a smile she handed him a folded copy of 'The Arcadian' on which was a circled article in the corner of the page.

ESPERANCE - As the start of the Baptism of Fire draws ever closer, the AIFA has announced the nickname of the Arcadian Islands Football Team to be 'The Satinbirds'. As locals would be undoubtedly aware, a number of local sporting teams take names from the myriad of avian life which call the Arcadian archipelago home.

The designation of the football team as 'The Satinbirds' comes after an internal review by an AIFA committee. The names which came up short in the final selection process included 'The Corvids' and 'The Bowerbirds'. The Satinbird is a highly frugivorous bird which is rather small, quite sluggish, sexually dimorphic, compact with rounded wings, and has generally unobtrusive habits.

Whether the new moniker is accepted by fans or not remains to be seen, which may be largely dependant on how the team performs on the pitch.

Satinbirds? Moro thought it was an interesting choice, and one which would either be embraced or wholeheartedly rejected by the increasingly passionate fans. Of course, he was the last to know about the announcement, but after years in this game he knew that was nothing out of the ordinary. The flight attendant arrived with another drink, which Moro took gratefully before relaxing into his seat and watching the descent into Iturributa.

by **Perinpanland** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 10:28 pm

[obit]

by **Perinpanland** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 10:28 pm

!Perinpan Sports Network!]

Cameras pan to three men sitting on an oval desk with. On the right is the Soccer Analysis Joe Brown. In the middle is a young dashing Soccer Informat Chad Dylan and on the Right is Ex-Coach of Chymala FC Steve White.

Mr. Brown: Hi and welcome to the Gol! Perinpanland! It is time, Our First EVER Perinpanian soccer team will play in an international tournament.

Mr. Dylan:: Yes and after waiting, we are now entering the group stage. Here it is:

Group E
Timfen
Peripanland
Deep Fried Pickles
Bongo Johnson
Wild Isle
HorusLand

Mr. White: What do we know about our opponents?

Mr. Dylan: Well, Timfen's soccer team has played in their regional soccer tournament in which their team lost in the quarter-finals. Jacques Broden, their star striker has just been deemed eligible to play after a major injury. This would mean that Broden may be a weaker player then before since his body wouldn't be used to playing as vigorously as before. The team also does look like it is superior in defence. With that being said, I feel that their defence would be used alot in a game between Perinpanland and Timfen.

Deep Fried Pickles, they have been named in other sports internationally. They also have a beach soccer team. The team led by CHRIS payton does look like it can play an all-round game. They would be able to move the ball up and down the field and score. I feel that this would be hard for Perinpanland to combat but at the same time if our defenders are able to retrieve to score, turning the game around would be easy.

Bongo Johnson, Well there is actually no information on the soccer team as of now, This one will be a mystery!

Wild Isle, I feel they may be overconfident in these games. Well that is if they get the first victory. They are also very cultural. If not respected this game may turn into a football rumble! In fact and this may be a rumour but they will actually beef up the security inside the field to stop all the fighting and rip apart the two players. The Goalkeeper is only capable of a 100% save only if it's a 1 on 1 scenario. The more we pass the more likely we are more likely to score. This team looks like it is full of ball hogs. They will all try to strive for net. Our job is to put tons of pressure onto the player with the ball until we are able to retieve it. This team looks like it is offensive but able to be defensive when they have enough time to do so. Our job here is to turn the game around quickly and effectivly.

Horusland, this team is a toughie. I mean They have a strong offence which can easily be toppled by our defense but it would be hard for the ball to travel across the field. I guess, our goals is to get the ball between the midfielders and the defensive line and move the ball around until they can get an opening and score.

Mr. White: This sounds like an amazing tournament. We have made our possible outcomes before the show and maybe we can help you pick your outcome fro the next pro-line lottery!

Joe Brown's Possible Outcome:
Country Outcome
Timfen 0-0
Deep Fried Pickles 0-0 Perinpanland
Bongo Johnson 0-1 Perinpanland
Wild Isle 2-2
Horusland 1-0 Horusland

Chad Dylan's Outcome:
Country Outcome
Timfen 1-0 Timfen
Deep Fried Pickles 0-1 Perinpanland
Bongo Johnson 0-1 Perinpanland
Wild Isle 2-1 Wild Isle
Horusland 0-0

Steve White's Outcome:
Country Outcome
Timfen 0-1 Perinpanland
Deep Fried Pickles 0-1 Perinpanland
Bongo Johnson 0-0
Wild Isle 0-2 Perinpanland
Horusland 3-0 Horusland

And that is all from Perinpan SportsNet. See you later everyone!

by **Conclespia** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:01 am

"This is your flight attendant speaking; please fasten your seat belt and do not leave your seat as we are passing through an area of turbulence. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Blue Thunder grunted in annoyance as his pen flew to the ground, jolted out of his hoof after the plane shuddered from hitting a patch of turbulence. Running a light blue hoof through his purple mane, the weary head coach bent down from his seat and picked it up. After repeated (and failed) tries to get some much needed R&R, the earth pony had snatched his leather briefcase from underneath his seat, which was reclined into a bed. Thunder had looked around at everyone else, feeling self conscious due to his impatient thrashing around in his seat-bed. After seeing that the entire squad was deep asleep, he sighed and opened the briefcase, taking out a folder labeled "Tactics + Schedule". There would be a lot of planning to come; why not start it now?

The Boeing 747 chartered by Conclespian Airlines was home to not only the entire team plus the coaching and auxiliary staff, but also an army of reporters and die-hard supporters. 13 other flights had been sold out all transporting fans towards the tournament. Yes, the nation had high hopes for the team.

Blue Thunder gazed at the retracted TV screen, leaning towards his left as to get a better angle. The manager sighed as the "Time to Destination" sign said 2 hours, fazed by the seemingly endless odyssey from Cohina to Langaraitz. After flicking the overhead light on and pulling the wooden table out, Blue Thunder pulled a copy of the schedule out of the folder and began to take a scan of the fixtures, opponents, stadiums, etc.

MD1 - Conclespia v Arcadian Islands @ The Setting Grounds, Langaraitz
MD2 - Conclespia v Remad @ The Final Frontier, Guenara
MD3 - Conclespia v Cosmic Censorship @ The Final Frontier, Guenara
MD4 - Conclespia v Democratic States of Fenbar @ Negaro Street, Guenara
MD5 - Conclespia v Vindesby @ The Final Frontier, Guenara

Fortunately, the fixtures were mostly set in Guenara, and Blue Thunder allowed himself a rare smile of relief as he took pleasure in the fact that his squad - and more importantly - himself would not need to take part in another round of flights. Setting the schedule aside, he pulled a tactical analysis of the Arcadian Islands team out of the folder, recently named, according to a live update, the Satinbirds.

Blue Thunder unconsciously rubbed his chin as he noticed the 4-1-3-2 formation employed by the opposition, and flipped a couple pages so that he could get a read on this Kensi August. His center attacking midfielder, Ryan Cho, would need to keep an eye out for him. It's the clash of the captains, Blue Thunder laughed to himself. A section of the analysis described the Arcadian squad as being offensively aggressive; in that case, he knew that he could put his faith in his two holding midfielders and the solid back line. Although, Benjamin Hunslaar could be a problem, and Blue Thunder would need to talk to the fullback about his overly attack-oriented playing style.

In that case, the Arcadians would need to watch out for the breakaway the Conclespian team so expertly demonstrated in the third Equestrian Cup, as shown by their precise, swift counterattack that scored the winning goal against Cevalo Nacio. Although, the opposition was not to be underestimated and their attacking strength was to be respected as Thunder's men would seek to monopolize possession and keep the ball away from the Satinbirds as much as possible. Blue Thunder began to draft some plans for the upcoming match, his work occupying his thoughts for the rest of the flight. Before he knew it, the sound of the captain's voice rang throughout the plane and a serene calm settled in the cabin as the plane descended into Iturributa.

by **Oswaldia** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 9:28 am

Ducstown Clipper-Telegram
News of the Capitol - Volume 128 - Nr. 204

National Football Team Leaves for Ossidiacqua
Will the young and inexperienced squad fair well against the world's best?

by: Elliot Edwards
Special to the Clipper-Telegram

The Oswald National Football Team is in Ossidiacqua today preparing for their first match in Group "B" play. The team left Oswaldia last night and used an opportunity this morning for a quick church service and a bit of practice. The Clippers are playing in their first international match in what is called the Baptism of Fire, considered to be the prelude for new teams to play in the World Cup. The team was given permission two years ago by the Grand Duke to form a professional national team, and now the Clippers are about to embark on their international debut.

"Oswaldia does have a reputation for shunning professional sports," said HRH The Prince of Highmore, who will be with the team as the President of the Oswald Ducal Football Federation. "We believe that times are changing for our Grand Duchy, and we feel that our team can actually be an instrument of peace as we emerge to the world."

The team is full of professional and amateur players. The Oswald Football League, which is aiming to start it's first season within the next few months, will include many new professional teams along with some notable amateur teams such as the Whiteport Marine Football Club and the Army's own Royal Football Guard. They will play in the new league with paid professionals in what is called a hybrid league. Grand Duke Michael III approved of this a few years ago and the reception has been mostly good.

"I know that it will hurt some of the more prominent teams like the Royal Guard," said veteran Carol Travers, who plays for the Guard as a Defender and as an actual Captain in the Army. "I do think however that there will still be a lot of pride in the old clubs, and it will set up new rivalries with the new clubs. It's good for soccer and it's good for the entire nation."

The team is taking up the opportunity to sample the nation that is hosting them. Ossidiacqua has been hospitable to the National Team and the Clippers have taken themselves at home as both nations are island nations.

"It's amazing to see the seafood here," said Midfielder John Carp. "They have a number of great dishes here, and I was surprised to see that our National Dish [Crabbers and Taters] were available. Ossidiacqua has really pulled all the stops for this event."

Other players were impressed with San Marco, where the team is stationed for the event. The terraced stadium on top of the building wowed everybody, and the team was more than impressed with the accommodations in the city.

"It's simply spectacular," Assistant Manager Michael Dunn said. "I really think that this is the most beautiful stadium that I've ever seen; we really need to build one of these back home!"

As for the team itself; they are starting to really solidify behind the 4-4-2 set by Manager Sir Don Bartel. The team is basing their game on the Oswald tradition of counter-attacks after defensive play. The team hopes to be ready for the other teams in the group who will be playing in their first tournaments as well. Betsetters at Oswald Betting have set the local odds as such.

Group B
Oswaldia -250
Wellboneland -110
Mesoland -110
Leorudo +100
Vielha +110
Boyznichov +115

"The odds are set fairly even with the exception of Oswaldia because most of these teams have never seen a pitch under international lights," Betsetter Thomas Coleman said over the telephone. "Oswaldia is far up there because so many people are betting for the national side."

The team is anxious to prove their worth for the tournament and are ready to play. All games in the tournament will be covered by the Clipper-Telegram in print and online, while radio coverage will be on the Royal Ducal Radio Service in Kreisland, Radio Highmoor in Highmoor and Sportstalk Kreisland in Kreisland. Television coverage will be on the Royal Ducal Television Service throughout the nation.

by **Ossidiacqua** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:06 am

With apologies for the RL issues that prevented me from providing a 24hr cutoff warning like the host bid stated I would, this is instead a 4 hour warning for the first cutoff in the Acquan half of the draw. Furthermore, the OP has been updated with the draw and schedule information, as well as with helpful links to your opponents' rosters where provided.

Also, a reminder, whilst we have stated that permission posts should be followed, to a certain extent we do rely on self policing. So if there is an ssue with your opponent's RP, do not assume we have memorised everyone's RP permissions and please do try to work things out with your opponent yourselves by TG and not in the thread. Hosts can be TGed anytime, of course, but everyone makes honest mistakes from time to time, myself included, so if it can be resolved before waiting for a response from either myself or Iturributa, by all means it is the best solution for all concerned.

Happy RPing!

by **Kingdom of Phoenixia** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:22 pm

That's it ladies and gentlemen, they day we are attending for since more than two weeks. The first game of the Baptism of Fire Nr. 48. My name is Lars Larson from Phoenix TV and I'm your official guide for the match-days !
Today the Kingdom will get the official Baptism by sweat. Our first opponent is the Team from the Queendom of Danaelia arount Trainer Angelina Isabel. Danaelia is a dark horse but we all know how good Horses can play football.
Captain Jakob Grietson was the only one who dares to speculate for us.
" The first game is nearly as important as the final. I mean nobody can estimate the other teams so the leveling is very high, in Phoenixia and in other countries. We will try to play the best we could and see what's happens. My guess is a 2-1 for Phoenixia with at least one goal from Stenko."
Coach Rigerson spokes not so clear. " At this stage all teams are equal, no one has international experience, no one played in at tournament like that and no one expect something."
Be that as it may, we are more cunning in a few hours.

by **Bongo Johnson** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:34 pm

Sorry for being awfully late with this, I haven't been home.

Incorporated States of Bongo Johnson International Football/Soccer Squad

Head Coach:
Z. Murray

Keepers:
R. Dolan
J. Heaps (reserve)

Defenders:
M. Neely
F. Davies
P. Falcone
N. Rodgers
H. Enfield (reserve)

Midfielders:
S. Birmingham
B. Branson
T. Carbone
F. Finkle
D. Dankus (reserve)
Y. Polach (reserve)

Strikers:
G. Dawes
P. Pickel
W. Grimshaw
A. Anderson (reserve)
K. Goosecock (reserve)

Choose my goalscorers: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES (very minimal, if possible)
Godmod injuries: NO
Issue yellow/red cards to my players: YES but conservative, note the amount of reserves is not endless
Godmod events: YES

Baptism of Fire 48 - Everything Thread

These Dark Times Volume I: Roster

Only a few hours before the kickoff:

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