World Cup 91 [roleplays]

by **Zwangzug** » Fri May 20, 2022 6:10 pm

Will you get lucky on matchday 13? Or, for that matter, 14? Groups 8-15 will find out soon!

Scores

by **Savigliane** » Fri May 20, 2022 6:46 pm

Stade National, Villeneuve
after the MD13 win over Abanhfleft

"You ever wonder what managing the WC88 team would've been like?" Ichi Tuzzio asked idly. It was just him and Friekder Dandalleion, his longtime assistant manager, left in the stadium now, several hours after a narrow 4-3 win over Abanhfleft put i cigni (for now) in the playoff positions of the group.

"I mean, not especially?"

"Never? Peak Tlanxball? World Cup round of sixteen after their second straight qualification?"

"I mean, our guys have been playing well. 9-1-3 makes the playoffs very comfortably in a lot of groups right now. Not their fault we somehow got drawn in the same group as Hapilopper, Valanora, and Kelssek."

"It's not just that! Yeah, they've been playing well, which is good, because this country really needs a fucking qualification, but things have just been...so unconvincing, even though we've been playing well. I mean, the three losses were all us being pretty much outclassed by the three teams ahead of us in the table, and even when we do win...well, you saw today."

"Shit, yeah, I've felt something off. I mean, today, we go up 3-0 and 4-1, and then Gianmarco Dutto gift-wraps them a goal, we start panicking and concede another, and Nico basically single-handedly salvages the three points."

"Yeah, and it's like...Tlanx shook things up more towards the end, but the same players who qualified for 87 and 88, and who made the Round of 16...a lot of them are still here. A lot of the starters at WC88, a lot of the big talents. This squad is more talented, on paper, than a lot of the teams in playoff position, you know, in the overall table. It's sure as hell more talented than the WC88 squad. They're just missing, you know, that grit, those finishing touches."

"Well, yeah, they don't have Fiore. They don't have Vatrican or Giraudo. They don't have, uh, Marchese?"

"Marchetti, yeah. Well, he wasn't so much of an emotional leader. But we don't have those. Chiara, kind of, but you can't just have one. Thea focuses on her own play, Adrian's pretty laid-back...it's been missing for a while. Maybe it's just...that WC88 proper team just came together at the right time, caught lightning in the bottle, and these guys have been chasing that high ever since."

"It was a pretty weird run, I guess. All that portal shit, the Fiore comeback. That's hard to replicate."

"Yeah, but it's just like...we don't have any of that happening. If anything, with their ex-captain running for office, current events are dragging them down right now. So how do we replicate that kind of shit? How do we get them to play with belief when they've only had it coming together after a national tragedy?"

"...take down the government? Send them back through the portal?"

Tuzzio brushed the comment aside. "I wonder what Vatrican's been up to. Might be worth bringing one of those guys on as a coach."

"We can also think about capping more...you know, motherfuckers. Or whatever Savigliane's best approximation of that is. I'll get the guys to get us a list."

Caribbia 0 - 2 Savigliane
Lineup: Rousseau; Garcia, Onio, Blanco; Lamontagne (Palomer 67), Chastain, Bella, Cambiaso (Sauvageon 58); Roux, Squarciafichi, Toscani (Barthelemy HT)
Goals: Squarciafichi 35, Barthelemy 57

Savigliane 4 - 3 Abanhfleft
Lineup: D'Ambrosio; Tibere, Dutto (Blanco 80), LeClerc; Palomer (Lamontagne 70), Chastain, Bella, Vitale; Roux, Squarciafichi (Rinaldi 57), Toscani
Goals: Squarciafichi 11, Toscani 35, Palomer 45+2, Roux 88

by **Ceni** » Fri May 20, 2022 6:47 pm

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey

Chapter 6: Owen's Proposition

Jaina Ende-Dogor knew that her success at the ICPO had only bought her time. After all, at some point economic interests would mandate that the ICPO reopen the portal, quantum dynamics or worker incompetence or bad apples be damned. So she needed to get to the bottom of the million dollar question: how, exactly, had AT7093 gotten so close to the portal's machinery?

At this point, she knew that the plane hadn't come out yet for a simple reason: time dilation. Since the portal acted as a distortion in space-time that allowed for planes and other craft to transit between Sonnel and Rushmore, anything closer to the portal equipment would experience time at a different rate than things farther away from the portal. (How people actually maintained the portal, she had no clue. Probably advanced Drawkian technology that allowed the workers to get around that fundamental rule in physics.)

In any case, planes didn't have such technology, so the portal's machinery usually directed them through a specific channel at just the right distance so that they experienced time at the same rate in all three spaces -- Sonnel, Rushmore, and the liminal portal space.

But for some reason, AT7093 had somehow ended up in a channel much, much closer to the disruption in space-time than the usual channel, and thus would remain there for an unknown time period. Of course, Jaina wanted to find out when they would come out. In the grand scheme of things, that was a relatively simple matter: finding the right data, performing some mathematical calculations. Finding out why the plane had ended up in the closer channel in the first place... a much more involved, and mysterious, proposition.

Jaina figured that she ought to visit the portal again to figure out how it operated under normal circumstances, consult manuals and building diagrams and blueprints and the like. And, given the steely reception that the director had offered her before, she decided to take a different tack and visit the portal much more... informally.

Jaina had a scientist friend who had a card that could swipe through the portal, so she decided to give her a call. Of course, Eilana Owen didn't pick up. But when had Eilana ever picked up the phone?

Jaina called again, and sent an email for good measure. But she only heard crickets.

Due to the matter's urgency, Jaina felt like she didn't have a choice: She hopped on a flight to visit Eilana in person.

***

Dr. Anya Katherion looked over her notes after the group therapy session with the players on AT7093. On the whole, she had evaluated their performance positively, not like they were schoolkids graded on a curve or debate competitors needing somebody to decide who had won. But she had expected them to have fared worse, given the circumstances. If someone had thrown her forward in the future twenty-two years, she certainly wouldn't have coped as well as they had.

To be fair, Anya knew that they had some experience with situations like this. In particular, she had needed to see several after the team's shock loss to Baker Park all those years ago. They had so desperately wanted to make it to the World Cup knockouts off home soil... and, well, they hadn't. The coup de grace had gone against them.

In fact, Anya speculated that, since the loss to Baker Park had occurred relatively soon in their timeline, some players might still be processing that loss, and the whole time travel scenario hadn't quite processed for them.

Of course, nobody had really figured out the whole psychology of time travel business, much less Anya. The job felt more suited for a science fiction writer or a philosopher, and not a sports psychologist. Indeed, Anya focused more on getting athletes in the right mental headspace for a game more than anything else, and dealing with trauma... not that it wasn't in her wheelhouse, but it certainly wasn't up her alley.

Anya took a sip from her cinnamon spice tea and pondered the team's fate. She thought she might refer them to a different psychologist to focus on the grief for lost family members, the displacement in time and space, the other temporal issues... and then focus herself on getting the team back in shape for the upcoming World Cup. They were preparing to compete, right? They would be competing unranked, in the very bottom pot, probably against the new and improved Big Boys (tm) who had gotten bigger and better...

Getting the team into the right headspace with those conditions without the time travel, well, that task would occupy three psychologists' attention spans. With the time travel...

It would certainly take more.

***

Jaina walked through the door at Stratosphere City Polytechnic and felt more at home than she ever had at the University of New Oxford. She didn't want to knock UNO, of course, but Strat City Polytechnic certainly specialized in weird interregional quirks like the portal, so conversations in the faculty lounge would certainly produce more for her research than in New Oxford. There, they just devolved into small talk and gripes by the history professors that the current university system "devalued the humanities" and other shit like that.

And, of course, Jaina absolutely loved the gigantic scale model of an atom, quarks and all, in the monstrous central hall, with the portal visible through the glass ceiling, shimmering in the distance.

Jaina ascended to the second floor up a staircase with handrails in a double helix pattern. "Nice touch," she thought to herself. And then she briefly forgot where Eilana's office was, so she circled the building once before finally finding it. "Of course, I passed it," she muttered. "Of course. I'm blind as a bat."

Finally, she knocked on her friend's door, which looked like somebody had built it out of Legos.

"Come in," said a voice from inside.

Jaina stepped in and looked as Eilana's face morphed in shock and surprise. "Jaina! Why didn't you call me before stopping by?" the professor asked.

"I did," Jaina said, taking care to emphasize her irritation at her friend and colleague. "You didn't pick up. I had to make a special trip here on the off chance that I might see you."

"Oh." Eilana's face fell, changing from elation to disappointment. But it quickly sprung back again to the cheery personality that Jaina knew and loved. "What can I do for you today?"

"I, er, need a tour of the Sonnel portal's control room."

"Oh, well, they revoked my card access with all the chaos going around," said Eilana. "You know the ICPO and its bureaucracy."

"But I think I have a better solution for you," she added as Jaina started to turn around to leave her office. "I have a VR model of the portal for training and simulation purposes. I can show you the model, show you all the documentation and all that."

"Good shit," said Jaina. "Let's do it."

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Fri May 20, 2022 7:08 pm

A First Half Review

Oberour Ar Moro 2–2 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles
35 - de Coincte, 2 - Bauldry, 15 - de Cormeilles, 11 - de Baingneus (44 - Lefou 72'), 33 - Asce, 5 - Breut, 18 - la Ventriere (40 - Becdelièvre 58'), 16 - Clouzot, 7 - Vrely, 20 - Ataus, 9 - Petitmesnil (32 - Mauranghas 77')
Goals: Petitmesnil 9'; Clouzot 31'

World Cup Qualifying began for Oberour Ar Moro against Pluvia and the Saxean Isles. This match was a tale of two halves, as the Dragoons started strongly in the first half, before the Pluvians found the goal on their own twice in the second. Both sides looked back at this game as a missed opportunity for three points.

North and South Vietnam 1–2 Oberour Ar Moro
12 - Grimoult, 2 - Bauldry, 15 - de Cormeilles, 10 - Chapuisseur, 11 - de Baingneus (22 - Aufort 62'), 17 - Foray (39 - de Hesselin 74'), 29 - d'Amienz, 4 - Tesserant de Linge, 7 - Vrely, 8 - Gayrard (53 - l’Apostoile 78'), 21 - des Bouz
Goals: des Bouz 15'; Gayrard 44'

World Cup qualifying debutants North and South Vietnam have had a rough start to the multiversal football life. They lost their third game of three against the Dragoons, as Oberour Ar Moro quickly took the lead and kept control throughout.

Oberour Ar Moro 3–3 Yuezhou
1 - le Duc, 14 - Deglau (36 - du Four-l'Evesque 62'), 3 - Lot, 11 - de Baingneus (34 - au Paus 80'), 22 - Aufort (23 - du Faut 62'), 5 - Breut, 29 - d'Amienz, 4 - Tesserant de Linge, 7 - Vrely, 8 - Gayrard, 9 - Petitmesnil
Goals: Petitmensil 53', 66'; Gayrard 81'

After the referee's final whistle blew, relieved Dragons and Dragoons met on the pitch to share high fives and trade shirts and looks of relief were obvious on many faces. Either side could have won, or lost, and the momentum was like a see-saw over all 90 minutes.

Tjorl 2–0 Oberour Ar Moro
1 - le Duc, 25 - de Marle, 26 - Daribilhague, 10 - Chapuisseur, 34 - au Paus, 17 - Foray (28 - Panis 50'), 6 - de Courbueil, 27 - l’Enchantee, 19 - de Garges (52 - Bourgeau 76'), 31 - Hostellier, 9 - Petitmesnil (43 - Charles-Roux 53')
Goals: None

The Oberours gave every indicating of waking up on the wrong side of their Tjorlish hotel beds. Passes were unfocused, energy was lacking, and shots on goal were aimed seemingly everywhere but the goal mouth. Tjorl capitalized, earning their first home win.

Oberour Ar Moro 6–2 United Adaikes
24 - au Feure, 14 - Deglau (25 - de Marle 31'), 3 - Lot, 10 - Chapuisseur, 22 - Aufort, 28 - Panis (5 - Breut 78'), 29 - d'Amienz, 16 - Clouzot, 7 - Vrely, 8 - Gayrard, 21 - des Bouz (54 - Collonville 86')
Goals: des Bouz 14', 34'; Gayrard 20', 51'; Aufort 61'; Collonville 90+2'

The Dragoons could seemingly do no wrong at the Parade Grounds. Oberour Ar Moro set sail early and kept the pressure on through penalty time to for what the Oberours to a man described as a confidence building win.

Kamisato Ayaka Nation 3–3 Oberour Ar Moro
12 - Grimoult, 36 - du Four-l'Evesque, 26 - Daribilhague (37 - le Peseeur du Pois 73'), 22 - Aufort, 11 - de Baingneus, 5 - Breut, 29 - d'Amienz, 4 - Tesserant de Linge (38 - Discret 62'), 7 - Vrely (19 - de Garges 45'), 31 - Hostellier, 9 - Petitmesnil
Goals: Tesserant de Linge 37'; Petitmesnil 40'; de Baingneus 73'

The Dragoons left chances on the table against the young women of Kamisato Ayaka Nation, leading to a draw at a time the Oberours really needed a win. Petitmesnil skied a shot just over the goal in the 90th minute, which was the insult to injury for a frustrating day.

Oberour Ar Moro 1–2 Valentine Z
24 - au Feure, 2 - Bauldry, 3 - Lot, 10 - Chapuisseur, 23 - du Faut (45 - de Cassete 51'), 28 - Panis, 6 - de Courbueil (40 - Becdelièvre 67'), 27 - l’Enchantee, 8 - Gayrard, 31 - Hostellier (53 - l’Apostoile 73'), 9 - Petitmesnil
Goals: Lot 82'

As it turned out this was early in a six-game winning streak for the Kittens that leave them strongly positioned in second in the group. Valentine Z on an incredible run of form met a suddenly reeling Oberour side, where Tilio Lot's goal in a post-corner kick scramble was too little too late.

Mercedini 1–0 Oberour Ar Moro
24 - au Feure, 14 - Deglau, 3 - Lot (15 - de Cormeilles 57'), 22 - Aufort, 11 - de Baingneus, 17 - Foray (39 - de Hesselin 72'), 6 - de Courbueil, 16 - Clouzot, 7 - Vrely, 42 - Chanviere (53 - l’Apostoile 25'), 9 - Petitmesnil
Goals: None

As these two nations met on Matchday 8, Oberour Ar Moro sat 7th in the group and Mercedini sat in 8th. After Mercedini blanked the Dragoons, the two sides had switched places. While the Dragoons demonstrated fairly solid defense, the offense went completely missing.

Oberour Ar Moro 0–4 Nephara
1 - le Duc, 36 - du Four-l'Evesque, 3 - Lot, 10 - Chapuisseur, 22 - Aufort (33 - Asce 50'), 5 - Breut, 29 - d'Amienz, 4 - Tesserant de Linge, 7 - Vrely (30 - le Tuteur 61'), 31 - Hostellier, 9 - Petitmesnil (32 - Mauranghas 68')
Goals: None

Nephara is the highest-ranked side in Group 2, and they demonstrated why in their all-encompassing thumping of the Dragoons. Nephara's The Herald described it as their nation's "best performance in qualifying". They also said that the Cormorant defense "prevent[ed] a credible and dangerous OAM side from playing their football at home". Probably higher praise than the Dragoons deserved after this game.

The Gothanita Isles 2–7 Oberour Ar Moro
1 - le Duc, 2 - Bauldry, 37 - le Peseeur du Pois, 10 - Chapuisseur, (23 - du Faut 85'), 44 - Lefou, (34 - au Paus 64'), 17 - Foray, 6 - de Courbueil, 4 - Tesserant de Linge, 7 - Vrely, 8 - Gayrard, 21 - des Bouz (9 - Petitmesnil 65'),
Goals: de Courbueil 6'; des Bouz 21', 38'; Lefou 34'; Gayrard 59'; Petitmesnil 74'; au Paus 84'

Just when the Dragoons looked on the verge of complete self-immolation, they travelled away from home and found what they had been looking for. The final game of Oberour Ar Moro's first half of qualification was an impressive effort away from home. Maybe more than impressive. Seven goals in a competitive match are the most for Oberour Ar Moro since the legendary 9-1 Baptism of Fire Third Place game.

by **Huayramarca** » Fri May 20, 2022 7:19 pm

Public Servant

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Part 6 – No Excuses

Llacuabamba, Parcoy. September 1^st, 1985

After some weeks of heavy debates in the National Assembly, also dedicated for planning important stuff such as the dubbed “Omnibus Bill” in order to get rid of Hugo Mina’s laws and tentacles of corruption, it was time for Marta and Juanito to spend some time in the Huayramarcan countryside. Not into a vacation affair but into a political affair of listening to the voices of people that have been previously marginalised by the dictatorship, Marta considered that as a way to deliver her promise of being the voice for those voiceless people across the nation, in the same exact was as Túpac Amaru demanded her to be a successful President.

Llacuabamba is, for sure, an historic place for Marta and her revolutionary process as it was the main base for the effort of liberation of Huayramarca, the place where they managed to gather efforts from peasants, people that was fed up of Mina from across the Jungle and Coast that decided to take refuge and then the weapons to oust him. Marta got out of the van transporting her, the first thing she did is visiting a monument for the Martyrs of the Huayramarcan Revolution of 1980, she said “All your efforts weren’t in vain, I swore that it’d be in that way and I swear that it will continue to be like that, you won’t be disappointed.” She left some flowers as a tribute to then visit people in a house per house basis.

Marta arrived to the first house, she knocked the door and a resident asked “Who’s there?” Marta said “Marta Mamani, wishing to listen about you.” The resident didn’t rush, a pale tiny man opened the door and shook hand with Mamani, he said “It’s a pleasure to have you here.” Marta said “Pleasure is mine. How are things in Llacuabamba and in Parcoy? Anything we can help you, guys?” A child and a woman loomed from the kitchen and also listened Marta, the man said “Basic services, electricity is not a constant in this zone, we need power in order to have the usual activities a person has to do through the day, specially for our sons and their need of electricity, internet to do their homework and aspire to get tertiary education.” Marta saw a girl, perhaps in her early teens, and hugged her “Hi! Have you considered in studying something for university?” The girl greets her and said “I’d think about being a doctor, but there’s a lot of needs to cover in the family that would impede me to achieve this dream, so it’s something that is oscillating in a limbo.”

Marta shook her head and said “That wouldn’t be a reason to leave, but tell me, what about your scores?” The girl asked her dad if Marta could enter to the house, he allowed her and she took several medals and recognition diplomas for her outstanding academic performance “This is by discipline, first place in the standardised test, first place overall in my class, first place in all of Llacuabamba” Marta said “She must study and we must commit to provide help to her and also the rest of children here in Llacuabamba”. Something that would require a structured plan, as the closest university to them is located in the city of Alto Hospicio, a city near the coasts that’s a day away of uninterrupted driving from Llacuabamba.

Historically, people from the Sierra had to emigrate to the Coast or the Metropolitan District in order to have access for university education. This implies that families had to cover the expenditure of renting a room or a flat (in the best scenario) for their sons to study, food and subsistence which could be a bit high, this causes serious difficulties for the families to send their sons to study, often opting to send them to do agricultural duties and earning an income that would help them to have a better life. Subsistence and survivor instinct are quite often a reason that kills the hopes of many to study, something dubbed as a “privilege” for many in those zones. Hence, there’s a need to address the topic of education accessibility by creating universities in certain strategic zones in order to shorten distances or providing a monthly allowance for students in order to achieve their dreams.

“It is indeed an historical debt that we must solve, we need to build, at least, a university per department if we need to shorten up gaps and provide better opportunities for Huayramarcans in the high Sierra, as many of the departments from the Coast and Jungle already have a university that would be, in a worst-case scenario, 3 or 4 hours drive from the furthest point of those departments.” Said Marta to the family, then she noted “We will ask the Ministry of Education to consider building universities, then to Infrastructure to help improve the internet networks in Huayramarca and, foremost, the electric infrastructure in order to guarantee a constant access for the people out there.”

Marta continued her exchange with Daisy, the girl who has excellent scores at school and that desires to be a doctor “So, Daisy, how would you feel if I have to tell you that you’ll receive a Scholarship for Excellence?” That’s a program launched by Marta for outstanding students in the Sierra, something that was still in process of being divulgated to the public, hence the lack of information and knowledge from the people to apply for it, then Daisy said “Can’t believe it!” while crying of happiness, her father and mother hugged Marta while appreciating her for the support given to their daughter. Some might call it populism but, in reality, it is a bit of mitigating efforts meanwhile the Government plans to create more educational infrastructure to supply the needs of the people in the High Sierra, by then, the cycle of inequality that they were subjected to it will be closed for good.

Marta asked Victor, her assistant, to take data from Daisy and their family to let them receive the promised help package. As Marta continued walking, she was thinking about the entire list of needs that the Llacuabamban populace needs and how this may, to some extent, be a representative sample from the entire region except the Metropolitan District and its surroundings. She talked with some families and then took a break in the municipal park, she closed her eyes for a bit and a thought took power of her mind, a vision of a fisherman and somebody who wanted to provide help to him… Turns out that it was another Túpac Amaru sight this time, but in a wholly different setup than before.

A man was trying to fish cod on his ramshackle boat just outside the coasts of Guayaquil, he was struggling to fish and then complained “There’s few fish due to our predators out there, carajo” said. The predators were, in fact, the industrial fishing industry that was predators the efforts of artisanal fishers on the coast, this left minimum volumes of fish and zones to take advantage and bring some cod to the markets, then a boat approached to him, it was Túpac Amaru. “If you don’t fish, then how are you supposed to help your family? Are you going to give up without searching or levelling up your game in the means possible?” the fisher said, with resignation, “I’ll have to receive welfare.” Then Túpac said “Are you going to waste your energies and productive time? Are you going to depend from the good will of others?” the fisher said “What’s your point?”

Amaru said “Government help is based to the wills of politicians, they change from one term to the other, you should depend of yourself and your efforts, not from the will or caprice from other person… Teach the fishers to fish and you’ll always eat, instead of eating a day” Marta opened her eyes and said “Túpac once again, as clear and accurate as always”. She reflected and said “People could generate revenue and, of course, be subject to taxation and we could do projects to improve the infrastructure, also they can provide help to their families in a more substantial way… We need to foster chances rather than creating dependence. Some may fall in a bad streak and there should be a net to provide them help, but that should also be complimented with skills updating for their future jobs or ventures as an independent.”

A voice on her mind said “That’s right, but let the taxation topic aside, their welfare and their family’s future is of the utmost importance.” Túpac was biding his farewell for now, with an interesting reflection for Martha, as she was trying to decipher the reality of the people in the most recondite corners of Huayramarca. Her situation, even in her time in Sopocachi while being a restaurant worker, was privileged compared to what a lot of Serranos suffer due to lack of opportunities. Lots of injustices that she wanted to close down at the same time, but it’s quite obvious that doing that its almost impossible due to the magnitude and money required to do so, but there wasn’t a challenge that a well-structured plan couldn’t solve. This, to some extension, represented like a homework for Marta and her cabinet in order to create an all-around plan to benefit the inhabitants of the highlands in a way that could minimise the investment and maximise the benefits… Assessments, 80/20 analysis and Pareto charts to the rescue!

The trip back to the Metropolitan District was a ground to test her hypothesis, as she could observe all across the long and hilly road the same vicissitudes in Llacuabamba, Tayabamba, Capayán, Catamarca, etc… A lot of tasks had to be done as she expected, that’s why she told Víctor “There’s a lot to do, a large road to follow to help this people.” Víctor replied “Planning is the name of the game, we need to help the most people possible, but we won’t be able to do the same for everybody, that’s a hard reality that we have to consider from the very beginning.” Marta said “Disagree, we could secure some funding coming as foreign investment in reward of some concessions we could give to those enterprises. Of course, mining companies aren’t an option for this.”

Víctor thought some concepts for a while and then replied to Marta “So. Let me know if I’m right. Funding first, then creating the project and its execution.” Marta said “Yes, that’s the course of action that we will follow through the term. It won’t be something immediate, but we can work it out a bit fast and synchronised in order to assure that our legacy will be there, present, for many of those families who are in need. Of course, we need to keep away from any kind of debt trap or something like that.” Víctor said “A miracle” Marta and her Minister of Education replied “The rise of the Condor!” “We have to build this, step by step, in order to make sure that we won’t fail while creating this, it’s a chance in a lifetime the one we are facing to provide help to Huayramarca, to ensure a better country four our sons, friends, foes, and the rest of us.” Said Marta.

The Minister of Education said, with some noticeable hype coming from his voice “We need to use this golden bullet wisely, we can be remembered as legends or we could be remembered as the biggest fiasco in the history of Huayramarca. It’s up to us, so please, promise that we will do our best and not let down anybody.” They promised, in a genuine way, as their faces showed to those present in the vehicle, now, it’s all matter to see if they are going completely serious through this, if they can handle the ginormous task they will face or if they will fall apart in the attempt.

Nobody said that being a Public Servant was something easy to do!

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Fri May 20, 2022 8:23 pm

OOC: Next 3-4 parts will take place in the mysterious country located in North Pacific named Delte.

Many thanks to Mr. Delte in advance for allowing me to use his nation as a setting for much of this spin-off series. Likewise goes to Cassadaigua for allowing me to incorporate their domestic situation into parts of the storyline as well.

Avalon

PART 5 - Let Somebody Go

While Christine was losing the control of her mind and soul spread away in Cassadaigua and here in Delte, a wave caught her and swooped her away with such magnificent force that if this had applied to a mere mortal, she would not have survived the crash.

Right, thought Christine as she swam as the waves dictated her to do so, groaning along as she was being driven closer and closer to the land by mysterious force the regent did not have a clear understanding towards.

At the same time, as she swam on, she came to see the shores of an unknown nation that wasn't exactly Delte itself, though not to her knowledge, but a nearby pays named Taxhavn. Upon noticing that there were some lights, she came to a vague realisation that this would be the best place for her to land or at least crash into, for the dark, heavy clouds started covering the skies again on an afternoon. She said:

'Lord. I do not know who to call, but if anybody's out there, please let them guide me to them. In my distress I draw close to your boundaries, and I hold onto the very last of my abilities to stay close to my mission that involves a life too valuable to be lost. Have mercy on me, as I ask for your mercy.'

It was then that the waves blasted her to the shores, and brought her safely to the rocky beaches of Taxhavnian shores. At last Christine had landed, though her body was battered and bruised by the descent from the skies that had landed unexpectedly out of step and timing. Her eyes, flying over a sixteen-hour flight but without the abilities of a bird, felt bleached and saltwater ran all over her mouth and hair. But the arrival to this mysterious land on North Pacific, where any man, let alone an Anaian with saltwater taste of southern Rushmore (OOC: reference to Christine II's marriage to Caspian of Cassadaigua, Novopetrogradian mother, and of course the current affairs ongoing in Concord Heights that involve her other version), rarely ever dared to travel, she was glad enough.

So Christine laid herself down in middle of the beach, exhausted enough to not think of those back home. A mysterious being, who had heard her pleas, dropped the sprinkles of sweet sleep to the place, and let the night come to it.

After saying goodbyes to their distraught father and comatose mother, it was time for the three Lundrigan children to head back to Coxwell Park, a historic, small estate located on the country's southeastern coast where their maternal family had lived.

It was a challenging moment in particular for Claire, the eldest child at age 7, for she had not only seen her mother remain in coma, but also witnessed an unexpected moment of devastation and fury that had involved her father and Christine the Second, someone she had obviously heard of but had never recognised by face. Back at Coxwell, her maternal family felt particularly sad about the ongoing illness of their Plongeon (Eileen's nickname and pseudonym), and gradually abandoned the duties maintaining their lives and the estate that had needed massive uptake of their grounds. The once-lively estate and their grounds of five-dozen residents, already in middle of a chaotic state brought by decades of mismanagement, had started to lose their colours too, and the sight of it all had left her timid and quiet.

Back at her old home, a two-floor house where she was first brought into a week into her birth, Claire started reading the papers her parents had left back in their study. Originally, Claire started reading them as her brother, 4-year old Henry, and sister, 100-days old Maude, were taken care of by her aunts and uncles, who felt particular empathy towards Asher and Eileen's children. But the more and more she read, Claire had come to realise that the papers, left in their original shape as they were five years ago, had meant something else.

From the lines her mother had written about astringent, bitter love of late-teenage days, and her father's reflections about the times bygone in the Montrealais-Songakien buildings, Claire felt the emotions that flashed once again back to her old flat. She knew these feelings they delivered weren't entirely positive and that she didn't know how to explain in vocabulary of a 7-year old.

Being a daughter of a prominent writer and a acclaimed singer-songwriter, who she knew the Queen had inexplicable sense of distaste towards, however, she knew there got to be a reason why the papers were laid out as they were in the study. While first weeks of the endeavour, which involved her just searching through the house, did not materialise into anything, her eventual efforts would pay off when she, sitting on her chair in front of the old, wooden piano, pressed a key.

Ding. She played a white key with her right hand, not being able to play the instrument yet. It produced a jarringly-hollow sound.

'Alright,' said Claire. While she had not started learning piano yet, Claire knew that the piano, based on her recollections of her mother playing the instrument, didn't produce said sound. So she decided to have a try at it again.

Ding. She hit the black key next to it, to no success. Now there was a bit of confusion inside her mind. There was something bizarre about the way this piano worked, that she knew for sure. But Claire wasn't sure why her mother, who had used this piano for three decades by now, or her father, who seemingly knew everybody and sometimes even had guests the young girl had naturally felt to be suspicious, had kept this unfixed.

As she stood in front of it, Claire originally suspected that the piano may have been broken and needed a repair, but the recent weeks of events have come to change her mind on it. With one more dose of determination and additional rations of frustration to be spent, she pressed the button. DING!

This time, however, the outcome was different.

So there Christine slept, silent and unmoving by sleep and weight of the world. But the forces of the old-world of hers were prompt to notice her state and went off to their equivalents in Delte and Taxhavn. Now, the Nomarque Mint, some distance away, continued to produce the works of greed and pollution from materials they had plundered from the earth, so the spirits, too polluted but unable to escape the stench, had come to notice it quickly enough. Thus the spirits wasted no time in turning into a form of some billionaire they could disguise themselves into, who had the ability to transport the woman out of it and into Delte, for they had heard of the same medicinal root that reputedly had the ability to save their land upon the moment of activation.

The veiled billionaire-figure went straight to the beach where Christine remained asleep. Two of their spirits, both muscular and full of fur, broke the ranks. They took the form of a helicopter, while a dozen others, who still remained in their solitary figure comparable to a Tsurube-Otoshi in Pom Poko, stood in front of her and said:

'Dear stranger from the land of the Festive Evening (OOC note: parody of the term 'Land of the Morning Calm'), is it not the time to fly to the land-strip that hold boundless secrets and roots of all healing and killing that you and I look for? We believe that you are not greedy and looking for sheer, unexplained murder of a poor woman, but rather do this for a valiant cause that your spirits have approved the use of your abilities. Aye, aye, please climb and fly to the Sam-gak-ju with us.'

Christine, opening her eyes and mouth glowing in a golden ray, stood and followed the figure into the helicopter.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Fri May 20, 2022 9:19 pm

Equestria 2–4 Poafmersia
Poafmersian Goalscorers: Jordan Huerta 17', 40' (assisted by Jackson), 69' (assisted by Leonora Hall), 84' (assisted by Lawrence)
Poafmersian Lineup (4-4-2): Nicole Potts (c); Mitchel Rosales, Diamond Byan, Ali Berger, Jacqi Equine; Leonora Hall, Lesia Astrauskas, Michael Jackson, Valentin Gotti; Jordan Huerta, Dagur Lawrence
Poafmersian Substitutes: Verbena Zoltánfi (Gotti 69'), Padrig Dürr (Hall 80')

[b]Nyowani Kitara/b] 3–0 Poafmersia
Poafmersian Goalscorers: none
Poafmersian Lineup (4-3-3): Nicole Potts (c); Mitchel Rosales, Diamond Byan, Ali Berger, Zak Kaloyanov; Aapeli Shea, Min Berg, Michael Jackson; Janelle Frederick, Jordan Huerta, Leontiy Seet
Poafmersian Substitutes: Mac Rojas (Kaloyanov 67'), Bolívar Tamura (Huerta 74'), Taliah Alcock (Frederick 80')

Editor's note: In this series on youth football in Poafmersia, there could possibly be some tear in the time fabric. Changes about the Poafmersian youth football happened in the IFCF 10 season, which happens around 2-3 years prior to the current World Cup Qualifiers. Since then, the PDL is only onto its 2nd league season, following the cancellation of the 14th season of the PDL which happened alongside IFCF9. Every section of the RP, separated by a horizontal line, will indicate to you when it was published, to facilitate movements in the time fabric.

Time: Present Day

You could imagine the disappointment in the Poafmersian camp following the defeat in Dewayo. Mistakes after mistakes, as the midfield and defence struggled against the home side, and the offense unable to provide the goals on the other end. When the younger players like Taliah Alcock and Bolívar Tamura came on, the game tilted slightly, though there was still no consolation for the Red Panjias whatsoever. And that was simply enough to give the Kitarans some sort of morale boost ahead of their trip to Delaclava, who has also been punching well above their weight and contending for the playoff spots at the top of the group.

Aapeli Shea and Michael Jackson knew very well that their performance was definitely subpar against the Kitarans, and that easily showed by the lack of opportunities which the pair created. The head coach didn't want to blame any of the members for the really heavy defeat against Kitaran, but the two of them knew they had a role to play in this entire chaotic mess. The lack of goal opportunities gave the opponents a rather easy life trying to defend against the typically potent Poafmersian side. On the other hand, the inability to control the middle of the park, and allow the Red Panjias possession, meant that the midfield was in absolute trouble. It certainly was atypical of Poafmersia in recent years, and even the defeat last cycle against Pasarga wasn't as ugly as this particular match. The Kitarans was certainly well deserving of the win, and the midfield was the biggest problem of the fixture, at least that is how Shea and Jackson viewed it.

"I don't know about you, but I certainly felt that I wasn't giving my 100% especially after being 2-0 down early on in the game," said Jackson to Shea. "Something tells me Adnan (the head coach) had faith in us in overturning the deficit, but I definitely didn't believe that I was well capable of doing it well, and therefore, the result was utterly disastrous at the end."

Shea nodded in approval. "It wasn't just you, I felt the same too. During the half-time talk, I knew Adnan kept telling us about the importance of keeping our cool and press on, but I found the entire game rather difficult to manage. Basically, we were nowhere there. I was quite surprised that I wasn't subbed out at all, and the team ultimately struggled to get anywhere close to a consolation goal."

"We seriously need to improve on that performance if we need any chance of making to the playoffs. We have Ko-oren, Sharktail and Delaclava over the next few weeks, those away games are extremely crucial for us to improve."

"Motivating the players to push on for the remainder of the journey needs to be extremely important. Especially the younger ones like Tamura and Alcock - I am not sure if they were demoralised by not being able to make a difference for that game."

by **Farfadillis** » Fri May 20, 2022 9:35 pm

Cut-offsies.

by **Delte** » Fri May 20, 2022 11:53 pm

Delte 2-4 Huayramarca
Sports Correspondent Polka Lunn in Oswark for the Marshlock Wetland Review

I won't dwell overly long on the finer details of this match, but certainly mention should be made of The Condors spectacular official team sheet which arrived at the press cabin forty-five minutes before kick-off on a paper roll; myself and the other 'press' - that would be 'Sparky' Tannyo from the 'official' fanzine Up The Reps and his 'dog', the Delte Bull Mastiff called Untto after the defender, Untto Squaker, apparently - had only read about a third of the teamsheet roll before kickoff and still hadn't got to the bit where they list the players for the match. If only coach Enda Clentin had got an early copy of the team sheet; the full analysis of how The Condors play (nickname found on line 2,477) would not only suffice as a PhD thesis in any area of El Huayco (line 10,488) culture but would also have given the coach everything he needed to understand how they were going to play and how to counter it. Clearly, based on the result, he hadn't read past the first 3,000 pages.

Ancherion 2-3 Delte
Player-Reporter Kim Samrodd somewhere in Colonne, Ancherion for Little Loratha's Podcast for 8³/₄ year-olds

It was a long way to go for a football match, but I have to say it was nice to see Osward Ess back between the sticks for this match after poor young Elmrod Onry's struggles to cover him in the last three matches. Osward is now banned from doing his speciality Catherine Wheel Kick in the warm-ups to prevent aggravating his sprained wrist. The coach brought the mountain defender Untto Squaker into the starting line-up ahead of Aleard Sullenden, who is definitely on the wane at the moment blaming his heavy shifts at the brewery. All of us younger ones are quite terrified of Untto and his unnaturally black beard and the referee was certainly not happy about the beads he has woven in it. But Untto stared at him until he acceded and ran backwards very quickly to the centre circle to start the game.

Ready Player 4: Osward Ess
Vignettes of The Representatives

Goalkeeper, age 26, for Sullenden Parish Rovers; boat mechanic - At Ess & Sons boatyard close by the locks in the parish town of Sullenden, the old man Rynold ‘Cairo’ Ess, in his paint-spattered coveralls, is layering on a little extra gloss varnish to the family jewel - the fully restored and beautifully painted wide beam barge, The Night Boat - once in the service of The Breweries that dotted the River Delte back in the industrial golden age of the valley and now moored in resplendent retirement. Nearby, raised on blocks in the dry dock, is a narrow boat in less splendid condition at the early stages of restoration - allegedly belonging to the top authority of the whole valley, the head of the Delte River Trust Tessa Sack; although old man Cairo will neither confirm nor deny such rumours. Of the sons of Cairo Ess, as noted in the title Ess & Sons Boat Yard, Danrodd and Oughan are hard at work on this old hulk skimming the keel, but there is no sign of the third and youngest son, Osward. “Gone fishing,” says old man Cairo. Indeed he is to be found waders-deep downstream of the locks, amongst the reeds and swirling white waters, concentrating on the approach of a gargoyle salmon that he knows will be heading upstream. The salmon skirt the impossible town locks by jumping up the series of wiers that act as the levelling pools, keeping the locks at navigable depths and preventing flooding in the town. Here stands Osward now on the ledge of a brisk downpour, fishing as his old man claims, like a bear, concentrating on the pool below the white water. He’s so deep in thought, he struggles to explain to his visitor, on the bank, what makes him such a special goalkeeper that he has been selected for The Representatives squad for a mess-about in the World Cup. Indeed, after a minute or so of mumbling and stuttering he gives up, frowning, and seeking the depths of the water below him. A great golden fish leaps. Osward has no rod, he has no net, he has only his hands. A golden arc of the big ugly King of the River marks its upward progress beyond the white water and toward the upper pool - and Osward, with balletic grace, catches it out of the air, and holds it, stunned and safely gripped in his sure hands. “Now, what was that you were asking?”, he says.

by **Jeruselem** » Sat May 21, 2022 3:03 am

Aaliyah Lust for Naked News Jeruselem in the Commonwealth of Baker Park ...

Hello everyone, this is Aaliyah Lust for Naked News Jeruselem once again covering the World Cup 91.
We're in Commonwealth of Baker Park, for a game which every team in Group 4 fears ... playing Baker Park at home.
Jeruselem inflicted a defeat on Paker Park the last time they played but they were playing in Jeruselem.

It's match day 14 of qualification, following an interesting match day 13.

Match day 13 delivered one surprise but not much else
Ranoria had the bye
TotoMishin lost 2-1 to Tekatus at home, but both teams are in bottom 3.
Britonisea lost to visiting Trolleborg 1-0.
Gortolekua grabbed a draw at home with visiting Acastanha.
Jeruselem put down a difficult Pyazhnaya winning 5-4 at home.
Potenzia finally GOT A POINT, and it was ironically a home draw with ... Commonwealth of Baker Park. Lucky them. I think Baker Park had a off day.

So the games today, with today's huge game right here!

Gortolekua had their turn for a bye.

Acastanha crashed to a 1-0 loss at home to Britonisea.
Ya have to win those games if you're going to qualify.

Potenzia could not repeat it's success today, losing at Trolleborg. So they are still without a win now.
Of course, Trolleborg look forward to playing ... us ... next.
I guess we get that annoying game out the way early, to it's good for us and Trolleborg.

Pyazhnaya beat out TotoMishin in high scoring affair 5-4 at home. They lost 5-4 to Jeruselem earlier.
They are the third highest scoring team in Group 4, with 33 goals except they have conceded 28 goals as well.
Which is their main problem.

Tekatus had a terrible home game, losing 4-1 to Ranoria.
Ranoria still in with a chance and yes we do play them on the last match day.
Yes I know they beat us last time we met.

So how did Jeruselem do here at the Commonwealth of Baker Park?
Yeah well, we lost 3-2 to the home team.
They are the number one seed for a reason and the fact the only team who's inflicted the only loss of them is us.
A disappointing result for the team but we are dealing with the team most expect to qualify at the top.
A narrow loss so it didn't wreck our goal difference I guess.

We have to put this behind us and work towards beating Trolleborg.
And then Acastanha after that.

The table is still rather much the same at the top, with the Commonwealth of Baker Park on 32 points and Jeruselem on 30 in 2nd spot.
Trolleborg hold 3rd with 25 points and are still in there with a chance at the top.
Ranoria still doing good 22 points in 4th while Acastanha are 5th on 19 points.
Pyazhnaya on 19 points as well back in 6th.
Gortolekua on 18 points in 7th while Britonisea have 16 points further back in 8th.
Bottom are unchanged with Tekatus on 10 points, TotoMishin 7 points and Potenzia with their sole point.

Table is deceptive due to most teams still waiting for their byes but the teams so far who had their byes aren't in contention.
Ours on match day 9, and Commonwealth of Baker Park play Trolleborg again!
We have 22 match days, but each team only plays 20 games.

Interesting developments at our rival channel, Mann Network.
They are off air because all the camera people are on strike due to non-payment of wages.
Doesn't really affect us much because we have a difference target audience anyway but it might be mean those who watch them might watch us instead until they come back online.
Anyway, we're more interesting because we got something most TV networks don't.
Naked women!
And camera guys love their job because you know ...

Hey, after this world cup stuff is over.
I'm starting a new segment called Lust After Hours! It's to discuss topics not for younger audiences.
Oh yes, today is the Jeruselem Cosplay Convention!
I would go myself personally but I can't because I'm in another country, like here.
Not to worry, if you can't go we have Princess Kate there! She always goes anyway, especially with her girls.
Apparently she's going as some kind of rat ... err, not a literal one. Probably the only rat in the Hololoive, which our fans should know who that is.
I should get my new costume finished for the next one.

That's it from me, time get home.

by **Baggieland** » Sat May 21, 2022 5:36 am

by **Banija** » Sat May 21, 2022 6:18 am

The Royal Kwanjula, the traditional pre-wedding ceremony before the marriage of Prince Philippe and Omugaba Zandaba

It was time for the Kwanjula. A live televised event, figured to be one of Banija's largest non-sporting televised events of the year- besides, of course, the actual royal wedding itself. The entirety of the Banijan Royal Family was in attendance, as well as a large number of foreign dignitaries. This was an event much larger than most Royal Weddings in Banija. In very recent years, Kabaka Mwanga had relaxed the stringent marriage rules on the House of Katende, for marriage of female royals. Ever since Mormonism was declared the state religion, over 400 years ago, Royals were required to only marry other baptized members of the Faith. Of course, that definitely meant there were some severe consequences of that rule.

The main consequence? There could be no alliance-building, out of nation, through marriage. Of course, that wasn't really a concern of the Kabaka's predecessors. Marriage, like with all Royal Families, was used as a way to build alliances and gather unity within the country. The Unification Wars of Banija were brutal, and it didn't necessarily mean that everything was all good once they were complete. Unify the various tribes and ethnic groups in Banija, placate defeated chiefs by marrying their sons and daughters into the Royal Family, with religious conversion as the price to pay. So there was no need. Once Banija moved into the 1700s, and the modern-day entity known as Banija was pretty stable and here to stay, there felt no need to change the rules. Not, of course, that there weren't opportunities- monarchies all around them, like the Tues Empire, Geisenfried, and Valanora, all neighboring monarchies. But Banija was clear.

But the modern-day, times were changing. The Kabaka kept the rule for the sons- the Banijan monarchy was one of the few strictly Salic Law monarchies left in the world, and this way the way to ensure that Banija's future Monarchs would be raised as Mormons. But with women otherwise not eligible for the throne in the country, the Kabaka felt that it could be relaxed. And here was his granddaughter, Omugaba Zandaba, going to be the first ever sitting Banijan Royal to marry a foreigner. Prince Philippe of Quebec, younger brother of her Imperial Majesty, Christine II. But they were going to have those Banijan wedding traditions- the Kwanjula.

Kwanjulas were usually focused on the bride, and her Father. It got a little iffy with the Royal Family, however, with the Kabaka around. Philippe would ask both her father, Omugabe Ttembo, and her grandfather, Kabaka Mwanga, for her hand. The Kabaka was sitting at the head of the table, with Omugabe Ttembo on his right. They were ready for the ceremony.

The three drummers at the front of the room started pounding their drums. "HER MOST ROYAL HIGHNESS, OMUGABA ZANDABA!" Said the booming voice of her cousin and Olympian, Omugabe Kato- who was the master of ceremonies for the evening. A few dancers walked out in front of, and then she walked out in a gorgeous Gomesi. She walked out, and hugged her father, and then hugged her grandfather. She stood there, beaming from ear to ear.

"AND NOW, FOR THE MAN OF THE HOUR, HIS IMPERIAL ROYAL HIGHNESS FROM QUEBEC & SHINGOYREO, PRINCE PHILIPPEEEEEEE!" Omugabe Kato let that Philippe drag out, as everyone in the room stood up, applauding. He came walking into the room, in some Quebecois traditional wear, with a few of his male relatives and male friends. Then, he was handed the microphone.

"Your Majesty." Prince Philippe said to Kabaka Mwanga and Omugabe Ttembo. "And Your Highness. I hereby request permission to have Omugaba Zandaba's hand in marriage."

"Your Highness." Said Omugabe Ttembo. "This request pleases me. My daughter and I have spoken, and I know this marriage will make her happy. Will she be accepted into your house? Will your family treat her as if she was born there?"

As his tradition, the groom's brother spoke- so in this case, HRH Prince Laurent. "Your Royal Highness." Said Prince Laurent. "I can confirm, speaking on behalf of my own family, that Omugaba Zandaba will be treated as if she was born a member of this family. She is an excellent woman, and will bring my brother happiness. I look forward to seeing her as an Aunt to my future children, and an Aunt to the children of my sister, her most Imperial Majesty, Christine II." Prince Philippe beamed, and Omugabe Ttembo nodded. Kabaka Mwanga stood up.

"Prince Philippe. I know it is you who intends to join the Royal House on this day." Kabaka Mwanga said. "This is a historic moment- you will be the first of your house to become a member of this house. Will you be an upstanding member of this house? Who here can speak for you and for your character?"

As was tradition, Philippe's brother, HRH Laurent, once again stood up. "Your Majesty." Began Prince Laurent. "I can speak to the virtues of my brother. He is honest and kind- he will be an excellent member of the House of Katende, by marriage."

"Philippe, thanks to your brother, you will officially become a member of this house." Everybody in the room clapped. "Once you get married, I will bestow upon you a royal title in Banija. You shall be named as the Omulangira of Ruwani. This shall be given to you, as a direct and personal title, that you can always use whenever in Banija when you are a part of the Banijan royal house." Everybody clapped. "Out of respect to the long relationship of Banija and Quebec, however, while you have the title of Omulangira of Ruwani, you shall also have the primary royal title of Omugabe when in the country." The clapping started again- the first foreigner to ever be declared a Prince of Banija. The Kabaka sat down, and Omugabe Ttembo stood up.

At this point in the ceremony, the father traditionally asked for a gift. The gift, of course, in this scenario, was asked for well ahead of time. "Your highness, I look forward to your upcoming nuptials with my daughter. I shall ask you for a gift- grant me a horse, so that I may ride throughout the countryside with you." And Philippe nodding, had brought a horse all the way from Quebec. One was brought into the room by one of Philippe's servants.

With the kwanjula over, the rest could proceed according to plan. The wedding would happen the next day, and they would party all night until the wedding the next afternoon, after which they would party all night once again. Who was ready?

Royal Wedding Headlines
- 'THE WORLD SEES THE KWANJULA'- Successful kwanjula on display is a fantastic showcase of Banijan culture on a global scale
- 'ZANDABA JOINS THE QUEBECOIS ROYAL HOUSE'- Omugaba Zandaba ties the knot at a stunning royal wedding, as the Banijan and Quebecois royal families are finally united by blood
- 'MODERNIZATION AT THE ROYAL WEDDING'- Banijans wear mix of traditional, modern outfits to Royal Wedding
- FOOTBALL AT WEDDING- Kabaka Mwanga caught watching Banija's 6-3:away win over Milchama during granddaughter's first dance with her new husband, Prince Philippe of Quebec

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Sat May 21, 2022 6:23 am

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5 (Written by Yuezhou)

Muhoozi Kulan, reading about the explosion with aides after the Nangang terrorist attack in Yuezhou

"Holy shit." Muhoozi Kulan muttered to himself. Holy shit, indeed. The war was done in Nyowani Kitara, the election ongoing- and yet, just like that, the echoes of the war were reverberating throughout Pavola. Pavola had been a war torn region for a long time. The Yue civil war, which saw Ren Qiang exiled all the way to Nyowani Kitara, and eventually, back to Xilindao before the United Republics brought him to his own unfortunate demise. Then, of course, the Nyowani Kitara civil war, which brought all of Rushmore, and indeed, a sizeable portion of the world to the shores of Nyowani Kitara- either militarily, diplomatically, or in one way or another. Ever since the signing of the Varakoula Peace Accords, Nyowani Kitara, which had been the beating heart of all this conflict in this part of Rushmore, settled down.

Many thought that they had a very solid chance of quickly unraveling, or falling apart. But everybody knew- as long as Nephara, aided by Eura, had the willpower to keep Nafuna Akongo in charge, there simply was no way to off her without a palace coup. And frankly, anyone with the power to pull off an internal military coup would probably be a much worse prospect than Nafuna Akongo. That dose of reality had led Malik Akongo and Max Ulf to lay down their arms, fly to the negotiating table in Tikariot, and advocate for change through the political process. Max Ulf bowed out of politics completely after his shocking loss in the Osterland referendum, and that led us to where we were today- a united nation, standing for a general election.

And it had largely been peaceful. Everyone had kept their word. KFF gave up their arms. DFLK got their referendum, lost, and then were committed to dis-arm. They barely existed as an entity anymore, without Max Ulf there to hold the whole thing together. The KRF had been successfully reigned in by Nephara's political reforms, they were not acting with impunity, and of course, they were allowing free political expression. While people were hesitant at first, the peaceful nature of the Osterland referendum had convinced people that they wouldn't be hunted by a President Akongo for publicly opposing her, and publicly speaking out. It was a tense environment, but an open environment- people were campaigning freely.

But everyone was always waiting for the shoe to potentially drop. And this, of course, could be it. YPA terror attack in the middle of a major city- 5 people dead, 26 more hurt. And that's what Kulan his aides were talking about.

"I thought the YPA was no more?" Said an aide.

"Well, they've mostly been here, fighting on the side of our esteemed President." Muhoozi Kulan said. "The YPA, indeed, barely exists as a force these days. But they were victors here. So they've got remnants remaining, pretty much entirely in this country."

"You think the President is behind this?" Said another aide.

"I mean..." Muhoozi Kulan trailed off, as his campaign's foreign policy chair started to speak.

"Honestly? It's her M-O." The Foreign policy expert said. He was, in all likelihood, to be the Minister of Foreign affairs if Kulan won a majority government. "The war's never ended for her. Why do you think she's so radically against recognizing the actual Yue Government? Ren Qiang is dead. He has no successor. Socialism is about as dead there as it gets."

"But?" Kulan said.

"I mean, we've got no proof either way." The foreign policy expert said. "But this person has been confirmed to be a fighter for Nafuna Akongo. SO there are some connections..."

And Kulan went to sleep, knowing that. The next day, he was to have a rally, and at this rally, his words were pointed on the subject.

.... "The next thing I want to talk to the people about, of course, are the dastardly and cowardly terror attacks that happened on our Yue friends yesterday, in Nangang! Can I ask for a moment of silence for the five victims of those attacks?" He bowed his head, and the burgeoning crowd at the town square, in Downtown Inhalo, was silent. "You'll see, today friends, I am wearing blue and yellow. Why? Because what happened was an absolute travesty. But it is not, as the Government would like you to believe, an isolated event. The President's war on the Kitaran people brought us to this point, and the YPA attack represents everything you need to know about her, her Government, and the KPWC at-large."

"What does it represent?" He paused, and then continued. "The war never ended for the President. She's constantly dreaming of socialist revolution. Now, of course, she doesnt' talk in those terms, because Corvistone and Bastion will crack down on her for that. But how do we know? Her refusal to recognize Yuezhou. In fact, the President, and the President alone, shares the blame. She signed the same peace treaty as the United Republics! And yet, will not recognize their Government. She tries to alienate us from the sub-region, from our neighbors, to make the Kitaran people re-fight the fights that her Father already lost. If the President re-gains power, we are going to keep seeing things like this. YPA attacks on sovereign soil. Socialist attacks throughout Pavola."

Muhoozi Kulan was really going now. "And even if they are not directly funded by the President- everything will look to her. It'll be veterans of her war. Radicals who were inspired by the fight here. And what does that mean for the rest of us, because of her own personal vendetta? We're going to suffer. Madame President, this message is for you- loud and clear. The era of your family committing unspeakable tragedies against the people of Nyowani Kitara, and the people of Pavola in general, are ending. In a few weeks, we will turn you into a regular ol' Resident." And the crowd cheered at that, booming Kulan's name into the night skies.

After this, they joined with a few off duty Yue peacekeepers in a vigil for the victims of terror

President Akongo, reading about the Yue terror attacks, and Muhoozi Kulan's speech

"Son of a bitch!" The President yelled. She threw her notebook well across the room, as the KPWC Politburo Executive Committee were meeting on this day. "I had absolutely nothing to do with these attacks. Yet, I'm going to be painted, I'm going to be connected-"

"Madame President," Said her chief of staff, trying to call Nafuna Akongo down. "We have to continue to be forceful about our denials. Yes, what the Yue government says, as far as we know, are true- that soldier did fight in this Army. But just because Muhoozi Kulan says it, or even the notoriously biased and corrupt corporate UR Government says it, does not mean that what they say is true. In fact, it means quite the opposite."

"Do any of our allies think that we were involved?" The President asked.

"We haven't gotten any calls from anybody." Said the President's Foreign Minister. "Furthermore, none of our Ambassadors have been involved. A few of our Embassies have seen extremely minor protests, but nothing major."

"Good." The President sat down, a little less heated. How does one deal with this problem? "You know, this makes things... Difficult. I was going to, via my constitutional powers, help grant citizenship to some of the YPA soldiers who fought in our army, who fought against the Hattmark and Busukuma controlled rebels to both the north and the south. But now... It'd be a bad look, yes?"

"Admittedly so, Madame President." The Chief of Staff replied.

"But this is the least we can do." The President said, banging her fist on the table. "They may become stateless if this election... Goes the wrong way. They saved our nation from what would have effectively been a second colonization. Does loyalty mean anything? Ren Qiang gave me these soldiers, even as he was on the verge of total annihilation. And then, he suffered that very same annihilation. We need to ensure that these men and women, who came out here to fight, are properly rewarded..." The debate continued, around the table, of how to protect those very YPA soldiers who were in the country, right in the shadow of a terror attack. How could she minimize the electoral effects of such a move?

An election day move itself was ruled out. The Nepharans would likely crack down drastically on her for such a major decision on the morning of the day of voting. They workshopped different ways to try and protect these YPA soldiers, just in case the worst happened in the general election...

@PresidentNafunaAkongo The KPWC, and this Democratic Republic, had nothing to do with the attacks in Nangang. The UR Government's spokespeople should be more careful throwing around words, especially in tragic times like these. #PrayForTheDead

Way-Too-Early Polling: Decided Voters Only
UPF- 30%
KPWC- 28%
CFO- 7%
KNC- 11%
EAL- 10%
JVV- 12%
Other- 2%

*Same poll had 52% of voters undecided

Football News
- Liang Wei says 6-2 loss at Delaclava 'stunning'- "Our worst game in a number of cycles. Absolutely unacceptable effort
- 1 point window lowest output of the cycle, but striker Owino Odede says that he "remains confident" that the team is still on track to reach the World Cup Qualifying Playoffs.

by **Audioslavia** » Sat May 21, 2022 6:37 am

“Listicle’s finished, Daph” came a voice to Daphnaes’s left.
“Aight, put it out there” said Daph
“You don’t want to check it for factual errors before we publish?” asked the voice. There was a brief pause, before both Daphnaes and his colleague burst into laughter.
“Yeah, twenty years ago maybe” said Daphnaes, still not looking up. His colleague clicked the ‘submit’ button, and an article entitled Fourteen Times Audioslavian Football Went <four emojis>, You Won’t Believe Number Twelve! appeared on the Cathair Herald’s website.

Daph felt his inside pocket vibrate and fished for his phone, flipping it open to reveal the name Jeremy Jaffacake on the screen. He’d already known it was Jeremy, of course. Aside from nobody else really calling him now that he spent ten hours a day at work, the I Knew Him So Well ringtone was unmistakeable.
“Daph” said Daph.
“Daph” said Jeremy. “Stats. We need stats”
“Okay” said Daph, opening a couple of windows on his laptop. There was a time when he might have said ‘stats about what’, but by now he was tired of Jeremy’s typical response, which was to wave at his half-empty Word document and just repeat the word ‘stats’ until one of them went insane.
“Aight, The only other times Audioslavia have finished third, they were also miraculously in qualifying campaigns that rewarded third place somehow”
“Okay good, when were they?”
“Cycles 17 and, er, 21”
“Too long ago.”
“Bulls haven’t finished outside the top two in Qualifying since World Cup 62”
“We used that recently”
“Embagoed stat?”
“Embagoed stat. It’s all over twii-tur”
“Aight” said Daph, clicking the ‘embargo’ button. “Points per game is still…”
“Still above that time we managed to finish top of the group of 1.5 points per game, yeah, that’s never interesting, I told you to embago that too”
“I don’t know, I just think it’s neat”
“Something different, something useable. Something that might also be wrong but nobody will think to check until it’s too late”
“Pfft, I dunno… every time RJ Styrn wears Rack O’Paban perfume, Audioslavia concede a goal”
“Is that true?”
“Is anything we write true any more?”
“It’s true because we write it, Daph, you know the drill. Okay. Ronda, armpits, concede, bad, got it. Anything else?”
“If everyone’s general form continues you’ll either miss out on the playoffs entirely or have to play someone like Valanora in a sudden death playoff”
“Okay, Daph, I wanted statistics not diuretics”
“Just saying Jeremy” said Daph, hearing the phone at the other end click and the faint buzz of a hung-up phone. A phone that wasn’t connected, that is, not a phone that has abandonment issues, though he’d certainly find himself laying awake and thinking about that at some god-forsaken 3am in the near future.

by **Bollonich** » Sat May 21, 2022 6:43 am

Politics - How the Hofvinger Crisis could impact the upcoming elections

The Federal Elections are 14 months away as our nation goes through yet another crisis under the eventful Spence Administration. Terry Spence’s election victory was an incredibly challenged result with it questioning the very principles of the Liberal Party. The nature of the Liberal Party at the moment is incredibly fractured given the split support we saw in the last elections for Peyton and Spence. Peyton won the first round of the Liberal Party election which was not enough to secure her victory in the second round however which earned Spence the Liberal Party candidature. Having lost out on Presidential candidature, Peyton decided to run as an Independent and managed to overshadow the Socialists at least and gave Spence and the Liberals a run for their money. This represents the identity conundrum which has manifested within the Liberal Party with the majority backing Spence for re-election. This could open an opportunity for a number of smaller parties to take their share in the Parliament such as the Greens and the People’s Party.

The current political landscape however is still experiencing the ripple effects of the international military crisis with Græntfjall which would have left a distasteful taste in the mouths of many Bollonischian citizens. Maribaya has existed as a quiet part of Bollonich for much of our history with very little role to play in the national sphere of politics. That however has changed as the Bollonischian Government’s position on Bollonischian control over Maribaya could be crucial to international relations and our ties with one of our primary allies Græntfjall. This makes the present crisis and a positive resolution ever more important. The Spence Administration has a difficult task on their hands to potentially resolve the issue and more importantly to come to an agreement with Græntfjall on the future of the Maribayan Territory. This resolution would be integral to deciding the outcome of the upcoming elections given public opinion of the conflict right now remains largely negative. Bollonischian culture is predominantly one of avoiding conflicts and largely pacifistic which translates into public opinion too.

The opinion of the populace can be seen in the dip in Spence’s approval ratings which have dropped to 43% with a recent disproportionate increase in the disapproval ratings to 54% leaving only 3% of the populace without an opinion. These new statistics with a net difference of 11% against Spence conveys and affirms the fact that the present Government has had the short end of the stick. These recent drops in his approval rating coupled with some major news for the political left of Bollonich would reignite hope in the populace of a Left Government once again. This hopeful news is that of the creation of a Left Coalition composed of the Socialists, the Greens and the Development Party which would greatly boost the chances of any nominee taking a legitimate fight to the Liberals.

Recent polls by Politico also seem to be showing a positive trend for the overall opposition to the Liberal Party. The multi-party vote shows quite the decrease in Liberal support with it being impossible for them to form a majority government like they did last time. It also features positive up turns for both the Socialists and the Greens as they have increased their own shares of the voting poll. The Socialists-Greens partnership will be crucial in the upcoming elections and in the future to be able to combat Liberal control of the Parliament and impose left interests. The position of the People’s Party remains one of curiosity and interest as their share in the Parliament could influence whether a bill receives a majority or not as they would serve as the main split between the Liberals and the Left Coalition. The People’s Party is known for its centrist stand on most issues and could have a major part to play in the future of Bollonischian politics.
The two party vote is much more cut-throat with the margin being a narrow 6.4% percent swing to the Liberals. These percentages will be sure to see more change and diversity over the next few months with more developments with regard to the Hofvinger crisis, general governance and political updates. Present trends seem to be building up to quite an interesting election year for Bollonich.

by **Chartistan** » Sat May 21, 2022 6:51 am

The Diary of Alice Wonderworld

One day before Matchday 15 of World Cup 91 Qualifying (Holy Empire yay!

Interdimensional Restraining Order no!

)

Dear Diary,

Oh how I wish that I could actually go to the Hippodrome today... Or tomorrow really, because that's when we actually face them. But nope, still have that restraining order that will be by me for perhaps the rest of my life. Why I warped through dimensions like it was a joy ride I will never know. So yeah, I've just been cuddling up in my place for this while I've been on this restraining order, and since they opened up a portal to the Dreamed Realm in the Chartistan locker room at Old Town Park and my thing says I can't be within 400 meters of an interdimensional portal... Yeah, I can't play for Chartistan unless it's an away game AND they don't have a portal to the Dreamed Realm as well. Sucks really, I guess I got to try out for New Boot Goofin or whatever the hip new Chartistan club side is. 3 Headed Goat? I mean I heard they're playing Challengers Cup football...

But I'm not here to ramble about Chartistan club football (GO DTM!), but instead about what the heck this Holy Empire team has become. Ever since that whole perception warping thing started (Again, my goddamn fault) those body part mutations are, yeah. Very overwhelming. Note to self: Even when that IDR gets lifted on you, DON'T GO TO SHAYOL. I mean some of these mutations are laughable - Jorge Sphrantzes: Six hands from his butt. John Curcuaso: Baby head on each hip. Like seriously, they aren't your ordinary world champions, especially when Michael Comneno has an extra torso and is taller than the average basketball player. Like, HOW ARE CHARTISTAN GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP THEM? Gotta hope for a substitute-worthy mutation to happen I guess.

Other than that, I've been listening to this totally wacky new group by the name of Chartistan v AVN. A bunch of guys from Billboard and Official City on a boat and singing about a bunch of weird stuff that should be in the Chartistan Song Contest or whatever the hell Billboard TV is cranking out. They're actually very nice people once you know them, and, like their name suggest, they go crazy and release a new song shortly before Chartistan play the boat fellows from Aut-Ves-Nat. Annnd Chartistan won 3-1, you love to see it! There's just something about them that makes me love them so very much, it might be the boat or the silly hats or the dislike of Aut-Ves-Nat but I think they're a very good group. I hope we hear more from them!

But welp. First Holy Empire, then Vilita. Yeah, even though we're one point behind a playoff spot I'm still thinking that we'll not make the World Cup. PROVE ME WRONG COMBBRUSH WITH THE HAT!

P.S.: Just saw a tentacle monster outside due to perception warping. Does he actually like us?

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat May 21, 2022 10:16 am

By Peter Davis

FT: TJUN-ia (32) 0-2 Pasarga (15) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
Scorers: Elek Salai (25', 66')

FT: Barunia (55) 1-1 TJUN-ia (32) - Memorial Stadium, Edwardton, Marion
Scorers: Louise Cartwright (32'); Archer Andrews (70')

Pain.

I know we still have 7 games to play. I know that even the largest of gaps can be made up in that time. I know that this team and TJUN-ia as a whole have gotten better and better from where we were.

But this cycle, this WC Campaign...it ain't looking good at all.

Pasarga came to the National Stadium, an arena that was hungrily awaiting the day the top seeds would arrive...and crushed our dreams to dust. Elek Salai scored both of the daggers and in this defeat, our 2nd in a row at home and our 3rd in 4 games, we found ourselves 7 points back. Is that gap too much? Who knows...but it certainly didn't feel good at the time.

Then came the 1-1 draw with Barunia at Memorial Stadium in Edwardton. The Suns came out fighting early and got a goal through Captain Louise Cartwright...but David Seems and Li Xiu Ying refused to simply give up and told their squad at halftime that they had to fight back as their lives depended on it. Archer Andrews did give us a point to keep that gap at 7 but was another good opportunity lost to the wind? It certainly felt like that.

A 7 point gap with 7 games to go...is that too much to overhaul? Maybe, but we will play the rest of these games with pride all the same. Tikariot are coming to Szensky, with an expected atmosphere fitting for a match against the group leaders before we travel over to Schima Bas.

What is the aim now? At least remain competitive. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group 9)
MD1: vs Kyhun (310) - Salam Liljamie Stadium, Al Kalifa W 3-1 (T-2nd)
MD2: @Pasarga (15) - Stade de Torgos, somewhere in Pasarga L 0-3 (7th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD3: vs Barunia (55) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 4-1 (4th)
MD4: @Tikariot (40) - Citadel of the North, Fort Viljan L 2-3 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD5: vs Schima Bas (89) - Zebra Stadium, Toropo W 2-1 (4th)
MD6: @Ziwana (232) - Ziwanicell National Stadium, Birnin-Likulu L 1-2 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD7: vs Cardenao (277) - Tallawah Stadium, Port Town W 5-1 (4th)
MD8: @República Guanacasteca (137) W 4-3 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD9: BYE
MD10: vs Bollonich (85) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu L 1-3 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD11: @Muralos (117) L 1-2 (4th/5W-0D-5L/15pts/+3GD)
MD12: @Kyhun (310) W 5-1 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD13: vs Pasarga (15) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 0-2 (4th)
MD14: @Barunia (55) - Memorial Stadium, Edwardton, Marion D 1-1 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD15: vs Tikariot (40) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
MD16: @Schima Bas (89)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD17: vs Ziwana (232) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas
MD18: @Cardenao (277)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD19: vs República Guanacasteca (137) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville
MD20: BYE
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD21: @Bollonich (85)
MD22: vs Muralos (117) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico

by **Tumbra** » Sat May 21, 2022 11:27 am

Tumbra 2-1 Sendhang

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - Barker; 2 - Hughes, 4 - Kerr - inj (14 - Ashburn, 15'), 5 - Henderson, 3 - Harris; 6 - Harrison (37 - Finnemore, 75'), 8 - Hicks, 23 - Monaghan; 7 - Hilton (17 - Wells, 83'), 9 - Vaughn; 11 - Riordan

TMB scorers: Robin Vaughn (23'), Vincent Hicks (49')

Player of the Match: Vincent Hicks (TMB)

PREVIOUSLY ON DEFENDER MEETS MIDFIELDER

Intrepid defender Stephen Kerr and his world-class midfielder team-mate (and also girlfriend) Trudy Harrison, on a routine trip back to Tumbra for a national squad call-up, were seemingly kidnapped outside Kingsbury International Airport by several black cars. Turns out that said cars belong to one Charles Harrison, Trudy's dad, media magnate and the second richest man in Tumbra. After a very, very awkward meal with the two Harrisons, Stephen was escorted out while Charles put pressure on his daughter to re-join his company. She's held firm — but what else does Charles Harrison have up his sleeve?

Link to previous part | Link to arc home
defender meets midfielder: season 6, part 4
family matters

Gleneagles Hall, Georgia

The room that Stephen had been ushered into was more shabbily-furnished than the more opulent surroundings of the one he'd been thrust into just a few hours before. Immediately after the door was shut behind him, Walter strode over to a cupboard and withdrew a flask of what was presumably tea. After taking a seat at a plain, wooden table, he invited Stephen to sit with him — with a warm smile.

It was the warmest smile anyone had shown him up to that point. Sure, Charles had smiled at him, but that one now struck him as genuinely insincere. He couldn't recall where he'd read the quote before, but Walter struck him as someone who was smiling with his eyes. Charles, on the other hand, only smiled with his mouth. Stephen gratefully sat at the table and began undoing his tie.

"I do apologise for the way you've been treated thus far, Stephen. You must understand —"

"Yeah, I know, I wasn't planned to be here. So what's going on? Why was Trudy dragged back here? Why'd she give up so easily at the airport?"

The flask was uncovered; Walter took a deep, long swig. "How much of Trudy's story do you know? How much has she told you, and all that?"

"Well." Stephen gulped; trying to recall all this at short notice was a bit of a challenge. "She grew up in Georgia. Home-schooled. Ran away from home at 17. Met me. And now we're here. To be honest, she talked a lot about her dad. Less about the rest of her family. Not you, even. Which is convenient, because I've got questions of my own."

Walter shrugged. Was it an invitation to keep going? He decided it was. "What relationship do you have with her?"

"Well, I'm the butler. The family's head butler, at least. Walter Keating; I've seen Trudy grow since she was a baby."

"Okay. So you're her butler. What's up with this, then?"

His face fell, slightly. "It does sound like she did give you a fairly thorough overview of what went on. Before she met you, at least."

"I...I guess. Though she never mentioned you. Or the rest of her family. What's up with that?"

"Stephen, Trudy is here because her father willed it so. You have seen his house; you know who he is. He sent the cars because he didn't want any chance of him missing out on trying to get her back here. Why do you think the football federation switched your training camp — or, I believe it is a training camp — from Straton to here?"

A sinking feeling began to manifest in Stephen's stomach. He began looking around for something to drink, but before he'd even said anything a glass of warm water was on the table in front of him. "Drink up."

"You mean...he paid? A sly nod confirmed his suspicion. "But-but what could be so important, so..."

"...so urgent as to get her to come back? I'm going to tell you a story, Stephen. It'll be quite a long one, but I think it'll go a long way to filling up some of the gaps in the story."

"Why are you doing this?"

"You are her boyfriend, no?"

A momentary silence ensued.

"Was it that —"

"Yes. And if it's obvious to me, it'll be obvious to him, too."

"What gave it away?"

"Well, that you're standing here, right now, is a pretty big giveaway. You two thought you were being subtle, weren't you?"

"Well —"

Walter laughed. "It doesn't matter. You young people...anyway."

"When I said I'd seen Trudy grow since I was a baby, I meant it. My wife Bridget, who's now retired, was her nanny. Back when she was born Charles hadn't become the recluse he's now become. He was always jet-setting around, making and closing deals, and all that. After all, he'd just taken over the company from his own dad — and was very eager to impress."

"Anyway, more time spent overseas means less time spent, well, here. He was never much at home. He was never much around in general, anyway. His wife, Jeanette — they met at university, then got married right after they graduated — was always here. They were, well, in love. But him always jet-setting around overseas strained their relationship. Not to mention that, well, rumours began springing up..."

"Rumours?"

"Well, they were never officially proven, of course, and my relationship with Charles is strictly professional, so I don't know. But rumours began springing up that Charles had been unfaithful. Jeanette, of course, was angry. She tried everything to get Charles to come back and explain everything to her. But he kept delaying, and delaying, and delaying it. Eventually, he did come back; but they had a massive argument, and she was never quite the same after that. A fog, it seemed, had sunk over her life; and Bridget now had to take care of two people." He smiled, but it was more wistful this time. "You would have liked her, Stephen. She was truly a bright spot in all our lives. And if events kept transpiring as they did, I have no doubt that the two of you wouldn't be living in such fear."

Would have?

"Charles sued the paper and won, of course, then bought it — now no paper runs any negative stories about him. But their relationship was irreparable. They grew distant. Eventually, she tried to file for divorce. He didn't want to go through with it, but she was insistent. In the end, he accepted. With one condition." He raised a single finger.

Another sip of water. Somehow, the water here tasted sweeter than any other Tumbran water he'd ever drunk. "One condition?"

"That she'd break off all contact with the Harrison family, and never contact her daughter. Ever again."

Stephen felt his stomach churn even harder. That caviar felt a bit less comfortable now.

"Trudy was about four by this time, I think. Regardless, they had another massive argument, and Trudy's grandmother even got involved. She was on Jeanette's side, even, but Charles wouldn't be swayed. Eventually, Jeanette relented. I think she just wanted out, really. So she left. Trudy couldn't be consoled. There was a lot of crying. But that was it. Jeanette Harrison officially departed Gleneagles, and Trudy's life alongside it."

"Have you...?"

"No. I do not know what has happened to her. I wanted to, Stephen, but..." his voice trailed off. "Regardless. The divorce impacted Charles heavily, too. He slowly became a recluse, choosing to direct operations from here in Georgia. An army of fixers soon became employed, carrying out his business on his behalf. You met some of them earlier. As for Trudy, well, she took to her grandmother, Christine. Their relationship is...very, very close. Even closer than the one that she shares with my wife and I. She was homeschooled, until her father decided to send her off to an elite prepatory school. That's where she discovered football."

"Of course, by this time, she was being groomed for a life in corporate. But football seemed to be the only thing that she properly loved. Soon, she'd gotten it into her head that she could go pro; and needless to say, another massive argument ensued. That's when the three of us stepped in. Christine, Bridget and I; we all wanted to see her succeed. So under the table, Christine began sending money to a Kotzellach bank account that was in Trudy's name. Bridget and I posed as her parents. The two of us helped her find a place to stay. Thankfully, we didn't actually have to put our name down to anything. The final step was helping her escape. And that went off without a hitch. She knows what to say if she's ever asked about the night of her escape; but I don't think Charles cares anymore. All he wants is for her to come back."

"So this meeting was always going to happen."

"Well, yes. It does complicate matters that Christine is in very, very poor health. If anything, I'd guess that's what the fixers told her, to try and convince her to come back. One last meeting with her grandmother before, well..."

"...and giving him a chance to convince her to retire and re-join him."

"That seems to be the plan. It is also that which convinces me that he does not know his daughter at all. They were always distant; they became even more so after she found out about the divorce. We both know she will not agree. I know he will not be happy. But..."

"But?"

"He made his billions because he was smart. Well, he made a few hundred millions — you get the point. He has a problem; he will find a way around it. How, I cannot say." Walter finished his drink. "But he will. Usually it involves throwing money around."

A few moments of silence ensued. Thoughts raced through his mind, but he was unable to keep ahold of any. There was so much, so, so much that he didn't know about his girlfriend. "She never told me any of this."

"It's a lot for someone to take ahold of, Stephen. She was probably afraid to tell you everything. She has, after all, gone through quite a bit..." Walter stood up. Stephen, too, stood up; and straightened his tie. One look, however, and Walter was fussing over him again.

"Be kind to her when you next meet. You two are both in a very high-stress environment. Above everything, be kind. Charles Harrison is a master at manipulating people. I saw what happened at tea. He twisted you around his little finger from the moment he met. He thinks you are weak; he thinks you are stupid; he thinks you will be easily swayed. If you come out of this with your relationship with Trudy harmed, he will have succeeded. If he requests anything of you, and you agree, he will have succeeded. If you break up with Trudy, he will have more than succeeded. Be kind; it will keep you two together. And above all, be strong." Walter finished fiddling with Stephen's tie, and took a step back.

"Now, then. Let's continue with the tour..."

TUMBRA SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 91 QUALIFIERS, MD13 and MD14 - @ ZWANGZUG and vs. MONTESINA
Goalkeepers: 1 - Nick Barker (FC Inter Nantwich), 12 - Andrew Taylor (Couno Rangers), 24 - Victoria Jones (Gallant Cross, BRE)
Defenders: 2 - Ryan Hughes (Lakewood City), 3 - Nigel Harris (Lakewood United) 4 - Stephen Kerr (Chromatik, CMT), 5 - Harry Henderson (Aleuisia Capital, ZRH), 14 - Ian Ashburn (Lakewood City), 25 - Sabine Kemp (Lakewood United), 26 - Raymond Perry (Serrapince FC), 27 - Neil Crozier (Lakewood United), 31 - Joel Tyler (Couno Rangers)
Midfielders: 6 - Trudy Harrison (Chromatik, CMT), 8 - Vincent Hicks (FK Metropola Borograd, STL), 10 - Phil Cole (Osarese Marcadia, AUD), 16 - Andrew Fisher (FC Inter Nantwich), 23 - Susan Monaghan (Northern Stallions, BRE), 43 - David Burnet (Columbia City)
Wingers: 7 - George Hilton (Serrapince FC), 9 - Robin Vaughn (Lakewood City), 21 - Lynne Crossley (Strathcona Intl's, KSK), 30 - Neil Fraser (Lakewood City)
Strikers: 11 - Nick Riordan (Sabrefell Moths, NPH), 22 - Nigel Erskine (Anomalies, CMT)

by **Gnejs** » Sat May 21, 2022 11:33 am

Right that wrong

The sun was setting over Port Kejm. In the Meridian Quarter most of the government offices were yet again empty, with only a few scattered windows shining a light. One of those windows belonged to the Minister for Culture, Sports and other Charitable Activities (MCSCA).

As per his custom, the MCSCA was sitting at his big oak desk with his back to the windows. In front of him he had his entire team of Director Generals (DG) from the ministry’s departments.

Again, he had called a late-night meeting because he wanted to get something done. As usual, all the DGs were tired and overworked. But you don’t say no when the minister summons you.

“Boys,” the minister said, pausing for dramatic effect. As he always did. And it never stopped being somewhat awkward, because all the DGs were still women. The minister continued.

“Thanks for being here, I know it’s late and you would all rather be at home with your families and pets. Cats, bunnies, ducks or dogs; I don’t know what kind of pets you have. Probably dogs, all lot of people have those. Never been a dog person, never. I just don’t like them. They’re so dependent on you, it’s like having a child, only a child that never grows up because you’re stuck taking care of it and scooping up shit forever; they’re forever-children. And they smell! I watched a friends dog once and the farts on that little pincher you’d never believe. Anyway, Baggieland, our dear, dear Friends! Yes, Friends with a capital F, because they’ve got the Rock, the Rock of Friendship, can’t go back on something like that; it’s a bond! I hear rumors someone’s stirring up trouble, cultivating Anti-Baggie sentiments amongst the public, can’t have that! They say it’s to do with culture, so the PM has asked me to sort it. Ok, shoot!”

The DG from the Department of Cultural Heritage, Hannah, nodded. “You’re right, minister, there’s been a very inflammatory piece published in a few of the big papers. It is quite condescending in its treatment of our Friends, and it especially targets their supposed lack of cultural refinement. Regarding poetry in particular, for some reason.”

The MCSCA banged his desk. “Who’s doing this?”

Hannah leafed through her papers, stopping at one in the middle and looked at her boss. “His name is Fandango Molineux III. Eldest son of Gertrude Molineux, former MP for the Moderate Party and a known Anti-Baggie agitator. And the Baggies are not happy, no minister. We’ve gotten a strongly worded letter, making it quite clear that they are deeply disappointed. Although it was phrased slightly differently, being a bit more graphic. It’s serious, minister. We have reason to believe it came straight from the King’s hand.”

“From the King!? Dear old Alswitch? How can you tell?”

“It was written in crayon, minister, as is the King’s custom.”

The MCSCA gasped in shock. “That’s not good! That’s not good at all. We don’t want old Alswitch to get testy! Want that old boy happy, our Friends should be happy! The Customs of Friendship are clear on that! Never learned all of the Customs, too much work, but I remember that one! Keep your friends happy. We need to make this right, and we need to act quick. Poetry? Let’s bring over the finest poets in Baggieland and arrange a big poetry festival! We could use one of the big parks, or that cafe by the water that serves gyros, I bet the Baggies love a good gyro!”

Hannah squirmed slightly in her seat. She looked at the other DG’s, but they all avoided her gaze. She sighed. “Fine idea, minister, in theory. But I’m not sure they actually have any real poets in Baggieland. I’ve heard of this one fellow who can burp the alphabet, almost. I know they’re arranging a National Poetry Week, and I guess hidden talent could emerge there. But I’m not sure having any Baggie here would be beneficial to us, if our aim is to reassure everyone of our Bond of Friendship. You do remember what happened the last time one of our Baggie friends came here in an official capacity?”

The MCSCA shook his head violently. “No, I don’t. No recollection whatsoever.”

The DG from the Department for Civil Society and Sports, Nina, cleared her throat. “He assaulted a child, minister. Sprayed wolf repellent in his eyes and scared him half to death. Goran McEnroe? Little Lars? The seventh season of the NSST. It was one of the biggest international incidents of the modern era. Surely you remember this?”

The MCSCA shook his head again. “Doesn’t ring a bell! But I’ll take your word for it, you people are usually right about these sorts of things. So no Baggies. That’s fine, ok. But that just means we need an even greater gesture. A great gesture to mend this terrible wound! One does not treat a friend this way. How about the Dandelions? Don’t they have a game coming up? My god, do they ever not play? I want them all wearing jerseys saying «We <3 Baggies» during their next game! No, during all games! And all their victories shall be dedicated to King Alswitch himself!”

Nina laughed nervously and fiddled with her water bottle. “Again, fine idea, minister. In theory. But the Dandelions and coach Eriksen are under enough pressure as it is, I think we can all agree. I don’t think it’ll be wise to put this on top of everything.”

The MCSCA nodded. “Maybe you’re right. And they hardly ever win anyways. Apart from those occasional blowouts. 6-0 the last time, did you see that? Man, that was a lot of goals. Almost too many, if you ask me. Because there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. I once ate an entire leg of lamb on my own. Dipped it in butter, it’s was great, I love butter, there’s nothing like butter, especially when you mix it with sugar! I used to love those thick pancakes as a child, and we took a big chunk of butter and mixed it with a fist of sugar and just stirred it hard until you got this butter-sugar cream, ahhh, those were truly the best days of my life! But I got sick from eating too much of that lamb and now I can’t touch the stuff. And you still haven’t given me any solution to our Baggie problem! If I can’t use the Dandelions, then what?”

Nina and Hannah whispered amongst themselves and nodded towards one another. Nina spoke. “I’ll have a word with Tangeus, minister. Maybe he and his people over at the GTF* can help us out. He’s close with the biggest players. They carry a lot of weight, and bringing them in on this would make it grand alright.”

The MCSCA clapped his hands in contentment. “Great! Then we have a plan. Tennis is good, people love tennis! And they love tennis stars even more! Then we’re done here. Mmm, that memory lane trip made me hungry! I’m gonna go mix up some of that butter-sugar cream and just eat it! No pancakes or nothing, just the cream! And I’ll eat it like the Baggies, with a spoon! How’s that for a grand gesture! Here I go!”

Hannah and Nina looked at each other and smiled. “Yes, there’s an idea,” Nina said.

*Gnejsiska Tennisförbundet/Gnejsian Tennis Federation)

by **Wreckeria** » Sat May 21, 2022 12:48 pm

From: “The Tales of a Dead Country – The Story of Wreckeria’s World Cup 91 Campaign” by Gord Radcliff

8: After the fire

The recovery process begins

Psychologically, the office fire was a big blow for Marvin Byrnes. The Wreckerian office was a dump, and that’s putting it mildly. Built in the 60s, the building violated every Hapiloppian and Wreckerian building code, it wasn’t Disability Act-compliant, and Marvin used to say how he was afraid that one wrong move could cause a wire to spark. I remember his joke about the old coffee pot in the break room – how he didn’t want to make a pot of coffee using it, but was afraid to unplug it so as to cause a spark and a fire.

Afterwards, Marvin told me that he wanted to hold out for one more year, then move shop to a new office complex in the new area being built around Unification Stadium. He figured the building was going to burn down one day or another, but he didn’t figure it was going to happen in the midst of Wreckeria’s greatest triumph, the 1-0 victory over Turori.

When I got to Marvin a few days before the New Folgore match, I noticed he still looked bothered with what had happened. He had moved to a nicer office inside the stadium, one with a view overlooking the field. Everything about this new office was better in every way from the old one. The coffee pot wasn’t a cause for concern, but rather a cause to celebrate – Marvin could fix a batch of coffee with ease. The wiring wasn’t any reason to fret. The view was spectacular of Halsted’s hope for the future, rather than the old view, which usually offered great views of street thugs holding up some poor sap for their money.

“I guess it’s just the principle of it,” Marvin said. “This office is a lot nicer, but still… something you own and it goes poof just like that. We had a ton of stuff in there still, and now we’ve had to start from scratch. At least we’ve got a good team and a good base we can use.”

Even in the midst of the despair, there is hope. Marvin has said it before, and he will say it again – this is the best Wreckerian team ever.

“I never thought I’d see a team of Wreckerians do something this good,” Marvin tells me. “Hell, even last year, when we actually led the group at one point, this team has improved off of that. They’ve learned from their mistakes and they’ve done some fantastic things.”

Marvin looked out at the pitch and thought back to the Turori match.

“You know, I never, in my wildest dreams, thought those guys could actually beat Turori,” Marvin tells me. “I think everyone knows that. But it showed me something – if they can put their mind to it, if they can beat Turori, they can beat anyone. But they have to work for it.”

Coming up for the Wreckerians was matches against New Folgore and Metherwoll – the last match of the first half and the first match of the second half. The New Folgoreans were one of those sides so lightly regarded, near the bottom of the table, and represented a match that Wreckeria was heavily favored to win. But still, Marvin cautions, the team has to take it seriously.

He thinks back to a week before, when Team Hapilopper, the other national team in this country, could only muster a 3-3 draw to Caribbia, whatever that was. It was the first time the whole qualifying campaign that the Haps had dropped points, and Marvin said a match like that represented a lesson for every team that participated in the competition.

“It’s a reality check,” Marvin says. “It’s a reality check that you have to take every opponent seriously. It’s one thing to drop points to the giants. There’s no shame in losing to Starblaydia or Turori. But if you only think about those opponents, the lower teams have an opening and they’re going to take it. We have to take New Folgore as seriously as any other opponent, because they’re next and they represent a hurdle. That’s why Hapilopper tied with Caribbia, they didn’t take them seriously enough. We have to see that and use that going into the match.”

A few days later, when the poor New Folgoreans came to Halsted for the match, it was clear that the Wreckerians were totally outclassing them, and Marvin actually had very little to worry about. The Wreckerians had understood the assignment, took it seriously and put the match out of reach during the first half. When the second half got started, Wreckeria had a 5-0 lead and as a result, Marvin decided to give some of his starters a rest.

And even when the New Folgore players – don’t ask me their names, because I couldn’t tell you who they were – scored, nobody even seemed that bothered. Everyone in the press box seemed more bothered with the fact that nobody knew who these poor saps were. There was no team rep in the press box, none of the media there had any roster information on the team, and hilariously, the public address announcer, when announcing the goal, called it “Goal for… some New Folgore player, no idea who they are.”

“We could actually qualify.”

A week later, the Wreckerians took on Metherwoll, an exceedingly-rare second consecutive home match for the Independent Wreckerian Athletes, and the second time the Wreckerians had taken on the team from Metherwoll. What a difference it had been from the last time, when it seemed like we were literally in someone’s back yard, surrounded by those that lived in some neighborhood. Instead, we were in the friendly confines of Capital Stadium, where over 60,000 fans of the Wreckerian team packed Unification Stadium to see their Independent Wreckerian Athletes hopefully put on the same result that they did in Metherwoll.

And that they indeed do. There wasn’t much to speak of in the match except for David Marlin scoring four goals in the match. Four goals! It seemed like he had Metherwoll’s number all match, scoring those four goals as the team rolled over the poor Wollies.

The next night, I ran into Marvin and Biscuit at the hotel bar again – one of those places where they seemed more at home at than most places. They enjoyed a good cocktail after everything was done, and in Marvin’s case, I wonder if he enjoyed cocktails more than he did winning ball games. Biscuit enjoyed both equally, that I knew.

There was something that had Marvin thinking deeply as he enjoyed his bourbon and cola – specifically the standings in Group 14. Wreckeria was one point out from the lead one match into the second half of the qualifying campaign. Turori was at 25, Wreckeria at 24, Juvencus at 23, and Flavovespia at 20.

“I can’t believe it,” Marvin says as he stares at his drink. “We could actually qualify. If you told me before the start of this campaign that we’d have a realistic shot at qualifying for the World Cup proper, I’d say you were crazy. All campaign long, I’ve felt our goal was to build this team to contend in future World Cups. I’d say 92 or 93, we’d be there. Not 91. I figured we’d end up 4th or 5th, but here we are one point off the lead.”

“Hell dog, I say we better than everyone think!” Biscuit chimes in. “We a good ball team, ya know?”

“Yeah, but I mean, all we need to do is keep putting out some great results,” Marvin continues. “I mean, the second leg’s gonna be just as hard, if not worse. We’ve got teams that, I hope lightning can strike twice with those guys but, you know, anything’s possible. I wouldn’t have told you that we’d be ahead of Starblaydia or Juvencus or Flavovespia in the standings. I wouldn’t have told you that we’d have a good shot at qualifying. All we’ve got to do is make the most of this opportunity.”

Coming up, Wreckeria would have a bye ahead of them, an off day, followed by their next match away against the 14 Stars. Then it was Juvencus in Halsted, away to Gadria, home against the Forbidden Territories, then off to Starblaydia, back home against Savojarna, off to Turori, home against Flavovespia and off to New Folgore.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time,” Marvin said. “Like I told you the other day, like I’ve been telling this team until I’ve been blue in the face… we’ve got to take every opponent seriously and take every opponent like they’re our worst enemy. I don’t care if it’s Turori, Starblaydia or Gadria or New Folgore. We’ve got to take every opponent like they could annihilate us. Because they very well could.”

by **Tikariot** » Sat May 21, 2022 1:04 pm

-- The Tikariot Premier League is covered by Simon Nighthorse and Sakari Pernfors --

While the Tikariot Premier League is still in full swing, the lower leagues are already winding down their respective seasons. Among the first to do so, were the Tikariot Regional Leagues, so the sixth tier of the Tikariotian football pyramid, an area that usually does not really see a lot of attention. This season, however, has a lot of people pay attention to it, for two reasons. For one, it is their actual first season after the big pyramid re-alignment and for the other, they are the home of a whole bunch of diaspora clubs, which add a lot of colour and, in some of the groups, quite intense rivalries from the get-go. This is why we are going to have a look at the first installment of the Tikariot Regional Leagues, with a special spotlight on the diaspora clubs and their respective results.

Before digging into them, though, there is one big exception, which are the Fort Viljan Southern Wolves, Græntfjall's team, who have played in the Tikariot National League 3 for the last few seasons and while not being in contention for the promotion to the TNL2, their seventh-place finish this season is more than respectable. So, moving on to the TRL, we count 21 teams from 16 countries with some regional bunching up especially in Acrassia and the Emerald Coast, but all with the one objective: Gain promotion to the TNL3. Three teams have managed to achieve this great goal within their first season in the TRL. Bollonischian FC Schrozen, located in the Dhaencunori mining city of Bul Khungur, are the first, having played in the TRL East A this season. Scoring both the most goals and goal difference, they came in a close second, just one point behind table-topping FC Veriasod, keeping the Knights of Kyethas at a three-point distance to win promotion, while their provincial rivals AC Narciso finished in seventh, 13 points behind Schrozen, making the promotion taste even sweeter to them.

The other two teams tasting success this season coincidentally both emerged from the same group and even the same diaspora (at least by nation). Both competing in the TRL West A, Pomorac Port Tacassam managed to edge out Mytanska Alcassar by three points for the championship, but in the end they both managed to win promotion with Alcassar Gate Sports Club and Pharaeo Islanders FC just one point behind Mytanska. Congratulations to these great achievements.

Moving on, let's have a look group for group to see how the other teams were doing. In the TRL East A we had already mentioned Schrozen and Narciso, he other two teams did by far not fare as well, with Kozh Gward Tikariot City (Gouvanarchais) and Consacres TFC (Oberour Ar Moro) only finishing in 19th and 23rd, but in their case it was more the fierce rivalry between the similar yet so very different fanbases that took the centre stage, with the derbies in Tikariot City outdrawing some higher tier sides despite their relatively low standings within the table.

TRL East A 

    Team                              P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 FC Veriasod                      46  22  15   9  52  34  +18  81
  2 FC Schrozen                      46  23  11  12  88  55  +33  80 Bollonich
  3 Knights of Kyethas FC            46  23   8  15  74  58  +16  77
  4 Vilharady Diamonds FC            46  21  12  13  73  61  +12  75
  5 Kyethas Rangers FC               46  19  17  10  38  30   +8  74
  6 Forward Fort Cafragilis          46  16  19  11  47  37  +10  67
  7 AC Narciso                       46  19  10  17  45  39   +6  67 Bollonich
  8 Doganval Blasters FC             46  19   9  18  65  58   +7  66
  9 Lake Neyvis FC                   46  17  15  14  56  51   +5  66
 
 18 Olan-Araa Harbour FC             46  12  20  14  48  51   -3  56
 19 Kozh Gward Tikariot City         46  16   7  23  71  67   +4  55 Gouvanarch
 20 Dhunmoor Rangers FC              46  13  16  17  49  56   -7  55
 21 Azgiliath FC                     46  14  13  19  47  62  -15  55
 22 Samreach Spirit FC               46  11  18  17  48  51   -3  51
 23 Consacres TFC                    46  11  12  23  43  63  -20  45 Oberour Ar Moro
 24 Ancarea Rovers FC                46   9  13  24  40  79  -39  40

While the TRL East B does not feature any diaspora teams, East C has one, that being Drakkar FC Avanaroch, representing the Norrish community of southern Paladon, who, finishing 12th, have been somewhat comfortably sitting in no man's land for good parts of the season.

TRL East C 

    Team                               P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 Levander Hills FC                 46  24   9  13  76  61  +15  81
  2 Vantanoch Plainsmen FC            46  24   8  14  90  70  +20  80
  3 Paladonian Plains FC Fiurach      46  22  13  11  68  51  +17  79

 10 Paladonian FC Vantanoch           46  19   7  20  64  66   -2  64
 11 FC Paladon Port Taras             46  16  15  15  41  47   -6  63
 12 Drakkar FC Avanaroch              46  16  14  16  45  50   -5  62 Norrhem
 13 Zhelmagor Town FC                 46  15  16  15  62  64   -2  61
 14 St. Craer FC                      46  16  13  17  50  64  -14  61

In the TRL East D1 there also are no featured teams, in D2 there is one with Sargossan Sportivo Tovaca, just like Drakkar FC, finishing the season in twelfth position.

TRL East D2 

    Team                                P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 Thosmendy Thunderbirds FC          46  24   8  14  78  54  +24  80
  2 Port Tovaca Stevedores FC          46  21  15  10  37  26  +11  78
  3 Gulbashen United FC                46  20  14  12  43  37   +6  74
  4 Masarrus FC                        46  22   7  17  56  51   +5  73

 10 Tharair Thoroughbreds FC           46  19   7  20  63  59   +4  64
 11 Luverassam Dynamos FC              46  15  19  12  45  42   +3  64
 12 Sportivo Tovaca                    46  16  15  15  42  47   -5  63 Sargossa
 13 Imyalore FC                        46  16  14  16  48  46   +2  62
 14 Imyalore Warriors FC               46  17  10  19  34  39   -5  61

Moving out west, as mentioned, West A with all of the Acrassian clubs has the biggest congregation of diaspora teams with a total of 7. Other than the Mytanar clubs both gaining promotion, Qusmi KFR Krasjadem finished a respectable seventh, only five points out, while the other four were part of a remarkably tight midfield. FK Zapzi Muturrak (Astograthian) beat out Yue Haidong Pharaeo by one point, despite the Cardannian side outscoring the entire rest of the league, while the second Astograthian representative ZK Mermepak finished just three points behind them (and four behind their derby rivals) and even on points with Oberouran C'hoari-Bouloù Club.

TRL West A 

    Team                            P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 Pomorac Port Tacassam          46  22  13  11  51  42   +9  79 Mytanija
  2 Mytanska Alcassar              46  22  10  14  61  61   +0  76 Mytanija
  3 Alcassar Gate Sports Club      46  21  12  13  52  39  +13  75
  4 Pharaeo Islanders FC           46  21  12  13  51  39  +12  75
  5 Leriagog United FC             46  21  11  14  63  53  +10  74
  6 AFC Acrassia Al'Nuur           46  22   8  16  68  60   +8  74
  7 KFR Krasjadem                  46  21   8  17  80  70  +10  71 Qusmo
  8 Pyathora Athletic FC           46  16  17  13  43  40   +3  65
  9 FK Zapzi Muturrak              46  17  14  15  53  54   -1  65 Astograth
 10 Haidong Pharaeo                46  17  13  16  83  63  +20  64 Yuezhou
 11 Narracis Guardians FC          46  18  10  18  62  63   -1  64
 12 Barracanda Barracudas FC       46  17  12  17  48  43   +5  63
 13 Pyathora Aquatic FC            46  18   8  20  46  54   -8  62
 14 ZK Mermepak                    46  17  10  19  50  51   -1  61 Astograth
 15 C'hoari-Bouloù Club            46  16  13  17  47  50   -3  61 Oberour Ar Moro
 16 Port Tacassam City FC          46  16  12  18  69  59  +10  60
 17 Alcassar City FC               46  18   6  22  55  50   +5  60

Two clubs were in the spotlight in West B1, but with quite different fates. Quebecois Port Rhovanyon Tricolour ended up squeezing into the top half as twelfth, but their Pyazhnayan rivals Zenit Port Rhovanyon had a far less fortunate season, finishing dead last, five points adrift from the Bagashetor Bombers, leaving Zenit as the lowest placed of all the diaspora teams.

TRL West B1 

    Team                             P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 Tragh Town FC                   46  19  17  10  78  62  +16  74
  2 Aldain County FC                46  20  14  12  57  42  +15  74
  3 Sports City Rovers FC           46  19  17  10  48  42   +6  74

  9 Crimsonhawke United FC          46  15  18  13  36  26  +10  63
 10 Esmoraport Town FC              46  17  12  17  68  63   +5  63
 11 Kiz'Aldain Pirates FC           46  16  15  15  50  46   +4  63
 12 Port Rhovanyon Tricolour        46  18   8  20  65  62   +3  62 Quebec
 13 FC of Port Rhovanyon            46  17  11  18  54  57   -3  62
 14 Crimsonhawke Gladiators FC      46  16  12  18  56  58   -2  60
 15 Saucony Shadows FC              46  13  21  12  49  56   -7  60

 22 Congleyikon Sounders FC         46  14  13  19  42  46   -4  55
 23 Bagashetor Bombers FC           46  14  12  20  46  52   -6  54
 24 Zenit Port Rhovanyon            46  10  19  17  47  59  -12  49 Pyazhnaya

TRLs West B2 and C do not have any diaspora clubs, West D, however, has them in spades with six representatives, even if none of them were anywhere close to the promotion ranks. Best of the bunch were the second oldest diaspora club, Cazadores Cathair, representing the Audioslavians of Tikariot, who came in at tenth, a point (and two spots) ahead of Darmeni Emerald Coast Greens and San Ortelian Carathyr Calcio, who in turn just edged out their fierce rivals Avanti Carathyr by one point as well, three spots behind Calcio. Bringing up the rear were Cabo Azurean Villa Carathyr, three points and positions behind Avanti, and Savigliano Unione Carathyr in 21st, two points behind Villa.

TRL West D

    Team                            P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 Toroyra Turtles FC             46  22  10  14  63  56   +7  76
  2 Yvenheim Coast FC              46  21  12  13  54  42  +12  75
  3 Vna-Chuhul Angels FC           46  21  10  15  61  58   +3  73

  9 Toroyra Allied FC              46  18   9  19  37  30   +7  63
 10 Cazadores Carathyr             46  14  20  12  54  47   +7  62 Audioslavia
 11 Caventerun 66                  46  17  11  18  52  56   -4  62
 12 Emerald Coast Greens FC        46  14  19  13  43  47   -4  61 Darmen
 13 Carathyr Calcio                46  17  10  19  54  63   -9  61 San Ortelio
 14 Eivora FC                      46  13  21  12  39  33   +6  60
 15 Chuhulian Forest FC            46  16  12  18  40  42   -2  60
 16 Avanti Carathyr                46  17   9  20  69  80  -11  60 San Ortelio
 17 Varathos Badgers FC            46  15  14  17  45  43   +2  59
 18 Sablecrest Town FC             46  16  10  20  36  42   -6  58
 19 Villa Carathyr                 46  15  12  19  43  54  -11  57 Cabo Azure
 20 Eivora United FC               46  15  11  20  35  47  -12  56
 21 Unione Carathyr                46  12  19  15  35  41   -6  55 Savigliane
 22 Carathyr United FC             46  13  14  19  47  50   -3  53

by **Ko-oren** » Sat May 21, 2022 1:29 pm

You know what they say: Audioslavian and Ko-orenite football is unwatchably defensive, other leagues are more fun to watch, etc. But is that true? Jarongi Sports Stats looked at all league submitted to the LigAnaia and ranked them by goals per game: from Pyazhnaya's 3.52 (!) to Evermark's 1.82.

The two leagues where most games are played are Pyazhnaya and Krytenia, with their 20 clubs playing a full round robin. Every other league in the LigAnaia plays (far) fewer than that, where 240 is a popular format (16 teams, full round robin). Then there's a group of leagues playing a tad under 200: Mriin, Savigliane, Kanran-Riku, Ko-oren. Lastly, there are Virginia Nova and New Gesem where you can make a lot of money for little work: 132 in the former... and just 56 in the latter.

If you like goalfests, Pyazhnaya's not as cold as it seems, with 3.52 goals per game. Other league scoring over three are Gortolekua, Flavovespia, Saltstead, Chromatika, Yguazú, and Mriin - more than expected, to be honest. If you hate goalfests, welcome to Evermark (the only one under 2 per game), New Gesem, and Audioslavia - all under 2.2. Stereotypically defensive Ko-oren is sixth-to-last. Under average, sure, but not as horrible as some would have you believe. We've said it before and we'll say it again: Straudum VV is the model for the national team to this day, and they play an almost un-Ko-orenitely defensive game - but one we embraced as a nation. Other clubs are really not that bus-parky, and with the relegations of both Bruncester and Cirelbourne, we've gotten a lot of attractive, high-octane play in return!

Also noted are the standard deviations in points and goal difference, as a mediocre way of telling how top-heavy a league is. The theory is simple: a high standard deviation in either (or both) stats means that the difference between teams in relation to the averages for those leagues are big, and therefore big teams are unbeatable and bad teams are relegation fodder from day one. Small values mean that any team can beat any other team 'any given day'. This is slightly skewed for two leagues: both StrayaRoos and Ko-oren use tiered seasons where not every team plays every other team an equal amount of times, leading to scheduling that pits good teams against other good teams more often, which makes both standard deviations much lower.

Top heavy leagues include Pyazhnaya, Gortolekua, and especially Mriin and Savigliane. Leagues were the 'any given day' factor reigns supreme are Saltstead, Krytenia, Kanran-Riku, New Gesem, and as explained before through the magic of how the scheduling works, Ko-oren and StrayaRoos.

Apologies: our printer didn't support every flag.

Oh right, in first place we find Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land - 28.7 goals per game, and we believe that to be the highest in the multiverse... probably. They combine low point STDEV with an insane goal difference STDEV - the miracles of a tiny schedule (10 games!) and one team outscoring the rest by a... margin.

Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land
287 goals in 10 games: 28,7 goals per game.
3,67 point standard deviation/155,27 goal difference standard deviation.

Pyazhnaya
1338 goals in 380 games: 3,52 goals per game.
14,29 point standard deviation/28,01 goal difference standard deviation.

Gortolekua
796 goals in 240 games: 3,32 goals per game.
14,58 point standard deviation/21,29 goal difference standard deviation.

Flavovespia
772 goals in 240 games: 3,22 goals per game.
9,79 point standard deviation/12,62 goal difference standard deviation.

Saltstead
979 goals in 306 games: 3,2 goals per game.
7,71 point standard deviation/9,7 goal difference standard deviation.

Chromatika
757 goals in 240 games: 3,15 goals per game.
11,97 point standard deviation/15,76 goal difference standard deviation.

Yguazú
815 goals in 264 games: 3,09 goals per game.
14,18 point standard deviation/18,76 goal difference standard deviation.

Mriin
540 goals in 180 games: 3 goals per game.
15,79 point standard deviation/33,47 goal difference standard deviation.

Virginia Nova
388 goals in 132 games: 2,94 goals per game.
10,48 point standard deviation/12,54 goal difference standard deviation.

Krytenia
1055 goals in 380 games: 2,78 goals per game.
14,06 point standard deviation/9,05 goal difference standard deviation.

Savigliane
500 goals in 180 games: 2,78 goals per game.
21,22 point standard deviation/34,86 goal difference standard deviation.

Kanran-Riku
498 goals in 182 games: 2,74 goals per game.
6,49 point standard deviation/9,47 goal difference standard deviation.

Ko-oren (Tiered season)
519 goals in 192 games: 2,7 goals per game.
11,26 point standard deviation/9,58 goal difference standard deviation.

/

Osarius/Cobrio
814 goals in 306 games: 2,66 goals per game.
8,05 point standard deviation/11,2 goal difference standard deviation.

StrayaRoos (Tiered season, playoffs excluded)
451 goals in 170 games: 2,65 goals per game.
4,75 point standard deviation/5,17 goal difference standard deviation.

Audioslavia
457 goals in 210 games: 2,18 goals per game.
12,81 point standard deviation/16,54 goal difference standard deviation.

New Gesem
121 goals in 56 games: 2,16 goals per game.
2,33 point standard deviation/3,78 goal difference standard deviation.

Evermark
364 goals in 198 games: 1,84 goals per game.
10,05 point standard deviation/10,69 goal difference standard deviation.

Do with this information as you wish. We recommend you do nothing with this.

by **Thibaea** » Sat May 21, 2022 2:03 pm

Héraut de Chien
The official TSC* correspondent and partner

Written By: Vincent Merin, Senior Football Correspondent (TSC)

LRT Looks Towards the New Era

While most of us have treated our football addictions by following the Warlocks as they stumble through the 91st World Cup Qualifiers, I'm sure after their...less than desirable efforts so far, there is a brighter corner coming in the tunnel that is life; in a few short months, the Ligue and domestic football will return to Thibaea, although this season will mark a new era for the Ligue.

Seven years ago, following the Warlock's exit from WC83 qualifiers, the Senate formed a committee, in co-junction with the Prime Minister's Cabinet, regarding sports in the Republic, international representation, and a variety of things. While it's scope as defined was vague, those here at home knew what it was about really, as the drama unfolded over the weeks through the media - by and large, Thibaean efforts internationally with sports had been less than successful, and perhaps crucially, football, the largest market of them all, was not fully utilized - yes, a national team in the Warlocks was sent to every World Cup, and also the Copa Rushmori, but there had never been any attempt to register the Ligue with the UICA, or it's successor ICFC. Senator Matteo Charpentier was the chairman of that committee, and he determined by reviewing the success of some of the largest names out there, and also the smallest one, that the Republic was missing out on a key factor - tourism, and the money that brings. To this tune, he introduced, argued for and championed a bill through the Senate that would grant extra-ordinary funds to the Ministry of Sports, specifically, which would oversee and administer a large-scale effort that was valued at more than 10 billion cesas', to expand and formalize sports throughout the country; the main target of this effort, was the Ligue. While the Ligue is nothing new, having formed four decades ago, it would be overhauled - it would be formalized into a four-tier pyramid, with the top tier consisting of 15 teams, with traditional promotion/relegation throughout every levels - the Coupe du Roi, the competition between the top eight teams from each level, and the White Rivers Cup, the competition between the top four of each of the lower tiers, would be retained and enhanced, namely in the way of financial loans or grants to upgrade, renovate or replace infrastructure, such as stadia, training facilities, payroll and more. Included in all of this, the Ligue itself would be placed in it's own headquarters, a large Beaux Arts-style palais that had been a museum for the last decade located in the city of Seille, and has been vacated to now serve as the LR's headquarters. The Ligue has also formed a number of internal organizations to ensure the quality of referees, match fixtures, and more.

In coordination with this legislation, R.S.55-22, Senator Charpentier has introduced two other pieces of legislation, a small package that would legalize gambling on sports matchs at licensed facilities; gambling in general has been legal for the last eight years, but sports in particular were excluded from that legalization. The larger package which has not yet passed the Senate fully due to its financial cost, is in layman's terms a roads and rails bill; supporting Senator's argued that once R.S.55-22 was fully implemented, it would, hopefully, increase success in international fixtures, and in turn, attract hosting opportunities or tourism in general. Because of this, infrastructure would need to be upgraded. The original proposal would have spent 1.1 trillion cesas on three main programs; 1) An overhaul and expansion of the Provincial Highway Network, 2) The completion of the HSR line that would stretch from the capital, to Monspotier on the southern border, with out-branching networks to three provincial capitals that would essentially provided HSR services to 40% of the population, and finally 3) Loans and grants to the five largest airports for modernization, renovation and expansion. Aside from the national budget that the Senate reviews each year, this would have been the largest special-purpose spending legislation in an number of generations. Seven years later, it has yet to pass the Senate, currently marred in debate; parts of it have passed, namely the third branch that serviced air facilities.

Despite the legal quagmire of it's supporting legislation, the Ministry of Sports has taken full use of the money spent in the first bill, and these past seven years have seen quite a number of projects started, and completed. The LHR, the country's hockey authority, used their portion of the pot to doll out grants to franchises that saw a number of them rebuild their arenas, or construct new purpose-built training facilities. The authority also expanded, adding two franchises four years ago and two more in the most recent season which was a 30% increase in total franchises playing. The Ligue received the lion's share of the funds, and put it to the best use, choosing to spend a good portion of the money on renovating stadia at the lower levels, and helping clubs develop more structured and developed youth programs; it's payed out, the last two seasons of Ligue football have been some of the most exciting, and there's much more volatility in promotion/relegation. Why this is all significant, is that the Ligue has announced that beginning with this upcoming season, they will enter qualifiers for international play with the ICFC, a first in Thibaea. The most obvious clubs looking to enter would be the reigning champions, Peyrelade, and the usual top flighters, Mannoux, Orrouy and Persan, but there has been much more movement among the ranks, and the field is wide up for newcomers, like Haracourt, or former bottom flights like Becerre to suceed.

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Sat May 21, 2022 2:24 pm

Täysaikainen: Kimi-Suomi (97) 1-1 Stresinen [Stresia] (294) - Pesä, Kimi Kaupunki
KIM Scorers: Kimi Airo (12')
SES Scorers: A Player (89')

We keep fighting and fighting...but maybe that isn't enough.

Ehkä se taika Huuhkajien ympärillä lentää vihdoin pois.

Our game against Stresinen was the perfect example of this...we took the lead, only for the visitors to score late on to get their 2nd point of the campaign.

We spend the bye watching the good teams do their thing, meaning Kimi-Suomi (like JYK-inen, actually) has a 7 point gap to make up in the final 7 games. Technically, it's a net 4 points as almost everyone has to take a bye...but it's still a tough ask.

Ei mahdotonta...mutta rankkaa kuitenkin. The fightback must begin next time, away in Al Qurija and hosting a HUElavia looking for revenge. We have to keep going...emme voi luovuttaa nyt, eihän?

NOSTA KUIN HUUHKAJAT!

by **Zwangzug** » Sat May 21, 2022 2:50 pm

"What," Neha said.

"An unusual religious group emerges, and you want to study who they are, how they operate," Einar said. "I don't blame you, I had the same reaction. So you go to their meetings and watch and take notes. Hoping you can get a paper or two out of it. Are you tenure-track?" He looked her over as if trying to estimate her age. But he looked younger than her, eager but frazzled by the grind of academia.

"It's none of your business," she managed to say.

"Whatever. The point is, it doesn't work like that. The fly-on-the-wall is just a myth, okay, it's Problematic. You have to--be willing to go under, to really immerse yourself in it. So that when you're writing, you're not writing as you, you're writing as one of them. While still making it clear you're not really one of them, but you've been there, you've done that."

Neha racked her brains for a polite way to tell him he was making no sense whatsoever. Zwangzug's economy being what it was, young academics' quest for recognition could not literally be construed as having "publish or perish" stakes. Yet that didn't make their desperation any less intense or cutthroat as it could be in more mercantilist societies; with basic needs guaranteed, jockeying for prestige, status, the approval of your peers was all the more cutthroat. How long had Einar been dragging himself to these gatherings, caught between the desperate desire for authenticity and the self-loathing that told him it would never be possible? And all for what? A chance of getting a postdoc at somewhere like UJK as compared to UJL?

"You speak up too much. Ask stupid questions. No believer would ever suggest just going apostate to see how it feels."

Neha snorted. "And you're the expert?"

"Yes!" said Einar. "I've read the last dozen issues of Comparative New Religious Movements and Angelic Oppression Studies and The Excruciating Futility of Postmodern Endeavor!"

"Okay." She sighed. "I don't want to muscle in on your research or anything, I'm not going to try to snipe you for priority. I just have some information I need to gather, and I'll be on my way."

"It's never that easy. 'Information' is a multifaceted phenomena that is constructed and reinterpreted through noncohesive ways of knowing--"

"Einar." She cut him off. "I get it. You think I'm hopeless, naive, too thick-headed to really open myself and let the divine light sink in. Is that it?" His eyes flashed, but he said nothing. "Then help me figure this out and I'll get out of here, and you won't have to worry about me."

"Why should I help you?"

"Because for a person with a bunch of fancy degrees," she said, "you aren't all that bright. What happens if I show up early next week and tell Tarun and them that you're an academic?"

"Well, uh, obviously I'd have informed consent forms and ethics disclaimers if I was going to quote them directly, I'm not going to plagiarize their discussions without consent--"

"You heard what they say about apostates. People who never had faith, who just came to make mock. You really think they'll treat you any different?"

Einar shivered. "It's not just seraphim and cherubim devotees. I--I was honest that no one has spoken to me, yet. And up in the FTC there are some who have spoken to Dominions, or Principalities or even several at once!"

"Interesting," said Neha. "I don't suppose they have Zebs, up in the FTC?"

Einar blinked. "Not too many. There are probably some, I guess."

"I mean Zebs who are part of the DHA. You don't know anything about them?"

He tilted his head in thought. "I was doing some informal literature review. I think there might be one in Spenson? Well, technically Fulpog, but you know."

"Fulpog," Neha repeated. It was a start.

(Waugh 49, Nguyen 83)

World Cup 91 [roleplays]

WCQ-91 MD13-14

Boot It!: The End Is Near Once More

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