World Cup 93 - RP Thread

by **Eraman** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 3:08 am

IV
THE SEVENTH GENERAL ELECTION
THE HOUSE OF PETARA

The third Bendahara of Eraman, Tun Sin Usin resigned as the president of the Eraman Nationalist Party and the Bendahara of Eraman due to health issues a year before the 7th General Election. His sudden departure from politics left a void that needed to be filled. Enter Tun Maha Petara, who had served as Tun Sin Usin's deputy and was known for his political maneuvering.

Tun Maha Petara is the younger brother of the Maharaja of Eraman at that time and a member of the House of Petara, once the most powerful entity in Eraman before democracy was introduced in the country. Just less than 3 decades before the 7th general election, the head of the House of Petara being the Maharaja of Eraman held absolute power which they had held for centuries and wielded immense influence over the country's politics, economy, and society. 27 years after relinquishing their absolute power in favor of democracy, the House of Petara was back on the wheel with Tun Maha Petara as the Bendahara of Eraman.

Tun Maha Petara's rise in politics began when he helped the 2nd Bendahara of Eraman, Tun Ajak Usin, oust the 1st Bendahara of Eraman, Tun Man Wangsa. Tun Maha Petara led the efforts to put pressure on Tun Man Wangsa and subsequently remove him from power. His successful efforts were paid handsomely as he was made an important member of the cabinet after Tun Ajak Usin became the Bendahara. This, along with Tun Maha Petara's reputation for being a charismatic and effective leader, helped to propel him to the forefront of the Eraman Nationalist Party and eventually the fourth Bendahara of Eraman.

With the opposition at its weakest point, he and the Eraman Nationalist Party emerged as the clear victors in the 7th general election, winning the majority of seats in the People's House and securing the mandate to continue to govern the country. The election marked the start of a new era in Eraman's political history, with Tun Maha Petara and the House of Petara firmly in the driver's seat.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Football Association of the Commonwealth
World Cup 93 Qualifying Factsheet
(contact Sasha Henderson, FAC Director of Media Relations for further info)

The Commonwealth of Baker Park National Soccer Team begin the second longest World Cup Qualification tournament in history as the only current NSWC Council member that has advanced to the 32 nation Finals—the 93rd edition to be co-hosted in Chromatika and Tumbra—at every attempt.

Baker Park became the most recent nation to make the Finals in the same cycle following their debut in the Baptism of Fire during the qualifications for World Cup 80 and have never failed to advance in 10 subsequent entries (along with earning automatic qualification as co-host in both World Cup 84 and 90).

The current squad assembled by Manager Jennifer Prescott will face seven nations out of the eleven assigned to Group 13 that have a previous history with BP at senior team level that include Atlantian Oceania neighbors (and WC 90 co-hosts) Turori; Krytenia, who were opponents in the World Cup 89 Group Stage (as were the Eels); Tikriot, the Rushmore nation with whom the Commonwealth joined in a bid for the 79th Cup of Harmony, while the national teams met in the Twicetagria Invitational; Atheara, winners over BP in the quarterfinal of the Women's World Cup 14 on their way to the title and defeated by the Bees in the 3rd Place match at Wonder Cup 4; Raspotchje, who were group stage opponents in that same WWC 14; Montana Verde, who were the hosts on opening day of World Cup 88 Qualifying in the first ever international match played at the Estadio Maximo Encarnacion and will have four players in their current squad who play professionally in the Commonwealth; and Cheetahs & reptiles Coalsion, who will be a qualifying opponent for the second consecutive World Cup.

Prescott has overseen a major shift towards an overall younger pool of potential NT squad members since the end of World Cup 92; several veterans come into the initial camp for the opening pair of matches against Atheara and Cheetahs & reptiles having not seen international action for over a year, while nearly a dozen of the younger callups shed their bantam status (capped players with 5 or fewer appearances) over a evaluation period that stretched out nearly 30 matches across three separate competitions (Tea Cup, AOCAF 68 and Eagles Cup 15).

Goalkeeper Zach Johnston will make history in the second leg of the away trip when he reaches his 100th cap, the first at the position to reach the century mark and the only player among the 14 previously honored to have done so without appearing as a substitute.
Johnston and Nicole D'Amico have been announced as co-captains for the National Team for this cycle, with Christa Vuckovic, Jerome Brooks, and Hayley Gibson joining them as the most capped at each outfield position.

Former BPNT Assistant Manager Shane Newman brought his Indusse National Team squad to the BBP National Stadium for a pre-WCQ friendly and received a warm reception from the crowd that witnessed the 3-2 Baker Park victory; a further two match trip to Rushmore saw the Commonwealth earn a pair of 2-1 wins over Captina Island and Eastfield Lodge, with defenders Julia Edmonds (VLC) and Amy Hardwick (Royal Jam) in the starting XI in the latter fixture in the nation where both play domestically.

The opening doubleheader, which will be the first time in their history that the Bees will have consecutive away matches to start qualifying, marks the debut of a new away kit for Baker Park; the alternating black and gold horizontal stripes across the chest are a nod to the il bombi motif and the traditional gold socks remain although the brightness has been reduced.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Squad selection for MD1/2:

lineup vs Atheara (@ Astena Stadium, cap. 77,000)
Callaway; Brooks, Onikambe, Bauer; Eichorn, D'Amico (C), Vetter, Altman; Price; Harris, Mack
subs: Johnston, Edmonds, Kucera, Park, Shanahan, Boyle, Vuckovic, Moorman, Gibson

lineup vs Cheetahs & reptiles Coalsion (@ N/A)
Johnston (C); Bruce, Kucera, Edmonds; Park, Wiley, Shanahan, Boyle; Vuckovic; Moorman, Gibson
subs: Callaway, Brooks, Onikambe, Eichorn, Vetter, Altman, Price, Harris, Mack

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 3:35 am

Olenko minä, vai onko tämä tilanne tuttu? Two years ago, the Huuhkajat of Kimi-Suomi were entering a WCQ campaign off the back of a 4th-place finish in the AOCAF, with their run ending via a penalty shootout loss to Banija. Now, the Huuhkajat of Kimi-Suomi is entering this WCQ Campaign off the back of a 4th-place finish in the AOCAF, with the run ending on penalties to Banija. That consistency is certainly scary for a team that seems to be getting better and considering we made the WCQ Playoffs last time out, there may be actual genuine hope that we could cause a huge upset and make the big dance itself. But 11 teams will be in our way in this quest...let's see who they are.

Pot 1 - Farfadillis (12) - MD8 away, MD19 home
Manager: Lele Manguele
Lineup/Style: 3-4-3?/+5
In the same AOCAF we made it back-to-back 4ths, La Vherderoja fell in the Round of 16 to Qasden - which certainly must've stung for a team well known for being masters of just being the most chaotic nightmare to deal with in any context at all. This team thrives on being the most unpredictable unit out there so we will certainly have to be careful no matter what, especially as we face them late on MD19.

Pot 2 - Huayramarca (22) - MD3 home, MD14 home
Manager: Blâás Âgínsôgnó
Lineup/Style: 4-1-4-1?/+5
Another ultra-attacking threat in this group, Los Cóndores reached the Quarterfinals of the CAFA Cup and will certainly be considered one of the main threats no matter what due to the playing style they have perfected over there. Total football can be dangerous if not fully understood and so, everyone will hope to be ready no matter what in order to try and nullify as much as possible.

Pot 3 - Tähtiteräinen (Starblaydia) (47) - MD10 away, MD21 home
Manager: Tlanx-Nulzk Hal?
Lineup/Style: 4-3-3?/+3
While the Stars may be practically retired from region play, they are still an effective and very fucking dangerous threat in the WCC - as their #47 ranking would stipulate. They may not be as attacking as the Top 2 seeds in this group, but they are certainly a threat no matter what.

Pot 4 - Kimi-Suomi (58)
Manager: Esko Laaksonen
Lineup/Style: 5-3-2, None
And now, here we are. Being a Pot 4 team is certainly a great honour, but it also means we will have a big target on our back as one of the main threats to the Top 3 hierarchy. Esko Laaksonen has certainly done wonders thus far...but can he make it to the Playoffs again? Or even further than that? Only time will tell but with 8 teams ranked behind us...we may have a good shot.

Pot 5 - Sargossa (73) - MD4 away, MD15 home
Manager: Slavko Jelic
Lineup/Style: 5-3-2/-1.5
The Corsairs have always been a consistent threat across WC cycles and their bronze-medal performance at the Copa Rushmori proved that in spades. Slavko Jelic always prefers a defensive outfit that can be lethal on the counter, so be prepared for that and not overextending ourselves will be key to any points we get against them.

Pot 6 - Pyazhnaya (102) - MD11 home, MD22 away
Manager: Aleksandr Zavrashin
Lineup/Style: 4-4-2/+3
A former Baptism of Fire Champion that is on the ascendancy, this team made it all the way to CAFA Cup Final last year - only bested by Flavovespia in extra time. That silver medal however means this attacking team will be considered a huge threat for a dark horse run - just exactly as Aleksandr Zavrashin would've wanted. We play these guys on the final day so they will have a part to play in our story.

Pot 7 - Bollonich (126) - MD2 away, MD13 home
Manager: Joseph Moteudi?
Lineup/Style: 4-1-2-1-2?/+1.5?
This team used to be in the Top 100 but has fallen on hard times recently, as seen in crashing out of the Copa Rushmori without a single win to their name. No one really knows if Joseph Moteudi is still in charge of this team but if he is, then expect a side that can aim to attack but isn't too unfocused on defence either - an interesting team all the same.

Pot 8 - Sudilinen (Sudilia) (142) - MD7 home, MD18 away
Manager: Oliver Thompson
Lineup/Style: 4-2-3-1/+1.5
What can we say about these guys then, eh? Well, they're ranked inside the Top 150 in the world and finished 3rd in their IAC group, missing out on the knockouts as one of the worse 3rd-placed finishers in that tournament. That shouldn't mean we should disrespect these guys at all as we were in their position not too long ago.

Pot 9 - Lisander (175) - MD5 home, MD16 away
Manager: N/A
Lineup/Style: N/A
Lisander isn't a nation you'd think about as a power in football (think more Rugby or Basketball), but #175 isn't too bad at all and there seems to be a push to try and get better. I think. Anyway, who knows what to expect from this one so caution should be advised.

Pot 10 - Uusi Portlandin Tasavalta (New Portland Republic) (217) - MD1 away, MD12 home
Manager: Martín Zubeldía
Lineup/Style: 4-3-3/+1
Ah yes, our first group opponent from the 80th Baptism of Fire as these guys actually debuted in JYK-inen's IAC group (finishing 4th) before making it to the knockouts of the BoF and falling at the first hurdle. Manager Martín Zubeldía has incorporated some Huayramarcan flair into the NPR and his “Portlandia-Huayo” 4-3-3 will certainly be an interesting threat to deal with on MD1 itself.

Pot 11 - Bubiyan ja Warbah (Bubiyan and Warbah) (274) - MD6 away, MD17 home
Manager: N/A
Lineup/Style: N/A
We literally have nothing on these guys as they didn't even provide a teamsheet for the BoF - in which they didn't win a single one of their 8 games. No one really knows what to expect from these guys but lower-ranked nations can be banana peels to those higher up the pecking order so taking the maximum points is a must here.

Pot 12 - Karpaatia ja Ruthenia (Carpathia and Ruthenia) (UR) - MD9 home, MD20 away
Manager: N/A
Lineup/Style: N/A
Most of the time, Unranked nations are kinda like us - last-minute editions that can either produce magic in the future or fall off the face of the earth as quickly as they arrived. But these guys are not like that at all...and while we know nothing of their team, the name "Carpathia and Ruthenia" carries a lot of weight in the WCC circles. These guys were mostly active in the 50s and 60s era of the WC, famously cohosting WC62 with Astograth, before they made their final appearance at WC70 - nearly 46 years ago now. These guys are legends in their own right from their time and now, they are back and in our group. Due to their status, we absolutely have to take them seriously...absolutely!

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 3:51 am

Songak
Praetorian
News Website of the Decade!

Olympics: Eiran Mountains-Joongyeong Confirmed for 2060 Games, Promises Continuity and Sustainability

JANG DOO-HYEON
in PRESCOTT, ELECTRUM

After an outstanding summer of memories and friendly competition on the streets of Twin Cities and Prescott, the Olympics will once again be held over the opposite ends of the Blood Sea between Rushmore and northern Anaia. For the second time, and a first in the Winter Olympics, Quebec & Shingoryeo and New Gelderland will be hosting the Olympic Games after a joint Joongyeong-Eiran Mountains bid were awarded the hosting rights to cohost for the 2060 Winter Olympics after a vote held during the Olympic Council session in Ice Palace, Prescott.

Thursday's decision and announcement, after an extended period of discussions, felt like the fitting conclusion to the process with the joint bid being the only one submitted in time for the August 2058 deadline, and the bid receiving strong endorsements from the Olympic Council. The news would then be followed by celebratory fireworks all over Joongyeong as the streets were blocked by hundreds of thousands of people celebrating the news in a full night of celebrations and parties on the streets.

'Incredible, incredible and just f***ing incredible. What a historic moment for our country, and the city of Joongyeong, after many decades in the making,' said Royal Quebecois Olympic Committee President and the Olympic Council executive committee member Pierre van Eeden Youngblood. One of two Quebecois voting members for the Olympic Council since 2046, Youngblood was previously the Co-Chair of the Organising Committee of the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Prescott (yes, that Prescott), and Twin Cities.

'I would like to thank the members of the Olympic Council, and those of the Olympic Committee for their faith in our bid to host the sixteenth Winter Olympics in Eiran Mountains and Joongyeong. The Eiran Mountains-Joongyeong 2060 vows to stay committed to the Olympic Movement and its values. In continuing with the spirits of City Centre 2054, and that of Prescott-Twin Cities 2056, the Eiran Mountains-Joongyeong will strive to build and connect communities, to foster connections and most importantly, continue to provide safe competition for all competitors. We promise and will deliver an outstanding bid.

The bid team, led by Youngblood and New Gelderlish OC chair Alexander Lennox, made presentations to the Olympic Committee that included the featuring of Arsene Pineau Kim, recently-retired longtime Prime Minister who played a major part in the previous Prescott-Twin Cities bid, and the Quebecois monarch, Christine II. They were then questioned by the Committee members on the viability of the logistics and slot allocations involving qualification events.

On the New Gelderlish side, Lennox said the logistics behind the qualification events form a significant part of the proposal, as it would not only offset both the emission and logistical problems involving competition venues and surrounding villages in Eiran Mountains. 'From early on our bidding team had wanted this to be a community-driven, climate-positive and sustainable Olympic Games,' Lennox said. 'Establishing qualification events would not only allow for a manageable competition for all, but it would minimise possible damage to local environment and communities.'

Youngblood followed it up with an impassioned defence of the bid, stating that Eiran Mountains-Joongyeong bid would also allow opportunities for future hosts to emerge, and that there have been past successes with hosting said qualification events for interested parties. 'As two nations whose hosting of the qualification events in multiple sports have proved the resilience and the feasibility of said promises, New Gelderland and Quebec & Shingoryeo promise to continue the successes from a pre-existing, successful model left from City Centre 2054, and will hope to continue striving towards a more community-driven, inclusive and most importantly sustainable Winter Olympics beyond a certain centrepoint.'

Outside of the presentations and questions involving the qualification stage, the session stayed mostly eventless with the decision made, ratified and congratulated in Ice Palace, located in heart of Prescott, Electrum.

Eiran Mountains-Joongyeong bid's success comes in middle of a period of stability for the Olympic Council. The Paripana-based governing body of the Olympic Games has seen a successful shift towards ensuring sustainable, community-oriented olympics in the recent years. Remarkable successes of the 2050 Summer Olympics in Terranean Coast region, Electrum, would set a strong precedent for a sustainable, region-wide Olympic Games with the successes of the 2054 Winter Olympics in City Centre and Altimarus North Coast region and 2056 Summer Olympics in Prescott and Twin Cities to follow afterwards.

Recent slate of successes, one that have succeeded in erasing the 2038 Summer Olympics best remembered for acts of terrorism and operational issues in Republica, Free Republics, suggest bright future for the future operations of the prestigious competition. While it is unlikely Electrum, the seat of the Olympic Council presidency, will be bidding for either Summer or Winter Olympics anytime soon, the competition is not expected to see delays over hosting of the games, with traditional hosts of the prestigious competition in Kelssek and Liventia having expressed their interests in future editions as well.

As for those at home, the support for hosting Olympic Games remain particularly high in Quebec and Shingoryeo, even though more is to be seen if this would continue in the subsequent editions after 2060 or on an outside chance, 2062. At this very moment, RQOC has not raised the possibility of hosting or co-hosting for the second-straight Summer Olympics at home, with Youngblood stating that '2062 is four years away' and no more.

by **Sendhang** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:24 am

12TH CMFA MANDALANUSA CUP
Final

Sendhang was in a state of euphoria after qualifying for the final of the CMFA Mandalanusa Cup for the first time. The whole country turned their attention to the national team as they wait for the final while showering their praises to the national football governing body, the Persatuan Sepakbola Seluruh Sendhang (PS3) for the success of the PS3:10 program which aims to make the country as one of the best in the region in 10 years.

Waiting for Sendhang in the final was Acastanha, a country that Sendhang shared a land border and long history with. Some say that, if there was no Acastanha then there would be no Sendhang. That might be true because Sendhang's unification as a country was a direct response to the Lusitanian colonization of Acastanha. Threatened by rapid colonization, the group of people that resided in the inland of the Mandalanusa Mainland banded together and formed Sendhang which was a success if fending off colonizers was the objective.

On the footballing side, although having not won a single CMFA Mandalanusa Cup yet, both Sendhang and Acastanha can be considered the powerhouse of Mandalanusan football. Alongside Eraman, Sharktail, and Ziwana, both countries are claiming to be the second-best national team in Mandalanusa after Pemecutan. And the match between Sendhang and Acastanha in the final of the 12th CMFA Mandalanusa Cup would decide that.

Like every Sendhangite, Teuku Salahudin was hyped for the match, his first-ever appearance in any final of international football.

"This is it. It's now or never," said Salahudin as he kicked off after the referee blew his first whistle of the match.

But it was just not meant to be as Sendhang found themselves 3 goals down just within minutes and was trailing 4-1 at the half-time break. The Sendhangites in Bongali Park were silenced. The players were confused. There was nothing they can do to stop the Acastanhans. And the dressing room at the break was very tense. The head coach, Teuku Irfan was not happy.

Sendhang improved in the second half but it was too late to mount a comeback as Acastanha won the match 6-4. From a neutral point of view, the match was one of the best CMFA Mandalanusa Cup final matches. Everyone will remember the prowess of Acastanha who killed the game early. But from Sendhang's perspective, it was just heartbreaking. The whole country was in shock and devastated by the defeat. They thought it was coming. But so close, yet so far.

by **Vilita** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:57 am

Optimism High for Rebels entering World Cup 93 Qualifying

National View Stadium, Morata Valley, Vilita :: Endur Rotropii and the Vilita Jungle Rebels had already accomplished something that had set them apart from previous Vilitan National Teams. As they prepared for their Quarter Final fixture against Zwangzug, they knew that in the public opinion, they had already accomplished their primary goal: Don't get embarrassed. In fact, it is the very reason that Rotropii and the Rebel Academny at the Forest Ground of Endur is now at the core of Vilita's National Team Program.

Vilita had a history of under-performing at the World Cup on home soil but no under-performance had ever been quite as horrific as that during World Cup 90. With high hopes and a relatively easy group draw, the Jungle Cats failed to win a single game and crashed out at the group stage. Thousands upon thousands of Vilitan fans buying tickkets for Knockout Round matches hopeful to see their team would be left disappointed. Naturally, the entire coaching staff was sacked and many of the players would go with them as well. At first the new head coach Endur Rotropii used only their own players from the Rebel Academy but would slowly bring back some of the former National Team players - particularly those of undisputed talent, and integrated them into the Rebel system.

Stepping out onto the pitch in Morata Valley, Rotropii's Jungle Rebels had already avoided embarrassment. They'd already advanced farther than any Vilitan team had ever done at a home World Cup. Now they stood 90 minutes away from potential greatness - a potential 7 game World Cup Finals on home soil. Their opponent a familiar one: Zwangzug.

When the match started, however, it was Zwangzug who were on the attack and scored the first goal when Quincy Dulk-Fough converted on a rebound opportunity after a save from Zelkki MIlake Jr. could not be contained or cleared away safely by the Vilitan defense. By the half hour mark, Vilita had leveled the score through the exciting youngster Takaara Milanzi.

With the momentum on their side, the Rebels sprung quickly and would take their first lead of the game when an aggressive Jakku'u Naboyavi was set up by Turoki Tide's Diamoa Waviino. Just like that the Rebels were on top. There was a lot of qualaity in that Zwangzug side, however, and the Rebels simply could not keep them at bay. Some exciting skill from Esther Axelrod-Conway late in the first half would ensure that the scoreline would be all tied up at 2 goals a piece for the half time break.

Both teams would add another goal in the second half with Lukas Helsen-Roan scoring on a 61st minute header for Zwangzug and finally young Rebel starlet Treasvo Tlikara added another key play to their lore ledger making the play to set up Jakku'u Naboyavi who would get the equalizer with seven minutes to play.

With no goals in Extra-Time, the two sides would contest a Penalty Shootout and both would do so with a different Goalkeeper than they had used for the 120 minutes of open play. For the Jungle Rebels it was Ukamai Talingri coming on in place of Zelkki Milake Jr. while Zwangzug would see Ketevan Igreli between the sticks.

Igreli had little to do when Tikaara Milanzi skied the Jungle Rebels second shot over the net. However the decisive moment came on the fourth kick when a fine looking penalty kick from Letirpsi Vulitn was met by an even finer save from Igreli. With The Rebels now trailing 3-2, Yeaddin Owls Midfielder Trezisi Rokopolis would blast the ball over the net ending the Penalty Shootout and Vilita's dreams of a World Cup Semi-Final appearance.

When Zwangzug went on to secure the World Cup title two games later, it was a moment of both pride and frustration at how close they had been. However, with a National Player Pool that was largely unchanged and just one campaign more experienced, Expectations would be high for Endur Rotropii's Vilita Jungle Rebels during the World Cup 93 campaign.

by **Mertagne** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:18 am

TWO PINE PRESS
presents...

THE MERTAGNIAN CLASSICS COLLECTION
#1
NEXT >>

Past the Point of Frozen
by Victoria Emmerson

A true fantasy of the senses, Past the Point of Frozen is a delight of a novel that has entertained Mertagnians and captured the imagination for over 60 years. Combining expedition writing with escapist fantasy, Emmerson’s most popular novel concerning a polar jaunt is well known across Mertagne, introducing creatures such as the Shadow Yeti and the Hoarfrost into the common culture.

Plot Summary:

Three friends in their early 20s - Fernald, Elizabeth, and Gerry - meet annually in the winter in Keers, having each served on separate merchant vessels for the remainder of the year. They relay the sailor’s stories about the Grinshem Sea that they have picked up from their respective ships; Gerry has heard that sirens have captured a ship full of Mertagnian soldiers, Fernald claims that mythical Kelpie riders were spotted heading north during the summer, and Elizabeth warns that a soothsayer told her a cold snap is claimed to set in before the winter is over, and that she will be the key to dissolving it. Dismissing these stories as fairy tales, the three friends continue to eat, drink, and be merry into the night, where they retire to their lodgings.
The next morning, the three awake to see that Elizabeth’s story has indeed come true - a bitter cold snap has entered, freezing ships in place at Keers, blanketing the region in snow, and freezing the Grinshem Sea with a thick ice sheet. The port is in uproar, and nobody knows what to do, with all sorts of fur-clad expeditionists setting out onto the ice sheet to reclaim ships that had docked in the ocean in the night. Pondering the truth of the soothsayer’s warning, Elizabeth convinces Fernald and Gerry to pack their bags with survival gear and head north, following the supposed trail of the Kelpie riders, to see if the source of the cold snap can be found and stopped.
The journey the three friends undertake is perilous, as what starts as a walk along a thick ice sheet soon begins to draw them into ever fantastical territory. The ship full of Mertagnian soldiers is found, run aground on a rock embedded in the ice sheet, and within the ship the soldiers and sirens have cavorted in a mockery of high society. The three explorers take tea with the soldiers, before realising they have been drugged, and flee the ship in their stupor. Falling asleep on the bare ice, the trio wake up to discover they are in the fantasy land of the north, having been saved by a large penguin called Cuttles and taken back to his dugout.
Cuttles warns the trio that they have incurred the wrath of the Ice King, and would do well to return south as far as they can, fleeing the increasing reach of snow and ice that the King is attempting to create. Gerry convinces the group to bring the fight to the Ice King, and so begins a perilous journey across the mountainous landscape north to the Ice King’s castle.
Along the way, the trio are attacked by the Ice King’s lieutenant, The Hoarfrost, a spindly bipedal creature made of ice. The Hoarfrost, riding a large sleigh pulled by Mertagnian Giant Elk, chases the trio through a frozen forest and forces them deep into a cave system, which they learn is the home of a dark creature called the Shadow Yeti. Using cunning and guile, the trio sneak through the caves and past the Shadow Yeti, yet the Hoarfrost is not so subtle and incurs its wrath.
Fernald, Elizabeth, and Gerry steal the Hoarfrost’s sleigh and ride undercover into the castle, aiming to disrupt the Ice King’s operations. There, they discover that the Ice King is looking to cover the world in cold weather to allow his daughter to fully explore it, as she was born with a magical condition that cursed her to remain in sub-zero temperatures. The Ice Princess, after realising what the King is doing, scolds him for being so mean to the humans, yet loves him for wanting her to broaden her horizons. She takes to the sky, becoming one with the empty vacuum of space, as the King takes an incorporeal form in the rolling clouds of a snowy day.
The trio feel entitled to the treasure in the vault of the King, and attempt to bring it all back in the Hoarfrost’s sleigh. However, the Giant Elk refuse to obey, and so they push the sleigh through the ice sheet down south to Keers. A few kilometres out from the city, however, everything begins to melt, including the treasure, the sleigh, and the ice sheet, and the trio fall into the ocean before being rescued by the ship with the Mertagnian soldiers in it, who are still dressed in fancy outfits befitting high society.
The three friends are dropped off at the port, and walk to the beach as snow begins to fall around them. Reflecting on their journey, they recognise the true value was not in material wealth, but in the memories they shared together, which would cement their friendship and give them stories to recount for years to come.
The novel ends with Elizabeth, having outlived Fernald and Gerry, recounting the story as an old woman to children in a future version of Keers.

About the Author:

Victoria Emmerson was a Mertagnian author that grew up in Fligsive, The Inevitable Syndicate, before moving to New Fligsive after the Corvidae War. Before becoming an author, she was a florist. Her husband worked as a dockworker before becoming a construction worker in New Fligsive. Past the Point of Frozen was her third novel, and commercially her most successful. It has been praised for its themes and its ability to capture the feeling of being alone in a desolate landscape, as well as its fantastical nature and the growth experienced by the novel's characters. The talking creatures and monsters in the novel were inspired by tall tales she had heard from her husband’s friends. Emmerson lived in New Fligsive until her death at the age of 73.

Check out the entire Mertagnian Classics Colleciton from Two Pine Press:
Past The Point of Frozen by Victoria Emmerson
The Reach of the Endless by Andras Stocker
Verse Under The Lime Tree by Luke Latimer
The Cravannien Chronicles by Prince Arval of Wesaxe
The Old Ones & Other Short Stories by Alisdair Stannard
From Seed to Stead: The Principles of Increasing Agricultural Yield in Small-Holdings by Abigaile Farrer
The Krytenian Brooch by Marcoul Liadec
Professional Comedy: A Compilation of Popular Plays by The Baudelaire Public Players
In The Shadow of Lion’s Mountain by Joksata

by **Elmyia** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:34 am

The Beaucester Gazette
Overview of Elmyia for Qualifying
Stadiums, culture, expectations

So the circus of qualifying kicks off once again, and those coming to visit Elmyia might be wondering what's in store for them. Where will games be held? What is Elmyia? What's it like? What about the people? The fans? Well, we hope to answer all of your questions (whether you asked or not) here!

The Venues

Whilst ground has been broken on a new national stadium, located in the area between Mosfleet and Beaucester, it won't be ready for national team fixtures until the World Cup 94 qualification campaign. In the interest of building some more atmosphere, and giving fans from other parts of the country to experience the nationa
l team, the decision has been taken to play at a wide variety of stadiums.

The first two will be familiar to those who've seen their side play in Elmyia before, Tollington Park and Stadio Luca Spaletti. Home to the nations largest clubs, Albion and Italia, they have higher capacities and are well connected to public transport. Tollington Park was renovated for the Independents Cup, and despite playing host to two disappointing games, the increased capacity, new facilities and the rebuild of Portsquare have all made this a great stadium to visit. It's an easy hop from the main accommodation in Mosfleet, about 20 minutes on light rail and by foot to the Port area on the western edge of the city. Stadio Luca Spaletti, meanwhile, is just south of the centre, on the fringe between the Latin Quarter and the outer suburbs. It could do with a bit more rennovation and the running track around the pitch makes it a harder ground to generate an atmosphere in.

Elsewhere, and three other stadiums will have the pleasure of hosting. First up is La Cauchie in Sablegaard, an atmospheric, old, ground located by the sea. With its small capacity, it might not be able to house more than a couple of thousand away fans. The federation has likely selected it to continue the campaign to increase tourism to Elmyia, Sablegaard being likely the most beautiful beach town in the nation, with long, sandy beaches and victorian era buildings underneath the warmth of a mediterranean sun.

Elsewhere and Savojarna will have the pleasure of visiting Beaucester, a city lacking in football stadiums, but streets ahead of Mosfleet in terms of beauty. Hellenic's Delphi Stadium will be receiving a bit of a facelift before the fixture, and with its 15,000 capacity it is the third largest stadium in the country. The club struggle to fill the ground, but their years of grinding mediocrity explains that. This will also offer away fans the chance to explore the nation's beautiful, very walkable, capital city.

Finally, football mad Diepfleet will play host to a fixture in Stadio Breve. A ground that houses one of the better sets of fans in the league, they will be sure to make the most of what will likely be a dead rubber at the end of the qualification campaign.

What are Elmyian fans like?

In a word, a bit quiet. Years of low expectations, reinforced by following clubs pushed around by the big two, means this is a set of fans without any realistic prospect of success. The lack of hope seems to have got to them. They seem to continue to watch merely to enjoy the day out, and to get to see players grow and develop. The atmosphere is often lacking as a consequence, Elmyian fans not getting particularly exercised if they win or lose, largely content to enjoy any moments of mirth and schadenfreude (goal kicks straight out of play, a bad miscontrol, player slipping over etc.)

Efforts are being made by some, particularly a group of ultras, to make a change to this. Designing tifos, trying to get chants started up and forging an identity unique to the national team. Currently, games at Tollington Park lack Italia fans, and games at Stadio Luca Spaletti lack Albion fans. Until now fans seemed more interested in how their players got on, rather than the fate of the team itself. The ultras are hoping to change this, creating a sense of unity and pride around a team, and backing them to the hilt regardless of your club affiliation.

Expectations

Currently very low. Massi is a manager hanging by a thread, having three very disappointing groups stage exits to his name, he looks even more vulnerable now the DBC win has raised national expectations.

The first two fixtures will be key, Ziwana and Baggieland are teams Elmyia will need to be competitive with to show progress on before. If they are defeated by either side, and fail to win either fixture, Massi is likely to get the sack. We can then expect to have a period under a caretaker before the next manager is tasked with a lengthy rebuild, likely given licence to use this campaign to blood young players and start to shape their own style of play. This would likely mean a muted atmosphere for the duration for Elmyia. If they win, Massi will still have a lot to prove, and it would take a good run and a result against TJUN-ia to have fans start to hope that qualification to the main event might be on the cards.

In terms of style of play Elmyian fans have very little in the way of expectations. Domestically they're used to man marking, 5 players at the back, try and win your individual battles and rely on 1 or 2 attacking players to maybe do something and take the win. There's an acceptance that Elmyia need to try and find a bit more sophistication against team internationally or they'll get rolled over. But, it still looks like, although there's more of a plan, that they'll try and keep it tight at the back and will be reliant on Froggatt producing a moment of magic to see them through games.

Overall, Elmyia enters this qualification in the hopes of enjoying a few away days, getting more people to visit Elmyia and travel around the country. In footballing terms, an improved atmosphere would be nice, but with expectations for results dimmed, it might take something special.

Butler

Scoular		Freschi		Grosso		Rossellini 

Beluigi		Speight		Simmons		Katsouranis

		Benedetti	Froggatt

Bench: 12. Silver, 14. Savalas, 10. Reid, 19. Galli, 22. Hightower, 23. Rossi, 26. Byng

by **TJUN-ia** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:41 am

Stadiums and Opponents
Pots 1/3 Stadium: National Stadium
Location: TJUN-ia City, JB TJUN-ia
Capacity: 74,000

The hallowed halls of TJUN-ian football have always tried to be a fortress for the Blue and Orange, but it was only recently that this revered place became that way. The National Stadium in TJUN-ia City was built to accommodate as many outdoor sporting events as possible and while the football layout can be a bit shallow at times, that doesn't stop 74,000 spectators from repping their WC Team with pride. They are quite welcoming to any and all opposition who play here until foul play emerges in one way or another. This place is the main stadium for both the JagBase and TJUN-ia and while the past certainly isn't favourable towards this place, it is becoming more and more revered as the team becomes more and more confident in this part of the world.

Pot 4 Stadium: Beregozera Stadium
Location: Szensky, CSTO Zone
Capacity: 81,000

The largest stadium in use for football for many WCs, "The Lakeside" Stadium is mostly known for Krasnaya Stena, an ultra-like group of supporters who take the game very seriously and who try their best to make the main stadium of the CSTO the hardest place to play in all of TJUN-ia. The national team failed to perform to their expectations when this circus finally came to Szensky during WC85, but better tournaments since have seen a change in opinion from KS, who certainly want their turf to be the fortress of the Jags no matter the opposition. To anyone who must play us in this 81,000-capacity dome of noise, I can only give you one piece of advice: Удачи тебе (Udachi tebe). Good luck to you.

Pot 5 Stadium: Tiankong Stadium
Location: Tiankong, CEA Zone
Capacity: 57,000

Built for the CEA Games and nicknamed by many as "the People's Stadium", Tiankong Stadium has seen a lot of wins for the national team on home soil since it debuted. In fact, this is so obvious that many in the CEA capital like to troll their JB or CSTO friends with jokes about how good this team is whenever they play in front of the smallest crowd out of the original three. 57,000 may not sound like a lot, but the people of Tiankong certainly make up for it all with just how loud they can be and with the team playing great whenever they come here, who knows if this magic can ever run out?!

Pot 6 Stadium: Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo
Location: Kepu Manu, UO Zone
Capacity: 50,000

The next seven stadiums were all chosen in a random order in terms of who gets to host who, and up first is what is known as Pua Aloalo Stadium in English but shall be referred to by its Hawaiian name - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo (or KKPPA). KKPPA is the principal stadium of the UO and of the Manufano Islands and it can change its configuration with ease to accommodate multiple sports. In terms of football, this place can get a bit rowdy at times as both locals and tourists from other parts of the country come out to watch but if you love that sort of thing, then KKPPA is for you.

Pot 7 Stadium: Zebra Stadium
Location: Toropo/Almadinat, AU Zone
Capacity: 41,000

It may be small and it may not be the main stadium of the AU Zone, but Zebra Stadium is still a cracking venue and one that certainly will be happy to host WC Football. This stadium was built for sports like football and rugby, so it's much closer to the pitch for the fans who come here. And remember, this is the AU - where fan culture is certainly very vibrant - so while it may be small, the crowd factor is certainly going to help this venue feel bigger than it is.

Pot 8 Stadium: Estádio do Pacífico
Location: Rio Pacífico, UAS Zone
Capacity: 47,000

The Estádio do Pacífico is the principal stadium here in the UAS Zone, which certainly explains the Latin flair many will feel when they turn up for a game. While yes, it does have an athletics track and it may feel a bit bare, it has hosted football games quite comfortably and you certainly will expect the fans to bring the atmosphere come game time. Football is almost considered a religion in many parts of the UAS, so the long wait for the Jags to come here won't have a negative effect at all...

Pot 9 Stadium: Stade de la Victoire
Location: Roi Ville, NAU Zone
Capacity: 81,000

As you would expect, football is very big over in the NAU Zone and there were countless available options for who would host the NAU's game. But, the FA-TJUN-ia opted for Stade de la Victoire in Roi Ville for two key factors - its size and its fans. It's not the main stadium of the region, certainly not, but this place is certainly big enough and 81,000 is certainly a good marker for this team (tied with Beregozera for capacity). But the fans here in Roi Ville have been known to BRING IT when the time comes and when the time comes, they will be ready.

Pot 10 Stadium: Estadio Universidad Carlandas
Location: Carlandas, UAC Zone
Capacity: 69,000

Located on the campus of UNCA, a university more familiar to those in the NSCAA, EUC is not the main stadium of the UAC Zone, but it certainly fits the bill of a TJUN-ian host. 69,000 is certainly big enough despite being an old stadium, but that history means a different feel once the game day arrives. Fans in these parts are also well known for their passion and dedication to the game, so this old stadium will certainly be rocking when the time comes to welcome the Jags.

Pot 11 Stadium: Tallawah Stadium
Location: Port Town/Portuaria, CU Zone
Capacity: 35,000

One of the many stadiums in the CU Zone that doesn't specialise in Cricket, Tallawah Stadium is a modestly-sized arena that will certainly befit hosting games for CU. Sure, it certainly isn't the biggest stadium in the region, but it certainly works for football and that's good enough for the FA. Fans here in the CU love to bring the party no matter what and so, expect the crowd to bring the flavour of the region to the contest here.

Pot 12 Stadium: Salam Liljamie Stadium
Location: Al Kalifa, ArU Zone
Capacity: 26,000

The smallest stadium out of the 10 in use, Salam Liljamie means "Peace For All" in Arabic and that will sum up the mood here in the ArU when it hosts the first game of the campaign. Many might expect the atmosphere here in Al Kalifa to be less passionate, as the ArU is a more conservative area than most others in TJUN-ia, but that won't be the case. Football is just as big here as anywhere else and the passion these fans can bring can certainly be a surprise to those not in the know.

MD1: @United Bongo States of America (265)
MD2: @Srednjaci (101)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD3: vs Savojarna (37) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD4: @Elmyia (124)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD5: vs Varavel (284) - Salam Liljamie Stadium, Al Kalifa
MD6: @Nephara (11) - The Farham Arena, Sabrefell
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD7: vs Archalit (183) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville
MD8: @95X (159) - City Stadium, 95X City
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD9: vs Caribbia (222) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas
MD10: @Ziwana (82) - Ziwanicell National Stadium, Birnin-Likulu
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD11: vs Baggieland (71) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
MD12: vs United Bongo States of America (265) - Tallawah Stadium, Port Town/Portuaria
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD13: vs Srednjaci (101) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu
MD14: @Savojarna (37)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD15: vs Elmyia (124) - Zebra Stadium, Toropo/Almadinat
MD16: @Varavel (284) - Stadion Glendoorn, somewhere in Varavel
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD17: vs Nephara (11) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD18: @Archalit (183) - Archalit Olympic Stadium, Charkara
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD19: vs 95X (159) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico
MD20: @Caribbia (222)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD21: vs Ziwana (82) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong
MD22: @Baggieland (71) - Dartmouth Hill, Hawthorn

by **Mytanija** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:49 am

THE EMERGENCE OF OVSI

Sometimes the phrase ‘meteoric rise’ doesn’t actually match-up to what we witness out on the pitch when it is used to describe young footballers. They might be excellent players, able to contribute in the same manner as their more experienced colleagues, but they are usually gradually bled into a starting line-up, and it might take a long time for them to reach their top-level. For Denis Ovsyannikov, lovingly known as Ovsi in Atletik-supporting districts of Thessia, meteoric is exactly the right word. The 21-year-old has gone from playing for Vitalia to starting for Atletik, replacing an ageing Jasno Odonelec – a genuine legend of the game on these shores and especially so in the eyes of Atletik fans – being a key player in their deep runs in the IFCF Challengers’ Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup, receiving caps for Mytanija and finally being named in the Testiculos long list as one of the 170-ish best footballers in the multiverse.

Ovsi’s rise being described as meteoric feels pretty accurate given that context. His start for the national team has been superb, contributing with both goals and assists in addition to the less tangible metrics which statisticians love to utilise. There have been calls in some quarters for Ovsyannikov to be given a greater role in the team, similar to the responsibility Hoops’ manager Dzvezdan Kitanchev handed to Nurija Papez at the Copa Rushmori. There might well be scope for that with the national team performing below expectations at the Copa. Gavril Atsev and Omer Kuhar-Arh are two of the finest midfielders in the sport, but their contributions left something to be desired and Ovsyannikov could be the one to benefit given his high-speed progression. Becoming a regular starter for the national team would merely be the next step for a player Edis Znidarsic has gushingly described as ‘the complete package’, high praise indeed.

It is perhaps notable that all three – Ovsyannikov, Atsev and Kuhar-Arh – have spent time at the Novi Atletskistadion. Atletik is a club which develops top talent from all over the country and those players tend to go on to play for Mytanija. There is an Atletik midfield bloodline which runs all the way from Hjik to Ovsyannikov, something which can create a level of pressure given the importance of some of those who have been a part of it, but the club have become so good at developing people that this doesn’t seem to have an impact. There is an understanding that the club will do everything they can to improve the player – both as a player through their training methods and as a person, allowing them access to education opportunities which might not be within their reach otherwise – and in turn the player must do their best for the club. Once they have had a year or two in the shop window then the club will allow them to move on to pursue higher wages elsewhere, for the right price of course.

It's a system which has worked wonders for both players and the club. Atletik’s finances are healthier than ever, and they are starting to be able to hold onto talented young players for longer. The likes of Deliang Zhao, Evelyn Cassidy and Nahia Legarra were all brought to Zenit Toranj from overseas and have performed brilliantly for the club since then. Zhao is a Testiculo-class goalkeeper, Cassidy has ascended to the captaincy and Nahia Legarra has been one of the top marksmen in Mytanija. Foreign clubs have circled regularly, but the fees Atletik have brought in for the likes of Atsev, Kuhar-Arh and Bigger Mbala-Ekakia has made them more able to resist those overtures. They simply don’t need the money, but they can also offer improved terms to the players themselves too. This has culminated last season with runs to the semi-final and final of the IFCF Challengers’ Cup and IFCF Cup Winners’ Cup respectively. That sort of success garners a lot of attention, so Atletik might find it a bit more difficult to resist interest in their players during the next transfer window, but none of the deals will be made on the basis of Atletik needing the cash.

It's all a far cry from Atletik’s galaktički era when the club spent a record fee on Ibai Kiriano and were prepared to break the bank in pursuit of international success. It’s eminently more likeable, for a start, with the club accepting a reduced position within the global footballing food chain and finding a more sustainable – and I daresay soulful – way of being successful. Manager Edis Znidarsic is clear that nothing will change due to the club regularly finding themselves at the latter stages of IFCF competitions:

“[Atletik] will continue to operate the same way the club has done for the past few years. We can’t afford to change things, both financially and culturally, just because we have a bit more cash in the bank. This success happened because of the sensible way the club has been run, developing young players and we must continue that, there isn’t enough money available domestically in Mytanar football for us to return to the days of huge transfer fees and wages every single season. We might be able to spend a little more to bring in a key target, but it won’t be a regular occurrence. It’s something which Chiki [Larrimbe, Atletik Director of Football and former striker] has a tight handle on and nothing is going to change in that regard. It’s a system we’re all happy to work in because it is working for us.”

Ovsyannikov is the proof, with Znidarsic holding a barely concealed adoration for the youngster, believing he could go on to be the best he’s had the chance to work with in his time at the club. When he describes him as the ‘complete package’ he is being truthful, too, though he still has a long way to go to deliver on all the tools he has at his disposal. He’s physically imposing at a young age, standing at 187 centimetres and despite his slim frame he possesses a wiry strength which makes it almost impossible to shove him off the ball. His technical ability is excellent, a fantastic passer of the ball and he is creative – almost innovative – in the way he passes the ball at times. He will use all parts of his feet – inside or outside of the boot, toe or heel – to pass; and this creativity can be seen in the way he dribbles too, almost a street footballer out on the turf. His ball retention and ability to keep the ball under pressure is a demonstration of such grace and supernatural awareness that it is as if he’s performing ballet whilst everybody else urgently tries to catch him in a game of tag. Elegance personified.

He's still only 20 too, so whilst he can boast of other skills already being well developed – like his shooting, aerial ability, positional sense, anticipation, free-kicks, penalties and even his defensive work rate – there is still plenty of room for him to improve. He has already contributed to trophies with Atletik, the 35/36 National Cup in particular (and what could well be both domestic and IFCF success after a strong start to the 36/37 campaign), but growing into an even more significant leadership role will be required of him as he grows in stature within the team. Whether Atletik will be able to keep hold of him long enough for that to happen is a different question altogether. Despite their financial situation improving to a level where they don’t need to accept undervalued bids for their best players, those players still have ambitions of their own. Atletik are in a position where sporting success is highly achievable, but for many young Mytanar players there is an ambition to ensure that their families are financially looked after for generations to come. That’s not as achievable for Top League clubs, with competing on wages against clubs from the richest leagues difficult even for Atletik – a club which has been a regular feature in the latter stages of IFCF competitions in recent years.

For his part, Ovsyannikov appears happy to stay at Atletik for now. There has not been any noise about potential moves out of the club, either from the player or from his agent / management. One thing which is certain is that he is in one of the best places for his development. We’ve already mentioned Atletik’s track record for training young players – and particularly midfielders – and making them top players who can acquit themselves well anywhere. He is likely to end up moving eventually, clubs in Audioslavia, Chromatika, Eura and Nephara can all offer a lot more glitz, glamour and cash than is available in Mytanija, but Ovsi is the next off that famous Atletik production line. A young player who seems destined for the top, one who might even have reached that level without Atletik’s input, though it certainly won’t have done him any harm. Players like that do not come around all too often, but Ovsi could well be one of them.

by **Montana Verde** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:43 am

Selection of articles from Verdean news media.

Football legends praise Dávalos for big calls, fans divided

we have called for

~~equaminity~~

~~equanininity~~

~~equimanity~~

President thanks international community for disaster relief

Moncaria, Guaremaná (image generated using Stable Diffusion AI)

Tumbra

Nova Anglicana

Cap Nord

New Gelderland

Kelssek

Eura

Vast oil reserves a “boon” but must be “carefully managed”

Oil rig in the Verdean Gulf (image generated using Stable Diffusion AI)

Also in the news:

Verdean metal band to tour Tikariot
Tropical storm gathering pace in the Verdean Gulf: “Could I just have five minutes without this bullshit??” pleads President
Rally of the Américas draws large crowds as it reaches exciting conclusion in Verdean mountains
Ariana Zoido Campos enjoys rare crossover pop hit in Common-speaking charts
This week, on Fuego y Hielo: Joaquín finds out about Alexandría's affair ... Daniela hatches a plan to get revenge on Raúl ... Alicia and Sergio struggle with their feelings after the alien abduction ...

* OOC: This was an RP I set up many months ago. Given RL events it may seem in poor taste now, so this effectively wraps up this particular storyline.

by **Valentine Z** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:14 am

Part 3 – Valentine Z Gatitos, contra El Toro Magnífico.

First it was Starblaydia in Cup of Harmony, and then it’s Audioslavia’s turn to have a beatdown on the Valentian Kittens, as it would seem. Still, it would be interesting on two fronts. For once, it would appear so that the Valentians are playing against the more prominent names, even if the draws and pots are random. To be absolutely clear, neither the Kittens nor any of the Valentians themselves feel that they have been deliberately given these places; no, it would just be Fate and luck that would land them there, and for that, they have no such complaints about who they would be playing against. Secondly, there was word around the Valentians upon reading through the rosters and relevant information about the teams that the Audioslavians like to play defensively, like very defensively. “This is going to be interesting,” was the thoughts of the Kittens, owing to the prospect and the possible outcomes of a match involving one of the most offensive teams, against one of the most defensive teams. Will the Valentian Kittens score more goals than the Audioslavians can handle? Or will the Audioslavians kicked a goal or two, and then form the Great Wall of Big Bulls, and prevent the Kittens from kicking the ball to the last quarter of the field, let alone a goal kick? It could definitely go either way, and the Valentians have all been excited for that, on top of playing against the greats like Astograth, Squornshelan Remnant States, Eshialand, and many more – provided they are able to make it in. Obrela -> StrayaRoos -> Boring Paradise -> Squornshelan Remnant States -> Murphtannia -> Aeragny -> Eshialand -> Astograth -> Audioslavia -> Equestri -> Ryfenia, in that particular order, and then followed by a change of Home and Away team designations. Same song and dance, perhaps needing to watch out on the two fronts, one being the aforementioned prominent and extremely terrifyingly amazing teams, along with the teams that the Valentian Kittens will not able to get ahold of their roster. Knowing is half the battle, even for football.

The trains chugged, and then zoomed into breakneck (perhaps literally if not careful) speeds throughout the select countries of Southeast Asian parts of Valentine Z, through Aoutpine Yangon, and then Bangkok, then Siem Reap and Phnom Penh – with Cambodia territory being the first country to receive two VTN stations. With a few more weeks of vigorous testing and initial runs, Head Engineer Tiffany was able to assure and secure millions of ridership for this relatively small network. “First, SE Asia. And then, the world, of course!” Tiffany said giddily, as expressive as she ever was, owing to the improvements on her processing units and a fresh batches of codes, while keeping her personality intact and alive throughout the decades. “So the next plans are to expand northwards along Burma, then to China and India. I also do realised that we may need to start making a new line – and an interchange – at this point already. For instance,” she trailed off as she unrolled a sheet of paper and showed it to the reporters and the cameras, “Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang will need to be connected by a second line, because I mean, I think we can still use the Earth Line – the green one – but I think the pink line can act as a SE Asian loop. The loops are the most efficient paths, as we all know by now, of course.” She went on and on about a few more technical parts here and there, one in particular about how she might have to plan for the rails and tracks that would be crossing bodies of water – from small rivers to lakes to seas to oceans. “We have three methods for this one,” she started.

“Of course, please do bear in mind that they are not set in stone yet, and there might be a bit of deviation for the final part of the project, but yes, this is what me and the Valentians have thought of so far. For crossing bodies of water, we can either: 1) Use the traditional bridges, or 2) Use a wormhole to bridge the ocean crossing, or 3) Use magical beams and floatation devices, thanks to our lovely High Valkyrie Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye, of course. All of them have their pros and cons, which I will list down. For the traditional bridges, they are the most reliable and sturdy ones, but there comes the problems of great lengths of material needed, and in the event of earthquakes and tsunamis – which does not happen as often now but you will never know – those physical bridges might be a bit dangerous. The second one, good and efficient all around, but the energy expenditure will be enormous. Gwen can open a wormhole for 10 years without needing further input from her, but that’s relatively short and we will need to do maintenance regularly. Still, just 1 kilometre of wormhole distance can cross more than 5000 kilometres, so that’s a huge gain. The magic one, hmm… not a lot of detail on that yet, admittedly. We will be getting into it, there is no doubt that. For the time being, not a lot of information. Anastasia will comment once it’s a more concrete.”

by **Pyazhnaya** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:24 am

The picture opens up to the side of the pitch at the Krasnogradskiy Kolizey, the Pyazhnayan national stadium in Krasnograd, which is slowly filling up with some fans arriving early. Vyacheslav Anigin from Pyazhnyy Sportske Novosti is standing by with national team coach Aleksandr Zavrashin.

Vyacheslav Anigin: Good evening Pyazhnaya. Tonight the qualifying campaign for World Cup 93 will kick off right here in Krasnograd with the first match against our Anaian region mates Huayramarca. With me here is coach Aleksandr Zavrashin. Aleksandr, thank you for taking the time to speak to us.

Aleksandr Zavrashin: No problem.

Vyacheslav Anigin: I know that you are itching to get back with the team for the preparation for the game, so I will try to keep this short. The Pyazhnayan national team is coming off a very successful run in the CAFA, reaching the final. Despite it having been a few months ago, do you think you can carry over some of the momentum from that tournament?

Aleksandr Zavrashin: I hope so. You know, it is very difficult to predict how things are going to go, but we are able to pretty much use the same squad that has had this marvellous campaign and whether we can continue the momentum or not, it's a team that has become a tight unit, that has proven that it can come together and overcome even opponents that are stronger on the paper.

Vyacheslav Anigin: Only one player still plays in Pyazhnaya, is that a sign that the multiverse has taken notice of the quality of our players?

Aleksandr Zavrashin: I would think so. The Pyazhnayan league is not big and not very strong, even though there have been movements and programs to build this up, but it definitely is a sign that especially our youth system has been working very well and it is very encouraging.

Vyacheslav Anigin: So, tonight is our first match against Huayramarca, the second strongest team in the group, based on the rankings, what is your expectation?

Aleksandr Zavrashin: Huayramarca is a very strong team and they have proven that on a good day, they can beat anybody. They are very strong in terms of technique and also spirit, they don't have a problem to get physical if need be and we will have to try to bring to the fight to them. I think it definitely is an advantage that we are able to play our first match at home, so we not only have the support of our fans but also the advantage of playing at sea level.

Vyacheslav Anigin: As opposed to the high elevation of Huayramarca?

Aleksandr Zavrashin: Yes. Now, that's not to say that the Huayramarcans are not as much of a threat playing here, but it's less of a disadvantage for us.

Vyacheslav Anigin: Do you think that we can beat them?

Aleksandr Zavrashin: I think I am contractually obligated to be an optimist, but yes, I think we have a chance - we always have a chance, it just always depends on how big it is - but given the strength of the opposition, a point would be a good start to the cmpaign.

Vyacheslav Anigin: OK, I am getting the signal that our time is up, thank you so much for taking the time to briefly talk to us, Aleksandr.

Aleksandr Zavrashin: Any time, but I really have to go.

Vyacheslav Anigin: There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, we are ready to kick off the qualifying campaign against Huayramarca right here, tonight, let's hope that the optimism is going to translate to the team. Back to the studio.

by **Farfadillis** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:58 am

It is true that time goes forward. However, it is sometimes mistakenly suggested that time flies like an arrow: straight, fast, headed in a specific direction. Nothing could be further from the truth. Time ebbs and flows. Sometimes the so-called arrow is almost at a standstill. Some other times it goes so fast it rips right through you. A stagnant reality can persevere through the decades, but a mere few seconds can bring it down, redraw maps, collapse empires, kill off peoples.

Time is known to be stranger in some places than in others. In some places, one could argue it doesn't even go forward. In some other places it is arguably entirely at a standstill. In yet some others, it goes in circles. In Farfadillis, specifically, time behaves much like everywhere else, only moreso. Erratic, its waywardness knows not of any boundaries. Decades of chaos give way to months of upheaval, which give way to weeks of peace, which then give way to years of strife, and while the one constant is that the island is never in a pleasant state, the maps get continuously redrawn with no end in sight. The boundaries are like ugly flowers: they are fragile, whither and die quickly, serve no real purpose and are ugly. This applies to all boundaries, be they cultural, linguistic, ethnic, political. The one thing that distinguishes time in Farfadillis from time elsewhere is forgetfulness: in Farfadillis, time forgets. The struggles of old can only be inferred from redrawn maps and outlandish linguistic theories. Quite quickly, no trace of the penance of millions is left.

Who were the Farolerans of old? Who were the Rulandese? Were they brothers and sisters? Were they bitter enemies? How many did they kill? How many died? Time forgets soon enough, and so does everybody else, the truth inaccessible; arguably non-existent.

If a war unfolds in the mids of forgotten times, does it make a sound?

“Like I fucking care,” Alex Terán interrupts.

Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ

Guerra

Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ

Gérrä

by **Graintfjall** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:59 am

Quebec – 0 (0)

Græntfjall – 2 (2)
Hanif; Alyssia, Asbjørn (75’ Tom ), Klængur (75’ Sigurbergur ), Jan (77’ Harmony ); Danny (32’) (59’ Valtter ), Erin (77’ Reidar ); Þrastar, Steinar (35’), Sara (c) (74’) (70’ Rebekka ); Röskvi (9’)

Græntfjall – 0 (0)
Björnólfur (45’ Ásólfur ); Alyssia, Svandís, Klængur, Leona; Johanna (c) (85’ Valtter ), Danny (85’ Erin ); Vanessa (55’ Þrastar ), Steinar, Ari (85’ Emilia ); Mímir (75’ Röskvi )

Huayramarca – 1 (1)
Mina (43’)

Selection of articles from Græntfjaller news media.

Surprise recall for Björnólfur as Thor tempers old and new

MD1–2 squad: 1. Björnólfur, 12. Mikkel, 23. Hanif; 2. Alyssia, 3. Leona, 4. Eyvar, 5. Asbjørn, 6. Klængur, 13. Harmony, 17. Tom, 20. Reidar, 24. Sigurbergur; 8. Danny, 10. Kæja, 11. Valtter, 15. Steinar, 16. Lotte, 18. Tinni, 26. Erin; 7. Sara K (c), 9. Mímir, 14. Vanessa, 19. Röskvi, 21. Þrastar, 22. Rebekka, 25. Joel

CORNCOB to begin as dignitaries touch down

Yue Special Envoy Wang Boqin

Also in the news:

Deadlocked Thing reflects a divided public on the death penalty question
“Ammunition control”? A potential new faultline opens in Græntfjall’s gun control debate
Locator beacon to help identify downed pilots: Air Force to also investigate controversial new tactic of “not getting shot down so much”
Pioneering heart surgeon honored by Queen
Rise in workplace racial discrimination lawsuits “troubling” says “deeply concerned” Prime Minister

by **PotatoFarmers** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 8:11 am

Poafmer Times
20 years of World Cup: Is Poafmersia ready to make another run for the World Cup?
When the World Cup draw was completed, the team only had 2 questions - How can the Red Panjias make it through such a tough team? And how badly is the team's 10th qualification attempt going to turn out?

To say that the group was terrible was not going to do any justice to the group. Rather, the feeling among the team is that this is a group of "ghosts". Poafmersia's journey this time would be to fight these ghosts. To get back at them for directly or indirectly affecting Poafmersia's football history, and for the Red Panjias to get a proper reality check for themselves. Its a little alarming to put it this way, but surely no one knows better than Adnan Suliaha himself, who probably didn't expect the fixture list to be this difficult. "Indeed, on our 10th qualification anniversary, its all about slaying ghosts."

The ghost analogy may not have made sense to the newer players. When Danzik Hoboson led the team out at Eagles Club, Forbridge, in the middle of Zwangzug (who happens to be our current world champions, mind you), Mancodas City winger Jolánka Hadaway was not even born. And the Red Panjias netted their first, and to date, the biggest win in a WCC-sanctioned match ever - an 8-2 trashing of Barsland. Ever since that Baptism of Fire game, 19 whole years has passed, and the team will be moving on to the 20th year of football midway into the qualifiers. And now, Hadaway has made it onto the national team, with a very solid chance of getting his first start for the national team in the 22-matchday qualification marathon. Such, is the history that the Red Panjias have passed. And we would go through the fixture list, one at a time, explaining the entire analogy and why this is such a meaninful battle for the team.

First Header: Mytanija (a), Ascvalion (h)
World Cup Qualifiers 89. Just 4 months back, Poafmersia unexpectedly crashed out of IAC13 at the quarterfinals, losing on penalties against newcomers Fellinetopia. This was a Red Panjias squad who was certainly on their peak - they just rode on a back-to-back World Cup proper qualification, heading to the Quarterfinals on their first try, and then, making it to the Round of 16 on their second. Both times, they lost to The Holy Empire, but both was considered really valiant losses against a team who you would consider as god-like, literally, or in terms of how dominant they were during that time. With these results, and reaching 15th in the world, the Red Panjias headed into the Qualifiers, aiming to make it 3 in a row - it was very possible, but they were dealt a slightly tricky deck of cards, facing 27th placed Siovanija and Teusland, whom they last met in the 84th WCQ, and...3rd seeds Mytanija. That cycle, it was 2 losses against Mytanija that proved to be the major deciding factor in Poafmersia's fate. Fresh from 2 back-to-back knockout round appearances in the Proper, and all of a sudden, not even getting an opportunity at the playoffs. Such is life. And that is the first ghost Poafmersia would want to smash on Matchday 1, going back to the place where the troubles all begun. It was Mytanija who handed the Red Panjias their 1st loss of the WCQ89, and it was Mytanija who won again in Libira weeks later that made it impossible for the Red Panjias to catch first place. So there goes the first ghost - the ghost of WCQ89, and Poafmersia's failures in that qualifiers. Then it comes to Ascvalion, one of 3 BoF80 teams that Poafmersia was about to face. The best performing team of the lot, though they finished their journey in the Round of 16, Ascvalion would be te best representative of their former self - fresh, full of adrenaline in their blood, and unafraid of causing upsets against the strong teams of the world. It would be their second ghost to slay - to defeat the shadow of their former self, to prove that the 20 years of experience only made Poafmersia stronger, and that the new teams would not be able to cause any upset against experienced teams.

Second Header: Trolleborg (a), Cap Nord (h)
Baptism of Fire 71. This time round, it was in Genel Sendika Stadium, Demir, Timuria, a nation which now only exists in the fickle of our imagination. Outsiders called it a battle of the Pacific. One, representing the (then) largest region in the multiverse, The North Pacific. The other, representing the South Pacific. It was called the North-South battle, and Poafmersia was slight favourites, having not lost a single game prior to the semifinals. It was convincing wins after convincing wins for the team - after hammering their group mates in the group stage with a net goal difference of 19 in 6 games, the Red Panjias went on to defeat Fetra 2-0, before making off with a convincing victory against Ziwana. It was down to this - win, and they would face the winner of Pauh Janggi vs Appalachian Nation for the trophy. Lose, and it would be fated that Poafmersia would never win a Baptism of Fire in their footballing history - it was basically, one try, or forever regret. The team was very confident, but the result painted a different picture - the heartbreak of the late penalty kick to give Trolleborg the opportunity to pull ahead with just 1 minute on the extra time clock. For fans and the players who were there on the fateful day, it was something to never forget. A case of the referee overreacting, and the lack of a proper Video Assistant Referee system. And that was all it took for the trophy to slip away from their hands. Trolleborg would eventually overcome Poafmersia on the WCC stage - being the BoF winner; the first team from that BoF to make it into the World Cup proper, and the first team from that BoF to win the Cup of Harmony (CoH81, hosted by Zwangzug and Sylestone). And to date, in 2 matches (the second one being the 0-2 defeat against Trolleborg in WC87, more famously remembered for hosts Taeshan and Ethane creating the "Tiebreakergate" scandal against Audioslavia), Poafmersia never defeated the Trolls. And now, it is 2 opportunities to do just that - a home and away game against Trolleborg, who are now lower ranked than the Red Panjias. Its the third ghost here - the ghost of BoF71, a rivalry which never played out on the field frequently, but it is a rivalry that the Red Panjias would be eager to settle through this qualifiers. Then there is Cap Nord - Bronze Medalists from the 79th Baptism of Fire. Its Baptism of Fire 3rd place versus Baptism of Fire 3rd place. For Cap Nord's short experience thus far, they have been doing brilliantly well, with some even saying that they may have outshadowed winners Loyo thus far. But that is not for us to judge today. What's more important is that Cap Nord is representative of Poafmersia's thirst to go further, battle-hardened by one cycle worth of experience, and now out to seek more blood. So which ghost is this? This is the ghost of the journey of WCQ85, the difficulties that Poafmersia had in their second round, and also, trying to stop those who are on their way up to take over their place in the stage of football.

Third Header: Brusseldorf (a), Depivik (h), The Karodin Tetrarchy (a)
After 4 big matches, Poafmersia would get a streak of three relatively easier fixtures. The first is an unknown, unranked and fresh, looking to make their international debut in the qualifiers. The second played some games in the Baptism of Fire, but didn't have much success, and would be looking to open their win account in their international career. The third is basically an average team out there, who is not that famous, yet not that easy to beat. These three teams bascially summarise Poafmersia's 5th ghost of the qualifiers - trying to overcome unknown teams. Something which the Poafmersia of late has been unable to achieve with sheer consistency, and this is definitely alarming for the team, given how every point matters in this dogfight to qualify for the World Cup.

Fourth Header: Banija (h), Lionsroar (a)
Poafmersia may have played in Banija, but they have not played against Banija. And when people mention the Red Panjias, they would, for some unknown reason, think about the former world champions Banija. Probably due to the name. Or something else in particular. This header is all about the first meetings, but in two very different contexts. Against Banija, it would be the ghost of same-name. Some prefer to refer to this battle as the match against the ghost of giants. Poafmersia has a history of beating some giants and failing to beat some giants. They have never beaten Valanora, nor The Holy Empire, but have smashed Audioslavia and Brenecia to bits before in the strangest of occasions. If anything, this home game would be make or break - a true test of whether Panjias or Banija is better. The second game, would be a trip to familiar places, deep inside The North Pacific. Lionsroar - a team who also made their stamp this cycle. But Poafmersia's intra-region battles have rarely ended in wins for Poafmersia. One IAC draw against Adab. One IAC loss against Valentine Z. This, is the ghost of intra-regional battles, for Poafmersia to overcome something which they have never done well at, and against a team who didn't perform as well in the Baptism of Fire, it should be a good opportunity to break the curse.

Fifth Header: Magnecia (a), West Barack and East Obama (h)
Many were left scratching their heads as to how these two could be grouped together, but found out that there was one thing in common - that both didn't have fantastic BoFs. Magnecia was in BoF77, WBEO was in BoF79. It was the strangest of combinations to put these 2 matches back-to-back, but it might be the entire point of this story - to show that BoF doesn't really mean anything. One team put down all the difficulties they faced in the BoF, and did well in the subsequent competitions to put themselves at 106th position in the world. The other continued on to struggle after the BoF, and ended up having the most mediocre of mediocre lifes. This, is the ghost of baggage. Both teams had BoF performances that were far from their targets - but it never really mattered to WBEO when they put down their baggage of a poor BoF to do well in the subsequent qualifiers. And it mattered a lot to Magnecia when they went on to do even worse at WCQ90. Poafmersia has brought with it lots of historical baggage, and as you can see from the above, how much hatred and spite the team has against some other teams. But none of that matters now. It is fitting this is the end of every round-robin cycle, for these are the final steps towards the end of the race. And that is the point, where the Red Panjias need to learn to put down all their baggage, to ignore whatever happened in the past, and make the sprint to the finishing line.

So to answer the question in the headline - Is Poafmersia ready to make another run to the World Cup Proper? If they slay all these 9 ghosts, do them twice, then possibly, they can book an early ticket to Chromatika and Tumbra.

by **Tumbra** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 8:11 am

All posts beneath this one shall be graded for the next cutoff.

by **Audioslavia** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 8:27 am

The Cherno-Bull Nuclear Disaster
New Evidence from the soon-to-be-opened Project Sports Museum casts light on one of Audioslavia's more well known catastrophes

There’s a small section of the Project Sports Museum dedicated to the Cherno-Bull nuclear disaster. It’s small, but it’s there. Its inclusion had been the topic of some debate among the museum’s organisers. This is, after all, supposed to be a museum of sport in general, not just Audioslavian sport and especially not Audioslavian non-sporting history. One argument for its inclusion went that it is impossible to tell the story of Audioslavian football history without talking about Cherno-Bull. A counter-argument went that Audioslavia had done rather a good job of not talking about Cherno-Bull for the last umpteen hundred years. In the end, self-interest and local opinion won out. As such, in between the room dedicated to the exploits of Liventia and Bedistan in the 20s, and the room dedicated to Ariddia, Bettia and Az-cz in the 30s, you’ll find a smaller section, with a different funding team, dedicated to Cherno-Bull. It’s sporting connection is simply that it took Audioslavia straight out of the international football world after World Cup 29.

Early Audioslavia was a very different place to modern Audioslavia. Population density right now is concentrated in the Herradura region to the east, with millions living in and around the vast valley cities of Ferramendiak, Izotzazubia and Moreazerua, with about a third of the nation’s population living in the Central region, specifically the high, sprawling capital city of Cathair. Back in the time before Cherno-Bull, Cathair was still large, but was dwarfed by the western cities of Gardenia and Maurgard. Ferramendiak, now with over three million inhabitants, had under 30,000.

Where Western Audioslavia was the culturally dominant force in early Audioslavia, Eastern Audioslavia is now by far the most important place in the nation. Cathair, previously a third city and an important transport hub, became the capital almost immediately after the events of Cherno-Bull. Gardenia, once home to over ten million people, now contains nearer 15,000.

The city is still a ruin, cordoned off from the world and, in parts, covered by a sarcophagus. The sarcophagus, built at great expense by an international effort, covers among other things the old nuclear reactor that straddled the Gardenian districts of Scierno and Bullington - hence the name Cherno-Bull. Naturally, nobody is allowed into the sarcophagus without several thousands of dollars worth of protective equipment and a very exclusive licence. Unless you’re very specifically a nuclear physicist with no plans on fathering children, you won’t be allowed in.

Fortunately, one member of the Project Sports Museum team fit that very description.

The expedition produced a little sports memorabilia, mostly faded posters and a baseball cap that didn’t survive the rigorous decontamination process, but importantly for the scientific world it produced something else.

The tape.

The CCTV tape documenting the goings-on in the control-room at the time of the disaster had, naturally, just been left by initial clean-up efforts. Anyone with even a basic understanding of nuclear physics could tell you exactly what would be on the tape, especially after all this time: About a bajillion large white spots bleaching the entire thing white, and therefore unusable. And then, a hundred years after the fact, someone posited a theory: What if those that caused the accident had tried to cover up their tracks, and dispose of the tape? If they were dumb enough to have caused the disaster in the first place, maybe they were also dumb enough to have taken the tape from the unprotected VCR and put it into one of the many lead-lined bins designed to dispose of nuclear waste. That lead-lining, designed to protect the outside world from the contents of the bin, may well have done the exact opposite, and protected the contents of the bin from the radioactive heat of the rest of the world.

As such, during the expedition, four lead-lined bins were taken from in and around the control rooms to a ‘safe’ zone outside the sarcophagus. The contents were emptied out, the bins thoroughly decontaminated. And sure enough, from one such bin fell a tape and nothing else.

The footage was grainy, certainly not unaffected by the nuclear heat, and was naturally without sound.

The short clip available in the museum shows an un-named Chief Engineer opening a door to his Site Manager. After a brief conversation, the Chief Engineer departs to the control room, which is unseen. The Site Manager goes into the control room himself a minute later, but returns, and sits on an office chair occasionally playing with a small black box in his hand, and after some time the Chief Engineer emerges with a ream of data. This is, presumably, data regarding the cool down test that had been on the itinerary for that fateful day - a test of the backup generators that would need to be fired up to keep cooling water flowing through the reactor, preventing overheating. Important for a nuclear reactor. After a brief discussion, the Chief Engineer can be seen returning to the control room, coming back into the main room shortly after, and escorting the Site Manager out through the main door.

After analysis of the tape, it was posited that the small black box the Site Manager had produced midway through the footage may have been some kind of tape recorder. Had he taped the entire exchange?

Details about the death of Site Manager Gary Cholmonerce, a few days after the disaster, are sketchy at best. It was suspected that acute radiation poisoning had not been Cause of Death, but all the same he had been buried quickly after the disaster in a grave lined with concrete.

Cue the Nuclear Physicist-turned-Museum Curator and his license.

Naturally after all this time, the body, plus the man’s suit, had entirely decomposed, leaving just the contents of the Site Manager’s pockets: some loose change, a wallet, and a tape recorder.

The contents of the tape recorder largely contained reminders and notes that Site Manager Cholmonerce had left himself. Importantly though, it did contain the contents of the conversation he’d had with Chief Engineer Seimuro Schinnero that fateful day. The conversation is difficult to make out, but with some modern AI software and restoration techniques, the museum has been able to match the sound with the video.

“Well, Seimuro, I made it. Despite your directions”
“Ah, Site Manager Cholmonerce, welcome! I hope you’re ready for an unforgettable routine shut-down test”
“Mm. Yes”

*muffled*
”Oh, ye gods, my reactor is poisoned! But what if I were to run the test anyway and disguise it as a legitimate shut-down test? Oh ho ho ho, delightfully devilish Seimuro”
“…Seimuro?”
“Site Manager! I was just… uh… just stretching my calves on the control panel. Isometric exercise! Care to join me?”
“Why is the gauge reading under 300 MegaWatts?”
“Oh, that’s not MegaWatts, that’s Milliltres of Water, Millilitres of Water from the routine test we’re running”
<door closes>

—

“Site Manager! I hope you’re ready for some steamy positive feedback loop”
“I thought we were having a shutdown test?”
“Oh no, I said ‘positive feedback loop’. That’s what I call a shut-down test”
“You call shut-down tests ‘positive feedback loops’?”
“Yes! It’s a regional dialect”
“Uh-huh. Eh, what region?”
“Uh… western Central?”
“Really? Well I’m from Burdoc and I’ve never heard anyone use the phrase ‘positive feedback loop’”
“Oh, not in Burdoc, no, it’s a Ceilerden expression”
“I see. You know, the effects of this ‘positive feedback loop’ are remarkably similar to a catastrophic chain reaction”
“Hohoho, no! Patented Schinero Loop. Old family recipe”
“For shut-down tests?”
“Yes”
“And you call them that despite the fact that they are obviously causing a power spike and a positive void coefficient”
“Y-uh.. you know. The… One thing I should.. excuse me for one second.

—

“Well, that was wonderful. A good time was had by all. I’m pooped”
“Yes, I should be — Good lord what is happening in there?”
“Nuclear Fusion?”
“N.. Nuclear Fusion? In this type of plant, in this type of experiment, in this part of the multiverse, localised entirely within your control room?”
“Yes.”
“…May I see it?”
“..no.”

”Chief Engineer! We’ve scrambled AZ5 but it isn’t causing the reactor shut-down as planned”
“No, Toptunov, it’s only three roentgen”
“Well, Seimuro, you are an odd fellow, but I must say… you steam a good reac.

<loud explosion>

by **Nephara** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 12:02 pm

95X 0 - 1 Nephara
(4-3-3) 1 - Strand; 2 - Rake (17 - Levering 75'), 18 - Copperhead, 6 - Scales, 25 - Xu; 4 - Southsea, 15 - Constantine (19 - Rosziter 83'), 8 - March (24 - Sebold 62'); 13 - Brewer, 21 - Vetiver, 11 - Loeher (16 - Hauser 75')
Goal: Vetiver 29'

Nephara 1 - 0 Caribbia
(4-3-3) 20 - Longstreet; 2 - Rake, 5 - Roback, 6 - Scales, 25 - Xu (17 - Levering 70'); 24 - Sebold, 15 - Constantine (4 - Southsea 67'), 26 - Kvasina (23 - Swainsona 67'); 7 - Anharbour, 10 - Harper (14 - Balmoral 70'), 16 - Hauser
Goal: Kvasina 43'

FULL FLIGHT: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF THE CORMORANTS
PART 4: Before the Dawn
Geneva Schwarzer
Part 1: Dawn
Part 2: Breakthrough
Part 3: Shoulders of a Giant

After the first round of World Cup 71 qualifiers, Tess Riether teetered on the edge. Known as an erratic perfectionist, she had excelled for a small Brenecian club with a strong Nepharan connection - AFC Westpike - before extracting the best results she could from Nephara's U21s. A beneficiary of the NFA's tendency to prefer promoting from within the system, she was a natural, if obscure, fit for the job, taking it ahead of several more obvious candidates. Yet her first Campionato Esportiva had been derailed by Buyan, then Earo in the third-place playoff. They'd lost 2-0 to Brenecia at home to cede the Liberty Cup, a regular series of friendlies between the nations. And now, the Royal Barangay had just put four past them. Four straight defeats. Reports behind the scenes were that the high-strung Riether had started drinking heavily, consumed by anxiety.

Nephara would win their next thirteen.

The Royal Barangay - bested 3-2 in Nephara - and Taeshan, twice netting late consolations in one-goal defeats, were Nephara's main challengers, but nobody could lay a glove on the Cormorants. Riether raised plenty of eyebrows with her treatment of the now-31 Rook Cathar, unleashing him only in fits and starts and demoting him to the number 21, but this brought a return to his career-best form, with his goals dragging the Cormorants over the line time and again, kickstarting the perception of the number 21 as the Cormorant's offensive X-factor. The defensive core of Brandon ahead of Belfast and Marlowe remained intact, but a new generation was beginning to make itself known. Nephara entered the World Cup ranked 12th in the world, and underscored their high hopes.

Against Audioslavia in the first match, Riether showed she had a willingness for tactical changes, deploying a five-man midfield to give Brandon the support of both the athletic powerhouse Murdoch and Elaine Ashdown, future captain. Rook Cathar was tipped up-front as a battering ram of choice, and he did not disappoint, heading home a Stockinger cross just before the interval, breaking the corner flag in half with a stiff punch in celebration before hurling his shirt into the crowd. In a brutish, attritional second half, the cautions piled up, but the Cormorants kept the Bulls at bay, including RJ Styrn in the prime of her powers. In the 81st minute, Bottlegreen drew a penalty, and Ashdown, who had admired Styrn as a teenager, drove home the decisive second.

That was as good as it would get for the Cormorants that cycle. They were, oddly, annihilated 4-1 by a rampant Kandorith in the next game, but recovered it by thumping the Blouman Empire 3-0. Audioslavia, their spirits broken, failed to win a match. Kurtis Quinn edged them past Falcus, but Osarius, the standout best team in the world at that time, loomed in the quarterfinals. The two sides were, by now, inextricably linked; Roque Acosta was the first true marquee player the Zenith had ever seen, and was dominating the league, while key Nepharim like Bottlegreen and Ashdown played in Osarius. It was always going to be a tough ask, and the 9-3 from years before loomed large. But few expected a near-repeat, Osarius annihilating Nephara 4-0 on their way to claiming the World Cup.

After an unremarkable second-round exit from the Campionato Esportiva, in a year where the Cormorants oddly played Brenecia three times (winning twice), there would be an eerie sense of deja vu to the next World Cup cycle, 72. Again, they would exit qualifying with 13 wins and a defeat, this time in their penultimate match to High Heels. Riether again shook things up, this time with an initiative to remove permanent squad number assignments and take names off shirts until the tournament proper, and again a high-profile striker - the WC71 hero Kurtis Quinn - was dumped on the bench in the reshuffle. There was even a rematch against Falcus in the World Cup proper, and again, the Cormorants won 1-0. The rest of their early opponents, Legalese, Krytenia, then Mertagne in the second round, were all LigAnaia stalwarts; Nephara beat them, too. And it petred out the same way, as well, beaten convincingly (though at least only 3-1, this time) in the quarterfinals by the future champions, this time Pasarga.

Nephara picked themselves up off the deck, but Brenecia entered as a new bete noire, retaking the Liberty Cup on penalties before a flurry of extra-time goals lit up a stultifying regional final, scoreless to that point, 2-1 to Brenecia when the dust settled. At least in the Trindl Cup, an invitational tournament held the same year, Nephara beat Osarius 2-1, at last getting that albatross off their necks. Osarius beat Nephara in the semifinals, restoring the natural order, but still, spirits were high going into World Cup 73. Qualifying was not quite a formality, but 10 wins from 12 was still enough for qualification over Nova Anglicana, with a tough group in Vilita, the Sunrise Islands and Kernansquillec ahead.

Too tough, it would prove in the end; little moments of quality elevated Vilita in a 2-0 lead, the Cormorants roared back with a 3-0 thumping of Kernansquillec, but as the group hung in the balance, the Cormorants would ultimately finish bottom of the pile. A disastrous 3-0 defeat to the Sunrise Islanders, which wasn't even enough to see them qualify - with Kernansquillec taking a decisive point off Vilita - doomed them. Riether stalked straight down the tunnel, refusing all interviews, and offered no consolation to the players. She left the stadium, got into a car, and simply disappeared off the grid for fifteen days.

Few would have predicted that the Cormorants were just two years away from the complete triumph that would, at last, secure their name as one of the multiverse's great footballing powers.

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 2
Goalkeepers: 1 - Medusa Strand (Chromatik, CMT), 12 - Toxothea Sebring (Crisisbless), 20 - Chary Longstreet (CA Paulinthal, PAS)
Defenders: 2 - Solblindi Rake (Sabrefell Moths), 3 - Radeka Lind (Jinja City FC, BNJ), 5 - Vetta Roback (Sabrefell Athletic), 6 - Anaximander Scales (Brinemouth), 17 - Kyri Levering (Northern Union, BRE), 18 - Sven Copperhead (Crisisbless), 22 - Ettard Mitteager (AFC Treason), 25 - Tanith Xu (Myana, CMT)
Midfielders: 4 - Cassander Southsea (Brinemouth), 8 - Renate March (Herzegovina City FC, BNJ), 15 - Demeter Constantine (Crisisbless), 19 - Chandra Rosziter (Dynamo Sjoedrhavn, SVJ), 23 - Kurtis Swainsona (Revolutionaries, EUR), 24 - Bellona Sebold (Crisisbless), 26 - Lindse Kvasina (Istria City FC, BNJ)
Forwards: 7 - Kestrel Anharbour (Crisisbless), 9 - Vasya Reisinger (West Cuono United, TMB), 10 - Bravura Harper (Ulsa, EUR), 11 - Arachne Loeher (Wirr Tsi, CMT), 13 - Madita Brewer (Northern Union, BRE), 14 - Konrad Balmoral (Aries Chariots), 16 - Xanthe Hauser (Crossroads, CMT), 21 - Felixe Vetiver (1830 Cathair, AUD)

[size=75]95X 0 - 1 Nephara
Nephara 1 - 0 Caribbia
Ziwana vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Baggieland
UBSA vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. TJUN
Savojarna vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Elmyia
Varavel vs. Nephara
Srednjaci vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Archalit
Nephara vs. 95X
Caribbia vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Ziwana
Baggieland vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. UBSA
TJUN vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Savojarna
Elmyia vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Varavel
Srednjaci vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Archalit

by **Delte** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 12:24 pm

Delte 0-0 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles
Sports Correspondent Kim Samrodd at Ildemorton Road for the Oswark Parish Advertiser

I won't dwell overly long on the finer details of this match, but certainly mention should be made of a bizarre contractual arrangement which stated that in order to play 'The Magpies', 'every two of my players you injure, one of yours must be injured' - we all thought this was a joke until Skelimino Bane completed the double, forcing off Rory Goldberg in the first half after a crunching tackle and then causing an eight minute first aid delay and a concussion substitution after a stray elbow floored Flynn Mackay. A further six minutes delay occured as the Saxeans (and maybe some of the Pluvians too, it's difficult to tell them apart) insisted on their contractual rights and a lawyer was called for across the tannoy to mediate. Local conveyancing solicitor Martha Tasperin quickly ruled in the visitors favour and despite Skelimino's protests, he was taken out the back and punched in the semantics. It was the most interesting incident in an otherwise stale World Cup opener.

At the same time, or maybe a few minutes after...

Novaros 1–4 Delte
Tug Boat Captain & Temporary Player-Reporter Austin Lyepolde in Novapolis for Sheeps & Cows & Salmons & Trouts Farmer's Bulletin

I've been briefed not to dwell overly long on the finer details of our match here in the Conch Kingdom region (lordy, the flies! the flies!) but suffice it to say the Away Team Mission got off to an almost perfect start against the very anonymous Novarites in 'somewhat brutal' conditions, to quote the national factbook I was reading on the subs bench, while our captain and coach and the only professional footballer in the stadium, Enor Perro, controlled more or less the whole match on his own. Of course he did allow others to score a couple of the goals whilst claiming assists, and we did concede a sloppy goal when his back was turned for which he berated his team most unstoically. But generally he must've been pleased with us redshirts for a good start to the away mission. We now fly to Hopal for our next match on Friday, and I have a huge factbook to read up on to make an accurate throwaway comment as the introduction to my next match report.

I hear the home team had a slow start. Brenecia on Friday for them, nothing like facing a former world champion who have just been smashmouthed as your opponent...

The Quick & The Delts
2/6 : Hyper-Gerontological Research Unit

“Welcome to the Hyper-Gerontological Research Unit,” said Dr. Orem Ustingham, to the gaggle of media types assembled for the opening of the new unit at Saint Skolda’s Hospital in Oswark.

Tessa Sack, chief executive of the Delte River Trust and big boss of everything, cut the ribbon. “I now declare this unit officially open for business!” she said, with an unstoic-like excitement. There was a polite round of applause from a small group of VIPs and one or two clicks from the press cameras.

Doc Orem gave the reporters and dignitaries a quick tour of his new work place, a small whitewashed laboratory hastily assembled in the hospital car park from a trio of converted shipping containers fresh up from Deltemouth harbour. It had all the usual technical implements and machinery, as one might imagine, and the Doc, the valley’s main expert on the Hyper-Gerontological Ageing Syndrome that was causing Delts to rapidly age when taking part in NSWC-organised competitions, explained the purpose of several of them as they went along.

“Where’s the bone saw?” wondered a rather shabby looking fellow from the Toddwardine Beastmarket Journal & News Of The World. These tabloid chaps, thought the good doctor. He explained that they had quickly come a long way in the research of Hyper-Gerontological Progeroid Condition since those early days of counting the rings on a slice of bone.

“Hyper-Gerontological Progeroid Condition?” wondered the science correspondent from the Sullenden Morning Bugle, “I though it was Hyper-Gerontological Ageing Syndrome, or are we dealing with two problems here?”

“Nonono,” said the Doc, impressed that someone at least was trying to get the terms right, “they are interchangeable and presently mean the same thing, we just haven’t quite settled on the most suitable nomenclature. As we understand the problem better, we’ll evolve it’s label accordingly.”

“It’s still ‘the Jerry’ to us,” said the shabby hack from the Toddwardine Beastmarket Journal & News Of The World.

“At the Parish Advertiser,” said Kim Samrodd, correspondent for the superior Oswark Parish Advertiser who had also played with Doc Orem in the World Cup, so had been personally affected by the Gerry, “our editor’s style book requires it to be termed the Gerry, rather than the Jerry - you know, because it’s from Gerontological, not Jerontological.”

The shabby hack was about to insult his professional colleague for being a pedantic knobhead but Dr. Ustingham forestalled him. “We’re also working on a short-hand version here at the Research Unit,” he said, “and we rather like Far Faraway Syndrome, you know - on account of catching it in the Far Faraway.”*

“I like that, it’s very romantic,” said Taitin Deluntte. She was the most VIP-est of the VIPs, being the only trillionaire in the valley and the chief sponsor of the Research Unit. “Although,” she said, smiling at the Doc with flashing white teeth that were highly attractive but also a bit… predatory, perhaps?… “I might propose to the Research Committee that we call it Ustingham’s Disease. That seems only fair, don’t you think?”

The good doctor blushed, being a modest man and all. Someone took a photograph.

*Far Faraway being the Deltic term for ‘foreign’ or ‘foreign lands’.

by **Aleirave** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:04 pm

Aleirave: Origins
Aleirave 4-1 Cormoe
Ingont 1-1 Aleirave

Where does Aleirave come from?

This is a question that, interestingly, doesn't have too much of a good answer. We know a lot about recent Aleiravan history, but anything before a few hundred years ago falls into a mess of scant archaeological records, fuzzy oral histories, and overall bad historical preservation.

The earliest evidence we have of people living on the isle of Aleirave come from around the 4th century CE, as some timbers buried deep in the sand have been carbon-dated to this time; however, recent studies have found that the species of the wood used "almost assuredly" came from Aleirave itself, with the Aleiravan Breadfruit (Artocarpus aleiravensis) never having been found anywhere else in the known world; this doesn't rule out the possibility that the tree is not native to Aleirave and simply brought there by the island's first settlers, however it seems more likely that it was in fact native to the island and Aleiravan shipbuilding, and therefore settlement, predates the earliest timbers we have.

Early Aleiravan society (before around the 12th century) was defined by a peaceful lifestyle (what tools we have from that time period don't seem to have any indication of being used as weapons) built upon the exploration of the sea around them, although it appears unlikely they would've had success, given Aleirave's extreme isolation. It's likely they would've known about the existence of Pascafia, given the islands' close proximity, however whether they did reach it (or even settled it) cannot be confirmed, given the nation's strange disappearance at the end of 2023. There's also a chance that they reached the southern-most islands of the continent of Nova Calania, as folk tales seem to indicate that they were aware of "large islands to the north, where all ships must turn back", but further research would be required to determine this.

As the Aleiravan language was never written until around the 10th century, there's a lot that still must be pieced together of this era of Aleiravan history, but, as interest grows in studying the island's origins, new discoveries surely await for those who wish to travel there and uncover secrets of the beautiful isle.

4-1 at home? That's definitely a way to start a tournament.

There was a massive crowd assembled around the Aleiravan home field for the first game of World Cup 93 qualifying, and I'm sure they were just hoping to see their friends and family on the team play their best football, and have fun doing it. After all, that's what they were always in it for... but this? This was so much more than what anything was expecting out of their home opener.

The goalscoring started as early as the eleventh minute, with a long shot from Valeri Tyonko managing to get past the Cormoean keeper to make things 1-0, and once things started, they seemingly didn't stop. The Seagulls have always been an electric team to watch, their fast-paced, aggressive playstyle leading to exciting matches with lots of goals all-around, and this was a prime example of what this team could do when they were on the top of their game. After scoring the team's fourth goal in stoppage time, Ivefela Noselela could be heard saying "well that's one we're not topping any time soon..." and you know what? She was probably right.

Sure, it wasn't perfect. There were a few issues here and there, and Cormoe's side did manage to slip a goal past Falena Rukipiato, but all and all, it was a great showing... but cracks would start to form in the team's second game of qualifying.

Something just wasn't there when they went to Ingont, and Haulafo realized that relatively soon in the second half. Something wasn't clicking, and he had to figure out what. He wouldn't have much time to do it, either, once Ingont scored in the 61st to make things 1-0 in the home team's favor.

Valeri Tyonko evened things out in the 85th to bring the game to its final score of 1-1, but this game felt nothing like what the team had been able to do at home. Coach Paka'ula, for his part, wasn't quite sure what exactly that was... but he didn't have that much time to figure things out.

Aleirave, in their next match of the WCQ campaign, would be inviting the team from Cabo Azure over to their island. Las Maçaricas had begun their qualifying run with two wins, finishing on the top of the group by virtue of their +5 GD, not allowing a single goal against either Eastfield Lodge or Tecoia. Points against Cabo Azure, while not necessarily likely, would be much appreciated in their battle to make it to the playoffs, so they'd have to put in 100% to make snagging a draw a possibility. Would that prove effective? Only time would tell.

Aleirave - 4 (Tyonko 11', 76'; E. Tesuna'e 34'; Noselela 90+1')
Cormoe - 1 (REDACTED 54')

Ingont - 1 (REDACTED 61')
Aleirave - 1 (Tyonko 85')

by **Banija** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:07 pm

Part 1

The Busukuma Post
Covering All of Banija, All of our News, All of the Time

Xolile Lubabalo arrives at Nyhavn for the Commonwealth Assembly, as royals prepare to travel to Rushmore

Nyhavn, Nørrehavn, Gatchingerrak Union- Earlier today, Katikkiro Xolile Lubabalo arrived safely in Nyhavn for an extraordinary session of the Commonwealth Assembly- aka, a body that acts as the Quebecois Commonwealth joint Parliament. Held for a few days in Nyhavn before the beginning of the Commmowealth Heads of State and Government meeting, the Katikkiro spoke about the importance of the body's democratic arm. "There are times when this organization needs to get together, with its directly elected legislators, and work on issues that effect all of us at once." She told reporters. "That is why I am so honored to be the Chair-In-Office for the Assembly, and be elected by the body to do so. There is a bipartisan commitment towards our historical Commonwealth allies, and we want these ties to deepen."

It is a rare thing for Banijan left-wing politicians to make much headway towards leadership in the Commonwealth Assembly, on a historical basis- due to the social conservatism within Banija. With there being a nationwide consensus on issues like abortion and religion, that are far to the right of most other countries, it makes cooperation between Banijan left-wing parties and foreign left-wing parties certainly fairly difficult to achieve. But it just shows to go how far she has come to assume this rule. "The reasons why Banijan left politicians don't do a ton internationally has not changed- but Banija's standing in the world, and Lubabalo's reputation specifically, are crucial." A political scientist told this newspaper. "Remember, she was on the front lines of Chromatika's change to democracy- literally underdoing physical attacks, and staying the course, helping them transition. She's got a huge amount of international respect because of her role there."

Beyond her stellar reputation, she's also got the winds at her back of a growing Banija. "Look- with the economic and population growth, Banija's garnering influence across the multiverse- and considering the historical commitment to this Commonwealth, they are firmly cemented as the second-most influential nation in this organization, behind, obviously, Quebec. So it makes sense that Banijans are showing up more in leadership positions- even when left-wing governments are in power."

For the heads of state and government meeting, Kabaka Mwanga will not travel to the meeting directly. Due to his age(recently celebrated his 90th birthday), he's cutting down on his international travel, and so will be represented abroad by his son and heir, Isebantu Mutungi- as well as his son and heir, Omugabe Ssekamanya. "The next two in line to the throne will represent their country at this crucial international conference." This same political scientist told reporters.

There are many things to discuss at this conference. Banija has just annexed the Banijan Esportivan Territories of Njaza- there will be major discussion on how to integrate the new Esportivan territory into the Commonwealth. "Banija's got its hands full integrating the territory into the country in general, and there are practical concerns about how they will operate in the Commonwealth. How many seats will they get in the Commonwealth Assembly, for instance? How much direct rule can Banija provide, while listening to its democratic obligations under the Commonwealth for elected governance? And, of course, talking about the CORNCOB conference, for the Rushmori members of the organization who will attend."

Both Princes will travel without their families. "My wife, Omugaba Muirne, obviously recently gave birth." Omugabe Ssekamanya told reporters. "Therefore, she will stay at home while she recovers. My mother(and the Isebantu's wife) Omugaba Namakula, will stay home and take care of her. I will keep in constant contact, of course, but everybody understands- the affairs of state must go on. I will be gone for a short time, and I look forward to returning to spend time with my twin children."

They are expected to travel within 'the next day or two'.

Other News
- The Banijan Foreign Ministry gave no comment, one way or another, on their opinions regarding the Euran ASM-52 nuclear test. "To test this kind of weapon, without any sort of warning, is disappointing." The Foreign Ministry said. "Hopefully, they conducted their test safely, in regards to international standards. But we don't want tests like this to trigger a nuclear arms race in Rushmore or beyond."
- The issue, however, was hotly debated in the Lukiiko. Relations are not at a high point between the two countries- with Banija's campaign to keep the EOT in Atlantian Oceania failing, followed by the nations being on opposite sides of the Nyowani Kitara Civil War. One backbench government Parliament said that "Banija should oppose further nuclear testing, and that the move was dangerous by Eura, saber-rattling nations across the multiverse." At the same time, a backbench opposition Parliamentarian said that Banija should 'reset' its relations with Eura. "Eurans are some of the most powerful militaries on the planet." The Parliamentarian said. "While they are in Rushmore, they used to be in AO via the EOT, and of particular concern, they certainly garner plenty of influence within Farfadillis. This Government should push His Majesty to improve those relations- because cooperation, in times of crisis, is crucial."

Brief Sports Takes- A few lines from the Major Sports Stories of the Day

Banija take 4 points from opening World Cup Qualifying window, including a 1-0 home win over Cap Nord to kick off the campaign

DODOMA, BUNYORO REGION- The Kadongo Kamu had a tough pairing of games to open up their World Cup 93 Qualifying campaign. First, a trip to Trolleborg City, to take on 60th ranked Trolleborg- a place with one of the biggest home field advantages in the multiverse. And then, after that, they got to host Esportivans Cap Nord, a region that Banija has just become a part of with their annexation of Njaza. Fortunately, however, the games went rather well. The opening away contest was a 0-0 draw away from home, where both teams struggled to create chances. "Look- these kinds of ugly games happen in Qualifying." Pam Scott told reporters. "You can't just score insane numbers of goals all the same. It was tough, it was physical, but we battled and we came out with a point. That's a good result to open Qualifying, as this team gets used to each other."

In their home opener, at the Eagle's Club, the Kadongo Kamu were able to do enough to earn a 1-0 home win. It was the former IFCF Champions League winner, and the Lhor #10, Gereh Kama, who was able to score the game's lone goal, in the 54th minute, to kick start the campaign. Just one goal across two matches- but four points from them. "Defending with strength is important if we want to get through a Qualifying campaign- so back to back clean sheets, against top 100 opponents, is certainly something to celebrate." Pam Scott told reporters. "WE did a great job to get three points today- we weren't dominant, but we took the best opportunity we had, and Gereh Kama showed the world why he's so good at this."

Winter Olympics awarded to Quebec as OCB discussions about return 'reach a fevered pitch'

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- While Banija firmly considers themselves to be an Olympic nation, their participation at the Winter Olympiad has been sparse, at best. Why? Well- Banija lacks winter. It's hard to generate winter athletes and host winter sporting events when your country has an equatorial climate, and that has always been an issue. But with migrant communities growing in places like Siovanija & Teusland and Quebec, as well as places like Valanora, it begs the question- shouldn't Banija go back to the Winter Olympics?

The Olympic Committee did not attend the last ones, because of similar reasons. They thought the ratings would be bad, and it would be 'expensive' to scout migrant athletes abroad. But The argument seems to be turning on its head. "With the games being in Quebec, there's going to be more pressure to go." Said a TV reporter. "They've made no decisions yet, and no timeline either. But Patrick Zervos criticized the OCB backing out last time, when he was merely an athletic director at Loyola-Istria. Now, he's the Executive Chairman of the OCB- expect him to push for this." Banija's first ever Olympic gold medals were at the Winter Games, with John Nampoza's gold in speed skating.

Many Banijan athletes have started a hashtag- #LetThemPlay. "The OCB is making a grave mistake if they miss out on the Winter Olympics again." Said two-time World Bowl winning QB, Ifeatu 'Ice' Chineze. "The money is there. If they don't go- they're cheap."

Even politicians on the floor of the Lukiiko said that the OCB should go. "The OCB receives public funds- if they cheap out on going to the Winter Olympics, our arrangement needs to be seriously re-evaluated." Said a backbench Mkiiko from the governing party- but also the Chairman of the Sports & Culture Parliamentary committee. "To take away the opportunities for Banijans to compete at the highest level in winter sports, just because we don't play them at home... Is disgusting. It would be a complete dereliction of duty if they don't attend the games."

Oldschool members of the Board, however, who have traditionally opposed Banija's entry into the winter sports competitions, said that they will 'not be pressured' into a decision.

Qualifying Goal Count Tracker
Goals against Trolleborg(A)

Goals against Cap Nord(H)
Gereh Kama(54', assisted by Tairu Conateh)

Total Goal Count Tracker
Gereh Kama - 1

by **Sylestone** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:13 pm

Part One

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR SENTIENT

Part Two

The Sarcav-Jones House, Avondale

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Brett
Happy birthday to you

Voices and tones clashed around the Sarcav-Jones household, each member apparently sold on singing on a slightly different note to each family member. At this point, it seemed to be a yearly tradition, begun by Brett’s father and two brothers before Brett himself was born. Over time, family members had caught on and now, it seemed the classic multiversal tradition was like a chore to listen to for the birthday recipient. When Brett had first been old enough to recognise this discord, he had almost screamed in exasperation and displeasure but as he grew older, entering his teen years, he had begun to understand the tradition for what it was. Classic Sylestonean shithousery.

After what seemed like an eternity, the drivel petered out as the final lyric was cut off, simply due to everyone running out of breath. Brett sighed audibly in relief as he blew out the candles, much to his 98-year-old great grandmother’s dismay. Trying to ignore the elderly woman’s glare on him, the birthday boy, 16 years old as of today, proceeded to carve into the cake, cutting a huge slice and grinning shyly, placing it on a plate for himself. But just as he was about to take the biggest bite of sugar and artificial sweetener he had tasted in a year - being a youth player with one of the nation’s largest football clubs does have its disadvantages - his mother and father interrupted him, smiling down at him as they placed a small card in front of him.

“Here’s your birthday present from the whole family. It’s a bit bigger than usual because we figured we’d celebrate that professional contract you were awarded with the other day. We hope you enjoy it.”

Brett looked around in bewilderment, his entire intermediate family staring in anticipation, willing him to open this tiny little card. “Is this from the entire family?”

“Yes, Brett,” answered his father. “Open it.”

Convinced it was a prank, Brett cautiously opened the envelope, taking care to ensure that no folds were ripped or anything, making his family wait as long as possible for the inevitable laughter.

But the laughter was not forthcoming. Upon opening the envelope, Brett found himself confronted by two tiny little tickets.

One was a plane ticket to South Newlandia.

The other was a match pass to the Campionato Esportiva game against Macbon.

* * *

Kinetik Stadium, New Colk, South Newlandia

Ten days later

Never had Brett felt such a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the same time. Even when playing big games of football for Avondale City’s Under-21 team, he’d always felt an overarching sense of composure, knowing that there was something he could do to affect the game for each minute he was on the field. However, up here in the stands, there was absolutely nothing he could do to play his role in a victory. He just had to sit… and watch…

Brett and his family - just his mother and father - had been in New Colk for three days leading to this match. A city named due to its large Grearish influence, Brett had already been given some cheeky slack due to his cultural heritage, with the Grearish Union and Sylestone famous cricketing rivals. As a Sylestonean, Brett had a natural love for cricket and although football was his primary sport, he’d partaken in a local league back before he was accepted into the Avondale City FC academy at the age of 11. That natural talent had come in handy the one time he was let free to roam the city, with one person who recognised his face convincing him to join in an ongoing game of street cricket and although he was completely out of his depth, still enjoyed it for what it was. Brett knew he had to be careful, though - an injury playing a game of cricket halfway across the region was not going to bode well with anyone back at Avondale City.

Just as the game was about to start, out of the corner of his eye, Brett spotted something. Only a bay over to his left, a young 17-year-old boy he recognised on sight took his seat in eager anticipation of what was to come, much like Brett. He was about to jump up and wander over until he remembered what had happened last time the two had met.

The boy’s name was Noah Smythe, a central midfielder for Avondale City’s arch-rivals Capitol Athletic who had also received game time with the senior team over the past season. Like Brett, he was regarded as one of Sylestone’s brightest young prospects and deep down, he knew that sometime in the future, the two would be teammates. But for now, they were far from that. And when the Lime Greens and Maroons had clashed in last season’s Potty League, Brett and Noah were both leaders in what almost turned into a full-on fistfight between the two teams, even staff getting themselves involved before officials had broken the pair of warring clans apart. Although they were both wearing their own copies of the blue and orange jersey of the Sylestonean national team to the game, their history was far more on the conflict side rather than through unity.

But as goal after goal poured in throughout the game, Brett began to forget about those thoughts that were putting him off. Although his heart began to race when Macbon made it 3-2 just before half time, two early goals to the Sentients following the break put his heart at peace as their opponents gave up all hope, doing their best to counter wave after wave of Sylestonean attack. And they succeeded all the way up until the 89th minute, when Rose Fleetwood slotted home a penalty to increase the difference to four and break the record for the most goals scored by the Sentients in a game. But they weren’t done there. Stoppage time goals to the Fridge and Cameron Keyes cemented a startling 8-2 triumph, breaking all sorts of national team records along the way. Brett, hoarse from screaming and cheering along with the rest of the Sylestonean fans behind the Macbonian goalkeeper, was understandably ecstatic. With knockouts being finalised by officials, it became obvious what was happening as they exited the stadium.

Through the jubilation of the crowd, Brett yelled out. “Mum, Dad! The knockout game against Brenecia is next Wednesday in Newport! Can we go?”

His mother and father looked at each other, a bit rattled. They knew it wasn’t possible with the timings of the flight home and all, but Brett seemed so excited.

After a long moment, his father answered. “We’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

But Brett hadn’t heard him. Because in the short space of time between Brett’s question and his father’s answer, he’d felt a rough body push into the side of him. Now, while Brett doesn’t resort to violence easily, being literally shoved in the shoulder made for a completely different story. In Brett’s mine, there was no doubt who the offending boy was and as he reached out and spun him around, he found his hypothesis vindicated.

Noah Smythe may have been slightly shorter than Brett - standing at 177 centimetres despite being nearly two years older, while Brett was just over 180 and still growing at a slow rate. However, for what the Capitol Athletic midfielder lacked in height he made up for in muscle. While Brett’s scrawny frame suited his dirty blonde hair, Noah was a typical, brown-haired workhorse who thrived in dominating matches from the centre of the pitch. Tough on the pitch, he was willing to push the boundaries and receive bookings for a greater good and at the same time, seemed to possess an aura of responsibility and determination everywhere he went.

Here was no different. As the two young footballers stood face to face, emotions seeping through their well-oiled disguises they had to build as regular media confronters, a crowd began to build. Thankfully, in the dark of the South Newlandia night, no one seemed to recognise the boys - after all, they were only youth players - but everyone in the vicinity could sense the tension in the air.

On the field, Noah was known for his unpredictable nature. He wasn’t afraid to go on gut feel rather than do what his heart was telling him to do. It was one of the many things that made him such a dangerous player - you could not take anything he did for granted.

And off the field, it seemed as though he was rather similar.

Because Noah proceeded to do the one thing Brett didn’t expect him to do.

All of a sudden, the younger boy was enveloped in an embrace and recognising his intentions, Brett offered the hug back. It wasn’t necessarily a hug of affection, per se, or one between two mates who had just witnessed something spectacular, but one of respect. Remarkably, both boys had been able to listen to that voice in the back of their heads - the ones telling them that a fight between two youth footballers would have produced massive repercussions for both involved - and thrown away everything they had learned and believed over the years to celebrate as one, as supporters of the same team.

As the crowd released a jubilant roar behind them - someone had obviously tipped them off as to the identities of the two boys in the centre of the circle - Brett’s brain began to whir.

Maybe Capitol Athletic players weren’t inherently evil after all.

* * *

Capricorn Hotel, New Colk

Later that night

As the warmth of his duvet basked over his slim body, the dull light of the moon over the South Newlandian sky the only thing illuminating the city below, Brett found his brain still whirring, thoughts running madly and unpredictably through it, with all attempts to harness them lost to the wind. He assumed that his parents were long, long asleep and although Brett had tried, he simply could not - the excitement was simply pouring out of him. Although his parents had rejected his questions pertaining to the knockout match against Brenecia on the basis of issues with hotel bookings and the fact that the plane they’re scheduled to go home on leaves 48 hours before the start of the game, he had been online to buy tickets for him and his mates to Terrace Square, where he could watch the match live. Sure, it wasn’t as good as going to the EsportivArena itself, but you’d have to work pretty hard to beat the atmosphere at any sort of Sylestonean sporting event, even if it’s just a massive bloody television in the middle of the city.

Sport. As Brett had experienced today, it really was a hell of a way to unite people.

Matchday One: Sylestone vs Jeruselem @ The Bay Reserve, Betham

Sylestone (4-4-1-1): Fuller; Holt ( 45+2’) (Ironing Board 62’) - Mornington - Hand Sanitiser ( 86’) - Toilet; Henling - Rodway - Brown ( 4’) (Lawson 81’) - Jones (Fullers 81’); Fleetwood (Keyes 62’); Tumble Dryer (Hightower 90+3’)

Jeruselem (4-4-2): Princess; Aqua - Dallas ( 56’) - Christie (Alexandra 69’) - Suisei; Desantis - Ayame ( 75’) (Rose 78’) - Santini - Karma (Mel 89’); Russia - Bush (Geese-Frogg 69’)

Sylestone 0-2 Jeruselem
none - Bush 59’); Dallas 83’)

Sylestone vs Quakmybush @ Ground of Dunkirk, Dunkirk

Sylestone (4-4-1-1 → 5-4-1): Callum Holmes; Ironing Board - Pearson (Mornington 83’) - Faucett - Keller ( 88’); Cayden Holmes (Stanton 60’) - Paterson - Bar Stool (Washing Machine 83’) - Fullers; Fleetwood (Blair 83’); Strathfield

Quakmybush: Unknown

Sylestone 1-0 Quakmybush
Strathfield 80’ - none

Starting Lineup vs Gran Saguaro @ Somewhere, Gran Saguaro

Brick Wall; Holt - Washing Machine - Hand Sanitiser - Toilet; Cayden Holmes - Paterson - Rodway - Fridge; Love; Hightower

Starting Lineup vs Eura @ Avondale International Sports Stadium, Avondale, Sylestone

Fuller; Holt - Mornington - Pearson - Dishwasher; Henling - Blair - Brown - Jones; Fleetwood; Hightower

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:57 pm

OOC - yes, of course this is a reworking of a script of a popular early 1980s film; read my roster if you need more details on what's going on here.

Tzimisces is scowling as he examines some artefacts.

MICHIGAN SMITH
Hey, if you don't like them, I can always return them.

JUAN TZIMISCES
No, they're beautiful. The Imperial Museum will buy them as usual, I’m sure. No questions asked.

SMITH
Then what's wrong?

TZIMISCES
I brought along some people today.

SMITH
What kind of people?

TZIMISCES
Government.

SMITH
(concerned)
Government?

TZIMISCES
Don't worry, it's not about your business.
(indicates the artefacts)
They're from the State Bureau of Imperial Security.

SMITH
I've already served.

TZIMISCES
They're looking for Abner.

INT. MICHIGAN SMITH'S LECTURE HALL / CLASSROOM - DAY

SMITH's course - a combination of archaeology and anthropology - is taught in this amphitheatre-type lecture hall. His desk and lectern hold large reference books; blackboards line the wall. Bones, maps, charts festoon the walls.

SMITH leans against his desk talking with TZIMISCES and two uniformed SBIS officers, COLONEL COMNENO and MAJOR VATATZES, who are situated around the first seats in the classroom.

COMNENO
But you did study under Professor Abner Argyro at the Imperial University?

SMITH
(nods)
We haven't spoken in ten years. I'm afraid we had a bit of a falling out.

VATATZES
You know nothing of his whereabouts?

SMITH
(negative)
Just rumors. Somewhere in Audioslavia, last I heard.

COMNENO and VATATZES exchange a look; they're disappointed.

VATATZES
(to COMNENO)
Maybe Dr. Smith can make sense of it.

Again the SBIS men have a silent communication, deciding what to reveal.

COMNENO
Well... you must understand, Dr. Smith, this is all strictly confidential.

SMITH
I understand.

COMNENO
Yesterday, one of our Ordinary Reality sections intercepted a Notional Situationalist communique from Darmen to Mertagne. We don't quite know what to make of it.

COMNENO takes a sheet from his briefcase.

COMNENO
Here it is - "Damukuni development proceeding. Acquire headpiece, Staff of the Oneiromancer, General Tengtu Hok, Audioslavia. Locate Abner Argyro"

TZIMISCES is excited. He looks at SMITH.

TZIMISCES
Damukuni. They must have discovered the lost ruins.

SMITH contemplates this big news; he's impressed.

SMITH
(to himself)
Damukuni. Ain't that somethin'!

VATATZES
Frankly, we're a little suspicious... An Imperial citizen being mentioned so prominently in a secret Nozi cable.

SMITH
Ah, Argyro's no Nozi.

VATATZES
Then what do they want him for?

SMITH
They're looking for the headpiece to the Staff of the Oneiromancer.

COMNENO
(indicates his sheet)
But it says here that's in Audioslavia.

SMITH
Only half of it. Argyro had the other half.

VATATZES
What would the Nozis want with this - this Staff of the Oneiromancer?

TZIMISCES
I can tell you that. Over the last two years the Nozis have had teams of archaeologists running around the multiverse looking for all kinds of religious artifacts.

COMNENO
That's right. Nozi leader Rudolf Hittner’s a nut on the subject. Crazy. He's obsessed with the occult.

VATATZES
What is this Staff of the Oneiromancer, anyway?

SMITH
It all has to do with the Ark of the Oneiromancer.
(the SBIS guys look mystified)
The chest the slaves of the Oneiromancer used to carry around during the Event.

Now it's the SBIS men who are impressed.

SMITH
A descendent of Dazza Dallas stole the Ark from Jeruselem and took it back to a city in Damukuni. A short time later, Damukuni was hit by a tragic natural disaster. But before that, the Dallas descendent had had the Ark hidden away in a secret chamber called the Well of the Souls. Which is where the Staff of the Oneiromancer comes in.

SMITH moves to the blackboard and makes a quick sketch to give a rough idea of the system as he describes it. (and we get a glimpse of what an interesting and enthusiastic teacher he must be).

SMITH
Now this was rather clever. The Staff was really just a big stick - oh, I don't know, say like this -
(he indicates about six feet)
no one really knows for sure. Any way, it was capped by an elaborate headpiece with a carving of a sun at the top. What you had to do was take the Staff to a special map room in Damukuni - it had the whole city laid out in miniature on the floor.
When you placed the Staff in a certain spot in this room, at a certain time of day, the sun would shine through a hole here in the headpiece and then send a beam of light down here - to the map - giving you the location of the Well of the Souls...

COMNENO
...where the Ark of the Oneiromancer was kept.

SMITH
(nods)
Which is probably what the Nozis are after.

VATATZES
What's this Ark look like?

SMITH
Look like? Why, it's right here...

SMITH pulls a big format book from the stack on his lectern and flips through the pages until he finds a large color print. The other men gather to look.

THE PRINT shows an ancient battle. An army is vanquishing an opposition force. At the forefront of the ranks, two men carry the Ark of the Oneiromancer, a beautiful gold chest, crowned by two sculptured gold angels. The men do not touch the Ark itself; rather they carry it by use of two long wooden poles which pass through rings in the corners of the Ark. The painting is very dramatic, full of smoke, tumult and sinewy dying men. But the most astounding thing in the picture is the brilliant jet of white light and flame issuing from the wings of the angels. It pierces deep into the ranks of the retreating enemy, wreaking devastation and terror.

COMNENO
What's that supposed to be coming out of there?

SMITH
Who knows... lightning... fire... the power of the Oneiromancer.

VATATZES
I'm beginning to understand Hittner's interest in this thing.

SMITH
Oh yes. Ancient mundy codices tell of it levelling mountains and wasting entire regions.
One source promised that when the Ark was with you, "your enemies will be scattered and your foes fell before you".
(pause)
A mundy army which carries the Ark before it would be invincible in Ordinary Reality.

VATATZES and COMNENO exchange worried looks.

SMITH
Oh, there's one other thing that Hittner undoubtably believes about the Ark...
(a long pregnant pause)
It's said that the Lost Ark will be recovered at the time of the return of the Oneiromancer – and the dawn of the second Event.

COMNENO
Dr. Smith, you've been very helpful. I hope we can call on you again if we have questions.

SMITH
Most certainly.

TZIMISCES and SMITH exchange a look as they all shake and TZIMISCES leaves with the SBIS men.

A new adventure has begun for MICHIGAN SMITH

by **Cassadaigua** » Wed Feb 08, 2023 3:13 pm

Team Cassadaigua: World Cup 43- World Cup 93

Part 1: The Beginning
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Before Cassadaigua would play in their first World Cup, there would be a Baptism of Fire. It was the 30th edition, played in one of the great nations of the competition: Cafundeu. That money-hungry nation is no longer around, but despite their economic philosophies, I think many of us wish that they still were. You only get one chance to play in the Baptism of Fire, and we entered the competition as a relative unknown to the World. At the time, no one thought that the country that would win the World Cup just seven editions later was present. That goes for our own opinions, let alone how the rest of the world saw us. There were only eighteen nations that were a part of this Baptism of Fire, a number that by today's standards seems unbelievably low. But, that would be the case and the Fillies would take place not in "Group A", but Group Globo Multimedia. It was Cafundeu remember. Of course they were going to have sponsored groups.

The players that took part in our Baptism of Fire would be:

Two names on that list will immediately grab your attention because their kit numbers are retired: Courtney Ferguson and Michelle Fuller. Michelle would ultimately change to the #5, which is what is retired for her, instead of the #2 that she wore for the Baptism of Fire. Ferguson, from Rutland, now has that stadium named after her. Thanks to the internet forever saving blog entries from our captain, we can go back and see what was going through her mind at that time. Before the Baptism of Fire began, she spoke of the feelings that went through her mind when she was named to the team. Courtney, as the best player in the nation at that time, was confident that she would be named, but still did not take it for granted and was elated when she got the call from our first ever manager, Michelle Baynes. In that entry, she said words at that time that we would have just looked over and not thought about all that much, "Who knows, maybe one day, decades from now, we will be a serious power....... maybe there is a future World Cup champion among us." She stated that she would probably never get a chance to play in the World Cup, but her dream did come true in World Cup 45.

Courtney, you are no longer with us, but I know you are looking down smiling at how not only your words run true, but for how long we would end up playing in this tournament. You could even say that even with us winning a couple World Cups, that our longevity is the most impressive thing. We're the only nation from this Baptism of Fire still present, and if we look at the list of the nations that played in World Cup 43, you'll see many greats but not everyone that is around.

The first ever WCC-sanctioned game for the Fillies was against a nation known simply as Docky. In the city of Porto Lacruz, the Pink and Black cruised to a 3-0 win, with Courtney Ferguson being the player that would get the honor of scoring our first goal. It came off a good feed from Erica Cottrell in the 16th minute. No one knew how good Docky was or how good they would become, but Cassadaigua would control the match, getting goals also from Kirsten Logan and Jessica Keeley in the win. Seeing these other names is good to see, because of course it is easier to remember the names of the superstars who are forever immortalized at the Dagan Airways Stadium in Concord Heights with kit number retirements. But like we see now in the current era, there are so many other greats who may not have received the ultimate honor, but they played a big role in our success.

We would improve to 2-0-0 in our next game with a win over Valetaland, but fell to Bushdome 3-1 in the game that followed. Bushdome was strong at that point, and it was perhaps a good humbling experience for our team. Despite the loss, a major announcement was made by Courtney Ferguson. Tenderville United, a domestic club playing in the elite nation of Candelaria And Marquez, offered a contract to our striker, which Ferguson would accept. The offer was not something that she was expecting, moreso because it was not something that crossed her mind as a reality. But someone was watching, and even though Tenderville United was only a second division team at the time, the fact that she was noticed was not only big for her, but a big shot of respect to our national team. It was a tough decision for Ferguson, but she would eventually accept it and her impact with Tenderville United ended up being strong as she would help them eventually get promoted to the first division.

One of the great things about the Baptism of Fire is the creation of rivalries. Our next game would be against someone that would be a longstanding rival of ours for quite some time: Secristan. Soon after the Baptism of Fire and the World Cup, Cassadaigua would branch out into other competitions in other sports, and so too would the team known as the Millionaires. The following, taken from a Secristani press release, talks about the early incident: "In the 12th, Jake Wesley appeared to have words with Ferguson when Courtney shoved him to the ground. Lucas Kempski then came in and pulled Courtney’s hair and threw her to the ground, which of course got a reaction from Courtney’s teammates. Jessica Keeley and Christine Scott came to her aid, and more Secristani players came to Kempski’s aid, as if he really needed it. And before you knew it, we had ourselves a battle royale going on inside the penalty area in front of Rossiter." (1) Words continued to be exchanged between the sides, and the fan bases in the stands also got into it. Secristanis were arrogant people, but on this day they learned that we would fight back. And by fighting back, we proved that we're not just a bunch of women playing a sport, but athletes willing to take a hit and give it back. In her blog following the incident, Ferguson remarked, "Especially when I saw a chunk of blonde hair on the pitch, I wanted to pick it up and make him have to eat it. I should have thought about it. What’s done is done. This is not Cassadaigan soccer, we are not a rough team. We are also not a bunch of little sissies, or a bunch of golddiggers, which we were referred to as several times in the game. We will stand up for ourselves, and as a team." (2)

In the end, we got the last laugh on Secristan, and I don't just mean by winning this game 1-0. It would be a long time after the Baptism of Fire, and at the time Cassadaigua was in the region of Vermont. We eventually moved to the region of One Big Island and took the plot of land to the east of Secristan, bordering our rival. When Secristan ceased to exist, we expanded our borders west just a bit, and this included the city then known as Lakeland, Secristan. Today, it is New Lakeland, Cassadaigua, within the region of Rushmore.

Cassadaigua would win their final group stage game, 2-0 over Chutnusak and would win Group Globo Multimedia, and would prevail in the quarterfinals over Tortuga y Hispaniola by the score of 2-1. Unfortunately, the eventual Baptism of Fire 30 champion, Myedvedeya (who we had a brief history with in a couple other competitions as well before they ceased to exist way too early), by the score of 3-1. Ferguson wrote at the time, "I think if you told us at the beginning of the tournament, when we were just an unknown nation on the list of countries that signed up for the Baptism of Fire that would be heading to Cafundeu, that we would finish 3rd or 4th, that we would take it. We came here as a complete unknown. Myedvedeya and Secristan already had nation recognition in international sports by virtue of each having won a basketball championship." (3). Urna Eletrônica knocked us off 2-0 in the third place game.

With that, Cassadaigua's first ever international competition was in the books. Now, it's on to our first World Cup!

OOC to host- Full disclosure footnotes for RP grading
(1)- This was written by Secristan in one of their RP's and copy and pasted here.
(2)- This quote was written by me 14 1/2 years ago

in BoF 30 and copy and pasted here.
(3)- Same as (2)

World Cup 93 - RP Thread

Maybe We Actually Have A Chance?

WC92 Wrap Up + WC93 Preview

Boot It!: Back To Fight Once More!

WCQ-93 MD1-2

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