World Cup 76 - RP Thread

by **Qasden** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 8:51 pm

Qasden
Athletic News

WC76 Qualifiers Report- Looking into the 2nd Half

After a tremendous effort by the Qad team the other night, the Vans were sadly defeated against group leaders, Eshan, 4-2. With the heartbreaker, TQ ended their first half run of the qualifiers with 3 wins and 3 losses, landing them in fourth place.

#  Group 5                                      Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Eshan                                          6    5   0   1    20    8  +12    15
2 Turori                                         6    4   1   1     9    5   +4    13
3 Schottia                                       6    4   0   2    15    8   +7    12
4 Qasden                                         6    3   0   3    10   10    0     9
5 New Gazi                                       6    2   1   3     8   13   −5     7
6 Dumnoniia                                      6    1   0   5     2   11   −9     3
7 Mazurska                                       6    1   0   5     6   15   −9     3

Defeats to Schottia, Turori and Eshan made the Blue-Reds winless in away games, a terrifying sight going into our next match in New Gazi. Despite this fact, however, the Vans redeemed themselves with an undefeated record at home (excluding Islana friendly), with wins over New Gazi, Mazurska and Dumnoniia. In this report, we will predict our chances against the group mates in the second encounters, with hope that Qasden will perform much better away.

@ New Gazi

First up, a match in Cannoneer-territory as the Blue-Reds will be looking to hold their stance against New Gazi and take both games in their series. Back at New Qad Field in Qasden, the Vans upset the Cannoneers 2-1 in game 1, earning a positive look for the new guys. 6 match days later, the two countries have never been any closer, with the Cannoneers just 2 points behind the Vans. This game will be a test of Qasden's willpower and determination to stay in the game. A win or draw means points on the board. A loss, however, might cut the Qads chances short of reaching the playoffs. Our prediction: a narrow win, if not draw, against New Gazi. It really comes down to how Merritt coaches.

Schottia (NQF)

After such an intense match in New Gazi, TQ will have another obstacle to tackle when they return home.......Schottia. Last time we played in Handon, we believed we may have a shot (as Schottia had previously lost to Turori). Like everything else, that game didn't go well and the Chottians got the pride of a home victory. They currently sit a full 3 points ahead of Qasden, making the deficit a hard feat to climb to 3rd, and a B-R win is absolutely vital towards success. Anything less is worthless, and a loss would indefinitely make Qasden one of the fallen. Our prediction: a loss wouldn't be uncommon, but a draw seems likely.

@ Mazurska

Mazurska....the country almost completely unknown to many. After they initially defeated Turori, the Qads were scared to think 2 consecutive losses. However, when the game went on in Merellin Park, the Vans seemed strong and actually deveined the Mazurskan squad. Sitting in last place, tied with Dumnoniia, the unknowns look to redeem themselves against our squad on their turf, which will be unfamiliar to many teammates. Our prediction: a Qad win seems likely, but this tournament is all about surprises.

Turori (RTS)

After a narrow defeat to the Eels previously, the Vans return to play Turori in their first and only qualifier match at the Royal T.V. Stadium. With 13 points and 4 wins strong, the Eels have been a dominant power in Group 5, sitting currently in 2nd. The Cup of Harmony winners took prides in themselves after an intense 2-1 (I think) win over the B-Rs. Oh boy, do they have a special greeting when they come here. In a stadium with at least 85-90 thousand seats, full of ecstatic fans, Turori will have a tougher time defeating Qasden. Our prediction: Turori may win, yes, but a draw or Qad win is also likely.

@ Dumnoniia

Like Mazurska, Dumnoniia seemed threatening when we first faced them in Fyre. That soon changed, however, as we squeezed in a 1-0 win over them previously. Sitting in sixth now, the fellow WC debutants will be hosting the second clash with Qasden. Xandreas, Darsten, Foster, Onyx, all of them have begun training to stay as hype as possible against this low-key adversary full of surprises. Our prediction: 3 points to Qasden. A draw might happen....might.....

Eshan (SdS)

Lastly for our 1st World Cup Qualifier campaign is the current group leaders, Eshan, at the Stade de Solis in Fyre. The Echani team had played strong, suffering only a single loss to Turori while destroying Qasden 4-2 the other night in Eshan. "Those hand-loving weirdos aren't going anywhere," some random hobo we found by our office said, "they'll be falling out soon and Qasden will be there to pick at its carcass.". Despite the hobo's words of wisdom, Eshan seems to be too far gone for Qasden to pass, but that just makes it all the more achievable. Strategies and skills will be heavily needed, and if we aren't eliminated beforehand, then this is the most important match Qasden will have during the entire qualifier campaign. Our prediction: Eshan's strength in Group 5 may give them a win already, but Qasden could be able to surprise them.

Well, that's all for this report. Can the Vans finish the second half of qualifiers strongly? Or will Group 5 throw TQ off course into a route of defeat. Only one way to find out, so stay leggo, stay eggo, and stay waffles for our next report, live from the World Cup Qualifiers to be next in New Gazi!

by **United States of Devonta** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 9:19 pm

Devontan Sports Central

Devontans Yet Again Route Another Opponent In Group 11
Devontan National Team route unranked Edhros 3-0 at home
Tobby F. Belinger (@TobbyBelinger)
^{10/07/2016, 9:19 PM |Devonta City, United States of Devonta}

^{SHARE THIS:}

    United States of Devonta 3 - 0 Edhros
    Johansen (16', 22')
    Liam (56')

Edhros
Uknown Roster*

United States of Devonta
GK: Danny Vanburen
LD: Johnson Brooks
CD: Martin Benton

(Daniel Kindred - 69')
CD: Coby Rice
RD: Brayden Liam

(Mathew Creasmen - 69')
DM: Isaiah Russel
LM: Anthony Crox
RM: DeMonte Edwards
OM: Solomon Bundy
ST: Gerald Johansen

(76')
ST: Noah Hill

(Lamar Adams - 75')

A day after having to find themselves in a sad draw with the unranked and unknown Beaverriverians. It was considered the lowest point of the World Cup 76 Qualification process so far. Although notably its the best qualification process Devonta has seen. With no losses and three wins so far. The Devontan defense most notably on conceding one goal to the 152nd ranked Tobiasians, while scoring a total of 10 goals in just three games. Compared to the number 3 ranked team in the world Farfadillis (who the Devontans have yet to face) we are doing better on conception of goals. But they do maintain a much higher goal difference then the Devontans. Never the less it is worth noting the Devontans dominated in their game against the Beaverriverians. In similar fashion to the games against Tobiasia and West Angola.

Just like their last opponents Beaverriver, the Edhrosians are a unranked team and very unknown. Even failing to release a roster to the public. The Edhrosians seemed to have little or no experience in international sports. Devontan media had dubbed them the "mystery boyz in blue" because of what would soon become their iconic blue jerseys that notably were missing names and even numbers on the back.

The venue for the Devontans sixth World Cup 76 Qualifying match would be the iconic and coveted Capital Stadium in Devonta City. Which in its first WCQ game earlier in the month seen it hit record attendance numbers. It would be the third game in this World Cup cycle held in the stadium. The crowds of the stadium are always reliably Devontan and very patriotic. Edhrosians should much rather focus on trying not to be intimidated by the yelling and shouting Devontan fans rather then the deadly Devontan attackers. For tonights game the Devontans found themselves surrounded by 70,000 raging fans, a well appreciated welcome for Devonta's national team (not so much for Edhros). In the middle sit a tiny patch of Edhrosian mystery jersey clad fans, numbering about 1,500. A minuscule showing, but not to be unexpected.

Like in all their previous games, the Devontans started with a clear advantage in the midfield due to their immense skill and quality over their unranked opponents. In the words of a Stragonian sports analyst it was like the Devontans were weaving through practice dummies. Referring to the way Devontan attackers easily got through the defensive line of the defending Edhrosians. Early chances from Johansen in the first couple of minutes. The second minute seen a drive by midfielder Owen up the field after a quick pass from follow Devontan midfielder Edwards, who then managed to cross the ball into the goalies box, behind the defense. A heavy footed shot from Johansen glanced of the goalies extended hands before hitting the crossbar and being cleared up the field by a Edhrosian defender. The very first disappointment of the night for the goal hungry Devontans.

The disappointment would not last long for the Devontan national team. In the 16th minute after catching the Edhrosians in a counter-attack as they tried for one of their only chances the Devontans once again began a "tika-taka" style build up like in past games, the teams 4-4-2 Diamond formation working well for their heavy passing and possession style of play. Devontan striker and captain Johansen launched a cracker from the penalty line off an assist from fellow striker Hill of Jinja F.C. in Banija. The strike curved right into the left side of the net making it past the jumping unprepared Edhrosian goalkeeper. It was now 1-0 in favor of Devonta.

Not long after in the 22nd minute of play, Devontan striker would once again show why he's captain of the Devontan national team for their seventh WCQ cycle in two years. On another attacking run Devontan midfielder and usual substitute player Crox crossed the ball into the penalty box which caused the Edhrosian goalkeeper to run and attempt to snatch it but striker Johansen had other plans. As the ball came into the box, Johansen dived and drilled the ball right past the goalkeeper and shook the net. The score was now 2-0 in favor of Devonta and the captains 2nd goal of the night.

More Devontan chances would come through out the first half but the next chance would be for the struggling Edhrosian side. Close to the end of the first half, in the 41st minute. A Edhrosian striker managed to slip through the Devontan defense which had pressed up the field most of the game. The unknown striker managed to cross the ball into the penalty box, which fell on the head of another Edhrosian striker and fell towards the goal but went just wide of goal. Hardly giving Devontan goalkeeper Vanburen a reaction other then turning his head to watch the ball go out. Most notably this is Vanburens first international cap playing for the senior team. The young 21 year old goalkeeper has been starting goalkeeper for the Devontan U-21 national team for years now. Minutes later the first half would end.

The second half like many other games in this cycle continued with Devontan domination. Although like the previous disappointing performance against the unranked Beaverriverians. Many chances were given to the Devontans but either were saved or flubbed. One of the biggest flubs came in the 48th minute from Devontan striker Johansen in a attempt for a hat-trick third goal. After being crossed the ball from a slight easy tap from fellow striker Hill he booted the ball over the post. Good news for the already down Edhrosian national team.

Luck would run out for the Edhrosians in the 56th minute. Devontan midfielder Liam in a solo run managed to skillfully nutmeg a Edhrosian player before pushing up the right side of the field against Edhrosian defensive line. Finally, almost on the edge of the out line Liam released what seemed to be a cross for the center but it managed to fall into the left lower portion of the net. The surprised Edhrosian goalkeeper who's view was obstructed by bodies in the box stood in solemn shock. It was now 3-0 in favor of Devonta and it looked like it would be a safe game for the national team.

In the 76th minute Devontan striker Johansen was given a yellow for slightly tugging on the jersey of a Edhrosian defender who then seemed to flop to the ground while both chased a through ball. Johansen was visibly angry at the referee filling it was a dishonest flop on the side of the Edhrosians. Devontan fans met the call with immense boos directed towards the match officials.

One of the only good chances for the Edhrosians came in the closing minutes of the game. In the 86th minute a Edhrosian corner kick from the left side flew pass most of the bodies in the middle rushing the goal and fail on the foot of a Edhrosian defender maintaining the back line from a possible Devontan counter attack. The unknown defender after just one touch rocketed the ball for the left side of the right side of the post, opposite of Devontan goalkeeper Vanburen but luckily it was deflected out by an extended leg from Devontan defender Brooks.

The night would go to the Devontans in form of a dominating 3-0 home win to the unranked Edhrosians. Next on the plate for World Cup 76 Qualifying will be another home game against the number 3 ranked team in the world and current Group 11 leaders; Farfadillis. Many analyst say this should be one of the biggest test for the Devontan national team this cycle. The Devontans will be looking to put away the higher ranking and undefeated Group 11 leader once and for all in Capitol Stadium tomorrow evening. Do you think this is possible?

Match Statistics:
Possession
Devonta: 69%
Edhros: 31%
Shots
Devonta: 15 shots (12 on target)
Edhros: 5 shots (2 on target)
Pass Accuracy
Devonta: 92%
Edhros: 79%
Corners
Devonta: 10
Edhros: 2
Offsides
Devonta: 2
Edhros: 0
Fouls
Devonta: 7
Edhros: 12

Current Group 11 Standings:

#  Group 11                                     Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Farfadillis                                    5    5   0   0    16    2  +14    15
2 United States of Devonta                       5    4   1   0    10    1   +9    13
3 West Angola                                    6    3   1   2    10    8   +2    10
4 Tobiasia                                       5    2   0   3     8   13   −5     6
5 Britonisea                                     5    1   1   3     4    7   −3     4
6 Edhros                                         5    1   0   4     3   12   −9     3
7 Beaverriver                                    5    0   1   4     5   13   −8     1

World Cup 76 Qualifying Schedule

Friendly Matches:
Devonta 3-5 Flardania
Devonta 2-2 Anglatia

World Cup Qualfying: Group 11
MD1: Bye
MD2: Devonta 3-1 Tobiasia
MD3: Britonisea 0-1 Devonta
MD4: Devonta 3-0 West Angola
MD5: Beaverriver 0-0 Devonta
MD6: Devonta 3-0 Edhros
MD7: Devonta vs Farfadillis

Mid-Qual Friendly: Devonta vs Ethane

MD8: Bye
MD9: Tobiasia vs Devonta
MD10: Devonta vs Britonisea
MD11: West Angola vs Devonta
MD12: Devonta vs Beaverriver
MD13: Edhros vs Devonta
MD14: Farfadillis vs Devonta

Author: Tobby F. Belinger

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Comments 2456 |

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Comments:

By Jay - Just now

Nice rebound guys Just what the team needed! #Ibelieve
596 Likes | 12 Dislikes
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By Pharoh11 - 4 mins Ago

Might of hit a rough patch but were back baby! #3 in the world beware! Lets Go! #Ibelieve
1,456 Likes | 234 Dislikes
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By Dannyboi - 11 min Ago

Easy team to beat. Let's stop being cocky. Not even half way through yet.
Likes 456 | 193 Dislikes
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By Jack039 - 24 mins Ago

We'll probably choke big time tomorrow... always do!
245 Likes | 89 Dislikes
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by **Flardania** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 9:29 pm

Opening Theme

Bonjour et Ohayōgozaimasu Kirishima. Welcome ladies and gentleman back to another edition of the Kitsune Report, brought to you by the Nagatomo Sports Network (NSN), sponsored by Air Pacifica, and Pocari Surge. Here at the Kitsune Report it's all about Kirishinan sports but right now, international football lies center stage. It is that time of the year and with matchday 6 of qualifiers out of the way how did the Kitsunes fare against the grim reapers of Quebec in such a high stakes primetime match? It's time to get grooving to some world cup football yet again and find out!

Royal Kingdom of Quebec 1-3 Kirishima Review:

Following the disappointing 2-2 draw with Tomikosan in Akihabara, the Kitsunes arrived at Lil Wayne Enterprises Arena in Gotham, Quebec to face the much feared Grim Reapers. A fear that was multiplied after back to back draws in matches the Kitsunes should've won. The Kitsunes entered the match trying to keep their goal difference favorable differential at worst and a draw at best. In the two previous matchups with Quebec were during My Little Valladar Presents....Les Grim Reapers Pre Qualification series. The first match was a 1-3 defeat in Akihabara back when Quebec was ranked 22nd and Kirishima was ranked 86th. The second friendly actually happened before this World Cup qualifier in which the Kitsunes won on the road at Blue Point Stadium, in St.John's Quebec, 4-3.

Now considering the recent win against Quebec on the road, a second win on the road in such a short time seems statistically impossible. The fact that the match was scheduled to take place in the famed Quebec city of Gotham, known affectionately as Heaven and Hell on Earth. Not only would the Kitsunes face the turbocharger top 10 team, our players would need to endure the hostile atmosphere. Essentially think of Armeian and Anglatian fans, whether they are worse or not is not clear.

The beginning of the match started off explosively as the Grim Reapers were set on quickly extinguishing any notion of Kirishima leading the group that some foolish fans may have had. Quebec struck fast and hard but the game took a strange turn when a red card was issued 5 minutes into the match. Xavier Hertel in what I think was a desperate attempt to stop Sayo Matsuoka on the counter attack by trying to ride on top of her. Xavier got a straight red for that one to the chagrin of the already hostile crowd. The game stayed nil-nil as despite Quebec playing with a man down, were still offensive juggernauts who barely gave the Kitsunes time to breathe....or was in because of a collapsed lung from the Reapers physical play? Nevertheless during the 27th minute Rin Mizoguchi scored a corner kick delivered by Ako Izumi to give the Kitsunes the lead. The K-Section showed their support albeit less vocal than normal considering the dangerous venue they were playing at.

The second half saw both teams failing to score as the Kitsune defense would bend but not break in the face of the Quebec offensive while the opposition would deny the Kitsunes possession. As the match went one the Grim Reapers were getting frustrated over the tied score and committed more towards the offense as well as play more physical. In the 69th minute Georges-Kevin Porsan-Thauvin scored a long free kick to tie the game at one one to the pleasure of the home fans. This happiness however would be short lived as Renée Guidice was pushed down by Eugene McNair during the 70th minute who proceeded to kick her a few times while she was down. This earned mister Eugene a red card and gave the Kitsunes a free kick of their own. Ako Izumi would go on to score that goal to give Kirishima a 2-1 lead. Quebec was not having any of that and went all out to try and tie the game. In the 83rd minute Joseph Yabuta would score off of a through ball from Son Dae-Han during a counter attack putting the Kitsunes up 3-1 which went on to be the final score. The post match was hectic as the Quebec team begun to riot, the K-Section and Kitsune players were mostly prepared for it considering their history against unruly teams in the past. A sight I'm not going to ever forget is hearing the final whistling and seeing an entire team of players and staff bolt for the buses as if it was a 100m dash.

Following the unexpected win, Kitsune manager Seong Mi-Soo had this to say while on the team bus. ""We were not ready for the type of play we encountered on the field. Sometimes when you carry yourself on the field a certain way, you expect the same treatment in return. We were reminded today that there are some truly violent places and all you can do is ignore the volatile atmosphere. We had a job to do and we are blessed to have win this match. So long as we fix our mistakes previously and beat who we are supposed to beat we should be able to reach the playoffs. The next match we play will be against Tumbra and we must beat them. We beat them before but they have the homefield advantage and I am wary of teams that have yet to beat us. Nevertheless whatever they throw at us, we need to match it."

#  Group 15                                     Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Flardania                                      6    4   2   0    19   10   +9    14
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec                        6    3   2   1    12    8   +4    11
3 Kirisaki                                       6    3   1   2    10    8   +2    10
4 Kalumba                                        6    3   1   2    13   11   +2    10
5 Tumbra                                         6    2   1   3     5    6   −1     7
6 Tomikosan                                      6    1   1   4    11   19   −8     4
7 Hydraic Empire                                 6    1   0   5     8   16   −8     3

Kitsunes are trying hard to remain leading in what is turning into a group of death.

Tumbra v Kirishima Preview:

With a 4-2-0 record in the first half of qualifers Kirishima heads Tumbra in what will be a Matchday 1 rematch. In their previous three meetings, Kirishima has defeated Tumbra 3-2 during the previous Cup of Harmony, won 2-1 in Kairaku during the Tumbra's Eight Corners Tour and won 3-0 in Heiwa during matchday one of these Qualifiers. The biggest concern for the Kitsunes is statistics. To go 4-0-0 against the same team in a short span of time is not an easy thing to do by any means. However with that said the Kitsunes will need to keep in mind what worked in matchday one and apply it. With the opposition certainly more prepared for this rematch, a mix of last face-off pros and adaptability will be key. While the Kitsunes did not use their gameplan against Quebec, the Kitsunes should be sure to remind themselves to use it for this match. Until then Lets Go Kitsunes!

Post by: Keita Woo

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:41 pm

Lex Talionis, Part Seven

Highgate Park
Riuwiee, Abanhfleft

Thursday couldn’t come soon enough for Erin, but when it did finally arrive, she found herself becoming nervous, and she was sweating profusely. Was it really possible? Could she have really outwitted the Crows this time? Could she and Britt really play football here in Abanhfleft without the Crows being any wiser? It was a very heady moment for Erin, and she could already feel the adrenaline rushing through her veins.

Thinking about rushes then made Erin wish that she had taken some drugs with her when she ran away with Britt from Otavice with the help of the mysterious Huesca Cartel. Then she remembered the strange blue pills that Nicolai had given her some days ago. Erin took out the small Ziploc bag with the pills and took one out to examine. The pill was the size of a small button, and it was made up of a blue gel formulation. Erin took a deep breath, and then she brought the pill up to her mouth and swallowed. She didn’t feel anything immediately after drinking the pill, but eventually she felt a kind of buzzing sensation in her arms and legs. She also felt a little… sharper, like her reflexes and eyesight had been enhanced just a little bit more than usual. Maybe there was some truth in Nicolai’s claims about this “miracle” pill after all.

Erin and Britt arrived at Highgate Park, the home of FC United of Riuwiee, by taking a taxi, although it turned out that they could have just walked from the safe house to the stadium, but at least now they knew. The stadium itself was quiet and empty, but there was some activity going on in the facility beside the stadium. Britt and Erin walked over there, where they were immediately greeted by a surly man in a blue tracksuit. “Are you here for the trials?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Erin and Britt nodded at the same time.

“Name?”

“Erin Jens—Jennings,” Erin corrected herself. She cast a wary glance at the man, but he didn’t seem to have noticed Erin’s connection as he wrote her name down on the clipboard in his hand.

“And you?” the man asked Britt. “What’s your name?”

“Britt Hanoks—Hanks.”

“Well, looks like you two just made it,” the man said as he wrote down Britt’s name. “We don’t have the truly big facilities like the Liga ng Abanhfleft clubs and Premier League clubs have, and we can only look at thirty people at a time at the most, but it’s our facility. Get on in there, girls. Let Henry explain the rest to you.”

Erin and Britt went into the training facility followed by the man in the tracksuit. A small group of people of various ages and genders were milling around in the practice field, divided into two smaller groups. The first group wore green training bibs while the other wore orange bibs. A man in a track top and football shorts was observing the two groups while standing on a football, but he quickly turned around to face the newcomers. “Ah, Wilbur,” he said, “I see you’ve got two more trialists for us today.”

“You got that right, Henry,” Wilbur, the man in the tracksuit, said. “These are Erin Jennings and Britt Hanks. Number 29 and number 30.”

“Good, good. Ladies, I’m Henry Blanco, manager of United of Riuwiee and formerly goalkeeper of many clubs, most notably Malabon SC,” the man said. “You’re just in time for the trials. Erin, since you’ve got an odd number, you’re with the green team. Britt, seeing as you’re even, you go to the orange team. The bibs are over there. Just put them on over your clothes. Oh, and if you don’t mind me asking, what positions do you play?”

“We’re both midfielders,” Erin replied.

“Excellent. Now get a move on! We don’t have all day!”

The first part of the trials consisted of the basic footballing skills such as passing, dribbling, tackling, and shooting. Both Erin and Britt breezed through this because they both had done this before in Hunsen. After that came the free kicks and the penalties. Each trialist was made to take five penalties each, aiming the ball at the top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left corner of the net as well as straight down the middle of the goal. All this they had to do while Blanco was between the sticks, and he quickly showed why he had been the starting goalkeeper for Malabon right until his retirement in 2013. The objective of this part of the trial was to determine which of the trialists, if any of them, were able to score a penalty under pressure. Once again, Erin breezed through this part of the trial because she had scored her fair share of penalties even though she hadn’t been the Loggers’ designated penalty taker. Britt did well enough for herself even though she had not yet scored a penalty in a competitive game for Hunsen before.

It was at the free kicks that Erin struggled. Hunsen had its own free kicks takers like Bisera last season, and while Erin was reluctant to say that she hadn’t been working on her free kicks during the offseason, that was exactly what she had been doing. Britt turned out to be much better than Erin at free kicks. It was probably a result of Britt hanging around with Bisera, training alongside her to finally get noticed by a big Anglatian club before all this shit with the Crows went down.

They took a fifteen-minute break after the first half of the trials, and then the two teams were told to square off against each other in a 45-minute match. The eleven best trialists on each team were to start, with the four others to be substituted into the game as needed. Britt and Erin both started for their respective teams, and from the first whistle, it was obvious that both of them, or Erin at least, were simply on a level above their fellow trialists. Erin bagged a hat trick for the green team within the first fifteen minutes even though she wasn’t playing as a very forward midfielder, and as the orange team focused on closing her down, she was able to pass the ball to her teammates, who took advantage of the openings left behind by the opponents to score more goals.

Britt tried the best for her team, and she even slide-tackled Erin once, after which she immediately apologized. She then ended up getting an unlikely assist when her long-range attempt at goal was given a helping nudge into the net by the shin of a guy in his early twenties to give the orange team a way back into the game, but Erin’s quality was simply higher than the other players on the field, and that didn’t escape the notice of Henry Blanco at the end of the half-game.

“All right, trialists, good job!” Blanco called out at the end of the trial. “I’m sure that all of you have done your best today to impress me and the club, and it’s probably time for all of us to have a good day’s rest. A member of our staff will visit you to tell you if you’ve made the cut. All right, ladies and gentlemen, that’s goodbye for now. Oh, and as for you two,” he pointed at Erin and Britt, “let’s have a quick chat in my office.”

“First off, girls,” Blanco said as he led Erin and Britt into his office, “let me just say that I have never seen anything quite like you two out there today.”

Britt and Erin looked at each other with a hint of alarm. What could Blanco possibly mean by that?

“You two played like professional players out there today,” Blanco said, and the two girls relaxed, but only for a little bit. “I admit that I wasn’t expecting much from you two when you came to the trial today,” Blanco admitted. “But, at the risk of repeating myself, I have never seen two players quite like you grace the same pitch on which I was standing. You two look young. How old are you two? Late teens, early twenties? Yet you’re already playing like you’ve got years of Premier League experience under your collective belts! Are you sure that you two haven’t ever played professionally before?”

Erin took her time before replying to Blanco’s question, and when she finally spoke, she selected her words carefully. “It’s a long story, sir, but Britt and I have played before,” she said. “We played for a team over in the, uh, Fhulghamous Peninsula, but it folded some time ago.” Erin winced in her mind as she heard herself butcher the name of the Fleftic colony in Esportiva. “Britt and I came back from Riuwiee just a few days ago and we saw that you guys were holding trials, and we thought it would be a good place to get ourselves back in the game.”

“Well, then,” Blanco said as he sat down behind his desk. “I can’t say that I’ll refuse any help that lands on my doorstep. What say you two to becoming United of Riuwiee’s latest signings? Come back tomorrow and sign the contracts. Listen, I’m not supposed to do this, but you two are just on a level above my players right now, and I really need all the help I can get to survive in the Capital Islands Premier Division with this team. Now, I don’t know how much you girls earned in the Fhulghamous, or even if you earned anything at all since the game’s almost all amateur at this level, and there are regulations against non-league teams paying players more than a couple of hundred new penenks, but who cares about that? I want you two girls playing for my team, and I want to see you two here tomorrow for the contract signings. Can you do that for an old man like me?”

“You have our word, sir,” Erin said. Honestly, to her, it didn’t matter whether she was paid millions or peanuts; as long as she was playing football, she was fine with just that.

As Britt and Erin walked out of United of Riuwiee’s training facility, a silver Bentley Arnage stopped right in front of them. The windows rolled down, and the familiar face of Nicolai Mendez popped out to greet them. “Well, look at what we have here,” he said. “It’s only our newfound friends!”

“Hop in, girls!” Justin Mendoza called out from the driver’s seat. “Let us take you two girls back home. You’ll be much safer with us, I promise.”

Britt and Erin got into the Bentley quietly. As Justin brought the large luxury car back on the road, Nicolai turned to face them and asked, “So, how did things go at the trial today?”

“I think Erin and I are going to be playing for the Blues starting tomorrow,” Britt replied.

“Well, that’s great news!” Nicolai said. “Why do you look sad about it?”

“I don’t know, to be honest. It’s probably because it’s not exactly the club of my dreams, but I also can’t be choosy because it’s probably the only chance I’ll ever get to play now that I’m supposed to be dead. I’m just kind of conflicted, actually.”

“Well, you should listen to your own words,” Nicolai said. “You really can’t be choosy when it comes to opportunities like this, so just make the most of it count. Oh, and Erin, how are you feeling? Did you take the pills like I told you to?”

“Yeah,” Erin replied. “Is it really supposed to feel like my hands and legs are buzzing?”

“Pretty much. I take it myself when I need to keep awake or something like that, so don’t worry about it. It’s actually meant to do that.”

Justin adjusted the rear-view mirror and happened to see Britt’s anxious expression. “What’s bothering you, Britt?” he asked. “I know that look. You’re thinking about something or someone far, far away.”

“I was just thinking about a friend of mine,” Britt replied. “Her name is Marija. She’s, uh, in the same line of work as you guys, except she’s working for the other guys.”

“Oh, those guys,” Justin said, and he exchanged glances with Nicolai. “What about her?” he asked Britt.

“I’m just wondering about what happened to her.” Then suddenly it looked as if a light bulb had gone on over Britt’s head. “Hey, guys, can I ask you a favour?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Can you guys or your guys look for Marija for me? Look if she’s still safe or alive or something like it? I mean, she may be a Crow, but she’s still my friend. I don’t know, I just want to know if she’s still okay, okay?”

“We’ll try our best, girls,” Nicolai said. “But we can’t promise you anything.”

“And while we’re on the subject of looking for people, can your guys look for a girl named Asha Malakar?” Erin asked. “I had planned on adopting her with Britt, but seeing as we’re supposed to be dead and all that…”

“All right, all right, but we still can’t promise anything,” Nicolai said. “But give me their descriptions anyway, and maybe we can work something out.”

After Britt and Erin had given their descriptions of Asha and Marija, Britt added, “I don’t know if you regularly do the thing that you did for us, but if in case you’re not that kind of guy, just bring Asha over to my dad. He’ll take care of her. I hope.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Justin said.

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

WORLD CUP 76 QUALIFIERS: PASARGA VS ABANHFLEFT
By Malik Qazizadah

Abanhfleft's players celebrate Alexandra Rousseau's goal to draw the Lady Revolutionaries against Pasarga. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

TORGOS, PASARGA - Alexandra Rousseau came from the bench to rescue a point for Abanhfleft against a resilient Pasarga at the Stade de Torgos.

Lea Choi had given the Lady Revolutionaries the lead against the run of play as her heel directed Adelaide Singh's pass past the hands of Bognár Lukacs just six minutes from the end of the first half.

But Pasarga finally found their deserved equalizer in the 64th minute when Romelio Ceballos burst through the Fleftic defense before rounding past Victoria Carter and slotting home.

Substitute Ingþór Auðbjörnsson then scored 61 seconds after coming onto the pitch to give the Wanderers the lead, but Rousseau's deft strike from close range at the death ensured that the teams will be sharing one point each coming into the qualifying break.

Amazing Auðbjörnsson
Much has been said of Auðbjörnsson ever since he broke out into the footballing scene as part of Pasarga's Di Bradini Cup 37 winning squad, and when he stepped onto the pitch for the Wanderers for Dominik Mauer, the young striker's quality showed.

After finding the back of the net from the edge of the box, Auðbjörnsson was a constant threat for the Fleftic defenders, always getting into good positions from which he could have added a goal or two to his growing tally.

But despite the second wind that Auðbjörnsson's goal had given them, Pasarga was unable to secure their lead due to sloppy finishing from their tiring players, and Rousseau's goal at the end of the game could land a blow to the Wanderers' confidence.

Is it time to bring Alex back?
So far, Holly Jonasson's new tactics have been hit or miss: Abanhfleft are keeping more clean sheets than before, all right, but where are the goals coming from now that she is only deploying four of the Mythical Five?

Chelsea Stuart, who used to be Abanhfleft's highest goalscorer by the mid-qualification point, has scored only twice in the current qualifying cycle and has now been edged out of the top spot by Rousseau, who scored her third goal for Abanhfleft in this cycle from the bench.

It has been said that football is a team sport, and the Fleftic team definitely seems to be winning more if Rousseau is in the team. Jonasson surely should take note of that in her future team selections for the second half of the World Cup 76 qualifiers.

Abanhfleft women's team manager Holly Jonasson: "A point is good from our perspective. We know that it's going to be very tough playing Pasarga at their home, and we always plan for the worst, but we are very fortunate to have walked away from this game with a point.

"We must keep this momentum up. I know the rumors saying that Abanhfleft are only good for one half of the qualifiers before collapsing in the other half. We will make sure that that does not come true this time. We are all working hard to bring honor and victory to the country, and collapsing in the second half of the qualifiers is not the way to do that. We are going to improve ourselves daily and qualify for the World Cup and do our best wherever."

Abanhfleft are second in Qualifying Group 3 below Pasarga. Abanhfleft will head for Banija to play their in the first game of the second half of the World Cup qualifiers.

           PASARGA 2 - 2 ABANHFLEFT
    CEBALLOS (64')       CHOI (39')
AUðBJÖRNSSON (72')       ROUSSEAU (90+1')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 01 Carter
RB: 14 Warren █ (Rousseau - 66')
RCB: 15 Hannibal (Osgood - 76')
LCB: 18 Samaniego
LB: 16 Heaton (Valentine - 85')
RM: 05 Maynard
LM: 06 Choi
RW: 07 Prescott
CAM: 10 Torres
LW: 08 Singh
ST: 09 Stuart

PASARGA
GK: 01 Lukacs
RB: 02 Grabowski
RCB: 03 Moravec
LCB: 04 Milani
LB: 05 Gottschalk
RW: 06 Lacharité
RM: 07 Lebrun
LM: 08 Ruel
LW: 10 Pokrovski (Jurkovic - 85')
ST: 09 Mauer
ST: 11 Ceballos (Auðbjörnsson - 70')

STATISTICS
Possession
Pasarga: 54%
Abanhfleft: 46%
Shots
Pasarga: 12 (5 on target)
Abanhfleft: 8 (4 on target)
Corners
Pasarga: 4
Abanhfleft: 2
Fouls
Pasarga: 10
Abanhfleft: 22

by **Brenecia** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:07 am

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Halfway point sees Patriots scrape to the top
Gareth Horner

It's not been pretty to this point, and there's the familiar Brenecian ability to make the easy unnecessarily difficult. But when the six-pointers came up, the Patriots held their ground and got the job done.

It started well, too. Brenecia's been notorious for incredibly bad starts, especially during campaigns that ended in qualification. That's a nice little quirk of trivia but nobody was complaining when Brenecia blazed through South Legalese and Felinetopia without breaking a sweat - save for defensive mix-ups that lead to Hartigan and Woodgate failing to keep clean sheets.

Then, the second phase. The Complication. It was the strongest side Cullen had that took on Abaja, and yet their lack of discipline and end product lead to a deserved 1-0 capitulation on home soil. Abaja are a good team. They shouldn't be that good. This was compounded by a breathtakingly dull scoreless draw against Albundania, and suddenly things looked dicey again.

Granted, the match against Matthewsiania was pretty terrible, too. But that's only for a neutral. As a long-suffering Brenecia supporter, the clean sheet was beautiful to watch. Woodgate stood up when needed and although the Patriots did struggle to break down the defence and looked vulnerable on the counter the game was won. Despite 90 minutes of puff and endeavour, Brenecia just needed a touch of class from Catherine Purrington to loft it into the top corner, and that was enough for the three points.

Still, they needed a win against the States - and that's what happened. This time, all the gears clicked together against seasoned opponents (including veteran Northern Union captain Candace Rivers, one of the few humans in the side). Within seven minutes, boom! Diving header, Squire Trevelyan, meets Purrington's exceptional diagonal ball and journeywoman goalkeeper Marilyn Peterson was left without a chance. In the 25th minute, Rankin doubled Brenecia's lead with a smartly-taken finish from just outside the box and the Patriots sat comfortably on the two goals. Elsie Drover yet again came on for Purrington at the hour mark and scored in the 65th, battering a shot past Peterson from just outside the box.

All in all, the Patriots have done enough to make them favourites to reach the big dance - though a lot will ride on the reverse fixture visiting Matthewsiania. And it seems as though at least one regional champion might fall from contention - Lilith Paterson might well wear the number 4 but it appears as though Matt Ruffan has forced his way into Cullen's plans with some impressive, muscular cameos, Gryphon remaining unchallenged as a starter. For the most part, though, it's been the established figures clicking, and the concession of just a goal every other game is hugely impressive - Woodgate in great form with the Eura-based partnership of Bradden and Scrivener repulsing all-comers. This team probably won't be much different from the young side of two years ago which qualified for the first time in years and made it to the knockout stages, nor different from the side which won the Campionato Esportiva last year. And, with all the turmoil traditionally surrounding the side over the years, a settled side with plenty of chemistry achieving capable results should be cherished.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:17 am

Introduction
Pilot
Muscle Memory

Episode III : Title and Registration

So Ellie's diagnosed with cancer, while Marianne is struggling on her own and Felix left bitter over his heart's anguish. Coach Antoine is missing his long dead ex-wife, Jordan isn't having much good time controlling his temper and of course Frederic is just high all day and maybe with some company. Can our long-suffering fencers and friends do lot better this time?

Key Events - Antoine, Dana and Marianne

The giant may have fallen, but the show must go on. That's what's on Antoine Kim's mind, as he calls for immediate executive meeting through an email. Later that evening, at the coach's living room, the remaining members of the executive are called upon to make an executive decision about who becomes the next captain for the women's fencing team. With varying minds discussing their options among themselves, coach Antoine prepares the dinner with his son, Eric, for a much bigger group. "It's the first time we've had this many guests since five years ago," Eric says, as he looks at the older beings bicker, to which Antoine can't help but to feel sad about. It's been 3 years since he's late ex-wife left him, and 5 years ago since divorcing him. It was a messy one and one can't help but to notice the sadness behind their faces, as the camera turns to a brief portrait of their once-happy family and then stops.

In a brief montage another night, one finds coach Antoine walking towards the front door. Long intoxicated, he's thinking of his wife again. He's thinking of his childhood; memories were coming to him of how his parents and a brother were killed early due to a car crash, how he grew up under his uncle who introduced him to fencing, and then Marielle. Oh how much he missed her, from her sweet face, the country charm voice to her body in every curves and flats! He lunges forward and opens the door, only to find nobody there. Falling down he starts crying.

The very next morning, we find out that the choice was quite unanimous. Marianne meets the associate coach, Dana, and asks if she, asking this because Dana's an English graduate, should drop ENGL 241: Ethics in Literature because of memories it brings up. Worried about her inability to get further into understanding flaws behind the literature, Dana advises Marianne to take it in fourth year instead, in order to get her ready for a possible service in fields necessary. Afterwards, Marianne asks how she's been doing with her mother being in Free Republics and the struggles there lately. She responds to Dana about how she has to help her grandfather, a longtime veteran with many medals. Marianne knows well about the news of great recruiting class the team has come up with, and is stressed out about her opportunity to lead the team. Dana had no idea about this news; she was away for two days due to a high school camp and all of this happened while she's away.

Shortly after, Dana encounters coach Antoine and asks why the hell didn't she receive any information on this. Upon receiving his rationale that it's entirely up to the student executives (like how it was back when Dana was an undergraduate), coach Dana responds that it is not wise to ignore coaches' input when they look at their performances and forms. They argue for 2 minutes and then apologise to each other for being harsh. Antoine agrees to keep in check with Dana and make sure she'll not feel uncomfortable about all this pressure. He doesn't want to lose another veteran after what had happened with Ji Seob Yeon two years ago. The very next night they watch a rom-com movie, Phi Zeta Omega, in her place.

Two days later, on the Saturday practice, coach Antoine tries to look as happy as possible; he's trying his best not to spread the worries to rest of the team by making this immediate announcement. Antoine tells himself that all will go well, as he exits the coach's office with the assistants. Once entering, seeing the army of fencers who had come under his command, he welcomes Marianne Dalembert, as the latest Women's team captain. A rather surprising choice to to many fencers', including Felix, they nonetheless cheer wildly for the captain, whose wave is as awkward as anytime possible. Coach Dana, however, sighs as she watches things unfold.

Quotes of the Episode

"No matter what, don't confuse infatuation with real spark."
- Alain Song, men's foil captain, to Felix-

What's happening with....

Felix

By this point, you realise that Felix is a clusterfuck of emotional mess and complications. And this episode only proves it further. Felix Yang, already banged up by what happened the last episode, starts his own day by telling himself to don't even look at the direction of 'Bainsley House' whenever he's out in West cafeteria. He heads to his morning philosophy and English lectures, before settling into a quiet table with Jordan and Martin Richenvald, a quiet floormate of his whom he's been getting along well with.

Afterwards, it's time to head to Intermediate French class and Felix, deciding to find a table with his 2 floormates, enters the Morris 333. Sitting right in the back of circular table with his floormates, he turns to the left and sees this charming girl named Marie to the left. Immediately drawn into her, Felix decides and is about to ask her name when Alanis and Thea, two tablemates of theirs, arrive and interrupt the scene. Quietly withdrawn back to the settings, Felix decides to relax and forget about whatever this may be.

After the class, Felix is back in the cafeteria with Martin and talks about this girl whose name he's yet to know, but is pretty eye-catching. Martin laughs and tells him to ask next time, to which Felix agrees on. He then turns the topic to Tara, a short, blonde teammate Felix finds as cute, to which Darian, his friend from small Koreana club, laughs with. We get to see Felix ending the day by chatting with his mum, all the way back in Kingston, of something good he feels in the air about the whole week ahead.

Unfortunately, Felix has not been on sync with his expectations and activities the rest of the week. He's had no luck in seeing Andres, who's already out with a cold and lots of work. During practices, he is noticeably slower on footwork and parries than that of his fellow freshmen. He gets frustrated at himself but reminds that for all the progress, he's been coming to every practice, so in time results will come. During classes he is not finding himself that impressive given his lack of preparation in English and French classes. The guy's getting distracted as well, and this thing called RLStates and watching sports....gosh.

We end his part of the storyline mostly with a small set Koreana group chat dating back to April finally finding a time to meet each other. Chilling in Location 25, Ladouceur-Shin Hall, Felix gets to meet a couple of pals, In Yeong, Francis and Laurence, whom their memes and laugh-seeking adventures have drawn mutual likings to each other, on top of a mature, sophomore historian named Deion Woo. It ends right with them chilling while the Broncos-Giants game is on television.

Jordan

In this episode, we get to open the scene with Jordan starting the day in his fencing pants and nothing else on top, to showers a sexy upper body of Garth-Moises Shirkanazadeh to our viewers. He checks his clock. It's only 6:30 a.m., much to his delight. It was a rough week, based on his flashbacks, and he's looking to get back to work for another week. Immediately realising that he has no class until 10:00, he decides to practice on his own, for a couple of hours 'til he's ready for breakfast.

We then watch him go back into his classes. They mount significant challenges for him, as he struggle to figure out how he should do his graphics course. A sketcher in nature but neither a designer nor a neat person, he struggles in trying to do his latest graphics assignment. Mathematics and all that are good, however, and he has no qualms with his classmates.....as long as they don't waste his time. He has other things to do and has no time to spend for non-productive purposes.

Deep into the Tuesday evening, Jordan receives a snap from Ella suggesting Liana and Aaron arguing over him not responding to messages and drinking. Realising that it's happening downstairs, he decides to head down and take a look at what's happening, but it's too late. They go their separate ways and there's nothing Jordan could do about it. Immediately deciding that he should just ignore what had happened, Jordan retires back to the room and pretends to study while Facebooke-messaging Liana at the same time. He sends her multiple, asking if she's okay, but doesn't get a response.

He gets desperate and desperate, as he waits for another two days of classes and practices before finally getting a response. Once he receives the message, he heads to her place instead. They hug and embrace each other in a bit of (late) summertime sadness, before heading to Location 25, for a meal. Grabbing a late meal, Ella tells him that she's been really thinking of breaking up with him, but not sure on what to do. Unsure on whether to take advantage of the situation or not, Jordan accidentally decides to play 'There's enough fish on the pool' card by telling her to maybe calm down, work through differences and maybe understand better. After much silence, and then some extra words, she agrees. After the supper, one can see Jordan getting mad at himself for not going after Liana and goes for a smoke with Felix.

On the subsequent Wednesday and Thursday practices, he does much better from a previous week's performance. He's been able to get through people's heads with his athleticism, bouncing back and forth before landing impressive touches. But he's not feeling well, and gets gassed lot earlier this time. His questions to the coach about what he should do don't really help, as the coach's been giving him indirect answers, something that only frustrates the pupil more. Getting tired quickly, he accidentally falls asleep on Yeong Shik's bed, causing the roommate to sigh.

Frederic, Alain and Ellie

At the hospital, Ellie is at the hospital trying to feel much better about the situation. As realised earlier, she realises that her time's now over as a fencer. She is having trouble moving a lot with her body and wants to keep trying, but the nurse tells her to calm down and have a rest until she's ready. Julien, in his shift to keep an eye on Ellie (previously ordered by coach Antoine), enters into the room to cheer her up with some flowers. Unfortunately, the flowers weren't given fresh and considering that they didn't come in plant forms, she starts crying as she watches as the campus lights flickering down in parallels to the sunset.

Alain is in Julien's pick-up truck (he was away, so Alain got to spend few hrs with it) with Felix and Frederic for a smoke right behind the beer store. Walking past Cecily, Julien and Alain's friend, sees them and asks if they're visiting her for tomorrow's dinner. Julien and Felix agrees, while Alain turns himself away from the rest; his expressions explained the best in general consensus towards her illness. It's not something one can easily cope with, and that's what they'll be living through.

One day after, Alain visits Ellie to the hospital with Felix and Frederic. Alain says that everything will be alright and that sooner than later, she'll be back in full condition - given that she has faith in herself. Alain, even with negative signs and clouds pointing into the undesirable direction, is trying so hard to calm down and give her the much-needed ray of positivity. Ellie responds to Alain that he's not helping him getting adjusted to the reality and that in her dreams she's seen through so much that she starts crying in the morning to start it all. Alain is trying so hard to listen to her but it's not easy to listen before the door opens.

Right after, Frederic gets dirty looks from Alain for smoking cannabis in the hospital and gets kicked out of there by the nurse, while Felix awkwardly enters to see Ellie in hospital gown. Feeling awkward but emotional, he tells her that the whole team misses her and that everything will go well for her. Ellie, after saying thanks, responds to him that "only god knows what will happen" and that "him doing well will do wonders for me". This causes everybody to cry on site.

On a Friday night, Felix and Frederic smokes a joint together (for the second episode straight), bringing his friend Arnaud at the same this time. Felix asks details about their relationships, and how hard can it be for them to stay together while far away. Frederic responds that all it takes is time and patience and that the rarer you get to see your person, more valuable the time becomes. They agree and then start talking about the epic poem 'Saint Clinton' series.

The saturday morning, Alain is working on his paper, while looking into the window on a rainy autumn morning. Ellie is getting ready to be transferred to the surgery table, after only 2 weeks of wait. The nurses are getting her ready, just as Alain shows up. Alain gives her a quiet, gentle prayer from the Bible and kisses her hand. Mrs. Rossi gives the Michelle Ahn and Lane Ward-signed blade handle to her.

What worked

• Scenes were framed and rolled through very well with each other. They didn't produce any awkward transition or loss of crucial timing, something that I have to credit the producers and VJs for. Bravo!

• Depiction of weird dynamics between Dana and coach Antoine. In age they're fairly apart from each other: One's 41 and other 24, so that's like 17 years of difference. But even with coach-to-assistant dynamic, they take each other as more or so equal to each other, unlike the typical pyramid dynamic of respect between Antoine and others. Whether it's like that with other coaches remain to be seen, but at least we're seeing some conflicts and necessary mediations between coaches.....which makes this series so far real and fun.

• Good balance of characters and their scenes today, as we get to see most of our main characters today. In an ensemble cast like that of Varsity, it is more than ever important to keep up with the storytelling on every character, especially because it's not meant to be done like that of DiGrasse or Keeping Up with Wests, both of which have been disappointing me with spotty job the past 5 seasons. Getting good deals of details for all characters is always nice.

• Scene where Felix suddenly experiences sudden spark of emotions when seeing Marie was well done. It had everything I wanted, from the smooth capturing of the scenes, camera moving back and forth between slow and fast modes and on top excellent emotional drive made by Georges Woo for that part. He delivered as expectations dictated from his last movie, Nordica, and may have won over 1,093+ fans with that scene.

What didn't

• Why did they have to start the episode with Jordan starting his day? Wouldn't it have been better for Felix to open the episode by picking up where we left off, as in starting from that Dreamy French Class that may seem to become very important down the road? Absolutely. It would've made better sense for Jordan starting his new week by putting it right after.

• Not enough Frederic, though that may be the case because of this character really being a 'team's friend' character than an actual 'fencer'. The only bummer with that was that it may surprise few people who took liking to this cannabis-loving, long-distance girlfriend-missing Frederic, who may end up getting involved into another interesting hole.

• Soundtrack in this episode isn't as good as that of the ones before, though that's kinda hard to fill with the nature of this episode. But then putting 'Twilight Resurgence' by Mors Incaranti, a Cosumarite Black Metal band of all groups, while Felix is reading about 'Norwegian Death Metal Church Burnings' RPs in RLStates may not be the most fitting musical choice. You may think of it otherwise, but that's just my opinion.

General thoughts

"I liked today's episode. It had everything between emotional delivery of tiniest but most memorable of scenes expected from this season, further development of character tensions and crushing reality, on top of depicting accidental mistakes that these college peeps make. Filmographic skills on here were splendid as well. There were few scenes that could've been done either earlier or after one and another, but otherwise it's a really well-made episode."

by **Electrum** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:39 am

Phantasmagoria - a confusing or strange scene that is like a dream because it is always changing in an odd way.

Perhaps that might be an apt description for your team's fortunes. Will your team be finally be able to turn things around? Or will today be start of that long descent? Results coming soon...

Day 8 Results

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:46 am

All-Time Cosumar XI ::: Entry #10 ::: Kennedy Kopenhaver & Thomas Hair (CBs)

157 caps | 164 caps
2 goals | 5 goals
WC 52-57 | WC 51-57

You spoke. We listened. By popular demand, The Cosumarite Courier will resume its position-by-position countdown of the best possible team of Cosumarites from all eras. As you may recall, new entries were unveiled periodically throughout World Cup 75 Qualifying in honor of Cosumar's 50th anniversary in international competition. Inductees were selected based on a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria and then given a review of their life in and outside of football. This is where we left off. However, in the hubbub of the World Cup Finals, the series was put on the backburner and the two final selections were left a mystery. Ever since, we have received daily Twitter requests for the rest of the list to be published. Now, two years later, the final two vacancies in the All-Time Cosumarite XI will be revealed. One defender and one forward.

...Well, make that two defenders. The final spot on Cosumar's dream backline, a center back to go with previously-inducted Alexander Pearce, came down to a dead-even tie between Kennedy Kopenhaver and Thomas Hair in almost all metrics. Given that they were longtime friends who played together for most of their careers and boasted such similar resumes (see above), it didn't feel right to pick one in lieu of the other. They were the yin and yang, the Jekyll & Hyde...the magnetic duo that powered Cosumar's defense into a golden era. So we decided to say "fuck it" to our own rules and include both of them. Kopenhaver and Hair will share the 10th spot in the Best XI.

Kopenhaver (left) and Hair (right)
on a trip with the first U18 NT.
They were a lockstep unit on
-and-off the pitch even then.

Early Lives: John Thomas Hair was born on May 29, 945 and Kennedy Strauss Kopenhaver was born three years later on December 6, 948 - both in an outskirt of Centus, Gellano Fief called Coppell. Despite their age gap, the two became close friends through years of attending the same after-school sports club while their parents worked. Hair was reserved and a physical late-bloomer, while Kopenhaver was boisterous and unafraid to mix it up with older kids, so they were often assumed to be the same age by observers. Both had comfortable upper-middle-class upbringings in Coppell, but were often left to their own devices with all four parents committed to their careers. With neither having a brother either (Hair had two younger sisters Maggie and Layne, while Kopenhaver had older sister Ashleigh), they quickly developed a bond of brotherhood and together had many adventures of youth. Eventually, by the time they were 15 and 12, they spent more and more of their time hanging out on competitive sport - particularly soccer. They would play drills against each other for hours after school each day, with Kopenhaver always insisting on being the glorious attacker and Hair content to defend him endlessly.

Youth Careers: This being an early period of Cosumarite soccer, professional youth academies did not really exist yet. The Harlighet Ligan would not even organize the domestic competition for another two decades. So as Hair and Kopenhaver grew more serious about the sport as teenagers, watching World Cup 48 and dreaming that Cosumar would one day have its own national team, they followed the only route available to them. They tried out for their high school team in Coppell. Hair's career hit its first major roadblock when he failed to make the team as a freshman, sophomore or junior. The coaches somehow thrice overlooked the timid Hair's prototypical center back's body and defensive instincts. Devastated by the repeated rejections, Thomas would have thrown away his dreams of becoming a footballer entirely were it not for Kennedy. His younger friend believed in him and simply would not let him quit. The next year, Hair and Kopenhaver both made Coppell's top team as a Senior and Freshman. Though the incompetent coaches insisted on playing Hair as a winger at first, he eventually settled into his role as a central defender. Kopenhaver, with his over-the-top extroversion and ambition, desperately wanted to be a superstar goalscorer, but it was becoming increasingly clear that he had a defender's body and skill-set. Like Kopenhaver kept Hair's confidence up, Hair was just as crucial for Kopenhaver's personal development...by keeping his confidence in check. After a bit of a fight, Kopenhaver reluctantly agreed to try defending instead. Lo and behold, his years of practice with Hair immediately led to a center-back partnership of tremendous chemistry. The two anchored Coppell to a 3rd-place finish in Gellano Fief. Around this time, both were invited to the FSF's first ever national camp for youth talent (see photo left), the success of which led to the formal establishment of a senior international team a few years later. Hair received a scholarship to play at the University of Eastweald, and Kopenhaver followed him two years later after graduating Coppell High a year early. At university, there was real competition between the two friends for the first time, but it only strengthened their steel and solidified their partnership when they locked up the two starting spots as a Senior and Sophomore.

Club Careers: Thomas Hair graduated from the University of Eastweald at 21 and, wanting to experience life outside of Gellano Fief for the first time, was immediately signed to his first professional contract by Atletisk Surpronuk. Though a fourth-tier club nowadays, Atletisk were the giants of the northern peninsula at the time. Unlike in high school and college, where it took a few years for the introverted Hair to feel comfortable and gain recognition, he immediately established himself as a prime talent in Surpronuk. As the first-choice RCB, Hair's guiding presence in the back fueled the Warriors of the North to win the Velvet Cup and place 2nd in the 38th IFK Invitational in his first year (at this time Cosumarite soccer did not have a modern league system, only assorted knock-out tournaments and regional circuits). At age 28, he left Surpronuk to join Nomad Brotherhood FC, intrigued by the club's unique principles and political ideology. However, it wasn't a great fit on the pitch and Hair struggled with his new club, denting his confidence and causing him to almost lose his starting spot on the national team for World Cup 54. He moved on after only two seasons, 30 years old and at a crossroads. Getting the next move right with be crucial for the longevity of his career. So he did the logical thing, and joined up with his old buddy Kennedy at Mallox. Kopenhaver, 27, had been Mallox since graduating from the collegiate ranks and become captain. With the Tigers now boasting both of Cosumar's World Cup center backs in addition to future NT goalkeeper Pablo Reyes, they dominated the domestic landscape for the next five years. After which, Hair would spend one last season with small hometown club Coppell City FC to raise its profile before retiring at 36. Kopenhaver would remain a Mallox lifer and retire from the club as a legend at age 37, his twilight years overlapping with the transition to the CosumarLigan pyramid. Mallox won its first Harlighet Ligan championship in Kopenhaver's final season in 985.

Hair defending a Khytennan
striker in World Cup 51.

International Career: A recognizable name after three standout seasons at Surpronuk, Hair (24) was among the most established players to join the B-team that we sent to World Cup 51 for our international debut. Hastily-assembled after missing the Baptism of Fire, it was a team destined to fail. A guinea pig group. Most of the players were amateurs and had no chance of being called up again for a more serious WC 52 effort. But Hair had envisioned playing in the World Cup since childhood and, like captain Irvinn Rincon, knew it was the chance to get in with the national team on the ground floor. Like fellow WC 51 standouts Rincon and Varshney, Hair made a true name for himself on that stage. Going head-to-head with world-class strikers for the first time, Hair inspired millions back home by fearlessly helping the Dragons shockingly take points off Aguazul and Krytenia. Two years later, a 23-year-old Kennedy Kopenhaver earned a call-up to the now-respected national team for World Cup 52. Hair and Kopenhaver became the first-choice tandem in central defense, working together in harmonic balance just like they did at the University of Eastweald, Coppell High and the backyards of their childhood before that. That fine-tuned Hair/Kopenhaver partnership would keep Cosumar steady at the back for five consecutive World Cups (52-56) as the Dragons soared from an unknown football backwater to a regular knockout-round contender. A mid-30s Kopenhaver would retain his grip on a starting spot for one additional cycle (WC57), partnering with another CB besides Hair for the first time (Cedir Na'Draughn), before the two then retired from international football together after another Ro16 exit. Both men had many great moments in this dawning golden age, with the most dramatic including Kopenhaver's diving goal-line clearance to preserve the Haginonia win that qualified us for World Cup 54 and Hair's amazing header against The Babbage Islands in the World Cup 55 Finals. That's without even mentioning some of the more comical "Kopenhaver moments" like his red card for slapping one of his own teammates in World Cup 52 or his face-to-face mocking impersonation of Vanorian star Laborious Hawk. They are still the two most-capped center backs in Cosumarite history. Left-back and first inductee William Riley is the only defender with more caps than Thomas Hair.

Personality & Playing Styles: Kennedy Kopenhaver was infamous in Cosumar for being one of the most intense players ever to step on a pitch. Ever. He would stop at nothing to win, even if it meant angrily telling his teammates what's what or getting himself a card to send a message. Indeed, he is the all-time national team leader in cards. A record that seems unlikely to ever be broken. A stocky, compact slab of muscle, his tackles packed a bunch and he rarely conceded an inch on set-pieces. Thomas Hair was the perfect counterweight. Calm and composed, Hair has the lowest card-total amongst heavily-capped defenders. He led by silent example when Kopenhaver's blustery, physical style of leadership wasn't the right approach. Sometimes Hair was the only person who could placate Kopenhaver and get him to keep his cool. At other times, Kopenhaver's fiery determination was the only thing that could keep Hair going. While Hair lacked the physical strength and tough tackling of Kopenhaver, he provided the main thing his younger compatriot lacked: height and aerial ability. And they knew all this about each other. Together, their mutual understanding made them a force to be reckoned with.

Life After Soccer: After retiring, Kopenhaver attempted a broadcasting career but was not happy. It was too far removed from the action! He then took to coaching, and spent six years as an assistant to Alvin Burnsides at his beloved Mallox, winning one more Harlighet Ligan championship during that tenure. He then interviewed for and made the shortlist for the managerial vacancy at Miners 47 in Apox, but after ultimately being passed over, Kennedy jumped on a chance to work for Farris Crowley, his former mentor, with the National Team. That was 12 years ago. Now 59, Kopenhaver is the Assistant Coach to Gethin Ramsey and has held that role since World Cup 70. He still brings the same passion and energy to the team that he brought as a player. Deceptively clever and has come to excel at game strategy. Really knows how to relate to and motivate players. With Ramsey getting quite old, Kopenhaver is on the shortlist of candidates to replace him as boss of Cosumar in the coming years. Thomas Hair, meanwhile, has moved on from football entirely. While still great friends with the Kopenhavers, he was burnt out on sport by the time he retired. Instead, he devoted himself to becoming a scholar. He went back to the University of Eastweald and obtained Master's and Doctorate degrees in civics and sociology. Now 62, Hair is among the most popular professors at the university. He is a rare man - physically imposing yet keenly intelligent. Soft-spoken, yet a commanding and colorful writer. He never had children, but married childhood sweetheart Alexa Arispe after re-connecting in their late 30s. Kopenhaver, always the contrast, has eight children from three different marriages since his first at age 25. He recently became a grandfather. His firstborn daughter, Sara Kopenhaver (an equestrian rider with Olympic ambitions), gave birth to Kennedy Kopenhaver II last year. Ken for short.

And there you have it. Kennedy Kopenhaver completes the back line of the All-Time Cosumarite Dream Team, with Hair as an honorary inclusion. Other national team legends like Abdiel Assad, Endyl Paru, Cedir Na'Draughn and even current captain Peter Svensson were considered for this spot, but there was just no way that any list like this would have neither Kopenhaver nor Hair. These were our first great center backs. They accomplished more than even prior selection Alexander Pearce. And since they really were a perfect team, their sum being greater than the respective parts, we decided to just include both of them. Sure, it's a cop-out, but we feel the greater injustice would've been to drive a wedge through their historic partnership by choosing between them. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to let us know how you feel about the tenth selection (selections?) in the comments section or on social media with the hashtag #CosumarXI. Be sure to stay tuned over the next few weeks as we prepare to complete the image below.

#1: LB William Riley | #2: CM Irvinn Rincon | #3: ST Rikki Varshney | #4 ST Sur Arora | #5: DM Vareza Na'Noni | #6: CB Alexander Pearce | #7: RB Tae Woo Miyori | #8: CM Brian Emerson | #9: GK Jakk Winterfyll | #10: CBs Kennedy Kopenhaver & Thomas Hair

In honor of World Cup 75 being Cosumar's anniversary 25th World Cup cycle, The Cosumarite Courier began naming a "best eleven" of Cosumarite history for the first time ever. Nine players from the last 50 years were inducted, but with the excitement of our Quarterfinals run, the list was never concluded. For the two years since, readers have been demanding to know who the final two selections were. So with the quietness of the mid-qualifying break in effect, we will now honor our promise to finish the list and pick up where we left off. The overarching premise is this: if Cosumarite scientists unlocked time travel and could assemble any combination of Cosumarite players from the last 50 years, who should we select to win a World Cup? After a combination of public polling, statistical analysis and our own subjective insights, we came up with the ten players listed above and reviewed each of their storied careers. One selection still remains - so keep your eyes peeled for the grand finale of this series. By the time the World Cup 76 cycle is winding down, the countdown will finally be complete and a concrete Best XI finalized at long last.

by **Jeruselem** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 5:03 am

In Amazonesta, after Jeruselem beat the local team 2-0 ...

Chloe Dallas and Khloe Dallas ...

Khloe: Hey, you've got my phone
Chloe: No wonder I couldn't unlock my phone
Khloe: Doesn't help we use the same phone cover
Chloe: Although yours is less beaten up than mine
Khloe: Well, mine doesn't have nude image of you as the lockscreen
Chloe: Yes well, I guess you don't do that

Khloe: People seem to know who you are, no one bothers about me ...
Chloe: I guess in between being on Naked News and doing them webcams ... people would know
Khloe: I couldn't do that, maybe I'm just boring
Chloe: Oh, I'm just a dirty little attention whore.
Khloe: Sounds like a lot of my family
Chloe: I'm half Qazian anyway, nudity don't bother me

Khloe: You don't look much like your sister either
Chloe: Oh yes, Khloe ... not you, she's more like Dad. I'm more mini-Mum
Khloe: I don't get why parents would name who daughters with almost the same name
Chloe: No idea, confuses the crap out of people too. Especially policemen, when they ask for Chloe .. or Khloe
Khloe: I forget what she does for a living
Chloe: She's a surgeon, the one with the brains! Not the looks. I didn't get much brains, but I got the looks

Khloe: Better than nothing
Chloe: She's got the money though, although she works harder than me.
Khloe: I'm not exactly rich either.
Chloe: Yeah but she don't party a lot, that costs money
Khloe: I guess some people love to enjoy themselves
Chloe: I'm no Princess, lucky people like them.

Khloe: We can't complain, we're still got the good life
Chloe: I guess we're not housewives stuck at home with kids and no income
Khloe: Yes, that would suck. We get to travel the world, some people never leave their home town.
Chloe: Having kids doesn't mean being stuck at home all your life like in some countries
Khloe: I guess that make us feminists of sorts
Chloe: But we're not real ones

Khloe: No, but we're not just baby machines either
Chloe: We're good at that too ...
Khloe: That's our ticket to immortality, because we're mortal. Only ya kids can carry on your genes
Chloe: And someone has to take care of you when you're old
Khloe: Getting old and falling to bits kinda sucks still
Chloe: Yes, you lose ya looks. And the brain goes all mushy. Really sucks.

by **Kalumba** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:27 am

An Evening With Spleen Cancelled

In perhaps unsurprising news the television chat show "An Evening With Spleen", starring the controversial fanzine On The Lash With The Lads' pseudo agony aunt Mr Spleen has been cancelled after broadcasting just a single episode. In what was not a bad interview footballing legend Almond Nofamela was returned to the limelight and many looked forwards to a long series with insights into the lives of some of our more notable footballing stars. However perhaps this was the series downfall.

The second episode was to be an interview with Ben Roberts, nee Rowlatt, the now husband of midfield star Ollie Roberts. Rowlatt until a serious knee injury was a footballing star in his own right and a member of our most hallowed squad, the Baptism of Fire 43 winners. He and his husband are now living in Southern Cynecophali where Ollie still plies his trade, and Ben had returned to Kalumba to watch the weekends game and to appear in this interview.

But Mr Spleen's views on homosexuality are well known and perhaps reflect a worrying number of our nations people,and he was surely the wrong man to conduct this interview and for this the producers can only blame themselves. From what sources have leaked Mr Spleen had to have his resolve stiffened with numerous pints of beer before he would enter the studio and insisted on sitting with his back firmly against the wall of the studio.

He proceeded to insult and berate Rowlatt until the unfortunate man decided to leave whereupon Mr Spleen attempt to physically restrain him and continue the interview. The producers must be thanking their lucky stars that the programme was not being broadcast live as it has saved them from embarrassing publicity and surely a heft fine from the KBC.

Mr Spleen has claimed that the whole row has been blown out of proportion by "those bloody PC nancy boys" and their inability to take "a little bit of banter while being completely capable of taking a portion of gentleman batter". On The Lash With The Lads has refused to comment on reports that Mr Spleen has been offered his regular column back with the fanzine but it would hardly be surprising to see his vitriol spewing forth once more in print.

by **Barunia** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 8:57 am

Police Handbook
For the reference of all officers of police forces within Barunia
4th Federal Edition

Section 1: The role of the police in Barunia.

A police force is the primary civil force responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order. Other groups may have this responsibility over certain areas, and it the duty of every citizen to maintain public order, but it is the police who have the widest, and greatest, responsibility.

Barunia has six forces: Havenia Police, West Barunia Police, Marion Police, Tildos Police, Territorial Police, and Barunian Federal Police. No matter what force you join, each one operates under the same primary objectives, and operate together to achieve those objectives. The term "Barunian Police Force" (BPF) is considered a blanket term to collectively describe these six forces, and is used as such within this manual.

The primary objectives of the Barunian Police Force are based on the primary role of the police, which are to be found at the top of this manual. They are:

"1. The Prevention and Detection of Crime,
2. The Maintenance of Public Order,
3. The Protection of the Public Person, and of Property,
4. The Arrest and Delivery of Accused Persons to Stand Trial."

It is important to note that nowhere in the objectives of the police force does it make a statement about the administration of justice. That is not the job of the police, but of the courts, and the legal system attached to it. This separation between the police and the rest of the legal system is an integral part of our country's justice system, and ensures that justice is administered fairly and impartially.

The four objectives provide the backbone of the Barunian Police Force. They explain what we do, and why we do it. The new recruit would be wise to study them and learn them by heart. The veteran officer does well to return to them, and remind themselves of the ideas that underpin everything. Without them, there is not a police force.

As an officer of the law, your responsibilities are to protect and serve the public. The public have an expectation of the police force, one that is based once again on the four objectives.
The first expectation, and perhaps the most basic, is that you will reduce the instances of crime within the community. That you will work to detect crime, to investigate it, and to find and detain those responsible.
Secondly, there is an expectation that you will keep the peace and maintain oder, that you will protect rights, but also protect the public from harm. As a police officer, your first thought must always be to public safety.
Thirdly, there is an expectation that you will use the considerable powers afforded to you in a right and appropriate manner. In particular, you shall use your powers of arrest only on reasonable grounds, and a detained person shall be afforded all their rights. In particular, the right to habeas corpus, or the right to stand trial, is codified within the fourth objective.

by **Amberian Islands** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 9:44 am

Amberian Islands fifth in the group as World Cup 76 qualification reaches its half

After being eliminated from the Baptism of Fire 63 tournament, Ferocious Wolves didn't have much time to rest because qualification for World Cup 76 started soon after. As it is the first World Cup qualification cycle in which Amberian Islands are taking part, the expectations weren't high. Still, good performances from Baptism of Fire promised that the squad centered around Yefim Sirmiq will not be an easy obstacle to pass. Let's have a look how they performed in six matches that have been played so far.

World Cup 76 qualification, Group 7, Matchday 1:
Thatius 0:1 Amberian Islands (0:0)
Goals: 86. Kuvageegai

The first match started with both sides playing very carefully so as not to make some needless mistake. There wasn't really much going on in the first half and there wasn't any significant chance for scoring a goal. The static pace of a match changed in the second half, where Amberian Islands started to put the defence of Thatius more and more under constant pressure. Good chances from both Cetanwakuwa and Sipatu could have easily ended with a goal, but were met with badly executed final phase which was a main problem for almost the whole second half. Salvation for the Amberian Islands came in the 86th minute after a free kick by the vice-captain of Amberian Islands national football team, Dominik Kuvageegai, who delivered impressive shot which left the goalkeeper of Thatius motionless. However, the match could have easily ended with a draw, because in the last minute of extra time, the defence of Amberian Islands couldn't properly react to fast counter-attack by Thatius. One of their forwards made it to the great position to score, but was stopped in the last moment by Akluitok who analyzed the threat rather well.

World Cup 76 qualification, Group 7, Matchday 2:
Amberian Islands 4:2 Dunnes (2:2)
Goals: 24. Kuvageegai, 39. Cetanwakuwa, 53. Sipatu, 83. Abukcheech

The second match developed totally differently. As it wasn't the first time these teams met they knew more or less what to expect. Still, Dunnes were able to surprise their rival with the goal right in the beginning of the match after a series of offensive dashes. The reaction of Amberian Islands came shortly after, with Kuvageegai scoring his second goal in the qualification. The top goalscorer of Amberian Islands national football team in Baptism of Fire 63, Georgiy Cetanwakuwa, added another after a great long pass by who else than aforementioned Kuvageegai. In the last minutes of first half, Amberian Islands decided to slacken their pace which was punished by goal from Dunnes. Although Amberian Islands were left neutralized by this goal, Dunnes weren't able to keep such a high tempo also in the second half and descended into passive defensive style of playing with Amberian Islands pushing continuously. This fact evolved into a goal by Sipatu and was further confirmed by Abukcheech scoring after a corner seven minutes before the end of the match.

World Cup 76 qualification, Group 7, Matchday 3:
Sameba 2:0 Amberian Islands (1:0)
Goals:

Sameba was definitely the team expected to win this match. The difference in quality was markedly visible also on the field. Sameba was controlling the game for the whole time and the Amberian Islands weren't able to do anything with it. Numerous chances of Sameba could have ended with a goal in the first half, but only one of them made its way past Akluitok who was proving his exceptional skills once again. Sameba continued with high pressing and added another goal in the second half, which further acknowledged their dominance in this game.

World Cup 76 qualification, Group 7, Matchday 5:
Amberian Islands 1:2 Quakmybush (1:0)
Goals: 34. Kuvageegai

After getting no points from the match against Sameba, Amberian Islands hoped to get at least a point from the next hard match so as to not lose contact with the top of the group. In the first half, they were able to impose their style of playing on the other team which was met with success and transformed into goal by Kuvageegai. Amberian Islands could have added another a few minutes after that, but header from Abukcheech missed the net only by milimetres. After the break, the trend visible on the pitch in the first half changed dramatically. Players of Amberian Islands, exhausted from the previous difficult matches lost the concentration and started to make more and more individual mistakes. Quakmybush sensed the chance to turn the match into their advantage and they were able to do so by scoring two fast goals. Quakmybush then switched into full defence strategy with Amberian Islands desperately trying to do something with it, but even fresh substitutes didn't help and the match ended with no additional goals being scored.

World Cup 76 qualification, Group 7, Matchday 6:
Super-Llamaland 3:2 Amberian Islands (2:1)
Goals: 17. Cetanwakuwa, 63. Istaqa

The next match started with a lot of offensive action from both teams which promised interesting match and a lot of goals which proved to be true quite early. The first goal was scored in the 15th minute by Strausberg from Super-Llamaland. Amberian Islands reacted quickly by scoring only two minutes after it. The shot from a long distance was executed really well by Cetanwakuwa. In the next few minutes, teams slowed down a bit in comparation with the beginning of the match and there were no significant chances. As the first half was reaching an end, Super-Llamaland started to be more active once again and Penbrooke scored another goal after series of fast passes. Amberian Islands answered to that goal in the 63th minute of the match. Free kick which preceded it hit only the defender, but the shot from Istaqa that followed gave no chance for a goalkeeper of Super-Llamaland. However, this still wasn't the last goal of the match. In the 75th minute, Mandelbrot performed a great individual action that ended with a flawless shot. For Amberian Islands, 25 minutes didn't represent enough time to change the flow of the game and this time they weren't able to score again which meant three points for Super-Llamaland.

World Cup 76 qualification, Group 7, Matchday 7:
Amberian Islands 0:3 Valladares (0:1)
Goals:

Sixth match of Amberian Islands was expected to be the hardest because they were about to face Valladares, which still hasn't lost a single match in the group nor it has lost any points to that time. This remained unchanged even after this game, because simply the gap between these two teams was impassable. As it was in other matches of Valladares, their opponent couldn't resist and their highly offensive fast-paced football was rewarded by one goal in the first half and another two in the second. This match means that the Valladares will spend mid-qualification break on the first place and Amberian Islands on the fifth.

by **Fluvique** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 9:53 am

A nightmare in Greencastle

In less than five minutes, Semarland punched the illusions of the 45.000 souls packed at the King George Stadium. The national side was playing an historic chance of defeat the group leader and reach a good position at the start of the second half of the qualifiers. However, its rival, playing with a clear idea and with two knockout punches at the start of the match made Fluvique fall . Kwame Nelson before the first minute of play and Jakob Lindesfarne, three minutes after, were the authors of the 2-0 of the visitors.

Therefore, Semarland has 18 points, five over the national side, who now will have to travel to Llanrhyddid and return with a victory to continue dreaming with a spot in the Worl Cup play-off. For Ricardo Carusso, it was his second defeat as manager of the national side (both at home)

Semarland came out with an intensity proper of a final and hit twice, one after another, to a bewildered Fluvique, when it was just the dawn of the game. First Kwame Nelson appeared, at the minute, after receiving a pass from Labonne, ran with the ball, winning with speed and finally passed through De La Mesea and Castanginnet, who tried to cut him with two kicks of red card, but he still continued running and, when Paribas came out, he softly touched the ball to his left post.

Surprise. Silence. Fluvique conceded one of the fastest goals on its history when confetti and fireworks were still in the air. Soon after, four minutes to be precise, two passes in the midfield left a huge space between Mhago and the defence, allowing Semarland to attack the free space and Jakob Lindesfarne appeared alone bellow the goal, to score the 2-0 to the leader of Group 1.

Although Carusso's team reacted with a shot of Auze deflected by Valbuena, it was a complete domination of Semarland in the different sectors of the turf. At some times, visitors' goalkeeper became a mere spectator at times. Fluvique never found the formula to play the match. Only the brush strokes of Gonza helped to unite lines and start the few good moves in attack. Di Angello, who started as man of the match, lost freshness as the minutes passed.

The White Foxes tried to recover the ball and play with it, but this team is not set to be a possession team and prefers to exploit the counterattacks. The full backs were near the midfield, trying to occupy more spaces and stop the raids of Semarland. Despite the activity of Sam Gonza, trying to spread the spirit over his teammates, was not able to change the rhytm, while Auze was outside the area and the many centers of Di Angello went to nowhere and the team could not create a clean attack movement.

Fluvique tried with long shots, centers and a savior move of Gonza, while Semarland was comfortable with being focused in defence and wait for the perfect moment to attack the tricolor disorder. Thus, they created a coulple of clear chances, but they were missed by Jakob Lindesfarne. If fact, if not for the lack of finesse in each visitor attack, the result after the first half could have been higher. There were 38 minutes when the fans, both for pull out the cold and by the weak performance of the team, started with the "Move, Fluvique, move". A symbol.

The scenario was the same in the second half, leaving the constant feeling that at any moment it could be broken, especially by the spaces that the White Foxes left in defence pursuing the miracle. Although the tricolors tried, with sportier shame and fierceness, helped by the support from the stands, but never disturbed the rival defense. With the clock as a new enemy, in a stage-witted, it was clear that if Fluvique was going to reach a tie it would be for an individual action. Gonza was the only capable of break the mold, leaving aside any collective scaffolding.

On the other side, Semarland completely lacked the depth needed to finish a match always favourable to them. The clock ran and the paysan energies dropped, due to the lack of ideas and the key victory as visitors was consummate.

All the good things made in the first half of the qualifiers seemed to crash in the seventh match. The grim expression of Carusso was the expression of everyone. Two punches at the start destroyed a structure built with passion and commitment. The match was up hill before the first five minutes and that doomed the national dreams.

This first misstep leaves many questions for what comes. Fluvique has not space for error and will face dangerous rivals in the upcoming fixtures, wiht only two more matches to be played in Fluviquean soil. As Carusso said, the first objective was to not lose points at home. Now they have to recover the three point lost at Greencastle and wait a hand of Nova Anglicana to restore the balance in the group and do our work to reach the tenth match, as visitors, playing with a chance to make history.

Semarland 2
GK 1 Marco Valbuena
DF 2 Nathaniel Oseni
DF 4 Martell Chalobah 14'

DF 5 Jakob Lunds
DF 3 Matur Eiriksson
MF 11 Tremaine Mukondo
MF 6 Marcel Labonne 59'

MF 7 Dequane Saint Etienne 85'

(Marcel Mbonne)
MF 26 Rene Claro-Hunt 65'

(Marc Strand)
FW 9 Jakob Lindesfarne 4'

79'

(Isaac Nketiah)
FW 10 Kwame Nelson 1'

Fluvique 0
GK 1 Andy Paribas
DF: 3 Gabriel Varelovsky 36'

DF: 2 Rodrigo De la Mesea 26'

DF: 13 Dennis Castanginnet
DF: 15 Teo Calmwater
MF: 8 Lucas Topolsky 69'

75'

(Ricky Bertens)
MF: 5 Henry Mhago
MF: 30 Hamilton Escarrà
FW: 10 Sam Gonza (C)
FW: 11 Nick Auze 60'

(Bernard Pullian)
FW: 7 Paul Di Angello 60'

(Fede)

Stadium: King George, Greencastle, Greencastle Province
Attendance: 45.000

by **Veldgouwen** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 9:54 am

It wasn’t just a fistpump. People who looked up the clip on the Tubes afterwards would certainly consider it to be another standard celebration, this time executed by a striker somewhere in a nation they’ve never heard off against a second country that hardly rang a bell. Apparently, they’ve gotten there because some news editor got a pretty kick-ass clip in his hands which featured a striker that looked like a professional mover, with shoulders crafted to push weary defenders to the side and a head, carved out of rock by a Greek sculptor, envisaging an enraged German eager to eliminate him and his beloved. Remarkably, that striker did not do what he seemingly had been put on the pitch for ever since he towered over everyone else in his age category. No pushing aside a direct opponent, no powerful header in the top corner.

Piet Masschelin took on the leather from the wing, where Boudewijn Snoeks tried to regain his spot as a starter with a solid last-quarter replacement. Admirable, meritless, but so far insufficient to bring Korizland to their knees, a side very eager to repay the home side for a home loss a few weeks earlier. However, this cross from Snoeks, visibly attempting to supress his instinct for a snake-like dribble, found Masschelin twenty-five yards away from the goal. He could have given a pass back, where Jim Decubber waved frantically to receive. He could have, he should have, … But he didn’t.

Instead, Masschelin pushed the leather over his head with a subtle touch, leaving a flabbergasted Shaun Salazar hanging who had anticipated another air duel. The vast majority of strikers, especially of the targetman trade, now would have played all or nothing. A thunder strike aiming for the side of the stakes, a thought that pushed Stuart Shelton already to the tips of his toes. However, no cannon ball was fired at the Korizian goalkeeper, rather Piet Masschelin dribbled towards him, allowing Drew Wood to close in on the attacker.

Across the Ship, the stadium used for the national squad, supporters were already wetting their fingertips to whistle – again. For all game long, the Piershaven Club man had been the victim of their boos and jeers, having been looking for the net for nearly five games in a row now – but not even finding as much as the post. At the side of the field, no less than three reserve strikers were running back and forth in Schaepdryver, Schepers and Poortman, each of them waiting for their chance. Across the nation, grandfathers started to scold at their television – something people had often done before for the ambiguous attacker.

But Masschelin suddenly moved past Wood with a marvellous outside of the foot gesture, before chipping the ball over the goalie. It was a beauty, to all standards, but not something that wasn’t displayed at a few other fields across the multiverse at qualification night. But seeing it by a sturdy, six feet three guy did catch some attention abroad, bringing it to all to see.

However, the most interesting part wasn’t executed yet.

As cameras panned out, already looking forth to the replay, Piet Masschelin ran to the corner. Contrary to the general situation, it wasn’t an semi-angry look into the stands, silencing them with a witty gesture behind the ears. However, Masschelin seemed to stare through the supporters with semi-watered eyes, before giving a simple yet powerful fistpump for the supporters at home.

And that was the moment Masschelin become more beloved than he ever had been before – at least by none Club fans. Because whether you were supporting the man or thinking he was the most despicable piece of shoes to walk the pitch, you knew that he only celebrated goals one way: kissing the ring before pointing to the air. His ring. The one he gotten from the wife that brought him two lovely daughters – the one that, as zoomed pictures showed, was missing.

by **Red Blackiland** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 9:56 am

Red Blackiland Sports and Off-topic Chronicles

Embroidery Scarf

Red Blackiland 2-0 against New West Guiana and 4-1 vs. Sargossa // Wins that allowed a 4-points gap from the third placed.

Author : Mathias Gërdorffen

On Thursday, she was last in the long line at the bus stop.
- Hi, you want a ride? I go to the south of the country ...
- It's all right.
- For me it's okay, it's way. I bought this car a month ago. It's almost new. Flex. I drive well. Like music?
- A little.
- I go out after 8 hours of service. If you want, tomorrow caught you on the spot. At the same time.
- Can be.
- Is this street? Are we? You want me to stop in front of the building?
- Nice.
- So, see you tomorrow.
- Goodbye.
On Friday, I was in the same place in the long line to the bus stop.
- I promised, fulfilled. You are entering.
- Thanks.
- I brought a CD to listen to us on the way. Rock. And happy. Anima.
- I know.
- I thought you were not waiting for me. I thought I would be scared. There is so much crazy loose today.
- Really.
- Want to go out with me tomorrow? Type go to the movies and then eat something.
- Let's go.
- So I'll pick you up at seven.
- Combined.
On Saturday, it rained all day. At seven the weather was good. At seven-thirty she was still in front of the building. Only came out at nine. He entered the apartment and went straight to the room. Wet all handkerchief embroidered with roses little hearts suffered tears.
In the second, it was in its usual place in the long line of the bus.
- Excuse. I had a problem. I did not know your phone. Forgive me?
- Forgive.
- Today I brought pagoda for us to hear. It's good to vary. Do you wanna date me?
- I want.
- To celebrate we hear loud music. And I get a kiss. You have a beautiful little mouth. Lucky I have car, you will not need to take the bus. But why are you crying?
-Happiness.
And wiped them with the handkerchief of little hearts still salty roses Saturday tears fresh tears Monday.

Red Blackiland earns 4-points gap from the third placed after 4-1 win against Sargossa

Red Blackiland 2-0 New West Guiana

The downswing worried fans playmaker Felipe Schwartz, as it came shortly year of the World Cup. For a few minutes, the Red Glorious again saw the star missing until he blossomed well to his style: ripped, feints, great goal. Counting also with an own goal early in the game, the national team of Red Blackiland won the New West Guyana 2-0 in the first round of return, of the playoffs.
It is one of the first steps, the dream of Red Blackiland, to classify a World Cup and go far in the competition and give the final argument to put Schwartz as one of the greatest promises of world football.

Red Blackiland pyroshow
before the match

Red Blackiland had a goal against his favor after just 3 minutes after missing cross by Schwartz. The opposing defender touched unintentionally with the left leg, support for the goal of killing the scheme designed by New West Guiana coach: the counter-attack. As had to leave for the game, made room for the local team.
When Schwartz awoke, she took it to score a beautiful goal and your style. He tore the left, dribbled past two and hit placed, always with the ball near the foot. The ball hit the post and went in.

Red Blackiland fans
with their flares after the second goal

New West Guyana fell into a recurring problem of smaller teams when they face the biggest teams in these competitions: change a scheme that went right to try to defend. The opposing coach, withdrew a player, making substitutions and enhancing the environment, playing in a 4-5-1. When New West Guyana had the counter-attack, he had no one to play, as the defense of Red Blackiland blocked the center forward, alone.
Already Peter Valbuena, coach Red Blackiland, hit to put Beckenstander in range. With it more trapped in the area, Schwartz had more freedom to move around and so did his great goal.

Red Blackiland 4-1 Sargossa

Coach Peter Valbuena was right: Schwartz is from another planet, to the chagrin of Sargossa. On Tuesday, the ace gave new show at Red Glorious and scored three times, ensuring beautiful victory of Red Blackiland on Sargossa, 4-1. With Audioslavia tying with Kernansquillec by 2-2, the result kept alive the chances of the team hope for a first job and even increased the lead to third place to four points.
No Carmona, injured with a bruised in the previous game, Valbuena climbed Eberhard Schwartz and the team alongside Schwartz, Shacker started in midfield while Bokorin and Rodristander were on the bench.

Red Blackiland fans
mosaic before the match

With 10 minutes Schwartz had two good chances. At first, Almirón defended and after the ball passed close to the crossbar. But who opened the scoring was Sargossa at min 19: Larrea pulled the counterattack and rolled in the middle to Martinez, who shared with Peri and kicked over Hargreaves, but then grabbed the rebound and made 1-0 for the visitors .
The draw of the house owners did not take long. At min 23, Schwartz tried two with Shacker, the ball hit Arias and returned to Schwartz who hit a beautiful shot from outside the area on the left angle Almirón.
Inspired, Schwartz was only stopped by opponents with fouls. At min 30, the ace left Urruti on the floor and tried to dribble Victorino, but the player Sargossa hit an ugly stand on player Red Blackiland and took yellow card. A minute later, the number 11 entered the right area, went through Arias and pounded on the network from the outside.

Another pyroshow

The second goal came on min 39 Baszta crossed from the left, the defense tried to cut and Beckenstander rolled Schwartz, who entered the area and kicked right undefended in the net. At min 43, the third: Shacker touched head in midfield, Schwartz ran between defense Sargossa, took off and knocked over Almirón without defense. Beautiful goal. All this in the first half.
In the second half, Schwartz had only to appear in the final minutes. And there appeared to close with a flourish his great performance: the 44, the star gave a beautiful assist to Beckenstander it received in the area and tried twice to win Almirón and score the fourth. Then, we could hear a fan in a headspeaker chanting a theme with HABAABDUJABAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH lyrics, something like OOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HABAABDUJABAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, then he suddenly tried to run outside the stadium, screaming HABAABDUJABAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH while running in the streets of Redinxson, he kicked a post, got his leg hurt then started to scream HABAABDUJABAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH again, then he asked to the stars, WHO THE FUCK YOU THINK I AM?

Las Mafias I - Walkthrough Part 3 - Things starts to get serious here

Las Mafias I - Buy your game now!

Chapter/Mission 6 - Returning to the past

Returning to the past is the sixth chapter of Las Máfias I. As Deliz leaves Tejeda's Apartment, he's approached by three police detectives and placed under arrest for the illegal distribution of federal ration stamps. One of the gas station attendants had ratted him out and the police tracked him to Tejeda's through his mother. Vallado was able to get Guillermo Sanchez to pay for a lawyer, but he was mostly there to insure Deliz didn't talk and bring down anyone else in the Guayabalense Family. Three months after his arrest he was found guilty, and the judge sentenced him to eleven years in Vladivostok-Alianza National Presidium.

Deliz arrested

Deliz is marched into prison as inmates jeer and gesture at the new group. Once inside the prison they're given a welcome speech by the captain of the guards, Rodolfo Angeleri. When the speech is over the prisoners have their heads shaved and are given a prison uniform, then shown to their cells. As the lights go out Deliz thinks how he would have preferred dodging bullets in Paymina to this. Three days later Deliz gets a message from Tejeda to contact another prisoner named Pedro Quinteros. The prison wasn't the kind of place Deliz could survive on his own, so he was looking for any help he could get. While he's asking around the prison yard for Pedro, Deliz runs into Carlos Verano, who blames him and Tejeda for his being in jail. The two exchange words and end up in a fight, which gets them both thrown in the hole.
After two days Deliz is paid a visit by Quinteros, who had seen how Deliz handled Verano and invites him to be a sparring partner for one of his fighters, Manuel Gallardo. In return Pedro offers to place Deliz under his protection, which Deliz accepts. While sparring with Gallardo, Deliz lands a powerful blow on his jaw. After seeing this Pedro decides Deliz may have what it takes to be a successful fighter and decides to train him as well.
At first a lot of Deliz's time inside is spent cleaning toilets and fighting off shower rape. A short time into his sentence he gets a visit from his sister Manuela, who tells Deliz she's getting married and that their mother is sick. Deliz tells her that Tejeda is holding onto his money and she should get it to help their mother. A week later he learns that his mother had died while Manuela was visiting.
Once Deliz settles in, he spends most of his time training and winning fights for Pedro. After a while he is sent to settle a score with the micks by working over Carlos Verano. Deliz confronts him in the prison gym and the two fight it out, in which Deliz pummels Verano repeatedly, but he just won't stay down. Verano finally pulls a knife and attacks Deliz, but he overpowers Verano and slits his throat with it. After that, life inside got better for Deliz. He moved into Pedro's cell, spending most of his time learning about the mafias and how organized crime in Vladivostok-Alianza operates.

Walkthrough - Mechanics and Turorials

In this chapter you learn some advanced hand-to-hand combinations, but there is very little in the way of gameplay so this walkthrough will be kept brief. Once you gain control you'll be in the prison yard. Go to your right and you will see some bleachers set into an alcove is a sexy magazine. From there head across the basketball court and behind a shed on the left will another magazine.

Fight Carlos Verano

Explore the yard and ask around about Pedro Quinteros. When you find him you'll run across Carlos Verano and a fight will take place. It's unwinnable, and after a minute or so it will be broken up by guards, who then toss Deliz in the hole. The rest of the chapter is very linear, consisting of mostly cutscenes and fights. Immediately after your fight with the black inmate in the prison laundry room you can find a sexy magazine. sitting on top of some clothes dryers; be sure to pick it up before leaving with the guard. Once you complete the chapter you will receive an achievement.

by **OIsINiSTAn** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:36 am

OISINISTANI NEWS
Paisley's future hangs in the balance

Liam Paisley's future as Oisinistani manager is still at risk, despite holding a bigger and stronger Kandorith side to a 0-0 draw last night, according to OFA representative Sean Wheeler.

After a lacklustre start to their campaign, Oisinistan currently lie in 6th place in their group, just above Kaboomlandia, with 5 points, knowing that they will need to win most of their next few games to even consider a playoff place, which looks unlikely as it stands.

There has been a split between many Oisinistani individuals on whether Paisley should stay.

Some of Paisley's supporters include the U21 coach Murray MacLeish and former internationals Anthony Bay, Connor McSwiney and Damien Dempsey, while the critics are led by sports journalist Ross Fox, former international manager George Bandon, and legendary YHNRistani international goalkeeper, Oswald Forbes.

by **Schottia** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:00 pm

The Sale

"The Dance"

Part eight

'Have you actually lost your fucking mind.' Connie said in utter disbelief, as she and Ralph Scott found a place to sit at last. The table was almost comically awkward to use - with its surface standing at chest height, you had to mount a tall, precariously balanced stool to sit at it. Even then it was still a little too high to slouch on, and for someone of Connie's height, it required straight posture. Straight away, it was easy to tell exactly why this had been the only table left free in the entire bar. She tutted audibly as she laid her sleeve in a puddle of beer. The entire surface resembled the skating rink at the Jena Mid-Winters' Market. A few beer mats had been deployed to soak up the mess, but they had failed miserably, and were now like soggy swollen pillows of paper pulp. 'Do you know what you looked like coming in here with a pair of dark glasses, speaking absolute nonsense?' She added taking a mouthful of her beer, which was far heavier and darker than she thought when she ordered it. It almost had the sensation of drinking a loaf of bread.

'I just thought, you know...' Scott gave an awkward smile, showing he found the situation amusing. 'Better that than using first names.' His own drink, a frothing pint of Lammerton Lager was already half finished. He placed it down on one of the beer mats, causing liquid to squelch out the sides.

A few drops dripped onto Connie's lap, she watched for a second as the soaked into the dark denim fabric. 'So, do you mind if we make this quick?' Connie looked back up, tucking a few strands of hair back inside her hood. 'You've, like, picked the busiest pub in fucking Schottia.' She really had to wonder what his motive was; would somewhere more secluded not have been a better idea? Connie knew a fair few back alleyways and remote park benches, which would have been her location of choice. Maybe however, it was for Scott's own protection. Perhaps if anything went pear shaped, they were in a public location, plenty of witnesses. He was of course putting a lot on the line here too.

'Relax, Burnsie.' A sideways glance through narrowed eyes would have told him that Connie was no fan of this improvised nickname. 'Everyone here is pissed. They are all having a good time, about to enjoy some music.' His face turned a bit more serious, as he removed his glasses and sun cap. 'If you were recognised and we were hiding behind some rubbish bin in a back alley, what possible reason would we have for being there?' Connie didn't answer. 'Here, however, you're just out for a drink, I'm just some fan you're chatting too. If anyone comes up to us then I just melt away into the background - we calmly abort.' Connie still didn't look convinced, but she was at least in some way now reassured that he wasn't a total moron. 'Trust me hen, some things are better hidden in plain sight.'

'Fine, okay.' She said, making a visible show of shaking her shoulders loose, but there was no way she was taking her hood down. 'I'm sorry, that little scene at the bar, didn't exactly fill me with confidence.' The beer was hard to drink, but she forced another gulp down nonetheless. It tasted like something she could imagine Gary Corsie drinking - he was the kind of person who would even know the back-story of where it came from. For this and other obvious reasons, she avoided him like the plague on the odd occasion they were out as a team.

'I was just pulling your bloody leg, no one here cares.' Scott gestured with his hand. 'Look around you for heaven's sake!' He reached over to the neighbouring table and grabbed a couple of dry beer mats. Determinedly he swiped as much beer from the table surface as he could in broad strokes, before removing a tissue form his pocket to dry off the rest. 'Right then,' he said with a more serious expression. 'Since you seem to be in a rush...'

Connie looked over his shoulder as the man placed several sheets of paper on the table, fighting back a wave of beer with the back of his hand. There were two identical piles, each fastened with a paperclip. Scott handed one to Connie inviting her to read.

It was a huge challenge in sustained concentration as she tried to read through the entire detailed wording. She really could have done with caffeine pills and matchsticks for her eyes, as the dimly lit room, and the band beginning with their sound checks, began to become a distraction. She was also at a funny stage of drunk, having stopped for a couple of hours then started up again. She knew she was going to be tiered when they met up for training tomorrow, and her chances of getting the nod for the Qasden match were slim to none.

Eventually, after what felt like an hour, she was at the bottom of the last page. Connie had never been one for ready the small print, but she reckoned she should make an exception. As she was checking quickly that nothing was printed on the back, Scott was arriving back with another pint for himself, one for her, which she hadn't ordered. She was filled with a mixture of emotions at the sight of the tall dark pillar of calorific liquid. Part of her knew that she had already had too much, but there was always this inner part of Connie that never wanted to stop until she was laid in the gutter.

'So?' He asked, clearly happier with his own choice of drink as he sipped from it cheerfully. He smiled, keeping one eye on Connie, and the other on the band who were about to perform their first number.

'So...' She said, puffing out her cheeks at the sight of her drink. 'So, it all sounds fine. I can probably get the cash in a couple of weeks or so, I'll arrange to have it dropped off.' Since moving to Quebec money had just lost all meaning. With taxation levels in Schottia, and the caps on earnings, her life was now totally different. She earned more in a week now than her parents earned in a year, put together. Five hundred thousand, one million, two million - it was all the same to her.

He nodded his agreement. 'Mr Gorman will be in contact with you in a fortnight then, check that we're still on track. In the meantime I'll approach Kirk Preston, and start to put the wheels in motion.' He folded his own copy of the notes and slipped them inside his jacket pocket, then tried to find a way to sit on the stool comfortably. He too, was clearly having problems with the aforementioned piece of apparatus. In the end he conceded defeat and arched his back against the wall behind them, continuing to drink from his pint as the rock band exploded into life.

The sound system was too loud, or at least it felt that way to Connie, as the blast of noise destroyed any last senses she had. She actually didn't even know what the time was, maybe eleven? She slipped form the barstool, nodding a farewell to Ralph Scott as she descended to her feet. She didn't really care what he thought; there was no way she was hanging around to get caught at the scene of the crime. She had no easy way of carrying the documents, so she folded them in four and placed them in the pocket of her hooded top. The young striker kept one hand on them in her pocket, the other barely wrapping round the diameter of her oversized glass, as she headed over to a quieter area just behind what had now become an improvised dance floor.

She placed her drink down on one of the shelves, which ran along the outside of the room; a place where punters could leave their glasses if they were forced to stand on nights like this. Connie's eyes, like most people in the bar were fixed on a young girl who was standing in the middle of the dance floor. A wide area had been left free around her, partly out of respect, and partly out of worry for her saftey. The girl's eyes were closed, and she had a peaceful smile across her lips, like she were oblivious to where she was. This theory was further enhanced by the way she way swaying, and flailing her arms, as if she were locked in some floatation tank. Connie wondered what drug, or combination of drugs she had taken. It was quite reassuring however that there was going to be at least one person who left worse that she did tomorrow morning. She glanced back at her pint of think Schiele Stout. She was wondering what the repercussions of forcing it down her throat would be. Would she regret it in the morning? Most probably; but at least she would feel as bad as the girl dancing in front of her...

That said, Connie doubted that she had football training at nine in the morning.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:01 pm

Tales of the Fog-Thing

At last, things were becoming clearer - or as clear as they ever could be to a being whose very essence was the definition of 'murky'.

It was at half-time of the distracting event against San Jose Guayabal, a football match that the Fog-Thing had barely noticed, so immersed was it in trying to discover why it was being forced to play football, that the pieces had fallen into place.

As its eleven footballing sub-entities were playing to a 3-3 draw that was, in the cosmic sense, no more meaningful than the death of an ant, the Fog-Thing of Antiquity had been granted a vision of the Elemental World Beyond, the ultimate source of its god-like power.

Here the Ur-Elementals of fire, air, earth, and water were locked in eternal battle, each seeking to maintain a balance of power within the four elements, precarious and temporary alliances rising and falling, while simultaneously striving to achieve total domination over its fellows. As powerful as the Fog-Thing was, as above petty mortal considerations such as 'world cups' and 'football matches' here were beings whose power transcended its own, perhaps surpassing the Tzimisces - perhaps even equalling the Basileus of the Dreamed Realm himself.

As an entity of both air and water, however god-like, the Fog-Thing was sometimes sensitive to the clashes and eternal squabbling of the Ur-Elementals. Here it seemed that the alliance between air and water that often gave the Fog-Thing of Antiquity its inner power had temporarily broken down, as air aligned with fire, and earth with water. The Inferno-Thing and the Mud-Thing had no doubt gained in strength, wherever they might be, but the power of the Fog-Thing - terrible though it no doubt remained - had subsequently waned.

Worse, it seemed as if a bargain between air and water held that their alliance could only be reformed if the Fog-Thing were forced - against its knowledge and will - to play football with the universe, an invocation that - with the help of the Dreamed Realm - had perhaps been taken a little too literally for the Fog-Thing's liking.

There was nothing for it but to play out the tournament, and hope that this humiliation would soon pass, freeing the Fog-Thing of Antiquity to unleash its formidable shadowed power upon the unwary in a fit of anger were the innocent would feel the full force of its frustration against the machinations of the Ur-Elementals.

But after the tournament; the Tzimisces had assured the Fog-Thing that slaughtering the unwary during the tournament would be frowned upon by the dread entity known only as the 'World Cup Committee', which from its name alone sounded more powerful than even the Ur-Elementals of Old.....

by **Matthewsiania** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:51 pm

The arrival of Stella Navidad was a somber moment for the Northern Sunrisians.
With her, came the news that Hollywood Acres fell down.
With its' death, the movie industry inside the islands hit hard times.
It was the sort of accident that dragged the nation's culture down a notch.
The most charismatic actors, dead.
The most talented writers, wasted.
Stella ended up staying at a hotel's room, offered by the city's Mayor.
Major Nitsukara promptly signed her up and the team was now a 5-member ensemble.
More importantly, they had three pieces of the prophecies right at their side.
Granted she didn't know how many pieces were there without Star acting as the sole head but still, progress.
Asa considered a terrible thing what happened at Hollywood Acres, but there was at least something positive out of it.

Noah once again ended up at Julia's apartment, still heavily against staying near Asa at any time.
Neil would be visiting Minnie again for some reason.
Anna was staying up at the base, researching more on the cloaked figure that was responsible for the disappearance of Jean Marcus.
Julia tried to assure Noah that what happened recently were just separate issues: the war against the Nightlings would be won.
Asa herself was somewhat mind-boggled by how Hollywood Acres was maintained as a puppet.
But at that moment, came her scout.
Her scout, for the record, came flying through an open window, not to warn any of the people at the base.
Asa stared at her.
"Nana."
"Noka!" The kunoichi yelled.
"Nokarimitsu, Nana, Noka." Asa puffed. "Whatever."

"What did you find?"
She threw a couple of photos on the Major's desk.
All of people from about the same age as Noah, Neil and Stella.
"A coincidence." Nana said, with a small smile. "I found the Right Leg intact. But it appears the Left Leg too got murdered."
She separated the picture of the "Right Leg" user, a teenager from Lorelei named Sho Miyamoto. "He had a normal leg before a skate accident with Nightlings. His leg was consumed, the doctors attached a leg from another person who had died and soon enough, his leg started to shine."
Asa looked at the other pictures, curious. "So, everyone else here is a possible host of the head and left leg?"
Nana nodded. "I found what I could."
Asa smiled, laying her feet over her desk. "Then it's settled. I need to leave hasta pronto to get them all here."
Nana looked back at the window. "I could just go on your behalf."
"I'd rather not. I'm the leader, remember?"
The kunoichi sighed. "Fair enough. So, what do I do?"
A devious smile popped up on Asa's face as she took an owl mask from under her desk.
Nana looked to the sides, confused.
"Say." Asa looked at the runaway ninja. "What do you think of having a new alias?"

CHAPTER XXVIII - SUBSTITUTE

Neil was barely awake, being dragged in by Noah and Julia.
"How did you let Minnie convince you to drink Scotchka?" yelled Julia as the three entered the headquarters.
"Dunno... Ugh..." said Neil, struggling to stand up. "Can... Can I go hoo-home?"
"No." Noah replied, dragging him. "We need everyone here! It's our job, remember?"
"BAH!" Neil yelled. "TELL THAT BITCH OF A MOTHER YOU HAVE TO PISS- OW!"
"LANGUAGE!"
As they dragged Neil into another room, they found almost the entire operative body of the United Forces' base at Mardi with a strange woman on a podium somewhat far.
Her face covered by what seemed like an owl mask, her body covered by a long robe.
"Sis. Who's that?" Noah asked, whispering to his sister Anna.
"A substitute to Mom. She left on a Special Mission." Anna noted. "...Did Neil just drink an entire room full of Vodka?"
"In a way." Julia replied, Neil almost falling down.
"SO!" yelled the owl-masked person. "As agreed between me and Major Asa Nitsukara, I hereby am to act as a substitute of hers for the time her special mission lasts."
Neil had a noticeable laugh.
The owl-masked person replied with a well-aimed kunai that managed to barely miss Neil's head. "AND MY NAME IS OLCADAN!"
She quickly approached a now laid down Neil, who seemed to not even bother the close call shot. "Any problems, Soldier Neil Young?"
Neil laughed again. "FUCKING GREAT! OUT GOES THE BITCH, IN GETS THE OWL!"
Before the owl-clad person did anything, Noah stood between both, trying to get Neil up. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Olcadan sir. He's almost passed out drunk."
Nana stared at the now older Noah. Good thing her mask covered the entire face, but Noah could feel the stranger eyeing him out. "Uh... I'm going to take him to the nursery. Let's go... Anna, Julia?"
Anna nodded with Julia coming afterwards.
"HOLD!" yelled Olcadan. "Who are you?"
"I'm... I'm Noah." He said, stopping before saying the surname of the very same woman that locked him up for three years. "...Just Noah."
The group left for the nursery.

Nana looked around Asa's office.
She never really did realize how comfy everything was back there.
All pictures congratulating the mother of six that somehow had kicked the asses of all Nightlings once.
Nana had a laugh. "And now she's going to do it again? Hah."
Someone knocked her door.
"Uh... Recruit Stella Navidad, sir."
The girl walked in, already decked in a proper United Forces suit, though with some liberties.
"I... I just wanted to say thank you." She bowed. "Your people saved us back in Hollywood Acres."
She smiled under the desk, shaking her right hand. "I'm sorry that we didn't manage to save more people there."
Stella sighed. "Yeah. But we'll get revenge!"
...
"Also... um." Stella looked around before looking at Olcadan. "...Do you think Major Nitsukara would be angry if I... um..."
Nana started to worry. Was she going to ask something about Noah?
That would bust her costume.
And possibly end up with more people killed.
"...If I dated..."
Oh, lord.
"...Anna?"
...What?
"What?" Nana asked, her look of disbelief hidden by the mask. "Anna Nitsukara?"
"Yup. She looks so... cute."
"Didn't thought you were..."
"Lesbian?" She shrugged. "Yeah. I don't make much of a noise about it, though."
Nana nodded.
"I mean... I talked with her brother, Noah."
She stopped nodding.
"He didn't say anything conclusive. Just that if Anna wanted it, he'd be cool with it."
"Well." Nana sighed, before returning to the tone of her Olcadan persona. "She's young. You should think better about it."
She sighed back, flustered. "Fine, I guess..."
The room became somewhat uncomfortable after that.
"I... I'm going back to the main room. See you around, Olcadan sir."
Nana nodded. "See you."

As she got alone again, thoughts started to pass by her head.
She didn't mind Anna's business.
But...
What if she did still feel something for Noah?
And more importantly, what the hell did she sign up for.

by **Damukuni** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 3:38 pm

((OOC: Don't click the links or call the numbers. Please.))

English Language
PRESS RELEASE - IMMEDIATE

CONTACT
The Damukuni Football Association
ATTN: Jynnea Thornton, Press Management-English
1000 Esportiva Blvd., 9th Floor
Atarashii-Damushto, FD 0000
Domestic: 1 (800) 4-THE-DFA [800 484 3332]
International: +685 607 983 2283
http://fa.co.du/

TRACEY IN QUESTION FOLLOWING POOR QUALIFYING FIRST HALF
FA President Risugami Considers Interviewing New Candidates

ATARASHII-DAMUSHUTO, 11 October 2020 — Marisa Risugami, president of the Damukuni Football Association, in light of its national team's poor performance in the first half of the 76th World Cup qualifying round, has announced that they will interview candidates for the position of team manager, conditional on the team's performance in the second half.

Risugami has stated that "any current manager of a Football League Championship Series or Challenger Series team will be considered above all other candidates," but otherwise, any person with a degree in peer-to-peer communication, sports science, or certification in sports management are welcome to apply.

Applications may be obtained at http://fa.co.du/docs/mgmtapp.pdf or by sending a #10 SASE to: Damukuni Football Association, ATTN: Director of Football, 1000 Esportiva Blvd., Atarashii-Damushuto, FD 0000. Applications will be accepted until the stoppage time whistle ends play on Damukuni's last game of World Cup qualifying.

Questions or comments about the application process may be made to Yoshimitsu Horaya, Director of Football, by writing to the above address or calling 1-800-484-3332 (or, internationally, +685 607 983 2283) from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM Damukuni Time.

by **Eshan** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:07 pm

The Echani team were back from the pause in World Cup qualifying action with a bang against Dumoniia. Looking well rested, hungry for success, and eager for goals, we attacked attacked attacked with unbound energy. Putting the pressure on from the opening whistle, Alexio del Nieran's Eshan team completely dominated, playing a more possession based game that we've seen in previous iterations of the squad, departing from the aggressive possession and pressure that del Nieran has succeed in implementing. Asked about this after the game, the legendary player turned manager said that he, “didn't want to the team to take all the rest they've had and throw it away the first day! I asked them to pace themselves and focus more on moving the ball around so that we can make this energy last as long as possible.” Makes sense to me, we need as much energy as possible as we continue into the second half of the qualification campaign.

Looking at the game, we had 62% possession and an incredible 23 shots, with 12 on goal. There were no surprises with the lineup, after all Alexio del Nieran has used the same starting lineup for every single game thus far. Right from the start, it was game over. Dumoniia kicked off, and a terrible pass backwards was pounced upon by Anthony Baudelio. He juked past a defender, knocked the ball into the box while holding another Dumoniian off at arms length, and blasted the ball into the net. We went up 1-0 in the seventh second of the game, brilliant stuff. From there it really was just a matter of time before we scored again. Marco van Ciavatinni came close to doubling our lead in the 7th minute when his fantastic bending freekick thwacked against the bar, and Jean-Marie Bentacur was unlucky not to find net in the 21st when he hit a knuckleball from distance but the goalkeeper was alert to his efforts and managed to smack it aside.

Our second breakthrough of the night came on the brink of halftime, when Samper Markovic found Marco van Ciavatinni with a great pass from deep. The star right winger trapped the ball brilliantly at his feet, faked a pass to the inside before pushing the ball up the touchline, zooming past the defender who had bitten on the fake pass. He cut inside, slowed his run to draw a centerback in towards him, before hitting the acceleration and zooming into the box. A fake shot was enough to send the keeper to the ground, allowing Marco van Ciavatinni to easily chip the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 in the 43rd.

Perhaps sensing that the Echani team would not be losing this game, Alexio del Nieran made two changes at halftime. He brought on 21 year old right back and speed demon Steven Tadeo of Rosaria United for the 30 year old Francesco di Nolfo, while 17 year old Artemis Montanari came on for Xavi Arisilde. The introduction of Montanari caused fans to lean forward a bit in their seats; the youngster played for one of the top-25 clubs in the world in Osarius and had such an interesting skillset. Blessed with brilliant physical gifts, he was tall at 6'3, strong at 173lbs, with bags of agility and a fair amount of pace on him. He was a todocampista, a complete midfielder who could play anywhere in the middle of the park. He had silky smooth dribbling and a great eye for the pass, but he could also mark a dangerous opponent out of the game and put in accurate tackles to win the ball. Hell, he could probably play anywhere on the pitch if he wanted to with his particular set of skills that make him dangerous to men like you.

The second half was a little bit of snoozefest to be entirely honest. The Echani team was content to sit back and retain possession of the ball, lazily pinging it around the field to keep the Dumoniian team chasing the ball, tiring them out while we got to conserve our energy. We also seemed to press less than usual, willing to sit back and let the opposition pass the ball around their defenders while we sat back around the midfield line. They could have the possession, but they sure as hell weren't going to break through our lines. The 69th minute saw our final substitution of the game, when Marshawn Mercury was taken off for national team debutant Magnum Cerelius. Along with Artemis Montanari and Sebio City midfielder Rafa DiSantos, Magnum is one of the brightest Echani talents out there. A winger in the mold of Antonio Mulcair and Alexio del Nieran, Magnum Cerelius is a wizard with the ball at his feet, pulling off all manner of jaw-dropping skill moves while always trying to get to goal and score.

Anyhow, our second half came to a peak in the 74th minute when Artemis Montanari took a shot at goal that was blocked by a defender and cleared, but only as far as a deep-lying Jean-Marie Bentacur, whose first touch was right back up the field. He leisurely strolled up field, spraying the ball out wide for Magnum Cerelius' first touches for the national team. In classic Magnum fashion, the first touch was an elastico followed by a quick double stepover before he pushed the ball down the touchline past a turned inside-out defender, before a quick cross into the box found Jean-Marie Bentacur who, with no pressure at all coming his way, was able to take the ball out of the air, take a touch to stabilize the ball, and hit a curling shot just past the outstretched keepers arms into the far right side of the goal to make it 3-0 and game over for the Echani team.

The final whistle came, and with a draw between Turori and Schottia, it was Eshan who ascended into the top spot of the group. Alone. Four points clear. Our fate is in our hands.

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:23 pm

A dark room lit up.
There, placed at the wall was a map of Emirates of Futurnia.
In front of it was a teacher's desk with a comfy chair behind of it and a frame featuring a picture of Chrom.
Soon both Broénee and Kitsunia entered the frame.
"Hello and welcome to our first ever Educational Episode of..."
"..."
"Uh... What's the name of this again?"
Sunrise sighed, out of the frame.
"It doesn't have one!"
"For real?"
"Look, the writers had to make do."
"For real?"
"Yeah. They rushed it off at first."
"To be fair, sister, the first chapter had all text in blue."
"...Fine. We need to improvise."
"..."
"Welcome to the Sweetest Adventures of Kitsunia-Déesse's additional material episode!"
"..."
"We're not calling it that."
"So what? It's not like you came up with a suggestion."
"Why don't we just do it without a name for the time being."
"Then edit it later once we get a proper name."
"See."
"Psh. Fine!"
"OK. Starting again..."

A dark room lit up.
There, placed at the wall was a map of Emirates of Futurnia.
In front of it was a teacher's desk with a comfy chair behind of it and a frame featuring a picture of Chrom.
Soon both Broénee and Kitsunia entered the frame.
"Hello and welcome to our first ever Educational Episode of..."
Kitsunia mouths something without saying anything.
Broenée cracks in laughter.
"Come on now!"
"It is a bit silly, dear. You don't need to say anything."
"Justaplacing it?"
"Yeah."
Broenée was still laughing.
"Also, can we get a glass of water for Broenée?"

A dark room lit up.
There, placed at the wall was a map of Emirates of Futurnia.
In front of it was a teacher's desk with a comfy chair behind of it and a frame featuring a picture of Chrom.
There was now also an empty glass.
Soon both Broenée and Kitsunia entered the frame.
"Hello and welcome to our first ever Educational Episode of..."
"I'm Broénee. Also known as B.B., the fourth Beltrane."
"And I'm Kitsunia, a main character of the series."
"Yeah. And tonight we're here to tell you the history of Kitsunia-Déesse's sister nations!"
Broénee does a 360% turn.
"Like moi, Broénee."
"Yeah. Though the fashion sense doesn't spread via genes."
"Says the person dressed on short shorts."
"Got a problem with this Ninetales' clothing?"
"The lack of seems worrisome."
"...Restarting it."

A dark room lit up.
There, placed at the wall was a map of Emirates of Futurnia.
In front of it was a teacher's desk with a comfy chair behind of it and a frame featuring a picture of Chrom.
There was also an empty glass.
Soon both Broenée and Kitsunia entered the frame.
"Hello and welcome to our first ever Educational Episode of..."
"I'm Broénee. Also known as B.B., the fourth Beltrane."
"And I'm Kitsunia, a main character of the series."
"Yeah. And tonight we're here to tell you the history of Kitsunia-Déesse's sister nations!"
Broénee does a 360% turn.
"Like moi, Broénee."
Broénee quickly looked at her sister, finding her quiet.
"Anyhow, the Kitsunians were once a large nation."
"Hence the very diverse people we have."
"The Kitsunian land however broke after one of the titular Déesses left five heirs instead of the traditional one."
"...So that's where Kitsunia get-"
"What were you going to say, Sunrise?"
"...N-n-nothing. Don't mind me."
"Ahem."
"Ahem is right. Our differences towards the heirs didn't mean we did not respect the other heirs. Only one had to be superior."
"Except for one people. The People of the Lécasséllenes."
Broenée pointed with a stick towards one of the bits of "Turbulous Land" on the map, extreme south from Kitsunia and Broénee.
"...Confusing place, eh?"
"Not everyone gets peace via some marriage, Sunrise."
"And that's why Northern Sunrise is awesome."
"..."
"Ahem. Again."
"Now, the Kitsunians were already in power over the North, so our people didn't get pushed around by the others."
"But they lost about 80% of their land to everyone else as a result. The Déessian nations as a result equal to two well-established lands and a couple of governments thrown around."
"And French is Emirates of Futurnia's main language, it seems."
"Good thing there's no Barra e Janeiro around these parts."
"Don't give the writers ideas."
"...And this is where Broénee comes from."
"And we hope you enjoyed this additional episode. Now, back to your regular program."
"If they don't push that Nova Mardi stuff again, that is."
"...Well, they are the only people that accepted the Technotikans in."
"I'm not saying that's a bad thing, just that people like our chapters much more."
"...Did you turn off the camera?"
"..."
"...Oops."

by **Savalen** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:32 pm

Ausir's Adventures

"Home...Dale...Home...Tree ...Death" mumbled Ausir in his sleep. His drugged, dreamy state had very obviously been disturbed by the happenings around him. Ausir had always had a sense of place, a sense of where he was no matter where he found himself - forest, cave or steppe. But in his disorientated state, he had lost all sense of time and place, his small body unable to cope with the extreme, sudden change in setting. He was but 1 metre 20 in height, one of the smallest of a small race and not very wide.

Suddenly, he felt a shuffle next to him - he wasn't alone? He shifted his whole body where the sound was coming from and awoke from his slumber and tried to look at the thing that moved. But his eyes stayed shut. "What the hell?" he said, startled, towards the sound of shuffling. To make sure he wasn't still dreaming, he pinched himself hard.

"Ow"

Yes, he certainly was awake, the red mark on his arm testified to that. But he couldn't open his eyes. What was he to do?

The body next to him weakly mumbled something into the distance, but Ausir couldn't hear him - he was furiously using his thumb and second finger to prise open his right eyelid with all his might. But it was a failure - he was just still overcome by the drug. He sighed and sat back against the post to which he was tied to.

Suddenly, Ausir felt a sharp pain of a metal tip of a boot hit him the kidneys, followed by the whole body, which toppled over him and crashed into the rotting pole. The poor dwarf groaned from the impact, already weak, and collapsed back onto the floor, knocked out once more.

Røros, Savalen

News and Nature

"A beautiful creature, is a lynx. All the way from pointy, wet, warm nose to tip of its bushy, agile tail, a creature such as this screams predator, beast
The soft snow beneath its paws, the frozen, chilling air passing seamlessly though the tips of fur that keep the beast warm during the cold winter months, add a sense of mystery, of power, that no other animal does in this way.

A Lynx certainly looks cute on a photograph, but an animal such as this in captivity becomes a restless, subdued plaything that doesn't seem to ever smile. A creature such as this deseves to be protected and Savalen has reached an incredible decision to outlaw the touching or frightening of lynxes unless a human is in a position of hurt. The implmentation of this will be a problem, but one day, a lynx may just live the life it was born to lead.

One day..." ~Savalen Gazette

"And one day, Lisov may score a fuggin goal," muttered Vetlesen under his breath. "I'm away for a couple of weeks and they're 3rd in the group. Thank god I'm back for West Saintland or we would be out in a flash. Dumbasses."

As the clock trickled to 12 and a church bell sounded in the distance, Marv flipped on his sunglasses in one fell movement, spun round on his new chair, strolled out of his spanking new office. Looking towards his players, he bellowed his first words to them since a friendly ages ago. He was ready to rip into them " Over here you little sh-"

by **Chromatika** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 5:21 pm

The Rainbow Revolution, Book II: The Flames Burn Part V: Nemesis

After a match in which it took the late heroics of Andìsorì to salvage a tie against the class that is Starblaydia, Lisa Amos has announced that Andìsorì will replace Nioli Quren in the starting lineup, effective immediately, to spur on the great play that she has been coming on strong with along with the shaken mentality of Nioli. Quren admitted to being off his game, as most of his family is still left within the nation without much contact, and he's having a much harder time dealing with it as they had said some questionable things against the Party as of late that could be constituted as treason and an excuse for the Party to arrest them. Andìsorì's reply to her promotion was an expected one, that she would try to fill in the shoes of someone as great as Quren, and that she was great for the opportunity.

The inclusion of Andìsorì should help the Chromatik side generate more forward pressure, highlighted by her speed, the finesse of Rien, and Antonio's playmaking ability. The midfield of the Chromatiks have been a bit daunted with the play of the opponents, but Kelly, Hellion, and Liam have all extensive experience playing with the new forward, so they should not miss a single beat.

The Chromatiks will hope to drop no more points in qualifying - drawing twice against the second seed isn't the end of the world, especially with the Anomalies in Exile leading in the goal differential department. Next up will be a game against Hirvania, the side that unexpectedly played the Anomalies to a draw in the first leg. "We won't be taking them lightly, every game is extremely important," stated Amos, "There is still enough matches left for us to not go out of the group in first place, which would be a disaster. There is nothing that we want any more than to get out of the group in first place, and to not have to play in a playoff like we had to last year against Saarbia."

With Kaboomlandia very closely behind by only three points off of the first two, the Chromatik side will be pressured to win all its remaining games while maintaining that one goal lead in goal differential. Amos did note that Nier's play in the absence of Thorben has been exemplary, and stated that it simply will not be possible to get Mia Ria to come to join the team as a backup keeper, making Nier's health a massive priority.

So how was it that one Heidi Kruzieg, once childhood beau of Niadri el los-Hiros, became the DG after Niadri lost her in that cave off of Eyrods? We delve into the secret filed of the Chromatik Party to come up with a rather surprising answer.

The cave that Niadri and Heidi discovered in Eyrods was actually a cave that the Secret Service Division of the Chromatik Party had built a facility in many years prior. It was where they did the best genetic research that the company had to provide, and also where many questionable experiments were being done. They had a policy - nobody that came in went out without the Party's permission. It was just Heidi's luck - or lack thereof - that the ceiling above one of the hallways had decayed to the point that she broke through the wooden ceiling to the labs below. Ironically, it was the only place that still remained wooden, the last place that was going to be refurnished. She would have made an attempt to get away, but she landed in a way that broke her left ankle in three places, and she was hence immobilized and eventually caught by the agents inside.

Her genes were thoroughly tested after she was told that there was no way that she would be allowed to go back home after setting foot into the facility. The scientists were shocked to discover that she had one of the most perfect genes imaginable in a human being. They put her through extensive mental conditioning, even going as far as to rewrite her memories (a procedure in which one's memories would be subdued under and a set of memories would be placed over them, the major events being written in and the details given over to the brain to fill in) and enhancing her body to function even better than usual. She was put through the best training available, and emerged as the Heidi Kruzieg of the Chromatik Party.

The Party decided to not change her name, but start referring to her as the title that she would take once she emerged from the shadows. It could be said that ever since she was discovered in that cave in Eyrods, she was hand built and hand made to be the face of the Party. The truth is that she is not the leader of the Chromatik Party - there are those who pull the strings from backstage - but she would be the hard, composed, imposing figure leading them from the forefront.

Years after her capture, the DG emerged as the Party's leader after the Party had the previous leader disposed of, and she became the face of the harsh government that rules Chromatika on this day. None remembered the young, innocent, beautiful, driven young woman that she used to be, as the Party "took care of" the entire Kruzieg clan and their immediate cousins. It was only by luck and honor that Niadri's name wasn't discovered, and how he had survived the purge.

That was the target of Operation Divine Judgment.

by **Eura** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:35 pm

Less than 48 hours after Pooltree

The extraordinary situation that faced Eura had left its executive branch in a state of chaos not seen in a hundred years. When an atomic bomb detonated in the city of Pooltree, several cabinet members were killed, along with senior diplomats and Liberal Party officials. Most of the rest of the cabinet were on a break, as indeed was parliament as a whole. In the hours following the attack, there was some panic in Eura as to what had happened to the government, after the series of attacks across the country, but also because the Prime Minister and other key members of cabinet had been evacuated from Pooltree just a matter of minutes before the explosion. The Emergency Broadcast System eventually transmitted a statement from the Prime Minister's office confirming the survival of all senior cabinet members, but admitting the loss of others. What the public didn't know was how close Prime Minister Michael Judge had come to being one of the victims, along with his chief advisor of many years and an untold number of others. Initially, the only way to react was to ensure the continuity of government. Plans that had been years in the making were thrown into motion as the government accelerated into a state of emergency.

Fortunately, the military chain of command was formidable enough that it was able to direct the immediate military efforts alone, activating almost every single domestic military installation and issuing forces-wide commands to maintain order and defensive stability. So far it had worked in the sense that Eura hadn't suffered some sort of catastrophic defeat. However the navy was in a state of flux, the air force in a bizarre state of limbo except for DMZ air support due to the strange silence of their Sameban opposite numbers, and the army were completely at a loss as to what to do other than hold the line. Sameba had launched a massed offensive all along the border, though the majority of the force was concentrated decisively at the centre. The Sameban's were reportedly suffering horrendous casualties but in a number of places the Euran defences had simply been overwhelmed, leaving infantry to fight for themselves. An order had been given to withdraw the army's artillery behind the border to a deeper position, costing the men at the front valuable firepower when they most needed. Worst of all, the Sameban's had detonated a second nuclear weapon under the western reaches of the border, causing extreme casualties to the 3rd Army Corps.

Somewhere in the western mountains of Eura, bordering Austroslovakia and Rio Oscuro, exists a series of highly secretive military facilities known as "Deep Reserves". So secret in fact that their construction and maintenance costs did not show up in the government accounts, and that the only outsider known to have taken information - a series of photographs - from one of them had been sitting in a prison cell without trial for forty years. This array of five facilities, built deep into the rocks that elevated Eura's western neighbours above it, was designed specifically for a situation like this, or a nuclear war. It was "Deep Reserve B" that had been tricked by a false alarm into almost starting a nuclear conflict with Valladares not so long ago. It was the "E" facility that had for several years transmitted extremely classified material relating to deniable operations in Mytannion, San Jose Guayabal, Saintland and other places to the government's targets in the utmost secrecy. Deep Reserve C had historically been the facility to play the smallest day to day role, but now it was really being made use of. The entirety of the remaining cabinet of the government of Eura had been flown or driven into the facility as quickly as possible from all over the country, and even abroad. For the last fourteen hours they had been in a non-stop state of emergency session to discuss what to do in light of the crisis.

A major part of the emergency response was that all political parties had agreed to pass the State of Emergency Act for the first time in Eura's modern history in absentia, with parliament having been evacuated along with most of Bastion's government buildings. Under that act, cabinet had to meet and discuss a number of measures to be taken, having a series of rapidly conducted votes on what decisions to take. Much of it was straightforward and agreed upon unanimously; what to do with the media, how to calm panic in cities, how best to deploy local government and police resources, and what to do with foreign citizens. It had been agreed that the existing plans for regulation of media coverage to limit sensitive information should be put in place, and that all major institutions - especially central government and civilian run military facilities - should be evacuated. A Ministry for Displaced Citizens and War Victims had already been set up with no formal budget limitations. Its first duty was to use military transports to deliver food, water and anti-radiation treatments to tens of millions of people who were in a reasonable vicinity of Pooltree; those who might live near the "border bomb" would have to fend for themselves. Crucially, martial law had been unanimously voted into effect after a reported fifty three terrorist attacks across Eura by either "lone wolf" sleeper agents or Sameban nationalist gangs. All Sameban citizens without a Euran passport - millions of people - were to report to registration centres within a week or be considered fugitives. The World Assembly would no doubt be shocked by such decisions, but the federation was in no mood for outside criticism and understandably so.

Although these major decisions had been taken by cabinet, and would soon be discussed by senior figures from the opposition parties who would be transported to the facility, there were several major strategic decisions that had to be taken by the Prime Minister and a selection of officials alone, with scrutiny to be provided later. Michael Judge had lost much in the last war; his greatest fear was that he would one day face a situation where he might have to fight the same war again. This was even worse than those fears. Before he had never expected to have to deal with it as Prime Minister, and before he never could have expected that Sameba would launch such an extreme attack. There had been signs of it coming of course and he knew it - he expected that history might treat him kindly if he won this conflict, but that few would forget his government's indecision and lack of clarity in judging the regime of Emile Gartanzo. Now the time had come to make the key decisions, after a debate regarding how to respond had come to a head. They had been talking for hours, and Judge now wanted a moment's silence from his colleagues. When that moment had passed he spoke. 'We have been here for some time now. We have covered much and gone over the situation many times, but let's cover what we know one last time. We are at war with Sameba. The army has been fighting a savage battle in the centre of the frontier, and before we could assemble it was forced into a tactical retreat from its primary forward line, which was to be expected. We are holding in the east against a more cautious assault, and in the west Sameba's options for a ground offensive are limited by the terrain. However we have suffered extreme casualties of an unknown quantity due to their nuclear attack on the line. They have not invaded Szavoda, and we cannot know if they will.' Judge paused for a moment, not believing what he was saying almost.

Judge had paused for some time before Amy Yarley, his Minister for Foreign Affairs, gave him a concerned look. 'Michael?'
'Yes, sorry I was just- yes. Right. The navy are somewhat in a state of transition from a moderate peacetime alert to their full war plan for a Blue on Green confrontation. We know for sure that one nuclear aircraft carrier has effectively been sunk in a surprise attack on Falourr along with some escorts and transport ships, while most of the navy's fleets are scattered around on their various long term missions. We have agreed, to confirm, that the Admiralty are to be allowed another twelve hours to reassign the fleet to new duties?' Everyone murmured in agreement. 'Good. The air force, to my understanding, are not yet fully engaged. We have used close air support as much as possible in the north but its hard to do so accurately with the two ground forces so closely merged. They are however fully mobilised. Now, you have all had some time to agree on the actions for each portfolio. Amy, start of us off. How will we handle the Rushmori Union talks and our international reaction?' Yarley, also a survivor of Pooltree, got into it without hesitation. 'We have already drafted a modified line to our planned proposals to the Rushmori Union, which our representative will read out. We have summoned the ambassador of every country that has one in Eura, and instructed our own ambassadors to immediately reach out to the government's of their host countries. Our message is simple - Eura has suffered a deeply significant tragedy but will not be cowed into panic or chaos. We will fight to preserve stability and our current commitments, though a period of serious disruption should be expected, and that our economy remains fundamentally strong. They will stress that all countries should completely disassociate themselves from Sameba, and suggest that they intern any Sameban economic or military assets, and invite them to provide military support to us if they are able. Most importantly, they are to understand that we are dealing with an unprecedented situation, but one that we have planned for, and that we are currently going through the processes we need to. Within a week, we aim to issue a more comprehensive response and outline for our long term strategy.'

An interruption came right away from the Minister for Home Affairs. 'Can we just clarify, so we are all sure, what is our specific outlook with other countries?'
'Yes, of course. We clearly disagree on how to approach the issue with Electrum, given the existing pressure on our relations. As Home Affairs minister your portfolio covers a lot of this, and you will work closely with the PM to decide what Eura will do about the situation on the southern border. Our allies in Rushmore and elsewhere are crucial. The Polarians can obviously be relied on to defend their oil interests and shipping lanes which supports us in naval matters, and we should be able to pull in some troops from one of the Mytanar authorities. Other key allied stakeholders we need to reach out to and ensure are going to consider themselves in conflict with Sameba are Szavoda if their sovereignty is violated, SETO in Esportiva, the Calanian Union, Pasarga, and many others. We can use their occupation of Pravenna as a means to get Nephara on side and San Jose Guayabal will support us if it means putting one up the Greganians. On that note, it appears that Sameba's only likely military ally is so-called Gregoryisgodistan, if they actually have the lack of sense to follow up on their rhetoric. We expect to see more of it in the coming weeks and will advise them through back channels, and any other potentially hostile nation, that any nation which provides aid to the Sameban state is at this time a legitimate target for countermeasures.' Judge was pleased with Yarley's comprehensive coverage. He turned to the Chancellor, who was also well prepared. 'Obviously the economic situation is poor but in tandem with Amy's work, we need to reassure the region and other multiverse stakeholders that the Euran economy is fundamentally strong. Make no mistake, we will have to pillage the currency reserves and the private sector will not be pleased about mandatory interim nationalisation. The airlines are furious for one thing. However they will understand that public disunity right now is unthinkable. The currency has taken its biggest plunge in decades but ultimately we can see this through. I'll be meeting the main industry heads securely in a couple of days to discuss arrangements for long term financial strategy once the initial combat situation is made clearer.' For now, the PM was happy with this. 'I'm afraid I need to take a brief break, but I ultimately approve of these key points and we will go forward with them. The other primary issues can be approved by the Foreign Minister, Chancellor and Home Affairs Minister. There are some select strategy issues that I would like to discuss when I return.' The meeting continued as Michael Judge, exhausted by pressure and sleep deprived, took a much needed break from what could now be called a war cabinet.

World Cup 76 - RP Thread

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