Díencup I — Hosted in the Golden Throne [GD]

[Holy Marsh]

Marshite United Team is beaten by Morrdh 1-0
Brief post-game analysis

Shrine Sports Service, Report from The Golden Throne- In a thrilling but saddening defeat, the Marshite United Team was able to pull out/unable to pull out a victory against a well-played Morrdh foe. What took attention away more so than the game itself was a major injury to Ojas Bose in the 55th minute, which necessitated ambulatory services and cast a pall over the proceedings. The team took some time to regroup, and the defense was unable to prevent successful Morrdh offense in the aftermath of the injury which led to a defeat.

The game got off to an auspicious start, with excellent ball control and movement which resulted in early pressure. Strong play by Morrdh disallowed several good chances and started to slowly turn the ball control offense of the Marshites against them with strong challenges and physical pushes up the sides. The 25th through 35th minutes saw back and forth midfield battles for control. Strong Morrdh pressure came through in the 37th minute, with fierce pressure and attacking sports giving the Morrdhianes several strong chances. One hit off the crossbar while a sacrificing dive by Advik Singh saved another. A strong challenge by Anvi Reijas likely prevented an open shot but resulted in a yellow card and free kick, which thankfully amounted to nothing

The rest of the half was uneventful, with an early Morrdh chance turned aside and strong possession play sending the Marshites into half tied with something to work off of in the second . The second half opened with the same play as the end of the first, with strong Marshite possession leading to what at first appeared to be a shot and score on goal in the 49th minute. However, Lalpekhlua was called offsides and Morrdh took advantage. On the immediately following possession, another strong challenge by Reijas ended in a red card, leaving the Marshite side short-handed. Soon afterwards Ojas Bose had his head opened up while competing with a Morrdhiane player on a challenge. He initially jogged away but then appeared dizzy and fell down, unresponsive for a minute or so as he bled into the ground. He regained consciousness and was soon taken off the field in an ambulance.

Morrdh took advantage and moments after the ball was live once more they managed to pierce the defense and score on a high-difficulty upper netter from a poor position. The rest of the game was a fierce battle for possession, though the Marshite side only managed a small handful of actual offensive stabs at the Morrdh side. When the game ended after an extended extra time, the Marshites had been unable to tie the score and exit with points. The majority concern was on Bose's injury. At time of publication there was no further information given, though Martyrdom via Soccer is not considered a necessarily wondrous way to die and thus it is considered unlikely such a fate would befall Bose.

Play of the Game: Anvi Reijas, a goal-saving penalty in the 42nd minute.

Player of the Game: Tanya Sarana, who was a force in the middle and was single-handedly responsible for most offensive opportunities afforded to the team.

[Palmyrion]

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UP Varsity Football Club dominates Sport-Club Nuremberg, 2-0
Jennifer Dimasalang | 27 November 2018, 4:43 PM PST

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Match Highlights:

• Consecutive goals by Cuansing (34:56) and Macadangdang (72:45)
• UPVFC mounts rigid defense against SC Nuremberg; save of the match by Flores
• Cuansing suffers from strain; Pilapil suffers from torn ACL

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Onaka Stadium, Sidi Rezegh, The Golden Throne | Palmyrion trumps over the Ordenite Reich 2-0 after back-and-forth offensive drives and defensive stonewalling by both sides, with the UP Varsity Football Club gaining the upper hand - twice! - against Sport-Club Nuremberg. Goals by strikers Cuansing and Macadangdang cemented Palmyrion's victory over the Ordenite Reich in Match Day 3.

"We never gave the Ordenite team time to organize their defensive formations as we charged. We applied the lessons that we have learned when we analyzed our match against the Mokan Federal FC, and also applied well the tactics we made to suit our Ordenite rivals - all this in a span of over a week's worth of preparation for the present field team." Head Coach Caballero said when asked about UPVFC's performance against Sport-Club Nuremberg.

The strikers who scored the goals were Cuansing, at 34:56, and Macadangdang, at 72:45. When asked about their goals, they were apparently ecstatic. "That rampage of ours through an Ordenite defense? It would not have been possible if we didn't work well with our assisting midfielders." Macadangdang remarked about his winning goal which was supported by midfielders Somera and Portillo who helped clear a path for Macadangdang and Magtibay (as Cuansing suffered a cramp and had to be subbed for Magtibay), and Magtibay who passed the ball to Macadangdang before the Ordenites could close in on him. The same could also be said about Cuansing, who had to be subbed for Magtibay after he suffered a strain right after he scored the first goal for UPVFC. "I really unleashed my best against the Ordenites, so perhaps that cramp was totally worth it. Meanwhile, it's good to know that Cuansing and Magtibay worked nicely as a team, with neither allowing their pride as strikers to consume them." Cuansing remarked.

On the defensive, the UPVFC mounted a solid, and unexpectedly impenetrable, defense against SC Nuremberg, in particular Flores' match-defining save. "Share ko lang: during my save, time apparently slowed down, and I was unware that I was already exerting my full effort to catch that incoming SC Nuremberg ball. I managed to catch it though." Glennel Flores, the team's goalkeeper during the match, remarked. It is also worth noting that Pilapil as a defender gave his all to help UPVFC mount a solid defense against repeated Ordenite offensives, at the cost of a torn ACL.

It's also worth noting that the UP Varsity Football Club is fast becoming a crowd favorite; in particular, the same Mokans who cried foul during Federal FC's defeat by UPVFC cheered on UPVFC as it faced against players of the Ordenite Reich's Sport-Club Nuremberg, albeit with geopolitics thrown into the mix. "Palmyrion defeats the Ordenite Reich! Down with fascism! Remember the War against Fascism! UP Fight! From your Mokan friends with love!" an ecstatic Mokan fan remarked when asked about the match against UPVFC and Sport-Club Nuremberg.

All of this did not come with sacrifices, however. Pilapil had to be taken out of the field - and the stadium - with ambulatory assistance after an accident that rendered him immobile and unable to play further. He had to be taken to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with a torn ACL. In the meantime, Pilapil was replaced by Tanalgo in the field. Cuansing also had to be taken out of the field after being immobilized by a strain. Pilapil would be replaced by Joash Vallesteros in the roster.

Palmyrion's next match will be played on Match Day 3 against the host nation's home team, the Macabeean Imperial Football Team, in Lamos Deray Grounds, Aurillac, on November 30, 2018, at 9:00AM PST. The players (in particular those on the bench during the UWO-Palmyrion match), according to Caballero, "have been training hard for the past 7 days in preparation for the match against Fedala Imperial F.C.", and indeed a star-studded roster of players was prepared for this match:

• John Paul Katigbak (07) - Striker
• Erian Franco Magtibay (14) - Midfielder, Offensive Center
• Elijah Aguila (21) - Midfielder, Left Side
• Harold Lobitaña (15) - Midfielder, Right Side
• Ibrahim Ahmed Talpis (19) - Midfielder, Defensive
• Julius Lactuan (22) - Midfielder, Defensive
• Anthony Villahermosa (11) - Defender
• Makisig Magtanggol (23) - Defender
• Gabriel Tanalgo (25) - Defender
• Jasper Lopez (24) - Defender
• Victor Mijares (32) - Goalkeeper

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Kuya Isko @iskosapiens For tonight's dinner, we have: -Academy of St. Husky roasted 89-87 in #PCAA_BBall -SC Nuremberg grilled hard 2-0 in #DienCup #UPFight #AtinTo SHARESFAVORITE 200M1.1B

eli | dakilang hubadera @EliMaginHubad For tonight, UP scores consecutive wins in #PCAA_BBAll & #DienCup Also, prayers to Pilapil as he recovers from his torn ACL #UPFight #AtinTo SHARESFAVORITE 200M1.1B

[Mokastana]

Koloso Varhu Lakra Stadium
Beda Fromm, The Golden Throne

To say this match was going to be exciting might be an understatement. Thousands from the Federation poured into the Golden Throne for this match alone. The Ordenites had risen from obscure Western nation to international rival in only a few years, but those had been long and brutal years. Roughly 800,000 caskets returned to the Federation in the War against Fascism, and the pain of those memories were still fresh. Castille had been pacified, but the Ordenites were still alive and active, with their backwards ideology still infecting billions. To many, this was more than a mere football game, this was a chance to prove Ordenite Ideology inferior to the rest of the world. Many of these fans coming today were the same fanatics that screamed for blood during the Federal FC / Palmyrion match, only to turn around and cheer for the Palmyrions against the UWO. Yes, a Palmyrion defeat would have balanced the points more in Federal FC's favor, but there was one thing Mokans felt more passionately about than football, it was politics.

Of course, the governments of both the Golden Throne and People's Unified Federation knew that hot headed Mokans, drunk Wellovians and militant Anuiens were dangerous when combined with Ordenite football fans, which was why both had brought in extra security for this match. However, the PUF was limited in their security allowances which is why they got creative when it came to crowd control.

Lieutenant Ivan Casillas, a veteran of the war in Castleclose, Jaguar Warrior, and recent OCS graduate was fulfilling his first official duty as an officer. Leading the Federal Color Guard for the match, it was also his duty to ensure the uniformed soldiers attending the matched maintained a cheerful but controlled attitude. With nearly a full company of 200 plus uniformed soldiers attending this match, many Federal civilians would no doubt look to their leadership if things went south. In exchange for free travel and tickets, many agreed to maintain composure, avoid alcohol during the match, and assist local security in controlling Federalists if they got out of hand. After all, none wanted to go home to tell their family and friends they got so angry at the football game they punched a PUF veteran.

Next to Ivan stood his longtime friend, Sergeant Joanna Tanga, a fellow Veteran of Castille who was invited explicitly on Ivan's request. During the war she had taken shrapnel in her back, injuring her spine and left leg. Had she been wearing anything less than Dauntless armor, she would probably not be alive today. It took a year of physical therapy to relearn to walk unassisted, but she recovered. However, after her therapy, the Army declared her unfit for combat duty and offered her an early retirement. She refused, and was given a desk job guarding Federal armories in Moxhuactl. She hated the work, but it was better than returning to Tatom and trying to find decent work in Arizona.

Next to both of them, the Flag bearer, a man by the name of William Flanagan, carried the Federal Flag upright and sturdy. Unlike the Lieutenant and Sergeant, who both had signed up for the External Armed Forces, William had been a conscript. On top of that, he had been deployed to the Red Star Union rather than Castille, and had seen what the Ordenite Army could do when backed into a corner. Originally, his plan had been to serve out his last few months in the Secondary Services diligently, before leaving the military for good. However, after a certain boat ride and receiving the highest honor granted by AHSCA for helping save numerous lives, he had become something of a propaganda piece for the military. One of the many heroes they could parade out to show off the honorable side of the Federal Army. As long as they kept him as decorum only, he played along. Heaven forgive them if they ever allowed William a microphone.

In total 12 hand picked veterans had made up the Color Guard, and under the bright lights and cameras of the stadium, they began to march into position. They ignored the absurdity that their opposites might be soldiers they were shooting at only a few years ago, but now they were all being paraded around for patriotic duty, and to sell tickets for a football game.

[Morrdh]

The metro station had been shut down and cordoned off following Zero-Six's death, particularly as the clean-up occurred. The Stadgard, a Macabean counterpart to the Morridane Garda, had effectively taken complete control over the scene. Fannon and his fellow Garda officers, least the ones in the general area when their comrade met his untimely end, were made to remain on-scene until the Stadgard had finished their interrogations. Though Fannon and a group of his fellow officers were hanging around one side, smoking or trying to keep themselves amused until the Stadgard released them. The head of the Garda detachment for the Diencup, Superintendent Staines, finished talking to some senior Stadgard officers and came over to Fannon's group. "

"A right cock-up." Staines growled. "An officer dead and a possible fricking terrorist on the loose."

"Our hosts doing anything sir?"

"They've bullied their way into being in charge of the case."

"So where does that leave us?"

"You lot are being relieved, the rest will focus on close protection of Her Majesty."

"Relieved? How long fer sir?!"

"Indefinitely." Staines answered. "Ya effectively confined ta yer hotel rooms fer the rest of the competition."

"And the bastard that pushed Zero-Six?"

"We'll get him, ye can count on that."

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Relieved from duty, Fannon found himself kicking his heels in his hotel room. It was tempting to turn to drink, but that wouldn't do him or his career in the Garda any good. Not even the surprise Morridane win over the Marshites seemed to be able to lift his mood, not while a man who'd killed a comrade was still loose. Fannon desperately to be re-instated, least given a chance to bring the terrorist to justice.

[Holy Marsh]

Notes from Presser; Analysis of 11/27 Picks; Group Stage Outlooks; 11/30 Picks

Coach Chuvulia on Ojas Bose:
"He suffered a fractured skull and a concussion, as well as some further brain injuries. Currently being treated by the Marshite Medical System, should be fine to play against Lamoni, praise be the Holy Marsh."

On Jayesh Chhetri:
"Still has some lingering pain, and we're considering sending him in for aid at a local Church. Gameday decision, praise be the Holy Marsh. Prisha is the starter as of this moment."

On Anvi Reijas:
"I think it was a poor penalty call but it is as it was willed. Aarush Edathodika will get the start."

The loss to Morrdh:
"Too many self-inflicted casualties. You can't play down a player when you're already giving up all the size we are, and you can't make tactical mistakes when you rely on proficiency. For all that, it takes quality play to throw us off, so hats off to an excellent opponent, Marsh blessings."

The game against Greal:
"We're focusing primarily on getting back to playing the sound version of our game. Greal is Greal. They play tough, they play well, and they won't give us many opportunities. We have to capitalize, Marsh willing."

Jayesh Chhetri on his injury:
"I want to head to the Church now and get this resolved, but I know such options are limited and it would be unkind of me to take the time from someone who needs it more. Still, I want to play. If I can't, however, I trust in Prisha, blessed in Her name."

Picks on 11/20

Holy Marsh vs Morrdh
Prediction: 1-0, Holy Marsh
Result: 1-0, Morrdh
Analysis: Strong play from both teams, but Morrdh simply made fewer errors. Marshite injuries, red cards, and poorly timed penalties made it difficult for them to pierce a high-quality team. Bose's injury casts a pall over an otherwise superb game.

Greal vs Fecaw
Prediction: 3-1, Greal
Result: 2-0, Greal
Analysis: Not even as close as 2-0 may indicate as Fecaw was clearly outplayed from start to finish. Credit where credit is due, as they showed a good quality of defensive play at times and managed a few near-misses. Greal was clearly superior from a talent and coaching level.

Macabees vs Eitoan
Prediction: 2-0, Macabees
Result: 2-0, Macabees
Analysis: As expected, a quality effort from Eitoan was eroded over time by the Golden Throne's pincer-like attacks. Neither goal was a surprise and was the culimination of superior and unrelenting aggression.

United World Order vs Palmyrion
Prediction: 2-1, United World Order
Result: 2-0, Palmyrion
Analysis: Once again, energetic attacks by the Palmyrion side bring down a more established roster. The United World Order is functionally out of contention for first at this point and you gotta wonder: With the most lopsided goal differential of the tournament, just how many heads will roll?

Gameday in Review: 2-2. The most dissapointing result was of course the MUT's defeat, compounded by major injuries. The other prediction defeat was another excellent result for Union-mate Palmyrion, who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. The rest fell within predicted paramaters.

Fecaw is not technically out of contention but requires a victory and a specific series of events to transpire. It needs to beat Lamoni and then hope that the MUT beats Lamoni. Lamoni getting a victory or tie in either game means Fecaw cannot pass Lamoni. If not Lamoni, it must pass the MUT. The MUT would need to lose both games to Greal and Lamoni and Fecaw would need to beat Lamoni, with a tie or victory in any scenario disqualifying Fecaw from advancement at the cost of the MUT. Even if any of the above happens, Fecaw will still have to hope that their goal differential is higher than whomever they are trying to pass. Assuming the best case scenario, this may happen. If it does not happen however and they are tied, then they must go to goals scored. With more games to play, both the Lamoni and MUT teams have more chances to score goals. If it comes down to head to head, in the best case scenario they can pass Lamoni but not the MUT.

If Fecaw does not defeat Lamoni, then all other results are meaningless for Fecaw. While certainly possible, we feel confident in saying that Fecaw will not advance. This makes the rest of the Second Group easier to calculate. A potential exists in the final gameday for all four teams to already be in and competing for positioning alone.

The first group is not yet fully decided, but features a clearer 'haves' and 'have nots'. UWO's upcoming game requires them to get points. A defeat will likely eliminate them as they would have a massive disadvantage in goal differential, regardless of Eitoan's result. Indeed, if Eitoan can simply match their result regardless of win, tie, or defeat, they win. Of course the UWO is not out of it yet; a victory puts exceptional pressure on Mokastana and Eitoan. Eitoan's final game comes against a strongly performing Palmyrion team in the final gameday, while Mokastana would need to pull it out against who would be a heavily favored Golden Throne team. While the UWO does have a harsh path to getting into the quarterfinals it does have a relatively clear path. Eitoan's path is easier while any tie or positive result from Mokastana over her final two games will send her in as well.

Locks to make it in:
Group 1: Palmyion, Macabees
Group 2: Greal, Morrdh

In Most Severe Danger:
Group 1: United World Order
Group 2: Fecaw

Predictions for Quarterfinals (no specific order):
Group 1: Macabees, Palmyrion, Mokastana, Eitoan
Group 2: Greal, Lamoni, Morrdh, Holy Marsh

Predictions for 11/30

Holy Marsh vs Greal (Teilán Arena, Fedala. Shrine Sports Network 10, 9 AM MST)
The MUT needs a single point over two games to ensure a spot in the quarterfinals. Will this be the one? Rebounding from a tough loss to Morrdh and facing a highly successful Greal attack, Marshite defenses will be under duress most of the game without strong play from the mid-field. Luckily, they tend to play strong in the middle. 1-0, MUT.

Fecaw vs Lamoni (Elaktra Arena, Targul Frumos. Shrine Sports Network 25, 12 PM MST)
Fecaw's foray into international competition has proven dissapointing, but competitive. After playing Greal just as tough as they have played all of their opponents, it is hard to imagine them walking away without any points. It is also hard to imagine a Lamoni side who will go down easily, especially when they are still in contention for group victory. 2-1, Lamoni.

Macabees vs Palmyrion (Lamos Deray Grounds, Aurillac. Shrine Sports Network 24, 9 AM MST)
The first group features two games with intense outside interest. The home team takes on burgeoning fan favorite and fellow Unionmate Palmyrion in a battle that may very well decide who wins the group. Macabees emerges victorious in a high scoring affair, 3-2.

Mokastana vs United World Order (Koloso Varhu Lakra, Beda Fromm. Shrine Sports Network 24, 12 PM MST)
A fetal-developing grudge between nations may very well lead to blood in the stands of the Koloso in what promises to be an emotionally charged match. Both sides are expected to go full tilt. We expect Mokastana's offensive push to bring Mokastana the lead late, and for a flurry of attacks and counterattacks to end the time with a 2-1 Mokastana victory.

Upcoming games for the Marshite United Team:

Vs. Greal 11/30 9 AM MST, Teilán Arena, Fedala. Shrine Sports Network 10.
Vs. Lamoni 12/3 9 AM MST, Elaktra Arena, Targul Frumos. Shrine Sports Network 10.

[Palmyrion]

SC NUREMBERG VS UPVFC: MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

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This DienCup I match coverage is brought to you by:

"The Royal Palmyrian Commonwealth's truthful herald"

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TITLE: DienCup I: UPVFC vs Sport-Club Nuremberg, Goal 1 by Cuansing
AUTHOR: Palmyrion

27 November 2018
Onaka Stadium, Sidi Rezegh
The Golden Throne
Region of Greater Dienstad

The stadium was filled to the brim with Mokans on one side, with brimming hatred against the Ordenite team, and Ordenite fans on the other, with the small but loud and energetic crowd of UP students in one corner, waving on high bicolor flags of maroon and forest green, flags of the Royal Commonwealth and the University of Palmyrion, and even papier-mache mockups of the Oblation statue, particularly the man. Half the stadium, plus the UP student crowd, cheered gleefully for the UP Varsity Football Club as they mounted a defense against the Ordenite blitzkrieg, interspersed in between words with drum beats courtesy of the UP Drummers: "Defense! Defense! Defense! Defense!"

"Looks like the Ordenites are exploiting a gap in Palmyrion's defenses, but it looks like Palmyrion is quickly plugging that hole, as midfielders rush in to block any potential passes by a charging Krenkel." commentator Yuri Ballesteros said as the midfielders blocked any players from having a clear line of sight at Krenkel, with the UPVFC defenders closing in on those further into the Palmyrian side of the field to prevent them from having a clear line of sight. "Krenkel better pass that ball before he gets cornered, or else Palmyrion gets possession of the ball again. If he passes it to Felsenbaum, then sure this goal is gonna be for the Ordenite Reich." Yuri's co-commentator, Anthony Galvez, remarked, as Felsenbaum struggled to get a line of side with a charging but heavily cornered Krenkel.

Meanwhile, Krenkel was struggling to get a clear line of sight of anyone from his team - a sign that the Ordenite blitzkrieg was blunted. "Krenkel at this point can't get a shot at anyone to his team, let alone the cornered strikers and forward midfielders of SC Nuremberg. Possession is inbound for Palmyrion." Ballesteros remarked as Dalisay stole the ball from Krenkel. "Now that is a nice steal by Dalisay, and he kicks it to Coste." he added in a jiffy. At this point, the crowd, or at least well over half of the crowd, cheered as Coste charged through the ranks of the Ordenite midfielders and defenders:

U-nibersidad! Ng Palmyria!
U-nibersidad! Ng Palmyria!
U-nibersidad! Ng Palmyria!
U-nibersidad! Ng Palmyria!
Matatapang, matatalino
Walang takot, kahit kanino
Hinding-hindi magpapahuli
Ganyan kaming mga taga-UP!

Only the Palmyrians, and a few foreigners with a good grasp of the Palmyrian language, cheered the signature UP chant, led on b the UP Drummers and the UP Cheerleading Squad. Bicolor flags of maroon and navy blue were being waved, and lots of cheaply-made floats were being paraded amongst the UP-loving portion of the crowd: notably, papier-mache mockups of the Vanguard.

"Coste brings the ball to the Ordenite side where the rest of the midfielders of UPVFC are waiting. Cuansing and Macadangdang await their chance to score a goal after repelling several Ordenite blitzkriegs with solid defensive tactics." Ballesteros said as Coste, flanked by midfielders Sabinay and Portillo, charged through and passed the ball to Somera. "Somera has the ball, and Cuansing runs along as Somera aims for him. Somera passes the ball to Cuansing, and Cuansing charges through the very last line of Ordenite defenders to position himself for the goal. Cuansing makes the kick and-" Ballesteros said, and paused when Cuansing made the kick. He would then jubilantly announce Cuansing making the kick: "Cuansing kicks it square into the Ordenite goal at 34 minutes, 56 seconds, with assist from Somera!" The rest of the crowd cheered jubilantly.

However, Cuansing fell to the ground, in apparent pain. "Cuansing is down in pain, and it looks like he's struggling to stand up. Is that a strain, a sprain, or a cramp?" Galvez remarked as football players from UPVFC huddled around him, checking on his condition as Cuansing lay there on the ground, wailing in pain, with a grimace on his face. Not before long, they signaled for ambulatory assistance - and sure enough a team or paramedics came. Cuansing was transported out of the field on a wheeled stretcher by the responding paramedics, and was later rushed to the hospital after it was confirmed that he suffered from a strain.

Meanwhile, it was announced that Cuansing would be substituted by Erian Magtibay. "Cuansing of UPVFC out of the game. Substitution of Cuansing by Magtibay." the announcer said over the PA system of the stadium.

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TITLE: DienCup I: UPVFC vs Sport-Club Nuremberg, Defense of the Game
AUTHOR: Palmyrion

27 November 2018
Onaka Stadium, Sidi Rezegh
The Golden Throne
Region of Greater Dienstad

Another Ordenite blitzkrieg struck UPVFC defenses as the Ordenites descended upon the Palmyrians once again - and the limits of Palmyrian defensive formations in football will be tested. The Ordenites were bearing down on the defenders as a charging Krenkel once again stormed the front like an Ordenite panzer supported by Weinstock and Kreutzberg, with Felsenbaum waiting for his time to strike.

"Yet another Ordenite blitzkrieg on Palmyrion - and the 4-4-2 formation is seeing its rise and fall in DienCup within the span of half a month!" Ballesteros commented as the Palmyrian midfielders failed to contain a charging Krenkel and the defenders moved in to intercept, only to be blocked by Weinstock and Kreutzberg. "Krenkel passes the ball to Weinstock, and Pilapil moves in to intercept Weinstock as last defender standing!" Ballesteros added. Pilapil intercepted the ball away from Weinstock - and never recovered. Those near would have heard a loud, audible pop from his knee - a sign that something grave happened to Pilapil.

Nevertheless the match still went on.

"Weinstock passes the ball to Felsenbaum as the defenders are struggling to recoup on their defensive losses in the face of an Ordenite blitzkrieg! Felsenbaum moves into position to strike and makes the kick-" Galvez said, followed by a short pause as he awaited the fate of the ball as it went from Felsenbaum's foot to the Palmyrian goal. "Flores catches the ball square in his hands at 3 minutes 46 seconds to halftime!" Galvez said afterwards as the crowd cheered what was considered a close call.

It was only now that they paid attention to an ailing Pilapil.

Pilapil was rolling on the ground, gripping his locked-straight knee, as his team huddle around him to check on his condition. "Meanwhile, Pilapil is down on the ground. I think I heard a faint pop from there." Ballesteros commented, as even a few Ordenite players huddled with the Palmyrians to check on Pilapil. "Pilapil on the ground, game paused." the announcer said via the PA system of the stadium. No sooner did they call for paramedics to haul Pilapil out of the field, and within less than half a minute a paramedic team was on scene. They put Pilapil on a stretcher and carried him out of the field. Pilapil was soon substituted by Tanalgo. "Pilapil out of the game. Substituted by Tanalgo." the announcer said. Tanalgo immediately rose from the bench and stepped into the bounds of the field.

The game was on - again.

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TITLE: DienCup I: UPVFC vs Sport-Club Nuremberg, Goal 2 by Macadangdang
AUTHOR: Palmyrion

27 November 2018
Onaka Stadium, Sidi Rezegh
The Golden Throne
Region of Greater Dienstad

During half-time, the team spent the minute getting some hydration, after which they discussed for the next several minutes their Plan B. It was imperative that SC Nuremberg not penetrate their lines again. Thus, a 4-2-3-1 formation was agreed on to be used for the rest of the game - and possibly for the rest of Diencup. Magtibay soon became the Offensive Midfielder, and Macadangdang as the striker. UP had the lead, and would soon cement it further with yet another goal, this time by Macadangdang.

"Your commentators are back after a brief commercial break when UPVFC's Portillo kicked the ball out of bounds." Ballesteros commented before taking a sip from a sparkling glass of water. "Here we are again as the Krenkel-Weinstock-Kreutzberg trio sweeps the way for the ball, and UPVFC's defensive players are closing in on the trio." Galvez remarked, before taking a sip from a sparkling bottle of water. At this point, the Ordenite fans were already loud and cheering for SC Nuremberg. "The players are beginning to isolate the trio and preventing them from having a clear line of sight of each other, but Krenkel passes the ball to Felsenbaum - and the pass gets intercepted by Tanalgo, who kicks it far and wide to the intensely chaotic midfield. Who will catch the ball?" Ballesteros said, as the crowd went up in cheers again with the ball kicked high and far. The UP students and the foreigner fans of UPVFC started cheering, with the cheering interspersed with drumming instrumentals, as the SC Nuremberg offensive was blunted and reversed:

Let's Go UP! Let's Go UP!
Let's Go UP! Let's Go UP!

Magtibay, Somera, and Portillo were already rushing to catch the ball, alongside Ordenite players Wellman and Streicher, with Krenkel, Weinstock, and Kreutzberg catching up on their rear to assist their defending players. "Boom! Somera catches it, and rushes towards the Ordenite side, with the rest of UPVFC closing in with them. Somera passes it to Magtibay, and Magtibay to Macadangdang! Will Macadangdang make the goal?" Galvez commented as the crowd cheering for UPVFC cheered even louder, with Macadangdang thrusting through the Ordenite defense like a charging bull. It was only a few moments before the defensive rear of SC Nuremberg could catch up to him - and he made the kick, square into the Ordenite goal.

"Macadangdang makes the goal! The crowd is in an uproar, and it's a 2-0 lead for UPVFC!" Galvez added as the crowd loudly yelled in great triumph. Meanwhile the UPVFC players huddled around Macadangdang and celebrated their establishment of a 2-0 lead over the Ordenites. "Goal by Macadangdang at 72 minutes, 45 seconds. 2-0 in favor of Palmyrion." the stadium announcer said.

[The Macabees]

Etchenzotecuhtli Journeys to Metzha Pilán; ca. 80 B.C.



During the night after the day's encounter with Otonin Itztlixipil, Etchenzotecuhtli could not sleep. If he did nothing but continue down the current path, Itzlixipil would be back with a larger army, one that the villagers of Etchenzo would not be able to repulse. Many enemies would die. But a razed Etchenzo would not be able to celebrate such a hollow "victory." The dead do not experience victory.

He left while the stars still hung in the sky although he could not see them behind dark clouds that one could barely tell apart. Rain fell in droves, giving life to paddies that the Otonin would burn down during his attack. The bright light of lightning flashed across the heavens, followed by the deep rumble of thunder. The rain picked up as he walked through it. Xiuhcoatl was standing guard by the edge of the town, overlooking the single bridge that connected Etchenzo with land across the lake. With the warrior was Macuilxóchitl, his wife, also wielding a lance tipped by almost a foot of obsidian. She gave Etchenzotecuhtli, Lord of Etchenzo, a concerned look.

"Where are you headed to at such a late hour, lord?" asked Xiuhcoatl. "With the rain pouring as hard as it is I would think you more comfortable in your home."

Etchenzotecuhtli returned a light, friendly laugh. "Ah, but is not the place of a lord to be comfortable, is it?"

It was the wife who was about to speak, but her husband the warrior was first. "There are long days ahead of us, lord. Surely, I know that none of us would think less of you for resting now to battle later. We all know of your bravery, compassion, and care. It is not my place to tell you what to do, but I implore you to go back, for the good of the village."

"If what concerns you is the good of the village, Xiuhcoatl," said Etchenzotecuhtli, smiling, "then come with me to Metzha Pilán."

"Metzha Pilán?" asked Macuilxóchitl, who spoke too fast for her husband to interrupt her again. "What in the gods' names is there for you in Metzha Pilán other than certain death? Remember the fates of Nahztli, Ixcoatl, and Tlapac! They were killed in cold blood, lord, you must not follow in their footsteps. Etchenzo would be lost without you." Her voice quivered.

Etchenzotecuhtli sighed. "You are right, Macuilxóchitl. You are right. Still, I must go, otherwise we will all surely be lost, with or without me. We cannot defeat the army of Itztlixipil, we cannot."

"Better to die for our beliefs than to live under the heel of the emperor," said Xiuhcoatl, sternly.

"Perhaps," replied Etchenzotecuhtli. "But we must try...Yet, I cannot deny the truth of what your wife says. Raise the 100 men you trust the most. Tell them to arm themselves and meet us here. We will all march to Metzha Pilán together and perhaps the emperor will show us the mercy that his general is unwilling to give."

The warrior did as told, even as the wife shook her head. But she conceded and stoically stood guard while her husband raised a company of spearmen. Etchenzotecuhtli looked at her as they waited, knowing that all the women of Etchenzo would be equally as willing to raise the spear to support their husbands against a foe who threatened to destroy them. Perhaps he should give the order to arm all adults. They would need as many spears as they could get if war came down upon them. All the spears, perhaps even the oldest of the children as well.

It was some time before Xiuhcoatl returned. The 100 men he chose trickled in, although more and more arrived as time passed. By the time they were all there, perhaps 300 men in all stood before the lord. Others, looking from inside of their huts, emerged when they saw the army gather.

"I said 100 men," Etchenzotecuhtli said to Xiuhcoatl.

The warrior smiled back. "I cannot stop men who love you so much that they will not listen to a mere spear warrior like me."

As they congregated before him, the lord raised his hands to quiet them and then spoke. "Men, women, of Etchenzo, I cannot tell you with words how it warms my heart to see all of you ready to defend your village with pride. If I could, I would take all of you to Metzha Pilán. That way we could prove to the emperor that we will not succumb easily to the will of his generals. But I fear that if I took you all then we would leave Etchenzo undefended. And although I do not doubt the ferocity of our women, there are many enemies waiting for our moment of weakness. We need a capable army here. Therefore, I will only take 100 of you. I have given Xiuhcoatl the right to pick. Do not disappoint me, Xiuhcoatl. Prove your leadership to me. Prove it to your people. As for the rest of you, those who stay behind must stay alert. Do not let Itztlixipil or any of his men across the bridge until my return, under any circumstances."

The warriors pounded the butts of their spears against the bare ground. He nodded to one, a man named Xilonen, and bellowed, "You Xilonen, go to Otonin Itztlixipil and tell him that I have sent men to see the emperor. Tell him when the sun comes up and our party is ahead." Xilonen nodded and slammed his spear against the ground again.

With all in order, Etchenzotecuhtli and his 100 men set out for Metzha Pilán. It was not a far journey, eight miles in all. But between them and the magnificent city was the expansive Lake Tucapán and its paddies. So they would go around until they reached the imperial track, which would take them all the way to the Square of the Dead, at the end of which rose the Great Temple of Cuelipochaloc. They set out and moved quickly at a trot to arrive before Itztlixipil, who would surely make his own way back to the capital so that the emperor could hear his side of the story as well.

Above the trees, the temple became taller and taller the closer to the city they were. Soon, other temples and pyramids began to come into view. They passed other villages on their way, where the people looked at them skeptically and some out of pity. Most would have known by now the fate of Etchenzo since Itztlixipil had likely already come to them to mobilize spearmen for his force. The Otonin preferred the use of the poor villager to the urban warrior, for their lives are worth less.

The sun was slowly creeping upwards towards its daily zenith. Heat radiated from it and it intensified over time, until it was both scorching and humid. Sweat rolled down the dark skin of the Etchenzotec warriors and their lord, but they marched on without slowing and their spears they always carried properly, never slouching, never relaxing. The fastest men scouted ahead or to the side, with a few to the rear looking out for Itztlixipil and whatever force he was bringing with him to the capital. There was some fear that the Otonin could organize an ambush along the route, which was why Etchenzotecuhtli had told Xilonen to go to Itztlixipil only when the sun first rose. Etchenzotecuhtli looked toward the Great Pyramid and smiled. They would be at the emperor's court within the hour.

If Metzha Pilán was a big city, it would only be larger soon. Indeed, at this rate, Etchenzo could very well become a part of it in mere years. It sat on the same lake as the village, separated by miles of paddies. But the dry land it sat on, in the center of it all, was larger than any other. It looked like an ocean of thousands of hut surrounding a sprawling central square. From here, the Great Temple looked even more impressive. Metzha Pilán's wealth had become unfathomable and at the very top of the pyramid sat the sacrificial palace to Cuelipochaloc, the God of Fire, surrounded by a colonnade with floral capitals in the latest styles. Rumors said they were built of marble, a substance otherwise unknown to the Plánol people.

Hundreds were out on the dirt roads of the outer city, but the crowds only grew as they got closer to the center. But it seemed to dissipate and spread along the margins of the roads, which soon became made from stones, as Etchenzotecuhtli and his hundred men walked through. Although the people minded their business, there was a notable tension. Who were these warriors? What did they want? Gossip would abound.

A detachment of imperial guards, all draped in the pelts of jagurats like the Etchenzotecs, came to meet them. Their pelts were decorated with feathers and jewelry hung from their necks, or decorated piercings that covered the entirety of their bodies. Tatooes crawled up their arms and legs, covering their necks and faces, so densely that one could hardly see their natural skin color. Wearing small stones, their ears hung low, as did deformed jaws. They were bred like this as children, eunuch slaves raised to be the emperor's soldiers, educated to fight and die for him. Their deformities made them intimidating in battle, as did the feathers on their pelts and the insanity in their eyes.

The man at their head spoke first. "Lo, stranger. You come to the imperial city with many men. What is your purpose?"

"My name is Etchenzotecuhtli, Lord of Etchenzo. I come to seek an audience with the emperor," answered Etchenzotecuhtli, nodding.

The man looked him over, skeptically. "Etchenzo? Ah, the emperor has looked forward to your visit for a long while now. He is excited at the prospect of seeing you grovel for mercy, Lord of Echenzo. Very well, come with me."

When he saw the grip on the spears of his men tighten, Etchenzotecuhtli subtly shook his head at them. This was not the place for violence. He turned back to the man at the head of the guards, and said, "Lead the way, then."


EDITS
12/7/2018 Corrected Echenzo to Etchenzo x2.

[Palmyrion]

UP Diliman Confessions @UPDConfess "I would really want myself a Katigbak on bed. From your Mokan friends with love!" #DC1 #UPFight #KatigbakIsBak SHARESFAVORITE 11K564K

UP Diliman Confessions @UPDConfess "rip pilapil, pagaling ka muna with your torn ACL. cuansing, maybe katigbak or macadangdang will fill you in for now. go go UP!" #DC1 #UPFight #nowheretogobutUP SHARESFAVORITE 20K725K

eli | inner hubadera unleashed @EliMaginHubad Damn son Katigbak is back in the game! And please, oh please Mijares, catch me and that ball <3 #DC1 #UPFight #nowheretogobutUP #KatigbakIsBak SHARESFAVORITE 20K725K

Kuya Isko @iskosapiens Macabeean Imperial Football Team vs UP Varsity Football Club? This is gonna make for a blockbuster highlight reel - but who will prevail? #DC1 #UPFight #nowheretogobutUP SHARESFAVORITE 44.1K1.4M

[The Macabees]

MATCHDAY 4 SCORES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TIMOCRATIC ARMED FORCES: BRINGING FREEDOM TO THE WORLD...FOR A PRICE

Group 1
Palmyrion 1–0 The Macabees
Mokastana 4–2 United World Order

Code: Select all

  Group 1                                 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Palmyrion                                 3   3  0  0    4   0  +4    9
2 The Macabees                              3   2  0  1    5   1  +4    6
3 Mokastana                                 3   2  0  1    5   3  +2    6
4 Eitoan                                    3   0  1  2    1   4  −3    1
5 United World Order                        4   0  1  3    3  10  −7    1

Group 2
Greal 0–1 Holy Marsh
Lamoni 0–2 Fecaw

Code: Select all

  Group 2                                 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Greal                                     3   2  0  1    3   2  +1    6
2 Morrdh                                    3   2  0  1    2   1  +1    6
3 Holy Marsh                                3   2  0  1    2   1  +1    6
4 Fecaw                                     4   1  0  3    3   4  −1    3
5 Lamoni                                    3   1  0  2    1   3  −2    3


COMING UP ON MATCHDAY 5!

In group 1, it's The Macabes v. Mokastana and Eitoan v. Palmyrion. Eitoan must not lose by more than four goals to pass on to the next stage.

In group 2, it's Holy Marsh vs. Lamoni and Morrdh vs. Greal. Lamoni must at least draw to move on to the next stage.

[Palmyrion]

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Macabeean Imperial Football Team overrun by UP Varsity Football Club, 1-0
Jennifer Dimasalang | 30 November 2018, 1:32 PM PST

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Match Highlights:

• Match-winning goal by Katigbak at 89:43
• Excellent Defense by the "Bastion Four"
• #PalmyrianRampage trending on Accelafeed

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Lamos Deray Grounds, Aurillac | In an intense and thrilling match of back-and-forth offensives by both teams, Palmyrion finally gains the lead as Katigbak kicks the ball square into the Macabeean goal at 89 minutes, 43 seconds into the match, after drilling through a solid Macabeean defense with assistance from Magtibay and Aguila.

"I'll be damned, the Macabeeans had a solid defense that was hard to drill through. The shot was scored only on the very last seconds of the game. They were an entirely different ball game compared to the Ordenites and the Mokans, with solid defenses and typhoon-like offensives." Katigbak remarked, ecstatic but exhausted. "Aguila did a feint at the left side, and here I was, waiting in a relatively uncovered portion of the Macabeean side. It was Aguila's opportunity to kick it to me, and kick he did. The rest is history now." Magtibay said.

The well-coordinated offensive of Magtibay, Aguila, and Lobitaña, which ultimately led to a goal by Katigbak in the last seconds of the game, wasn't the only match highlight. Others would include the several match-defining saves, with the best being one done on the very last second of the match by Mijares against an accurate Enrik Nestor of the Macabeean side; another match-defining moment was Katigbak's close call during the 43rd minute of the match, wherein the ball struck the Macabeean goalpost at the corner.

When asked about their victory over the Macabeeans, head coach Caballero was just as ecstatic for his team.

"We trained hard to face the Macabeeans in their own soil. We had to adapt our tactics often at the very last minute, and this has paid off very well with an astounding 1-0 victory over the Macabeeans after an intense back-and-forth match. I am proud of the team I have coached." Caballero said, with a victoriously cheering UPVFC roster behind him. When asked about the match with Eitoan, he said: "Granted they may have been underperforming in this match, but we won't let our guard down against the Eitoans. As usual, we will use our training period to refine our tactics and tailor them to what seems to be a healthy Eitoan balance of offense and defense."

In light of Palmyrion's undefeated victory streak it its international association football debut, the hashtag #PalmyrianRampage has become popular to describe Palmyrion's seemingly unstoppable victory streak. The Varsity Football Club of the University of Palmyrion has even gained itself some foreign fans as a burgeoning fan favorite in spite of its underdog figure amongst DienCup competitors.

UP Diliman Confessions @UPDConfess "When is UPCAT? Because damn, I really wanna study in UP and cheer for the UP Maroon Warriors! From your Morridane friends with love!" #DC1 #UPFight #PalmyrianRampage #AspiringMaroon SHARESFAVORITE 11K564K

Palmyrion's next match will be held on December 3, 2018, in Eisan Ataro, Macabea, against the Eitoan National Team. Caballero has remarked that they would be drilling just as hard for the Palmyrion-Eitoan match as they did for the other matches. The roster for the Palmyrion-Eitoan match would be as follows:

• Val Jason Macadangdang (34) - Striker
• Harold Lobitaña (15) - Attacking Midfielder
• Ibrahim Ahmed Talpis (19) - Left/Right Wing
• Julius Lactuan (22) - Left/Right Wing
• Jeremy Sabinay (17) - Defensive Midfielder
• Tyrone Coste (12) - Defensive Midfielder
• Joash Vallesteros (09) - Defender
• Gian Franco Reyes (27) - Defender
• John Glenn Hallado (26) - Defender
• Mariano Dalisay (28) - Defender
• Glennel Flores (35)

Pilapil had to be taken back to the Royal Commonwealth due to a torn ACL, and will be out for the rest of the game as he undergoes reconstructive ACL surgery and physical rehabilitation; playing in his place would be Joash Vallesteros. Cuansing would take nearly eight weeks to recuperate, and will be filled in by Macadangdang and Magtibay for the time being.

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Kuya Isko @Iskosapiens Palmyrion rampages scot-free through three of the region's best football teams! #DC1 #UPFight #AtinTo #PalmyrianRampage SHARESFAVORITE 127.7K1.4M

kc | Ateneut >>> UPdate @kcmuahmuah OH MY GOSH KATIGBAK SCORES IT SQUARE AGAIN! <3 #DC1 #UPFight #AtinTo #PalmyrianRampage SHARESFAVORITE 59.4K972.3K

[Holy Marsh]

MUT Defeats Greal 1-0, Excitement for Advancement Abounds
Brief post-game analysis

Shrine Sports Service, Report from The Golden Throne- The MUT played group leader Greal in what turned out to be a physically demanding and tactically taxing game, emerging victorious against a tough opponent with advancement on the line. With this win the MUT is guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals. It even finds itself potentially in the running for winning the second group. Considering the modest expectations heading into this tournament that is considered a major victory. The game against Lamoni is high stakes, as an unexpected victory by Fecaw puts Lamoni's tournament ambitions in danger.

The game began with Marshite possession play strong in the midfield. While Greal had an obvious physical advantage, Edathodika and Marsi combined to continually frustrate attempts early on the ball. Marshite possession was such that fifteen minutes into the game they had been able to possess the ball and probe Greal the entire time. This would result in a few aborted chances, but Tara Ackalfur powered the ball through the top left of the net.

With a narrow 1-0 advantage, the MUT and Greal engaged in a vicious tit for tat. Greal's physicality allowed several promising moves into Marshite territory, but when they failed and Marshite possession play took over, the slow and grueling Marshite movements dominating possession disallowing a sustained Greal offensive. Marshite possession dominated the first half, with very little Greal ability to effect offensive change. The game went to half with Marshite domination and a 1-0 scoreline.

Greal turned up the aggression in the second half, threatening early and often. The high water mark of this sustained push came in the 57th minute, where joint challenges and footplay by Marsi and Golui allowed for Marsi to possess the ball and stop what had once looked like an easy goal. Pronay Halder was substituted in and helped lead a series of swift counters into Greal space, which when finally turned away for good, settled back into strong Marshite possession play. Greal did not manage a shot after the 58th minute and Marshites managed to push and control the tempo until the final whistle.

It was a more decisive result than their opening scrap with Fecaw, as Marshite midfield and defensive play was exceptionally tight and played without any significant flaw or mistake marring it. It would not have been inconceivable for Marshite play to have been rewarded with a second score late, when a Halder bicycle kick in the 85th minute evaded the goalie but bounced harmlessly away from the crossbar. Marshite fans, of which more turned up this tme than the previous two, made their presence known and gave both teams applause as they left the pitch, and aided in cleanup efforts before exiting the stadium jubiliantly.

Play of the Game: Ackalfur goal, 16th minute.

Player of the Game: Eva Marsi

[Morrdh]

Since the death of Fannon's fellow officer, things had been pretty quiet. The Morridane team had a break in their matches and took the opportunity to recharge their batteries before playing the Greali and going through to the quarter-finals. It had surprised many how well the Morridane team had done, managing to reach the no.2 spot in their group and thus become almost national heroes in the process. In fact, the Morridane team were expected to beat their Greali rivals and go into the next round in quite a strong position. Though nobody seriously expected the Morridanes to win the competition, the idea was becoming a possibility.

Her Morridane Majesty had taken the chance to tour some of the Macabean Empire, visiting some of its cities and meeting with some of its high ranking officials. It was even said that Queen Lothwyn had even met with Fedor himself, though Fannon didn't know much about that since he was still technically suspended. Though Staines had stated that Fannon and his other officers who'd been relieved would be back on duty in time for the Greal match, making it clear that they'd been given some downtime after what had happened. Fannon, admittedly, had mixed feelings about it but reckon Staines probably had a number of factors that influenced his decisions. To this credit, Staines did give them a task to help keep them busy. It was simple really; How would you plan an attack?

It was a mental exercise, though one that could highlight possibilities that the Garda planners for the detachment hadn't considered. Possible targets, beyond the most likely choice of Her Majesty. They had to consider the resources that would be available to the terrorists, something that made Fannon rule out the Queen as being the prime target. He suspected the crowds drawn to the matches as being the more obvious choice, more difficult to cover for security and would give an attacker plenty of cover to get into position. The crowds would be a prime target, maximum chance of casualties with a single explosive device. But how to counter it? An expanded cordon around the stadium would go a long, but that required the Macabean authorities playing ball with the idea. Sniffer dogs were another, but again that had its limitations.

That was presuming that the terrorists were planning on attacking the match.

[The Macabees]

Audience with the Emperor; 80 B.C.



The emperor's palace was even more majestic than the Great Temple, although it did not stand nearly as tall. Not even the emperor was arrogant enough to try and staller taller than a god. At least, not this emperor, for the palace had changed quite a bit since the late Emperor Cozamacoztli. Cozamacoztli had been a man of battle and, to him, palaces were a luxury that bred weakness. His son, Cenquetzal, did not think the same, however.

Cenquetzal had otonin to wage war for him. He promised them fame and wealth in return for obedience, and any who stepped out of line were quickly put underground. Itztlixipil, for instance, had risen through the ranks as a butcher of his own kind, known for murdering his fellow generals not only out of orders but to further his own position. As other men killed for him, the new emperor dedicated his time to building new monuments all over the city. Naturally, he quickly ran out of space and the only recourse thereafter was to grow the capital's territories. It was in such a program that the village of Etchenzo had found itself caught up in, and it was for such purpose that Itztlixipil had been sent to bring the village to heel.

The new palace was three stories tall, with a citadel near its heart that sat on a slightly taller plateau that overlooked the rest of the square. This dome-topped citadel itself stood out above the rest of the complex, all of which was surrounded by thick stone walls that were crawling with guards that stood watch over the city. At intervals, there were towers with fires raging atop them, burning day and night without cessation. Should they ever be put out that was how the city would know the emperor's palatial complex had been compromised. All structures were brightly colored red, yellow, and orange, with stone statue-heads of gods that were taller than two men put together. Soldiers wearing jagurat pelts stood guard by a single gate that allowed entry. Small stacks of smoke rose from various points, suggesting the palace's kitchens were busy and running.

The head of the troop of guards that had met them upon entering the capital brought them directly to the palace, escorting them through the gates. Those standing guard paid no mind, looking directly forward at all times while holding their spears against the ground and at rest. Immediately upon entering they found themselves in a courtyard decorated with gardens made up of hundreds of exotic plants brought in from thousands of miles away. Slaves, wearing nothing but gold collars that marked them as imperial property, tended to these gardens silently and peacefully. Water trickled down interspersed fountains made of stone, the sound tranquil and placid.

When they stopped, the head of the guard turned and said, "Wait here, Lord of Etchenzo."

Etchenzotecuhtli did as told, his hundred men standing behind them. The sun was coming down now, although there was still quite a bit of time left before it was dark. It was still hot and humid, more so in the city curiously than outside, but the men showed no signs of it except for the sweat they had earned on their march.

Waiting and waiting, the sun finally did come down. Still, the head of the guard had not returned to lead them to their audience with the emperor. Did the emperor take audiences so late? When Etchenzotecuhtli sent one of his warriors to ask the guards, these said nothing and briskly told the villagers to return to their group.

Finally, after many, many hours of waiting, so many that the moon was hanging in full brilliance up above, the head of the guard returned. He said, "The emperor could not see you today. You must return tomorrow."

"And where can we sleep?" asked Etchenzotecuhtli, not showing disappointment or anger at being made to wait for no reason.

The guard answered immediately, "You are not to sleep in the city. I am to escort you to the limits of Metzha Pilán."

Etchenzotecuhtli nodded. "And food? We have brought enough with us for today and tomorrow morning. I expected for us to be back with our families by then or else be able to purchase what we need at the city markets. Will we be able to do this tomorrow should the emperor not be able to see us in the morning?"

"We will see," was the only thing the man said.

It took them some time to arrive at the edge of the city, which sat almost on the edge of the town by now. This had once been a village that had had some independence from the capital but had been swallowed by the city's growth after the death of Cozamacoztli. The huts looked hardly able to stand and their roofs went with entire patches of straw left in disarray. Here the hungry lived and died, and with them the Etchenzopecs as well apparently.

Regardless, Etchenzotecuhtli and his men slept under the stars that night and the next morning they washed in the lake. Then, their escort returned and brought them back to the palace, where they waited as the sun rose and fell again. Again, that night the head of the guard returned to tell them that the emperor would not have an audience with them that day and again they were taken by the lake and told to sleep there for the night. They were not given the opportunity to go to the market and any warrior who tried to wander off was quickly prodded back into the group. The same thing happened on the third day, as well.

By the morning of the fourth, Etchenzotecuhtli and his warriors were hungry. They tried to requisition supplies from the nearby huts, but these were too poor to feed a hundred strong spearmen. Neither were the fish in the lake enough, although the men tried to get by with what they could. At least water was never in short supply.

When the guard came that morning, Etchenzotecuhtli said, "My men are hungry. It has been three days, this is our fourth, and none of us have had a full meal since the morning of the second."

The guard said only, "The emperor wishes to see you now."

"And the food?" asked the Lord of Etchenzo.

The guard said, "That will have to wait."

With empty stomachs, they followed the guards on the same route to the palace they had taken three times previously. And again, the head of the guard made them wait in the courtyard. They had arrived almost as soon as the sun had first risen visibly and now it was at its highest point for the day. They wanted longer still and, just as Etchenzotecuhtli and his warriors figured that day four would go no different from the first three, the head of the guard returned.

This time, he said, "Follow me. You only, lord. Your warriors must stay here under guard."

Etchenzotecuhtli begrudgingly accepted. The beautiful courtyard was surrounded by the outer walls on three sides and by the façade of one of palace's central wing, behind and above which sat the ornamental citadel. They entered through a faux gate built into the building, and this released them into a smaller courtyard that sat between the central wing and the citadel behind it. Broad steps flanked all the way up by palm trees and other plants led to the mouth of the citadel which were two massive doors made of wood and trimmed in amber. Obsidian jewels decorated the walls and the eyes of statues that provided support to the citadel's roof, like columns. Behind the statues circled a walkway that went around the perimeter of the structure, as it came back to them on their right as they climbed up the stairs, and beside this walkway was the walls of the citadel proper.

Imperial guards stood at intervals and guarded all doors, even inside. The floors were made of tiles and precious stones. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of other people floating around, whether servants, aristocrats, or other commoners seeking an audience with the emperor. Etchenzotecuhtli was walked right past them and into a large chamber with an expansive vaulting ceiling that allowed the light in along its upper trim, as if the ceiling were floating on light. It was stunning, and the same could be said of all the court officials who sat on the sides, looking on to the central walkway on which Etchenzotecuhtli, now unescorted, proceeded.

On the other end of the walkway sat Emperor Cenquetzal on a chair made of gold, holding a staff made of gold and topped by red stone. His tunic was of cloth like any other mortal man's, but the trim of gold was only for royalty. He wore the crown of Cuelipochaloc, the God of Fire, master of Metzha Pilán. Otonin Itzlixipil was standing beside him. When Etchenzotecuhtli reached him, the lord fell to his knees and bowed until his head touched the floor.

There were no words spoken for a few minutes and Etchenzotecuhtli did not move. Finally, the emperor's voice boomed, "Speak, Lord of Etchenzo."

Without raising his head, Etchenzotecuhtli answered, "Son of Cuelipochaloc, Lord of Fire, Master of the Spears, He Who Was Born of the Volcanoes, I come to beg to you that you call off your general from attacking the humble village of Etchenzo. We are but mere farmers who have always been loyal, to you, your father, your father's father, and since the beginning of time."

Itzlixipil scoffed, but the emperor motioned him to silence. Then, "Why did you ignore the call to arms? You know that that is treason and you know what the punishment for treason is."

"Great Lord, your warriors attacked the village of Pexilipec, one that has an ancient alliance with the village of Etchenzo," said Ethcnezotecuhtli. "That alliance has been honored by my father, my father's father, and every father since the beginning of time. How could I be the one to break it? Had my warriors been the deciding factor, had my warriors been absolutely necessary to enforce your will, I would have. But your warriors are numerous and mine inconsequential. And when I came to see you, Great Lord, when I came to explain, I was told you did not have time to listen."

The emperor thought for a moment. Then, "Is Cuelipochaloc not more sacred than all else?"

"Yes, Great Lord," replied Ethcnezotecuhtli.

"Am I not Son of Cuelipochaloc?" The emperor asked.

"Yes, Great Lord," said Ethcnezotecuhtli again.

"Then is my word not good enough to justify the breaking of an alliance, no matter how ancient that alliance may be? Remember, Cuelipochaloc is more ancient than us all and if I, through him, deem any village a threat, is not that enough to compel you to duty? Tell me, then, why should I have mercy on you?"

Ethcnezotecuhtli's head seemed almost glued to the floor. He dared not lift it. But his voice did not waver and he showed no signs of fear. "Great Lord, the village of Etchenzo has always been loyal. If there is someone who has not, it is I. I and only I. Please, sacrifice my life, but my people do not deserve to be punished for what is my doing alone."

The emperor sat in thought again. He looked to the otonin and asked, "What say you?"

Itzlixipil sneered and answered, "Had the villagers revolted against their lord and in favor of the emperor then we would not be here. But they did not and, as such, are complicit in the crime of treason. The punishment for treason is death. Give me your orders, Great Lord, and I shall carry out your sentence."

The emperor tapped his fingers upon the end of his throne's golden arm rest. Finally, he smiled and said, "I am merciful Ethcnezotecuhtli. Pray to Cuelipochaloc tonight that I even entertain you in my palace, for surely you and your people deserve only death. But you and the village committed treason and I cannot look the other way. What if others grow bold from my mercy and mistake it for weakness? No, you must be punished. But I will tell you what. Your men, the ones you brought with you here, are to play the otonin's in a match of Piyilnat. Should you win, I will spare your people. Should you lose, I will have your warriors skewered, your women raped, and your children enslaved. The match will take place tomorrow, directly after the Feast of Nitilxayulp."

The crowd murmured and Ethcnezotecuhtli said nothing, bowing silently. Then, "My warriors are hungry, Great Lord. We have not been allowed to buy from the city markets."

Although Ethcnezotecuhtli could not see, the emperor motioned to the guard who had brought him in. This man gently forced the Lord of Etchenzo to rise and back out, turning his back to the emperor only once he stood outside the hall.

When they arrived at the main courtyard again, the guard said, "Ten of your men are allowed within the city alone at any one time. Should this rule be broken, your entire party will be killed and then we will proceed with doing exactly what the emperor just said he would do to your village. Do you understand?" He did not wait for a confirmation before leading the way back out of the city.

[The Macabees]

MATCHDAY 5 SCORES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY AVIAZEL AIRLINES: AVIAZEL AIRLINES, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

Group 1
The Macabees 5–1 Mokastana
Eitoan 0–2 Palmyrion

Code: Select all

  Group 1                                 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Palmyrion                                 4   4  0  0    6   0  +6   12
2 The Macabees                              4   3  0  1   10   2  +8    9
3 Mokastana                                 4   2  0  2    6   8  −2    6
4 Eitoan                                    4   0  1  3    1   6  −5    1
5 United World Order                        4   0  1  3    3  10  −7    1

Group 2
Holy Marsh 1–0 Lamoni
Morrdh 2–1 Greal

Code: Select all

  Group 2                                 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Morrdh                                    4   3  0  1    4   2  +2    9
2 Holy Marsh                                4   3  0  1    3   1  +2    9
3 Greal                                     4   2  0  2    4   4   0    6
4 Fecaw                                     4   1  0  3    3   4  −1    3
5 Lamoni                                    4   1  0  3    1   4  −3    3


COMING UP!

In group 1, Palmyrion, The Macabees, Mokastana, and Eitoan progress to the quarterfinals. They will be joined by Morrdh, Holy Marsh, Greal, and Fecaw in Group 2.

Quarterfinal matchups will be drawn randomly, although no team will play another team from the same group in the first match. The draw will be held on 4 December. The match will be on 8 December.

[The Macabees]

QUARTERFINAL RANDOM DRAW
To be scorinated on 12/8

QF1: Palmyrion vs. Fecaw @ Koloso Varhu Lakra (Beda Fromm)
QF2: Mokastana vs. Holy Marsh @ Onaka Stadium (Sidi Rezegh)
QF3: The Macabees vs. Greal @ Eisan Ataro (Macabea)
QF4: Eitoan vs. Morrdh @ Elaktra Arena (Targul Frumos)

SEMIFINALS
To be scorinated on 12/11

SF1: WQF1 vs. WQF2 @ Teilán Arena (Fedala)
SF2: WQF3 vs. WQF4 @ Lamos Deray Grounds (Aurillac)

FINAL & THIRD PLACE MATCH
To be scorinated on 12/14

F: WSF1 vs. WSF2 @ Kort Kaster (Fedala)
TPM: LSF1 vs. LSF2 @ Eisan Ataro (Macabea)

[Morrdh]

Fedala
Second Empire of the Golden Throne

With the Morridane National Team not due to play in the quarter-finals for a few more days, so Queen Lothwyn decided to take the advantage of the break to do some sight-seeing. Due to its relative central location to the various venues of the competition and the wider Macabean Empire, she opted to visit the capital of Fedala. Though an obvious choice for a tourist, Lothwyn's visit was more to do with historic links to the Commonwealth's predecessor; the Kingdom of Mordent.

The Kingdom was formed towards the end of the 3rd century C.E. when the Dyaladoran Empire still ruled much of central Hugen — the continent on which the modern Golden Throne finds itself — and long before the first incarnation of the Empire of the Golden Throne. Over the centuries there was interactions between the Kingdom and the various powers that ruled over the continent; trade, conflict and the occasional royal intermarriage. There were a few Macabean artefacts held by the Kingdom and later, its successor, the Commonwealth of Morrdh and Lothwyn was sure that a few Mordentish artefacts resided within the Golden Throne.

In the ruins of ancient Dyalador and some of the museums within Fedala itself she came across coins bearing the likeness of historic Mordentish monarchs, most of them were her ancestors. There were also other artefacts, historic trade goods she recognized as being Mordentish in origin and more than a few Clan Gallagher blades. Similarly, the museum within the Imperial Palace had a small section covering conflicts with the Kingdom of Mordent. Here was relics dating back to the War of 1832 when the First Empire of the Golden Throne invaded Mordent, though the last remnants of that historical conflict following the recent wars over Mordent.

As she toured the Imperial Palace she didn't expect an audience with the Macabean Emperor, Fedor, after all she'd been told that he was pre-occupied with the Diencup competition. They had only met briefly on a handful of occasions, never really having much of a chance for much beyond exchanging greetings at formal functions. With the growing relations between the Commonwealth and the Golden Throne it was something that she was going to have to address, especially since they were part of a small minority of crowned heads within the region.

The rest of her time in Fedala was spent visiting its other attractions such as the Imperial Theater of Geralto and the Baths of Old King Menar. She also attended various social functions hosted by the cream of Macabean high society, where she fended off advances from a number of Imperial nobles. Something that she wasn't too surprised about as publicly she was still known to be single in addition to being a young queen born to a long and proud lineage. It was almost too tempting to play some of them along only to leave them sorely disappointed.

[The Macabees]

Piyilnat, the Blood Sacrifice; ca. 80 B.C.



The field was long, tufts of tall weeds growing amongst a field of wild grasses. It extended to the edge of the lake, which was covered with lush agricultural paddies organized very much like they were around Etchenzo. They were, after all, on the same lake, although here the shores were longer — the island on which Metzha Pilán sits was, by far, the largest.

Thousands of people had already congregated around the area, shouting, chanting, and taunting the players forming up on either extreme. They sat on giant stone steps that rose on all sides, like the seats of an arena. Colorful flags whipped in the wind. In the center of the right-hand stone stand sat the emperor in a throne of gold. Servants attended him and his retinue, with one bent over and on all fours to allow the emperor to rest his tired feet. Warriors carrying long spears stood guard, forming a dense perimeter around the field.

On the two opposite ends stood the teams, leaders with ninety-nine warriors by their sides. Ten on each side wore heavier scale armor made of foreign metals brought to Plánol from countries that most tribesmen had never even heard of. There were few luxuries like these and they were reserved for blood sacrifices like these. These ten men were the most honored of them all, bestowed with the protection they would need to fulfill their roles as chief executioners for their side.The others wore only their jugarat pelts along with whatever armor they had managed to accumulate over the years in raids. These were made of hardened leather and wood, although some had pieces of obsidian to offer additional protection. The Otonin's men, of course, glistened under the sun with weapons and armor that the villagers of Etchenzo could never dream of affording.

In front of each group was a tall wooden post encrusted with old, dried blood that still hadn't chipped away. Along its base were the skulls of severed heads whose organic tissue had long since rotted away.

"May the light from Cuelipochaloc's flames bless us with their scorch as we honor him with a blood sacrifice," started a heavy set man standing by the side of the field. He wore a ceremonial mask of feathers and large, yellow eyes, and his robes were similarly decorated, marking him as a priest of the Great Temple. "Today we have two hundred brave warriors willing to prove their piety and honor by battling on this hallow piyilnat field. May the lake flood with red water from the bodies of those chosen to live as slaves of the great God of Fire. And may the winning general present the head of his opponent himself on the ancient altar."

All around, the crowd gathering around shouted and yelled. Some threw rotting fruit and other food at Etchenzotecuhtli and his warriors, insulting them with words and ugly gestures. The Pilanec people were a loyal one, especially the commoners, who were kept well fed by the emperor's soldiers who often distributed food freely among the city's population. This always came at the expense of the villages, which saw their produce stripped from them in the name of taxes, but the capital's growing population gave the emperor ample recruits to put down any rebellion against his will.

Another religious figure, similarly dressed as the priest, began to bang on two drums and, if they were already loud, the crowd's volume grew to an even more extraordinary level. The two teams fanned out on their respective side of the fields. Men made one last feel at their spear tips as if checking to see if they were sharpened enough.

Finally, the priest cried out and one of his assistants threw a leather ball into the middle of the field. Eight players, four from Etchenzo, four belonging to the Otonin, darted for it. Three from the general's side quickly pounced between those from Etchenzo, using their spears to keep them at bay. The fourth opponent quickly kicked the ball back to someone else on his team and then menacingly waited for the village spear warriors to advance.

Etchenzotecuhtli urged his men forward and went with them himself. Their opponents were kicking the ball forward now, passing between themselves but unmistakably making progress toward the halfway point and into the Etchenzotec's side of the field. Men began to spar. Their spears clashed together, sometimes hitting flesh, other times missing altogether. One Etchenzotec punctured through the stomach of one of the Otonin's men, after the latter had shifted his weight but had not properly gauged the trajectory of the lance. Angered, one of the opponents cut down one of the warriors facing him.

Itztlixipil's men carried the ball forward quickly. There were individual duals all around the man who had it by the feet. The Otonin's men were quick and strong, blocking Etchenzotecuhtli's villagers when they went to intercept. Running down the field, their opponents kicked the ball against the post. The crowd yelled as if they were about to enter battle.

"One, nothing," announced the priest with a loud, strong voice.

Etchenzotecuhtli grunted. The first team to score twice would win. "Fight, warriors! Fight! We must not lose. Think of your wives. Think of your children. Think of them bloody. Think of them in chains. Their lives, their freedom, rests on your shoulders. What would they say if they saw you in such a pitiful state on this field? They'd call you a disgrace!"

The villagers raised their spears and gave their finest battle cry. The Otonin's men, who were re-assembling at the other end of the field, raised their own spears and did the same. Then, chanting all the while as if he were in a trance, the priest rolled another ball into the middle of the field.

This time, the men of Etchenzo were faster. They passed the ball back to their ranks. The opponent came quickly and aggressively, using their muscle to push their way through tightening ranks around the player driving the ball forward toward the Otonin, who was standing beside his goal post. He passed the ball to another player as soon as one of the opponent's men came forward, skirted the defenses, and was about to pounce on the player with his lance. They kept passing the ball in this fashion until suddenly three of the opponent's broke away from the man guarding them and surrounded the Etchenzotec with the ball. They speared him and he fell, bloody and without a breath left in him.

Less men were left standing on the grass than when the game first began. There were bodies strewn across the ground, most of them Etchenzopec, although there were plenty of dead Pilanecs as well.

When the Pilanecs began to charge forward again some of the Etchenzopecs began to lose hope. But then one, a younger man, zoomed through enemy ranks to lunge into the opponent with the ball. The young man used his shoulder to displace the other, picking him up into the air through the sheer force of the impact. Then the young man passed the ball back and it was once again in the possession of the Etchenzopecs. They drove it forward in a moment of sudden resurgence and struck the post with a good kick.

"One, one," said the priest. The crowd's noise did not lessen.

They enjoyed the blood.

The men with the heavy armor had become tired. They were the ones to form the brunt of the defense when their team was in possession of the ball, using their weight and protection to act as moving walls. The Etchenzopecs in this position were less tired than their opponents and so they were spared of what happened next. As for the heavy warriors of the Pilanecs, they had been active since the first shout of the match and their speed had reduced considerably. Etchenzotecuhtli used the opportunity to urge small packs of his own warriors to isolate them and bring them down with jabs and cuts.

Itzlixipil emerged from the clutter of men battling on the field and pointed at Etchenzotecuhtli. "YOU!" he shouted. "YOU ARE MINE!"

The Otonin lunged forward. Etchenzotecuhtli, neither young nor old, met his opponent eagerly. He kept his spear straight as the two circled around each other, periodically moving forward to strike at each other. Around them the game continued without them, although their warriors surely knew that the winner of this duel would most likely win the game.

"Today, you die!" mocked Itzlixipil with heavy breath.

The Lord of Etchenzo laughed. "And you will die with me, Otonin."

"I will kill you and your children, rape your woman and keep her as a slave to pleasure me until I no longer fancy her," the Pilanec general snarled.

Etchenzotecuhtli closed the distance and jabbed with his spear, but the Otonin was quick to block these attacks. Itzlixipil struck back but also missed. But when he jabbed a third time the spear tip struck Etchenzotecuhtli, drawing blood. The lord fell to one knee and grunted in pain. Itzlixipi laughed again, driving his spear through the Lord of Etchenzo's shoulder. The latter cried out in pain.

On his knees, motionless, Etchenzotecuhtli closed his eyes and pulled his head back. Itzlixipi was still laughing. He left his spear lodged into the lord's body but revealed a short obsidian blade. Slowly walking up to his prey, he put the blade to Etchenzotecuhtl's neck. Blood began to trickle from the slowly opening cut.

But as Itzlixipi enjoyed toying with his enemy, Etchenzotecuhtli opened his eyes and took a blade of his own from under his tunic. He struck into the otonin's ribs, embedding the blade's full length behind the meat and into the bone.

Blood trickled from out the corners of Itzlixipi's mouth. He struggled for a few seconds, still looking as if ready to fight, but finally fell to his knees himself. He closed his eyes, just as Etchenzotecuhtli did. But this time Itzlixipi's eyes closed permanently. The Lord of Etchenzo rose to his feet.

His men cheered. The Pilanecs looked dejected. And with this, one of the Etchenzopecs took the ball and kicked it against the post. This time the crowd did not cheer. There was complete silence. They had all just witnessed the death of the emperor's most valued, most trusted Otonin, the infamous and great Itzlixipi. The man who to others was a tyrant and murderer was a hero of this city. A legend. Almost a god. And now Itzlixipi lay dead. As all watched, Etchenzotecuhtli bent down and used his blade to sever the Otonin's head.

He picked it up and threw it at the priest. "I think that's two, one," he said.

The priest gulped. "Y-yes. Two, one."

Behind him, the warriors of Etchenzo cut down their opponents as they stood demoralized on the field. One by one, they completed the blood sacrifice to Cuelipochaloc, who would have plenty of blood to drink that night. As they did so, Etchenzotecuhtli fell to the ground. Energy left him like water did a leaky vessel. And as others cheered and celebrated, he too died. The final sacrifice to Cuelipochaloc.

[The Macabees]

QUARTERFINAL CUTOFF
BROUGHT TO YOU BY ACCELAFEED

Palmyrion 4–0 Fecaw
Mokastana 2–0 Holy Marsh
The Macabees 4–1 Greal
Eitoan 0–2 Morrdh

SEMIFINAL MATCH UPS ON 12/11
Palmyrion v. Mokastana @ Teilán Arena (Fedala)
The Macabees v. Morrdh @ Eisan Ataro (Macabea)

[Morrdh]

"We need to step up our game lads." Staines declared to the packed room of Garda officers and Macabean officials. "The boys back home have confirmed that a number of players from the Rohannese Freedom Front have travelled to the Golden Throne."

"There is a very strong probability that they'll strike during the semi-finals, its too good of an opportunity to pass up." Continued Staines. "Its arguably the most important match so far; it could see us going home or staying to see the final."

"Its also against the host nation, the Golden Throne itself. Heck, they'll have to be pretty stupid to let this one slide as Her Morridane Majesty and the Macabean Emperor are both likely to be present. If they go ahead it'll be a huge symbolic victory for those Rohannese bastards."

"Heightened security measures are going to be put into place ready for the match, plus ye lot are going to be paired up with a Macabean agent. They know the local scene better than any of us and we know how to handle the Rohannese. So I don't have a feck 'bouts any grumblings ye may have, we need to work together on this one lads."

---

One thing 'bouts the Macabeans...they can be bloody persistent! Lothwyn thought to herself as her protection detail blocked the advances of another self-proclaimed suitor. She'd lost count which number this latest one was suppose to be, though truth be told she was flattered by the attention as most were young hot-blooded nobles. She did one or two who were extremely bold being at least twice her age, she wasn't sure whether their motivation was drink related or the novelty of a young queen as a trophy wife. Least with the ones with receding, greying hair and a portly stature looking to match their sons with her were less awkward to deal with.

The upcoming semi-finals match against the Macabean team was likely to be an interesting affair, what with a high chance of Fedor himself being present to watch such a critical match. She'd been briefed that a number of Macabean courtiers would be in attendance, though she wondered how many of them had already tried to take her hand. There was also likely to be some amusement as would be suitors try to verbally trip up or embarrass their rivals.

[Palmyrion]

---

UP Varsity Football Club Blitzes Through Fecawn National Team, 4-0
Jennifer Dimasalang | 08 November 2018, 5:10 PM PST

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Match Highlights:

• Katigbak shoots it square four times into the Fecawn goal
• Coordinated UPVFC defensives blunt Fecawn attacks
• The #PalmyrianRampage continues in Accelafeed

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Koloso Varhu Lakra, Beda Fromm, The Golden Throne | In Palmyrion's highest scoring match to date, the University of Palmyrion's Varsity Football Club dominates the field in the face of Fecawn offensives, scoring four straight goals into the Fecawn goalposts. Coordinated offensive strikes by midfielders Magtibay, Aguila, and Lobitaña, with rising star Katigbak as the spearhead, helped obtain and secure UPVFC's dominance of the match.

"Sulit yung oras na iginugol namin sa pag-ensayo." (The time we spent practicing was worth it.) "We really trained and studied hard to adapt to the Fecawn team's tactics. Once again, as head coach of the UPVFC, I am proud of our team." head coach Caballero said during a post-match interview regarding UPVFC's performance against the Fecawn national football team. "We have thrived from the group eliminations and survived the quarter finals. Now we shall get ready for the semifinals against Mokastana." he added when asked about UPVFC's upcoming match against Mokastana's Federal FC.

"The Fecawn defense was solid, but we eventually found a way to whittle it down, and eventually exploit weaknesses to score four straight points." Magtibay said during a post-match interview. "At the same time, we also coordinate with our team to find weaknesses in the Fecawn offensives in order to blunt them." he added.

However, the games in between points was largely intense, with back-to-back offensives by the Palmyrian and Fecawn teams.

"It wasn't to say that our offensives were consistently unchecked - in fact, every goal we made, only made succeeding attempts at a goal harder." Katigbak, UPVFC's striker and supposedly the star player of the team, remarked when asked about the Fecawn team's performance. "PCAL is one thing - we face people our skill level and age bracket. Championship titles are intensely exchanged every year. DienCup is another, as we are facing top tier teams from all over the region, with members almost twice our ages." he added.

"Every goal we made, only made Fecawn offensives more determined and harder to blunt - had we not changed our tactics regularly and exhausted the alphabet, the Fecawns would have at least scored a goal." Villlahermosa, a defender, said about the Fecawn offensives. "While they are relatively new, they are a respectable team, and we hope to see them again in the next season of DienCup - if not as UPVFC, then as the Palmyrian national football team." he added.

Palmyrion's next match will be played against the Mokan Federal FC, at the Teilán Arena, in Fedala. When asked about the upcoming match against the team they previously defeated, head coach Caballero said: "We would be facing an entirely different Federal FC from what we faced in the Group 1 Eliminations. We are going to make use of our time to review our tactics and adapt them to what looks like a better-refined Mokan Federal FC." Caballero said. Meanwhile, the roster for UPVFC in its upcoming Semifinals match against Federal FC will be as follows:

• John Paul Katigbak (07) - Striker
• Erian Franco Magtibay (14) - Midfielder, Offensive Center
• Elijah Aguila (21) - Midfielder, Left Side
• Harold Lobitaña (15) - Midfielder, Right Side
• Ibrahim Ahmed Talpis (19) - Midfielder, Defensive
• Julius Lactuan (22) - Midfielder, Defensive
• Anthony Villahermosa (11) - Defender
• Makisig Magtanggol (23) - Defender
• Gabriel Tanalgo (25) - Defender
• Jasper Lopez (24) - Defender
• Victor Mijares (32) - Goalkeeper

---

Kuya Isko @Iskosapiens We may have lost in the basketball finals against Ateneo, but the #PalmyrianRampage in #DC1 goes on! #UPFight SHARESFAVORITE 562K2.5B

[The Macabees]

The Sanctuary of Etchenzo; ca. 80 B.C.



"This is the fourth day and Chantico has yet to come out," said Tonalnan, the heavy set slave woman who the lady had taken to in recent days.

Miyaoaxochitl did not like her but the woman claimed to have been a priestess in her native land, the distant wildlands beyond the eastern sea. When the good lord had traveled to the capital, he left behind a lady who was carrying his child for nine full moons already. She gave birth to his son, Eztli, three nights ago. The boy still had not been presented to the village.

She mourned the death of her husband, the good lord. He had fallen last at payilta after felling the great Otonin Itztlixipil. Despite his momentous and glorious sacrifice to Cuelipochaloc, God of Fire, the young lady could not bear his passing. And although she had a son now, her husband had been her all and now her beloved Etchenzo was dead. The infant was being cared for by the lady's mother and the house servants, not yet having suckled on the mother's breast for the first time some said — a bad omen. Yet, lady Chantico could only mourn.

"Poor woman," said Anacaona, one of the servant girls. "He was a good man."

"A great man," corrected Tonalnan.

In the distance, a horn sounded. Those that stood and walked about the village stopped what they were doing for a moment and then scurried into their homes. That was the sound of the emperor's army, the same they had heard many days ago when the Otonin had first come. It took only minutes for the first men to emerge wearing their jagurat pelts and carrying their long spears with obsidian blades.

Almost six hundred Etchenzotecs arrayed themselves in front of the single bridge with spanned from the village to the other side of the lake. They stood with spears standing vertically, facing ahead toward the opposite bank stoically as almost ten thousand warriors marched into three lines before them. One man wearing the feathers of a Papatecatl, an officer of senior rank. He approached the bridge and crossed it steadily.

When he approached, he said, "The emperor comes to Etchenzo in peace. He reminds the village elders that by blood-bound agreement its lands are open to the emperor." The man glanced back at the assembly army.

It was one of the elders, Cuetztotl, who answered. "We would be honored to receive the emperor but our small village cannot house and feed his whole army. Besides, the emperor must understand that the lady is ill. She has recently birthed a child and she was already weak when she heard of her husband's death. She has not come out in many days."

"Go, tell her that the emperor is here to see her," said the warrior. "I will wait here for you or one of your men to return with the lady's answer."

The elder turned to one younger warrior and motioned him toward the lord's hall. The spearman ran off in that direction. The others stood and waited in silence while the young man made his way to the lady. It was a long time before he was back and, on the other side of the lake, the emperor's army was preparing camp. An eagle screamed overhead, an ambiguous omen that each man would interpret his own way. The elder grimaced. Overhead, the sun cast over the land with a heavenly brightness although the heat suffered the jungle's wetness.

Finally, after a long wait, the young warrior came running back. One could hear him panting, although anyone's attention was on the thirty jagurat warriors who trailed him. They were the lord's guard detachment left behind in the village to serve the lady Chantico. They came to bolster the defenses in case of battle.

The warrior who had gone to tell the queen of the emperor's arrival spoke then. "She said the Son of Cuelipochaloc may come with a hundred of his best men, as her husband had been allowed in Metzha Pilán"

"The emperor will surely be amused to know a woman seeks to dictate his privileges," said the emperor's man.

"She, a brighter mind than you, anticipated your objection. The emperor shall surely understand a grieving widow and agree to what she asks. Regardless, that is her response and that is what you must return to the emperor with," said the young runner. He turned to the elder, who nodded.

The emperor's man nodded. "Very well," he said as he turned and left.



The village warriors waited by the bridge for hours, watching the movement of the emperor's encampment on the other side. A train of asses with supplies had arrived on a trail that curved with the edge of the bank. The emperor's men were men fed, that was for certain. The boys of Etchenzo wondered just how many supplies the elders had stockpiled.

Night came and then the sun rose again. The village warriors were still by the bridge and the emperor's still in their camp.

Then, the emperor approached with a hundred of his best warriors. He crossed the bridge at the head of this force, proudly displaying his feathered cape of many colors. When they crossed to the other side the village spearmen assembled to either side, opening a route into the center of their island.

Emperor Cozamacoztli made his way to the lord's hall, his retinue following him. When they arrived, he had them wait while he went inside. A servant guided him to the lady, who was in the room she had shared with her husband for so many years. Tears streaked down her cheeks and her eyes were red. Chantico lay on her bed. "Wasn't my lord's life sufficient sacrifice to the gods?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I come to honor your husband's legacy, Chantico. He died a brave warrior, better than my chief Otonin. I loathe to think of the conquests of I have lost because your husband, the great Etchenzotecuhtli, is dead. But even I, the emperor of the magnificent city of Metzha Pilán, cannot deny the God of Fire the servants he demands. And most especially I, emperor of the lands around this heavenly lake, cannot blame the God of Fire for his taste in warriors, for the late Lord of Etchenzo was a legendary fighter. I saw that with my very own eyes."

Chantico swept some of the tears from her eyes. "He is survived by a newborn son, emperor," she said.

"I have heard," replied Cozamacoztli. "I have heard you have not seen the boy since you gave birth to him."

"I cannot bare to see him," she explained. "He reminds me of his father."

The emperor smiled. "That is why I come, actually. They say that a man's bravery flows through his blood. If your son is the son of Etchenzotecuhtli then he surely has warrior's blood. Tend to him, ensure his health, then send him to my palace in the capital. I shall give him a palatial education. Take your husband's responsibilities and lead this village until your son comes of age, then he too may take the name Etchenzotecuhtli. This will surely bind the village of Etchenzo the city of Metzha Pilán, so that we may avoid suffering from such tragedies ever again."

Like this began the story of Eztli, son of Etchenzotecuhtli and Chantico, the great Otonin who would one day come to rule Metzha Pilán as emperor.

[The Macabees]

SEMIFINAL SCORES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY ACCELAFEED

Palmyrion 5–0 Mokastana
The Macabees 1–4 Morrdh

DÍENCUP FINAL 12/14
Palmyrion vs. Morrdh @ Kort Kaster (Fedala)

[Morrdh]

Tick

The roof of the stadium seemed almost in danger of being lifted into the air by the roar of the horde of Morridanes in the stands. They very air was charged with excitement, a sense of disbelief over what had occurred during the previous ninety minutes. At best, they'd considered it lucky if the match had gone down to penalty shoot-outs. To emerge victorious over the Macabeans, the heavyweight champions of football in the region, exceeded the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic of souls.

Tock

He'd been before the game.

The crowds provided enough cover, he was just a face amongst thousands streaming along the streets round the stadium. For every person who got into the stadium there was a dozen more who'd piled into countless bars and clubs in the surrounding area to watch the match on large screen TVs. He'd picked one such bar, though it proved a battle to squeeze through the mass of people. Thankfully he had previously scouted out the bar and it had proved ideal for his needs, located on one of the main thoroughfares radiating out from the stadium.

A short while later the man was on his away again and a backpack shoved to one side of the bar went unnoticed.

Tick

It was after midnight in Morrdun, the local timezone ahead a few hours ahead of that of the Golden Throne.

At the Dunsgate Watch Station on Ghost Hill Lane in one of the city's north-western wards, the few policemen on duty were listening to the post-match report on a portable radio. They were in a jovial mood, celebrating the surprising and impressive Morridane victory over the Macabean competition hosts. The duty desk telephone started ringing and, cursing under his breath, the station sergeant went to answer it.

A moment later, the station's jovial mood had vanished in an instant and frantic telephone calls were steadily working their way up the chain of command.

Tock

"We're on the ball! We're on the ball!" Echoed the shouted chant of thousands of Morridane football fans as they flooded the streets of Macabea, most pouring into bars and taverns in time to see celebratory beverages flow freely. Morridane policemen and Garda officers were assisting their Macabean counterparts with crowd control to help keep the rowdy victors in line before drink and high passion got the better of them.

Click

It happened in an instant.

Those in the crowded bar never knew what hit them as the blast ripped through the building and shattered windows, sending shrapnel and glass splinters flying in all directions. Bodies were pulped or flung into the air like rag-dolls as the shock wave blew out and knocked drunken revilers off or their feet. Countless alarms set off by the blast become conjoined with the cries and screams of the crowd, becoming a mournful banshee wail as if the city itself was crying out in anguish. Emergency responders soon began to arrive on the scene to lend aid to those wandering dazed or lying on the ground screaming in agony from torn limbs and bloodied torsos.

Then the second device detonated.

[Palmyrion]

Kuya Isko @Iskosapiens Catch UPVFC in the #DC1Finals in Kort Kaster! Local screenings available too! #OneBigUPFight #PalmyrianRampage SHARESFAVORITE 562K2.5B

[Palmyrion]

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Mokan Federal FC Overrun Again by Palmyrian UPVFC, 5-0
Jennifer Dimasalang | 11 December 2018, 5:10 PM PST

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Match Highlights:

• Offensive plays by the offensive midfielders and strikers
• Coordinated UPVFC defensives blunt Mokan attacks
• Palmyrion advances to finals to face Morrdh

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Teilán Arena, Fedala, The Golden Throne | In perhaps Palmyrion's most lopsided match of the game, they defeated Federal FC for a second time, this time with a 5-0 lead throughout the match. However, the match was in effect a close fight between Palmyrion and Mokastana, with close calls and close goals being exchanged in between.

"Damn, it was good that I stayed up every single second. If I shut my eyes closed just for an instant, we would have been defeated." said Mijares, the goalkeeper during the match. Mijares is credited for having performed the save that prevented Mokastana from gaining one point during the match.

"We knew our opponent just as much as we knew our team. We knew our strengths and weaknesses, and theirs too. We exploited these to our benefit and gave us a 5-0 lead over Mokastana's solid defenses." an exhausted Katigbak said during a post-match interview. "I would be glad to play with these respectable players again in the future - if not as UPVFC, then in the Palmyrian national football team." he added.

However, the team, so far undefeated, has just one match to complete before reigning as the champion of DienCup I: the Finals.

Palmyrion's next match, which is the finals match will be played against the Morridane National Team, at Kort Kaster, in Fedala. Head coach Caballero said about the upcoming finals match against Morrdh: "This is the culmination of all our hard work, talent, and tactical planning over the past few matches. We will train hard for the finals and adapt our tactics for the Morridanes. Atin 'To!" Caballero said, with the rest of the team cheering "Atin 'To" at the same time Meanwhile, the roster for UPVFC in its upcoming Finals match against Morrdh will be as follows:

• John Paul Katigbak (07) - Striker
• Erian Franco Magtibay (14) - Midfielder, Offensive Center
• Elijah Aguila (21) - Midfielder, Left Side
• Harold Lobitaña (15) - Midfielder, Right Side
• Ibrahim Ahmed Talpis (19) - Midfielder, Defensive
• Julius Lactuan (22) - Midfielder, Defensive
• Anthony Villahermosa (11) - Defender
• Makisig Magtanggol (23) - Defender
• Gabriel Tanalgo (25) - Defender
• Jasper Lopez (24) - Defender
• Victor Mijares (32) - Goalkeeper