Games of the XIII Olympiad RP Thread

by **Todd McCloud** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 9:17 pm

Ranking the Opening Ceremonies for the Summer Games
Reporting for V3 News Services, Rin Slakori

We at V3 News decided to do something a bit different. In an effort to shift gears as well as lend an ear to the historical context of these games, we've revisited the Opening Ceremonies from years' past and ranked them according to our standards. Our metrics are simple - were they entertaining? Did they teach us about said nation's / city's past? Were they inspiring and had an underlying message of peace and unity? And, finally, were they groundbreaking in any aspect? After ranking, each editor added their own take on the Opening Ceremony, along with a featured highlight and lowlight. Where will the Opening Ceremony of Republica in Free Republics Rank? Time will tell!

8 Game VI - Lasft, Cafundeu
Highlight: An 80-year-old singer who was not a washed-up crooner, but could still belt out rock tunes (even if we didn't get the lyrics)!
Lowlight: No lights for 20 minutes? What a dark prospect!

Cafundeau, a nation that had previously hosted the Winter Olympics, made some questionable calls here. Sure, there was excitement, motorcycles, and dancers from not just their nation, but from other, unknown parts of the 'verse, but the whole ceremony seemed... detached like there really wasn't a theme. Was it impressive? Certainly. Did we not fall asleep when their comedian was cracking jokes? Well, we tried. All in all, this Olympic Ceremony truly had just a little bit of everything peppered in between.

7 Game VIII - Orean, Liventia
Highlight: The replica of Orean rising up from the ground, centered about Grovers Park!
Lowlight: The small confines of the historical park. Worked for us, but some did find it difficult!

Liventia by this time was a seasoned veteran when it came to hosting Olympic venues, so it was no surprise that the city of Orean took a more conservative approach here, initially beginning with some clips from the previous hosting sites and ending with a detailed representation of the city at large. However, what typically goes unnoticed here is that these games were rumored to have been made possible by one man - Organising Committee Chairman (and retired Vice-Admiral to the Navy) Royston French, who was said to have worked as long as 19 hours a day to ensure the most meticulous detail would not go unnoticed. And, in this case, the bevy of work certainly showed.

6 Game XI - Aeropag
Highlight: That lighting of the torch! Precise, and at the same time, safe!
Lowlight: Well, the theme, for a Vekaiyun, of course!

The Opening Ceremony in Aeropag was what one would expect by now in these eleventh games, with the typical pomp and circumstance surrounding the origins of the region and how it came to be. It was initially feared that the same-day suspension of the Republican Olympic Committee would cast a shadow over the ceremony, but it seemed mitigated by an artistic performance. Still, that's not to say it was free of controversy. This was the ceremony that seemed to produce a rather confusing message, one that every Vekaiyun seemed to have an opinion on by the next day - human nature. If not for that theme stressed, and merely showcasing the feats of the denizens of Aeropag, it would have likely been looked upon fondly, especially considering this ceremony featured the best lighting of the torch we've yet to see - a sort of golden canon shooting fire at a torch which was designed to be the actual tower. That's an accomplishment... and because of that, we can't really score this all that much lower.

5 Game V - Outineau, Kelssek
Highlight: Holographic whales and owls done up by fair lights. Simply breathtaking!
Lowlight: 15 minutes of fireworks?! Please be kind to the vulpine ears!

As this was the first Summer Olympiad Vekaiyu participated in, it wouldn't really be fair for us to rank the previous four games, now would it? That being said, it was a sharp divorce from the current political climate of Kelssek during those days, and such an avoidance to interior issues was a welcomed aspect we generally don't see in Opening Ceremonies. While the ceremonies were indeed spoken in French, helpful translators were able to translate from French to Codexian, and then from Codexian to Unonian. It was a night of pride for Vekaiyu, their first ever entry into the games, and one that would usher in a tradition of non-human nations becoming a regular occurrence in international athletic competition.

4 Game VII - Emberton, Krytenia
Highlight: Quite possibly the loudest-ever reception for the home team recorded!
Lowlight: The message from His Majesty King Tristan. Was his mic on?

One word seemed to resonate with the Olympic Ceremony in Emberton - inclusion. After introducing the Olympic Estoile utilizing inspired and curious children to carry and extend the six-colored logo, and following a thoughtful and wonderous "dance" performed by likenesses of a dragon and a lion, was a grand delegation of Krytenians from all walks of life - but not just in occupation. Indeed, ursines and vulpines from delegations who had since found their home within the balmy shores of Krytenia were represented here, thoughtfully, and among humans as a sort of nod to the different intelligent species that were competing in these games. The "tour of the torch", as it came to be known, was a fascinating journey that followed gold-medal performances from an array of Krytenian athletes.

3 Game IX- Kytler Bay / Zube, The Kytler Penninsulae
Highlight: Hands-down the "Dawn of a Nation" board game moment. It was unique, quirky, and decidedly quiet.
Lowlight: A sixty-second countdown to start? What were they thinking?

Despite the undertones of the scars of colonization, along with the slaughter of native people for the want of uranium, the Opening Ceremonies hosted by The Kytler Peninsulae was certainly memorable if not full of variety. This marked the first time two cities in the same nation co-hosted an event. Generally speaking, the theme of this Olympic Ceremony seemed to be a jaunt through the history of the nation, beginning with a nautical James Kytler and his first steps onto the sandy shores, and ending with the formation of the conglomerate nation in a most historical barn. Was it free of controversy? Well, no. But it at least appeared to show its many facets in an honest light.

2 Game X- Centralis, Electrum & Nassau Bay, New Gelderland
Highlight: We... actually really liked the didgeridoo. For some reason. Also, the sweet, staccato tones of Kalosianë Amurë was definitely a hit among our editors.
Lowlight: That darn beady-eyed troll that was used to show the formation of Bittern Bay! Or when the audience had to sing O Electrum!" (we didn't know the words).

In the spacious confines of the decidedly blue Centralis Stadium was host to one of the more riveting Opening Day Ceremonies, complete with nearly-drowned but still-defiant plucky pilgrims meeting up with friendly natives, the two sides representing the origins of what would become a 27-group strong of unique ethnicities. Albert Burns' speech on accepting the natives from Eura was certainly inspiring to those who had never heard the story before (that would be us). We were then spirited away and treated to several musical entries of different styles and flairs (and much different than the music used among the first segments). Even though the dancing and the "gyrations" were perplexing, we were later told this was a means by which humans declare intimacy. Just kidding, we vulpines dance as well, though perhaps with much less provocation. After the speeches (oh dear the speeches) and the lighting of the two cauldrons, the games for the first Olympiad held in two different nations had begun!

1 Game XII - Novonaya, Kelssek & Provinsk, Vekaiyu
Highlight: The Vekaiyun flag as it waved high in the night sky, marking the first-ever human-minority nation ever to co-host an Olympiad
Lowlight: Replacing the Olympic Estoile with the Vekaiyun Star was... probably not the best decision to make.

In these games, two nations co-hosted the event, with Vekaiyu performing the opening ceremony while Kelssek held the closing ceremony. What can we say about this Opening Ceremony? It had some early history peppered in with the formation of the state after the initial occupation. It showcased a wealth of different indigenous animals that lived in the nation and showcased the people's prowess for aquatic activities. Speaking of aquatic activities, the lighting of the torch was certainly a memorable one as retired Olympic swimmers spanned the distance of the makeshift pool as the fire remained alight well below water. There was industry. There were costumes, both of the past, the present, and of mermaids. There was kikale. There was a heartfelt rendition of "Eternal Vekaiyu". And there was a lot of nationalistic pride in seeing our people co-host these games!

((OOC: Anyone who thought a team of editors from Vekaiyu would not rank their nation's OC first is only kidding themselves. That being said, they're all good and it's been really fun re-reading these again because everyone's own writing style really comes out. I highly recommend everyone to take a look at them. Also sorry for not including prior OC's or the winter ones in this little list. Vekaiyuns can overlook things, after all))

by **Amuaplye** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:27 pm

The Observer

January 7, 2019

Bomb sent to Amuaplye Village in Republica intercepted, cipher sent too.

Carl Perkins, the target of the bombing (2nd from left, 2nd row, the one with GBR).

The Olympiad Bomber has struck again, this time sending his 5th bomb overseas, to the Amuaplye Village in Republica. This would have been his 2nd bomb sent over there, as the 4th bomb, which was detonated aboard AmuaCargo 7189, had a recipient address to there.

The bomb, due to increased security between mail lines coming from Perth, was swiftly intercepted and defused. The device followed the bomber's MO, with it being a pipe bomb sealed in a box with virtually no other contents, the surfing Father Christmas stamp (which was discontinued by the Amuaplye Postal Service shortly after Flight 7189), and a printed sender and recipient label. The main differences are that the pipe bombs were covered in broken glass and nails, indicating a possible animosity towards Perkins, the name was spelled correctly, and that it was in Times New Roman, not Arial. The return address was from Sergei Volkov, the alias the bomber used when sending the Flight 7189 bomb.

Inside the box was a 42-group cipher containing numbers, in 5-letter blocks. (IE: QWERT YUIOP, etc.), which was released earlier. The cipher, if you want to decode it, is as follows:

CLTKP JERLN NITRL VJWLS CHXAV VDKGG CKLMX MXXKK XANLC OUJIR OKCCB RHUMQ GBTVC JTBVU AAHXU LPWLE DNOTL BQCPT IXJCC ZKEJC FQQRY MBXHW TKUUP OMKEQ CCZGN IKBFG UVNOL RQAMN FHROD OYNRZ TADSM KTGZA OEGGI PWIGR CGFIK UWXMQ XVHAK EJEDK BQZIN XGCSR ZRBSK PNPNB

The Amuaplye Investigative Agency will give out 50,000 Centos if you manage to successfully decode it before the AIA.

If you know anything about the identity of the bomber, call AIA-TIPS or 111. You will be anonymous, and you might get a cash reward of 200,000 Centos or more. (Approximately 150,000 USD)

Talks of sending armed guards to Opening Ceremony, source claims.

Amuaplye at the Opening Ceremony in Electrum.[/align]

A source in the Amuaplye Investigative Agency has claimed that the Amuaplye Domestic Terrorism Task Force and the Amuaplyean Army have had talks with the Amuaplyean National Olympic Committee over sending armed guards to escort athletes during the Parade of Nations in order to prevent an attack on Amuaplyean athletes during the Opening Ceremony.

Similar talks were made in 2017 during the Winter Olympics in Prescott, but were struck down by the Electrum Government.

We have reached out to Luis Ray, the flagbearer, and the Men's and Women's soccer coach for their opinions, but they have not commented.

by **Vangaziland** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:28 am

Olympiad Watch
Title Fighters Test Their Mettle

The Multiverse Fighting Championships saw three Vangazi emerge as title holders. Olympiad XIII will see each fighter compete in multiple sports. Another addition comes in the form of Multiverse Boxing Organization title holder Abigail Kaldwell. Abby hails from the tiny island of Wrexwic and is making use of colonial dual citizenship.

One of the biggest names on the fight squad is Linda Henshmen. She's won a title at a boxing competition in Ilyseum. She made it to a title fight in the MBO, only to be defeated by current teammate Abigail Kaldwell. Linda recently won the MFC Welterweight Championship. She defeated a motivated Savojar in Anna Kjaer for a narrow victory.

Henshmen will be boxing in the light heavyweight category. Linda will also compete in the 63 kg category in Judo. Linda will round out her competition by fighting in the MMA light heavyweight weight class. It is a busy schedule that will push the fighter to her limit.

Marcus Frankerssen won the MFC Light Heavyweight Championship at Coastal Fieldhouse in Vangaziland. He knocked out Dzsenifer Szakacs to secure his belt. Mark will represent Vangaziland in men's individual Kata and MMA light heavyweight.

Otto Bjorn won his MFC Heavyweight Championship at Vannish Motors Arena in Emeros. The big man will fight in the 125 kg wrestling category and in super heavyweight boxing. He will also fight in MMA super heavyweight competition. "it's great to represent Vangaziland in the Free Republics", said Otto. "The host nation is a place that appreciates fight sports. Any success or failure will be magnified."

Abigail Kaldwell also joins he squad, bringing an MBO title and a victory over Vannish prize fighter Linda Henshmen. She has put on weight since her MBO days and is now boxing and competing in XII Olympiad MMA light heavyweight events. "I'm proud to represent Vangaziland, and even more happy to represent the colonies", Kaldwell said.

There are several other fighters analysts believe can succeed. Otto Bjorn'a sister Hilda looks like a strong competior in 78 kg Judo. Linda's sister Jen Henshmen is fighting in women's 57 kg Taekwondo. Tony Sire and Franchesa Grimoli are both talented wrestlers. Many of the other Vannish fighters are looking for experience.

Some of these up and comers may become future stars in a sport where a tough fight is worth 25 days of sparring. Fighting the world's best will give these youngsters experience that will help them immensely in domestic careers. Vangaziland has strayed from entering big name fighters in previous Olympiads. The big three fighters Otto, Linda and Marcus carry an Empire's best hopes for fight sports gold.

by **The Sherpa Empire** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:31 am

----‭֎-‬---

When the Ministry of Culture announced that women's tennis star Lhami Sherpa would be the flag bearer for the Empire's Olympic delegation, it wasn't controversial. But a couple of days later, after some prominent feminists spoke up to praise the decision, the defenders of "traditional values" felt compelled to criticize the feminists, and then it became controversial. Social media was soon flooded with debate. Several people on the conservative side of the debate made histrionic statements, saying it was obvious that So-and-so ought to be the flag-bearer and anything else was an atrocity of political correctness gone mad. However, they could not agree on who the obvious choice was. Some said Tsongba Sherpa, others said Jibang Xiu, Mingmat Umar, or baseball team manager Sarang Oli. The feminists responded by hurling accusations of misogyny and talking up Lhami, making her out to be a national hero.

For what it's worth, Lhami was pretty cool. When she got kidnapped by the Taliban, she made a daring escape rather than wait to be rescued or leave the government in the awkward position of negotiating with terrorists. She was also a good tennis player and the sort of athlete that always had something nice to say to her fans and would do classy things like visiting hospitalized kids to cheer them up. Most people in the Sherpa Empire did not care about tennis, but she still was well-liked. The only reason why anyone had anything bad to say about her was because they were looking for an excuse to pick a fight with the feminists.

A few people made other suggestions. There was a faction that said Qi Long, the tallest guy on the men's basketball team, ought to carry the flag so he could hold it high. Another faction argued for Chepal Jones-Dan because he looked good on camera. When someone -- possibly a troll -- said that Kai Qiang should carry the flag because he was the most internationally-famous person in the Empire's delegation, the suggestion was met with a barrage of mockery. People posted pictures of Qiang performing at the LGBT Alliance of Guilin's annual charity drag show accompanied by sarcastic comments like, "Behold Kai Qiang, paragon of manliness and champion of conservative values!" The conservatives were naturally outraged and they hit back, ranting about the "degenerate" nature of drag shows.

The athletes themselves mostly tried to stay out of the fray, only making a few brief statements. Lhami tried to be conciliatory saying, "It's a huge honor to carry the flag, but we've got a lot of great athletes that they could have picked, and I think all of us should be proud that we can even compete on this level. Just because they chose me to carry the flag doesn't mean the other athletes aren't incredibly talented."

Tsongba stayed as neutral as possible saying, "It's the Ministry's decision, and I'm fine with whatever they decide."

Jibang Xiu sounded a little resentful as he said in an interview, "That's the world we live in. Everyone wants a touchy-feely feel-good story."

Mingmat Umar rushed to Lhami's defense, saying, "Come on, man! Lhami Sherpa kicks ass; how can anybody complain? Haters gonna hate, I guess, but I can't think of a better choice."

Sarang Oli was a bit grumpy. "If anybody is going to the Olympics and they're upset because they didn't get to carry around a piece of cloth, they need to rethink their priorities," he said drily.

Kai Qiang did not want to be part of the argument, but with the pictures from the drag show being bandied about, it was hard to stay out. "There is nothing wrong with the Ministry of Culture choosing Lhami Sherpa to carry the flag," he wrote. "She is good at what she does. As for the drag pictures, they are real, but I am not gay and I am not promoting a homosexual agenda. Some of the people who organized the drag show are my friends and it is for a good cause. We were raising money to provide medical care for poor people in remote rural areas. Some people live several kilometers away from the nearest public clinic and it is difficult for them to get medical care if they do not have a car."

----‭֎-‬---

by **Free Republics** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:28 am

The Gem of the Oceans Stadium was packed to capacity for the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the 13th Olympiad. It felt like it had been an eternity since the last Olympiad in Kelssek and Vekaiyu but it had only been 3 years. Every year these days was beginning to feel more like a decade. At the time of the last Summer Olympics, the Leftist Republics rebellion was still in the future and nobody imagined that either Scarlett Nicholls or Sebastian Trudeau would run for consul. But the future is never what it appears to be. Now, the Free Republics were just coming off of hosting a World Cup and the country was run by 2 celebrities who had little interest or competence in governing anything. Now, the best athletes from all over the multiverse had arrived for the Olympics.

The opening ceremony started off with a lengthy history of the Free Republics, starting from the period when each republic was an absolute monarchy. Then came the wave of liberal revolutions, followed by the Federationists and their Constitutional Convention. The Roxawa Rebellion was conspicuously absent from the history. For a couple hours, the accomplishments of every consul were told in the form of a ceremony until they got to Consul Kulseth. A caricature of Consul Kulseth walked onto the field at the Gem of the Oceans Stadium, followed by an army of men dressed up as Church of Saintland priests. Kulseth, a nearly universally reviled figure in the Free Republics, was portrayed without the slightest bit of sympathy as all of his many crimes were shown, including the burning of the old Assembly and Senate buildings and his warmongering. Finally, the military turned on Kulseth and he committed suicide by having his remaining loyalists in the military burn down a building with him in it. (OOC: He actually shot himself first after unsuccessfully trying to nuke 2 nations but there were no witnesses and his body was never recovered.

After the suicide of Consul Kulseth, the ceremony turned to the rise of Caleb O'Reilly, focusing on the shadowy puppetmaster that was pulling his strings. Images of the O'Reilly era followed, focusing on the AI robots. The story of the Free Republics retreating into self-imposed isolation and the secession of Falatulu played out on the stage. Finally, computer hackers would find a way to sabotage the botnet, temporarily freeing the rest of the nation's elected officials from the iron grip of the bots. They immediately move to impeach the consul, who resigns. A long story about the Leftist Republics rebellion followed, starting from the "Unite the Left" rally that saw the deaths of several counter-protesters. The secession of the Leftist Republics and their subsequent campaign of terror followed. Then, finally, they were defeated by the Republican military and sold to the highest bidder as the charter societies. The history segment would end on a positive note by emphasizing the Stand Up to Sexism campaign and its role in the election of the younger Consul Nicholls.

Following the history segment was a celebration of the culture of the Free Republics, glorifying sex, marijuana, alcohol and rock music. In the middle of this segment, 30 minutes of belly dancing were thrown in just to "prove" that The Turnip is a reliable news source. The decision had been made at the last minute at the insistence of Consul Kyle Bolton because he thought it would be funny. By insistence of Consul Scarlett Nicholls, half of the belly dancers were scantily-clad men and the belly dancing was set to her songs, including her quadruple-platinum hit Born to Fry. Finally, the opening ceremony concluded with a full hour of fireworks leading into the Parade of Nations.

The delegations entered the Gem of the Oceans Stadium in alphabetical order, from Altai Almas to Xanneria. The only exceptions were the co-hosts of the Games of the XII Olympiad and the host delegation. The crowd generally reacted with polite applause and a scattering of boos for most delegations. The two loudest cheers were for Banija and the Vilitan Union. Banija was cheered loudly, their co-hosting of World Cup 81 fresh in the crowd's memory. Both Vilita and Turori were extremely popular in the Free Republics, due to the aggressive sponsorship efforts of their businesses during the World Cup. The South Covellan delegation received the loudest boos as their 1-0 victory over the host team in the World Cup 81 semifinals was still fresh in the minds of all in the stadium. After Xanneria entered, only 3 delegations were missing. Kelssek was sent out before Vekaiyu by virtue of coming before their co-host in the alphabet. Neither one of them drew an especially loud reaction from the crowd.

Finally, the Republican delegation entered, surprisingly foregoing the tradition of wearing a uniform for the Opening Ceremony, in favor of wearing their own choice of casual clothes. As they entered, with women's baseball star Honomi Kamei carrying the Republican flag, they were greeted with thunderous applause.

Outside the Gem of the Oceans Stadium, Stand Up to Sexism protesters had gathered to protest the "sexist" decision to award medals for men's baseball and women's softball but not women's baseball and men's softball. At least a hundred thousand activists gathered in the stadium parking lot to exercise their Constitutional right to freedom of speech. The controversy had received substantial media attention during the Opening Ceremony, with FBC actually going to a split-screen for most of the live broadcast.

During the Parade of Nations, FBC's Kayla Carone was able to secure an interview with Scarlett Nicholls. In the middle of the interview, she asked about the protests:

Kayla Carone - Consul Nicholls, you were elected based upon your staunch opposition to sexism. As an equality advocate, how do you feel about the protests taking place outside this stadium right now?

Scarlett Nicholls - I'm unaware of any protests.

Kayla Carone - Outside the stadium, over a hundred thousand people are protesting the controversial decision by ROOC to make men's baseball and women's softball medal events but leave women's baseball and men's softball as demonstration events. How do you feel about that decision?

Scarlett Nicholls - I know I shouldn't say this because we're trying to put forward a united front here but I think it is fucking stupid that there is such obvious gender inequality in the way baseball and softball are being handled. If the Olympic Council won't let us grant medals for both men and women in those sports, then they should have all been left as demonstration events.

Kayla Carone - Thank you, Consul Nicholls.

Robert Nicholls was shaking his head as he was informed of what his daughter had said on national television. She had just given encouragement to the protesters and the boycotters and undermined all of his messaging. It was bad enough that Consul Bolton was visibly intoxicated at the moment, not to mention the headache he'd had to deal with arranging for the Federation Investigation Bureau and Republican Intelligence Agency to closely monitor the Amuaplye delegation and thoroughly search all incoming and outgoing mail to and from them (OOC: Any bombs that reach the FFR will be intercepted in transit and any direct attacks on the Olympics will be thwarted by the police and military.). Now, he couldn't even trust his own daughter with a live microphone to open the Olympics! Well, he decided, he would have to do the speech and declaration himself, as the head of ROOC.

The speech by the elder Nicholls was short and to the point. After talking for roughly a minute, he suddenly said the words "I hereby declare these Games of the 13th Olympiad open!" as Sir Koby Theodore carried the torch to the Olympic flame. He handed it off to long-time Republican World Cup manager Rule Theriault, who lit the torch to officially open the Olympics. More fireworks followed as the clocks hit 2 AM local time in Republica.

OOC: The events listed for Day 1 on the schedule take place ICly prior to the Opening Ceremony

This is your Day 1 cutoff.

by **Laeral** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 3:04 pm

Le Laeralien
Vol.37 Num. 7
Tuesday, January 8, 2018
International Edition

What To Expect From The Olympics: January 8th
By Xie Tao, Athletic Correspondent

Logo of the 13th Olympic Games

Following Laeral's participation in the 13th Winter Olympic Games, Laeral will once again send a delegation to the Olympics. This competition will feature athletes from around the multiverse competing in numerous summer sports in the city of Republica, Free Republics, Lunia. The Laeralian delegation features athletes competing in 182 different events. As it can be difficult to keep track of the major events, here's a breakdown of what to watch every day. Day One will be a slow start to the events, with only a handful of events scheduled.

Olympic Opening Ceremony
This parade of athletes allows viewers to marvel at the spectacle and diversity of the Olympics. Expect thousands of athletes from over a hundred nations appearing in their team's attire, along with shows highlighting the culture of the host nation. The Laeralian delegation will appear in around the middle of the parade, which is ordered alphabetically. Esther Lim, a fencer, will have the honor of bearing the Laeralian flag. Other delegations to watch include the Sherpa Empire's delegation: their flagbearer, Lhami Sherpa, survived a terrorist kidnapping, while the entire team will be dressed in vibrant traditional wear.

Women's Football
The women's football team will take on Britonisea in the largest venue possible for Laeralian women's football. The Laeralites have been sorted into Group C, which includes highly-ranked Valkolicci Haven and Celeria and the host team, Free Republics. The Laeralian women are favored to defeat Britonisea and to advance to the elimination rounds. Striker and team captain Laurene Hui (who plays for the women's affiliate of Ville Laeralsford) has said that her team is "excited to prove ourselves to the world", adding that "support from our football fans will be crucial" if Laeral is to make the fourth-place finish or higher needed to advance.

Other Events
Six Laeralites will compete in men's and women's archery, although they are not favored to advance. Laeralian athletes will also compete in various sailing events. Laeral's extensive coast and many lakes and rivers have led to a number of Laeralites competing in sailing events, although it's generally believed that Laeral lacks the institutions such as competitive domestic leagues needed for a nation to become truly successful at the sport. Jean-Marie Berthelot, who grew up sailing in Mala Bay near his home in Sarene province, will compete in the Men's One-Person Dinghy event. He may be an athlete to watch.

by **Kriegiersien** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 3:57 pm

Reality

Venue: The Gem of the Oceans Stadium of Republica

, Opening Ceremony of the XIII Olympiad.
Most of the words are shouted, because it is loud.

A casual clothed person in an old purple sweater sits down by the side of a man, who has a small Kriegiersien flag stuck in the small breast pocket of his shirt, which is only just fitting over his big belly, a pair of glasses on his forehead and an oversized bag with treats lying on his enormous legs, who are hovering on the seats beside him.

Stranger: Hello. Could I get some more space of my seat please?
Fat Kriegiersien Fan (FKF): Oh, sure. I am like my nation, we are taking much of the world. Especially the medals. Hehe.
he moves a bit, causing the men on his left getting even more pushed off his seat
Man on the left (MOTL): You are, like your nation, more of an annoyance.
FKF: I have been at the last four Olympics in the last two years with the team. We won more medals than before, since I take part.
MOTL: You are not one of the coaches or athletes, right?
FKF: I ran Marathon once, but the competition there is harsh.
MOTL (mumbling): I imagined Sumo Wrestling or E-Sports.
Wait, 4 Olympics in 2 years? There is only 1 Olympiad every 4 years.
FKF: Scientists from Kelssek

found out, that there are over 1.5 Olympics a year after the new World Cup calender.
MOTL: No they didn’t.

the opening ceremony starts and gives a history lesson, which amuses the international crowd due to different reasons. Loud applause fills the arena as the delegations are marching in. The stranger has now the pleasure to overhear the conversation of the two men left of him.

FKF: Ambrfld..

MOTL: Excuse me?

Sorry, I choked on some chicken wings. Do you remember in what sport Abanhfleft is so good at?

I think it was ... Handball?

Oh, I was sure it was Volleyball. The guy looks big.

Maybe, but this is Anollasia

, a different country. Tennis and stuff.

Oh…anyway, did you know that all events are done outside, because they have enough stadiums, but no indoor arenas?

Yes, I know that that is bullshit. Of course they have indoor venues.

Hey, why is this one guy from Amuaplye

wearing sunglasses, gloves and a hoody? And the colors. Doesn’t fit with the rest.

Hm? Can’t see one. Speaking of glasses. Are you using some?

Yes, why? Oh. Maybe I should wear them, thanks.
he starts to dig after them in a bag between his feet and rumble on.
Soccer is a low level competition here. They even differentiate between men and women events. We will win this.

You mean women’s football?

No. Football isn’t played at the Olympics.

Wrong. There is Gridiron Football...

Meh. A demonstration event, no one cares for that.

Gosh! But I was talking of Association Football. You think Kriegiersien will win this?

Association Football. Silly name. And no World Champion here, so: Easy.

Of course there are World Cup Winners

participating. Have you even looked into your nations group?

he holds up a printed programme

But that are not the real teams, with that oversized skill level. They are a shadow of what you see at the big tournaments. They don’t take the Olympics seriously.

Whatever. How often did Kriegiersien win medals in soccer again?

the Kriegiersien mumbles indistinguishable with a fried chicken in his mouth

when the delegation of Cocoabo Forest

comes in, the man on the left leans to his Kriegiersien neighbour

A question, just out of curiosity. In the delegation from Cocoabo ..

Looks like some sort of birds. Why?

Just wanted to be sure.

further delegations are starting to stream in. The Kriegiersien once again shakes his head.

Look at the flag bearer from Kevagaria.

How can a guy this fat be an Olympic athlete?

the man on his left looks at him with widened eyes, then at the flag bearer and back to him

You mean, because he is not skinny like a gymnast with extreme anorexia?

No, no. I mean, he is really fat. He beats even me and I have a big muscular body. Don’t you think?

Doesn’t look like anything like that to me.

when the Kriegiersiens arrive, the Kriegiersien fan stands up, waving his flag, some fried chicken falling down on the people in front of him, the seats shaking as he moves.

Adorable, the ponies at the front. Aren’t they great? They will win us the Equestrian medals again.

Interesting. And who are the equestrians?

The Ponies. As I just said.

You call your riders The Ponies?

No. They are ponies.

the man on the left looks bewildered

Oh, Alf and Nova Swimtob. I wouldn’t have expected them here. Thought they would just stay in the village or train or something.

These twins? They look strong. And good looking.

Strong, yes, but attractive? I don’t know.

Sooo, they are not Ponies?

Don’t be silly. These are androids. Perfectly human looking. That is known.

Doesn’t look like anything to me. And I guess this ripped women behind them is an Ogre?

No, an Orc. It is in her name.

Hmhm. You have your glasses on now, does anyone look like a normal human to you?

Of course. Most of them are humans. But we are a diverse society.

Yeah, very diverse, I see.

And the Zombiebots at the end. They really shouldn’t allow them to take part in the Opening ceremony. They just can’t grasp the beauty of it. Don’t misunderstand me, some of my best friends know Zombies, but these Zombiebots are just low minded Slaves. They really did much for our nation once but now…

I can see some tired looking, a bit lethargic staggering people. Maybe just drunk?

Yes, that’s them. Zombiebots. Cybernetic enhanced Undead. Of course you get a bit different after you died. And the smell, pew.

I see.

for a moment there seems to be a small gap between to delegations

Oh, the team from The Plough Islands, they are all invisible.

Margaret help. No, they have just withdrawn their delegation. Seriously.

a silent moment between the two goes by, where they can enjoy the parade, until another colourful team enters

Look, the delegation from Santaclausisgodistan

.

They have funny costumes.

These are no costumes. Watch the dancing living poo over there, that is a real, magic..

Oh, come on! There is no invisible Zombierobotteam, no green monster, no living brown poo. You are delusional. This is not a childish fantasy world.

That is typical nonsense coming from someone from Quebec

. You are all colour-blind denialists, known fact.

What? First, I am not colorblind, second I am not from Québec

, I am ..

his next words are swallowed from the boos for the delegation from South Covello

.

Goodbye.
The stranger in the pink coat on the right stands up and takes out some sort of pencil. This is an odd World, he thought. He beams himself up to his spaceship.

The stranger noted in his journal:
This world is a bit confusing. It has yet to be determined how its inhabitants picture reality.
My observations on multiple occasions have shown that there seems to be only one accepted constant: The results of collusive military or sport events. But everything else around and how it came to pass, seems to be able to differ from the point of view of every Nation, that even seems to be able to change afterwards again.

It has to be further examined if it is a matter of misunderstanding, miscommunication, a planned lie (Propaganda), Retcon, a failsafe in the programming or a distortion of the wibly wobbly timey wimey reality field.

by **Altai Almas** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:33 pm

*Ridiculously Enthusiastic Olympic News Intro*
*Cut to a newscaster panel framed by a window to crowd watching a stream of the Opening Ceremonies*

"Well hello Almasi! Welcome to the effective DAY ONE of Olympic Coverage on Alma News Network! I am Yorden Elamansi, joined here by Fordena Esseltayov and Reganov Morzedenhhesz!" Yorden motions to his right and left, respectively. "We are looking forward to the show put on by Republica, along with the Parade of Nations which will be led by our alphabetically superior nation! When we return from this short word from our sponsors, we will watch LIVE the Opening Ceremonies!"

*Olympic outro fanfare; Cut to Commercial*
"Hey, I'm talkin' here!
"It's Dr.Jo's Amazing Miraculous Healing Shock System That Definitely Will Not Malfunction Unless In The Tub season! And Dr.Jo is your Dr.Jo's Amazing Miraculous Healing Shock System That "Definitely Will Not Malfunction Unless In The Tub headquarters!
"Are you really, really gullible?
"Then call us today at 222-555-5589!
"Yes, it's our once-in-a-lifetime semi-annual sale at Dr.Jo, where you'll find service second to none.
"So for all your Dr.Jo's Amazing Miraculous Healing Shock System That Definitely Will Not Malfunction Unless In The Tub needs, call us at 222-555-5589!
"This limited time offer won't last forever, and you won't believe our wide selection & great variety!
"Yes, you've got us screwed six ways to Sunday, because we've got to get rid of this crap before the auditors discover our two sets of books.
"So hurry on down to Dr.Jo, where the credit check comes first and with prices so low, you know we won't honor them!

"So call now at 222-555-5589. That's Dr.Jo. 222-555-5589.
"And remember our motto, "All sales are final!"
*Olympic intro fanfare; Cut to the Newscasters braiding each others' hair*

"Oh!" Yorden exclaims, "Uh... We are back! With more coverage! Of the uh, Olympics!" Co-anchor Fordena places her hand on her ear to hear news over a hidden earpiece.

"We have word from the Officials that the Ceremonies are beginning soon!" The lights in the background dim and the crowd gathered in the Almasi Pavilion went wild, expecting an explosive beginning but those hopes were quickly subverted by the history lesson. As the history drones on, the crowd increasingly turns to the bars offering complimentary Almasi beers.

Some time after it reaches the modern day in the lecture, the Almasi crowd was surely half in the bag and the Anchors the same or half asleep.

The Republica cultural segment blazed on with raucous music, and the Almasi whipped into a partying frenzy. Dancing and partying along to the cultural celebration of sex, drugs, rock and roll; the crowd simmered with sensuality as the half-hour of belly dancing stirred their passions and made them definitely believe The Turnip is a quality source of news for the people of Republica.

The party continued well into the Parade of Nations, though reaching its height as the Almasi Olympians were entering the Gem of the Oceans Stadium. After seeing their family, friends, and heroes, many drunk and half-drunk Almasi filtered their way out of the pavilion and to their accommodations to rest up for the rest of the Games.

Olympic Spotlight: Nose on Almasi Archery Star
By Dyana Moretevnov, profile correspondent for the XIII Olympiad

Looking back at the interviews we have conducted, if I was asked which was the most memorable I would have to say Chinara Bazarova. He has a bit of a reputation for having an odorous aura. My one aide described his scent as 'blue cheese layered with raw honey and overripe pomegranates'; yet another as 'kiwi and apple puree aged in a dry cellar that houses a family of feral cats'. The popular opinion remains divided and we haven't exactly pin pointed the exact fragrance- though we do foresee a fruitful partnership with a perfume brand if he secures a medal these Olympics.

Chinara will be competing in Men's Individual and Team Archery.

Born in an unnamed coastal town, Chinara was raised in Altaysk by his Uncles Vladarov and Tomenski- brothers of his late mother Yashara. Known even then for his particular scents, his primary schoolmates nonetheless regularly chose him as a leader in their schoolyard sports; and later as Class President in his high school years. Chinara was introduced to Archery while at the Altai University for Microbiology, and was eventually granted the first ever Archery scholarship from the University for his swift accomplishments in the sport.

Chinara recently graduated from his Masters of Microbiology from Altai University and was selected as Valedictorian for his pronounced accomplishments in Archery and student politics.

by **Vangaziland** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:34 pm

Olympiad Watch
Vangazi Step Up For Day One

Many analysts have mentioned some of Vangaziland's best hopes at medals rest with outliers. Underdogs will need to step up and win medals despite more experienced opponents. This has already started coming into effect with the first day's events of XII Olympiad in the book. With Opening Ceremony still some time away, archers were some of the first to take the field of competition.

Runolf Swift led the Vannish men's squad. He shows true talent for the sport. His effort totaled 672 points. This placed him 5th behind shooters like Pingov from Mattijana and Maino from the Free Republics. Swift has enough skill to stay consistent into the next round. Team competition will be laregely in the hands of his two teammates. Swift will hope to put a an effort heroic enough to carry his team.

Javier Cortez and Joe Ryan finished 11th and 12th repectively. Their scores of 667 and 666 were enough to give Vangaziland the lead in men's team standings. "I'm so happy", said Cortez after his round. The archer represents the largely Latin and Slavic territory of Esportivan Vangaziland. Most Vangazi are 'Black Scandinavians' from the Northern Mainland. "Representing the Esportivan territory means so much to me and my family", Cortez added.

"Joe and Javier really stepped up", said the dark-skinned Runolf. "I believe we can fight even harder and make a run at team and individual medals." Runolf is seperated from the lead by 4 points. He will need to put forward a strong effort to take the lead. His teammates would also need to outperform themselves once again.

"We'll fight", said Ryan. "We'll do our best."

The woman's Archery squad found themselves in a similar position near the top of the field. Elissa Hill is widely known as the most talented female archer in Vangaziland. She had a quiet night, ranking 16th with 650 points. "The bright lights got to me", Hill admitted. "I'll be more prepared for the next leg."

Arianne Buttessen saved the day for the women's squad. She ranked 5th by shooting 657. Her last arrow gave her just enough points to advance into the top 5. "It'll be pretty hard to do this well again", Arianne said. "It feels like we're shooting well though. Elissa had an off night, but she'll be back."

The team's youngest archer, Danby Nielsen stuck with Elissa by matching her score of 650. This was a case of the least experienced archer meeting the most talented. Vannish crowds would have to applaud Danby's fight to succeed. "I just let all my worries go", Nielsen said about the experience.

The combined score of 1957 placed the Vannish women third behind the Free Republics and South Covello. Both Vannish squads hope to improve in the next stretch to increase their chances at early medals. Archery received high ratings in domestic broadcasts. Viewers are excited about the games and looking for the next new story.

One sport with a high internet audience was the women's eSports competition. Vangaziland faced Darmen in a first person shooter battle. "Darmen is a nation with a storied sporting history", said Dara Clayborn. Dara captains the FPS team. "eSports are getting a lot of bad press. We're here to compete just like any other athlete."

Critics may have disagreed with her use of the athlete moniker. This was especially true since Clayborn's tie to gaming was a university video game club. She streams video in several popular FPS games, including a title based on the conflict in Al-Khalifiya. The Vangazi beat Darmen 16-13.

A three frag grenade kill may have given Vangaziland the edge, when Linda Brumheimer tossed the lucky weapon inside of a bunker.

Women's football was one of the most internationally watched events. Men's football may be more popular, but the multiverse features many talented women. Vangaziland started their season against a tough defensive team from New Saria.

The soccer match started slow for both teams. It was clear the defense was the maker of the day. Both offenses struggled to find traction. Midfielders constantly fought for possesion in a game that went down to the wire. Carmen Jarlsdottir scored the winning goal for Vangaziland with 7 minutes remaining. She slid on the grass, arms outstretched like joyous wings.

The entire team had to step their defensive effort up even more for those final few minutes. The Vannish women walked away with the 1-NIL shutout. "This is how we want to start our season", said an exhausted Jarlsdottir after the game. Jarlsdottir is known for her role using dual citizenship to play for New Gazi in the World Cup. Gazilian football pays more than Vannish football and draws larger crowds. Many top Vannish footballers play in Africa. Scandinavian Carmen is no exception. Recent years have seen Vangaziland's national football team fizzle out of competition.

Vangazi also hit the beaches to compete in sailing competitions. Seth Penn stalled out at 14th in the Men's One Person Dinghy. He isn't expected to medal, but spoke on hoping to fight for a top ten position. Cyrus Williams arrives with high acclaim, but finished 10th in Men's Windsurfer competition. Ellen Chamberlain also joined the top 10 with a 9th place finish.

"We're going to need to make major improvements in the next round", Chamberlain said about her team's results. Vangaziland's sailing athletes have a long road ahead to any medal.

Francisca Lazio rounded out Vannish sailing with a 12th place finish in Women's Windsurfer events. "It's an earnest result for me", Lazio admitted. "I pushed hard for that spot."

The competing athletes walked in the Opening Ceremony for the Vannish. The Empire's delegation wore indigo blazers, polo shirts and white shorts. Ankle socks were worn low over crisp white sneakers. The flagbearer for the opening ceremony was Jessica Franssen. Jess is known for winning multiple driver championships and managing two development teams to titles. She is one of the biggest names on a delegation full of pro basketball and lacrosse players.

Vangaziland's team stayed close around Jessica, the flag mixing in with the group. One athlete seemed to make a faux pas by stepping in front of Jessica when the cameras panned to her. "It amost seemed planned", Chip Maydress said about the cheerleader's inturruption. As Jess began to smile and wave for the camera, cheer captain Stina Karlsson cut in front of Jessica. She flashed a huge smile and batted lengthened eyelashes over violet Vannish irises. Jess could be seen waving the flag faster with pent up aggression.

"I'm sure Ms. Karlsson made an honest mistake." Jess seemed as if she were trying to dissuade any talks of bad blood between her and a college cheerleader. Anonymous reports had already started to leak about drama between the two. Franssen later called any potential rivalry between the pair "embarrassing."

The men's archery team will be up next for elimantion and medal rounds in the team portion. Sailing events will also resume for the second leg of races. Women's archery will follow up on Day 3. An Empire of Vangazi will tune in to see if anybody will step up into greatness so early in the games.

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:53 pm

Let’s meet our athletes, Sport by Sport (Part I)
by Hannah Marshall, Olympic Correspondent

We’re another day closer to Opening Ceremonies at the beginning of the 13th Summer Games, so here is who to be watching in each sport from our own delegation. Many of you are not experts on all of the sports of the Olympics, so let’s meet some of them.

Aquatics- Diving

Do not expect much in the way of success for the Matriarchy when it comes to diving, and that is true for both the female and the male side. A couple of names you will hear often are Roy Withers and Amanda Domino, and while they are the best we have, this is a sport that others will do better. “It is an honor to be in Republica for the games,” said Withers, “I look forward to meeting and competing against the best divers in the world, and seeing where I stack up against them.” The sport just is not terribly big in Cassadaigua, and has a niche following.

Aquatics- Swimming

Many nations bring it for swimming, let’s not beat around the bush on that topic. Perhaps is the luster of watching some of the great swimmers of the world and the desire to be just like them. While it is unlikely that a single athlete with pickup seven or so gold medals, many would love for that to happen. The competition is simply too strong. On the men’s side, Cassadaigua is not expected to pose much of a threat, but on the women’s side things will be much better. Brittney McDonald is one of our top medal threats, and she will compete in a total of eight events, five of which are relays. Cassadaigua may be best with the relays, but individual medals are certainly hoped for. McDonald does not want to go home without one, “I know that am capable of winning a gold here, or at least a bronze. Sure, there are some good rivals here, but as a nation we will establish ourselves to be feared in the pool on the female side.”

Water Polo

The women’s team should be pretty solid, but don’t rule out the men, either. Jennifer Hurley of the female side says, “We might not do that Water Polo tournament, but we have a pretty good program for it in Cassadaigua. Are we the best? We shall soon see, but we’re be good. I hope people watch our games.”

Archery

In Archery, medals are unlikely, but maybe not to be ruled out entirely. Both genders seem to have an equal shot, and Ryan Carraway thinks our group can surprise. “I like our team,” he said, “we’ll be there if the top medal threats slip up. I think we are a consistent unit.”

Athletics

Another large series of events that most nations value pretty highly, so it will take a huge effort to win medals. We’ll be there, though. It is on the women’s side where we will be our strongest, to the surprise of no one. Hannah Sutherland, the fastest women in Cassadaigua is geared up and ready to go, and would love to see a medal sweep with her teammates Kelsey Holland and Katelynn Cornell. Sutherland and Holland have always been close friends despite competing against one another in pretty much every domestic tournament now. Holland has collected a large quantity of silvers while Sutherland has the golds. Cornell is a little younger, and beginning to get on that level as well. As for Sutherland, she could not be more excited. “We are here to win, case closed,” she began, “I know there are other good runners joining us, but all I am worried about is myself, I want a gold, and I want a gold with Kelsey getting a silver, and Katelynn a bronze.” Holland, laughing as she heard that comment by her best friend, disagreed, “It would be a good time to flip the script and get the gold while Hannah got the silver!”

The longer distances will see a switch to Stacey Manson and Stephanie Shields headlining our delegation. They don’t have the same type of swagger as do Sutherland and Holland, but they will be equals as threats out there. The field events are not our strongest, but we can’t be overlooked.

Badminton

This is popular in other countries. Not as much in Cassadaigua, and likewise don’t expect much. Amy Breton told me that, “It is an honor to be here.” That’s the standard reply when you are here and don’t expect to medal, but hey, congratulations on representing our country.

Basketball

We will send our best unit to the men’s side, but against the other nation’s all male teams, we are likely to struggle. However, that will not be true on the female side, we’re we expect to dominate. The team will feature a mixture of our top collegiate athletes, including 3/5ths of the starting New Lakeland University roster that won NSCAA 9 last year. There will also be three-on-three games, and that will be a little different, since that method of the game is not particularly popular in Cassadaigua. Regardless, there will be a lot of attention paid to these games due to the sport being very popular, overall, but don’t get too caught up in watching basketball that you tune out the other games.

Baseball/Softball

Men are supposed to play softball. Women are supposed to play baseball. They have the genders wrong, and likewise we will not show our true potential here, and that stinks. We could still be a threat in softball despite the wrong gender playing it. The reverse genders are demonstration events.

Boxing

Give credit to our male athletes who are stepping into the ring and going to take one for gender equality. Lightweight Lenny Deane says a good performance here is to prove that Cassadagan men are not pushovers, “There can be a perception in the world that we are weak. In boxing, we hope to show that we can still fight.” In the long run, the opposite will probably prove to be true, but this is one sport where I think you can truly say it is cool that they are here, and representing our country. On the women’s side, expect us to do much better. Still, since boxing isn’t as huge in Cassadaigua as it is in other sports, there is bound to be a few women from other countries who could keep us from medaling even on the side. Taylor Foster, another lightweight says it is all about training, “No doubt, training means the most right now. You can be very tempted to get away from that given the atmosphere, but it is most important right now. I look forward to my matches, and will not take anything for granted.”

Canoeing

We will have representation in these events. That is probably the best that can be said. Zoey McConnell thinks we can be sleepers, though. “We’re better, at least on the women’s side then we have ever been in this event. I think it would be a big step forward for our program to get some big results, and even win a medal.”

Cycling

It’s not that cycling isn’t respected in Cassadaigua, there are simply nations that are far more into it then we are. It is a passion to some, and likewise those will be the nations are the favorties medals in these events. In Cassadaigua, cycling as a competitive sport just has not caught on. What can be popular is indoor track cycling. However, there is an interesting story within our delegation with 27-year old Brianna McCall, who participates in the women’s road race and the women’s time trial. McCall doesn’t find many competitions in Cassadaigua, but has gone to other events and has fared well. She tends to bypass the Cassadagan events due to lack of strong competition, and that will make her better here. Brianna says she is excited about representing Cassadaigua, and hopes that any success she can have can draw more Cassadagans to the sport, “It’s never been popular here. Whenever I speak to someone about it they look at me all weird and ask me what country I’m originally from. I was born and raised here, I am proud to say! I hope that whatever I am able to do can bring more younger Cassadagans into the sport. It’s just not something, as a nation, we have a passion for. There’s no reason why we can’t be as good in this as we are in other events.”

by **Ioudaia** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 6:14 pm

Men's Road Cycling Practice Course

Team Ioudaia gently braked to a halt, pulling off the course as they did. Dovav ben Peneleos walked his bike around to face his teammates. "We need to tighten up our drafting even more, or we don't have a chance."

Raz Turrianus rolled his eyes. "Any other brilliant insights, genius?"

Atrometos ben Or Li shook his head at the two of them. "Typical for you two. What do you suggest we do about it, Dovav?"

"When the leader drops back to become the tail, everybody tightens up a little."

Atrometos cocked his head. "And when do we break for the finish?"

Dovav gave him a puzzled look. "The usual, when the leader calls it. We can't stay in the middle of the peloton forever, and the leader has the best view."

"...And if I'm just coming off the lead?"

Titormos Yotam began his reply with a shrug. "Those are the breaks." He shrugged again for emphasis. "It'll probably happen to somebody, unless we luck out and can draft a group ahead of the main peloton. Maybe we should practice that instead: more eyes down the road, less worrying about gaps."

"Works for me." Raz nodded and started to look around. "Who can we practice on...?"

Dovav balled his fists in frustration. "Guys! Focus! We need to work on this one thing!"

Atrometos nodded at Raz. "I'm with him; I don't want to get screwed over, like what happened in the regionals." At that comment, Davidi ben Cleombrotos furrowed his brows and stared off into the distance.

Raz tracked an approaching team with his eyes. "They look good." He pulled out his phone. "Ok, they are..."

Davidi, slowly refocusing, turned back to the group. "Actually, Atrometos, you were in the middle of the peloton in the regionals."

"Eh, it doesn't matter. The point is that I don't want to get screwed now."

Reaching over to put a hand on Atrometos' shoulder, Titormous switched to a soothing voice. "Nobody's out to get your, Atrometos. We'll need real luck to-- Coach is coming; he'll want to know what we've been talking about. It's settled: standard plan, and the leaders will help us take advantage of other teams. Done!"

by **West Phoenicia** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:40 pm

Empress Cleopatra-Olympias third wife of the emperor and his eldest daughter from his first wife Crown Princess Arsinoe Gryphon-Bush II arrived in style at the Opening Ceremony of the XIII Summer Olympics in Republica, accompanied by a number of high ranking West Phoenician officials and support staff. The Empress and Crown Princess had brushed aside the catcalls and chants of the
Stand Up to Sexism protesters who were urging fans to boycott the Opening Ceremony due to some issue that had triggered them.
The Crown Princess shook her head, in West Phoenicia this would never happen. Where were the police with the hoses?

All West Phoenician media eyes were on the Crown Princess, looking to her to guide West Phoenicia as her being the highest member of the royal family. While the empress was present she was only the third wife of the emperor, she had bo real power, she was purely a ceremonial figurehead.
One day Princess Arsinoe would rule the empire alongside her brother Prince Glenton Gryphon-Bush III. It was expected that if she gave the thumbs up that the West Phoenician fans would do the same.

In the past at international gatherings she had been very vocal and often critical of the reception. It is believed she has been advised to tone down any criticism she may have and instead radiate diplomacy, courtesy and good graces.

The Opening Ceremony was long as the Free Republics displayed to the world the history of their nation. The section of the left wing government gaining control bored the West Phoenician fans, while West Phoenicia had similar leftist political parties, they did not make such an impact as the country was under the leadership of a large Conservative coalition government.

Fireworks of colours of red, blue and green and other colours of the rainbow lit up the night sky over the Gem of the ocean stadium. The fans applauded the firework display, but than it continued for a full hour. During the fire works display the Crown Princess disappeared..

Empress Cleopatra-Olympias Gryphon-Bush stood and waved to Team West Phoenicia as they marched in with traditional attire. At the front of the large delegation was the Crown Princess who was also the official flag bearer. Many in the audience were known to have gasped as she rode in waving the West Phoenician flag as she rode Purity, the purple coloured uniform mascot of the team.

Fans who had made the journey cheered on their team with a sparked frenzy as the Crown Princess and the athletes stopped and bowed paying homage to Empress Cleopatra-Olympias. While an occasional boo from the crowd didn't damper their spirit.

And when the home team Free Republics marched in, they received an initial wave of applause before West Phoenicians stood shocked, many mouths dropping ; the home team did not have a uniform, just ordinary streetwear.
The Crown Princess shook her head and was caught on tape speaking to a group of her officials that if they hadn't spent so much on an hour long fire work display the team could have been able to afford a decent uniform. Was the country povo?

Lipstick on a pig goes viral....

Self proclaimed Queen of Archery Lady Amelia Defence-Heywood has yet again caused controversy less than a day of her arrival at the Olympic village.

Lady Amelia gained notoriety during the NS Archery tournaments with her pampered entitled attitude. Her excellent skill level had her placing high in ranks and she was not afraid to boast and put down others who she felt were not in the same league especially when she was placed in the number one spot.
From arriving late to tournaments to sipping champagne during sets, she was definitely noticed for all the wrong reasons as she found herself hated by other players both from opposing teams and within her own ranks for her poison tongue and Lording it over everyone.

She made her Olympic Games debut in Aeropag, she was the last female West Phoenician standing but she lost in the top 32 to Halana Scip of The Greater Vakolicci Haven.

Amelia continued to practice, vowing she would return to obtain a medal. That she was deserving of one and the only reason she lost was due to a viral infection.

She she wasn't playing archery, she was often seen at important events games and fundraisers. Unlike some of her teammates, she did have a very privileged upbringing. It was at one of these galas hosted by The Segregation Party that she was introduced to Lord Donald Heywood, a member of the aristocracy and owner of a lucrative opal mining company. It was not long before she was flashing around a Tiffany & Co. engagement ring.

Prior to the marriage Amelia Defence once again qualified for the Olympics after taking out all the competition in the West Phoenician Archery qualifiers. Still sporting her diva aura, she stunned her haters by taking home a gold medal at the last Olympics. Than leaving to marry her fiance and spending 6 months overseas holidaying with the others of the noble jet set. And returning to Heywood Manor where she took charge in the creation of a new wing.

There were rumours she would not take advantage of her automatic qualification to rejoin the archery team for the next Olympics. But at the 11th hour, her coach confirmed she would be attending and representing West Phoenicia.

Lady Amelia flew by private jet and a chauffeur driven red limousine that oozed confidence and her wanting to make an impression. She was accompanied by a stylist and two personal attendants where her husband's influence enabled her to get a room to herself which was styled prior to her arrival.

“Like putting lipstick on a pig,” words Lady Amelia said to her personal attendants as they packed away her enormous Louis Vuitton travel trunk. The slur in reference to a number of women from other nations who were also competiting . Her maids laughed good-heartedly, while an athlete who was passing by the area reserved for West Phoenicia overheard and was quick to pass what they heard onto their coach.

It was not long after the overheard comment a call was made to a number of international media outlets outing the pampered archer for her rude comment and ostentatious arrival.

Upon arriving at her training session she was bombarded by reporters asking her to explain her comments and if she made an are in judgement and would like to apologise.

“I don't have to apologise for anything. I am a member of the nobility of West Phoenicia, and my fans adore me. This is an international competition you would think people would dress up more and look their best. It is not my fault if they do come across looking like lipstick on a pig. Now please excuse me I need to get in some practice.”
Lady Amelia smiled than blew her trademark kiss into the camera as social media blew up in a storm of social justice warriors slamming the archer. While others took to Twitter to defend her comments.

Day 1 of the Olympics held the men and women's individual ranking round. Lady Amelia appeared unphased by some of the heckling she received as she left her accommodation to take part.

In total 123 females were taking part and none of them intimidated her, not even Rita Giordano and Tiara Centen who had the home nation advantage of fans packing the stadium in support of them. Her object was to be the best she could be. It was day one, one did not have to outshine the competition, she would leave that for the one on one matches.
On hand was Agrotera; a West Phoenician priestess of Artemis; a small blessing would be performed to guide her arrows and thank the goddess for bringing the team luck, strength and a steady hand for the round.
One simply had to rank high enough to make an impact and clear the top 20 which she did by ranking 6th. She was annoyed that she did not receive a bye to the round of 64, but she was confident Sol Mesquite from Vakolicci Haven and Celeria would not be a problem. She was here to defend her title.
With a victory fist in the air and polite clapping from the peppering of West Phoenician support she blew her trademark kiss to her fans and her husband.
Her team mates who after her lipstick comment had chosen to distance themselves from her instead of embracing her truth, also faired well.
Lady Violet Hungary II had finished outside the top 20 in 23rd sport and newcomer Serena Tong finished in 31st. It was a good ranking for all as competition looked fierce but their combined scores had secured them the number 4 spot in team. A vast improvement from the previous Olympic Games.
Lady Amelia signalled Lady Ivy O'Seely; one of her personal attendants to grab her towel and glass of champagne, as she gave a farewell wave and headed away from the crowd. She would let her team mates deal with the media, Serena Tong had been touted as the young up and comer but her performance today was severely lacking.
Right now she wanted a bubble bath.

by **Amuaplye** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:49 pm

Amuaplye Television
Newsletter

In Association with The Observer

Opening Ceremony: A Time of Victory and a Time of Loss

Amuaplye at the Parade of Nations in Republica.

This Olympics is due to be a somber one, as 2 people have been killed and 2 people have been wounded following a bombing/booby trapping spree all around Amuaplye. 6 devices have been found, with 4 detonating and 2 having been intercepted.

Frankie Bradley, who was wounded in an attack, was able to attend, sitting with the other Amuaplyean athletes. Byron Weaver was also going to attend, but couldn't due to his leg wound, and the fact that he missed his flight to Republica. The athletes in Amuaplye came out in a straight line, all wearing white suits or white dresses.

Luis Ray, Carl Perkins, and 5 other athletes were observed praying before the Parade of Nations, praying for safety for the rest of the Olympics.

The Ceremony was massive, showing the world the history of the Free Republics and its culture, under the safety of the RIA and the FBI. The Olympians, after 2 bombs, are now safe.

by **Main Nation Ministry** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:18 am

The Recording Studio

Jessica waited till her manager ordered some catering, as Jessica got her microphone all set up while adjusting it in the studio. "Jessica?" Brenda asked, while Jessica was busy. "I know, the catering is coming." "No, not that. The Ministry of Sports has issued an increase in security for both reasons in Free Republics and back in the nation."
"Oh come on, is it because of the bomb threats towards that nation Amuaplye? I don't even think the bomber has heard my music."
"We also have what appears to be a lockdown in Main Nation Ministry. Something classified to the public?" Brenda told Jessica, where she raised an eyebrow. "The government will fix it. Let me get set up in here." Jessica told Brenda.

As all of the band members were gathered in the recording studio, Gerald toned his bass while Tony made sure his biker jacket was on to get him in the groove. "Everyone's ready?" Jessica asked everyone to make sure the instruments were good. "Ready!" everyone said to confirm they were set up.

"Alright, in an one and a two!"

"And done! That's a wrap, guys!" Jessica said, excited as everyone in the recording studio cheered. "Alright, let's take a break. Throat needs to get wet." Jessica said, the band leaving the recording studios where they ate some pizza where Jessica helped herself to a glass of whiskey. Several bodyguards were watching the band, where Jessica wanted to flirt with one with a dog tattoo on his bicep. "Hey lad, if you want to hang up, I'm available in my room if you need me." Jessica jokily flirted with the bodyguard, where he rolled his eyes. Gerald took notice where he rolled his eyes as well. "By the way, Brenda. You got lawyers right?"

Outside of the New Legislative Building (Senate)

Jason Masami had couple of days before practicing for auto racing, so he decided to check out one of the events known as e-sports. He wasn't really someone who plays video games, but seeing how it's a unique sport, he arrived with some bodyguard to get some seating. Arriving with a cup of green smoothie from a nearby juice bar, he was about to enter the building until an eager fan, who looked like they were checking out the beaches noticed him. "Jason Masami? You came to the Olympics?!" the fan said excited. "Well, uhh...uhjmmm...eh.." Masami couldn't explain himself. "I need your autograph! Please!" "Alright, alright! Guys, I need a pen!" Jason asked the bodyguards, where he was handed one.

"Alright, I sign here."
"Could you sign this also? I'm adding this to a flower bouquet and gift basket."
"There, also. Who's it for?"
"My massage therapist!" the fan asked, where Masami immediately didn't want to press for details. After Masami finished with the autograph, he was officially about to enter until he heard a shout behind him. "Masami! May we have some questions to ask you?" a journalist from Truth News arrived, wanting a piece for the sports section. "Mr. Masami? Truth News here!" another journalist popped out of the blue.
"Oh no..."
"I'm part of SportsLife and I was wondering.."
"Not again!"
"I'm here for the High Times and.."

"Oh shi-!"

by **West Phoenicia** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 2:23 am

Wrap Up

(Wrap up is a 30 minute entertainment program created for these Olympics and will feature on WP Sports 1. It will feature a panel who will dish out the good, the bad and the ugly of the XIII Summer Olympic Games, as well as feature interviews with selected athletes and highlights of the best and the worst.)

Panelists:

Trey Devlin: Has been a sports journalist for the last 30 years. He has been a main reporting feature at the last two summer Olympic Games that West Phoenicia has attended.

Roccio Salvador: Olympic gold medalist in Women's Sailboard .

Susanna Hezzlebeck: Popular host of Good Morning West Phoenicia.

Dr Peppermint: Comedian

Trey: Welcome one and all to Wrap Up. Expect us every evening to bring you the high and lows of the XIII Summer Olympics. We wish to thank The Free Republics, especially the city of Republica for hosting this event and may this be the best games yet. I also want to thank Roccio Salvador for joining the panel. Roccio took out gold in the women's Sailboard at the previous games and before that pulled in silver in Aeropag, so it's a pleasure having such fine talent among us. So Roccio not going for back to back gold this games?

Roccio: No Trey. I achieved my dreams by winning gold at the last Olympics. It's better to go out on a high. So I have stepped aside and let a younger competitor take the place. My only prayer is she does just as well.

Susanna: Lady Tryphaena Ptolemy will be representing us now in the women's Windsurfer. And I must say she has hit the ground or in this case water running. After three races she sits in second place. At 18 years of age and her first international event that is an amazing result.

Roccio: It definitely is. She is extremely ambitious, after the Olympics she plans to sail solo around the world. She is also very religious and she has placed the courtesy wreath in the water to honour own Sea God Poseidon. May he bless her with amazing winds and clear sailing.

Dr Peppermint: May he also send the Kraken to take out the first place lady Voodoo from Kriegiersien. Nothing dangerous but a nice dip in the ocean for her wouldn't hurt.

Trey: Let us cut to a clip of the men's and women's windsurfing where Lady Tryphaena Ptolemy and
Alan Anton underwent there first 3 races.

*cut to footage *

* *cut back to studio**

Susanna: Overall our athletes have had a first good day. But I wanna talk about the Opening Ceremony!!!

Roccio:- I loved the fireworks display. So many colours and they seemed to be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

Dr Peppermint: They were good for the first 10 minutes. Than I was like is this a firework display or a West Phoenician bombing campaign against the Kingdom of Rhodes. It just went on and on and on. I started to wonder if it would end. I was concerned with all the bombing concerns that athletes from Amuaplye would undergo PTSD from all the fireworks going off.

Trey: I agree, they could have reduced the firework display. But it was a relief from all that leftist propaganda imagery in their event. As they explained the history of the nation which while artistically beautiful didn't captivate me.

Susanna: They really are devoted to ending sexism. And that showed in the performances. But I don't find having Women's Baseball and Mens Softball as demonstration sports sexist. I know Ms Gabriella Pascoe Of the West Phoenician Feminist Party will disagree and probably out me as a sexist tomorrow.

Trey: She is actually at the games. But she choose to boycott the Opening Ceremony and stood in solidarity with the Stand up to Sexism protesters. Also consul Nicholls put her foot in it tonight agreeing with the protestors.

Dr Peppermint: Ms Pascoe would attend the Opening of an envelope if she felt it was being discriminated against. We better hope she doesn't bring the kooky stand up to Sexism policies back to West Phoenicia.

Susanna: Me Pascoe is so annoying. Demands equality but outright denied a Men's Rights party representation, even though she leads the Feminist Party. Anyway what was with the host nation not wearing a uniform?

Dr Peppermint: I heard a rumour that our own Crown Princess made comment that Free Republics ran out of funding after spending it on fire works.

*panel laughs *

Susanna: Well it wouldn't be an international event if our Crown Princess was not being critical. I'm glad Empress Cleopatra-Olympias is present. Maybe some of her class will wash off. But seriously the flag bearer should March out, not come out riding a purple horse like she is going into battle with the Teletubbies.

Dr Peppermint: Savage. And people call me a witch. What did you think of our uniform?

Roccio: Traditional and cultural nice. Just nice.

Trey: Last games we had a better uniform. I'm someone who lives that as a nation we embrace our history and our culture, it the outfits looked basic and not finished.

Dr Peppermint: Just like Medusa, you didn't wanna look as they were awful. My windows have better drapes. The designer needs to be lynched.

Susanna: it was designed by Me Eastwood of the House of Phoenix. She has some fabulous designs and they cost a fortune. I don't know what went wrong.

Dr Peppermint: She probably had some sort of fit. It was awful. She is a is close friend of Empress Alotta, I say she called in a favour.

Susanna: The uniform looks like she hates us. It is better suited for another nation but I will not name them on air. We weren't the most tackiest uniform not by a long shot.

Trey: 70 nations. We have some strong competition. Let us view some of the parade of nations. And the pride they are showing as they March in. Lots of cheers, and the stadium erupts when Free Republics marches in.

*cuts to opening ceremony footage *

Trey: So day two we have Men's Team Archery, Men's Road Race and Women's 48kg Weightlifting as medal events as well as Men's Cheerleading final. Thoughts?

Roccio: I actually went to a training session for the men's cheerleading today. The audience is going to enjoy the show with some outstanding standing back tucks, no hand cartwheels and whips from our guys. I spoke to Cheerleading Captain Zeke Tysell who say they wished that the finals were later down the track but they are ready to perform for us all. It's a great 10 men squad.

Dr Peppermint : Not a fan of male cheerleaders. Not a fan of female weightlifter either. They scare me, they can crush me like a walnut. But I hear good things about Lady Anthea Bordremanne who will be competing alongside Em Nells.

Susanna: Lady Anthea has a really great chance to pull in our first medal for the games. There are 50 women in that catergory so she will have ialot of competition. But she is one of our better female weightlifter, the other being Catherine Meadows who is competiting in the over 75kgs catergory.

Trey: 9 medals up for grabs. So we have a good chance. And I urge fans to come out and support their favourite athletes. Before we leave for the evening, any words on West Phoenician archer Amelia Defence lipstick on pigs comment?

Dr Peppermint: Beauty fades, but dumb is forever. That's all I will say.

Trey: we wish all our athletes the best of luck. And we will be back after day two for more talk and results on Wrap Up.

by **Teremaran Olympics Delegation** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:32 am

Ekaterine, Yadroskaya, Falkasia
3 months before opening ceremonies for the XIII Olympics

Gianni was a boxer, not a business guy. This whole trip out across the Madurin and Tavlyria was the largest craptacular assholery fest he’d ever been part of and it was taking him away from his training. None of it made sense to him at all. The more she blathered on, the less sense it made.

“Look...It’s very simple stuff. Meet and greet with important government people; Go to whatever festivals and events they have planned in the host city; Press the flesh with some locals; Rest up for the night and get ready to do it all over again in the next city.”
The woman in a grey pantsuit with short black bobbed hair nodded as she scanned over the assembled Teremaran athletes.

Gianni pointed at her, not caring about manners.
“Who are you again?”

She sniffed, trying to hide her irritation at retreading the same ground.
“My name is Roxanne Hereux. I’m from BDI (Burgunden Diversified Industries). We’re major sponsors of the Teremaran Olympic Delegation. I’m in charge of this promotional tour. Your coaches and Delegation officials signed off on this, that’s why you selected athletes are here.”

A petite blonde Gaul woman stood up.
“Ah..Oui, s’il vous plait. I am Brigitte Chaupais from the field hockey team. How are we to train when we shake hands and be nice to these people for weeks?”

Gianni Tuto chimed in again.
“Damn right. She’s got it. What the hell are we going to do for this lost training? We don’t have time for this.”

Hereux motioned down in a placating gesture.
“Listen. You’re here, this is going to happen. Your coaches, management, and national Olympic committees agreed to it, so we have you for a couple weeks.”

A Yellowsian athlete waved the itinerary paper.
“We’re hitting every major city in Teremara. You’re saying just a couple weeks? This itinerary right here on this paper is longer than 2 weeks.”

Gianni nodded, also pointing to the paper.
“Yeah, um, not to offend anyone, but looking at this, we’re heading into some crazy areas. How are we going to be safe? I mean, again...I don’t mean offense, but Arkjelstad and Tankjel?! Isn’t that in the YSR?”

The Yellowsians got noisy, including the one who’d just spoken before Gianni.
“We don’t want to go to your corrupt country neither!”
“We haven’t had a war in 5 years, idiot!” From another Yellowsian.

The BDI woman cut through it.
“Look, everywhere we’re going is safe. It’s been cleared ahead of time and we have the best security that each nation has to offer. Neu Engollian DGC troopers and Black Frogs, Falkasian Marine Raiders, Gaul, Roman, Arkyatani, Austrak special forces...”

“Wait! We’re going to be protected by all these super ninja guys? How safe is it, really?”

“They’re on standby. Probably not even necessary. Also, we’re not going to Glisandia, because of their civil war. I know that’s disappointing for our Glisandian athletes, but I think they understand. We’re not going to Qasifya or Marveille, because things are getting bad there. Again, I know some of our Gaul athletes that hail from there won’t be happy about that, but there’s not much we can do.
We’re not going to southern Gragastavia...same reason.”

“But we’re going to Al Duhaba. Isn’t that in Gragastavia?”

“The safe part that’s not under nominal GLO control. It will be well secured. That’s our only stop there.”

“We’re going to San Rosito? We’ll get killed by narcos!”

“Again, security. It’s very safe out on the coast, away from the mountains and jungle where the narco gangs hide. We need to try to get San Rosito and Reino do Brazil on board with the Delegation next year and this will pave the way for that. Same reason we’re going to Milan and Roma in the Roman Free States, Arcerion, Lacetanya and Figuerroa and so on...We need to promote the unified delegation...”

Sitting in the back of the room was a man who had remained silent up until this point. He was clearly a Gragastavian - the fact that he was both wearing sunglasses indoors and smelled faintly of cigarette smoke was enough for even a casual observer to reach such a conclusion - and he while he was otherwise nondescript, wearing a dark western-style suit, he spoke with a very distinct accent, one that could hardly be called “Gragastavian” at all. In fact, one would be hard-pressed to figure out where, precisely, he hailed from, had they not spent any significant amount of time in the lowlands around the city of Tibrak. Amid his wandering inflections, he said, “I have been to San Rosito. It is a very nice place. Not dangerous at all.”

The other Gragastavian in the room, a slight, bald man who smelled even more strongly of cigarette smoke but chose to forgo his sunglasses, nodded in concurrence. “I do agree with Mr. Al-Fasi. I have sold many timeshares to people from San Rosito, and many other countries, too. Even dangerous countries. The trick is to not draw attention to yourself - for example, at a restaurant, you might order only falafel instead of falafel and tabbouleh.”

Al-Fasi shot a look back at the his counterpart. “I am certain that the people are not interested in hearing about timeshares.” He shook his head, “Crime is very rare against large tour groups like us. Very little to worry about, especially with big security group.”

Gianni lightly pounded his two fists on the table, looking from the Gragastavians to Hereux.
“What the...falafel? Are these guys with BDI too? What are they on about with San Rositan timeshares?”

She smiled hesitantly.
“I...uh...don’t know exactly, but they are partners, yes. There are other sponsors of the tour besides BDI. Let’s discuss what you’ll be doing for the promotional tour, shall we? Gianni, you’re going to do some media promo spots with Olga Ostrov, the Falkasian...”

“Female heavyweight champ. I know Olga.” He looked over at her and nodded in professional respect.

“Yes, fine. You’ll slap gloves and all, or whatever it is you do. The basketball players will also be doing some fun charity games. Weightlifters…” She didn’t even try calling their names, “...will, of course, be doing some lifting at malls and such. Maybe trying for a record lift.”

Dagmara Billsdottir, the Glisandian weightlifter, stifled a laugh,
“You must be smoking the highs. We’re not risking the blowing out of our muscles before the big shows in a...fucking mall.”
Her accent was thick but understandable.

The other Gragastavian who was not named Al-Fasi interjected, with some almost cartoonesque arm-waving. “But think of how great it would be for public relations! Malls have wonderful foot traffic, and foot traffic brings money! People associate weightlifting at mall with their purchases, purchases make them happy, so weightlifting at mall makes them happy. They see that, they understand that, and they support team by buying our merchandise.”

Roxanne nodded vigorously. “Yes! Yes! Purchasing power! Supporting the team! Positive placement and bonding!”

Dietrich Prinz, the Austrak power forward for the Teremaran basketball team stabbed the air with his index finger.
“Enough of the flashy buzzwords...Purchasing power for who? Whose merchandise? I thought we were promoting the Teremaran delegation to the Olympics, not shilling cheap T-shirts?!”

“We are selling team merchandise! What self-respecting Gragastavian woman wouldn’t want an officially-licensed hijab or dress in the team’s color scheme?”

Al-Fasi raised a hand at his colleague, who took the signal to settle down. “Unfortunately, it is matter of money,” Al-Fasi said, “The more we sell, the better facilities we can get for you, and the more likely you are to win an event.”

Whispering in Al-Fasi’s ear, the other Gragastavian quipped, “Not that he would know anything about winning.”

To Be Continued...

by **Greater vakolicci haven** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:27 am

((The following story concerns preparations for military action inside Celeria. It will not spill over into the host nation))
3 weeks prior to the Olympics
They said that there wasn't really a hotter place in the Haven than Eastern Celeria in July, and Maria Schtenko did not care one bit. The cyborg walked easily down the street of the 4 winds, one of Altach's largest shopping destinations as she checked the time on a small, unobtrusive watch clasped around her left wrist: perfect. Not a bead of sweat graced the cyborg's brow as she entered one particular shop amongst all of the others lining the road: nothing particularly special about it though. Clothing, far cheaper than her usual standards hung on the rails, and the loud music emenating from hidden speakers which assaulted her hearing told her that the place was most likely aimed at the teenage audience...but the Dutchess of Altach wasn't interested in either the merchandise or the music.

She attracted no small measure of strange glances as she walked confidently down the aisles, after all it wasn't every day that the people of Altach got to witness their dutchess doing anything that wasn't televised. When it was televised, she was giving loud and brash speeches or competing in any of her myriad sporting passtimes...she wasn't walking through a fairly trashy store, clothes shopping...and didn't Celeria's richest woman have somebody to do that sort of thing for her anyway?

She stopped dead in her tracks, casting her eyes left and right, trying to find it...when she did, the confident step picked up again. Maria was a big believer in that old mantra that she had been taught for years: if you don't want to be noticed going somewhere odd, look like you have a perfect right to go there...and so she did: head held high but not so high as to appear pompous, her fashionable shoes moving at a brisk walk along the carpeted flooring: she opened the employees only door and nobody cared one bit.

It was very dark in the storage facilities of the shop, and she half wondered how the slaves who must be tasked with getting the stuff out of the place managed to see what they were actually retrieving: then she stopped caring about slaves, again as she had been taught since childhood, and carried on through the piled clothing.

The other door was well-hidden behind a nearly-full rack that slid aside easily to allow her entry. Certain passcodes were entered, and Maria Schtenko was inside, down 3 small steps, the door closing behind her.

"Your choice of meeting locations never cease to amaze me," was how she was greeted by a tall man in his early 30s, sitting at the sparkling steel table, in the seat closest to the door. She nodded at Jean-luc and cast her eyes around the room: Alesandro, Alexander, Elma (her own grandmother), Lucas and last but very not least, Zlatan.
They were all here...and now it was time to begin. After all, in the heat of an Altachi summers day...under a tacky shop? Where best to arrange the feight of a whole country.

---Story to be continued tomorrow---

by **Mattijana** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:30 am

The Olympic Review: Day 1

MFO SPORT

By Katarina Markovic, Comedienne and sports writer.

The Olympics have finally officially begun in the Free Republics and despite a relative lack of sporting action, there has still been plenty to catch the eye, both on and off the field, pitch or indeed water.

The games were officially opened at the opening ceremony earlier. The ceremony started off with a long and somewhat tiresome history of the Free Republics (surely not all those consuls before that last one could have been good, right?).
Things were rather significantly spiced up after that though. The cultural celebration was a glorification of booze, drugs, sex and rock and roll, which is all well and good, but quite how the country still functions is anyone's guess.

After that came an hour (yes a full, non-stop hour) of fireworks. Assuming averages of 100 decibels per firework and 2 fireworks per second, this works out as a release of 720,000 decibels, which is quite a lot. These were pretty at first, but after the half-hour mark was reached, there was a certain element of 'seen one firework, seen them all'.

Anyway, after that was the only bit most people actually care about. No not the half-hour of belly dancing, the Parade of Nations!

Those of you from outside Mattijana may be wondering why this procession of people waving bits of cloth on sticks is so interesting. Well it of course means we can play our traditional bi-annual game of parade bingo.

Households around the country had been waiting for this one for an especially long time after the games were moved back to the Mattijanan winter, so it was a relief that this particular edition turned out to be an absolute corker.

Nation who's athletes look like aircraft cabin crew. Tick!

Overenthusiastic flag wafting. Tick!

Athletes that look like they've already had a falling out, so walked at opposite ends of the delegation. Thanks to the cheerleading and E-sports teams from Vangaziland, tick!

Strange jacket and footwear combinations (looking at you Amuaplye). Tick!

You get the idea.

What the parade of nations also allows us to do is make cheap jokes at the expense of all the delegations, which is a very typical Mattijanan pastime. In fact, the parade is very similar to Worldvision, but without the aural irritation of having to listen to the songs.

Sometime in the middle somewhere, the Mattijanan delegation entered, however as 'delegation greeted by total apathy' had already been crossed off by another nation, this event was fairly unremarkable.
The ceremony ended with another unexpected source of excitement. When asked about anti-sexism protests going on outside the stadium, Consul Scarlett Nicholls launched into a tirade against the Interantional Olympic Comittee as to how men's softball and women's baseball were snubbed as medal events for the games, even swearing on live TV . With most of the Mattijanan population still reeling at the fact that an acting head of state just dropped an F-bomb (probably the only bomb that's going to be let off given the Amuaplye team's mailbox resembles a maximum-security prison), the rest of the interview was somewhat glossed over.

After the consul's dad (and we thought nepotism was dead) opened the games, there were more fireworks and that was pretty much a wrap.

Did Anything Else Happen?

With all the excitement and drama of the opening ceremony, it would be easy to forget that there was some sport on earlier in the day.

Archery had its ranking round in which Matej Pingov and Katja Kreuzana both guaranteed themselves good draws for the knockout stages (Pingov even gained a bye to the 2nd round thanks to a brilliant second-place performance in the ranking round), whilst the two archery teams also got themselves straight into the round of 32.

Elsewhere, Mattijana's women's rugby sevens team won their opening match against Cassadaigua 22-12 as they look to regain the gold that they won in Aeropag at the inaugeral Olympic Rugby sevens event. Sanja Cevnik ran in two tries there. Finally, Naomi Windbrandt got her windsurfing campaign off to a good start, in second place after three races, as she also looks to regain gold.

E-Sports Protests a Sticky Wicket

As promised by some groups of spectators from Mattijana, a number of peaceful protests took place outside the New Legislative Building where the E-Sports events are being held in the city of Republica.
Placards saying things such as 'athletes' and "keep the Olympics sweaty" were seen amongst the demonstrations. These were very contained, but are set to continue throughout the games.

That's it for now. We'll be sure to keep you up to date with the action from the rest of the Olympics as it happens.

by **Greater vakolicci haven** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:53 am

Breaking news: Havenssport in crisis as Nonon forced to quit over Olympics blunder

In the early hours of this morning, Havenssport director-general Hoho Nonon, former Olympic wrestler, was forced to stand down over his handling of the Haven's Olympic campaign. Although the sports got of to a rather bad start, it was not this that saw an end for the formerly popular wrestler-turned-administrator: instead, it was his complete refusal to enter Havenic athletes in demonstration events under the Havenssport banner, and likewise to allow member associations to enter them independently.

Following a walkout from Altario Cron-Dit, the Haven's star quarterback and the chosen representative of the Havenic Gridiron Players Union, it was thought that the situation would simply blow over: however the withdrawal of the League of Professional Gamers, followed closely by the United Cheer Federation and the Celari chess organisation put Nonon on the edge of disaster.
Nonon has kept tight-lived, even until today, as to his refusal to grant license for demonstration event entries, however an anonymous source claimed that the official statement regarding financial constraints was untrue, and that personal differences between Nonon and Cron-Dit were the real cause of the problem.

Following a petition signed by the chairman of the Havenic Football Union, the Water Polo Association of the Haven, United Equestrian Sporting Group and the Archers and Shooters association calling for the resignation of Nonon however, the wish was granted. Speaking today, King Blacksen of the Havenic Football Union (and, incidentally, of Celeria) agreed to take temporary charge of Havenic Olympic operations until a replacement could be found for the outgoing leader.

by **Kalosia** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 12:43 pm

Kalosia u l'Olimpiade is brought to you by Lë Punto Kotidianu.

Games of the 13th Olimpiad off to a notable start

The Opening Ceremony of the XIII Olympics took place today (8/1) in Republica, the Free Republics.

The show began with a display of the history of the Free Republics, which was often bleak. It culminated in a scene displaying the death of a dictator. Afterwards, it quickly segued into a display of Republican culture, displaying sexual activities as well as the consumption of drugs and alcohol. A belly dancing segment soon followed, notably featuring the song "Born to Fry" which became known to Kalosian audiences following the 39th WorldVision Song Contest.

Eventually, it was time for the Parade of Nations. Athletes from the 80 participating delegations made their appearance mostly in alphabetical order. The Kalosian team were 29th to enter the stadium. The flagbearer, for the second year in a row, was BMX cyclist Massimilian Dalesso, notably donning a Kalosian aristocratic outfit from the 18th century. The remaining 49 Kalosian athletes as well as coaches and other members of delegation walked in wearing more simple outfits using Kalosian flag colours, all displayed below.

The Republican athletes, belonging to the host delegation, were the last to march into the stadium, and received the largest applause. Their flagbearer was women's baseball athlete Honomi Kamei. Notably, members of the Republican delegation did not have a coordinated outfit. Rather, they simply wore casual everyday clothes, perhaps in a move to show that a nation's revered athletes are its everyday citizens, too.

This particular Opening Ceremony may go down in history as a notable one as a series of mass protests happened simultaneously outside the venue as the events unfolded. Over a hundred thousand people gathered outside the stadium protesting against alleged sexism at the Games. Protesters claimed that it is an injustice that Men's Baseball and Women's Softball are medal events while the same is not true for Women's Baseball and Men's Softball.

While the organizers of the Games have not yet provided an official response, the Opening Ceremony went smoothly and is largely deemed to be a success.

Kalosia sails into the Olympics

Today was Day 1 of the Games, and Olympic events have started to take place. Of those taking place today, Kalosian athletes make an appearance only in Sailing.

The events began with the first two races of Men's One-Person Dinghy. Kalosian Romeo Paskal was one of 37 competing athletes. In the first race, Paskal came 20th, with Gragastavian Ibrahim Kassab coming in 1st place. The second race was won by Laeralite Jean-Marie Berthelot, while Paskal came 26th. As each athlete's lowest placing from each race is omitted in calculating placings, Kassab and Berthelot are currently jointly leading the leaderboard, while Paskal is 20th out of 37.

In Men's Windsurfer, 3 races were held. Kalosia's very own Klaudio Armandi came 3rd in the first race, but then came 13th and 33rd in the two races that followed, giving him a current standing of 16th out of 37. The current joint leaders are Anollasian Diego Marino, Eramanian Rawa Aksara, and Kytlerian Stephen Cooper.

In Women's One-Person Dinghy, Kalosian Anita Morande ended the day 28th out of 35, having finished 30th in her first race and 28th in her second. Currently topping the leaderboard are Electrumite Ha Trinh (winning the first race and coming 19th in the second), and Glisandian Udona Tzarvliski (coming 18th in the first race and winning the second).

Finally, in Women's Windsurfer, Kalosian's Maria Veranu ended up 27th, coming 21st, 26th and 6th respectively in her three races. Topping the leaderboard is Kriegiersien Lady Voodoo.

In the coming days, we will see more of the Kalosian athletes, not only in Sailing but across multiple sports.

Happy Kalosia Day!

The editor and staff here at Lë Punto Kotidianu would like to wish everyone a joyous and patriotic Kalosia Day. We have been blessed with 94 years of peace, pride, and progress and may we see further blessings and prosperity in the coming 94+ years.

by **Vangaziland** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 2:48 pm

News of Vannish Basketball's 3x3 scrimmages were starting to make waves around the Vannish camp. More and more Vangazi traveled to see the mens teams practice. Several players from the main team were usually sent to play the 3x3 squad. Camera footage has started to leak highlights from the sessions. Battles have pit players like Eaglesen and Yulssen against one another in isolation battles.

A new set of challengers entered the skirmishes on the night after opening ceremony. Vannish basketball scheduled a brief late night practice. The women's 3x3 team showed up looking to prove a point. They declared war on the Men's 5x5 squad. "We're still training for the men's three on three crew", said Melissa Zinzaized. "But we'll take the reg. team. All day. Especially Sunday." The 6'7 female forwards' statement was leaked to a basketball highlights blog. The footage would be mixed in with highlights from an exciting game.

The women's 3x3 team features 6'10 Greta Daggersdottir at center. She may be admittedly better in the women's game. One advantage will come into her favor, which will be seen when examining her counterpart for this game. She is a solid post player. In many places, centers and forwards relying on low post offense are being phased out. In a 3x3 format, the skill may become more relevant.

Melissa Zinzaized takes the forward spot for the Lady 3s. She is quite versatile at 6'7. She has a knack for scoring which has seen her scouted by the #1 ranked Royals IBC team. She isn't just fast, but strong. Melissa is a threat from almost anywhere on the court.

The women may have another advantage in their point guard. Sarah Overson may be the flashiest player on the Vangaziland Royals. Her counterparts on the team are Hectare Yulssen and Steven Eaglesen. Both players are pass first point guards. Sarah can pass, be she is more of a creator. Her passes usually come as a way out of trouble made while trying to score. She is longer than the other PGs at 6'4. Her handle on the ball is on par with basketball's most exciting.

It would be up to Steven Eaglesen to guard Overson. Sarah started the game by taking Eaglesen to school. Zinzaized grabbed the rebound after Eaglesen missed his first shot. The ball came back out to Overson on the wing. She faced Steven up with a wide armed turn towards the basket. She oriented herself before sprinting forward. Just as she dodged to the side, she pulled the ball effortlessly back between her legs to the other direction. Her body turned with the movement and saw her lurch in the opposite direction.

Eaglesen had to practically jump to change directions, fighting momentum which pulled him in the opposite direction. Just as he thought he cut her off, Sarah stopped in her tracks. This was almost literal, as she lifted her right foot up gracefully to let the ball bounce where it had been. The crowd that had gathered erupted in typical parkside oooohs and wows. Sarah still had to score. Eaglesen stayed back, challenging her for the shot with an outstretched hand. The sudden direction change left his legs sore enough to stall him.

Sarah just kept bouncing the ball, eyeing him in the face. She turned and saw the basket a look of confidence in her eyes. She was surprised he was giving her the shot. With one graceful motion, she sent a shot that connected with the bottom of the net. Overson had just 'crossed and J'd' the captain of the Men's National Basketball Team. This was two time gold medalist Steven Eaglesen defending her.

Oversen's assault on Steven lasted the entire game. She took the role of helping others score, especially Melissa. She had fun getting big Greta points in the paint. The art of the post center was alive and well in Vangaziland. Since she had the size to take Eaglesen to the paint, taller players had to shift to help guard her. This led to easy kick outs to Melissa and Greta. This was how Sarah favored running an offense. It helped her find a routine.

Guarding Daggersdottir was Art Vesuvian. He was from the modern mold of a shooting center. The battle at center was a constant tradeoff for position. As soon as the women got the ball, Greta pushed into the paint for a low battle. She had the muscle and skill at center to muscle around a longer opponent. Vesuvian also wasn't used to such aggressive play. He was used to other lanky centers looking to avoid the paint.

When the men got the ball, Vesuvian would rush outside to spread the floor. Unfortunately, his shots just weren't connecting for much of the short game. The two teams were playing to 11, each shot within the arc worth 1 point. 3 pointers were now 2 pointers, which both 3x3 teams stuck to in practice as well.

The third player on the mens team was Juell Sampsen. Sampsen is disappointed to not be on the IBC roster. He came up in Vangaziland's lone season of NSCAA performance along with several other high profile players. He's seen younger players like Mark Ewingson rise to prominence for the Royals instead.

Sampsen and Zinzaized had a strong battle. Sampsen was more physical and threw down several expressive dunks on Melissa. Melissa just had more skill with the basketball away from the basket. She was more quick than Juell and had a hunter's instinct. She would dribble into a spot where she had just enough space, and toss a floating hook. She has enough of a leap to gain air quick enough to outstretch the taller Juell. Melissa was actually showing why Juell never made the IBC team. He was never seen as a defensive powerhouse.

Melissa showed why she should likely be considered for the Royals. While Vesuivan and the others struggled to shoot, Zinzaized got hot. Overson tossed a flick of an assist to Zinzaized after Greta set a heavy screen on Juell. Melissa caught the ball and leapt to slightly fade to the side. Her shot had a high arc, stumbling on the rim before gravity pulled it in.

The score was 9-10. Overson had the ball. She ran at Eaglesen with a flurry of a crossover before bounding left. By the time she came back right, Mel set a pick, which Juell tried to call out. Juell tried to switch, but Melissa had outran him. Now Sarah had space. She was fully aware of the court. She took a huge step backwards until she stood behind the 3 point (2 pt) line.

Eaglesen and Sampsen both leapt to disrupt Sarah's vision. There was an arrogance to the way she tossed her release. Her hand stayed raised in the air. Eaglesen didn't stop himself from gently running into her arm. He wanted to pull it down, not wanting to see if the shot went in. When everyone cheered, he knew Sarah had just defeated him. Steven looked around and saw so many cellphones pointed at the court.

"And one... And one.. And one", Overson kept repeating herself as she grabbed the shorter PG in a headlock. Vesuvian had been outhustled at center throughout the match. Juell just couldn't contain Zinzaized. Vesuvian did eventually connect for two long range shots. Sampsen had the flashiest dunks and strongest game. The women showed they had talent on both of their squads.

Overson captains a women's squad hungry for a medal. Sarah had several big games for the Royals which helped the team win its first IBC championship. "Women play an important role in Vannish basketball", Overson said. "Look at Coach Kate Foyelson. Before she coached us to a title, she did great things in the VBO."

A lineup of Yulssen, Ewingson and the return of Vesuvian would be much more difficult to deal with. This was the official starting team for Vangaziland's national 3x3 squad. Yulssen is just as aggressive as Sarah, as well as a more efficient scorer. He is also a floor general, but that's more so by choice. He has the individual kit needed to transition to the halfcourt game. Ewingson is a prolific scorer. He's the type of player that can drop 40 pts on any given IBC game.

Ewingson is quite an obstacle to deal with, even for the superhuman Zinzaized. More efficiency from Yulssen and Ewingson will allow Vesuvian to really spread out and stretch the floor. If he finds his shot, he'll add value where luck saw him fail in game one.

The battle between the two official 3x3 teams would have to happen on another day. It was time for the Vangazi to head back to the various facilities that were housing them. Many stayed at temporary villages made up on academic campuses. Most rooms seemed to be dorms. Some of Vangaziland's medalists were staying in nice hotels. M.C. Ristoff was put in a really nice suite. Ristoff won the men's 100m dash in XII Olympiad. He brought the title of 'world's fastest man' to Vangaziland, a custom of the event's victor.

Bad blood between the cheer team and eSports delegation seeed to spill into the international eye. Jess Franssen was releived the incident between Liz Marsden and Theobold overshadowed her own drama with the cheerleaders. Now she just had to lay low. One of Jessica's lookouts brought disturbing news.

Stina Karlsson had been showing up to Hectare Yulssen's practices. Sarah Overson reported to Jess that Hectare was seen laughing at Stina's jokes and hanging around her during shootarounds. Sarah reported that he seemed to be staring into her eyes. The womens team often practiced on the opposite side of the court. Hectare didn't seem to be doing more than having an occasional laugh. Jessica's boyfriend was unaware of the network between several of the female athletes on this team. So many people were friends, ranging from Jess to Linda Henshmen. Female athletes often ran into each other on PR and talk show circuits, as well as many other collaborations. In a land where sporting events were some of the most popular entertainment forms, celebrities often ran into each other in pricey seating sections.

The call went out. All of Jessica's friends would keep an eye on Hectare. If he so much as sneezed on Stina Karlsson, the starting point guard of the Vangaziland Royals would get an Olympic sized breakup. The ice beneath Hectare's white Bundison sneakers was thin and brittle.

Cheerleaders Cause More Trouble

Things became dramatic for the Vannish cheer squad after several teams practiced in the same building. This was some of the first times the cheerleaders got a look at the different teams. The squad coordinated their practice attire, with different red, indigo and black clothing. They ran a practice focused more on the routine than some of the physicality seen in their private practices.

Stina Karlsson ran her team with military precision. Other teams might have noticed their movements were crisp and uniform. They had a swagger about them as they rarely spoke to each other. Most speech was limited to commands. They were fighters, just like two belt holder Linda Henshmen.

Their chosen form of combat was cheerleading. They were here to kick buns and chew bubble gum... And all their bubble gum was back in the dorms. Enter a team the Vangazi scouted as rivals. This was a nation prone to making the news for all the wrong reasons. The last time Vangaziland and West Phoenicia shared headlines, mystics from both nations fought to negate spells cast from either nation in an effort to thwart a Phoenician hex.

An aristocrat from KWP made minor news with flippant comments about the looks of other competitiors. The comments didn't make too much noise in Vannish circles. There was more than enough going on. Stina Karlsson and several other cheerleaders had heard of the comments as the news made its way through the village.

"I don't know what makes her think she's all that", said flyer Liz Marsden when she first heard the news.

"She's new money", said Stina Karlsson.

Things escalated when Vangazi and Phoenicians had to move through a hallway together at meal time. Several Vannish cheerleaders taunted their opponents. "I didn't know there was going to be a plus size team", said Captain Stina Karlsson within earshot of the other empire's team.

"That's the empire where anybody can become a royal", said Gunhild Palmcrantz.

"Guys, don't talk about them", said Davina Arnell. "They might cast a spell on you." The Vannish college girls giggled amongst themselves and likely exchanged words with the other squad. West Phoenicia was not the only nation with spoiled aristocrats. The Karlsson line was one of fishermen. The family had been running commercial fishing boats since the 1940s. By now the Karlsson family owns several boats, hiring crews to sail the seas from Vangaziland to Esportiva in search of fish. Their fish are favored in fine dining restaurants across the Empire.

Karlsson and her crew were like a team of wolves with a herd of prey in sight. The motivation inside of them began to rise as they realized they would soon be facing these girls in competition. For all of their talent, Vangaziland's cheerleaders were sure stirring up trouble. The opposing team certainly did not deserve such aggressive behavior from the Vangazi. Stina simply tried to reinforce a pecking order which she couldn't help but fight for. In her mind, she would be the counter balance to smarmy Phoenician attitudes.

"This is what we train for", Raychelle Millward later told her team. "We have to show we are the best."

by **Sargossa** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 3:38 pm

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport

Let The Games Begin

Maya Escalona reports;

Football may be the undisputed ruler of the Sargossan sporting scene but for a few weeks every few years the nation’s attention is torn from the beautiful game and instead the sports fans become enamoured with fringe events like Fencing, Shooting, Wrestling and Women’s Football. But not Cycling, never cycling. First though came the Olympics’ ultimate endurance event, the opening ceremony. The bladder threatening walk through Republican history was certainly comprehensive, as was the half hour of jiggling torsos. Two further hours passed before the dark blue and white clad delegation emerged into the stadium. ‘Ole Pointy was proudly held aloft by Débora Sarmiento, the reigning Olympic pole vault champion, leading a sea of competitors filled with dreams of glory, honour and medals of varying hues.

Medals are something that the Olympic Authority of Sargossa (OAS) have taken a serene, almost Buddhist, approach to ahead of the Games in Republica. OAS President Luca Leoz has steadfastly refused to set the Sargossan delegation any medal targets at all, claiming that he had ‘no desire to stifle the competitors with targets spawned from spreadsheet spewed data or arbitrary numbers plucked from thin air’. The laissez faire attitude has been echoed by Chef de Mission Isaías Aparicio who, when asked about team rules at his first press conference since arriving in Republica, confirmed that there were very few. ‘Past delegations have had some fairly strict guidelines for the competitors. But we’re trying to do something different here. There will be no curfews. No bans on alcohol consumption or certain foods. And no bans on, shall we say, “fraternising”. Our delegation is composed of adults and we shall be treating them as such. Although we will be expecting them to adhere to the laws of the land and to remember that they’re all here representing Sargossa. Anyone seeking to take advantage of our leniency will be dealt with.’

The attitude of those running our Olympic show may have raised a few eyebrows but delve deeper and you’ll soon realise that they have good reason. A golden generation of Sargossan athletes once topped the medal table at the first (and only) Rushmori Games before finishing third at the Ninth Summer Games in the Kytler Peninsulae. It was a period of success that we have spectacularly failed to replicate since. Not at all helped when political wrangling between the OAS Executive and the Sports Ministry saw Sargossa miss out on the Tenth Games entirely, denying that golden group a suitable swansong.

Subsequent appearances have been a cold bucket of water to the nation’s sporting ego. At the Eleventh Games Sargossa dropped from the heady heights of third to the obscure depths of 28th. Heads rolled throughout the OAS hierarchy as the authorities demanded answers and, as is traditional, people to blame. New and expensive coaches were brought in, training structures were overhauled and new systems put in place. All of which saw the nation finish in 15th place at the Twelfth Games, still a pale shadow of what has come before. Hence the OAS’s decision not to burden a delegation, already haunted by ghosts of the past, with distracting medal targets.

Which is just as well really as the competitive action opened with the usual absolute Horlicks we make of the Archery. On the Men’s side Josué Carballar was the best placed Sargossan in the ranking round, in 102nd place. And the combined efforts of the chaps left them dead last in the team event. They now face Liventia in the first round. On the Women’s side Catarina Barrios at least managed to break into the top 100, finishing 81st. The women also finished ahead of the Vakolicci Haven and Celeria in the team standings. Which was nice. The sailing events kicked off, or the sailing equivalent thereof, with a shock as Adriano Mano contrived to finish in second in the third race of the Men’s Windsurfing, lifting him up to 23rd overall. Materia De Toro, in the Women’s event, is well off the pace in 28th. The Dinghy events were equally dingy, with Saturnina Marto tying for 28th and Hernando Poveda bobbing along in dead last. The best viewing on day one came in the Women’s Football where Sargossa and Elejamie played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their opening group match.

A slow start for Sargossa, but that was always going to be the case. Day 2 though, that may be different. With Swimming, Boxing, Tennis and the Men’s Football tournament all starting there’s amble opportunity for the nation’s finest to get a bit of traction in this tournament.

by **Amuaplye** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:11 pm

Day 1 Results

Athlete Name: Cary Summers
Sport: Archery - Men's Individual
Observer Skill Score: 45
Place: 31, better than Ryan Carraway of Cassadaigua, but worse than Nairem Mainadebushi of Benjamin Mark.
Top 3: Zafer Tozkoparan of Anollasia, Matej Pingov of Mattijana, and Michihito Makino of Free Republics.

In the First Round in 2 days, Summers will face off against Daniel Hertung of Neu Engollion (Part of the Teremaran Unified Team), who placed 98th. We predict for him to win due to his matchup.

Athlete Name: Sara Patrick
Sport: Archery - Women's Individual
OSS: 61
Place: 11, better than Marcela Vajicova of Free Republics, but worse than Evelyn Marshallsay of the Kytler Peninsulae.
Top 3: Rita Giordano of Free Republics, Tiara Centen of Free Republics, and Drainswampa Ortinez of South Covello.

In the First Round in 2 days, Patrick will face off against Ángeles Gaona of Sargossa, who placed 118th. We predict for her to win due to her matchup and score.

Athlete Name: Johnny Pope
Sport: ESports - Men's Real Time Strategy
OSS: 5
Place: 4th after losing a match to Aron Falesa of Togonistan, better than Sumit Divekar of The Holy Marsh, but worse than Owen Blanch of West Phoenicia.
Top 3: Aron Falesa, Darrell Guadalupe of Eastfield Lodge, and Owen Blanch.

We predict for him to not make it past the group stage due to his low score.

Athlete Name: Amuaplye National Women's Overwatch Team
Sport: ESports - Women's First Person Shooter
OSS: 49
Place: 3rd, after winning a match against West Phoenicia. Better than West Phoenicia, but worse than Eastfield Lodge.
Top 3: Free Republics, Eastfield Lodge, and Us.

Predictions are inconclusive. Possible inclusion in the First Round.

Athlete Name: Amuaplye National Women's League of Legends Team
Sport: ESports - Women's Multiplayer Online Battle Arena
OSS: 91
Place: 3rd, lost a match to Eastfield Lodge, better than Mitra and Soma, but worse than Togonistan.
Top 3: Eastfield Lodge, Togonistan, and Us.

We predict that we'll probably go up in the ranks, but a chance in the Quarterfinals is a stretch.

Athlete Name: Amuaplye National Women's Football Team
Sport: Football - Women's
OSS: 80
Place: 5th, lost to Cosumar, better than Anollasia, but worse than Vekaiyu.
Top 3: Cosumar, El Chupacabras, and Baranil.

We will rise up in the ranks, but Round of 32 seems to be unlikely.

Athlete Name: Amuaplye National Women's Gridiron Team
Sport: Gridiron - Women's
OSS: 46
Place: 1st, won against Benjamin Mark, better than Benjamin Mark and Darmen.
Top 3: Us, Benjamin Mark, and Darmen.

Highly likely that we will advance to the Quarterfinals.

Athlete Name: Amuaplye National Women's Rugby Sevens Team
Sport: Rugby Sevens - Women's
OSS: 60
Place: 3rd, having tied with Eastfield Lodge. Better than Eastfield Lodge, but worse than Benjamin Mark.
Top 3: Altai Almas, Benjamin Mark, and Us.

Athlete Name: Hugh Fuller
Sport: Sailing - Men's One-Person Dinghy
OSS: 24
Place: 25, better than Santa Claus of Santaclausisgodistan, but worse than Arthur Towner of Darmen.
Top 3: Ibrahim Kassab of Gragastavia (Part of the Teremaran Unified Team), Jean-Marie Berthelot of Laeral, and Deniz Alaca of Anollasia.

Athlete Name: Joseph Pittman
Sport: Sailing - Men's Windsurfer
OSS: 7
Place: 29, better than Santa's Second Favorite Elf of Santaclausisgodistan, but worse than James Middleton of Krytenia.
Top 3: Diego Marino of Anollasia, Rawa Aksara of Eraman, and Stephen Cooper of the Kytler Peninsulae.

Athlete Name: Carmen Marsh
Sport: Sailing - Women's One-Person Dinghy
OSS: 61
Place: 11th, worse than Gertrude Iama95yearoldladyandilikeboating of South Covello, but better than Miriam Hannig of Siovanija and Teusland.
Top 3: Ha Trinh of Electrum, Udona Tzarvilski of Gilsandia (Part of the Teremaran Unified Team), and Kleio Eitana of Ioudaia.

Athlete Name: Harriet Paul
Sport: Sailing - Women's Windsurfer
OSS: 84
Place: 6th, better than Ambrosia Garrison of Eastfield Lodge, but worse than Louisa Morse of Liventia.
Top 3: Lady Voodoo of Kriegiersien, Lady Tryphaena Ptolemy of West Phoenicia, and Maribel Ângela of Main Nation Ministry.

For full results, please go onto observer.am/olympics/results/dayone.

by **Todd McCloud** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:03 pm

Vekaiyuns and Water - How do they Work?
Reporting for V3 News Services, Rin Slakori

In all honesty, we didn't intend this piece to be a defense of the reoccurring "anomaly" that is vulpines gaining medals in swimming, but the more foreign one becomes to the tendencies and tenacity of Vekaiyu and their athletes, the more unusual their accomplishments become. It can seem sensible, especially considering basic science says hair = bad when it comes to moving in any fluid, water or air as examples. Do Vekaiyuns have some kind of cheat code? Do they spend half of their lives in the pool? Well... in all honesty, they generally spend quite some time in the pool, but speaking simply as a citizen who had to learn their swimming prowess over the course of their education and into their middle age as they try to maintain a fit lifestyle, it's a way of life. But for the best of us, one cannot ignore just how good Vekaiyu has been in the pool. As with any Summer Olympiad, Vekaiyu anticipates a strong showing in swimming, one of its strengths. And it is indeed a strength - a total of 21 medals were won last year in swimming alone, with eleven gold, six silver, and four bronze, a trove of medals that would alone have netted a 14th place finish. In total, Vekaiyu has earned a total of 90 medals since their inaugural and somewhat humble beginnings at the Fifth Summer Olympiad in Outineau, Kelssek. But to the common spectator, this seems rather unusual. Why would a creature covered in fur be able to best human athletes devoid of fur and completely streamlined from any sort of drag?

To understand this is to take into account the two-fold take on the nation of Vekaiyu's plan of attack. Here, they use their own abilities in addition to technology specialized in the Vekaiyun nation, technology which is patent-protected, heavily guarded, and totally legal within the FINA rule nomenclature.

When one views a typical Olympic makeup, non-humans are lucky if they make up about five percent of the total species population. And when it comes to human swimmers, qualities such as no hair, height, arm span, shoulder muscles, size of feet, even shape of the head all seem to contribute to advantages for the human form in the water. Therefore, one might expect even the slightest advantage would be fostered among human-centric nations. And they'd be right to do so. But humans, it would seem, have hit a sort of ceiling, a ceiling which vulpines seem to have broken through. Yet why is that?

"The vulpine form is a curious form," biologist and professor at the University of Eldura Yva Strovinare quipped when interviewed by V3 News Services late last year. "People assume that vulpines must be miniature humans with smaller muscles, smaller frames, and a smaller ability to swim. Yet that could not be further from the truth. What differentiates vulpines from humans is size secondary, but muscles primarily. Humans, derived from apes, developed a very strong muscle package that included dense bone structure, increased muscle mass especially in the extremities, and an increased layer of fat that serves as both a cushion and a defense against climate variation." He leaned into his microphone for added effect. "Vulpines, on the other hand, are quite the opposite. We have lighter bone structures. We have a very compact muscle structure that is developed more for endurance and dexterity rather than brawn or power. And, of course, we have a lower ability to store fat. All three aspects work in tandem to provide the vulpine an advantage. Other factors such as foot shape, the length of fingers, and shape of the muzzle as it streamlines through the water add to this, providing a body that appears to have been specifically developed for speed, especially in water."

Especially in water? Yet we are covered in fur! How could that be seen as an advantage? "Ah, that's what separates us from [the] northern variant vulpines," he answered as he pulled down a chart showcasing differences in the different types of vulpine bodies. "Northern variants are rare in Vekaiyu. They tend to have dense, long fur to handle colder climates. Such qualities would prove needless in warmer climates such as Vekaiyu. Instead, the southern vulpine body is covered in short fur that is oily, oily due to how the skin behaves when it is warm. It's not 'sweat glands', as other species tend to have, but it's sort of located within the hair follicles themselves instead of being separate glands. No doubt if humans had it, they would certainly obtain an advantage."

The professor went on to explain how other qualities, like psychological differences, attribute to vulpine success in the pool. "They simply utilize it as a part of their being, acting almost as if their bodies do not need to learn to swim, but rather, that it's almost instinctual in nature."

The University of Eldura, working in tandem with Calesu Tech, have undertaken extensive studies on how the vulpine form can better navigate in water. Among their developments are swimfins with particular bends to better facilitate vulpine divers, but through the use of software and mathematical modeling, have developed an efficient technique for a vulpine to swim in waters, southern variant, of course. Such methods have been converted into layman's terms and released for athletes in Vekaiyu. Other studies had to be initated for a vulpine sans fins, as the study was initially developed for underwater hockey and, let's face it, when it comes to underwater sport with vulpines, fins are by and large the most important device. "Polish your fins and it will polish your style," we were told time and time again in grade school.

So that answers body type. But that doesn't quite solve the problem. Humans need to limit all the resistance they can on their bodies. It's not enough to shave; rather, they rely on unique, almost shark-skin fabric, to efficiently and effectively cut through the water. That's great for the humans, but what about the vulpines, who take advantage from their oily fur for swimming?

Enter the speed swimsuit.

"I couldn't have done it without my suit," phenom Ikrisia Sulevire famously quipped during her gold-medal performance in the Women's 200m backstroke in Emberton during the VII Summer Olympiad. Hopefully, she contacted the brainchild of the speed swimsuit, Ankya Sikavistre, a crafty older swimmer-turned-engineer from Provinsk.

"If the swimmer is having difficulty breathing in their suit, then it's close to fitting properly," she said with a chuckle as she pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her muzzle. "These suits need to be tight and conform perfectly. That's the secret. Well, that and the fabric, of course."

The speed swimsuit has been a staple among Vekaiyun uniforms since their reveal during the fifth summer games, and the envy of many other nations since. The suit gained an immediate following after winning an unprecedented eleven medals in swimming, which was at that time among the highest for a first-time nation. "My little company was not ready for the regulations back then," she admitted, harkening back to the days where Vekaiyu was transferring out of a socialist economy. "We spent so much time getting a commercial license so we could sell products outside of our province, then another license to use certain materials in our clothing, then another to advertise, and compete with at least two different companies so we could get into the swimwear market. It's so much easier to have a company and sell wares these days - new business owners don't know how well they have things. You don't need all those licenses these days, and commercial licenses are practically handed out on street corners."

In the midst of acquiring licenses, Ankya and her small team of engineers, designers, and tailors began to work on Olympic uniforms, though swimming wasn't their initial attempt. "Initially we were just going to design archery uniforms. Simple, elegant, and you don't need to really worry about factors like speed or aerodynamics. But the market was so flooded." The designer then attempted a daunting task - entering into the limelight of Vekaiyu's strongest sport. "We switched gears to swimming, and spent a huge portion on our budget doing research and testing materials." When asked what type of materials they tested, she replied, "I can't say for sure, but I can say we were really interested in dolphin skin. Now, we didn't want to get banned from the Olympics by using real skin, of course, but we tried very hard to mimic the feel and performance of it, because as a former swimmer that's pretty much what I wished we had when I was doing laps. Eventually, we settled on a variant of Vekaiyun Neoprene, and were quick to file international patents. Practically a quarter of our budget was spent on legalities the next year."

Vekaiyun Neoprene is similar to regular neoprene, or polychloroprene, but differs in manufacturing, specifically being created under a nitrogen gas environment and under the presence of a trade-protected solvent and catalyst to give the rubber its unique properties. Said rubber proves very elastomeric, and is highly hydrophobic, allowing one to almost glide in the water. "It just made more sense to use something Vekaiyun for a Vekaiyun garment," she pointed out.

When asked of the main challenges with making the swimwear, Ankya said, "by far it was the construction. We tried a number of ways, including trying to make the suits out of one mold. But the Vekaiyun government insisted on dual colors of red and black. We couldn't have it just be one color, so we needed to find a way to construct it out of multiple parts and 'sew' it together while at the same time preventing it from falling apart and remaining tight for the user. Through UV-light curing and a particular solvent, we accomplished just that."

In 2010, months before the Olympics in Outineau, the Vekaiyun government finally approved of their speed swimsuit design out of a pool of some eleven competing designs from around the country. "I think it finally hit me when I saw [Ikrisia] Sulevire wearing the suit for the first time. It was thrilling to see something you've stared at for two years finally being used for its purpose." Her team produced a male and female variant of the suit, with both variants containing a zipper on the back. The Vekaiyun National Olympic Council (VNOC) later informed the media they chose garments that improved performance the most. "It was funny, actually," she continued, remembering her first product testing, "our first model couldn't get the suit zipped up because she couldn't reach it. We just never really thought about that, because usually, you have a teammate do that. Good luck getting it off by yourself, of course."

Clearly, the Vekaiyun swim arsenal is built on both biology and technology. After obtaining ninety medals over the course of eight Olympiads, the nation of Vekaiyu waits to see if this is the year where triple-figures are eclipsed. This year we have a number of new swimmers, each with their own styles and flair, and all growing up on the storied tales of Kira Niru, Xa Sipari, and Yva Noveli. We hope to capture at least some of their personalities as they in turn hope to capture your imaginations, imaginations that will no doubt be fixated on our countrymen as we continue this 'Vekaiyu versus the world' once again, and show doubters why they should never count out a Vekaiyun.

by **Laeral** » Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:33 pm

Le Laeralien
Vol.37 Num. 8
Wednesday, January 9, 2018
International Edition

What To Expect From The Olympics: January 9th
By Xie Tao, Athletic Correspondent

Laeral's Jean-Marie Berthelot carefully manages his craft.

Yesterday's Results
Laeral came off of the first day of the 13th Summer Olympics well. In women's football, Laeral tied Britonisea 3-3; Liu Shufen, Eva Yeoh, and Clara Lebreton each scored. Britonisea had a good match, and threw the Laeralites off with a furious attack. Laeralian goalkeeper Morena Jin, widely considered a strong part of the team, had an uncharacteristically poor performance, saying that "the bright lights of the Olympics knocked me off my peak performance". The Laeralian women are now tied for second in their group; the top four in the seven-team group will advance.
In a sailing event, men's one-man dinghy, Laeralian athlete Jean-Marie Berthelot shocked spectators by winning first place in the second of 11 races. Berthelot was visibly ecstatic after his race, saying afterwards that "everything seemed to align miraculously". Berthelot is now tied for first place in the standings with Grgastavia's Ibrahim Kassab, the reigning world champion. Although Berthelot placed 25th of 37 in the first race, he outpaced Kassab in the second. Berthelot, who is virtually unknown internationally, has said that "it's an honor to be competing with so many talented and world-famous athletes". In another stroke of luck for the Laeralian sailing program, Lucy Tournier placed 9th of 30 in the women's windsurfer event after three races.

Football
Football fans across Laeral were first thrilled when Laeral chose to host the IDU Football Championship, and then moaned in agony as Laeral's finest footballers lost two games in a row and were eliminated after being placed into a 'group of death'. Now, Laeral's footballers play their opening match on the world stage, against lower-ranked Sirian. Laeral has been placed into Group E, facing off against six other teams including powerhouses South Covello and Baranil. While Laeral is favored to advance, team captain Hao Jiang says that he won't be getting too comfortable. "We're facing a lot of good teams, so we won't be feeling cocky going into any of our matches. We're all aware that our fans back home are watching, and we have been training hard and playing harder to be sure that we won't let them down." Stirring words. The first game will be shown on all major Laeralian spots networks.

Table Tennis
One of Laeral's strongest fields of international athletic competition is table tennis, sometimes known as 'ping-pong'. The Laeralian men and women will have their first day of competition tomorrow, and spectator interest from Laeralian fans is high. In men's table tennis, Xue Shueren, Wang Xuefeng, and Jean-Marie Liu are all players to watch, having been battle-hardened by years of experience in the gruelling Laeralian domestic league, the All-Laeral Table Tennis Championships. On the women's side, Clara Wen, Madeleine Tan, and Soraya Master will all be bringing their years of playing experience to the table.

Other Events
Jean-Marie Berthelot, who has tied the reigning world champion in the men's one-man dinghy event, will enter the third and fourth races in the eleven-race series, in order to see whether he can maintain his astonishing position on the leaderboard. The highly-lauded Laeralian fencing program will face it's first test in the preliminary rounds of the women's épée event, with gifted fencer Rebecca Zeng having the best chance of advancement. Men's archery will have it's final, with Jonathan Harker having a chance of finishing strong after a 39th-place finish in the preliminary rounds. In cycling, five Laeralian cyclists will take to the track for the men's cycling road race, with cyclist Donovan Mao having the best chance of bringing home a medal. And in a demonstration event, Laeral's male cheerleaders are favored to do well, although the event is far overshadowed by both the main Olympic events and female cheerleading.

Games of the XIII Olympiad RP Thread

Opening Ceremonies and an Odorous Profile

Promotional Tour, Part One

Who is online