2020 Winter Invictus Games [Kylaris Only|Canon|IC]

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Feb 16, 2020 4:27 pm

Go Gaullica for Gold!
Gaullica swerves into third in the medal rankings as Aventine Skiers bring home two golds and a silver.

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Antoinette Giroud
^{February 16th, 2020|Ulan Khol, Narozalica}

Frédéric Granet won the gold in the Men's Aventine Skiing, slalom.
Photo courtesy of the 'le epic style' youtube channel.

Ulan Khol, Narozalica - Gaullica has brought home its first two golds tonight as Frédéric Granet and Angelina Sambor secured first place in the men's and women's slalom skiing event. Both athletes have tough opposition, but were ultimately successful in their own achievements and in bringing back hope to a severely disappointed nation following the under-performance of the biathletes yesterday. Tobie Chopin, the downhill men's Aventine skier, brought home a very respectable silver in the face of tough competition from the hosting Narozalican athlete.

Mr Granet said he was 'absolutely ecstatic' to have won a gold medal. He said that it was an "honour to bring home the first gold for a well-deserving public, and of course a great honour to be competing at [the Games]." He congratulated his fellow Aventine Skiers, but particularly those other Gaullicans: Sambor and Chopin, who had "catapulted the nation to third."

Angelina Sambor too expressed her 'overwhelming joy', declaring that it was an honour to "not just represent Gaullicans, but also the Gaullo-Selórzaneta". Sambor's uniform had been cleared to also have the regional symbol of the Selórzaneta people: often flown in her home state within Gaullica. "It is good to show the world that we are still on the map!" she joked.

When asked about their impact on the games within Gaullica, both agreed that they were hopeful that the 'public spirit' would improve. "It was quite awful," Sambor said. "And not just for the public, of course, but for the other athletes. I don't believe the Gaullican public, or any public for that matter, understands the immense pressures on us. The media frenzy, particularly that in Cassier circles, seems to be taking a toll on the mentality of their athletes."

Gaullica's good fortunes continued on the 8th day of the Games, with both teams that had to compete in the second heat qualifying for their respective bobsleigh finals. The four man men's team and the two man woman's team came third and sixth respectively, but firmly granting them their place in the final.

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by **Lunas Legion** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 6:07 am

Ajahadya at the Winter Invictus Games
Or An Exercise In Persistence

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Ekam Asher
^{February 17th, 2020|Ulan Khol, Narozalica}

The Kalsarah Winter Sports Complex at night, 2019.
Photo courtesy of Ajahadyan Invictus Committee.

Ulan Khol, Narozalica -

I know a great many people who are surprised that Ajahadya is even present at the Winter Invictus Games. Even I must admit that I find myself just a little surprised we're here, and I'm someone who's both been here before and has trained those who are. For everyone else, it no doubt seems absolutely baffling why Ajahadya is competing, especially so given that it has never won a medal and often performs extremely poorly. It's highest place at these games has been 25th, and I counted myself exceptionally lucky if I made it out of the first heat. So, why is a country with no chance of winning, with zero native traditions of competing in winter sports, even here?

As with many things, one must look to history for the answers. Ajahadya's first Invictus Games were the semi-infamous 1926 Adunis Invictus Games; although the number of athletes we sent was paltry, the mere fact that a nation like Ajahadya was even able to compete made the games a point of pride for the then Raja, Shahu II. One of those men was Arjuna Kalsarah, selected for his known expertise in horsemanship. Although Kalsarah did not win, he found the Invictus Games to be an inspiring expression of international unity and cooperation. Yet Ajahadya would forget about the Invictus Games for decades; sports were not something the government had the funds for, not with the Great War and the following internal conflicts, the Solarian War, the First and Second Satrian Wars... Ajahadya sent a smattering of athletes to the Summer Invictus Games, a mere showing mostly supported out of their own pockets, or those of Badi temples, wealthy backers, mass funding efforts and the Kalsarah Invictus Fund, established by Arjuna Kalsarah in 1966 from his own wealth.

With Kalsarah becoming President in 1974, Ajahadya might have experienced a renaissance in sports under him, were it not for the Third Satrian War. Hundreds of thousands perished, cities were destroyed by bombs and artillery and missile strikes. Ajahadya was in a fight for its continued existence. Kalsarah nonetheless had plans drawn up for when the war ended for a vast and ambitious complex for training athletes for the Winter Invictus Games. Ground-surveys started in 1976, the first concrete poured in 1977. Construction was slow, and indeed was bombed by the Subarnans twice, unsure as to what the construction could be and bombing it regardless.

After the war's end in 1978, construction on the complex resumed in full, alongside the reconstruction of the devastated country. Construction finished in 1982, shortly after Arjuna Kalsarah's death. He had intended to use sport to rebuild the country's spirits, but with the country left to rebuild itself still, there was no funding from the federal government to maintain and operate the newly-opened Kalsarah Winter Sports Complex. So the Ajahadyan Invictus Committee turned to the Upper Zubad Provincial Administration, who agreed to fund the operation of the complex and payments to those who wished to be athletes and showed promise. It is worth noting that Upper Zubad has, and still is, Kalsarah country; his eldest son, Isar Kalsarah at the time was a crucial player in local politics.

Of course, just having the facilities is one thing; coaches were hired in from Chervolesia and the Satrian diaspora to train Ajahadya's prospective athletes. It took a decade until the first made it to qualifying for the Winter Invictus Games in 1996 at Benbaun in Caldia, even if they were unable to actually compete in the games themselves, with the first athletes to make it into the Invictus Games being in 2004, among which was myself. Federal funding resumed in 2006 under Diya Kalsarah, which brings us to the present.

Ajahadya's performance at the Winter Invictus doesn't matter; to us athletes and the people as well, it is a matter of pride simply to be here in the first place, representing a country that should not be here but is regardless. To quote an Euclean adage, to Ajahadya, the Winter Invictus games and indeed the Games in general aren't about winning; they're about taking part, just like that first delegation almost a century ago in 1926.

Ekam Asher is a sports commentator and writer for 8X8 Sports and an instructor at the Kalsarah Winter Sports Complex. He competed for the Ajahadyan Winter Invictus team in the men's skeleton at the 2004 Shenkong, 2008 Barnier and 2012 Rayenne Winter Invictus Games before his retirement in 2013. He has been a coach at the Kalsarah Winter Sports Complex for skeleton since 2015 and has been writing 'Discrimination and Defiance: Ajahadya and the Invictus Games', set to release later in 2020.

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by **Azmara** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 8:31 am

Aansgaar Aansgaarsun

@aansgaarx2sun

My grandfather would always moan about how you should never trust or side with a Gaullican. I think he'll be proud to see us beat them tonight.

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15:22 - 17 Feb 2020

Mark Mâþijassun

@markmathissun71

I personally think that it's ludicrously unfair to expect a country as flat as Azmara to compete against Mountain Central versions 1-17 at Aventine skiing. We should at least get a handicap.

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15:25 - 17 Feb 2020

Ana Freidriksdohter

@ana791823793

My stepmother's old hairdresser's cousin's wife knew half of the two-man bobsleigh. It's funny what a small country we live in.

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15:28 - 17 Feb 2020

Adam Jonssun

@amodernintellectual

I don't understand why other Azmarans get so worked up about the fact that their rich, temperate country can easily beat athletes from poor, warm countries at cold sports. But it is what I expect from the epitome of vacuous modernity that is the population of this wretched hive.

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by **Estmere** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 8:43 am

by **Cassier** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 9:20 am

Invictus Games

Game day fever grips the nation

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Thousands of Cassiens have taken this Monday off to gather together across the nation today to spectate today's men's hockey game.

Abelone Genest · SRC Sports · Posted: Feb 17, 2020 | Last Updated: February 17

The scene in downtown Andade in 2012, following Cassier's defeat in the finals.

ANDADE - Game day fever has gripped the nation as Cassiens across the nation have taken this Monday off work to watch the Winter Invictus men's hockey semi-final game. Thousands of Cassiens have already arrived in spectating areas in major cities and towns, with many more expected to show before the puck drops.

Organizers and police agencies in major cities including Andade, Saint Marie, Nouvelle-Rayenne, and Barnier are preparing to handle tens of thousands of people at minimum, though most expect the turnout to be far higher. A break in the cold that has gripped the nation last week has brought about relatively comfortable viewing conditions, causing many to believe that some cities may see even as many as a hundred thousand viewers.

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"This is far from unusual," Andade police agency executive Pierre Baillieu stated in a press conference this morning. "In previous Winter Invictus games in 2008, 2012, and 2016 the crowds in Andade easily exceeded the hundred thousand person mark during the men's hockey finals. We have also been able to handle similar crowds for the AHL finals in the past as well and have been making preparations in case things get a little ugly."

In 2012 Winter Invictus games in Rayenne riots took place in several major cities following Cassier's defeat in the gold medal finals. Andade and Barnier in particular were the most notable, with the scene of angry hockey fans making international headlines.

Andade saw an estimated 6 million Cassien Francs worth of damages, along with nearly 200 minor injuries and 113 arrests. No serious or fatal injuries occurred, however the riots themselves caused a severe disruption in the city in the aftermath.

"2012 was a special case I think. It was a perfect storm of events that lead the riots to be as bad as they were," former Andade mayor Élise LeMahieu stated in an interview with SRC yesterday. "The turnout was far higher than expected, the fans were angry after another one of their teams lost in a championship, etcetera. I do not believe the same will happen this year."

While many Cassiens are expected to show, most who have taken the day off will likely spend the day at home and spectate the game in private.

"It's a nice excuse for a day off and a break from the usual grind," Andade resident Jeanne Le Sueur commented. "For those of us who are rooting for Cassier but aren't die-hard hockey fans it'll be fun to just hang out with friends and family and watch a good game of hockey."

by **Eskaeba** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 2:59 pm

DAY 10 RESULTS

by **Etruria2** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 3:47 pm

Bronze Medalist Federica Luziani sparks controversy with comments on abortion law
Etruria becomes the first country in Euclea to reinstitute bans on terminations.
Matteo Tasa
^{17 February 16.00pm | Poveglia, Etruria}

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Etruria’s Federica Luziani, has dedicated her figure skating bronze medal to “all women of Etruria who have had their rights stripped away.” In a press interview before her return to Etruria, she said, “I will go home to a country that has denied me and all other women the right to have control over their bodies. My medal is not for me, but for all Etrurian women.” Her interview has sparked a backlash back home and on social media.

File photo: 22-year old figure skater Federica Luziani dedicated "her medal to all Etrurian women."

Having won Etruria’s first bronze in the women’s singles figure skating, Luziani, 22, was awash with praise back home. Her win has bucked a losing trend for Etruria, which has struggled to excel itself this Winter Invictus. Luziani sought to avoid much media attention after her success in Ulan Khol, rarely venturing onto social media during her time there. However, she ultimately relented and agreed to a short interview with ARE Sports’ correspondent at the games.

Asking relatively easy and simple questions, ARE’s Matteo Terraciano then asked if she would be dedicating her medal to someone special or perhaps a family member. Luziani paused before saying, “I am dedicating my medal to all women of Etruria who had rights stripped away.”

Terraciano responded by saying, “you mean the recent anti-abortion law?” Scowling, Luziani replied, “yes of course. My medal is for all the women who no longer have control over their bodies.” Pausing again, she said, “I will go home to a country that has denied me and all other women the right to have control over their bodies and future.”

Terraciano asked if she was protesting by doing so, she said, “absolutely, the powerful men back home need to know what they have done is wrong.”

The interview which was broadcasted live on ARE has sparked a heated debate back home, but also an immense backlash against the 23-year old Invictus star.

Federal Minister for Culture, Sports and National Identity, Matteo de Rossi who appeared on ARE News following the interview’s fallout criticised the young sportswoman saying, “this success of hers, that is shared by all Etrurians is now marred and dirtied by politics. No one wants great sporting events, especially the Invictus Games which started in Etruria, to become political arenas.”

The Under-Secretary for Sports and Competitions, Leandro Vinci taking to Orrizonte News to dismiss Luziani as a “naïve young girl.” However, when countered by his co-panelist that she would be speaking to millions, Vinci replied, “of course she is, she’s a medallist. Quite frankly, she’s made this rather depressing show of a winter games more depressing with her woke politics.”

Social media erupted into virulent debate, with Luziani’s personal accounts on Twitter and Facebook being inundated with troll posts and abuse.

Enrico Santorini, a prominent show host on La Aquila, a popular pro-Tribune Movement news and politics channel also sparked controversy when he said in a monologue, “our poor showing at Ulan Khol is now been muddied further by the radical liberal ravings of a young girl. Our athletes are ambassadors of our great country, not only have they failed to be true Etrurian athletes by actually winning, they’ve failed to truly represent our country.”

One user said, “go to hell you woke leftist. You got a bronze, you’re as rubbish as the rest of our team this year. #SackInvictusCommittee.”

Another user tweeted to her, “stay in Narozalica please. Don’t need you ruining sports for all of us.”

However, she also received vocal backing from numerous women’s rights groups and politicians. Jadranka Karamarko, the leader of the Social Democratic Party praised Luziani in a video posted online. In the clip, she said, “well done Federica, you be brave and loud like all Etrurian women. Know that you are not alone and we will not let the bullies, sexists and Tribunes force you to be silent.”

Luziani’s intervention on the abortion law debate has also come to represent the growing popular anger towards the Etrurian sports establishment. Anger and resentment have reached an all-time high after Etruria’s third-place finish in last year’s Coupe, with the national football team coach forced to resign due to the level of online hate and pressure.

So severe has the criticism been that sources inside the government have indicated that the entire Etrurian Invictus Committee could be sacked. The government is also preparing to increase federal funding for sports facilities and training in next month’s budget.

Minister De Rossi when being interviewed on ARE said, “the government is fully aware of the situation regarding Etruria’s record in international sports. We are a sporting powerhouse, possessing some of the most high-quality league football teams in the world, boasting some of the most advanced skiing facilities and resorts and we’ve failed frankly in all of it. We know and we intend to restore Etruria’s sporting prowess to its proper place.”

Etruria currently ranks 10th in the medal table, having secured 1 gold and 2 bronze medals thus far.

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 4:01 pm

CALDIA WIN"S SILVER MEDAL IN FOUR-MAN BOBSLEIGH

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Catríona Ní Chadhla (@catnichadhla)
^{17 February 2020 | Ulan Khol, Narozalica}

After the four-man bobsleigh finals, Caldia has won eight total medals so far after earning its fourth silver.

ULAN KHOL - A second place finish in the four-man bobsleigh competition has earned Caldia its eighth overall medal, adding up to a total of 18 points earned since the Ulan Khol Winter Games began on 7 February. Only Invictus host Narozalica is ahead of Team Caldia, with nine medals and 23 total points. Gaullica is in third place with eight medals, but has only earned 16 points.

The four-man bobsleigh contest was won by Valentir, with a finish time of 51.73 seconds. Caldia was close behind, with a finish time of 51.81 seconds. Werania's bobsleigh team was close behind in third place, with a 51.85 second finish.

Caldia automatically qualified for the four-man finals after a third place finish in the first heat on Saturday. It also automatically advanced in the two-man and four-woman bobsleigh competitions and was disqualified in the two-woman's. Today, Caldia was disqualified in the two-woman finals and finished eighth in the two-man finals.

With just under a week left at the games, today's performance helps Caldia maintain its standing and may even help the team finish ahead of expectations. Caldish athletes are expected to perform well in many of the upcoming contests and fans are eager for more medals to be earned.

by **Cassier** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 4:05 pm

SRC

@SRC

Cassiens in uproar over hockey semi-final match SRC.ca/6NFtwt

Thousands of Cassiens in major cities have begun to make their dissatisfaction with the CIC known in the wake of Cassier's 1-0 loss the Narozalica
Pandemonium can be seen in major cities across Cassier as angry hockey fans take to the streets in the aftermath of Cassier's defeat in men's hockey. While police agencies have been quick to attempt to regain control of the situation the scene in many cities has quickly become volatile.
SRC.ca

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L'érable

@LerableJournal

Four-women's bobsleigh gold medal win overshadowed by riots lej.ca/4DcXLs

The four-women's bobsleigh team were able to earn Cassier's first gold medal in the 2020 Invictus games, but their accomplishment is quickly being overshadowed by the situation at home
Team Cassier finally earned its place on the medal board following a gold medal finish on the sliding track this afternoon, with the four-women's bobsleigh team coming in at an impressive 51.71 finish. While such a finish would normally be acknowledged and celebrated across the media and by fans, the hockey riots taking place across Cassier are threatening to "drown out" their victory. Though many Cassiens across social media are doing their best to avoid this, sending the team positive feedback and congratulations, some doubt it will be enough.
lej.ca

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17:50 - 17 Feb 2020

Hervé Auch
HerveeAuch1

Reporting on the ground in Saint Marie, the situation after the men's hockey semi-finals is getting ugly. Can we not have a repeat of 2012, please?

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17:50 - 17 Feb 2020

YourAverageCassien

@YourAverageCassien

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 6:46 pm

The Ice Hockey Revolution
Gaullica's men and women have done phenomenally this Invictus Games', but surprising results in Ice Hockey have left the nation wanting more.

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Antoinette Giroud
^{February 17th, 2020|Ulan Khol, Narozalica}

The Gaullican Women's Ice Hockey team, huddling before their third-place playoff against Caldia.
Photo courtesy of the friendly grandmas on tiktok.

Ulan Khol, Narozalica - In an amazing display of team cohesion and skill, both Gaulllica's men and women ice hockey teams have far succeeded the expectations on them. The Gaullican men are playing Narozalica in the finals tomorrow and the women have resoundingly cemented their place in the top three following the third-place playoffs against the Caldish team.

Whilst Gaullica fields a strong Winter Invictus Team, Ice-Hockey has often been relegated to the domains of the likes of Narozalica, Cassier and Chervolesia in the international stage. Whilst other nations, such as Dezevau, are also stiff competition, Gaullica modestly regarded its own teams as 'average', neither great nor poor. However, that mentality is likely to change entirely following the Invictus Games. Gaullica is well within the chance to achieve a gold in the men's Ice Hockey and is guaranteed a silver at least. The women secured a bronze following a tough match against the Caldish following a defeat by Cassier.

Rébecca Frere, the Gaullican women's captain, said the entire team was "absolutely honoured and proud" to have secured a bronze and to have gotten as far as they had done so. She described their mental state the past few days as one of "complete euphoria." When asked how the team had been entering these matches, she gave a similar reply: "Its almost been trance like," she began, "everyday we'd come out and give it our all and we kept doing well and even better. We were up there with three of the biggest teams in women's ice hockey; Narozalica, Cassier and Caldia. Cassier gave us a tough game, but we only conceded once which we're all very proud of. And to beat the Caldish, the Caldish women -- our heroes? -- 4-2? Its unreal."

She would go on to add that it was "proud to be an inspiration to young girls all over Gaullica, and the world, who are belittled as underdogs or told they can't do it and that there will always be someone better, and to show them that they can and they will."

Chantal Chastain, Gaullica's goalie, described her feelings with a simple statement that was televised to the entire nation. A reporter asked her "How do you feel now that you're going home with the bronze?" Her retort: "Wait, we won the bronze?" The expression of joy on her face betrayed her mental state.

Órla Ní Mhaonaigh, who's team posed for photos alongside their Gaullican counterparts, described the Gaullican women as "great players."

Gaullica's men bested the Azmarans in Ice Hockey 3-2, beating a team renowned for their ferocity and skill. This has secured their place for at least a silver, Gaétan Lagarde, the team captain, called "historic." He would go on to add: "We're going up against what could be the greatest Ice Hockey team in the world: they beat the Cassiens, who we regarded as our spiritual brothers and our idols. The passion at home is something we'd like to bring to Gaullica, too. And I'm confident following our performances, whatever may come, the people at home might be asking Vallette for more hockey arenas!"

Gaullica's bobsleighers brought home two medals, a silver and a bronze, after qualifying for all four of the event's finals. The bronze was won in the two man final, where the Gaullicans were within .11 seconds of the Narozalic victors. The two woman's final saw Gaullica again inch close to the Narozalic team, coming within .5 seconds from their competitors.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 7:30 pm

by **Cassier** » Tue Feb 18, 2020 7:47 am

Politics

Riot ramifications, what will we see in the aftermath of Ulan Khol?

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Angry Cassiens take to the streets in several major cities, with the highest concentration found near the Cassien Invictus Committee headquarters in Andade.

The Cassien Press · SRC Sports · Posted: Feb 18, 2020 | Last Updated: February 18

Some of those appearing in court Monday are charged with setting fire to Andade police cruisers. ((Cassien Press) ).

ANDADE - Riot police fired tear gas, pepper spray and flash bombs in several major cities Monday night to try to disperse angry rioters who set cars on fire, looted stores and taunted police officers after the Cassien men's hockey 1-0 semi-final loss to the Narzolica.

Andade police declared the downtown fan zone area near the SRC building and Cassien Invictus Committee headquarters a riot zone. Anyone not leaving the Rue Ouest Eloise area immediately could be arrested, they warned.

Police used batons and also turned police dogs on the rioters, slowly pushing the crowd back along Rue Eloise from Rue Boucher to Rue Bishop's.

Two police cars were set on fire in a parking lot on Rue Bishop's near one of the areas where police were being confronted by a few dozen people among the hundreds present who were throwing debris at officers.

The riots have shaken Andade residents, and prompted thousands to sign up to a campaign that aimed to identify rioters and looters. There is also a campaign underway to get people to clean up the city, beginning Tuesday morning.

Witnesses were encouraged by campaign organizers to post pictures of rioters in the act, in the hopes that they might be recognized and identified. More than 35,000 people had joined by the morning.

"These aren't fans of the sport, they're just a bunch of thugs," wrote Régine Boulle on the site. "People like them have no place in our city."

What impact will the hockey riots have on Cassiens?
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"We've managed to regain control of the situation," Andade police agency executive Pierre Baillieu stated in a press conference last night. "We won't have the full picture until later this week, but the worst of the riots are definitely over now."

Outside of the riots the Cassien Invictus Committee is in hot water with fans and the federal government.

"The CIC is in full-on panic mode," sports commentator Dany Duval said on SRC Sports radio last night. "Cassiens feel like they've been lied to, this has been the worst Winter Invictus in terms of medal count. People are angry and want answers."

Outside of Andade similar situations could be found in other major cities, with Belleview, Saint Marie, Nouvelle-Rayenne, Nanowin, Bougainville, and Barnier all experiencing varying levels of unrest following the hockey loss.

The capital, Nouvelle-Rayenne, saw a particularly volatile situation take place as pipeline, indigenous, and environmental protestors were caught in the crowd of angry hockey fans. Though organizers and tribal chiefs urged protestors to stay off the streets on Monday, many could still be found braving the crowds.

Nouvelle-Rayenne's police agency stated that several of these protestors took part in the riots and have been arrested.

The dispute over the proposed Internal PetrolChain pipeline in the Cassier's central interior is fueling protests right across the country now, though the largest have been in Nouvelle-Rayenne. The federal government has been reluctant to confront the demonstrations due to the fragility of the issue, though the arrests may exacerbate the situation further.

Late last year, federal officers wrapped up their enforcement of a court injunction in unceded tribal territory in the interior against the hereditary chiefs and their supporters who have prevented construction workers from getting to a central work site.

Not long after the protesters were arrested their protests spread far beyond the interior, eventually accumulating into demonstration that has taken place in the capital over the past several months. Authorities are trying to maintain a delicate balance over infrastructure projects, citing indigenous rights activists to take action.

Demonstrators have threatened to blockade political buildings and economic assets as the pipeline protests continue to drag out. Federal officers recently had to disperse protestors who were blockading rail lines and roads. As unrest over the pipeline continues to mount, so do the number of protestors in custody.

More details to come as the situation develops...

by **Eskaeba** » Tue Feb 18, 2020 9:06 am

DAY 11 RESULTS

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:44 am

CALDIA TAKES FOURTH IN WOMEN"S ICE HOCKEY FOLLOWING DEFEAT BY GAULLICA

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Colmán Mac Gobhann (@colmacg)
^{17 February 2020 | Ulan Khol, Narozalica}

Caldia finished fourth in the women's ice hockey tournament after losing to Gaullica 4-2.

ULAN KHOL - Caldia finished fourth place in the women's ice hockey tournament, losing to Gaullica in a hard fought match with a final score of 4-2.

Despite an early lead for Caldia, secured by an goal from Órla Ní Mhaonaigh in the first quarter, the Gaullicans had a strong showing in the second quarter. After scoring two goalls, the Gaullicans pulled ahead and maintained a lead over Caldia for the rest of the match.

Ealasaid Ní Leannáin equalized the score momentarily in the third quarter, scoring her second goal of the Ulan Khol Winter Games. The game remained tied until the end of the third quarter, when Gaullica's captain, Rébecca Frere, sank the punk past Caldish goalkeeper Sinéad Nic Ghiolla Eáin.

A fourth goal for Gaullica in the final quarter secured the team's victory and the bronze medal in the women's tournament.

Chantal Chastain, Gaullica's goalkeeper, was able to fend of aggressive Caldish attacks, preventing a comeback. The game ended with a score of 4 to 2.

The fourth place finish for the Caldish women disappointed fans, but the team remained in high spirits.

"We fought like hell this tournament and that is something I am immensely proud of" Ní Mhaonaigh said.

"Gaullica has some great players, we couldn't have asked for better opponents".

The women's tournament was won by Narozalica, who took the gold after beating Cassier 1-0.

Reflecting on the match, goalkeeper Ní Leannáin simply said "we made it farther than the [Caldish] men".

The women had a much stronger showing at the 2020 Invictus than the men's team, who were eliminated in the second round after beating defeated by Narozalica 1-0.

Ice hockey has been declining in popularity in recent years as Caldish fans look to other winter sports. The Caldish Team has never focused on the ice hockey tournaments at the Winter Invictus, and Ulan Khol was not exception. The resources required to compete in ice hockey yield little reward, as Caldia finds it easier to win its medals in other competitions.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Feb 18, 2020 2:09 pm

Jean Vallette

@jvallette

The performance of #TeamGaullica

at #UlanKhol2020

is tremendous. Congratulations, athletes, as we are now second on the medal tally -- only behind the hosts!

RETWEETSFAVORITE
17,48932,662

17:23 EST - 18 Feb 2020

Jean Vallette

@jvallette

All Gaullican athletes have performed incredibly; but it must be said the captivators of public admiration have been the men's and women's Ice Hockey teams. A silver and a bronze from a sport many had viewed as one of our weakest. Go #TeamGaullica!

RETWEETSFAVORITE
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14:01 EST - 18 Feb 2020

Monique Degar-Abdulrashid

@MDA

Federica Luziani, the Etrurian bronze-medalist for women's singles figure skating, used her position to speak out against the injustices facing women in Etruria. For many men online it seems women are only good when seen and not heard, as she was the darling of the nation for winning until she spoke her mind.

RETWEETSFAVORITE
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11:07 EST - 18 Feb 2020

Monique Degar-Abdulrashid

@MDA

It astounds me how some can belittle our athletes on one day, yet praise them on another. I believe the media frenzy this Invictus Games has fuelled distaste and unsportsmanlike views amongst the public.

RETWEETSFAVORITE
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11:07 EST - 18 Feb 2020

Le Monde Online

@LMOnline

A petition for the government to open more Ice Hockey rinks has reached over 100,000 signatures.lm.ga/Cr93sN

Ice Hockey is on the rage in the nation.
With Gaullica's second and third places in two separate Ice Hockey events, the public have taken it amongst themselves
to show support for the sport in the country. The petition calls for more inclusion of the sport in schools and in facilities.
lm.ga

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17:28 EST - 18 Jan 20

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Tue Feb 18, 2020 2:56 pm

Alexis Walker

@alexiswalker

Don't worry, my friend, #TeamCaldia

is not done yet! Be ready, we'll be back. #UlanKhol2020

Jean Vallette
The performance of #TeamGaullica at #UlanKhol2020 is tremendous. Congratulations, athletes, as we are now second on the medal tally -- only behind the hosts!

RETWEETSFAVORITES
689110,145

18:01 EST - 18 Feb 2020

GBF News Online

@GBFOnline

Opinion: Federica Luziani has every right to speak out against the devil we know, it is wrong to condemn her. gbf.gl/Li64nO

Luziani has every right to speak out, it is wrong to condemn her.
The Etrurian figure-skater has created a storm of controversy for daring to speak
out against attacks on women's rights. Hear from Guilia Romano-Bean Mhic Sheoigh.
gbf.gl

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19:54 EST - 18 Feb 2020

by **Cassier** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 9:07 am

Invictus Games

Consolation prize? Cassier wins bronze and silver in men and women's hockey

SHARE

After the team's 1-0 loss in the semi-finals to the gold medal winners Narozalica, Cassier managed to clinch a bronze place finish in hockey. The women too were bested by the host nation, earning a second place silver finish

Abelone Genest · SRC Sports · Posted: Feb 19, 2020 | Last Updated: February 19

Despite the demoralizing loss the men's team defeated Azmara 4-0 on Tuesday to earn a place on the podium

ULAN KHOL - Yesterday saw the conclusion to hockey in this year's Winter Invictus games, with host nation Narozalica clinching a gold medal finish in both the men's and women's competitions. While proving able to capture a bronze and silver finish respectively, this year has largely been viewed as demoralizing for both the teams and fans alike.

Tribal leaders call for release of "unlawfully" arrested protestors
Riot clean up efforts 90% done says Andade mayor
What will Team Cassier's athletes do after Ulan Khol?

"It was clear that the team wasn't all there yesterday," men's hockey coach Robert Gicque stated in a press conference after Cassier's bronze finish. "Despite this, the team has taken their loss in the semi-finals with far more grace than we've seen in the past. I just wish the fans did the same."

Pictures of a trashed locker room in the 2012 Rayenne Winter Invictus captured Cassier's frustration in the wake of their second place finish went viral, prompting the Cassien Invictus Committee to take action. The CIC issued several heavy fines upon the perpetrators and official apologies were issued by team members.

"I suppose its karmic punishment that Gaullica got to the finals in not us. The hockey gods never forgive or forget, but they especially show no mercy" Twitter user YourAverageCassien commented.

Gaullica's surprising silver and bronze medal finishes has been positively received internationally and by many Cassiens. In the realm of Asterian hockey rumours of Gaullican athletes being approached by the AHL have begun to be circulated, though no official statements have been issued by the league.

"If the way Gaullica played this year is any indication, we could be witnessing the beginnings of a new competitor in hockey," Hockey Night in Cassier commentator Ange Rochefort said after the men's broadcast yesterday. "It'll be an exciting and interesting thing to witness for sure, providing the trend continues in the way it has been."

Though Cassier earned medals in both competitions many have viewed the bronze and silver medal finishes as a sort of consolation prizes at best, though most expect this opinion to pass soon.

"I'm so proud of how the team played this year, but it's obvious to anyone that this was not how we expected this to go," women's hockey coach Barbe Génin stated after the team's silver finish. "Hopefully these attitudes will pass soon so we can focus on coming back in 2024. We may have lost this year, but hockey is still very much our sport."

by **Eskaeba** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 2:04 pm

DAY 12 RESULTS

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:56 pm

Jean Vallette

@jvallette

You've taken the lead again today, my friend. But perhaps tomorrow will see the fortunes swing back in favour of #TeamGaullica

#UlanKhol2020

!

Alexis Walker
Don't worry, my friend, #TeamCaldia is not done yet! Be ready, we'll be back. #UlanKhol2020

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13:11 EST - 19 Feb 2020

Jean-Philippe Haillet
@jeanphillet

And to think we have a chance at coming second at a winter games! How do climate activists explain this?

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11:09 - 19 Feb 2020

Le Monde Online

@LMOnline

Invictus Medics confirm that Lucas Bazalgette sustained injury at event.lm.ga/Cr93sN

Gaullican ski jumper might have to undergo surgery, following 'bad landing.'
Renowned ski jumper Lucas Bazalgette might be facing an indefinite hiatus from the sport doctors warn, as he sustained an injury to his back upon landing whilst competing at the Invictus Games.'
lm.ga

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17:28 EST - 19 Feb 20

Jean Vallette

@jvallette

I am confident that I can say that our thoughts and prayers, as well as well-wishings, are extended to Lucas Bazalgette. We wish peace of mind to him and his family and hope for a speedy recovery. In times such as these we are reminded that there is more to these games than winning, and as easy as it is to be caught up in the fervour, health and safety come first.

LeMonde
Invictus Medics confirm that Lucas Bazalgette sustained injury at event.lm.ga/Cr93sN

RETWEETSFAVORITE
17,48932,662

13:11 EST - 19 Feb 2020

Emma Édouard
@emmacringe

I don't care if he's injured! No MEDAL = WALL!

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16:28 - 19 Feb 2020

by **Cassier** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 7:27 am

SRC

@SRC

Indigenous, pipeline protestors block rail lines, cause freight and passenger disruption SRC.ca/5FAwbt

Demanding release of arrested protestors from Monday's riot, First Nations and pipeline protestors have forced major rail company's to halt operations
In the wake of the hockey riots on Monday anti-pipeline and indigenous rights activists have disrupted Cassier's railroads. Transport Minister Alexandre Marceau says the federal government is "very concerned" about growing anti-pipeline protests, that have now crippled parts of the country's transport network. President Tremblay has called for dialogue between Nouvelle-Rayenne and demonstrators, but has maintained that if an agreement isn't reached the government will "clear out" protestors.
SRC.ca

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8:44 - 20 Feb 2020

L'érable

@LerableJournal

Thousands of arrests, 2020 hockey riots become "worse in history" lej.ca/5AWelg

All ten of Cassier's largest cities experienced some kind of unrest following the semi-final loss, placing Monday's riots in the record books
Today was the first day of relative normalcy in the aftermath of the men's hockey team's loss to Narozalica on Monday, with cleanup efforts working around the clock this past week to handle damages caused by the rioters. The total number of arrests have rises over 2,000 nationwide and while the total damage costs have yet to be determined but is estimated to be over 14 million Cassien Francs. Images and videos of the riots have gone viral, sparking many across social media to decry the actions of the rioters.
lej.ca

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9:00 - 20 Feb 2020

Sonia Carrel
SoniaCarrel08

Ironic that Cassier's defeat in #2020WinterInvictus may actually be better for hockey as a whole. Looking forward to seeing what comes out of #TeamGaullica

in the future.

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7:14 - 20 Feb 2020

YourAverageCassien

@YourAverageCassien

What do Cassier's medal count and @TeamCassier have in common?
They're turning browner by the minute.
#Invictus2020

L'érable
CIC secretary general "didn't know" about concerns regarding many athlete's unprepared Winter Invictus condition. lej.ca/Ga1Tsa

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by **Eskaeba** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 7:55 am

by **Cassier** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 8:09 am

YourAverageCassien

@YourAverageCassien

ye

Invictus Games
We see you @YourAverageCassien! Thanks for the support!

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10:07 - 20 Feb 2020

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:31 am

"WE'LL BE BACK": CALDIA RETURNS TO SECOND IN THE MEDAL COUNT ON DAY 12

SHARE:

Ruadhrí Ó Ceanndubháin (@raudhrioceann)
^{20 February 2020 | Ulan Khol, Narozalica}

A record-setting finish in the women's skit jump earned Caldia a gold medal and returned it to second.

ULAN KHOL - After sitting in third place in the medal count, Caldia has returned to its previous second place position after a strong performance on Day 12. Three new medals ties Caldia with Gaullica for the number of medals earned, but Team Caldia pulled ahead in points earned. Caldia has 24 points while Gaullica, who has been neck-and-neck with Gaullica for several days, has 21.

Host Narozalica leads the pack at the 2020 Winter Invictus with 13 medals and 31 points earned. The Narozalic team has won nine gold medals, the most of any nation, and is sitting comfortably in first place as a result. Caldia has the second highest number of gold medals, earning four so far. Caldish athletes have also won five silver medals and two bronze.

The team's performance on Day 12 was strong, with a gold, silver, and bronze earned in three of the four competitions held. A world-record was also set in the women's ski jump, with Caldish skier Ethna Nic Uighlilin scoring a very impressive 139.5.

It is the second world record broken this year at Ulan Khol, where the fewest world records have been broken in the history of the Winter Games.

She also won gold in her competition, and was a full five points ahead of the silver medalist - a member of Werania's Invictus team.

A silver medal in men's snowboarding and a bronze in the men's ski jump were also secured by Caldish athletes yesterday.

Caldia's return to second place comes between some light-hearted Twitter banter between Gaullican president Jean Vallette and Euclean president Alexis Walker. After praising Gaullica's second place standing, Walker responded by saying "be ready, we'll be back!"

The team's strong performance yesterday has hopes high that the team can beat expectations and maintain its second place position until the games close Saturday.

Later today, the men and women's curling tournaments will be held and tomorrow all of the contests for speed skating and freestyle skiing will take.

The last competitions will held Saturday. The skiing combined, a sport in which Caldish athletes usually excel, will mark the close of the Ulan Khol games. A strong finish there could easily help cement Caldia's second place finish. Topping the medal table in first place remains unlikely, as Narozalica's nine golds have built a sizable lead over the rest of the field.

However, there is a slim possibility that Team Caldia could tie Narozalica in terms of total medals won.

The closing ceremonies for the Ulan Khol games will be held Sunday and the Para-Invictus Games are set to begin next week once the 2020 Winter Invictus comes to a close.

by **Estmere** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:05 am

by **The Kingdom of Eldmark** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:37 am

Eldmark Sinking Fast
With only one medal to Eldmark's name, what does the future entail for the team?
^{Erika Gunnarsson}
^{Thursday, 20h February 2020|Ulan Khol}

Skinner, after a heartbreaking loss to Gaullica 0-1

Ulan Khol

It is likely safe to say that the Eldmarsk teams are resting uneasy in their village suites after their performance recently. While potentially a medal sweeper, this bomb of a team has slowly proven itself to be more of a dud. While full of promise, various events have slowly shown that fatigue, underfunded training, and an overall apathy to win has bested Eldmark this year at Ulan Khol.

While young Steffi Ulfblad has so far cemented herself as a medal winner and proud Invictian, she is, as of writing this, the only one to do so. In all other sports, Eldmark has shown a middling performance at best, amateur at worst. Firstly, on the other side of Short Track Speed Skating, Eldmark scored a time of 45.508, the second worst time in the final, only out-skating Buckland. The next day, Eldmark would be eliminated from both Men's and Women's figure skating, with scores of 64.90 and 45.96, respectively. In Luge, Lynette Norquist would suffer the first truly heartbreaking moment of the Eldmarsk team: a close defeat, by 0.062 seconds, locking her out of a medal in the sport. In Men's Luge, a mistake in one of the turns kept Ivar Fromm far away from the medal count, though only by 0.21 seconds. Eldmark would go on to lose in Pairs figure skating.

The next day, Eldmark's hockey team beat Florena 2-1, signalling potentially a change in the wind, and a sign of better things to come. Seemingly confirming this was a promising performance by the Two-Men's Bobsleigh team, advancing to the final heat. The other performances that day were more middling, but no Eldmarsk athlete was eliminated. Everyone moved on.

Then Day Nine dawned. A day of defeat for so many teams, the Bobsleigh Four Man team scored dead last, along with the four woman team. Eldmark was subsequently eliminated from the Two woman team as well, with an 11th place finish in the 2nd heat. Eldmark's hockey team lost in a disappointing 0-1 defensive slugfest that saw Harald Skinner injured and Gaullica moving on.

The next day, Eldmark would score 11th in Two-Man finals, the dissapointed and demoralized team unable to find a place in such a packed competition. And while Eldmark's womens ice hockey team at first bested both Swetania and Tinza 2-0, they would also face a 0-1 slugfest with Cassier that would see them off the ice for good. The next day, both skeleton teams would face defeat.

And while there are still competitions to undergo in Ulan Khol, the disappointing performance by the Eldmarsk Invictus Team calls into question the amount of time and energy we as a country are investing in these athletes, and in their coaching staff. Already calls are coming from within the government to clean house, while others are blaming ENP-Avancera austerity measures for the lack of training, as the committee did face a 10% cut in funding last year. While it is unknown how much these measures hurt the committee and where, other athletes are coming out about the lack of proper training within the facilities in Hammarvik. "Many of us had to bid for time on the ice, as we were all sharing the same arena." With the Committee opting to avoid most of the outdoor events, they actually increased demand on the indoor events, causing a situation that left many athletes fatigued before they even entered Ulan Khol. This and a litany of other complaints from athletes have placed the coaching staff in the hot seat.

We will have to see how the few remaining sports form before we can start worrying about who's on the chopping block. However, we at as.el hope this is not a sign of Eldmarsk participation in international sporting events for the future.

©as.el 2020

2020 Winter Invictus Games [Kylaris Only|Canon|IC]

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