IBC30 [rosters/RPs/results]

[Kriegiersien]

The Spooky Old News



A Skeleton and a Ghost sitting in a TV Studio.


I am George Ghost…

And I am Sandra Skeleton. And I am shocked straight at the beginning. George, we are unliving in a nation were Nudity is mandatory. And you are dressed in this white sheets, looking like someone who burns crosses. Do you know no shame?

George takes off the sheets and becomes invisible.

You are right, I am sorry. So, this are the Short Spooky News…..

Old News, because Halloween is over, but we are working overtime. Our first topic is of course the rampaging Zombies who overrun the whole World at Halloween.

Who are now all gone.

Yes, Kriegiersien had the second most survivors in all of Balder.

And 3758th of all nations.

Very rude towards the Zombies to cure them violently with bleachbombs or kill them.

And all the people all over the world who became Zombies got magically better again already.

Very sad.


Our second story, a scary match in Quidditch.

What was so scary?

Between the Wolfhumping Wanderers and the Goblin Ghosts the game went overtime to midnight and then, when the full moon emerged, one of the players changed into .. a Werewolf!

That happens.

And then he was struck by lightning and exploded.

Yuck.



And now to Basketball.

What is so spooky about that?

How dramatic and hard fought the match between Kriegiersien and Delaclava was at the IBC. A gripping thriller and in the end, the dark clothed Kriegiersien team prevailed.

This is all not that spooky and too much sports for my liking.

Then we will end with the elections in Graintfjall.

Many nations do that in the moment, must be some new trend. But where is the spooky part?

Have you seen the hair of the candidate from the Blue-Green Party?

Ohmygod.

[Drawkland]

IBC 30: SKILL CONTEST ENTRIES & MORE
Written By: Emily Jackson and Chuck Paul

---

It's a quick turnaround on our next episode of coverage for IBC 30! Quicker than usual. My editor was on my ass today for whatever reason, (that dickhead) so here we go!

Before we get really started, we'll talk quickly about our last game of the first half, against Tikariot. Some expected this game to be a little more of a slugfest, but it turned out to be yet another dazzling blowout that we've come to expect from Drawkland against the unranked teams of this group. Tikariot was shut down by the Drawkian defense and had no answers for the offense. The Corps scored at will and the winner of the match was never in question. Once again, Autumn Trallen came through with the most points, this time with 40 on the game.

It remains to be seen whether this form will hold onto the second half, but this bodes well so far. Kriegiersien refuses to lose still, once again pulling a tight win from the skin of their teeth against Delaclava. They are likely to make a playoff spot at this point, with us sitting at 4-1. Even if we beat them on the return leg (which is likely), we may end the group stage both tied at 9-1. We'll talk more about that later, but let's mention the exciting stuff now!

SKILLS CONTEST
IBC 30 is having a special extra fun added into the mix that we don't often get to see. At the conclusion of the group stage, a skills contest will be held featuring the best players from across the multiverse competing in this IBC. Big props to the Græntfjall sport authorities for putting this one together. I know for a fact me and many Drawkians are excited to watch it happen! Of course, this is not an invitational competition, but one that nations are expected to intentionally send entrants to!

Cody Morgan and the rest of the coaching staff have been weighing their options. Every nation is guaranteed one entry in each category (three point contest, skills, and slam dunk), and can send a second entrant if the numbers end up being favorable. The first-choice options were pretty clear from day one as soon as the skills contest was announced, so the real dilemma came in who to send in as second entries if the hosts demand as such. Without further ado, let's see who will represent the Net Corps in these fun little side competitions!

THREE POINT CONTEST:
First Entry: Autumn Trallen
Second Entry: Brian Campbell
Autumn Trallen is one of the leading scorers in Drawkian history. In the twilight of her career, she's starting to break records for career point totals in many respects, and still continues to tear up defenses with her long-range jump shot. She was the no-brainer pick for the three-point contest, and we think she has a good chance of taking it all. There's plenty of skilled three-point shooters at this level though, so you never know who'll have the hot hand the night of the contest.

Brian Campbell isn't necessarily a prolific three-point shooter, but he sometimes gets on a roll and can't seem to miss the basket. Whether or not this comes on the day of the contest is unlikely, but it could prove to be a winning strategy if he's warm.

SKILLS CONTEST:
First Entry: Taveon Holland
Second Entry: Darren Roser
Taveon Holland is the captain of the Net Corps and has been for many tournaments. His skill and moves on the court are unmatched, even as he's starting to age. You could probably make an hour-long compilation of nasty moves and shots he's made on the court, so choosing him as the skill contest entry was obvious.

Darren Roser is the "youngest" guy on the Net Corps starting line, and he proves his worth all the time. He's the only Net Corps member playing outside of the DBO, that being for the Fireflames in Abaja. He's also got great skills on the court, and is the last starting guy remaining, and apparently Morgan wanted to include all the starting line as entries if possible.

SLAM DUNK CONTEST:
First Entry: Gerald Madison
Second Entry: Jazmin Madison
Finally, we have the entries for the dunk contest. Gerald Madison, being the flashy center for the Net Corps and the captain in the first few IBCs, was the #1 pick for this no matter what. He's by far the tallest on the Corps roster, even for a Drawkian, standing at 7'1". Of course, being on multiversal standard goals, dunks are no problem, so he has much more leeway to pull off something flashy for the dunk contest that's sure to impress.

The other entrant is his little sister, Jazmin Madison. She made her debut on the international stage as a starting member of Drawk Corps University's squad for NSCAA 7. As she was one of the biggest stars of the Drawkian college basketball scene, she quickly made headway in the pros and made the Net Corps roster. We're hoping that if she also makes it into the dunk contest that the sibling rivalry with Gerald will play perfectly into them having extra motivation to do something crazy to win the contest!

THE SECOND HALF
Now that we have that bit of housekeeping out of the way, we're gonna take a quick look at the second half of the group stage. As we said before, our position in the group is not bad, considering the fact that we're a one-loss team. In fact, we're actually the third-best team in the tournament at this time, at least if we're talking about point differential. The other two are (predictably) Newmanistan and Banija, who are both still undefeated and have murdered everyone they've played. We'd probably be in the same situation had we managed to defeat Kriegiersien.

The second leg against Kriegiersien is going to decide who gets the better playoff seed from our group. The only exception would be if we or the Kriegiersiens drop a game unexpectedly, of which the latter is more likely. As I said earlier, my official prediction is that we'll dominate Kriegiersien in the second leg like we did last IBC group stage (30 point margin), and we'll both end the group stage 9-1. I also find it likely that Kriegiersien could drop a game to Delaclava or newcomers Hebitaka (they've improved since we smashed them in Game 1) and finish 8-2.

With our remaining slate being the same as the first, I say we just need to continue our form. Blow out the unranked teams, win comfortably against Delaclava. This time though, we gotta come away with the with against Kriegiersien. It's not guaranteed by any means, but it's crucial that we do to stay in the running for a 9-1 record and a group win. Of course, by being confident in our skill, I am now inviting Margaret to strike us down and cause me incredible pain. But her Random Will aside, this is how you can expect the second half to go.

Considering our rank and our current form, it's likely that whatever spot we finish in, we'll be in the highest possible seed for it. Even among teams undefeated by the halfway mark (Lisander, Valladares, Valanora, etc.), we're showing better play on the court. Whether we're 9-1, 8-2, or (God forbid) 7-3, we're probably going to have the best differential of other teams with that record. The chances of a top playoff seed are dashed now, so our only goal is to get a favorable seed where we can avoid playing a powerhouse like Newmanistan or Banija until the semis. Not to say that we don't have a chance of beating them, but it would be an unnecessarily heavyweight matchup for early playoffs. Plus, it'd be cool to keep the semifinal streak alive.

There's no promises in this world though, so all we can do now is focus on finishing this group in a convincing fashion. And also, get ready to watch our players compete in those skill contests! This IBC is going to be a fun ride ... Let's just hope we can come out on top again. Until next time, On Corps!

[TJUN-ia]

After back-to-back wins over unranked opposition, the 2nd great test of "The Zhou Dynasty" arrived in Hofvinger. While Graintfjall was in the midst of an early election, Bao Zhou and his Jaguars were about to play in their biggest game thus far - against the Dragons of Valanora. The average Vanorian and TJUN-ian can easily remember the last IBC and the two fixtures between Dragons and Jaguars that might as well have been opposite sides of a coin. The first was a tune-up game for the Dragons as Valanora showed its might against a Jags team making their basketball debut on the road. The second was a tight game in Riverside as the "QuickDraw" was sued to perfection by the Hoops-Jags in order to upset the Dragons and give them their first loss of the campaign. Now the North Wolf Way Park hosts Game 3 and no one could predict the spectacle we were about to witness.

Both Bao Zhou and August Andreasson knew what the opposition could do, and so the first half was very tight indeed. As soon as one team would gain a small advantage, the other would take it away and try to do the same. Both teams had stars in the first half: for TJUN-ia it was Mindaugas Karnišovas and his 13 points and for Valanora it was Alfons Nordström with his 15. At the half, the Dragons led 34-32 and it showed as both teams looked tired after the first 2 periods. The 2nd set would see more of the same, but with TJUN-ia constantly chasing that 2 point deficit. Karnišovas took his total on the night to 28 and Adamo Zamenhofo got some huge 3s but in the end, the Dragons kept pace. They managed to get that lead up to 4 before the final buzzer went, 73-69. This first deal going the way of Valanora, as expected.

While his side was defeated, Bao could take some positives heading into the rest period which many will hope to see him use to build the team up in the 2nd half of group play. The Violet Group sees all 6 teams on different records: Valanora is 5-0, Trolleborg 4-1, TJUN-ia 3-2, West Phoenicia 2-3, [nation]Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom[/nation] 1-4 and Greater Kamilistan is 0-5. With the first 5 games giving out definitive rankings in the group, the next 5 will be crucial for teams who want to break the order - like TJUN-ia. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Violet Group - All Games @North Wolf Bay Park, Hofvinger)
MD1: @Greater Kamilistan (UR) W 79-78 (3rd)
MD2: vs Trolleborg (=15) L 66-74 (4th)
MD3: @West Phoenicia (UR) W 81-74 (3rd)
MD4: @Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (UR) W 98-65 (3rd)
MD5: vs Valanora (5) L 69-73 (3rd/3-2/+29PD)
--------------------Break--------------------
MD6: vs Greater Kamilistan (UR)
MD7: @Trolleborg (=15)
MD8: vs West Phoenicia (UR)
MD9: vs Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (UR)
MD10: @Valanora (5)
---------------Super Skill Contest---------------

[Central Shaneville]

CENTRAL SHANEVILLE - DARK HORSES?
The talk around the Central Shaneville camp at IBC30 currently is the island nation's stand out performance in the first half of the group stage, 5 matches down and with a record of 4-1 the Trains are looking good at this stage of the tournament but the first unofficial rule of international sports is: never take anything for granted and alas the Trains do not.

The coach, Michael Shane in a meeting with the SSA (Shanevillean Sports Association) sang Central Shaneville's praises from the top of his lungs as he is very happy with the way things are going however he is remaining humble citing the fact that Sarzonia and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec (the two favourites to get out the group) are now above them in the table and with the second half of games to kick off in a few days whether Central Shaneville can keep up this form and knock out one of the top seeds for the tournament at the end of the group stage is a massive unknown.

The Trains scored another win going into the break against the ZSeparatists by 10 points in what was a messy game for the first half with fatigue being the big factor after 4 straight days of competition before this game, despite this the Trains strategy was simple: Wear out the opponent which they did but not in the way they would have hoped, however it was still a good result especially when Quebec and Sarzonia were facing each other in another group game so the Central Shaneville win was somewhat critical to keep them in.

[Trolleborg]

The end of the group stage and a day of rest left the guests from Trolleborg enough time to spend it as they see fit. To the interesting facets of staying in foreign lands added the opportunity to look closely at the electoral process, since for the first time our fans found themselves in a foreign country at the height of the elections, and could compared local habits with ones at home. But the majority preferred to see local attractions, make leisure trips across the sea and the tundra, study beer and wine lists in bars, and so on, but, however, trying to return to hotels and apartments in the evening, for a very interesting thing to do. The fact is that, in the tradition of Trolleborg democracy, the selection of the best players for the Skills Contest was entrusted to the fans as well. 60% of the votes were for specialists, 20% for those fans who attended more than one match of the national team, since they are supposed to have seen everything from close range and in a complex manner, and 20% were all other residents of Trolleborg. Therefore, full of sense of responsibility, our fans at Graintfjall were in a hurry to track the voting process and make their voices heard.

Three-points
The right to represent the country in this competition fell on the following three: Torfinn Timden, Jutil Morland and Torstein Brass. But with this there were no big problems with choice, Timden showed himself excellently in both tournaments in which the Trolleborg national basketball team participated, and easily received the majority of votes in every of three groups.

Skills
In this nomination, the right to compete was contested by the most experienced players, Kasper Hendrix and Torstein Brass, and a big fight ensued. Opinions of specialists were divided almost in half, Kasper was slightly more popular among the audience, and the fans in Graintfjall finally tipped the scales, so it was Hendrix who had to show the valiant prowess for all the Trolls.

Slam-Dunk
There was a problem with the selection of our champion for this competition, because a lot of people read “drunk” instead of “dunk” and tried to vote on the basis of which of the players would perform better when drunk. This was difficult to do, since the athletes in Trollborg are almost non-drinkers, all this led to considerable confusion, and then, when it became clear what was the matter, the whole story became a national meme.
Roan Keano and Martin Ogtrop were considered the most suitable for the proposed task in it’s fully understood meaning, the first one, who received the majority of votes from the coaching jury, was considered the favorite in principle, but in the end it was the fans who “pulled” in Martin Ogtrop's favor.

Well, let's see how much right the voice of the people is!

[Kohnhead]

KBL Season 1 Review
The first season of the Kohnhead Basketball League has come to a conclusion with the Swisston City Cadillacs capturing the first KBL finals with a 93-91 in the fifth and final game of the series against the Goldberg Guardians.

Swisston City Cadillacs
Led by star point guard Francis McCall the Cadillacs would go 10-4 capturing the 1 seed and McCall would take home the MVP trophy after a stellar season averaging just under 20 points a game. Their power forward Parker Moon would play well as well and would be named to the all KBL second team at the position. Courtney Weiss would lead the league in RPG but would offer nothing outside of that especially defensively. The Cadillacs would beat the Dingos in 4 before as said before taking out the Guardians in a contested 5 game series that saw Ryan Molina out of nowhere emerge as the Finals MVP.
Players on National Team:
PG Francis McCall (Starter)
PF Parker Moon (Reserve)
Head Coach Jarrad Munro

Goldberg Guardians
The Guardians went 9-5 during the regular season to capture the 2 seed but were a lot less convincing in the process. The Guardians were led by Patrick Ali who scored 15 points a game and were a cohesive unit that didn't rely on star power at all. They didn't have individual players fill up the stat sheet like the Cadillacs but instead had a true team effort. They would beat Lithrop in 4 in the semis before losing to Swisston City in the finals coming back from a 2-0 deficit to force a final game however.
Players on National Team:
SF Patrick Ali (Reserve)

Lithrop Lobsters
Lithrop would go 8-6 in the regular season which was good enough for the 3 seed in the playoffs and would mean a series against the Guardians. While the Guardians were a which more cohesive unit built on team play, the Lobsters were the exact opposite focusing on splashy offense and star players. They had three players in the top 10 in points per game with Darren Summers, Sammy Winters, and Andre Parker all appearing. All three are on the National Team and Summers ended up second in PPG with 19. Ultimately their season was cut short in surprising fashion at the hands of the Guardians in the playoffs.
Players on National Team:
SG Sammy Winters (Starter)
SF Darren Summers (Starter)
G Andre Parker (Reserve)

Dawson Dingos
Despite finishing 4th in the league, the Dingos would boast the second best point differential at +49 but would only go 7-7 just squeaking in ahead of the Kohnhead City Brains. The Dingos were led by sharpshooter Taylor Emerson who while a defensive liability shot over 39% from three the highest in the league by far. The Dingos were also reliant upon David Koch, and Dawn Mercer. Ultimately they were defeated in a tough 4 games against by far the best team in the league in Swisston City.
Players on National Team:
SG Taylor Emerson (Reserve)

Kohnhead City Brains
The Brains ended up with an identical record to the Dingos at 7-7 but ultimately a -21 point differential kept them out of the playoffs where they belonged. The Brains were carried by point guard Joseph King whose 16.8 points per game doesn't do him nearly enough justice as he carried this team to their record en route to a second team all-KBL spot because of Francis McCall's brillant season.
Players on National Team:
PG Joseph King (Reserve)

Kohnface City Constellations
The Constellations ended up at 6-8, one game shy of the playoffs although their point differential wouldn't have gotten them there. The Constellations were the only team without a top 10 scorer which pretty much summarizes their struggles this past season. They were a good defensive team with an awful offense which will need to improve heading into year 2. Grant Thomson was at least good on the boards and he has earned his spot as the backup center on the National Team.
Players on the National Team:
C Grant Thomson (Reserve)

Porter Pandas
Audrey Nicholls had herself an amazing season finishing 4th on PPG, 6th on RPG, first team all-KBL, and second in MVP voting. Despite this Porter still managed to go 5-9 finishing in 7th place with the second worst point differential in the league. They need to get help around Nicholls and the pieces already in place need to do better going forward as they have a true star in Nicholls.
Players on the National Team:
C Audrey Nicholls (Starter)

Barnley Bison
The forwards on Barnley meaning Marilyn Molina and Caitlyn Burton both had extremely good seasons as Barnley finished last at 4-10 in the perfect geometric season for the entire league. However the guard portion of the lineup needs to do a better job scoring and playing defense especially against the 3 pointer which killed them all season. Burton and Molina aren't getting any younger and unless they do something Barnley are destined for another last place finish.
Players on the National Team:
PF Marilyn Molina (Starter)
F Caitlyn Burton (Reserve)



Kohnhead Skills Contest Roster
Three Point Shooting: Taylor Emerson
Skills: Francis McCall
Dunking: Darren Summers

[Sword Island]

Have you guys tryed using Zengm to simulate games?

[Chromatika]

Chromatika in IBC 30
In Haiku Form!
Matchday the Fifth: vs. Indusse

Penguins should have won!
Now the way to the knockouts
Seems impossible.

[Indusse]

LoopHole.net
Victory Again!!

---

The Indussean Basketball team taste victory after the first Matchday. Indussean Basketball team was able to defeat Chromatika for a score of 64-84. It was the first matvh after INS basketball squad got it's new kits and the special contest participants were announced. The players looked magnificent in their new kits and they were more active and happy than the previous matches. The second half will be a very important phase for the team to reach the knockout stage. Indusse is far behind the topper Valladares but still has chance to complete the group stage by being second, surpassing Abanhleft. The last teams Chromatika and Ethane still has a small chance to reach the knockout stage. The Chromatikans are known for their Haiku Poems and the way of executing the game with their skills. Ethane still has a chance, but it is the lowest among all. The team isn't playing as per the expectations of the fans.

Yellow Group
Chromatika 64–84 Indusse
Kohnhead 68–80 Valladares
Abanhfleft 90–60 Ethane

  Yellow Group                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Valladares                      5    5   0   412  335  +77
2 Abanhfleft                      5    3   2   417  363  +54
3 Indusse                         5    2   3   365  381  −16
4 Kohnhead                        5    2   3   355  370  −15
5 Chromatika                      5    2   3   372  414  −42
6 Ethane                          5    1   4   345  403  −58

[Rwekazaland]

Have you guys tryed using Zengm to simulate games?

[quote=Sword Island;p="37871734"]Have you guys tryed using Zengm to simulate games?[/quote]
We use another resource.
Also pls post on Here for OOC posts

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

SO FAR, SO GOOD

By Taylor Larson,

The way some fans have been gloating over the success of the team midway through the International Basketball Championships, you would think that the players themselves would be having a lot of swagger about everything. That has not been the case though, with business like victories in the first five games that have been routs to the casual observer. The team shut down a good (really, they are) team from debutant Squidroidia, containing them to just 41 points, and then finished off Maccian, 91-67. With that, the team stands at 5-0, and the top point differential in the competition. Banija is not that far off, but after the Rockets and the Lions, it seems to be a ways back to the third best team.

So, which players are making the most confident comments midway through? Well, you can’t find anyone, and I think that is the best part of this team right now. They are not getting a big head over the size of their wins, and instead choose to compliment what their opponents did right in the game. Warren Peyser was asked about this in particular, and he told me that, “Look, we are here to win a title, and the best way to do that is to win as many games in the group stage as you can, and if you win all of them, then all the best. But, we have only played five games and there is a lot more to do in this portion, and then in the playoffs. We don’t look down on anyone we are playing and see everyone as a team that can knock us off.” As for some of the lopsided victories, coach Kevin Gibson was asked if the team is wanting to stay ahead of Banija and others to get the top seed, “No. I mean, we do want to stay ahead of them, obviously. But that is not the mindset of the team. We have spread minutes around, and what you are seeing is that everyone is being productive and I am very proud of that. The top seed would be good, but we will take whatever we get as well. We have to keep the system rolling, and not look ahead. There are five more group games, and we have to make sure we stay in first in the group.” Like I said, good quotes and certainly not a team that is overconfident

There will be various skills competitions taking place at the end of the group stage, and the signup deadline for them is now. It might be entertaining to watch, but don’t expect to see any Rockets. According to Gibson, “There was some talk about it, but when that playoff field is drawn, our focus is on the first opponent, not showcasing individual skill. We don’t really like the timing of it. This was a unanimous decision amongst the team and while it could be fun, we would have rather seen it at the beginning of the group stage, or maybe right now at midway. Our minds will only be on our first opponent, so when you don’t see us involved in it, know that are keeping our priorities on the task at hand, and that is winning a title.”

[Nova Anglicana]

What would be the priorities of a potential coalition of the right?

John McAvoy, Political Columnist, Londinium Courier

The collective right have won the most recent Nova Anglican national election, taking 54 of 100 seats in the House of Deputies and 16 of 30 seats in the Senate. People's Party leader Michael Ramsey looks to be the favorite for next Prime Minister, but what kind of government would it be? Although we can say that the PP, National Party, and the Libertarians are all on the right side of the political spectrum, they don't all share the same priorities. Let's take a look at each parties' manifesto to see what they have promised and what they might be able to agree on.

People's Party Manifesto

• Reduction in government spending to no more than 30% of GDP within the next 9 years
• Commensurate reduction in government employment, with the elimination of the Ministry of Culture and reductions in Ministry of Education, Social Services, Infrastructure, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Environment
• Re-orienting the Ministry of Labor as the Ministry of Commerce and Labor
• Re-orienting Ministry of Immigration towards enforcement policies
• Shifting of legal immigration towards high-skilled, English-speaking candidates, with slight reductions in numbers
• Increase of active duty armed forces to 45,000 and reserves to 90,000
• 25% increase in Ministry of Defense Spending
• Gradual elimination of the capital gains and carbon taxes within the next 9 years
• Implementation of a three-tier income tax, a 12.5% flat corporate income tax, and a 10% flat estate tax
• Equalising the contributions of employers and employees to social security tax, while allowing for increased contributions to tax-advantaged retirement accounts
• General deregulation
• Privatise NovaRail and Public Power corporations
• Turn the current single-payer healthcare system into a public option + regulated marketplace system
• 10,000 more cops on the streets
• Repeal some gun control laws within the next 9 years

Although the People's Party has moved to the right under Michael Ramsey, they aren't prepared to totally disassemble the welfare state, like some of their potential coalition partners. Nevertheless, they prioritise business freedom, defense spending, and limiting immigration as well as attempting to loosen gun control laws, reduce taxation and spending, and privatise parts of the healthcare system. It's notable that there is internal debate in the party about future levels of government spending. The 30% pledge represents (according to robust economic growth and revenue projections) keeping spending levels stable over the next 9 years, meaning largely eliminating future increases in spending but not cutting current spending all that much. This is a compromise between PP moderates, who wanted to reduce but not eliminate future spending, and PP hard-liners, who wanted overall cuts of at least A£2 billion a year. In effect, spending will gradually fluctuate up and down over the next 9 years, while remaining near the A£180 billion current levels.

National Party Manifesto

• Reduction in government spending to no more than 25% of GDP within the next 9 years
• Commensurate reduction in government employment, with the elimination of the Ministry of Culture and severe reductions in Ministry of Education, Social Services, Infrastructure, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Environment
• Re-orienting the Ministry of Labor as the Ministry of Commerce and Labor
• Re-orienting Ministry of Immigration towards enforcement policies
• Severe reduction of legal immigration and re-orienting towards high-skilled, English-speaking candidates
• Temporary ban on refugees, then "extra vetting" and prioritization of persecuted Christians going forward
• Increase of active duty armed forces to 50,000 and reserves to 100,000
• 50% increase in Ministry of Defense Spending
• Gradual elimination of the capital gains, carbon, estate and social security taxes within the next 9 years
• Implementation of a two-tier income tax and a 12.5% flat corporate income tax
• General deregulation
• Privatise NovaRail and Public Power corporations
• Keep current government healthcare system for poor and elderly, privatise for everyone else
• Implementation of tariffs on many foreign products
• Ban government surveillance of political parties
• Stricter surveillance of "groups opposed to Nova Anglican values"
• Stiffer penalties for drug dealers
• 10,000 more cops on the streets
• Repeal most gun control laws within the next 9 years

The National Party's manifesto is a mixed bag of severe cuts in certain areas of spending, while promising increases to the military and immigration and law enforcement.,It also looks like a beefed-up version of the People's Party manifesto in some ways. They also use economic growth as an argument to justify large reductions in taxation and regulation, but favor protective tariffs on many products. One reason many people voted for them is their promise to deport undocumented immigrants and greatly reduce legal immigration, while another is their indignation at being surveilled. They propose to ban surveillance of political parties, but increase on groups they view as suspicious. It is worth noting that while overall, the National Party looks to reduce welfare, healthcare, and infrastructure spending and give more free rein to business, there is a faction that proposes to keep these areas of spending higher, but ensure that only citizens receive these benefits (the so-called "build a wall around the welfare state") and boost wages in key blue-collar areas to ensure support from their constituencies.

Libertarian Party Manifesto

• Reduction in government spending to no more than 17.5% of GDP within the next 9 years
• Commensurate reduction in government employment, with the elimination of the Ministries of Education, Culture, Environment, and Labor
• Reduction of active duty armed forces to 20,000 and reserves to 50,000
• Gradual elimination of the corporate income, capital gains, carbon, estate and social security taxes within the next 9 years
• Implementation of a 15% flat income tax
• Repealing "tangled web of regulations" and replacing them with "broad, clear rules"
• Privatise NovaRail and Public Power corporations
• Completely privatise healthcare except for very poor
• Ban government surveillance of citizens and severely limit domestic surveillance of noncitizens
• Legalisation of marijuana immediately and decriminalisation of all other drugs within the next 9 years
• Repeal most gun control laws within the next 9 years
• Increase in legal immigration, especially in high-skilled fields

The Libertarians are proposing severe reductions in government spending, employment, taxation, and regulation. Unlike some factions of the People's and National Parties, whose policies would greatly reduce future spending or lightly reduce current spending, the Libertarians are eyeing a much smaller overall national budget. They project 3% or greater annual growth with their taxation and deregulation agendas, and so project an annual budget by the end of the next three parliamentary terms of no more than A£105 billion, a more than 40% reduction in overall spending. The rest of their agenda involves making guns and drugs easier to access, severely limiting government surveillance, and increasing immigration.

So what can they agree on?

Well, it looks like they all agree on loosening or eliminating gun control laws, deregulating the economy, privatising NovaRail and Public Power, while cutting or eliminating taxation in multiple areas. The Ministry of Culture also seems done for. We can probably expect tax cuts and deregulation to be on the early agenda, but immigration and the levels of government spending will be problem areas where the parties will need to find a compromise. The allocation of ministries could also tell us a lot about what the new government's priorities would be and how much of a change we are in for. Get ready for the country to change, but how much and in what ways is anyone's guess.

[Azohia]

Best players whonk the enemy in the face,kick him and

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Running Up That Hill

PART 7 (3/3) (35 and 3/3) - Al Otro Lado Del Río

Tchou tchou

Eileen lay down in her bed, watching the train cross yet another bridge in the middle of northern Sicoutimont, as she slowly watched the afternoon glow with sunlight. As the train continued to trot along the countryside, she found herself glued to the rolling hills and the puffy clouds outside the window. as they buzzled to the repetitive tchou’s of the half-day journey. With her hair draping the bed, and her mind somewhere in the aforementioned clouds, Eileen felt very much in her comfort zone, where a sense of time seldom existed and the muse called in soliloquies, as time passed by.

Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou

As they paddled in the middle of the lake, Asher and Eileen couldn’t help but to notice how isolated they were. Spending yet another day in the tranquile nearby woods and lakes near SJUB, the couple were feeling dizzy as in how they had managed to disorient themselves so well, especially given their relative lack of such issues in big cities. Since moving back home after the unlikeliest of the unlikely happened, Eileen was slowly blending back into the old way of life again.

Let it loose, and perhaps life will settle on own. That’s the thought that predominantly occupied her mind, as Eileen looked into the sky once more, and did her best to ignore the subsequent tour schedules and public engagements that people were going to expect from her later in the year. Asher, understanding but not really at particular ease with being lost, chose only to look at her and stroke her face.

Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou

One good thing about not really knowing the people, and Asher being too busy socialising outside, was that it gave Eileen an opportunity to think on her own. When you were just one of the many dignitaries and they were more interested in hearing of your purpose, there’s no doubt you’d feel lot more comfortable in visiting Sicoutimont.

During her time in Sicoutimont, she was witnessing that the barriers between the past, as told through family photographs and stories, and the present, traced through current geography, were breaking down. Every once in a while, the barriers would come back up in the off-limit signs on the countryside, the bullet holes on the wall, and the mihaengs mid-walks, but enough times the past and the present would merge for her to see through them. It was quite a sight, she admitted, and she was curious to see what had changed so much.
Who knows what lies ahead, she murmured, as she somehow recalled a story told by her father when she was still in high school. One day, she was introduced to this professor, whose daughter happened to be a fan of hers, and the talk quickly transformed into one about the ‘old professor’ of both ‘the professor’ and her father, who had once written a song about his loss, in the middle of the 1988-yeokbyeong (plague of 1988).

She remembered how the professor, junior of two that were mentioned right above (brief reminder, dear reader, that Mssr. de Ramuat isn’t one) said that it was a tragedy of its own, but also a lesson on timing and fate that their said undergraduate professor had beaten the horse to its death over. Eileen did not understand what he had meant as in the lesson aspect of it all. When she had first heard of it, she only felt sad for the ‘old professor’, whose happiness was taken away due to his own convictions, but now things started to make more sense.

Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou

‘I promise, now and forever, that I won’t hurt you.’ Asher quietly said that to her, as they looked into each other’s eyes while lying in the middle of a grassy grove.

Of course, Eileen knew better than to fall into it. She knew that the words were easier said than engrained, and that the promises were easier made than kept. He hadn’t really discussed what happened during those five years since, partly because he was scared of having to explain about some of the horrible things he had seen and done- both in the capitol and abroad- and also because he was worried that she would walk away from him.

Eileen knew that, having heard all the rumours from friends and family, and frankly she just chose to not care too much into it yet. At least while those words were left undiscussed, she would be left alone in peace without so much of questions about tales of debaucheries. That way she didn’t have to fall into the spiral of affairs that trailed back and forth when they drifted away from each other as eighteen year olds.

As pilgrims, we all live in this winter that never thaws. Nothing seems to grow here anymore, and we shiver as they walk along the shore, guided by the island lights. She quietly recited to herself the famous lines of Barnabas Maeng-Woong A. Connell, the early-20th century Quebecois poet whose poems were routinely read in high school textbooks. They were holding each other’s hands with strong grip, which was perhaps too tight in tension, and now she was unsure on how to let go of the hand, or to respond to the quote.

‘I hope so. Don’t leave me, now and forever.’ she said.

Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou

Since they had gotten back together, Eileen had tried her best to write a song fitting their situation, but was unable to find the right story to add to it. She knew the availability of options weren’t the issues - there were plenty about episodes of love or daily occurrences of life, that could be discussed and come out fine to start with. But none of them seemed to really draw her as ‘that song’, beyond a couple of lines that were good for a stanza, but then who reads poetry in Quebec these days?

Perhaps that’s why the story of the 88-yeokbyeong came back to Eileen’s head, when she remembered the story while on a chat with Asher, Jacques of ‘Fidel and Jacques’, and few Sicoutian sportspersons yesterday in Saint-Simeon. The story of loss, fate and how a man's excessive conviction over his own chances, had altogether cost him decades....perhaps that's what was missing. She was just unsure on how to put it together and now that's something she had to figure out, before the window closed again.

Tchou tchou
Tchou tchou

[Graintfjall]

MD6 cutoff.

---

Red Group
Equestria 82–59 Hispinas
Nagore 78–88 Juvencus
Northwest Kalactin 81–69 Sannyamathaland

  Red Group                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Equestria                       6    5   1   504  420  +84
2 Hispinas                        6    4   2   445  468  −23
3 Juvencus                        6    4   2   480  465  +15
4 Northwest Kalactin              6    4   2   467  424  +43
5 Nagore                          6    1   5   454  496  −42
6 Sannyamathaland                 6    0   6   410  487  −77

Orange Group
Pemecutan 74–80 Lisander
Megistos 73–82 Terre Septentrionale
The Jovannic 48–76 Omerica

  Orange Group                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Lisander                        6    6   0   497  400  +97
2 Terre Septentrionale            6    5   1   496  453  +43
3 Omerica                         6    4   2   445  422  +23
4 Pemecutan                       6    2   4   465  470   −5
5 The Jovannic                    6    1   5   411  462  −51
6 Megistos                        6    0   6   421  528 −107

Yellow Group
Indusse 84–53 Ethane
Abanhfleft 77–73 Valladares
Kohnhead 70–73 Chromatika

  Yellow Group                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Valladares                      6    5   1   485  412  +73
2 Abanhfleft                      6    4   2   494  436  +58
3 Indusse                         6    3   3   449  434  +15
4 Chromatika                      6    3   3   445  484  −39
5 Kohnhead                        6    2   4   425  443  −18
6 Ethane                          6    1   5   398  487  −89

Green Group
Sarzonia 91–78 Sylestone
The Grearish Union 69–87 ZSeparatists
Central Shaneville 83–83 Royal Kingdom of Quebec (98–104 OT)

  Green Group                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec         6    5   1   542  468  +74
2 Sarzonia                        6    5   1   527  453  +74
3 Central Shaneville              6    4   2   521  507  +14
4 ZSeparatists                    6    2   4   458  466   −8
5 Sylestone                       6    1   5   463  542  −79
6 The Grearish Union              6    1   5   432  507  −75

Blue Group
Hebitaka 73–91 Drawkland
Tikariot 65–86 Delaclava
Kriegiersien 70–63 Ottomeme

  Blue Group                    Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Kriegiersien                    6    6   0   464  413  +51
2 Drawkland                       6    5   1   527  405 +122
3 Delaclava                       6    4   2   479  431  +48
4 Hebitaka                        6    2   4   451  474  −23
5 Tikariot                        6    1   5   368  494 −126
6 Ottomeme                        6    0   6   398  470  −72

Indigo Group
Banija 113–51 Southwest Eastnorth
Vykta 66–75 Qasden
Rwekazaland 77–78 Græntfjall

  Indigo Group                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Banija                          6    6   0   616  392 +224
2 Græntfjall                      6    4   2   455  448   +7
3 Vykta                           6    3   3   475  424  +51
4 Qasden                          6    3   3   444  456  −12
5 Southwest Eastnorth             6    2   4   395  552 −157
6 Rwekazaland                     6    0   6   423  536 −113

Violet Group
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom 77–83 Valanora
TJUN-ia 84–64 Greater Kamilistan
West Phoenicia 62–92 Trolleborg

  Violet Group                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Valanora                        6    6   0   513  432  +81
2 Trolleborg                      6    5   1   501  426  +75
3 TJUN-ia                         6    4   2   477  428  +49
4 West Phoenicia                  6    2   4   426  481  −55
5 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom       6    1   5   411  504  −93
6 Greater Kamilistan              6    0   6   435  492  −57

Octarine Group
Newmanistan 103–64 HUElavia
Squidroidia 62–65 Lochario
Nova Anglicana 81–80 Maccian

  Octarine Group                Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Newmanistan                     6    6   0   596  370 +226
2 Lochario                        6    4   2   440  452  −12
3 Squidroidia                     6    3   3   418  425   −7
4 Nova Anglicana                  6    2   4   435  492  −57
5 Maccian                         6    2   4   435  500  −65
6 HUElavia                        6    1   5   421  506  −85

Note on eliminations: I've checked and double-checked my logic but if I've made an error and prematurely listed a team as eliminated, or failed to mark one as such, don't panic! All will be resolved by MD10 anyway. Please notify me (in the OOC thread or by TG/PM) if there are errors.)

[Squidroidia]

The Inkopolis Times

---

SPORTS

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR - AGAIN

Squidroidia national basketball team loses to the Ginger Tigers once again, but like last time it was close

---

5 games down, 5 games to go when the ball tipped off in Altendalur as the 2 teams who produced the tournament's first overtime game squared up against each other once again. Squidroidia, of course, wasn't going to win against Lochario, but like when their journeys began, it was close. Some may say too close for comfort for the Ginger Tigers.

It wasn't really a day for players on either side of the court, however, as center Deb Neuville was dealing with some issues with her eyes and sat out this game in favor of the peaking Christop Caivano. And as for Lochario, it was an off day for star man Kob Brinn. He did get some points yes, but for the Ginger Tigers it had turned into the Lebran Jims show, as he guided the team to another close game against some squid humans from a nation that forced them behind and did not want them on the court. They showed as much resilience to the Lochario team as they could, but like in overtime it wasn't enough. A Midori Wruck three point attempt at the buzzer did not fall in the basket, and as such Lochario went to 4-2 and Squidroidia were now sitting in 3rd place, with a 3-3 record, still eligible for the knockouts if everything goes their way.

But even with the loss, people were flocking to the television to see the game between these 2 sides. It didn't produce a new high for the national team on television, but it was a solid broadcast on the main SBN network, even if most people didn't understand how basketball worked even after watching 5 games of basketball. But ratings are ratings and this was a hard fought game, like Nova Anglicana beating Maccian by 1 point... And not like the 39 point beatdown Newmanistan gave on HUElavia to go 20 straight games unbeaten. And that was just in the Octarine. Let's fly around the groups.

• In the Red Group, Equestria kick off their 2nd half of the group stage with an 82-59 victory over Hispinas,
• Omerica send The Jovannic on the brink of elimination with a 76-48 beating in the Orange Group,
• Ethane once again flounder with a huge loss to Indusse, while Kohnhead narrowly lose to Chromatika,
• While Grearia lose to the ZSeperatists, Central Shaneville pushes the Royal Kingdom of Quebec to not only overtime, but it looks like double overtime as well, but the team couldn't make it 2 for 2 against the top seed in the Green Group,
• Kriegiersien hold on to 6-0 with a close game against Ottomeme,
• The Banijan Buzzsaw once again is revving back, beating the Frontiersmen by a tournament record 62 points, while the hosts narrowly beat out Rwekazaland,
• Valanora hold off a Zeta Reka team to go 6-0,
• A streaker talking about kickboxing ran on the court somewhere,
• And the teams eliminated from the IBC with this matchday are Sannyamathaland, Megistos, Ottomeme, Rwekazaland and Greater Kamilistan.

[Central Shaneville]

CENTRAL SHANEVILLE GET UNLUCKY AS SECOND HALF STARTS
The rematch everyone in the Central Shaneville camp was on about, Matchday 6 with the Royal Kingdom of Quebec as their opponents and whilst The Trains put on a performance an overtime loss was all they could manage against the top seed in the group.

Many media outlets were saying both teams played extremely well and that neither have anything to be ashamed of and whilst Central Shaneville's chances of getting through are now slightly dinted they shift their focus to their next game against Sarzonia (the 2nd favourites to get out the group) and whilst they lost to them last time, Central Shaneville coach Michael Shane called a loss in this particular match "not an option" as The Trains look to continue their run.

It should also be pointed out that after the 2 big seeds of the group, Central Shaneville could make it out if Quebec and Sarzonia trip over each other whilst Central Shaneville faces the 21st overall seed ZSeparatists and fellow unranked teams Sylestone and The Grealish Union all 3 teams they had wins over in the first half of the group stage.

But with all this being said, the second half of the Green Group is looking like it will be a completely different ball game compared to the first half but it has still left us with more questions than answers.

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome back to the North Wolf Bay Park in Hofvinger, Graintfjall for the 2nd half of Violet Group play in IBC30! The Zhou Dynasty began with a 3-2 record, both losses against ranked Trolleborg and Valanora, and Bao now needs to win as many games as he can in order to advance to the playoffs on his first attempt as Head Coach. The big game ahead was against Trolleborg but before that, the 2nd half began against winless Greater Kamilistan. GK may have been winless entering the game but their first encounter with the Jags was a tight one, with TJUN-ia coming out on top by a single point. It was a win that didn't really feel like one at all and that mindset may have led to Trolleborg winning in MD2, so a bit of revenge was in order for a Jags team looking for something to grab onto before the big game against their fellow BoF71 debutants.

Turns out this game was way different than what MD1 provided, to the relief of many TJUN-ian fans both in the enclave and back in the International Community. TJUN-ia turned up to try and counter the play from GK they struggled against in MD1 and they certainly made all the right moves. Travarius Okuramangawa was putting in 3s whenever he could and the other players were doing well too. It seemed like this team was a well-oiled machine, a rarity thus far in this tournament. It certainly looked like a TJUN-ia with plenty of talent and potential and that is all many could ask for in these times. The game ended 84-64 in favour of the Jags, a 20-point win you can certainly write home about!

Bao may have conquered the first hurdle, but the true test and one of TJUN-ia biggest games thus far is on the horizon. Trolleborg won the first encounter between the nations in MD2 and it is that win that sees the Jags in 3rd, not 2nd, as it stands. The message for all the players and for Bao himself is clear: beat Trolleborg, by any means necessary, if you want a chance of playoff basketball. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Violet Group - All Games @North Wolf Bay Park, Hofvinger)
MD1: @Greater Kamilistan (UR) W 79-78 (3rd)
MD2: vs Trolleborg (=15) L 66-74 (4th)
MD3: @West Phoenicia (UR) W 81-74 (3rd)
MD4: @Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (UR) W 98-65 (3rd)
MD5: vs Valanora (5) L 69-73 (3rd/3-2/+29PD)
--------------------Break--------------------
MD6: vs Greater Kamilistan (UR) W 84-64 (3rd)
MD7: @Trolleborg (=15)
MD8: vs West Phoenicia (UR)
MD9: vs Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (UR)
MD10: @Valanora (5)
---------------Super Skill Contest---------------

[Nova Anglicana]

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

Coalition talks underway, details still hazy

John McAvoy, Political Columnist, Londinium Courier

The collective right have won the most recent Nova Anglican national election, and now the People's, National, and Libertarian parties are huddled for coalition talks. Michael Ramsey, PP leader, William Dawson, Libertarian leader, King Voss, National leader, and Rear Admiral Hugh Townsend, the National Party's flagship Senate candidate and Senator-elect, are pursuing high-level talks with regards to the new government's program. We're hearing that some details have been agreed upon, while others remain undecided. So what is our new potential government looking at doing?

Agreed upon

• Reduction in government spending in the next 3 years
• Reductions to be targeted in Ministry of Education, Social Services, Infrastructure, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Environment
• Re-orienting the Ministry of Labor as the Ministry of Commerce and Labor
• Repeal of the carbon tax
• Reducing personal and corporate income taxes
• Allowing for increased contributions to tax-advantaged retirement accounts
• Reforming social security, disability, welfare, public-employee pension, housing assistance, and childcare payments
• General deregulation
• Reform, if not privatise NovaRail and Public Power corporations
• Some kind of healthcare reform
• Repeal some gun control laws within the next 3 years
• Limit government surveillance powers

Although the partners differ on some key issues, they have been able to agree upon some things. While they disagree about how much to cut spending levels by, they agree that spending should be cut and that it should be cut in particular areas. The plan, at least from the PP, seems to be to cut spending by a billion or two each year over the next parliamentary term, then win the next election and re-assess if spending needs to be cut further, can be cut further, or should be increased. They are also committed to repealing the carbon tax and cutting personal and corporate income taxes, as well as reducing general welfare payments, be they social insurance or means-tested. Deregulation, loosening gun control laws, and changing the healthcare system also appear to be easily-arrived at goals. However, it appears that they may have backed off fully privatising NovaRail and the Public Power corporations after some outcry. PP moderates are hesitant about making moves on cheap power for poor people, and the NovaRail system remains fairly popular. Still, they'd like to make some kind of change. Finally, they agree on making some kind of change to government surveillance, though it is not clear what.

Off the table

• Steep reduction in government spending over the next 3 years
• Elimination of the Ministry of Culture
• Severe reduction of legal immigration
• Temporary ban on refugees, then "extra vetting" and prioritization of persecuted Christians going forward
• Implementation of tariffs on many foreign products
• Reduction of active duty armed forces
• Implementation of a flat income tax
• Completely privatise healthcare except for very poor
• Legalisation of marijuana immediately and decriminalisation of all other drugs within the next 9 years
• Increase in legal immigration

Similarly, some things have come off the table as the parties have negotiated. As mentioned above, we will not see steep reductions in government spending in this parliamentary term, as the National and Libertarian parties would have preferred. It also appears that Nova Anglicana's victory in the World Baseball Classic may have single-handedly saved the Ministry of Culture. Coming into the election, most of the members of these parties viewed Ministry of Culture spending as fairly frivolous. However, the sub-Ministry of Sport is responsible for funding part of the Nova Anglican national sports teams' budget, and there have been a flurry of news stories about the potential effect of scaling down or reducing Culture spending. The parties have since backed off, and promised a "new approach" that prioritizes additional sports and allows for more corporate or private funding. Also off the table are both an increase and a severe decrease in legal immigration. The National Party has reportedly threatened to torpedo the coalition if an increase in immigration was approved. Similarly, the Libertarians threatened to pull out if there were big cuts in legal immigration, as well as the proposed refugee ban and prioritization of Christians going forward. So there's still work to do there.

Additionally, the National Party and the PP are opposed to any cuts to the size or budget of the armed forces, which the Libertarians had hoped to achieve. But striking back are the Libertarians, who vowed to collapse the government if the government started indiscriminately slapping tariffs on foreign products. They have indicated that they might swallow limited, targeted, temporary tariffs, which the PP has made noises about in the past. Finally, the Libertarians are going to have to swallow no flat income tax, no decriminalisation of drugs, or legalisation of marijuana, all promises they made. The PP and Nationals have reportedly agreed, however, to continue the practice of not interfering with provincial governments' decisions on legalisation or decriminalisation of drugs, which the Nationals had been interested in ending.

Still up in the air

• How much to cut personal and corporate income taxes
• Whether to reduce, eliminate or leave the same capital gains, estate, and social security taxes
• To reduce or eliminate certain types of welfare payments
• To fully or partially privatise govt-run childcare and eldercare facilities
• Whether or not to raise the retirement age
• How to reform healthcare
• To cut immigration or not and whether or not to prioritise high-skilled or English-speaking immigrants
• Whether to increase defense spending and how much
• Whether or not they'll run a deficit

A bunch of things are still up in the air, for example, how much to cut taxes and welfare payments by. The parties know they want to, but how much and how are still up for debate. Similarly, there are debates about other taxes, like capital gains, estate, and social security taxes. Though these parties generally dislike these types of taxes, capital gains is a flat 15%, estate taxes top out at 20%, and the social security taxes are a mere 2% for individuals, though higher for employers. There may not be a whole lot of room to eliminate them without looking like they're unduly favoring the rich. Additionally, it's been a longtime hobby horse of the right that the government daycare and means-tested eldercare facilities should be privatised, both to encourage competition and decrease government spending. However, they are generally popular, so privatising them fully without any backstop would likely be unpopular. Raising the retirement age is also a critique of the right around the sustainability of the old-age pension program, but older voters did swing to the PP this election and make up a decent chunk of National Party voters. How to reform healthcare and defense increases are also yet to be decided, the former more as a case of working out the details, with the latter still questionable as to whether the Libertarians will agree to it. Immigration is still a hot-button issue, as the National Party (and to an extent, the PP) want to cut immigration, while the Libertarians are mostly opposed. We may see some cosmetic changes around the numbers that allow all sides to claim victory, while who to let in is also a concern. While all parties seem to think having high-skilled immigrants is good, what proportion should they make up, whether or not it matters if they speak English well, or if farmers, who broke for the PP, will demand more low-skilled agricultural laborers and how to respond to that demand, are still causes for debate.

So what's the takeaway?

There's still a lot of work to do, expect infighting in the coalition to continue, but things are going to change. We've been living in the PJP's world for the last decade-plus, and now it's the right's turn. They may not be able to achieve all of their laundry list of priorities, but they will get something done. So brace for impact.

[Sarzonia]

For all the anticipation of the matchup between Sarzonia and Quebec, the match itself wasn't much to write about.

The fourth ranked team in the multiverse very quickly reminded Sarzonia of their pedigree and rolled the Stars in a 100-79 laugher that suddenly had the Sarzonian national basketball team in a precarious position at the two-day break.

Sure, Sarzonia were 4-1 and had the head-to-head advantage over upstarts Central Shaneville, but having to wait two days whilst stewing over a horrible result left the team in a foul mood as the inflatable wavy-armed things from Sylestone paid a visit to The Palestra.

The Stars didn't exactly dominate the match the way they did for their first encounter, but they still earned a 91-78 victory to improve to 5-1. Their next opponent will be Central Shaneville, whom Quebec needed overtime to defeat 104-98.

The results allow Sarzonia to keep pace with Quebec for the group lead and give the Stars a fragile one-match lead over Central Shaneville ahead of Sarzonia's away match there.

"We're not taking anything for granted," guard Mike West said. "They beat the fourth ranked team in the multiverse away and took the same team to overtime on their home court. We have to play Stars basketball."

The loss against Quebec marked the first defeat the Stars had since the Round of 16 match against Andromeda Islands in IBC 29, marking a 10-match winning streak for Thomas Manningham and company.

"We've got our work cut out for us," Manningham said.

[Valanora]

The Dragons have been playing quite well through the first half of the group stage in the IBC, as their shooting statistics have been quite outstanding. Living and dying by the three pointer, given Vanorians typically are a smaller stature than their counterparts, the side has yet to have a really off night through the first six games of the group stage. Despite this undefeated start through six games, the Dragons have not pulled away from the rest of the group, with Trolleborg having only lost their game against the Dragons and are looking to keep in step with our side as the group starts down the home stretch. Also lurking within striking distance are TJUN-ia, who have given the Dragons the most trouble through the group stage so far, only losing by four in the last game of the first half. The TJUN-ia defense was able to corral the sharp shooting of the Dragons for large portions of the game and limited the offensive output of the Empire to its smallest output, which should not be a surprise with both Trolleborg and TJUN-ia having some of the best defenses in the group.

Amelia Norberg has been playing top notch and her vision to get the right pass at to the open teammate has been a large part of why the Dragons shooting percentages are staying above sixty percent for the tournament. Averaging nearly a double-double in points and assists in the tournament, her leadership and play has been the key to everything that has gone well for the Dragons thus far in the group stage and you can tell that the rest of the team is looking up to her when they have had a few moments of crisis. Keeping her cool and directing the team through those moments of crisis and tension is why the team was able to get past TJUN-ia and Trolleborg, as well as last night against Zeta Reka, when the opponents had put on a late run to make it look like they might pull of the miracle upset. However Norberg was able to break through the press of the opponents and find Alfons Nordström on multiple occasions in the last two minutes to let the free throw specialist sink five of the six shots from the charity stripe that made it where the Dragons were able to hold on to their lead.

Up next for the Dragons is the already eliminated and winless Greater Kamilistan, though if one were to look at their statistics, it is hard to see why they have not at least gotten a single victory to their tally. Greater Kamilistan neither has the least points scored nor the most points given up in the group, that honor actually going to Zeta Reka, yet they have not been fortunate enough to pick up a win in the group stage where Zeta has and continues to look good from time to time. It does not look good for them either against our squad, with the three point shooting being so efficient for the Dragons right now and the leadership of the elder trio in the starting line up making sure the younger players are not keen to overlook any of the competition. With Trolleborg lurking after Greater Kamilistan, it does have the makings of a trap game and the type of game that in tournaments past that the Dragons might look past and towards the more pivotal matchup against their closest rivals in the group and challengers from making the playoffs.

That is where we will get to see whether this team has had growth over the last few years, with the Dragons seemingly always on the cusp of being a title challenger in the IBC, but always seemingly falling short of that goal. It has been some time since the Dragons had made their surprise run into the Championship game and the thought that they were finally a real power in the basketball realm, emulating the sort of performances that the Empire has had in football and ice hockey. Yet it has not come to pass and the side continues to be good but not great and never really in the mix for that championship, a situation that this team is looking quite sternly at attempting to remedy, with their fifth ranked spot in the rankings and the undefeated record in the group stage so far. The tests now come thick and fast for the Dragons, maintaining their concentration and high level of play, not looking past so called easy games, and then finally playing up to their potential in the playoffs. The first half of the group stage has gone as expected but now it is the time for the Dragons to learn from their past mistakes and start to overcome the obstacles ahead.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS DROP TO #2 SEED

By Taylor Larson,

Ok, I am kidding with that headline. Not kidding in the fact that it is not true, because it is, but because everything has just been so rosy with the basketball team thus far. Never take anything for granted, after all, but if you are hoping for a fourth title, let’s just say that right now Newmanistan has done what they have needed too. Both the Rockets and the Lions of Banija have been the kings of the competition thus far and with Banija beating Northeast Westsouth (err no, Eastsouth Northwest, or is it Central Northeastwesternland South? Well, whatever direction they take their name into, Banija might have made them want to flip the compass and head home with a 113-51 thrashing of them. Due to that, Newmanistan’s 39 point win over HUElavia was overshadowed, and the Lions would take a two point edge in the overall point differential column. There are two other teams at 6-0, but neither of them are playing at the level of Newmanistan and Banija. Having said this, here are some pressing questions that people have asked me. Well, not really that pressing, but interesting.

1- Can’t we just cancel all the other games and play Banija for the title now?

There are sponsors that have paid money to have their logos and funky corporate messages within the International Basketball Championships, and this will include such classic matchups upcoming like, Ottomeme vs Hebitaka. These games do need to be played after all, and then people will want to see a proper playoff. Right now, I know, people wonder what might happen if we were to play the Lions but we still have to get through all these games. All kidding aside, and if you haven’t noticed this whole piece is meant to be taken in a sarcastic manner, there are other teams plenty capable of stopping Newmanistan vs Banija in the championship, and neither team will be looking past them.

2- Do you follow Nova Anglicanan politics? If so, who is your candidate of choice?

There has never been a day where I have followed Nova Anglicanan politics. Why am I even being asked this? I follow their baseball team, because they are good. I have been following their basketball team now because they are in our group, but that is the extent of it. I do not have a candidate of choice, but please, count every vote.

I’m glad we don’t have elections in Newmanistan.

3- Where’s Cassadaigua?

It’s in Rushmore. Oh, you probably mean in the IBC. Well, I guess they supposedly forgot to signup, which seems pretty silly from a nation of their stature. I’m guessing they were afraid to get hit by Rockets or the Banija train so they made up an excuse to not participate.

4- How do you think the hosts are doing? What is your preferred political party of theirs?

Impeccably. Sometimes they make me wake up early in the morning to see important information, but I hate to admit that I am actually already awake at the time of day, anyway. And why the second question? Why is there such an obsession with politics in these questions? I am so glad that we are an Empire with a fair and responsible leader like Emperor Michael IV. All elections are, are a battle of who has more money and who lies the best.

[Kriegiersien]

Blue group news

Kriegiersien 70–63 Ottomeme

Kriegiersien isn’t exactly smashing their opponents, like Drawkland, Newmanistan or Banija. Even when eliminating Ottomeme from the competition they had some problems. Why is that so? Let’s look at the four quarters.


1. Quarter 25-10
It looked good after the first one. Even though Ivory Fire again made only a few points and it was clear she was as always more passing than scoring, she was able to bring her teammates in positions to score, Yessenia Anaitis did good.

2. Quarter 33-29
Now it was the time for Anakoni Corbinian to show off. And that he did. With clown makeup and making tricks his style was entertaining, but giving his opponent the ball trying to steal it back, juggle it together with his shoes or holding it at stretched arms trying to make it invisible didn’t work so well.

3. Quarter 55-56
Suddenly it seemed as if the match was overturning. Ashryn Faran showed why she wasn’t called up for the shooting contest, as she missed nearly every free throw. Mostly Ivana Condor was coming in then to Slam Dunk the rebound. What didn’t work all too often.
That Rogbug was send off after knocking down a player from Ottomeme, didn’t help. He insisted that the player had insulted his pet, what couldn’t be proven, as the other player didn’t woke up yet.

4. Quarter 70-63
At the end the match saw a stable margin for Kriegiersien, who were running away with the lead early, without getting away too much.
Pascal Donat became the Topscorer of the match, saving the win with further 33 points. He succeeded Johnathon Val, who had scored so good against Delaclava, but today got nearly no playtime, instead cleaning the floor with his towel when it became wet from the sweat. A work he did as efficient as his scoring before, being a janitor before he became Professional Basketball player.



So the Kriegiersien team stays a grab bag. You never know what comes out.

[Trolleborg]

On the eve of the (probably) decisive match with TJUN-ia, the guests from Troleborg decided to use the serious snowfall and organized game popular in the north of our country. It is called "The Battle of Heiman", in memory of a significant battle, very important for the history of Trolleborg. Players build something similar to the terrain in the place of the battle from ice and snow, i.e. a steep climb from the plain to the walls, created in the style as possible closer to the appearance of the old Heimen fortress. The rise is poured with water to form an ice crust.

Then the participants are divided into teams and in turns they try to take the fortress with what they can invent within the rules. During the ancient battle itself, by the gentlemanly agreement of the commanders (it’s another story and very long) projectiles were not used, so it is only allowed to throw snowballs, use improvised tools and shove and push opponents in close combat. Accordingly, game requires successful teamwork, agility, prowess, and last but not least, clever moves.

The fun started from the early morning, every hour started every hour when they were involved, even two basketball players took part, which was very close to the square where the local authorities agreed to a cheerful riot. The game received a lively response not only from the guests of the country, but also from the residents of Graintfjall themselves, who enthusiastically joined this traditional fun game. In the late afternoon, the local population was represented by much more people than visiting tourists, and there was a real river of the traditional cranberry drink, which is usually consumed after the game. Fortress itself remained in place whole the night and was renovated by locals in morning, with a view to have a new fight later. So, maybe, the game will become a tradition in a new place. After all, why not if everyone is having fun and no one gets hurt?

But there is a big question if we will have fun after the second skirmish with TJUN-ia. Our team, of course, has the warm support of the entire army of thousands of Trolleborg fans, and this is a lot - but it may not be enough against raging Jaguars.

[Chromatika]

Chromatika in IBC 30
In Haiku Form!
Matchday the Sixth: @ Kohnhead

Tied with seconds left?
Swanson's dagger at the end
First buzzer beater.