CAFA2: Something Something Boogaloo RP/Scores Thread [ANAIA]

[Krytenia]

The Second CAFA Cup
Hosted by Krytenia

Hello, fellow Anaians, and welcome to the second edition of the CAFA Cup. Twenty-four sides will travel to our fair nation, sandwiched between the Ocean of Ayes and Lake Bekk (or Beck, to the locals), looking to succeed Aus-Ves-Nat and become the footballing Champions of Anaia.

Teams (24):
GROUP A
Krytenia
Legalese
Huayramarca
The Karodin Tetrarchy

Group B
Sienna Archipelago
Ko-oren
Mont Vert
Iskandervale

GROUP C
Savigliane
Audioslavia
Aleirave
Flavovespia

GROUP D
Pyazhnaya
Saltstead
Atheara
Mertagne

GROUP E
Aut-Ves-Nat
Independent Athletes from Quebec
Chromatika
Ginadjkrum

GROUP F
Yesopalitha
Starblaydia
Murderbum
Ochre Islands

Format
Six groups of four in single round-robin. Top two in each group will advance, alongside the four best third-placed teams. Teams will be seeded 1-16 for the knockout stages, with group winners 1-6, runners-up 7-12, and third placed sides 13-16 for a straight knockout bracket. Teams from the same group cannot meet in the round of sixteen.

Tiebreakers
Points, goal difference, H2H result, drawing of lots. In the case of a multi-way tie, tiebreakers will be applied (with the exception of lots) until at least part of the tie is broken; should teams still need to be separated, the tiebreakers will be re-applied from the beginning with just those teams. Lots will be drawn if all listed tiebreakers have been exhausted and ties are still not broken.

Schedule
Saturday 13 November: Group Stage Draw
Tuesday 16 November: Group Stage MD1 (1v4, 2v3)
Thursday 18 November: Group Stage MD2 (2v1, 4v3)
Saturday 20 November: Group Stage MD3 (3v1, 2v4)
Monday 22 November: Round of Sixteen
Wednesday 24 November: Quarter-finals
Friday 26 November: Semi-finals
Saturday 27 November: Third place play-off
Sunday 28 November: Final

Cutoff is at approximately 2200-2300 UTC on the above dates; for some of you that may mean the following day local time.

RP Bonus Reminders
This. Is. CAFA!
RPs measuring exactly 300 words will earn an extra 0.3 ranking points. (This will be halved if there is an obvious and non-entertaining cheat used to reach 300, such as cutting off mid sentence in a way that doesn't make me laugh.) RPs between 200-400 words will earn 0.15 ranking points so long as they, too, do not fall foul of the "obvious cheat" rule. Images are fine, but bear in mind if they are particularly wordy pictures, they will be counted towards the word count.

Matchday Challenges
Each day, there will be some thematic challenge. This could be to do with worldbuilding, it could be wordplay...it could be anything, really. Suggestions will be welcomed if a bid is successful. Meeting this challenge is worth an extra 0.2 ranking points.

Best of luck to all of our competitors.

[Krytenia]

Welcome To Krytenia!
Or welcome back, to the many of you who've visited these shores before. Krytenia is a modern, cosmopolitan nation, full of sights to see and things to do. The host cities have vibrant nightlife, and marijuana is legal (though strictly licenced, please buy from authorised stores). Curry is the national dish, and there are plenty of restaurants that specialise in the stuff; spicy desserts are not uncommon, blending the sweetness of chocolate or caramel with the spiciness of your main course. If you don't like spice, there are a glut of international restaurants, so you'll find something to your tastes. Prices are reasonable, especially with the current strong argental, and purchases of non-essential items include sales tax in the price, so no having to add 11% before getting to the till. Duty free stores operate at most major cities, and at all airport and ferry/sea terminals; on presentation of your passport and travel details, non-terminal stores will deliver to "pick-up points" at air or sea ports, so long as you purchase at least 24 hours before departure. The central cities, Emberton and Avidia, both contain large Hispanophonic communities, whilst the south of the country is almost entirely English-speaking. English is the only national language, but plenty of French and Spanish speakers abound.

Please note if hiring a car in Krytenia, smoking is not permitted in rental cars and we drive on the left. Emberton and Avidia have the best transport and road links around the country, but also have the most expensive hotels. You have been warned.

Host Cities

Stadium
Isserson Olympic Stadium, cap 191,340

Matches:
MD1: Krytenia v The Karodin Tetrarchy
MD2: Legalese v Krytenia
MD3: Huayramarca v Krytenia
R16: Match A, #1 v #16
CAFA Cup 2 Final

Emberton is the place to be in Krytenia. The largest city, the Olympic host, and the "City of Nations". Almost all countries of the world can find a friend from their nation within this glittering metropolis. Carlton Street, at the heart of the city centre, is the place to go for nightlife, whilst a few blocks to the north is where you'll find the Theatre District, the city's cultural heart.
The stadium itself is the jewel in Krytenia's crown, and is most famous for being the main stadium for the VII Summer Olympics. With the ground also having hosted the finals of various Baptisms of Fire, Cups of Harmony, World Cups, and AOCAF Cups, the CAFA Cup will be the sixth different international football competition to reach its climax at the IOS.


Stadium:
Sixways Stadium, cap 36,695

Matches:
MD1: Legalese v Huayramarca
MD2: The Karodin Tetrarchy v Huayramarca
MD3: Legalese v The Karodin Tetrarchy
R16: Match G, #7 v #10

The Second City, and ancient capital, Avidia mixes ancient and modern. The famous Guildhall takes a Victorian meeting hall, and turns it into a concert and indoor sports venue of grand spectacle. The Spanish Quarter is excellent for shopping and leisure, with a mix of chain department stores and high quality independent retailers, and nightlife second only to the capital.
Sixways is a mere 10 minutes from the centre of Avidia on the Metro; the stadium itself is resplendent with its red cantilever roof, though cheapened somewhat by the large logos of budget airline Avidair. A new corner stand has been built to increase capacity for the tournament.


Stadium:
Southern Arena, cap 91,093

Matches:
MD1: Sienna Archipelago v Iskandervale
MD2: Ko-oren v Sienna Archipelago
MD3: Mont Vert v Sienna Archipelago
R16: Match C, #3 v #14
SF: SF1, Winner QF1 v Winner QF2

Ousevale, the "University City", is jam-packed with students and cheap beer. It's also, statistically speaking, the sunniest city in Krytenia, so make sure to pack the suntan lotion; you don't want to end up a “Fresher Lobster” - that is, a young student that's ended up with sunstroke after passing out somewhere outdoors in a stupor.
The Southern Arena itself is a cavernous venue with an unusually high roof, comfortable seats, and massive tailgate parties to avoid the scandalous prices at concessions.


Stadium:
The Unity Stadium at Railyards Park, cap 47,414

Matches:
MD1: Ko-oren v Mont Vert
MD2: Iskandervale v Mont Vert
MD3: Ko-oren v Iskandervale
R16: Match H, #8 v #9

Foxchester isn't exactly Krytenia's most fashionable city; indeed, it's basically a commuter town, which does explain the excellent transport links with the nearby city of Ousevale. Expect a quiet night if staying here.
The stadium, meanwhile, is modern, well constructed, and far too big for Foxchester Rovers to fill on a regular basis. It's got "white elephant" written all over it...and don't even get us started on the unwieldy name.


Stadium:
ArenaWest, cap 54,862

Matches:
MD1: Savigliane v Flavovespia
MD2: Audioslavia v Savigliane
MD3: Aleirave v Savigliane
QF: QF2, Winner D v Winner E

Aigburth may not be the swinging cosmopolitan centre, or the grand old gem, but they make up for this with a raft of import shopping. Placed on the coast of the Sea of Ayes, it is said that everything that Krytenia is passes through the Aigburth Docks. Visit Wavertree Bay, a few miles south, for the best beaches in the country.
ArenaWest's acoustically-engineered design, meanwhile, means that the stadium gets properly loud during games. Enjoy the atmosphere and/or bring earplugs.


Stadium:
Draconium Arena, cap 66,592

Matches:
MD1: Audioslavia v Aleirave
MD2: Flavovespia v Aleirave
MD3: Audioslavia v Flavovespia
QF: QF1, Winner A v Winner H

Long considered a backwater of the nation, Caversham's star has risen in recent years thanks to them being the centre of the nation's glass and crystal manufacturing industry. The City of Glass is now a hive of activity...and yes, you can get some lovely crystal trinkets for the other half cheap here.
The glass motif extends to the Draconium Arena as well, with the outer wall of the West Stand carrying a frankly ridiculously large stained glass dragon-themed mural.


Stadium:
Harbour Stadium, cap 60,622

Matches:
MD1: Pyazhnaya v Mertagne
MD2: Saltstead v Pyazhnaya
MD3: Atheara v Pyazhnaya
QF: QF3, Winner B v Winner G

Stanton's trade has long come from their position on the shores of Lake Bekk, known as the Beck by locals. Stanton's historic docks now house a bevy of interesting uses for former warehouses, including an ice rink, a concert venue, and even a television studio. Warehouse 27, meanwhile, is a notoriously large and decadent nightclub that takes advantage of being well away from residential areas and plays their music at a volume best described as “WHAT?!?”
The dockland area also contains the Harbour Stadium, which can get even louder than Warehouse 27 when Stanton Town are playing well (which is quite often).


Stadium:
Abbey Road, cap 47,260

Matches:
MD1: Saltstead v Atheara
MD2: Mertagne v Atheara
MD3: Saltstead v Mertagne
QF: QF4, Winner C v Winner F

Bradwell's main attraction is the massive and frankly gaudy cathedral in the city centre. Unusual, considering that Krytenia is a largely secular nation. There's a reason the team is called the Saints, after all.
Abbey Road itself is a pretty ordinary-looking stadium, though it is unique in Krytenian football for having its own built-in chapel. The club does a wonderful side trade in fans wanting to get married there.


Stadium:
Munitis Stadium, cap 74,593

Matches:
MD1: Aut-Ves-Nat v Ginadjkrum
MD2: Independent Athletes from Quebec v Aut-Ves-Nat
MD3: Chromatika v Aut-Ves-Nat
R16: Match D, #4 v #13
SF: SF2, Winner QF3 v Winner QF4

The "Northern Capital", Norton has a lot of influence from its northern neighbours in Mertagne. Thankfully, though, this doesn't extend to their neighbours' more “interesting” local wildlife.
One thing that is decidedly Krytenian, however, is the Munitis Stadium, named after legendary goalkeeper Alan Munitis.


Stadium:
Argent Field, cap 47,107

Matches:
MD1: Independent Athletes from Quebec v Chromatika
MD2: Ginadjkrum v Chromatika
MD3: Independent Athletes from Quebec v Ginadjkrum
R16: Match F, #6 v #11

Oustia is the centre of the Krytenian silver industry, with the metal being mined around the Zente region and brought to the city to be turned into actual products. The Jewellery Quarter is home to a number of bespoke jewellers and silversmiths and is the perfect place to find some unique bling.
The silver theme extends to Argent Field - though local rivals will just say "grey" instead. The stadium has been extensively refurbished and expanded to reflect Oustia's continued survival and success in the top flight.


Stadium:
Cygnus Stadium, cap 105,013

Matches:
MD1: Yesopalitha v Ochre Islands
MD2: Starblaydia v Yesopalitha
MD3: Murderbum v Yesopalitha
R16: Match B, #2 v #15
Third Place Playoff

When it was the capital of Nova Mercia, Bromham was famed for political debate. Now, it's skyscrapers and high technology, thanks to the Cygnus Corporation, whose presence in the city is almost on the verge of omnipotence.
They also sponsor Mercia Bromham's stadium, which was the original permanent home of the Cygnus Cup final. Honestly, at this point we'd suggest painting "Property of the Swann Family" on Sixth Street, but that'd just be giving them ideas.


Stadium:
Knott Crescent, cap 50,552

Matches:
MD1: Starblaydia v Murderbum
MD2: Ochre Islands v Murderbum
MD3: Starblaydia v Ochre Islands
R16: Match E, #5 v #12

A traditional city in the south-east, Tyfield built itself on the textile industry, and this is reflected in the modern boutiques that line the narrow streets of the Dawdles in the city centre. As a by-product of this, the local thrift shops do often get their hands on some proper couture, so look there for fashion on a budget.
The stadium itself, meanwhile, is a modern creation of steel and glass that seems like almost an anachronism.

[Aleirave]

The Paradise Affairs
Prologue: This Shouldn't Ever Happen, Ever

"What are you asking me???"
"Well, it's simple President Tereyev... I'd just like to start an Aleiravan National Football Team!"
"You're being ridiculous, Mr..."
"Paka'ula. Haulafo Paka'ula."

"Okay then, Mr. Paka'ula, what in the world would make you barge into my office thinking that I would be willing to support you starting an Aleiravan football team?"
"Well, Lahaira Central High School were the National Scholastic Champions last year..."
"Is that an official competition?"
"No, but only because you wouldn't sign off on it!"
"Did you ever play the Dynamo Lahaira City High team?"
"You wouldn't sign off on that either!"
"Do you know why I didn't, Mr. Paka'ula?"
"Look, I'm tired of you putting us down just because of who we are!"
"And 'we' would be..."
"Us Aleiravans! The real people from the island, not the 1% of us who come from this land you call 'Klysevia'!"
"Us Aleiravans? Look, do you want me to remind you who really has the power, or are you just going to keep acting like the scum you are?"
"SCUM??? All of us are equal, okay? No matter who we are or where our ancestors came from, WE ARE ALL ALEIRAVAN!!"
"Guards? Get this man out of here!"
"I'll show you! I'll assemble the greatest team Anaia has ever seen, and it'll have us native Aleiravans and Klysevians! I'll show you yet!!!"
"I SAID GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!!!"

---

Two months later...

"Alright everyone, do you know why you're gathered here?" the newly-self-appointed coach asked his team on the boat to Krytenia.
"I don't know why they had to be here..." midfielder Valeri Tyonko responded.
"Eat sand, friggin' Klysev!" defender Tefei'o Tesuna'e snapped back.
"This is gonna be harder than I thought..." Coach Paka'ula lamented.

[Ochre Islands]

Lanton Street, in the middle of New Ranton, was one of those places that could easily be mistaken for a real person on news reports. 'Lanton Street will be talking long into the night about...' or 'this is only the latest crisis to fall into the lap of Lanton Street in what has been a tumultous year already'. Whilst not a real person, it was the street where the Prime Minister lived, so was oft used to describe whatever political machinations were ongoing at present. While the Prime Minister, Senator Lucy Ginsberg was quite aware that Lanton Street would sone day become the epicentre of major events, she wasn't aware that today was the day that those events would begin to take shape.

Ginsberg was head of the Ochre Movement (OM), the largest party in the Ochres, though in a coalition of necessity with the Liberal Ochre Party which got them across the 50%+1 margin of votes required to form a Government. As the Ochres were still in the relatively early days of settlement, there wasn't much friction between the parties yet, and voting was seen as a necessary formality on the route toward progressing the Ochres toward being a fully functioning state. Although, it was thanks to the coalition that ensured Local Governance on each island was as strong and accountable as it was, more so than the OM planned it to be, but less of the centralisation that they'd left behind in Bostopia had to be a good thing. Why Fort Boston felt the need to control the manhole covers used on Oceanfront Avenue in Jaerring no-one ever knew.

The PM herself was in Number 3 Lanton Street, reading Governmental papers when the door opened. 'Lucy... almost the entire Bostopian Rugby League team have defected.' 'Defected? Where?' 'Here.'

[Aut-Ves-Nat]

Aut-Ves-National Report Madatory reading (FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION OF RESIDENTS ONLY).

---

A Message From The Admiral's Desk

All seafarers and passengers, listen to command. The Autonomous Vessel Nation, which is superior to static land living nations, will reassure the universe it is perfect. Proof will come by winning a second CAFA Cup's Cup at what is allegedly being called CAFA 2: Something Something Boogaloo. At this time, it is not known who the AVN Super Team of Val Or will face. However the AVN Super Team of Valor is playing, and we know not who they will face either. Victory however is certain, for we have not lost an Anian regional match yet. 4352555348 54484f5345 4f46 54484953 574f524c44

One may be able to pick up CAFA2 Footage if one tunes into the local stations the AVN will be adjacently within range of. In addition, viewings for the CAFA2 will be held on Decks Two and Three's combined performance plaza. In addition, all matches will be shown on closed circuit. Closed Circuit showing will be at the AVN Movie Theaters on Decks Two, Four and Five. Theas infused soft drinks will be available for those with sufficient Loyalty Points and/or Frequent Guest Points. 524154494f4e494e47 52454d41494e53 494e 454646454354

Also, please ignore any mentions of secret invitations now Any in the future must be held in disregard. No such evens have ever happened or ever will happen.

~J.J.M.
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[Atheara]

The Journey Begins.

Atheara assemble a mostly young squad for the CAFA hosted by Krytenia, without Mugel Krygorf.

POV: Mugel Krygorf
"The two goalkeepers for Atheara in this year's CAFA shall be... John Harper... and Christian Van Jeithernoth. That is all, thank you for attending." I proceeded to turn off the TV. I was shocked, to say the least. I wasn't going to be part of the National Team for Atheara in this year's CAFA. I could only speculate on whatever reasons coach Lyzen and Kristian could have to the point of not having me in for this year's CAFA. I picked up my phone, and face timed Harper. Is he even on right now? I'm not sure, he could be sleeping for all i know.

The phone screen turned on, and i saw Harper walking down the city with his Eshian girlfriend, Hannah Elbert, from the screen. "Ah, the two lovebirds. Harper, did you see the NT selection for CAFA?" I asked him. He shook his head. "Go check it." And i turned off the call. "Well... good luck Harper, you're gonna need it." I said to myself that. Harper was appointed as captain, meaning that he had to do whatever it takes to properly lead the team. But the question in my head is, 'How is he going to lead the team if he is mute? Do they not know that?'

After that, my phone became buzzing with notifications. The news of me not being on the National Team was spreading like wildfire. 'What am i gonna do with all of this free time?' I thought to myself. I scrolled on my phone, looking at maybe games to play or shows to watch. Then, i found one. "Lifeline," so i decided to watch it. Wondering if it's good.

[Ko-oren]

You win a World Cup and suddenly the world looks very different. The 'famous' yellowsash jersey is a fundamental visual aspect of the Dragonflies, but it was designed entirely in-house as none of the big jersey companies wanted their name on 'post-football', 'bus-parking', 'bottle merchants' Ko-oren - and that's fair. Interesting then, how, days after the cup went on a tour of the archipelago with the NT, the deals started rolling in. The KFA opted for Kirola - a company from Audioslavia, who are the only other nation who just gets how football should be played.

Whether our incredible streak from the World Cup continues into CAFA remains to be seen. Juliasterinthen did not allow for our World Cup form to count for anything, selecting a 25 and under squad comprising of NT starters, benchwarmers, and some up and coming players that might well be part of the core group within a few years, without sacrificing quality or immediate results. This is still a team ready to make a deep run, don't let the absence of some big names fool you. If we don't look to the future now and get ready, reality will overtake us.

The largest changes are between the posts, with Bittencourt getting the nod as all regulars are over 25. The defence mostly consists of famous names like Van Kalvenhaar or Aenemare, but it's clear that the golden generation of Ko-orenite defenders is currently in its prime (or just after it) so it's a great choice by the head coach to go for something younger. The midfield and the forwards have plenty of NT experience, which usually debut a little younger than other positions. Odgers, yCinrhadd, Ebina, Longhurst, Wormstal, as well as Moore - you really wouldn't know you're looking at an age-limited team instead of the real deal.

[Pyazhnaya]

Once upon a time in a small island kingdom the legend of the peppered horse was told to small children and it sent them hiding under their blankets and potentially into recurring nightmares.

OK, to be fair, the island kingdom is not actually that small and also does not have a king, the peppered horse is rather known as Saltstead and definitely not a legend, but a true story and the small children actually are fully grown football fans, but the nightmares are real! The very first-ever second edition of the CAFA is making Pyazhnayan fans relive the moment when the salty steeds had eliminated the archipelago when the draw pitted them against them once again, together with Atheara and Mertagne, That being said, the Pyazhnayan national team has grown leaps and bounds since that fateful encounter, as impressively portrayed in its perfect Baptism of Fire run, so despite their nightmares the team's followers are positive that the team has what it takes to rebound and take revenge this time around.

Despite a rather bumpy ride through the qualification campaign for World Cup 89, the multiverse has taken notice of Pyazhnayan football and with that the confidence level both in and around the team has been bolstered as well. Drawing from a very similar roster to the Baptism of Fire run, continuity is the keyword for the Pyazhnayan Football Federation, fully aware that evolution is a far more prudent approach to building a lasting upward trajectory for a team than revolution and thus the Phoenix are traveling to Krytenia with a sense of purpose and focus to at least repeat their result from the inaugural inaugural edition and qualify for the knock-out stages, with or without Saltstead, they really don't care.

Pyotr Karvanov, reporting for Pyazhnyy Sportske Novosti

[Flavovespia]

It was time for the group draw of CAFA 2, and all of the pomp and circumstance that came with that. Sat amongst the crowd was the Flavovespian delegation; FFA President John Holder, new manager Augusto Rinaldi, captain Steven Hall, new vice-captain Scott Coleman and a handful of coaches and FFA officials. Millions of Flavovespians back home were tuned in as well, to watch the draw come in.

The draw was following the convention of the “top, then bottom up” draw, something that given the status Flavovespia have in world and continental football often means a fair wait for the Hornets to find out their opponents. Pot 1 out first, some interest for Rinaldi as his home nation of Savigliane are drawn, into Group C. Pot 4 out next, mainly the plucky debutants of this cycle, hoping to surprise and make the knockout stages. Pot 3, a real collection of powerhouses were out next. And then it was Pot 2. Huayramarca joined the current and previous hosts in Group A. World Cup champions Ko-oren went into Group B. Group C, and would manager Augusto Rinaldi really have to face his home nation in his first game managing Flavovespia?

“Into Group C, Savigliane, Audioslavia, Aleirave and....
FLAVOVESPIA”

Augusto Rinaldi had his hands on his head, looking nonplussed, Steven Hall and Scott Coleman were struggling not to laugh at the improbability of the draw. Savigliane vs Flavovespia would be the opening game for Augusto Rinaldi in charge of Flavovespia. With three goals to one for Savigliane in the two times these sides met before, Rinaldi will hope to end Flavovespia’s struggles against his home nation. Flavovespia will be playing in the west of Krytenia, with plucky debutants Alierave and the famous name of Audioslavia making up the rest of this exciting Group.

[Audioslavia]

"Hey, yeah the name's Marc"
"Mark?"
"Probably 75% correct. I've got a table reserved for half eight under the name Jaffacake"
"Mr. Jaffacake isn't attending?"
"Yeah I know it looks weird but you see he..."
"No problem at all, everyone will be very relieved. Right this way, your friend is already here, if you'll come with me"
"Sure"
"Yours is just in the corner, sir"
"Thanks... but..."
"Yes, sir?"
"Are you sure this is the right table?"
"Absolutely, sir. The reservation was under the name Jaffacake?"
"Yeah"
"Yes, this is the table. You weren't expecting to meet a Krytenian journalist named... I'm sorry sir what..."
"Raul"
"Raul"
"Raul? I was expecting a Rubio Sanch..."
"Yeah, Rubio's not here. Sent me"
"I'll return in a few minutes, your menu is on the table, sir"
"Raul?"
"Yup. Yeah Rubio can't make it. It looks like neither could Jeremy. Take a seat, mate"
"Yeah Jeremy said... wait is this the drinks menu?"
"Yeah he probably did. Sorry, yeah, That's the drinks menu. Food one's this one"
"Yeah he said if he had to sit in a Krytenian bar and shoot the shit about football over a whisky one more time he might just blow his brains out"
"Oh yeah? Rubio said the same thing"
"Aye?"
"Yeah he said if he had to sit opposite Jeremy and gently admonish him for being a controversial tool one more time that'd be it, he'd just march to the kitchen and demand to be turned into coleslaw"
"Yeah I think I'm supposed to say mean things and order one of these whiskies from the bottom of the menu but with ice. Also according to this note in my pocket, you're a horses are?"
"Horses are what?"
"I don't know. I don't think Jeremy's handwriting is very good"

[Chromatika]

Chromatika Anomalies Manager Candidate: 1. Sandra Sybill

A Central Midfielder for the Anomalies from World Cup 74 through World Cup 81, Sybill has 122 Caps and 16 Goals for the Anomalies. Sybill was also a longtime player for the Cosumarite side Real Azuris, one of the better clubs in the multiverse in the Harlighet Ligen's heyday. Sybill was a hybrid midfielder who could play far back and help the defense or up front, but in a midfield with Alyss Montague and Rachel Hellion, Sybill was more of the Holding Midfielder to Montague being the Defensive Midfielder and Hellion an Attacking one.

Sandra Sybill doesn't have any experience managing at a club level, but she was the midfielders coach for the Azuris after retiring. She's someone who absolutely knows how to handle having an abundance of midfielders on the field at one time, having been one herself in a time where Chromatika fielded as many as five midfielders at once. She'll know how to handle the 4-3-2-1 or the 4-4-1-1 as well as anyone.

Personality wise, Sybill is a bit of a hardnosed pragmatic who understands how to get the job done. She's being put forward as a candidate for this job due to her knowledge of Chromatik football and what it's like to be a player. She would be the first Chromatik in charge since Silian Parker and the first player to ever be in charge of the Anomalies. She's not particularly favored, but she's definitely a strong candidate.

Viktor Karras, Jr.: "Sandra is a candidate that knows the rigors of being an Anomaly while having been on the other side as well."

Chromatika vs. Independent Athletes from Quebec
Starting XI: Herrington; Vitan - Ansov - Régine - Revels; Xhose - Burns (C) - Doyle - Rousselle; Di Maggio; Ennai.

[Yesopalitha]

Yesopalithan Update 1

The last few years have been an interesting time for the Unbidden of Yesopalitha. Gone are the days of the country trying to cultivate a homogenous culture while ignoring the particulars of each race and creed; now, everyone is able to express themselves fully while also trying to learn how to coexist.

The Bidden, who make up approximately 15% of the total population of the country per the last census taken, have started to come to terms with the fact that for them, living alongside creatures that they would normally consider to be monstrous has to become the new normal. When given free will and morals to make their own decisions, a skeleton, mummy, werewolf, or vampire isn't any different from an elf, dwarf, changeling, or tiefling; everyone is able to do as they see fit and be judged equally by the law.

This has led to talk that in the next few years, the Bidden may make themselves on the Flames' roster once again. If everyone is going to have equal opportunities, it ultimately doesn't make sense to limit the national team to just the Bidden nor just the Unbidden. Everyone would have an equal shot, and those that fit the roster the best would get the shot to represent the nation.

When asked if Yesopalitha would ever return to the World Cup, Nirdasil, the Dark Crusader and Chosen of Zaiden, didn't mince words, saying:

"When I've been told by the Sporting Council and the powers that be that that is something that we should do, we might. Yesopalitha definitely has a place in the sporting world, but we are still in the process of discovering who we are as a people and a nation, and until we have that established, it's good to remain small."

[Sienna Archipelago]

“So it's a regional football tournament? But one where concise is the order of the day?” the official from the Sienna Archipelago Football Association inquired as he dunked another carrot stick rather fiercely into his pot of houmous.

“Yes, that's exactly it!” replied his colleague, before adding on, “So for example, if we keep our communications with the hosts to three hundred words. They give us benefits.”

“Benefits? That sounds a bit of an insinuation. You mean they fix the matches in our favour?” the houmous dipper now seemed a touch perturbed.

“Well no, nothing that obvious I don't think. So, for example because the application email I sent to them was exactly three hundred words, the organising committee sent me this lovely teapot with a clock face on it, look!” The second college was by now brandishing a somewhat garish teapot, indeed with a clock face on it.

“Umm. It's rather distinctive. Are those flames and dragons on it as well?”

“Yeah, pretty cool isn't it?”

“Umm, well if you say so, I probably wouldn't go around displaying it publicly myself, but there you go. And so where do we have to go for this tournament?”

By now pouring everyone another cup of tea merely to show off the teapot to everyone in the office the second colleague chirpily responded “Oh, Krytenia. Just across the Ocean of Ayes. First match is in Ousevale. In fact all our matches are I think.”

“Oh Ousevale?” The houmous dipper sighed, “Shame, I hear Caversham is nice this time of year.”

“Really?” the teapot menace “Caversham? Nice? Who told you that, I'm not sure Caversham is particularly nice any time of year really?”

“Who have we got first anyway?”

“Iskandervale.”

“Iskandervale? Who are they?”

“Exactly!”

[Mertagne]

"Right, I think that's everyone. The coach is already on the ferry, and that's where all your luggage is, so no need to worry. The crossing takes a fair few hours, but we'll be in Stanton in two shakes of a stag's tail." Tyrrel Gulliver tucked his tablet computer underneath his shoulder and scanned the crowd of football players that had congregated in front of him at one of the many docks of Neorudo AquAirport.

Luka Hazaluta raised a hand that shot up past his sunglasses adorned face. "Where's Dornell this time around?"

"I recognise that it's all happened a bit quickly, but ol' Phil has retired from the FMF. Seems that the corpos near the top have finally worn him down, but you didn't hear that from me." Tyrrel tapped his nose.

"Does anyone else have any questions before we all head onto the ferry, and we sit down and you ask me some more questions?"

A smattering of laughter crossed the crowd as Gulliver smiled.

"Great. Don't forget your passports." Gulliver turned and embarked onto the ferry.

This particular ferry was fairly upmarket, and regularly performed lake crossings to Stanton from Neorudo on behalf of Waxy Waterways, a Mertagnian lake-faring outfit that, while upmarket, had seen better days. Tyson Oughtio immediately found that for some inexplicable reason the bar was out of order, as he received a pithy excuse from a clearly tired bartender that none of the card machines were working and they didn't take cash, with the bartender staring sneeringly at the 20 ducat note that Oughtio had in his own hands.

Sitting rather crumpled in a bucket sofa, he was joined by Euklades Hemingway and Martine Aldergrass.

"So, Geography, what do you know about Krytenia?" asked Martine, giving him a friendly jab.

Tyson had developed a bit of a habit of being the team's resident geography nerd, as during the last CAFA he had been the only one to correctly answer when the team was asked what the capital of the Plough Islands was called (it's still Sutton, by the way).

Oughtio was a bit shocked she'd asked him. "What do I know about Krytenia?" he vaguely gestured downwards. "They're our neighbours - what don't you know about Krytenia?"

"I play in Tikariot! It's a whole different world over there! I bet your Rushmori geography knowledge isn't as good as mine is now. What's the capital of Nyowani Kitara, for example?" Martine teased.

"That's bait and you know it." Tyson replied. "But I'll humour your original request. Krytenia, as you know, sits just south of us, over what we call the Mertian Mountains, and they probably call the Mercian Mountains, but I'm unsure on that. Ask a linguist for that one, as it's an interesting quirk - a bit like how they call the Bekk the Beck. The Kryties, like all the Bekkside nations, were instrumental in helping Mertagne during its days as the Calanian Union, and were one of our few trading partners during the Insulation. For more on that, ask a historian. Are we on good terms with them? I'd say definitely; you find Krytenians in all walks of life across Mertagne, and you'd be silly to deny the impact that Krytenian culture has had on the nation. Ask anyone that rides a bike for more on that."

"I haven't actually met many Krytenians. I grew up on Horsehead Island and I think the surrounding marsh was a bit too damp for them." laughed Martine.

"I don't know, they've made it all the way to Dannin, and that's a bit marshy. There's a fantastic curry house not too far from Spectrum Stadium that's run by a squad of Krytenians - it's called Vindaloo Beast."

Hemmingway interjected. "I bet you've destroyed a few of them in your time!"

"Only after a few lagers." Tyson replied with a wink.

[Legalese]

Cyrus wasn’t sure how he ended up here, but it happened nonetheless. Life tends to happen that way. The beating heart of Legalese’s World Cup 70 run, one of the top ten players in the world, then into a quiet retirement, until his heart -- always, like his play, slightly off-beat -- gave out. Normally that was it, but not for him.

He accepted the invitation.

---

“Where are we?”

“Krytenia, looks like Avidia, their old capital. Appears to be the right time and place, provided it’s the right universe.”

“How do you figure?”

His colleague pointed at the sky blue banner hanging over the street, and the three words it contained.

“This is CAFA. Okay, good call. Remind me again what we should be looking for?”

“Any anomalies in the time, the place, or the people that might explain the problem. If you see a team that looks out of place, some oddity of Legalite history, perhaps -- that would confirm the theory that the break is happening around our people. Let’s see what we can find.”

“How about them?”

Lucien looked to where his colleague was pointing -- a collection of tents in the lot just outside the pitch. The flag raised was black, with a deep red cross. He blinked for a moment, confirming that it was not the red sash-and-sword version that he was familiar with.

“Well, that was strange. Did you have a medieval realm of that sort in your history stream? That’s definitely not in mine.”

“It’s not ours either. Are we sure they are Legalites?”

Lucien pointed to the banner over the tent. “‘Squires of the Realm, for the Glory of Legalese.’ I’d take that as a hint, yes.”

He took a deep breath. “Let’s just make sure that this isn’t really the Competition for Ancient Fighting Arts.”

[The Karodin Tetrarchy]

Alar Morvan had gone for a wander.

His father, Donasian, and mother, Paolina, had a modest farm on the edges of the territory ruled by the city of Nevezant, one of the four cities that makes up the Karodin Tetrarchy. Most days, when he returned from school, Alar would play with their dog, or he would help his father with some of the smaller animals. Not today though. Today, he would explore.

The city of Nevezant, and the farmlands that surrounded it, bordered onto what was known to Karodinians as Argouez. It was a name that imparted much fear into children when their parents told them bedtime stories. It implied a wild land, filled with threatening creatures and, in some stories, devils that would come in the night to steal away naughty children. Alar wasn’t sure if he believed it any more: he was eight after all. A big boy now.

So he wandered.

He snuck off while his father and mother were debating over whether one of the boars had to be slaughtered. He wandered through the fields, eventually reaching the dense clutch of conifers that marked the boundary of the Morvans’ land, and the Argouez. He kept walking, keeping a steady pace while avoiding the wild boar that he knew occasionally ran through here. He would occasionally step on a twig and stop, very still, to avoid detection.

Eventually, he saw a clearing ahead of him. A break in the trees, and the dying embers of sunlight poking through. As he emerged, he saw a small group of wooden buildings ahead of him. They looked deserted, and above them fluttered a slightly tattered flag of mostly green, with nine stars of different colours emblazoned across the middle.

This was exciting. Alar Morvan had found something very cool indeed.

[Saltstead]

CAFA Electric Boogaloo Group D Preview

Pyazhnaya
Claim to Fame: Current Baptism of Fire holders
Last CAFA: Quarterfinalists
Saltstead’s polar opposite in virtually every way. An attacking team from a frosty country clawing out of a dictatorship that cloaked itself in the peoples’ garb. World Cup qualification was very unkind to them, with not even a Cup of Harmony berth to show for it. That’s exactly why we’re wagering that CAFA will be an improvement for them.
Prediction: Second

Saltstead
Claim to Fame: Eternal SPAWK holders
Last CAFA: Semifinalists
Generally only good things have happened to Saltstead since joining CAFA, like beating the confederation’s first two WCC tournament winners back-to-back in the inaugural Anaian championship. However, the National Eleven were very lucky at certain points and losing to a boat and choking at the Cup of Harmony don’t inspire confidence for CAFA’s inaugural sequel.
Prediction: Fourth

Atheara
Claim to Fame: Unluckiest team in WCQ88
Last CAFA: Did not participate
New kids on the Anaian block, they are more than overdue for some good news. CAFA membership has been a great boon for them, though, as they went from a dispiriting ninth place finish in World Cup 88 qualification to nearly denying Drawkland a spot in the World Cup 89 playoffs. Things are looking up for the frosty nation and this CAFA Cup should be very kind to them.
Prediction: First

Mertagne
Claim to Fame: GREEN
Last CAFA: Group eliminee (fifth place)
It’s hard to know what to make of Mertagne. Last CAFA was a total disaster, but World Cup qualification inspired boatloads of confidence. That didn’t carry over to the Cup of Harmony, but what did to be fair? We’re torn between automatic advancement and automatic elimination, so we just have to split the difference on this one.
Prediction: Third

[Huayramarca]

Avidia, Krytenia. Prior to MD 1 of CAFA 2’s Boogaloo.

“So, are you ready for this!” said Julián Choque to a multitude of approximately 10,000 Huayramarcans gathered outside the Sixways Stadium, to his disappointment, nobody replied at first instance, then he tried again and no one answered. Julián was trying to finish with silence among Huayramarcan fans at stadiums, he was trying to create a group of organized fans, a Barra Brava that could turn Huayramarca’s matches into a party, but he needed something to catch up attention, but what it’d be?

Then, he remembered a random meme he saw on internet involving the Huayramarcan Armed Forces, he tried to look for the star of that meme and walked among the fans, he then found what he wanted, a fire-spitting alpaca that one street vendor had to sell alpaca milk, he drank a glass of it and took the llama, then took a mount and a weapon with some speakers, enough to grab attention from everybody near the Stadium.

He took a microphone and chanted ”¡Dale, dale, dale Huayramarca, dale!” while jumping. People saw the alpaca and Julián jumping, the people reminded the meme and started to chant and also taking pictures to the beautiful alpaca. People decided to keep singing other songs like ”La banda más loca de Anaia está acá” (the craziest fans of Anaia are here) and ”Where are the Legalites? I can’t spot anyone of them sticky songs that kept the fans chanting for two hours prior the match against Legalese, one that would be one of the first kick-offs of the CAFA 2 Boogaloo, although this is a special boogaloo for Huayramarcan fans, specially Julián, as everybody there was witnessing the birth of a new barra brava, or hooligan group, “La Banda de la Alpaca”

[Krytenia]

Krytenia's Tercentennial Kits: A Primer

HOME

Krytenia's home shirt, in traditional sky blue and white, evokes the team's long past with a sublimated pattern of the three logos used by the KFA down the years.

AWAY

Designed by renowned graphic artist Humphrey Melton, the away kit uses simple but dynamic geometry to provide a unique take on Krytenia's traditional away colours.

THIRD

A subversive take on a design classic. The gradient stripe kit that Krytenia wore during their successful AOCAF Cup 52 campaign is reimagined into the Dragons' first-ever primarily black kit.

[Savigliane]

FANS' VOICE: AUGUSTO RINALDI

When i cigni line up for the opening match of CAFA 2, they'll be greeted with a very familiar face: new Flavovespia manager Augusto Rinaldi, who was Nazionale Acqui Bollente's manager as recently as three weeks ago. What do Saviglianos think of one of the most well-known managers out there?

Nazionale fan JULIANA ARNAUDO, 35, from Acqui Bollente, is impressed by Flavovespia's judgment: "I hate that he's leaving so soon, but props to the Hornets for getting their guy. He's a great fit for the kind of football they like and I'm sure he'll take them to the World Cup - might be some convenient growing pains MD1 though, heh."

KEVIN REYNAUD, 26, of Trinité, is not as impressed. "Yeah, they won the title, but he's got like one good season in SavigLega ever. And what's with all his players trying to leave every window? Toxic work environment. Bet we can get some Savigliano passports into their locker room after a few months."

NATALIA ZUCCO, 40, of Castiglione agrees, for...different reasons. "How could he take a job with those foreigners when our Swans are doing so poorly? I mean, where's the loyalty with this guy? We need to get that fuck Tlanx out before they do any more damage and get ourselves a proper Savigliano manager to turn things around!"

Finally, HALO TLANXADO, 66, in a clearly fake Italian accent, suggested that "Augusto will be a worthy opponent for our team. We- uh, I heard the FA was looking at him as a possible assistant manager even before Nazionale won the league, but unfortunately he wanted to run his own team. Also, Natalia Zucco is very wrong." We tried to ask a follow-up question to Halo, but by then they were no longer available for comment.

[Krytenia]

It's gonna take more than one margarita to drown your sorrows if you lose.

[Krytenia]

Matchday One Scores

Group A
Krytenia 3–2 The Karodin Tetrarchy
Legalese 1–2 Huayramarca

Group A                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Huayramarca                        1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
  Krytenia                           1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    3
3 Legalese                           1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
  The Karodin Tetrarchy              1   0  0  1    2   3  −1    0

Group B
Sienna Archipelago 1–4 Iskandervale
Ko-oren 4–0 Mont Vert

Group B                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                            1   1  0  0    4   0  +4    3
2 Iskandervale                       1   1  0  0    4   1  +3    3
3 Sienna Archipelago                 1   0  0  1    1   4  −3    0
4 Mont Vert                          1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

Group C
Savigliane 3–4 Flavovespia
Audioslavia 4–0 Aleirave

Group C                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Audioslavia                        1   1  0  0    4   0  +4    3
2 Flavovespia                        1   1  0  0    4   3  +1    3
3 Savigliane                         1   0  0  1    3   4  −1    0
4 Aleirave                           1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

Group D
Pyazhnaya 1–1 Mertagne
Saltstead 1–0 Atheara

Group D                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Saltstead                          1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
2 Mertagne                           1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Pyazhnaya                          1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Atheara                            1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group E
Aut-Ves-Nat 2–0 Ginadjkrum
Independent Athletes from Quebec 4–2 Chromatika

Group E                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Aut-Ves-Nat                        1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
  Independent Athletes from Quebec   1   1  0  0    4   2  +2    3
3 Chromatika                         1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0
  Ginadjkrum                         1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group F
Yesopalitha 1–5 Ochre Islands
Starblaydia 3–0 Murderbum

Group F                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ochre Islands                      1   1  0  0    5   1  +4    3
2 Starblaydia                        1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
3 Murderbum                          1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
4 Yesopalitha                        1   0  0  1    1   5  −4    0

[Audioslavia]

Marc winced at the loudhailer. A young, rosy-cheeked man tried and failed to look like he was comfortable standing up in front of a stadium crowd. The crowd seemed to collectively squirm as they realised what was coming.
“I!” shouted the rosy man.
“I” repeated the crowd.
“I BELIEVE!” shouted the man, which the crowd repeated
“I BELIEVE THAT” shouted the man, the loudhailer protesting the proximity of its speak-hole to that of the rosy man through a pained shriek. Most of the Audioslavians repeating the chant back at him also added the squeak. The rosy man seemed slightly put off by this.
“I BELIEVE THAT IT!” shouted the man.
“I BELIEVE THAT… IT?” repeated the crowd, confused. This wasn’t how this chant usually went. The rosy man started to panic, simply saying the first thing to come into his head.
“I BELIEVE THAT… IT.. WAS”
“I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS”
“I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS... THE”
“I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS THE?”
“I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS THE LATE..”

--

Tefei'o Tesuna’e would ordinarily be paying close attention to one of Audioslavia’s big centre halves when lining up for a corner kick. He’d kept him quiet so far, though with his side already three goals down, the same couldn’t be said for his team-mates and their own respective opposite numbers. On this occasion, however, his attentions were turned towards the crowd behind the goal, and an Audioslavian who appeared to be using a common (and cringeworthy) call-and-response chant to tell an impromptu story about a horse.

“I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS THE LATE ISRAEL KLIMT THAT FIRST TOLD ME THE STORY OF THE HORSE THAT FROLICKED SO GAILY AMID THE FIELDS AND THEN HE SAW A GOAT AND”
“I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS...”

Archer Flat met the cross unmarked.

[Iskandervale]

It was a hard life, Marat Saysyan reflected, being Chairman of the Iskandervale FA. He'd been an actual player, once, so had come in with few transferrable skills. Learning how to go to fundraisers, tie ties, graft and embezzle... all that, he'd had to learn on the job.
The busiest time of the year was the regional tournament. Iskandervale had three or maybe even four competitive games in that time. Whew! He was flat-out.
He'd just been on the golf course. The full eighteen holes, of course. Training more rigorous than he'd done in his semi-pro days. He had to be ready, after all, to take on other suits and explain precisely in what way a little offshoot of Nephara's ancient desire to have access to the noble plantain was contributing to the Anaian landscape. There was pressure to do things like set up a professional league. Professional! Full-time! That would cost money, and might even require him to stop skimming cash off the top!
"It's simple, Marnie," he told his secretary on the way back to the office.
"My name's Melody."
"Well, if you insist. It's simple, m'lady. We're getting treated like a full member, but that's coming with expectations that just aren't fair or reasonable." He put his feet on the desk and flicked the remote's power switch for the small television on the wall, forgetting it was one of those which needed to be turned on at the back. Dutifully, Melody turned on the screen.
"See, look," Saysyan saidsyan, gesturing at the picture as it faded in. "4-1, we're losing! How are we meant to compete with the Ko-orens in this world?"
Melody squinted. "Winning, sir."
"Uh?"
"We're winning. Sir."
Saysyan leaned in closer, and squinted, finding it hard to believe his eyes. "Huh. So we are."

[Ochre Islands]

'So the question of the day – why?'

The Prime Minister had every right to ask that. An almost entire team defecting from the homeland to what was still seen as a backwater territory (Ochre politicians excelled at keeping Bostopia from the truth) was a brave move, though it risked Bostopia taking a closer look than anyone would like.

'The situation at home is becoming... unstable, if I'm being honest.' Cabinet ministers in attendance exchanged glances. 'The Emperor's losing support of the military, and fast.' That was a shock. 'The military?' Ginsley asked, unable to conceal her surprise. 'But they've been his most steadfast supporters for- well, ever!' 'And therein lies the danger. I hear enough in passing – being 'just' a rugby player to that lot does help that. Though, I don't think the military know what they're doing; on a consequences rather than logistical level.'

'I just don't understand it' Lucy sighed, removing her glasses and rubbing her temples, only stopping to watch Doctor Louisa Hope walk into the room. 'The Bostopian military, Doctor, is seemingly planning a coup.'

Professor Hope sat down, immediately commanding the respect of the room without a word. Despite there being free and fair elections, the people who initially made the mass migration possible still held a lot of sway. 'Not a great surprise. The Emperor's liberalising, or trying to, which the population don't trust and the military aren't expecting so they think he's acting erratically.'

Ginsley looked at the unnamed rugby player who nodded sagely, then leaned casually against the nearest wall. 'The problem is' he said 'that the Emperor is like the glue that comes with a modelling kit. It stinks, but it holds the pieces together pretty well. Though, once you try and prise the glue away... you risk snapping the pieces.'