CAFA Cup III: This Time It's Regional [IC]

by **Savigliane** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 8:33 pm

CAFA 3: SAVIGLIANE
thank you to Starblaydia for making the logo.

Welcome to Savigliane for the third edition of the CAFA Cup! Thirty sides will travel to Northeastern Anaia, but only one may claim the region’s premier football trophy. Does your nation have what it takes to join Aut-Ves-Nat and Ochre Islands atop the pantheon?

Rosters Thread • Host Bid • CAFA 2 (Krytenia)

GROUPS

GROUP A (Acqui Bollente)

Kotzellach
StrayaRoos
Savigliane
Mertagne
Krytenia

GROUP B (Acqui Bollente)

Grande Cucina
Ko-oren
Audioslavia
Cheboa
Chromatika

GROUP C (Vecchio)

Flavovespia
Cocoabo Forest
Aleirave
Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land
Yesopalitha

GROUP D (Villeneuve)

Iskandervale
Non-Violent Milchama
Xuois
Legalese
Huayramarca

GROUP E (Villeneuve)

Pyazhnaya
Estorvipa and Estorpiva
The Karodin Tetrarchy
Saltstead
Osarius

GROUP F (Côte Sud)

Starblaydia
Evermark
Cobrio
Ochre Islands
Mont Vert

SCHEDULE

All group draft deadlines will occur at 12:30 PM Pacific Standard Time.
All cutoffs will occur between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Click here to see what 10:30 AM Pacific Standard Time is in your timezone.
Tuesday, March 8: Pot 4 Group Draft Begins
Wednesday, March 9: Pot 4 Group Draft Deadline; Pot 3 Group Draft Begins
Thursday, March 10: Pot 3 Group Draft Deadline; Pot 2 Group Draft Begins
Friday, March 11: Pot 2 Group Draft Deadline; Pot 1 Group Draft Begins
Saturday, March 12: Pot 1 Group Draft Deadline; Full Group Draw Posted
Tuesday, March 15: Group Stage MD1 (2v5, 3v4, 1 bye)
Thursday, March 17: Group Stage MD2 (5v1, 3v2, 4 bye)
Saturday, March 19: Group Stage MD3 (1v4, 5v3, 2 bye)
Monday, March 21: Group Stage MD4 (3v1, 2v4, 5 bye)
Wednesday, March 23: Group Stage MD5 (1v2, 4v5, 3 bye)
Friday, March 25: Ro16
Sunday, March 27: Quarterfinals
Tuesday, March 29: Semifinals
Wednesday, March 30: Third Place Playoff
Thursday, March 31: Final

ROLEPLAYING INFORMATION

A target word count between 300 and 400 will be randomly generated via random.org and posted each day. RPs that meet this count exactly, as judged by wordcounter.com, will receive an additional 15% bonus; RPs that fall within 50 words of the count will receive an additional 10% bonus. The target word count for MD1 will be 383.

Please make sure to check your opponents’ RP permissions (located within the roster thread) before roleplaying your matches against them. If you have not provided RP permissions and would like to, a sample RP permission box is copied below. Additionally, the following RP Permissions apply to the host country: no RPing any pandemic or effects of a pandemic, terrorism, stadium collapses, or other tragedies in Savigliane without receiving explicit permission from a host. Failure to follow these permissions may affect your RP bonus.

Code: Select all: [box][b]If my opponent RPs our match first, I give them permission to:[/b] Godmod scoring events: Y/N RP Injuries to my players: Y/N Godmod injuries to my players: Y/N Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y/N Hand out red cards to my players: Y/N Godmod other events: Y/N I prefer you pick these goalscorers for my side: [/box]

by **Savigliane** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 8:34 pm

benvenuto in Savigliana / bienvenue en Savigliane!

Savigliane, known as La Repubblica Savigliana or La République de Savigliane locally, is a small French-Italian republic located in north-eastern Anaia. Bordered to the west by Grande Cucina, to the south by Kotzellach, to the east by Yesopalitha, and to the north by the Grinshem Sea, the nation is most known for the 2017 Savigliano Portal Event that violently transported the entire country from an alternate reality into the NSS world. In the decade since, the entire nation has worked diligently to solve the ensuing mental health and refugee crises and integrate Savigliane into regional trade and governance, culminating in the successful bid to host CAFA 3 and truly re-establish the Republic as a force to be reckoned with on the regional stage.

FAST FACTS

Currency: Lira
Population: 8.7 million
Langauges: Italian, French
Capitals: Acqui Bollente (exe., jud.), Villeneuve (leg.)
Religion: none official; Catholicism most common
Denonym: Savigliano
Climate (summer): dry and sunny; mild on the coast, hotter inland
Trigram: SVG
Driving Side: Right

Savigliane's modern-day territory was historically occupied by two different states: the Francophone county of Ligurie and the Italophone duchy of Savigliane. The two entities were merged in the early twentieth century to serve as a buffer state between its powerful European neighbors, which served to define much of its historical presence. Savigliane has also historically been defined by tensions between the wealthier Francophone minority and the poorer Italophone majority. While internal migration has become more common in recent years, there remains a significant distance between the two communities, leading to political gridlock, internal suspicion and parochialism, and a lack of national cohesion. Recently, the ascendancy of a populist leftist Italophone party to power triggered some Francophone areas to declare independence as the state of Ligurie Libre, although this declaration has not been particularly popular internally or externally. Politically, Savigliane is a unitary parliamentary republic. As defined in a 1952 agreement, it is notable for its two capitals - Acqui Bollente, located on an inland plateau amongst its eponymous hot springs, serves as the capital of the nation's judicial branch, while the coastal Villeneuve serves as the capital of the legislative branch. Each newly-elected prime minister can then select between the two cities where they will base their executive branch; current PM Alberto Caccini was the first in over twenty years to select Acqui Bollente as his base of operations.

Savigliane can roughly be divided into two sections - a Francophone region to the southeast, mostly comprised of coast and farmland, as well as an Italophone region to the north and west, a more mountainous, significantly larger, but less densely populated region where the nation's substantial copper and iron deposits are located. However, the northwest does have a coast of its own, in the north of the country, and the Mercantores do extend slightly into Ligurie. Overall, the combination of coast, mountains, forests, and plains make Savigliane very geographically diverse. The climate is generally Mediterranean on the coasts and drier and more extreme in the mountains, although the weather should be generally warm and sunny during the hosting of CAFA 3. The former county of Ligurie consists of the provinces Villeneuve (which will host Groups D and E) and Trinité (which will host Group F), while the latter consists of Acqui Bollente (A & B), Vecchio (C), and Aradcine. The current population of the Italophone provinces is 4.8 million, compared to 3.9 million in the other provinces. However, decreasing parochialism has led to significantly more migration and mixing between the two demographics.

The main exports from Savigliane are information technology from the cities, processed gems, metals and lumber from the Mercantores range, and food (especially grains from the provinces of Vecchio and Aradcine). There have been significant efforts in the past decade to integrate the Savigliano economy into that of Anaia after the Portal Event, and as a result, the nation is relatively diverse considering its short time spent in the region. Combined with a nation that was already well-developed and a populace that was already accustomed to dealing with foreigners, Savigliane should have no problems welcoming a broad array of visitors to its shores. Public transportation is very common and accessible, Villeneuve has a significant international airport with bullet train connections to most other major cities, and plenty of lodgings and facilities will be available to visiting fans.

Site 1: Acqui Bollente [GROUPS A + B]

Acqui Bollente is the judicial and, under Prime Minister Alberto Caccini, the legislative capital of Savigliane. Located on a central plateau near the foothills of the Mercantores mountains, and known for its famous hot springs that tourists flock to in the wintertime, the city has rapidly grown as a technological and political center in recent years. Bask in the luxurious hot springs, ride on one of the famous trolleys, take in the burgeoning museum scene, or enjoy the slightly rough-edged nightlife in Savigliane’s cultural center.

Arena San Agnello, Acqui Bollente - will host the first-listed match for groups A and B

Located across the city to the northwest, Arena San Agnello is close to the city’s eponymous hot springs and its political center, and the historic stadium forms part of Acqui Bollente’s cultural heart. ASA, as its often called locally, houses a resurgent Nazionale Acqui Bollente side. While they haven’t quite managed to develop the brand that ACAB has since Savigliane’s arrival in Anaia, their fans are some of the most loyal in the league, and they’ve finally been rewarded as of late with first- and second-place finishes in the past two SavigLega seasons.

Stadio del Piero, Acqui Bollente - will host the second-listed match for groups A and B

Stadio del Piero is the home of historical heavyweights AC Acqui Bollente, and while other stadia may hold more fans, it is undeniably the nation’s biggest stage. del Piero has staunchly utilitarian roots in the city’s industrial eastern side, where it was originally built to better cater to its working-class fans. Of course, the winds of market capitalism have turned the surrounding neighborhood into a playground for tech corporations and significantly renovated the stadium itself. Still, the stadium, named after legendary club chairman Niccolo del Piero, remains Savigliane’s footballing epicenter, hosting all national-team matches and the cup finals.

Site 2: Vecchio [GROUP C]

The western heartland of Italophone Savigliane can generally be divided into the cosmopolitan coast and the fiercely parochial inland regions. The historic port city of Porto Vecchio, where football allegedly first landed on Savigliano shores, falls into the former, but just seventy miles (or a forty-minute train ride) to the south, San Ludovico falls into the latter camp. The region harbors a thriving agricultural industry, earning it the nickname “Il Granaio”, or the granary. More recently, it’s gained infamy as the headquarters for far-right party Piano di Dios and their Swans captain-turned-PM candidate Bianca Fiore. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that this region of Savigliane absolutely lives and breathes football - and if you read past the headlines, the legendary culinary culture and the beautiful natural sights will make you fall in love.

Stadio del Mare, Porto Vecchio - will host the first-listed match for group C

Legend says that Stadio del Mare is built on the same site where a young Caledonian merchant first taught local sailors to play the game of football on Savigliane’s northern coast. The stadium itself is built next to Porto Vecchio’s illustrious marina, in the swankier sections of the city, making the origin story certainly believable. Whether it’s true or not, the local fans, who are absolute diehards for Porto Vecchio, certainly seem to believe it. When not at the del Mare, visitors may enjoy a relaxing day on the beaches to the west of the city or visit the famous fish markets for fresh-caught seafood.

Stadio di Coure, San Ludovico - will host the second-listed match for group C

Located in the center of Savigliane’s breadbasket, San Ludovico is best known (aside from current events) for being the culinary heart of the nation. A massive grower of wheat, maker of pasta, and grower of wine grapes, the region eschews the fine dining of Villeneuve for some of the best homestyle cooking in this corner of Anaia (which is difficult to back up when you’re next to Grande Cucina, but they manage to). More relevantly, Stadio di Coure was also the site where underdogs San Ludovico made a miracle run to the LBCT semifinals, eventually falling to Siovanijan side VfL Reinbronn. Perhaps visiting San Ludovico will empower your team to follow in their footsteps?

Site 3: Villeneuve [GROUPS D + E]

Savigliane’s other capital has flown under the radar in recent years but remains the transportation, financial, and legislative center of Savigliane. Located on the eastern coast of the nation and at the heart of the Francophone region of Ligurie, Villeneuve has somewhat unfairly gained a reputation as overly swanky and shallowly materialistic. While it’s true that many of them are being paved over for skyscrapers, there remain a significant amount of historical neighborhoods and cultural artifacts in the cultural center. Sail down or walk alongside the Béant River that perfectly bifurcates the city, take in the burgeoning art and music scenes, and enjoy the finest that the big-city lifestyle has to offer.

Stade National, Villeneuve - will host the first-listed match for groups D and E

Located a twenty-minute walk from the Financial District but in the far north of the city, Stade National has a reputation for being somewhat difficult to access for the common citizen but offers an unparalleled matchday experience for those who can afford it. Surrounded by lush public parks, the metal dome of le National is one of the most picturesque sights in the nation’s second capital. Being two bus rides and a subway from the city center is just a small price to pay for such luxuries.

Stade des Citoyens, Villeneuve - will host the second-listed match for groups D and E

Stade des Citoyens, located on the eastern bank of the Beant River, is the newest of all stadia that will host matches this CAFA, and thanks to sizable investments from Villeneuve NSC’s billionaire owner Joël Bonmaison, is the largest (by capacity) stadium in all of Savigliane. Sure, critics may say it was “built over a historic neighborhood” or “paid for with illicit city slush funds”, but you can’t deny that it’s the most modern and visually appealing stadium in the nation, with its shimmering glass facades and retractable roof.

Site 4: Côte Sud [GROUP F]

The South Coast of Ligurie is the first place where football arrived in the Francophone region of Savigliane, brought by enterprising foreign sailors to the Côte Sud. Trinité and L’Escarene, the two biggest cities on the coast, are separated by mere miles - L’Escarene at the mouth of the River Beant, Trinité more inland on the river delta. They share an industrial history, an affinity for the water, and a love of fast-paced, counterattacking football. Visitors to the southeastern coast will enjoy the dry, warm summers on the seashore, with the islands off the coast of L’Escarene particular popular amongst holiday-goers.

Parc Océanique, Trinité - will host the first-listed match for group F

Sitting on a historically important chokepoint in the Beant River delta, Trinité has historically been Savigliane’s “third city”, although there’s quite a gap after Acqui Bollente and Villeneuve. The city itself has an industrial past - the locals’ club of choice is Stade-Ferre Trinité, literally named after the steelworkers who founded it - but is beginning to evolve and find greener pastures in the tech industry. While “Océanique” is a bit of a misnomer, the city’s biggest football stadium is undeniably well-placed at the edge of the river, and its modern architecture and easy accessibility (Trinité has notoriously good public transit for its size) make it one of the better stadia for fans to visit.

Stade Auguste Rys, L’Escarene - will host the second-listed match for group F

Named after an early eighteenth-century admiral who’s considered one of the most influential figures in Ligurean history, Stade Auguste Rys sits nearby L’Escarene’s famous white sand beaches and adjacent to the historical shipyards. L’Escarene’s status as a port city makes it surprisingly cosmopolitan for its size, with Anaian immigrant communities already beginning to pop up despite Savigliane’s short period of time in this reality. While the city is historically known as a shipyard and as a base of Ligurie’s naval power, it is this melting-pot status and cultural significance, in addition to the beaches, that make it relevant in today’s Savigliane.

by **Evermark** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 9:53 pm

"Spurning planes, the Seekers opted to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers, sailing to Savigliane to contest the CAFA. The organisers were sceptical about the seaworthiness of their galleon, and so at great expense a cruiser was hired..."

"... meeting with the team of officials went interestingly. They were received as honoured guests, presented with the traditional gift of a sacrificially slaughtered chicken, its blood still slick on 'Perilous' Sapphire's hands as she offered a handshake..."

"... left bemused at many responses. Told the Laws of the Game left no room for the bearing of jewellery, questions were raised. 'Fixed-wing' Caspar wished to know how they were expected to attract the favour of the Gods without their assorted fetishes. 'Rascal' Annika wished to know how they were to strangle their opponents without talismans to grab in passing..."

"... yet the most awkward moment of all came towards the end of the meeting, when the officials began to mention 'VAR'. Mass hysteria and hissing, and clenching of teeth. We considered intervention until 'Torches' Kessler stepped forward and informed the officials something we did not know ourselves; the word 'var' in Evermark indicates a belief the person they are speaking to is untrustworthy. We knew instantly that this is among the most vicious insults in Evermarker culture, and stepped forward to beg the officials make amends..."

"... while the Evermarkers may seem standoffish to some, undeniably touchy and quick to anger, they are also capable of great generosity. Not once in our time have we been made to feel unwelcome, or as intruders. We have shared in the mulled wine and the charred chicken that serve as the feast on the day before the match, invited to share our own stories, though they only ever seem interested in those relating to sport..."

"... may seem at times to be alien, but on the eve of the game, the Evermarkers have been breathless with anticipation. The palpable tension serves as a strong reminder of the essential humanity of these strange, cultish people, and I find myself hoping that they can achieve what they refer to as 'The Result' on the morrow..."

Selected excerpts from...
Alaves, J., Graant, M & Roberts, O. L. (WC90.5.) Rites to riches: the Evermarker journey to conventional sport. Panarii Institute Report, 27(4), 16-40.

by **Cheboa** » Sun Mar 13, 2022 2:56 pm

For as long as anyone could remember, the two kingdoms had always existed in a constant state of war, followed by rebuilding and recovering the forces, nurturing the wounds torn by the endless fighting, only for war to break out and dominate the kingdoms yet again. The war knew only losers, as any do; no matter who ended up winning this particular battle, it all did not mean much of anything, and the winning faction, just as the defeated one, would be reduced to all but rubble. Both sides would have to face terrible casualties each and every time around.
Only two men always remained, they never changed; Eisenmann, king of the white kingdom, and Egon, king of the black kingdom, never ended up as casualties. Whenever it looked like they might fall in battle, victory was declared instead.
Both kings frequently lost their queens in battle, and often lost one or both of their loyal bishops; the knights, despite all armour, had a poor survival rate as well. The rooks had some of the better chances, unmoving pieces of stone as they are, but even they were destroyed most of the time. The disinterest civilians, the pawns, sometimes managed to avoid the fighting at the edges of the battlefield, but fell more often then not.
The Kings cared not for any of them. Their only desire was to break each other, to bring on another fearless attack on the enemy monarch. The cycle perpetuated, with battle after battle. Sometimes the white kingdom had to surrender, sometimes, the black kingdom did. In a few notable occasions, both kingdoms had to endure such painful losses that neither could even claim to win the battle at all.
Egon and Eisenmann, the two monarchs of the kingdoms, watched faces and names of their servants change frequently. For them, they were but dust in the storm, merely tools to accomplish their goals. They did not care for their screams. No one thought this dynamic would ever change; the monarchs seemed to dead-locked into their pointless wars, to the point where the end goal of obtaining full control over the entire nation was clearly unobtainable, and yet still pursued by them both. Would anything ever be able to change? Would the wars end eventually, after all the suffering?

by **Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land** » Sun Mar 13, 2022 10:56 pm

“God, do you remember that striker from Yesopalitha?”

“Certainly.”

“Yeah, she was—wait, no, are you talking about Certani?” She laughed. “No, not that one. Qhesserris.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“No, it’s okay!” She tried to fight it, but her face betrayed a grin. “I know she draws a lot of guys’ attention. But honestly, it wasn’t just guys, you know? Truth is, she—she was the one. She was the one who made me realize, you know, maybe I’m not a princess looking for a prince. Maybe I’m looking for another princess.”

“What do you mean?”

“What do I mean? I mean she was my first crush.” She laughed. “She was my queer awakening, Eva.” It was so freeing saying the words out loud, not having to beat around the bush. She’d confided in her about her sexuality practically as long as he knew Eva—since she spotted the pride flag hanging in their dorm—but it was the first time she told Eva about Qhesserris. “But come on, you know that.” She laughed again, and playfully hit Eva’s shoulder. “Might I remind you, you’re queer as fuck.”

“Queer? What’s that?”

“Come on, what are you, five?”

They held up four fingers. “No, I’m this many.”

“Ah, stop it.” She laughed. It felt so good to just joke around and not have to worry about everything for once.

Her other friend walked in the room. “Quick,” she called, “how long ago was it that we were in preschool?”

"Time is a construct," he replied. Jokingly?

"Aw, come on," she responded, unsure of how to react.

He looked directly into his friend's eyes. There could be no uncertainty now. Or perhaps nothing was certain—even now itself. "Time is an illusion."

“What?” She chuckled, nervously, before it hit her. “Wait.” An acute sense of déjà vu overpowered her. “I’ve heard those words before.” A sense of—dread? “I’ve lived this moment before.” But something was different now. Was it—did the air feel different now?

She locked eyes with him. She had never been as serious in her life. “Where am I, Evan?”

She needed to hear reassurance. Her eyes pleaded with him. Her eyes were desperate. But he could only return her intense gaze with a soft look of pity. He knew the truth. They both knew.

“When are you, Lena.”

by **Mertagne** » Mon Mar 14, 2022 8:08 am

THIRD CAFA CUP BEGINS AS MERTAGNE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Ázëwyn Fëanáro set to Rekindle Mertagnian Passion

Starblaydi Elf Ázëwyn Fëanáro will be looking to prove her commitment to Mertagne with a strong result from this CAFA Cup.
Photographed by "Ambir Dyson", Starblaydia

Acqui Bollente, SAVIGLIANE-- A replenished Mertagnian side is looking to capitalise on new appointment Ázëwyn Fëanáro of Starblaydia, as Mertagne take on hosts Savigliane at Acqui Bollente's Stadio del Piero. All eyes will be on the Mertagnian team in their first game under Fëanáro's command, and much scrutiny has been poured towards the side, after a middling Cup of Harmony campaign in which Mertagne's last international game is against the same opponents they find themselves facing in the first matchday of CAFA 3. When asked how she would face down Savigliane, Ázëwyn Fëanáro in a press conference stated she was "Ready for anything", and that she would "work with the current team in order to get the best out of them before considering any large-scale changes". Fëanáro's conservative touch so far is one that has been lauded by die-hard national team fans, but many others have been disappointed by the recent performance of the team under the eyes of assistant manager Kristie Ettrick, and have been hoping for large, sweeping changes to emulate some of the Starblaydi success that Fëanáro has created for Starblaydia.

Currently, the squad retain their 2-3-5 formation from the 82nd Cup of Harmony, a holdover from Ettrick and even former manager Tyrrel Gulliver that shifted the squad to a leaner, more attack-focused configuration that was sadly let down by a weak defence and a lack of opportunity to drive the ball into the attacking third in the first place. Reports from the Mertagnian nation team's training camp at the Cop Limy claim that much work has been put in from team coaches as well as management staff to shore up the midfield of the team, and ensure that they can effectively deliver the ball to one of their 5 targets at the front of the pitch. Fëanáro has been the lynchpin of this tactical shift, and midfield starters such as De La Fontaine, Aziz, and Emberson will have their work cut out for them as they settle into a more pivotal role under the new tactical regime.

by **Flavovespia** » Mon Mar 14, 2022 1:26 pm

It had gone to penalties again. And then sudden death penalties. And for David Blythe, the ninth penalty take for Flavovespia, it was his miss, wide to his left that eliminated Flavovespia from the Cup of Harmony. They had held Starblaydia to a goalless draw for 120 minutes, but were eliminated in such a heartbreaking manner.

What had happened in the Cup of Harmony 82, and previously, World Cup Qualifiers 90, was now history. It was time to look forward to the CAFA Cup 3. This time, Savigliane would be the host nation. A nation that Flavovespians are certainly more familiar with now, not just because of previous encounters, but because it is the home nation of their manager, Augusto Rinaldi. Whether or not that will help Flavovespia remains to be seen, but Augusto Rinaldi would surely have enjoyed the familiar sights as the team set up their base near Vecchio.

The CAFA Cup 3 is seen by some nations as a chance to adjust and try out new players ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers 91. For Flavovespia, they’ve still sent a strong squad, but with some changes. The stunning success of Garden City in the Super League means debut call ups for Vivek Soni and Sachin Gupta. Robin King also gets his first call up, as he gets linked to bigger sides, and Thomas Foley remains an uncapped player in the squad.

Of course, as the new comes in, the old must make way. With the rise of Jonathan Bagshaw, it could well be the time that Steven Hall, the legend that he is for the nation, slowly begin to wind down his international career. Tony Gardner and Scott Coleman as well aren’t getting any younger, although the former played very well in the Cup of Harmony 82. Whilst nobody will outright say it, there’s a sense this tournament could be used to look to the future.

Flavovespia’s group contains Yesopalitha, Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land, Aleirave and Cocoabo Forest. They’ve got a first Matchday bye, and will play all games at Stadio del Mare, Porto Vecchio. All four opponents are new to Flavovespia, but after the third place success of CAFA2, and their Pot 1 status, Flavovespian fans will hope their side can go far again this time.

by **Audioslavia** » Mon Mar 14, 2022 3:27 pm

Styrn Warning
R.J. Styrn Announced as Interim National Team Manager - Says Audioslavia Will be Taking CAFA Cup Seriously

Ronda Styrn cut a determined figure in her first press conference since her announcement as Audioslavia's thirty-second ever manager of the national team.

"Since I got back into football, I've had my eyes on this job. Sure, it's come earlier than I'd have expected - I saw myself in the National League longer, either with [Guerrilla Cathair] or elsewhere, maybe a job abroad - but I'm not going to turn down the job even if it has come early"

When asked about her age, Styrn laughed off the implication. Yes, she's possibly the oldest manager this side of any of Jeremy Jaffacake's short stints as head coach, but there are, naturally, mitigating circumstances. The isle of Calorborne, nominally an Audioslavian colony, is a tropical paradise that exists in a very different time zone to the rest of Audioslavia, or indeed the rest of the world. Time runs slower there. Or faster. It rather depends on how you look at it. Either way, after moving to Calorborne at the age of 41, Styrn arrived back into Audioslavia to manage Guerrilla Cathair having aged just six years - at odds with the sixty or so years experienced by everyone else. She is the only surviving member of that classic squad from the late sixties that, while short on silverware, were higher on talent and international recognition than most Audioslavia sides since. When answering the question, Styrn simply announces that she's happy people are calling her the 'second oldest' manager - in terms of distance from the present to her birthday - than fixating on her gender.

Audioslavian women generally don't make it to the highest level of football. Call it what you want - fewer opportunities, genetics, sexism - it's simply a fact. Ripley Morrison, Azucena Llorente, Isabel Ghazov, Jane Emley and Ronda Styrn herself are the only female Audioslavians to have played top flight football in history. Of those, only Ghazov is still playing, the rest either retiring recently (Emley) or long ago (the rest). Ronda Styrn was the first. The proof it could be done, and the one who had to break down walls all by herself for the others to walk through.

After a playing career that took her from Cazadores to 1830 Cathair to Red Star Severniy and Brinemouth, Styrn lasted a season in the National League as manager of Guerrilla Cathair, eventually unable to keep the all-female team in the top flight - thus far their only season at the top of the game. During that stint, Styrn was lauded for aiding the development of future Euran superstar Alex Sharp - whose grandfather she'd played under for the national team - and was credited with getting the best out of a weak squad in general. Those are skills that will come in handy for the current Audioslavian side.

Though not as shorn of top level talent as international teams often are for regional tournaments, she will still take charge of an Audioslavia side very much in a transitional period. Moses Moxey, Brannigan Burley, Goran Stroud and Erwin Spijkers are all either retired from international football or will be used sparingly from here on - their older knees beginning to fail them. In their stead, Styrn has to blood the likes of Unai Cappadonna and Reuben Corkhill, both untested even at club level. Either way, Styrn is bullish as ever.

"I don't care how tough the group is, and I don't particularly care for some of the claims made against the team we're putting out. This is a young, exciting Audioslavia team who are going to turn a few heads. Who cares about our record in the CAFA Cup so far. We're here to win it. The whole competition. Ko-oren, Chromatika, everyone else. They're all on notice"

Audioslavia have only gotten one solitary win over in CAFA Cup history. Tripling that would be a good start if Styrn is to stake her claim to a permanent position at the helm.

by **Krytenia** » Mon Mar 14, 2022 4:47 pm

Three hundred years have come and gone. Three centuries of pain and suffering, with a mere two pieces of shining silverware to show for it. Krytenia's history is built upon a foundation of pain.

The last cycle was testament to this. Defeat to Saltstead - on home turf - in the last CAFA. Failure to qualify for World Cup XC. That capitulation against Mercedini in the Cup of Harmony.

Put simply, things have to change, and they have to change now.

As a fourth century of Krytenian football dawns, we can look back and lament at the shackles of our history, or we can break free of them. To this end, the dragon has been liberated from the constraints of a mere escutcheon, and stands proud upon the chests of our players.

Our team, too, will be unburdened by the past. No Robert Wilson. No Ross Okano. No Alun Belmwr, even. These were relics, the last vestiges of Krytenia That Was.

The future is what you make of it, but the future must be claimed. The twenty-three chosen know what they must do. Richard Valens knows his head is on the block if the cycle is not broken.

We are Krytenia.

We are hungry.

We must break you.

by **Legalese** » Mon Mar 14, 2022 6:19 pm

Slot four could not have worked out better than it did for Legalese, if you asked Arturo Aubry. The manager had reason to be pleased. The way the draw sorted out meant that his side would start with the Xuoisaise band of aging amateurs -- a perfect opportunity to throw high pace and aggressive pressing. Even if his younger side (though certainly not as young as the last side he warmed the bench with) emptied the tanks, they’d have a matchday off before the clash with Iskandervale. Following that would be a date with Non-violent Milchama -- a name that sounds supiciously like one of the multiverse’s long-active sides, but was in fact a relatively inexperienced program, as if they were the little brother who got in just a little too deep. With the right set of results, closing the group with top seeded Huayramarca didn’t look all that bad, as his side could have a spot in the round of sixteen sewn up before they face the clash of the counterpress.

That said, when someone got round to actually asking Aubry, he scowled.

“There’s advantages and disadvantages to any position in the schedule” he had said in response. “What’s most important is that we take it one game at a time. No opposition can be overlooked in the CAFA.”

What he didn’t add is that his own side was somewhat unpredictable. After the mess that had been World Cup 90, capping a tumultuous series of circumstances that even he didn’t fully understand, everything was new: the manager, the team, the federation crest, even the kits and color choices.

He looked down at the crest on his jacket. The middle shone back, the service gold stitching of the inner symbol, the five hands clasping each other’s arms to form a star, with a football in the middle. The surrounding field of Bekk Blue (enclosed with the more familiar Judicial Black and Passion Red lettering) became a sea for a moment, allowing Arturo to stare into it, just as if he were staring into the Bekk on a warm day.

It's a view that he had the benefit of for centuries. He'd seen the collapse, the war-torn occupation, and helped with the rebound. He just hoped he could bring success with the new dawn.

by **Estorvipa and Estorpiva** » Tue Mar 15, 2022 12:10 am

Senior Lieutenant Traian Pantilimon of the Federal Defense Forces felt more than heard the groaning of the Polnocny-class landing ship carrying the BMP-2 with Pantilimon and his squad inside as the Polnocny beached itself on the sandy shores near the former resort town of Cronos. There was a short pause as the loading and unloading doors in front of the Polnocny opened up to allow the BMPs inside to make their way out onto the sand. Pantilimon heard the diesel engines of the armored personnel carriers roaring to life, and then the BMP carrying him and his squad drove out of the landing ship with alarming speed, jolting the occupants inside. “Someone’s in a hurry to get back home!” Pantilimon said, eliciting a few laughs from his soldiers. But the mood soon turned to nervous anxiety once again, and everyone kept their ears peeled for the inevitable burst from the BMP's coaxial machine gun that would indicate resistance to the FDF's landings in Cronos. The soldiers waited and waited, and to their surprise, the machine guns never opened up. The BMPs continued moving at a brisk pace without pause across the sandy beaches, and soon it sounded like they were now driving on paved roads.

"What's going on, Lieutenant?" one of Pantilimon's soldiers asked him. "Why aren't they fighting us?"

"I have no idea why, Corporal," Pantilimon replied. "But if you ask me, I actually prefer it this way. It means that our own people are not so opposed to us returning to the homeland and freeing them from the yoke of the northerners."

Of course, it was at that moment that the BMP chose to stop. "Let's hope you haven't jinxed us all, Corporal," Pantilimon said.

The intercom inside the BMP buzzed to life, and the driver of the armored personnel carrier said through it, "Lieutenant, I think you're going to want to see this." At the same time, the red light inside the troop compartment went out and the doors were unlocked. The soldiers in Pantilimon's BMP moved out of the compartment with the smooth fluidity of a unit that had trained for this many times before. The squads inside the other BMPs were also getting out of their transports with the same fluid motions. "Go, go, go!" the lieutenant shouted.

by **Osarius** » Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:21 am

Isaia rubbed her temple, hunched over her desk, looking at her scouting team's notes on the next opponent. Dominic, Odell's assistant, had stayed on to act as her assistant, and she had tasked him with running today's training session with the other coaches. "Hm," she muttered aloud. "They play fairly narrow. We can use that."

A gentle rapping sounded at her door. Without looking up from her desk, she said "Yes, Dominic?"

"I know you said to work on the build-up out of defence but I noticed something and I er... " He trailed off as she lifted her gaze.

"You know Dominic, this is why you didn't get the job." Isaia said.

"W-What?"

"You're struggling to tell me your idea, so how can you possibly face those twenty-two out there, and tell them what to do?"

Dominic deflated, drawing a frown from Isaia. "Is your idea a good one, Dominic?"

"W-What?"

Isaia squeezed the bridge of her nose, muttering her frustrations to her desk. "The thing you noticed. Presumably you have a suggestion based on that? Is it a good idea?"

"I, well, uh... yes?"

"You don't sound convinced."

"Yes." He said, more forcefully this time. "It's a good idea."

"Then tell me."

* * * * *

Isaia threw on her boots for this one. Lining up on the attacking side for this drill, she took the role normally occupied by Belshazzar Qanbari. Shrugging off her own internal questioning over whether it was wise to do this, and potentially embarrass the captain, she collected the short ball from the centre back, pivoted immediately, and launched a diagonal to the right wing.

She had already had Dominic give the instruction before the drill began. Normally, the wingers would cut inside sharply, creating space in the wide forward areas. Space that the fullbacks could exploit. Not today.

Her pass found Ernesto Longo, the winger, in space. She had instructed the underlapping run instead from the fullbacks. Ophelie Phillippe's venture toward the centre had, as Dominic poetically put it, "impaled the defender on the horns of a dilemma". Additionally, the speed of the transition meant the attacking side had caught the defensive side mid-press. Longo was in behind the defence.

"Got it?" She asked the squad. Nods all around. "Good eye," she said to Dominic, as she left the pitch.

by **Cobrio** » Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:39 am

Odell McIntosh stood before a baobab tree at night, in the middle of an open plain. Above him, the sky twinkled with green and gold. A silvery wave glowed across the blackness, undulating gently. Once, he might have panicked at waking in this mysterious realm, but today, he felt a profound sense of understanding.

"I know this place..." He said, to nobody in particular.

"Yes." Replied a familiar voice behind him. "You do, little panther."

Odell choked back a sob as realisation struck him. He turned to see a middle-aged man with calf-length dreadlocks, a long, braided beard, and a huge drum strapped to his back. The two embraced warmly. Once they parted, and Odell had composed himself, he paused. "Uncle Amari," he said. "Since when do you dress in white?" Gesturing at the other man's clothing, a single-piece traditional Cobre garb, all in white, but for a brightly coloured pattern on the cuffs and the hems.

Both men laughed. Deep, belly laughs. "My new uniform, na." Amari said. "You know why I call you?"

Odell shook his head.

"You have a task."

Odell said nothing. He understood. It was time.

* * * * *

Odell stepped off the plane in Camaron and smiled. It had been a while since he had last been in his mother's home country. As he made his way through the airport, he noticed things. Little things. Things he had long taken for granted. The prevalence of colourful clothing was one thing. He had forgotten that it wasn't Uncle Amari's clothes that made him stand out. Osarius was comparatively muted on that front, though. There were also the smells. Oh, the smells. In typical Cobre fashion, several food vendors were present in the arrivals area of the airport to welcome Cobrio's returning children. Food was love, after all, wasn't it? Odell wasted no time in purchasing some akara before progressing to the main foyer. As he did, his breath caught in his chest, as he spotted the Cobrio national football team, the Panthers, making their way to departures. No doubt on their way to Savigliane for the CAFA Cup. A twinge of pain stung his chest. But he remembered Uncle Amari's words. Silently, he prayed to Ologun that his team could forgive him. He had been given a task. They would understand.

by **Savigliane** » Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:45 am

MD1 RESULTS
It's the dawning of a season - how will this one go for you?

the target word count for MD2 is 300.

Group A
StrayaRoos 3-2 Krytenia
Savigliane 4-3 Mertagne

Group B
Ko-oren 2-0 Chromatika
Audioslavia 3-0 Cheboa

Group C
Cocoabo Forest 0-1 Yesopalitha
Aleirave 6-3 Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land

Group D
Non-Violent Milchama 3-2 Huayramarca
Xuois 2-1 Legalese

Group E
Estorvipa and Estorpiva 4-0 Osarius
The Karodin Tetrarchy 1-0 Saltstead

Group F
Evermark 0-0 Mont Vert
Cobrio 5-4 Ochre Islands

by **Evermark** » Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:58 pm

"... long-awaited first match of the Seekers. 'Perilous' Sapphire's tactical speech was short and to the point. 'Our opponents' 4-4-2s do not all take the same form,' she warned, 'so beware and abhor the extra man in the centre of the park'..."

"... mild-mannered Mont Vert fans contrasted with the two hundred determined nomads whose galleons had followed along in the slipstream of the Seekers' cruiser ... police had to intervene when the shaman in the audience attempted ritual sacrifice of the Mont Vert mascot, 'Guillaume'..."

"... opening minutes saw the Seekers struggle to cope with the extra man in midfield. 'Torches' Kessler attempted to deal with the discrepancy with a sliding challenge that took out Fritzner and Gaetan at once, and was left fuming that this drew a free kick..."

"... salvation was the wayward finishing of Isaac Joseph. Fresnel dragged a pinpoint pass back to him that drew a lamentable airswing. Remi dropped a cross on what was meant to be his head, but a mistimed jump saw it bounce off his shoulder and out..."

"... by which point it had become clear that keeping the ball off Ludovic Bellefontaine was imperative, likely the best player on the park. However, after 'Silent' Matthis headbutted him in the throat, he cut a subdued figure..."

"... picked up in the second half, in which Evermark achieved success down the left wing. The interplay of Adelaide and Connell lead to cross after cross, and one did eventually reach Ziska Longshanks. A powerful header was pushed over the bar by Alex Ocean..."

"... would be considered a dull game by most neutrals. However, in context, it was a landmark occasion. The Evermarkers performed strongly in the cauldron of proper international football, and all those who expected humiliation have themselves been humiliated ... flush from victory, Cobrio loom as the next challenge."

by **Estorvipa and Estorpiva** » Tue Mar 15, 2022 11:51 pm

 ESTORVIPA AND ESTORPIVA 4 - 0 OSARIUS 
 PRASUTAGUSIC (14', 65')
           ROBERTA (29')
        POTRITSKIJ (78')

STARTING ELEVEN VS. THE KARODIN TETRARCHY
GK: Vidanova; DF: Kessler——Timnev——Krasnenko——Raileanu; MF: Rodin——Potritskij; Roberto——Davydov——Roberta; FW: Prasutagusic

The first soldiers out of the carriers immediately surrounded their respective BMPs while the ones following behind them proceeded forwards and took up firing positions in front of the vehicles. Traian Pantilimon followed his men out the vehicle and towards the front, and he was actually surprised by what he saw ahead of him.

Two Nestorovyets cars painted in the blue and white colors of the old Estorvipan Police Forces were parked diagonally across the road, effectively forming a barrier. Actual wooden police barriers had been set up in front of the police cars, and at least two more cars were parked on the road's grass shoulders. A couple of police officers were standing behind the doors of their vehicles with their pistols pointed at the Federal Defense Forces soldiers, but none of them were firing at the invaders just yet. Another officer was standing in the middle of the road with a megaphone in his hands. "Do not move any further!" the policeman said. "One step forward and we will use deadly force to keep you back!"

"Isn't it a little too late for that, don't you think?" Pantilimon asked in reply. "And are you sure you want to do that? Open fire on an entire regiment of armed soldiers, I mean."

"I have my orders, as I am sure you have yours," the policeman replied. "Mine is to hold invaders like you to the places where you've landed."

"From whom did you receive those orders?" Pantilimon asked. "Did you get them from Prime Minister Ihorovych or from the local Blue Skulls commander?"

"What does it matter to you if I got my orders from the Prime Minister or the Blue Skulls?" the policeman asked.

"It matters a lot to me," Pantilimon replied. "You have new orders from Feuerstadt."

by **Mertagne** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:40 am

Attacking football met attacking football last night in Mertagne's first CAFA 3 clash against Saviliagne, making both teams look average in comparison. The Saviliagne side, spearheaded by a management team of famous Farves, the ancient yet indomitable figures of Ichi Tuzzio and Friekder Danalleion, were able to slip ahead to victory in the second half of the match after the first half posited a 3-3 deadlock. Thea Squarciafici sowed the seeds of the Mertagnian defeat in the 84th minute, as a poorly aimed pass from Mertagnian defender Kloro McManus was intercepted in the Saviliagno midfield by Óceane Chastain, who seemingly redeemed herself in the eyes of the opponents, after she received a yellow card towards the end of the first half. Her quick flick over to Squarciafici was expertly positioned for the striker to take deadly aim past Lliot Celarte, the shot ripping just past the tips of his fingers and into the back of the net with a single touch.

The defeat - a frustrating one for Mertagne, but a marked improvement in comparison to their previous match against this CAFA's hosts - marks manager Ázëwyn Fëanáro's first international game at the head of the team. Expectations from across the nation have been tempered, as usual, for nobody expects the side to win their first tournament with a new manager, but there is a growing imperative from the backboard of the national team's fanbase for Fëanáro to take the side further than they've been before in the CAFA.

Mertagne have the benefit of an early bye, taking theirs on Matchday 2, before playing neighbours Kotzellach on Matchday 3. The Red Foxes have yet to make their mark this tournament, but face off against Krytenia on Matchday 2. Mertagne are hoping to capitalise on being well rested to assure victory.

by **Cocoabo Forest** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:37 am

by **Ochre Islands** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 9:48 am

'There's a life to this soil, albeit a different life to the life you can feel in the Ochre Islands.' 'Life?' 'Yes! Dig your toes and feel it.'

If the inhabitants of Trinité weren't already a bit weirded out at the sight of pretty much the entire Ochre Island squad wandering around town in their bare feet, the sight of the Ochre's third choice keeper (Leora Softstep) standing in a planter in the town square preaching about mysterious life forces in amongst the petunias was probably enough to tip it over the edge. Alexandra Santon-Ekezie (now promoted to OIFA's Public Relations expert) had been dragged along for the trip out by Leora that morning and was the one being fully briefed on the qualities of the soil.

'I mean, I'd rather put my hands in' Alexandra said, looking around at the one or two stares being cast their way. She placed her hand on the soil, feeling the tiniest scar from the slip at the waterfall tingling at the sensation of her own life forces meeting those of a foreign soil.

Alexandra suddenly felt a foot gently step on top of her hand. 'Leora - what're you-' 'I know what you did against Cobrio.' 'I- you- what? What did I do?' She had reason to be defensive. 'You tried to stop them winning a corner. I felt it.' 'I don't know what you mean' Alexandra said, trying to pull her hand away. 'Oh, you did. I felt you pull those blades of grass up almost off their own roots, trying to slow the ball down, subtle enough that nobody would notice. Though you thought you're the only one who'd know.' 'Okay. That might have happened. But what about you?' 'I'd worry less about my abilities and more about Odell, Alexandra.'

by **Flavovespia** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:28 pm

The sun shone over the Flavovespian training camp. A little outside of Porto Vecchio, but still close enough to see the sea, it was a beautiful location for the Flavovespian national team. However as much as the players would love to admire the view, the matter of getting ready to begin the tournament was the main topic of interest. Flavovespia had a Matchday 1 bye, so they could proverbially put their feet up for a bit. The first opponents of Flavovespia, Yesopalitha had got off to a winning start against Cocoabo Forest. Meanwhile, Aleirave put a half dozen goals past Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land.

The team had finished off their final training session, and were gathered in the meeting room, freshly showered and changed. Augusto Rinaldi spoke first. “Gentleman, I have been pleased with what I have seen in training, the effort is there. But it is what you do in the game that matters. You have real potential to go far, but you must not take it for granted. We have played some really good football in the past, so I want to see that again.” He handed over to the captain, Steven Hall.

Steven Hall then added his words “Lads, some of you have been here many times, some of who haven’t, but remember Augusto is right, we’re all a talented bunch and deserve to be here. Let’s forget what happened in the Cup of Harmony and the Qualifiers. We did so well last time in this tournament, let’s go further now!” The captain sat back down, receiving a round of applause and cheers from his teammates. His passion and leadership was still as good as ever, but he and others knew, there weren’t many more chances for him to reach glorious heights in Flavovespian colours.

by **Ko-oren** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:45 pm

Schedule:
Chromatika
Audioslavia
Bye
Cheboa
Grande Cucina

Some might look ahead to a cracking game versus Chromatika, while perhaps most are anxious about another Ko-oren versus Audioslavia game. That matchup never really happened all that often, until suddenly it popped up twice a cycle. I honestly can't remember the last time we lost one of those to be fair. Cheboa's an unknown factor to us, so let's hope they can surprise us without surprising us. The tastiest game we've ever played is up last: Grande Cucina. Tortellini always hits the spot, and a good Lasagnotte can't be beat, am I right?

Others again are looking forward to the third round, the bye round. Some quiet time off, while your football-addicted friends aren't glued to the screen.

Some nice, quiet time for boardgames.

Introducing... Ticket to Ride, Ko-orenite edition. All of the cities you've heard of (and some you haven't heard of). Are you a cricket fan? You'll know the mess in the southwest: Llandy, Greencaster... Football fan? There's Maethoru, Schemerdrecht, and Aminey right there. Baseball? Sure, Katashi, Santa Teresa, and the other southeastern friends are there. This CAFA, how about keeping it cool, look after your friends and family, and play some good old board games. Ticket to Ride, Ko-orenite edition, now in every proper board game shop.

Further immerse yourself in good vibes with the new album by Audio versus Ko-oren. A band that's been quiet for a while, but have since released a quality record for each of the actual Bulls versus Dragonflies games. Who could forget "Wrestling: Interrupted", their answer to critics that blamed them for playing it safe on "Take me to the boat", the sophomore record to their debut "We Fell from Concord Heights", loved by fans as 'the unbeatable original' while completely avoided by everyone else ("Is the intro to this song really 5 minutes? When do they start singing"). Only the band knows what the next album will be like. All we know is that they have to start recording very soon.

by **Huayramarca** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 9:43 pm

Illusion or hype? The Huayramarcan National team prepares for the CAFA 3 as they just have landed from Vilitan lands, this after getting a surprising yet historic run into the Round of 16 of the last World Cup. La Banda de La Alpaca, the major supporter’s group of the Condors have travelled to Savigliane in a rather unique way, at least 50 fans were reported to travel across the streets of the host nation in alpacas dressed with the national colours, this is perhaps a stunt in order to exhibit some classy Huayramarcan folklore and promote the nation as the neighbourhood’s most exotic destination for vacations.

Julián Choque, leader of the Banda, has said that the idea of riding alpacas happened after one of the members of the band promised to ride one as a reward to Inti if the National Team reached the World Cup. Aside from doing it, he also invited some friends to accompany him in his offering to Inti in a rather exotic fashion, which has raised some eyebrows in Savigliane as seeing alpacas or llama-like camelids is a rare sight. Laura Pausini, a Savigliano citizen, said “I love how fluffy are those alpacas, how cute they look! It’s even better than we usually get depicted on cinemas when it comes to Huayramarcan movies.” Children and adults, in equal proportion, have asked the Huayramarcans to take photos with the animals, aside, by some extra cents they have the chance to ride it for some minutes.

Without doubt, the Banda continues to raise some interesting headlines, no matter where they visit, but they always grab the spotlights due to their inventive, creativity and unique ways to express support to the team of every one of us, the Huayramarcan Condors who are in quest of keep soaring high.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:35 pm

News

The Chromatik populace has voted, 88% for to 12% against, to expand the Chambers of the Legislature from eighty-one seats to one hundred and sixty-one. This will allow for smaller cities and districts to have more say in the lawmaking of the country, while also adding more voices to the running of the country.

Though the political elite of the country are awaiting the results of the elections to see which of the two major parties - the Rainbow Party and the Saebitdang, or New Light Party - will take power after the fall from grace of the Traditionalist Party, the news that Chromatika will expand the legislature allays the worries that people have had about too few people having too much power.

"We are a nation of twenty million people, and we should behave as such," stated Political Activist Xavier Rhoddan of Chromia, "It's about time that the Heartland District, the Coastal District, and even some of the smaller cities had their say.

Some people are saying that one hundred and sixty-one is not enough, looking at as high as three hundred.

"We would like to see a seat for every hundred thousand, at least," commented Professor Lars Kendrick, the Professor of Politics at Chromia Central College University, "Countries around the world have shown what a proper legislature can do. We've been in survival mode ever since the Rainbow Revolution, and we look forward to seeing democracy truly thrive in our country.

Premier Keri Wyse Aart has put together a five-person committee that will have the job of dividing the country into Districts. A proposal has already been given to divide the seats between districts; once that passes, the committee will be able to move on to dividing the seats within those districts.

These are exciting times for Chromatika, indeed.

by **Audioslavia** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 5:03 am

Audio Versus Ko-oren Announce New Album

Record announced during live stream
'Live stream' was a 0898 phone number fans could call using a landline
Message was automated and said, simply, 'at the third stroke, the time until the new album will be [minutes] and [seconds]', followed by only two beeps.

Anaian post-anarcho-noise-vapourcore wave artists Audio Versus Ko-oren have announced a new record, following the lukewarmly received Wrestling: Interrupted which itself was derided by fans by being too 'poppy', what with the bands signature 'play slightly discordantly slightly out of time for so long that playing a major chord on the one beat suddenly sounds like a euphoric victory where in any other song it'd simply be a band filling the most basic expectation of what a band should be doing' being replaced by 'do all that but then have a chorus too'. The album's lead single, 'All Matches Are Nil-Nil At Heart And At Start (Arbitor Don't Blow The Whistle We Can Both Get Out of Here Alive [IInd])' came in at a radio friendly nine minutes and included a guitar solo. Fans were aghast.

The album cover has been leaked, by way of this CD being thrust into my hand by the bassist just now.

I've looked on the back and there's no track-listing. I've looked inside and there's no CD. The album will apparently be recorded during the next football match between Audioslavia and Ko-oren. I keep asking the bassist what sound they'll be aiming for but he's too busy trying to show me this board game he's just made. He calls it 'Who Put Confetti All Over My Relief Map (Railroad Railroad Railroad Railroad)' and it will apparently be released shortly too.

This article has turned into me just writing what the bassist is doing. He's currently chewing gum and reading what I'm writing over my shoulder. He says he's come up with the name of a song for the next album. The song's name will be 'This Article Has Just Turned Into Me Just Writing What The Bassist Is Doing (He's Currently Chewing Gum And Reading What I'm Writing Over My Shoulder). He's telling me to hit the 'publish' button but

by **Cobrio** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 5:58 am

On the train to Odikolo, Odell read. His recent encounter with Uncle Amari, in what he understood to be the Djalia, had rekindled his interest in the family history. The Ekezie family went back generations, and were somewhat well-known in parts of Cobrio. Well-known for being djeli. Travelling storytellers, philosophers, and historians. Like Uncle Amari. Odell smiled to himself at the memory. He had wanted to be a djeli when he was a child, funnily enough. He had gone as far as to obtain a masters' degree in Cobre history in his later years, even.

Now he was on his way to visit a djeli. A distant cousin. Amari's cousin, actually. His mother had sent some articles to fill in the gaps, and he now knew that this cousin, Ezinne, had moved to Odikolo from Ajamilu years ago, to keep farming in the family when industrialisation had become more common. It was a strange feeling, to travel to a country you hadn't visited in years, to meet a relative you hadn't seen in almost fifty years. He wasn't sure he'd ever met Ezinne, actually. His mother said he had, but she had been wrong on such issues before. Easy mistake to make when you have such a large family.

Stepping off the train, Odell was struck with another feeling of familiarity. "I remember this place..." he said, to nobody in particular. Without even checking the map he had packed, he walked, following the faint pull in his gut. Before long, he arrived at a mid-sized house, surrounded by small fields. An elderly woman stood on the front porch. He knew her. "Aunty Ezinne" used to host family gatherings when he was a child.

"Mom was right", Odell said. "We have met."

Ezinne smiled warmly. "Welcome home," she said. "Little panther."

CAFA Cup III: This Time It's Regional [IC]

CAFA Cup III: This Time It's Regional [IC]

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