World Cup 91 [roleplays]

by **Acastanha** » Thu May 26, 2022 5:47 am

Where Will The Region Go?

All eyes are now headed towards Eramanian city of Daulapura as most of the region's country leaders are in the city. The meeting which dubbed as AMAN Leaders Meeting is initiate by Bendahara of Eraman, Tun Rendra Usin following the situations happen in the region. But the main attention would be the naming change of the region. Does it really possible to do that?

Although there is no exact law or convention over region naming, changing the name will create a domino effects. And that's for sure. For far too long, the name Melayu Archipelago have been use in many regional documents and laws. The name is also use for every regional competitions or events, organizations and others. The change will require a lot of paperworks.

And where is our government stand on this issue? Before the start of AMAN Leaders Meeting, the palace have announced their neutrality over the issue. But will it stay as it is? It is still premature to say about it as the meeting has just begin. On the first day of the meeting, the attention turn from naming issue to Tun Rendra Usin statement. His statement for holding an independent referendum in Putrasia, Sendhang have become a heated issue in the meeting.

Government spokesperson in the meeting stated that the President haven't made any statement about it. Although Pemecutan Patih Agung strongly against it. President Makarin have to make a careful statement about this with Acastanha general election is on the door. Eventhough Makarin can't nominate himself again, as this is already his second term in office but his action might affected his party popularity and votes. While at the moment, the opposition party popularity is on the rise after Benigno Karpanyo's recent political maneuver. On the other hand, we will closely monitor the leaders meeting as it will decide the future of the region.

by **Srednjaci** » Thu May 26, 2022 6:00 am

IGOR BOŽIĆ

AFTER THE DISASTER'S DEFEAT FROM BRENECIA, A PAINFUL DEFEAT TO OMERICA FOLLOWED!

After a great first part of the WC91 qualifiers, moreover, the dream start we would say, our footballers managed to put all efort and everything good under question.
The disastrous game at home against Brenecia was punished with four goals in our net. It's a terrible blow for our team. To make the tragedy complete, the Srednjaci failed to defeat Polkopia either, just 1-1.
After two disappointing encounters, our team played another great game against Maphidon, a win with four goals in the opponent's net.
But the celebration was short-lived, and in the next game our team slipped, again.
Unbelievable, but for the second time in this qualifiers we were defeated by the Omerica team.

Our position in the group is now very compromised. There are small points differences between the teams that are currently behind us and Euro and Brenecia are taking big steps forward. It will be a big and convulsive fight until the end of the qualifications.

-  Group 8                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Eura                             17   12   4   1    36   13  +23    40
 2 Brenecia                         17   11   4   2    39   15  +24    37
 3 Srednjaci                        16    9   2   5    39   27  +12    29
 4 Omerica                          16    8   3   5    22   21   +1    27
 5 Gyatso-kai                       16    8   2   6    39   32   +7    26
 6 Mertagne                         16    7   5   4    26   24   +2    26
 7 Kuraita                          16    6   3   7    20   27   −7    21
 8 Maphidon                         17    5   1  11    28   39  −11    16
 9 Polkopia                         16    4   3   9    19   28   −9    15
10 Natanians and Nosts              16    2   3  11    14   29  −15     9
11 Arjunnagar                       17    2   2  13    15   42  −27     8

We asked the citizens of our country in different cities abot this position of our team.

Maja, 30y, Melarit - " it is a difficult position for us but I believe in this team. They play well, we have a lot to say and complain about. Brenecia has humiliated us but it is a sport. I think our nation will go to WC91."

Dario, 19 y, Kula - it’s amazing how they blew up a great position. I can't believe we fell to third place at all and we still have to fight to defend that place.
I don't believe we will see the World Cup.

Damjan ,78 y, Gračani - " I can't hear you well. I'm a little deaf. But I will answer on your question. Yes it’s true, my cow went to a neighbor’s garden and I had an argument with a neighbor. But before my cow went to his garden, his dog came into my yard and shit in front of my door! And you haven't written a word about it and now you're doing a report of my Betsy! You journalists are just twisting facts and writing stupid stories!

Oops, sorry, that shouldn't have been in the reportage. hehe
Ok, as we see some opinions are positive, some negative and some ... they just don't give a fork!
However, these are the most successful qualifications for our football so far. our team has never achieved nine victories in one qualifying cycle. Our attack is very effective with 39 goals scored but the defense conceded a lot of goals.
We hope that our team will succeed in making a significant step forward.

by **Electrum** » Thu May 26, 2022 6:20 am

The Turnip Watch: We applied for the world's most ridiculous things so you don't have to
by Willstead Frumple, investigative journalist

Hello and welcome to The Turnip Watch. I'm Willstead Frumple and today we'll be providing the hottest takes to some of the world's most ridiculous things.

Let us start off with a momentary period of insanity with the return of the Norp World Cup. Please scream in fury for the next five seconds. In the past few whatevers, we have previously written about the rise and fall of the Norpentologists. We hardly know what is going on half the time but it seems to me they they are removing the RP from the World Cup in the name of worshipping the false God of Norp but then allowing people to benefit from RP anyways. So really it should be called the Norp RP World Cup to reflect the fact that there is Norp except for the times where there is RP in which case it will count as RP but if there is no RP then it won't be counted but if you take this name and realise that the positive and negative cancels each other out we arrive at the stunning conclusion that it should just be called the World Cup. There is no other name that fits perfectly NationStates' least prestigious tournament. And while we're here let's provide kit colours since it doesn't even matter as no one is going to talk about it unless if it forms part of a RP because it will matter but remember this is a Norp tournament.

Name: The Turnip
Home: Nude
Away: Rude

After that amuse-douche from yours truly, let us bite into the biggest meme for today and it concerns the Naked News. Now, as a 85 year old sea sponge in the body of a human let me state that I have no intentions of ever joining this show. After all, as a sea sponge, I eat and poop from the same hole and that's not something anyone would want to see, especially when I take off my human costume. But it does raise alarm when an advertisement says that the best bonus for working for Naked News is getting to look at naked women ALL DAY and then later on saying so many weirdos, especially perverts, keep applying. I WONDER WHY. That's like giving thousands of synergies to gap year students and then being shocked when they go to 'find myself' in The Licentious Isles. Or training your shark to develop a taste for human meat and then climbing into its tank and then being shocked that it likes to suck on your toe. By the way, during these shows they have weird tangents which is super unprofessional because that's our thing. Yes, we're going to waste every single second of your time because you've become too invested in this article. Even right now we're adding more and more seconds to your time investment to this article right now. And now you're thinking when this ridiculous bit is going to end but it's not going to. Okay, this bit is over. Anyways. We would never, ever waste time on television because the producer would tell us to wrap it up and although sometimes it's unclear whether he's talking about his Caesar salad wrap or the show, you would have to assume from context clues that he's talking about wrapping up the shoes. It's context clues people!

Naked News Job Application

Name: Willstead Frumple
Occupation: Sea sponge
Special Skills: Appearing nude under layers of clothes, being rude

And that's it for this edition of The Turnip Watch. Please tune in every Zorptober 43rd. Ta ta!

by **Juvencus** » Thu May 26, 2022 7:07 am

The Second Great War of Unification(1876-1892)

A very special feature that many cities across modern-day Juvencus have is that they had tall walls and other fortifications even until the end of the 19th century. This meant that to win any conflict in the then-Confederation, one had to have a strong artillery focus, which had seen obvious extensive usage throught the entirety of the war thus far and in wars before that. Artillery alone, however, was not the king. With the soil of the East being arid and despite the fact that the "juven soil" effect still took place in the East, meaning food could grow even in bad conditions, as well as fishing, which was difficult to do in war times, it was just not enough to feed the entire population of the city. This meant it had to rely onto trade with their neighboring cities and villages, most of which were captured. No major powers had ever successfully managed to choke a city off of its supply routes to the point of starving an entire population until Scudelli did it on its prop up to siege the city.

Pictured above: Piazzatella Quartier post-bombardment, ~circa 1879-1880

Chapter 14: Siege of Vinceti(October 17th 1879-February 3rd 1880)
Part 2: First Battle and Christmas Bombardment of Vinceti(November 2nd-December 25th 1879)

While the 2nd Domenican Army and locals at Vinceti had prepared all sorts of makeshift fortifications, different trenches in beneficial positions to have as much ground as possible while simultaneously having the least ground to defend from any Scudelliano attacks, reality was very grim for them. Scudelliano Prince Heir Michelangelo II's plan of choking the city from land was going according to plan. While simultaneously a cooridinated attack towards Paurosse and its fort by October 28th meant the city had finally fallen under Scudelliano control which gave a big opening for a double choke from both land and sea towards Vinceti. A plan that was immediately executed upon the occupation of Paurosse.

By early November the arrival of a large chunk of the Scudelliano fleet in Vincetiano waters signified the first attack towards the city. A naval battle simultaneously taking place as 3 smaller land battles on all sides of the city meant the siege was under way. While artillery was not meant to be used just yet. In the waters, 3 Scudelliano frigates versus an equal amount of Domenican frigates in a battle of grand proportions as cannon shots were exchanged. The Scudelliano ship "Principo" and her crew would prove to be a really tough opposition for the Domenican frigates to stop, as her strong maneuvering made it very difficult to handle both the Principo and the other Scudelliano ships in the waters. 2 Domenican ships were sunk in a matter of hours.

In the north side, a lightning fast Scudelliano push towards a position on November 7th just a kilometer outside Vinceti was extremely successful and had little to no casualties on their part, in the meanwhile the Domenicans had to run back and those that did not met extreme retribution in the field of battle with very few survivors. The lucky few that survived were sent back to several concentration camps. This meant the north side of the city was in serious danger of being bombarded at any point within the siege. Several Domenican squadrons were sent to the north side to enforce whatever defence remained. Cannons were set up and a minor bombardment took place on December 1st.

In the western side of the city, things were much more even. The Scudelliano pushed in the morning of November 18th and captured several positions with somewhat heavy casualties however, due to gatling gun damage. Major fights took place in the trenches and several key locations were kept under Domenican control. These key locations were used as rallying points for a speedy counter-attack in the afternoon. A stalemate followed until the early days of December. An artillery shelling in several positions weakened the Domenican defences and as such, the Scudelliano forces managed to make a push in close proximity to the city as well. With the western position now secured, artillery was stationed in the area by December 15th.

The southern side was a bit grim for the Scudelliano initially, every single push they made during November was met with fierce resistance and even being pushed back multiple times. Artillery shellings and gatling gun fire was too much for the Scudelliano. However Michelangelo II took charge of the forces there and ordered a heroic, yet costly charge. Melee fighting followed in the trenchlines with him showing his prowess in fighting, increasing the morale of his soldiers as they slaughtered thousands of Domenican defenders, very few managed to survive there too and most fled back to the city. Scudelliano artillery was set up in the position by December 18th. Vinceti was in for a serious bombardment, perhaps even annihilation.

With all sides cut off, the city was faced with its first famine in over 100 years. People started dying out in the streets by the tens and eventually hudreds. With good sanitation being hard to come across and a massive cholera outbreak starting to ravage the population, surrendering might have been on the horizon, but not quite yet. A significant portion of the army as well as an armed militia were still ready to protect the city. A huge blow came on Christmas Day of 1879. A Godless bombardment followed from all sides that lasted the entire day, destroying a huge chunk of the city. The Piazzatella Quartier, a place filled with life every day but especially Christmas Day was in shambles. The port was severely damaged and a lot of fishing and merchant ships were sunk. The city was stuck in hell and the Scudelliano were raising it.

Battle progress: Scudelli has the upper hand. Domenicans are stuck.

by **HUElavia** » Thu May 26, 2022 7:35 am

HUElavia 4-3 Al Qurija
(Aveiro 20', 87', Lopes 34', Mayordomo 72' | Gonzalez 28', 79', Mohammed 40')
Al-Rahid Stadium, Hamar, HUElavia

XI at Saltstead:
Casillas (C), Arroyo, Pillpe, Ardance, Larrangoz, Mayordomo, Duarte, Aveiro, Noffke, Balderas, Lopes
Away Uniform will be worn

XI vs Permecutan:
1 Lettmann, 4 Vargas, 2 Lavezzi, 3 Higashi, 5 Mitarte, 6 Font, 8 Brousseau, 10 Navarro-Hamada, 11 Chanca, 7 Honda (C), 9 Nascimento
Home Uniform will be worn

A Chef's Voyage

Gortolekua

"Hi, my name's Antoine Brousseau. For several years, I've been a chef, working in various restaurants throughout HUElavia. The sights and smells of cuisine have been a part of my life since I was very young. But now, it's time for a new change in my life. It's time to travel throughout the multiverse and sample the various dishes people has to offer. I don't know what's ahead for me, but I got the appetite to find out."

"This is A Chef's Voyage."

Heat and humidity. The blue skies loom right over the shining sea. These were my first sights and feeling at landing in Gortolekua. Located around the middle in the southeastern continent in Anaia, Gortolekua is a relatively small nation that takes up part of Reheva Bay. It is a country that has many freedoms, both in Civil and Political rights, but has an economy that leaves more to be desired. Despite that, it's a country undergoing changes, becoming more open to visitors. In fact, I'm traveling here due to a request sent in by the government who was following my show. Of course, I can't pass up the chance to show another nation and their cuisine.

Upon arriving at Seinät, I decide to visit a restaurant by the name of The Aqua Garden, which specializes in seafood, given the coastal nature of the Capital. I decide to treat myself to Shrimp Pasta, a popular dish in the area. *Takes bite and slurp* Mmmm... Delicious! The shrimp has that nice sweet and salty taste to it that's easy to suck out and chew from it. The pasta itself has a nice taste with the seasoning and it's just soft to chew and munch on. The lemon really adds a nice level of sourness to the dish and it's just delicious overall. This is some great stuff to have with some white wine. Going about the town, I interact with the locals, buying some souvenirs from the small stand-up shops along the beach. Generally, they're friendly and nice people who are getting attention from foreigners for the first time, which makes them enthusiastic when interacting with me.

I spend the day visiting the beach, taking in a bit of a tan, and taking a chance to practice some surfing off the coast with an instructor. While it's been man years since I surfed as a hobby, it seems I've gotten very rusty. Chance after chance, I get my ass wiped out from the waves, until one wave allows me to surf with ease and I take in the moment of enjoying the surf with the bright skies and nice waters. At the beach, I decide to have a nice desert that was being made and sold, Day at the Beach Pudding. A fluffy cream dessert made with cream cheese, pudding and cool whip. *Takes bite* Mmmmmm, this is some delicious stuff! The cream cheese is soft and has that nice creamy texture to it. The pudding is very soft and sweet that just melts in your mouth with each bite. The same can be said of the whipped cream that also melts with each bite, as well as the cookie crumbs that sprinkle over the whole dish to emulate sand.

After spending the night in a hotel at Selnat, I take an early morning ride by car to the mountainous costal town of Marriubia, located in the northeast of the country in the Ibaiaho Province. I arrive at the town a bit in the afternoon and I decide to stop by a small restaurant to have their region's specialty: Surf and Turf Sandwich. In this case, it's thin slices of filet mignon, grilled shrimp, and crispy bacon on layers of toasty sandwich bread. *Takes bite* Mmmmm... Truly delicious! The shrimp is salty and sweet, easy to chew, and I think this shrimp is better than what I had at Selnat. The filet mignon has that juicy, beefy taste to it that has a nice chew to it with each bite. The bacon is salty and crunchy, really tasty with each bite, and the thousand island dressing put on each toasted slice is so nice and soft to taste. Overall, this is some good stuff to eat. Afterwards, it's back to the car, as we go to the countryside to go on a tour to the local environment, seeing the different wildlife, especially the Lynx, which is the national animal of the country.

Overall, Gortolekua is a beautiful country with lots of potential. The people are friendly and enthusiastic, there's beautiful areas to spend time in, and they're starting to grow into a nation that deserves plenty of tourists to enjoy the culture and cuisine of the nation. I think the initiatives from Päälehen Perry Salonen can work wonders to this nation, especially with more interactions with the multiverse. At this point, all the Gortolekuans can go is upwards and forward, and I have great optimism they can achieve many great things.

Onward Gortolekua, you have a great future to look forward to.

by **Xanneria** » Thu May 26, 2022 8:37 am

About Phil Potterly
an Opinion piece by http://www.xtrasports.xan/nationalteam.htm

XANNERIA - Phil Potterly is a simple man. He likes his black turtleneck shirts and is a very soft spoken man. He's an educator, an educator of football. Him and his brother Andrew were members of the dominate Delano squads in the 2010s that won three AICS titles in a row. He was the quiet reserved player on the team, playing CAM while his brother was a LB. He's the antithesis of Myrone Rhule. Rhule was a flamboyant man who flaunted long hair and a bald spot at the same time, a mix only Myrone could pull off with any sense of decency. Phil instead is like a stoic statute, occasionally screaming plains out to his troops like a military general clad in black knit. Phil so far has done the best he can with what he has. When Rhule left for Hapilopper during the FAX's big Pause, the entire philosophy of the Xannerian National Team changed. Potterly inherited a team that had been completely overhauled and had it's roster built on the principles of youth and genetics. So we a lot of second generation talent like Dillon Hailey and Evan Jefferson Jr come in to the fold. Phil has taken these kids and done as good as he could have given the budget for the team has been lowered. There are still issues to deal with for the Maroons and Potterly. the Maroons depth is a bit of an issue and goalkeeping has been ok, but nothing special. Jefferson Jr looks good, Mookie Danbue and Tero Hepperonen have also had their moments, but the concerns mostly lie in with the defensive backfield. The big hope is that young David Iowa can settle in for the Maroons and shore up a defense that allowed multiple goals to Ko-oren of all teams.

Meanwhile his last two games have seen the Maroons get a 4point swing over Delaclava and Sharktail, two teams that both have aspirations of at the worse, the playoffs. So drawin Delaclavia was a good look for the Maroons. It was also boosted by the fact that of the 25,000 seats in the Froxx Field, nearly 9,500 were reportedly seating Xannerian supporters, the huge turnout in Delaclavia helped. In fact upon seeing this coach Potterly said "It was the most beautiful thing he's seen" with one third of the stadium clad in maroon and gold. He also stated Delaclavia should have "Hosted us in a bigger stadium" Also helping was a lack of Max Meyers. Meyers had a bout of Flu and was scratched. This allowed Allison Burns, who struggled in the home game versus Delaclavia to play a athlete more her size. She took advantage of the match up and scored the Maroons only goal at the 67th minute. It was the Delaclavia defense that shone for the team, not the strikers.

Sharktail came along and lost 4-2. This has been probably by far the most surprising result in the travails of the Maroons so far. Sharktail is a good team and was a fringe contender for the playoffs but now they are fringe midpackers. Burns again showed that her pocket size doesn't matter as she secured two goals in 30 minutes versus the Tail' and Mookie Danube made a few darling saves, before giving up a meaningless goal late. Now the Maroons sit rather ostensibly midpack Gnejs is still two points behind and could theoretically pass up the Maroons, but it's also over a game till Sharktail ahead of us. There's plenty of space available for growth and languishing so we will see what happens.

(Lindblad 60') Delaclavia 1-1 Xanneria (Burns 67')

(Burnes 6' 29' Bryse 59' Aziz (OG) 84') Xanneria 4-2 Sharktail (Bryse 40' (OG), Aziz 71)

by **Valentine Z** » Thu May 26, 2022 9:25 am

Part 8 – I suppose we here for the games of World Cup and Football, and not for the game of nothing but drawing matches.

[OOC: I am assuming here that the half-time was a 10-15 minutes break given, with the normal rules following as per usual of the games. Following as per the rules here, aware of no half-time shows unlike other sports.]

Head Secretary Jamie Izabella Maxie Clara “The Elegant and Magnificent Mathematician” Pernella Ellie Natie Lexie Marie Valerie Ruby Æstriðr Fni. Clementine Millicent Lizbeth Alex Cass Eirian took the centre stage for that event in Valentine Z, the one where they were going to play against Nephara’s Cormorants. The Valentian Kittens were hoping it to be not a steamroll, knowing about the terrifying reputation of the Cormorants playing their best and then smacking the rest of the teams with such a goal difference. Here, even at the home stadium, the Kittens were daunted, perhaps akin to an actual little kitten curled up and terrified of its older and bigger counterparts, occasionally hissing away in order to defend itself. And that was what the Valentians were going to do for that match – to play defensively whilst keeping a distance, and then when there is an opening, they were going to seize the opportunity. With luck, they should be able to get not steamrolled so hard and go home intact for the match the next day. Jamie walked towards the middle of the stadium – in her long, blue dress, standing proud and tall at 18 feet and 2 inch (553.72 cm), possibly the naturally tallest Valentian of the world. In the context of natural, this would exclude the height enhancements after terraforming that gave the Valentians their sizes. In other words, Jamie was tall from the get go, a 9 feet tall woman that travelled around the pre-Valentian world and then finding herself with the Valentians after having been chosen and saved from the apocalypse. She waved around at the ecstatic crowd, cheering for her to start off the game proper. “Hello there, my dear friends of the multiverse,” she started off, always in that Transatlantic Accent that the Valentians and those outside have learned to love and enjoy for the longest of times, “I sincerely do hope you are all having a wonderful day today! Hm hm! First and foremost, thank you to the esteemed Valentians for letting me open this event, as well as to every single visitors and audience member here for your utmost support! It is an enchanting experience for me, and I shall never forget this day! Anyway, that is more or less about myself, and now to the program. Today, we will be having one of the most deterministic and possibly the most important match of the second half of the qualifications season – Valentine Z’s Kittens, against Nephara’s Cormorants, in this vast, green, and wonderful stadium in our own world. Let us welcome the Valentian Kittens first!”

The crowd went wild as always, an assortment of flags, body paint, and everything else along the way. It was a wonderful spectacle and sight to behold, the pure energy of these giants enough to uplift perhaps even the most tiring of days. Jamie waited for the crowd to settle down, followed by announcing the opponent team: “And on the Away team, we have Nephara’s Cormorants! Please welcome them along with me!” The crowd, once again, was clapping enthusiastically and happily, and that includes the fans of the Valentian Kittens themselves; the concept of supporting more than 2 teams, even the ones that they were playing against, were no strange things to the ever-cheerful giants who loves the challenge and the opponents in said challenge. “And as you all know from the official guides, “Nepharan football is based around playing hard, pressing aggressively, playing for keeps.” They will surely give a LOT of challenge to the Valentian Kittens, and we suppose that this will be a very, very eventful event! Once again, Valkyrie Valentijn, myself, and The Sixty, would like to wish both the Kittens and the Cormorants the best of luck, and please do have a bit of fun along the way as well!” The starting line-ups of both the Kittens and the Cormorants populating the fields, with the referees doing their last minute inspections before the match. Valkyrie Valentijn shifted in her seat, looking at the people around her who were within a short reach away from her. Around her were a bunch of personnel – mostly from The Sixty, followed by some Valentian staff here and there scanning around the stadium. The whole thing felt like one of those amphitheatres from the centuries of old, except that the leader of this world (that is, Valkyrie Valentijn) is 117 meters tall, and as aforementioned, got a couple of seats designed around her own’s in order to make efficient usage of the space. Sitting comfortably and having the whole view of the field, she smiled, raising her hand and waving around, followed by giving a thumbs-up for the match. It begins.

For the first and utmost important thing, the Valentians pulled a miracle and did not sustain any injuries for the entirety of the match, not especially the goalkeepers. Even with more goalkeepers available, the Valentians, especially Eveline, made it a point to ensure that she is playing her usual best, and that she would not try anything absurd and getting herself injured in the process. As fast and formidable as she may be to the half of the teams that they’ve played against, however, Eveline found out that the Cormorants are a force to be reckoned with. Out of the many goals that she managed to block, two of them still went in, much to the dismay of herself, one from Lili Marinca, and another from Renate March. The goals from Kittens against the Cormorants, once again, came in the form of two from Holly Annemiek Gerrieke Van De Hoogte, who then fought hard alongside Elisabetta and Sammie but no avail. Just like how the Valentians have gotten their solid defensives, so did the Cormorants – neither team being able to score that third goal that they need. The match ended with a 2–2, the Kittens sighing a relief. “Wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be,” Markus said to the group during the post-game report and talk, “They were amazing as ever, ain’t it? I don’t think The Sixty got the honour of playing against them, but either way, we would have been, like, steamrolled so hard. So hey, good work, everyone! I am proud of you guys, nonetheless. Don’t worry too much about the recent results that are ending up in draws. Perhaps there would be a little bit of a luck soon enough, still!”

Other than the match itself, there was also another event that was noteworthy for the Valentians and perhaps for the visiting teams. The presence of Jamie Izabella Cass Eirian, as it has been aforementioned. The Head Secretary of Valentine Z, she has a rather unusual job of running Voorzichtigheid – a militaristic country that is under the autonomy of Valentine Z, its task being to ensure that the two planets, i.e. Valentine Z, is well-protected especially from the external threats. Jamie is also a brilliant mathematician, though she often finds herself moonlighting as an actress, bringing the 20th Century to life with her impeccable acting skills that were authentic to the century that she is representing and working on, even going as far as adopting a Transatlantic accent that the people of Valentine Z (as well as a select few outside of the nation, in other dimensions) are very fond of. Would that perhaps make sense as to why she was suddenly getting asked to make an appearance for the match on the Valentian soil? Or was this the subtle way of the Valentians celebrating the lengths that they have come for so far – something special and noteworthy enough to bring a special guest in for the last half of the match, while also making sure to be subtle to ensure that they were not celebrating their recent winnings a little too quickly. Whichever happens, Jamie was more than happy to be part of it, and even embraced the fact that the Valentians have requested the half-time slot to be dedicated to her for this particular match. There are no such things as a half-time show in WC.

As a result, while the half-time went on with the players from both teams, their managers, and the WC officials preparing everything they need for the second half of the game, the Valentians streamed – across all the big screens and spectators’ devices – a short film starring Jamie herself. The premise of the short film is a relatively simple one, of Jamie stepping into the portal – courtesy of Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton. Exploration of the other worlds, of the other planets that are in distant star systems and well as of the other dimensions, quickly became a pastime for the Valentians with the help of Gwen herself. For most of the worlds, she would accompany tourists by herself and gave them a bit of pointers here and there on the properties of the planets and the worlds they are visiting, as well as making sure that no one dies from eating the wrong substances, or angering the local wildlife. It is also of note that Gwen does not permit others from travelling through time without her supervision, lest they cause some instability along the timelines with her having to play janitor to clean up the mess, results varying. Going back to the short film starring Jamie, she stepped into this world of pink and green, the sky a little grey, but the whole place somehow still illuminated with the soft glows of the entire place. One could have easily mistaken this for special effects, and perhaps most of the foreign audience at the stadium might feel this way, thinking that there is little to no way this would happen. Then again, they quickly snapped back to reality that they have indeed been travelling through wormholes in order to catch this match. In the short film, Jamie explored around the world, feeling the trees, the grass beneath her feet, and the otherworldly and mystical flying creatures that look a little like butterflies. “This place is a wonderful and fantastical blessing!” Jamie said to the camera (the camerawoman none other than Gwen herself), as she panned and tracked Jamie walking and running around the small opening, genuinely joyous and happy about the marvels of the world that she was in. Turning towards the camera again, with a genuine and happy smile on her face, Jamie waved to the audience and began her speech, a “butterfly” sitting on her shoulder.

“Ahh, where was I? Oh, yes! Hello to you, my dear audience, and my friends! My name is Head Secretary Jamie Izabella Maxie Clara Pernella Ellie Natie Lexie Marie Valerie Ruby Æstriðr Fni. Clementine Millicent Lizbeth Alex Cass Eirian, and I do hope that you are all having a wonderful day in wherever you are watching this from. This small little film of sorts is simply a little thing that we compose and concoct on a very regular basis. We have went through many places around our country, many worlds outside of Valentine Z, and many worlds outside of this dimension that we are currently in. The theory of multiverse may be a terrifying one to many, but at the same time, it can be a blessing for those that knows how to control it, as well as to utilize for the goodness of it all, for everyone. It certainly has helped us in meeting the likes of wonderful folks such as yourself. Of course, I do am aware that there are days when you are not exactly feeling your best, and for that, perhaps I can understand that if I sit down and talk to you one day, if we meet one another by amazing Fate. However, for the time being, at the current state, I would simply like to tell you this: You are all amazing, and are worthwhile as a person, and I do hope that you will keep on going regardless of the state of life you are going in right now. Contrary to what many have said, it is fine to feel down on your luck, especially with the nature of some of the things you are doing that holds dear to you, or having a lot of stakes. There are a lot of things out there that may not be much for one person, but it certainly is a LOT for you. It is all right to fall a little now and then, we all have been there. However, we should not just stay down there just because we have fallen down once. There will certainly be better days for many of us, a lot of chances and opportunities. It always seems impossible until it is done, is it not the saying that goes? And thus, to all of my wonderful family, friends, and audience from multiple other worlds and dimensions, I wish you the best in everything you all do, and I do hope that there will be a lot of solaces to come to your way. Best of luck, and all the best in everything you are all doing, my beautiful friends. My beautiful, wonderful friends. Life can be such an amazing gift.”

A still from the short film involving Jamie - "To my dearest friends, of this wonderful world".

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Thu May 26, 2022 9:59 am

I know we have to fight for every point...but I think at this point, we have reached a point of no return. We certainly are fighting and we will continue to fight until the very end, we had two more games to play...one was good and the other, not so much. Jalkapallon jatkuvasti muuttuva maailma.

Let's start with a better game, on the road in Suolahevonen - Saltstead. They were expected to be a Top 4 seed when this tournament began but instead, they have fallen off a cliff and had almost no fight left in them. That explains what would happen here today as these...horses were outpaced by the Huuhkajat without much effort in the saddle at all. Kimi Airo, Valtteri Nordström and Anne Hintz would all find themselves on the scoresheet by the end of this contest...and that was pretty much that. Kolme pistettä, kuudes sija, työ tehty.

Then came Pemecutan at a ravenous Pesä, the atmosphere certainly amped up to welcome the undefeated group leaders. The main aim here was to try and play Jalak Putih as closely as possible and we certainly ended up doing that until we couldn't hold on no more. It had to be via the most heartwrenching way possible for us to lose this game because that is, after all, Suomalainen tapa. Rama Karyadi took the lead for the visitors in the 11th, but Huuhkajat would fight and Valtteri Nordström would get a much-deserved equaliser in the 65th. After that, it was all-out defence and we certainly fought to get that precious point...but it just wasn't to be, with Leo Olivando breaking our hearts in the 89th. A good performance, but a loss all the same.

Raspotochje away and Thibaea at home - a good opportunity for points if we can. We are near the end of the line...katsotaan kuinka korkealle voimme kiivetä. NOSTA KUIN HUUHKAJAT!

by **Valanora** » Thu May 26, 2022 11:40 am

People of the Eternal Empire
Part 4: Dwarves

Dwarves are a bit of a contentious topic among the historians of the Eternal Empire, as the nature of theirnorigin on Arrosia is highly debated to this day. There are two prevailing theories as to the origin of the Dwarven population in Arrosia, both of which seem as likely as the other. The first theory states that dwarves are a native species to Arrosia and were obscured from the elves for hundreds of years due to their settlements deep into the mountains and hills of the Spine of Arrosia mountain chain in the eastern part of the continent. Given that we know for a good while that the elves stuck to the center of the continent around Gladerial and the surrounding villages, this theory makes sense. The opposing theory treks the same lines but says that the dwarves landed on the eastern shores of Arrosia before migrating into the Spine of Arrosia. As ancient Dwarven records were passed down through oral tradition and translating it into the common tongue is problematic with few true translations, it remains a mystery to this day.

Unlike the previous three species that we have discussed that inhabit the Eternal Empire, the dwarves are very unique in their appearance. The average height of a dwarf is four foot two inches, with the tallest on record being five feet and four inches tall, while the shortest reaching a mere three and a half feet tall. Where as the other predominant species tend to be of lithe or athletic builds, dwarves tend to be more stout in appearance and most are fairly muscular as a result of their living conditions inside hills and mountains. Dwarven culture state that beards shall not be shaven, only trimmed for hygiene purposes, and thus most dwarves are found with beards that are nearly as long as their bodies. However grooming of a dwarves beard, and hair, is a cultural norm and you will find most to braid or otherwise keep their beards so that they do not get in the way of their day to day activities.

Dwarves have a slight mistrust of outsiders and you will rarely find large populations of dwarves outside their own settlements. There has been a shift in the last century towards more openness with those that they share the land with, but it has been a slow process with the dwarves natural affinity for wanting to live underground. While there are numerous undercities where the less talked about dark elves call their home, the dwarves choose not to trespass on the settlements and prefer their own. There have been overtures by the ruling council of dwarves to facilitate more assimilation by their kind into the greater population of the Empire, with trade guilds sending their merchants and wares throughout the Vanorian borders as well as receiving merchants from the rest of the Empire. Despite their somewhat secluded nature, the dwarves have never not answered the call to arms when the Empire has issued it, as well as having two representatives in the Senate to speak on their behalf perhaps in time dwarves will be more common topside I. The Empire as efforts are made to strengthen the trust and bonds between all people who inhabit the Eternal Empire.

by **Flavovespia** » Thu May 26, 2022 11:51 am

Flavovespia 2 - 1 Turori

Flavovespia’s win against Turori will go down in history as one of the all time great games for the nation. Even if Flavovespia don’t make it to the playoffs or World Cup, nothing can take away the fact they beat the world #2 side at home, in a key qualifying game. This truly is a momentous result for Flavovespia.

With Flavovespia 4th, but just a point behind Wreckeria, and 2 points behind Juvencus and Turori, this game was seen as one Flavovespia couldn’t afford to lose. However with one of the world’s finest teams as opponents, Flavovespia knew their work was cut out to achieve any sort of result here. As many predicted, the early pressure came from Turori, who were playing like a side with strong intent to return to the top of the group. It would be Turori to score first, making the pressure count. In the 21st minute, Naraiza Ruaplal played a long ball over the top, with Nua'oma Aikiki receiving it and turning past Stuart Cookson. Nua'oma Aikiki then fired a powerful and accurate shot into the bottom corner of the goal, leaving Aarif Muhammad no chance to save it. 0-1 to Turori, and despite the odd chance here and there for the hosts, the visitors looked comfortable at half time.

It took just 2 minutes for the game to change in the second half. A quick pass by David Lyons set Michael Cole sprinting down the left wing. He cut inside before shooting, forcing a fine save from Derizi Amatopa. However the rebound fell into the path of Adrian Jones, who took his shot well to equalise for Flavovespia. A crucial goal, not just for the game, but for the complexion of the group, and suddenly Flavovespia were in the fight with the world #2 side.

Despite the momentum swing, it was still Turori who were favoured to win, and for a while, they were asking a lot of questions of the Flavovespian defence and goalkeeper Aarif Muhammad, questions that thankfully for the home fans their players had the answer to. Then in the 72nd minute, Flavovespia had a rare foray forward. Michael Cole this time was unable to cut inside, so swung in an early cross. The cross was deep towards the back of the box, and Jonathan Bagshaw was running in. Almost perfectly in stride, he swung his foot through the air, striking the ball and sending it just under the crossbar and smashing into the underside of the net. On the counter, Flavovespia had turned it around and now lead 2-1 with 18 minutes to play.

Every single one of those 18 minutes, plus stoppage time seemed to get longer and longer. Flavovespia were defensively well drilled however, and were able to repel Turori’s increased numbers going forward. Then, after 4 minutes of injury time, the final whistle blew, and relief and joy was everywhere. Flavovespia had held on to stun Turori. And with Juvencus on a bye, and Wreckeria held to a goalless draw by Forbidden Territories, Flavovespia were top of Group 14. Their unbeaten streak was still alive, now into double digits. Whilst the bye week would likely change the top of the table, for now Flavovespia could look at the table, and dare to dream of a World Cup appearance. After so many campaigns of struggles, this day will be remembered as one of Flavovespia’s brightest days in World Cup Qualifying.

Flavovespia’s Obscure Eleven: Robert Cooper (RM)

Any Flavovespian who wanted to play as a right midfielder had to contend with the fact that Steven Hall, the most capped ever Flavovespian, has been the star in that position for almost all of the national team’s history. When he wasn’t in that position, it was Christopher Ace usually selected, and recently now Jonathan Bagshaw as the prodigal replacement. Nestled between Ace and Bagshaw, was Robert Cooper, with 6 caps and no goals for Flavovespia.

Robert Cooper began his professional career aged 18 at newly promoted South Maishop, in 27AU. Despite 3 years of relative success for South Maishop, Robert Cooper saw limited game time, and he was released on a free transfer. 30AU saw him join Hadford Hill, now in the Challenge League and battling for a return to the Super League. Robert Cooper would get a first taste of silverware in 30AU, when Hadford Hill won the Flavovespia Gold Cup, and then a season later won promotion back to the Super League. Hadford Hill’s attacking quarter in a 4-2-3-1 were impressive as the side finished 10th in 32AU, 9th in 33AU, before a 2nd place in 34AU which saw them almost win the Super League after so many years of turmoil. Robert Cooper was an important part of that attack, a winger who was both physical and almost equally strong on both feet, posing a unique threat to many defenders.

In 35AU, Marcus McCormick took what was considered a bold call to drop Christopher Ace from the national team for World Cup Qualifiers 89, and bring in Robert Cooper as the back up right midfielder and winger. Cooper was in good form, but in the eyes of plenty, the pacey Ace had proven a useful backup, especially as his pace could be used against tired players. His debut came in Matchday 5, in Highland Road, his home club stadium. It wasn’t the best of circumstances, with only a few minutes of injury time, Flavovespia down to 10 men, Robert Totten sent off earlier for a bad foul, and Scott Coleman having just missed a sitter to equalise. He then started the next 2 games on the right attacking midfield, with Hall moved to centre attacking midfield. The scoreless draw against Aut-Ves-Nat at least showed Robert Cooper could pose something of a threat at international level. The game at home to Xanneria was marked by defensive woes for Flavovespia in a 3-4 loss, but again Robert Cooper had a decent game. However the sacking of Marcus McCormick saw Nick Cole return in the interim, and the 4-4-2 used pushed Robert Cooper back to the bench, he’d make just 3 more appearances as a substitute, although he provided a late assist against The Jovannic in a 3-1 win. Robert Cooper was unused in the unsuccessful Cup of Harmony 81 campaign. At CAFA Cup 2, he was only used once, subbed on in Flavovespia’s great 1-4 victory over Audioslavia. For World Cup Qualifiers 90, teenager Jonathan Bagshaw was called up in place of Robert Cooper, and Robert Cooper has yet to return to the squad.

Still only 29, Robert Cooper is probably the most likely of the names on this list with the possibility of a future call-up. Nevertheless with a good pipeline of players in his position in the Flavovespia Super League, and an almost seamless transition from Steven Hall to Jonathan Bagshaw, this position is hard to break through in. As for the question of was Robert Cooper any good, well unlike some names mentioned in this series, Cooper actually made a few decent performances, and didn’t seem out of place at this level. He just didn’t quite have the star quality of some other players in the same position, and ultimately didn’t fit the team for now. A humble character though, Robert Cooper has said of his career so far “honestly if I didn’t get another cap, it’d not take anything away from what I achieved. Sitting there, in Flavovespian colours, seeing your name on the tactics board, that for me made it all worth it.”

by **Pasarga** » Thu May 26, 2022 12:17 pm

The day before the funeral of the late King Jakob was set to be held, Azra and İskender had received interesting news from their cousin Aslan Majistar. He had decided to go against his mother's wishes and had chosen to attend the funeral of the late king. However it was not the only bit of news that the siblings received from their distant cousin, as Aslan explained that his older brother, Ezid, was gathering support to try and lay claim to the throne. Ezid was allegedly being encouraged to do so by his mother, as well as others whom Aslan had not been able to figure out, apart from that they lived and worked in Torgos. Whoever the figures were, theybapparely held quite a bit of wealth as they had promised Ediz the financial power to buy an army or mercenaries if it was required to assert his claim to the Dual Islands.

"It is as I suspected little brother, there are forces behind the scenes that are looking to cause us to lose the throne." Azra said with both confidence of having been right but exasperated as the depth of the mire they now found themselves in. "Here is your evidence that someone or a group of someone's is attacking the throne and trying to undermine its authority, to disregard the will of our father and all the good that our family has done for the nation."

"I concede to you sister, perhaps I should not have been so hasty in trying to accept people's aid without thinking what their agenda was. However, with Aslan revealing this information to us, we have to then also assume that there are others like him among the conspirators, who do not back this attempt to destabilize the nation."

"Yes, Zorastor be praised that cousin was able to see what the division among the family had the potential to do and came to us. That being said, it is clear that there is a bigger plot being put into motion, as I believe that you and Ezid are but mere puppets in a grander scheme. What is worse is that we have no choice but to continue forward and walk into whatever plan is afoot. The funeral must go on, mother and the nation as well as ourselves needs time to mourn the passing of our father."

Just then there was a subtle knock on the door and a secretary walked into the room looking slightly nervous. In her right hand she held the phone that was the direct line to the royal family, a line only diplomats, generals, and other heads of state were allowed to call.

"Pardon the interruption Prince and Princess, but the man on the line claims to be the President of Sargossa and wishes to speak to you."

"Sargossa?... I thought they were our enemies?"

by **Sendhang** » Thu May 26, 2022 12:20 pm

A number of leaders from the Melayu Archipelago countries attended the gala dinner in conjunction with the AMAN Leaders Meeting at Daulapura Palace, including the President of Sendang Paulus Etamba.

President Paulus Etamba and his delegations attended the invitation at noon and were first taken to the rooms provided at the underground level of the palace by the Maharaja of Eraman, Maharaja Nila Petara. However, the president did not choose to rest in his room. The president looked restless all evening and instead, spent most of his time sitting alone in the cigar lounge in the underground level of the magnificent palace.

At around 7.30 pm, the President arrived at the ground floor of the Daulapura Palace in a black suit. He then went straight to the waiting room that had been provided. In that room was the Bendahara of Eraman, Tun Rendra Usin. President Paulus Etamba and Tun Rendra Usin seemed to have a friendly conversation. The two of them did meet several times, Tun Rendra Usin even invited the President to take a tour of Eraman after the AMAN Leaders Meeting.

Exactly at 8.00 pm, the gala dinner began. The president sat next to Tun Rendra Usin at the banquet. The dinner finished about two hours later. After that, the president and his delegations went straight to the basement level of the palace to rest.

________________

The AMAN Leaders Meeting started with a bang. Tun Rendra Usin wasted no time to get everyone's attention, especially his proposal on the Putrasia independence referendum. It caught everyone off-guard except for President Paulus Etamba. Everyone in the room was looking at him when the Bendahara of Eraman made that proposal but the president remained composed, nervous but still composed. He had discussed this with Tun Rendra Usin during their golf session 2 days ago and they had expected that reaction from the delegations.

Of course, the proposal was objected to right away. The Patih Agung of Pemecutan, Ngurah Agung Kusumajaya who spoke next made it clear in his speech that the Association of Melayu Archipelago Nations has no right to interfere in Sendhang domestic issue. His speech made the meeting more intense.

Then came the president's turn to make his speech. He started his speech with condemnation of the terrorist attack in Cakranegara and praised the effort of Pemecutan and Cakranegara in dealing with it. He then went on to agree with the proposal to change the name of the region citing that the nations in the region should collectively choose the name.

Then the moment the room has been waiting for, on Putrasia.

"I welcome Eraman's concern on the situation in Sendhang. However, Pemecutan is right that this should be dealt with internally by the government of Sendhang. We cannot agree to this. Therefore, Sendhang respectfully objects to the third proposal by Eraman," he said.

The situation got awkward in the meeting room as the president ended his speech with an objection to the third proposal of Tun Rendra Usin who sat next to him.

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Thu May 26, 2022 12:41 pm

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5 (Written by Yuezhou)
Part 6
Part 7 (Written by Yuezhou)
Part 8

President Nafuna Akongo, sitting with her Foreign Minister

.... "Are you SURE that you want to do this, Madame President?" Said Nyowani Kitara's Foreign Minister. All sorts of people had tried to counsel her away from this decision, talking about her electoral prospects. But the President, after a few sleepless nights, with the election in the upcoming days, had finally worked her way to a resolution, and there was no changing her mind. It was on her aides to carry it out.

"There is only one way that this can be done." President Akongo said. "Our system is Parliamentary. If we lose on Sunday-" She stopped, shuddering on the spot. "Well, if we lose on Sunday, then Muhoozi Kulan would be sworn in on Monday. It's not like a true Presidential system, where we've got this whole lame duck, waiting period. If I tried to move during that probable 24 hour period, anything that I try to do is likely to be slapped down from Corvistone. If I win, of course, it won't matter... But the whole point of this system is that I don't know if I will win."

"We do know what will happen if you go through with this." The Foreign Minister replied. "This could put the entire project, the entire campaign, at risk. It's a coin toss right now. But with this..."

"Look, we've gamed this out so many times." President Akongo said. "I don't think, honestly, this will swing people against us. Everyone understands, those who fought for us, for our country, deserve a chance to stay here without retribution in their home country. Sacrifice life and limb- and the most we can re-pay them back with is that my potential successor can send them off to prison in Yuezhou for something that they have nothing to do with? Simply because President Wu's corrupt regime(literally in the case of the Vice President!) can't keep his own country safe. Even if they don't like it, per say, they can understand the logic, the reasoning, they can get behind it. Surely they won't believe Yuezhou's insinuations that we were behind the attacks... Even Euran intel can back us up..."

"But Madame President." The Foreign Minister. "Optics!"

"This is the last time I'll discuss this." The President snapped. "I'll give the orders around here. You will follow them." The Foreign Minister did exactly that, as the President began drafting her order. Of course, in Nyowani Kitara, the President always had the option of intervening in the immigration system, and granting people citizenship/permanent residency... A power that, technically, could not be reversed. I mean, it may be possible- but of course, there's no separation of powers where that sort of question is adjudicatable in Nyowani Kitara. No President's ever tried it. Seems reasonable in countries that a head of state could not simply take away something like citizenship or permanent residency, but of course, President Akongo firmly believed that this was the best way to protect those who fought for her.

The men of Ren Qiang, who stayed in Nyowani Kitara even as their fearless leader, Ren Qiang, was butchered by the men of President Wu.

As the President began writing her executive order, she not not the firestorm she was about to bring...

Nyowani Kitara Watch
An unbiased source on all things Nyowani Kitara

Nafuna Akongo throws election curveball by moving to protect YPA soldiers in Nyowani Kitara with less than a week until the General Election

DEWAYO, NYOWANI KITARA- President Nafuna Akongo, with less than week to go until the General Election, has made a stunning announcement that may upend the Presidential campaign. We'll take the words out of the mouth of the horse herself.

"There are many people who fought on behalf of the Kitaran people, in order to keep the peace in this country against the violent revolutionaries." She told reporters. "These people, of course, deserve to be properly thanked for their contributions to peace in Nyowani Kitara. We have come a long way, and those who both fought in, and beside, the Kitara Revolutionary Forces are those we have to thank. In just a few days, when the people of Nyowani Kitara elect me to the position of the Presidency, the people's control and absolute sovereignty over this state will be complete. And the socialist revolution will be saved.

But, before the election starts, we must honor and keep those safe who put their lives on the line for this country. So that is why, I am announcing the following today. For anybody who fought alongside Government forces in the Civil War, they shall have the right to permanent residency, as well as a pathway to citizenship, within this nation."

Now, of course, with the YPA attack controversies, this is hugely controversial. It doesn't only apply to YPA troops- however, Eurans and Nepharans, at least in large numbers, are unlikely to want to stay in the country over the long-term, thanks to standard of living advantages in their home country. On a practical basis, this is an act that will allow YPA soldiers to live and work in Nyowani Kitara over the long-term. if they are stripped of their statehood and their right to return to UR, as many predict will happen, that might be their only option. Furthermore, it makes extradition that much harder. Under the Akongos, if the President had the will, it wouldn't matter, but the letter of the law does allow the legislature to step in to review an extradition of somebody who is a citizen or permanent resident. But in our new country, the letter of the law probably matters quite a bit more- but how much more?

Muhoozi Kulan, considered the #1 challenger to Nafuna Akongo in the Polls, said the following in response. "President Akongo protecting a group of terrorists who killed 5 of their own countrymen, back in Yuezhou, absolutely is terrible." He told reporters. "It shows that she's more concerned with the past, rather than moving this country forward into the future. Please, when you go and vote on Sunday, vote for a stronger future, and vote for a better Nyowani Kitara by supporting the UPF."

While controversial in-country, this figures to be even more controversial among the international community. With the latest Yue Government leak, they are sure to be infuriated. It is believed that the President did this of her own accord- we do not know how any of the Rushmori powers will react. Will this doom her on Sunday? Or will she go out from the Presidency with this last act of defiance?

by **Brookstation** » Thu May 26, 2022 12:57 pm

I||II||III||IV|V|VI|VII|VIII

The 20 is a blog series where authors of Brookstation's biggest football blog, The Beautiful Game documents the lives of some of the best players to have played in Brook soil. Aimed at inaugurating the 50th edition of the Harrison Shield, we document the lives of the players who define the top 20 football clubs in Brookstation.

SHERIDON RIPLEY:THE MAN WHO CHANGED KARS

It was the final of the 1991 Harrison Shield and Kars Club and AFC Richmond were contesting Brookstation’s most prestigious sporting honour. The match was a crucial affair and neither team wanted to give up this opportunity. One one side there is Stanley Leger and on the other Johnny Madonna, both prolific strikers of their respective clubs. Both the strikers tried their best to clear the air of doubt that surrounded everyone present at the Pop Smoke Stadium that day. In the 58th minute Jorge Veron raised the ball towards Sheridon Ripley who raised up for a header but Piepmann delivered a serious blow on Ripley who immediately fell to the ground. Both players had to leave the field eventually but it was the penalty that Ripley had earned his team that made Kars Club win their second Harrison Shield.

This was a time when Sheridon Ripley made his team win indirectly but the number of times he has made his team win completely due to his own brilliance is countless. When Ripley arrived at Kars, he was already 27 years old and had played for prominent clubs like Clube de Norwegian wood and Halebid United, scoring over 200 goals during his career. His arrival at Kars was really exciting for the fans of the club , who hadn’t seen a trophy for almost a decade.

Ripley was a complete striker who knew every angle of the game. He was a man who could score a completely unexpected volley over his opponent’s head or finish the efforts of his teammates or score powerful headers. He didn’t fear the most agile defenders of his era nor did he fail to provide assists whenever required. In fact, like many of our players in our series, even Ripley scored in his debut match, even if it was for an inexperienced Checksborough side, a stunning long distance shot from the edge of the box.

Ripley was the perfect man to play football in the 90s. He had his good looking appearance, his flamboyant style of play and his off pitch activities in the disco and as a matter of fact, several women throughout the nation fell in his charm. These didn’t affect his performance however as he never stopped from scoring goals for his team. If there was one flaw in Ripley, it was his behaviour on the pitch which often got him into trouble. Ripley got easily offended and thus many defenders who weren’t able to match his skills would use this unorthodox method to get the better of him. He would often indulge in fights with players, his manager and sometimes even the very referees. On one instance he was shown the red card for an unpleasant argument with the referee.

“ Now that I look back at my career, I do regret some things. I mean somebody watching the game can easily believe that it’s easy to control one’s emotions on the field but believe me, on the field scoring goals is the only thing on your mind .”

Sheridon Ripley celebrating after scoring a goal

Over the years, Sheridon Ripley would go on to build a remarkable forward duo with Terry Riordan. Ripley had the skills and Riordan could finish better and together these two techniques terrorized defenders all throughout Brookstation. Their chemistry on the field was completely unrivalled and even in the toughest circumstances, Ripley never failed to pass the ball over to Riordan. And leaving these two men, there was also Don Hansen, the club’s attacking midfielder who contributed to most of Kars goals winning the Highest Assister Trophy a total of 4 times in his career.

“Whenever Kars approached the goal, we gave up hope because we knew that even Margaret couldn’t stop them from scoring.” Bobby Miles (Other side of Paradise goalkeeper 1990-1995)

One of Ripley’s most remarkable seasons was the 1993 season where he won both the Best Player of the Year and the Top Scorer Award. If we look at the current structure of Brook football, we won’t be able to find such a complete striker as Ripley. Stigma and brilliance are the two words to define this remarkable player. Ripley’s arrival at Kars helped the club enormously and he will always remain a legend for the club. He changed the perception of strikers and taught everyone the value of prolific partnerships.

MORE FROM THE BEAUTIFUL GAME :

Ripley, Riordan and Hansen:The greatest trio ever in Brook football
From 11th to 2nd: The story of Brookstation's WCQ journey so far [updates every matchday]
"I believe in miracles." says Bill Browne ahead of game against Banija

by **Yue Zhou** » Thu May 26, 2022 1:02 pm

INVOKING ARTICLE 6 IN RESPONSE TO KITARAN AGGRESSION
a presidential statement from the united republics of yuezhou

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- The United Republics of Yuezhou and President Wu Zhongsheng would like to express our severe dismay at the recent decision of the Akongo regime to grant full amnesty to former YPA soldiers residing in Nyowani Kitara. At a time when ex-YPA soldiers are given free license by the Kitaran government to plan terrorist attacks against innocent Yueren, this can only be viewed as an act of aggression toward the Yue people and their rightful government. We are saddened that Interim President Nafuna Akongo would desecrate the memory of the lives lost at Xingruichang Plaza in this manner.

In response, we call on the international community to recognize this act of aggression as a breach of the ceasefire terms of the Varakoula Accords. As firm believers in the power of international diplomacy and cooperation, the United Republics were proud to have participated in such a successful feat of Rushmori and Pavolan diplomacy in Tikariot. However, we are severely disappointed that Nyowani Kitara has failed to comply with this agreement. By openly harboring ex-YPA terrorists who have committed atrocities on Yue soil, and that may be planning future attacks, Nafuna Akongo is flagrantly violating the peace defined by the Varakoula Accords. We demand that the Kitaran government immediately stop harboring YPA terrorists and comply with the proposed IFPNK policies on forced disarmament and prosecution of ex-YPA members. Because the Kitaran government can no longer be assumed to be acting in good faith, we will also demand increased monitoring and enforcement protocols of these policies. We also demand that the Kitaran government immediately recognize, and open diplomacy with, the United Republics of Yuezhou. To enforce this, the Yue representative of the Varakoula Accords Monitoring Committee will be raising a high breach at the next VAMC meeting. If our demands are unable to be resolved through VAMC channels, we will not hesitate to withdraw from the Varakoula Accords and seek alternate means of normalizing Yue-Kitaran relations.

We call for strength and peace for all Yueren in light of this unprecedented level of aggression towards the United Republics. We continue to pray for the victims of the Xingruichang Plaza attack and their families. We vow to do all that is possible to prevent future attacks from happening and to bring justice to the perpetrators of such terror and those who support them.

by **Soldera** » Thu May 26, 2022 1:29 pm

Larry Carricker had grown tired of answering that question over and over again every single time the media posed it or is bastard variations.

Yes, I'm retiring after the cycle. No, nothing's going to change that. No, I haven't been given input into who the new manager's going to be. No, I'm not upset about not having any say in the new manager.

He'd given the team the day off before the team convened for their final walk-through prior to the match against Drawkland. They would have one more road match against StrayaRoos Barrier Islands before closing out their qualifying schedule against ancient heavies Audioslavia, but prior to the Drawkland match, Carricker could see his team was feeling weary, and truthfully, so was he.

He stared into his cup of coffee as he waited for the Zoom feed to show his baby brother Norm. Norm wasn't just on the phone for shits and giggles, or to listen to his older brother kvetch about his job in vaguely general terms. Norm was talking to Larry as his boss. Granted, the fraternal relationship also played a role. It always did, even though Larry was used to playing second fiddle to Norm from their childhood days. There was the fact in Larry's mind that Norm was their parents' favorite. There was the fact that Norm Carricker named Larry Carricker an assistant manager when he got the role as Soldera manager.

And now, Larry Carricker was about to talk with his little brother again serving as his boss since Norm Carricker was the team's technical director. They would exchange pleasantries like have you heard from Mom or how are the kids. They would talk about the course of World Cup qualifying, in particular Soldera's slide from qualifying to near certain elimination from contention for the proper.

Norm looked closely at Larry as he stared into his cup of coffee. He hesitated for a moment, almost as if he didn't want to ask the question that was on his mind, but they were brothers, so he decided niceties be damned.

"You OK, Lawrence?" Larry Carricker's eyebrows raised. Norm sometimes called his brother by his commonly used nickname of Larry, and sometimes called him other nicknames like Dumbo, Big Dummy, LareBear, and others. He sometimes called him Lawrence in a theatrical enough manner to know that they could still needle each other like brothers often do. But Larry knew when Norm used his given first name in this tone of voice that the question was serious. If it had been, perhaps Dahvid Leib on the other end of the video conference, Larry might have briefly said "Yeah, fine," and be done with it. He might have said some bullshit answer that would have passed muster and would allow him to not tread into nosy territory.

But this was his brother. And not only that, but this was a brother who'd been down a similar road to his own. In fact, they navigated Soldera's maiden World Cup qualifying campaign together with Norm as manager and Larry as the assistant. They'd also grown to trust each other to the point where Larry knew the intent look Norm gave him.

"No," Larry finally answered. "I know some people think it might be because we're facing the Drawks, but I'm exhausted. Physically. Mentally."

Norm just nodded and looked back at Larry. Larry knew the look on his face meant Norm sympathized with him and understood.

"I'm also doing a shit job as manager. I bet the Board's gonna be happy to see me go." Norm shook his head.

"No, Lawrence," Norm said.

"C'mon, Norman. You're my brother. You don't have to bullshit me."

"I'm not, Lawrence. I just spoke with the Board 10 minutes before this conference began. They're happy with your work. In fact, they asked me if you would reconsider stepping down, at least until after the next Copa Rushmori."

"You know better, Norman," Larry said. "I said from the beginning that I wanted to step down after this cycle. Nothing's changed." After a few more minutes, Larry convinced Norm that
there was nothing that could change his mind. Finally, the talk turned to the succession plan for Larry Carricker. The Board was seeking Larry's input, and so was Norm.

"How's Joey doing?" Norm Carricker asked. From another technical director, it might have warranted a quizzical look from Larry Carricker, but he knew his little brother well enough to know that meant he wanted at least an informal assessment of former midfielder and team captain Joey Westway's readiness as a manager.

"I think he'll probably be ready to become manager if we make it to the Cup of Harmony or if we compete in Copa Rushmori," Larry said.

"Perhaps you could have him manage the match against the Barrier Islands?" Larry thought for a moment. He was managing the team against the Drawkish and against Audioslavia personally because those were home matches against nations with far greater pedigrees and profiles in multiversal football. The fans would likely take exception to Westway managing as a sort of white flag by the Snakes. But the Barrier Islands away?

"That should work," Larry said. "Besides, it would give me some extra time to rest these creaky old bones."

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Thu May 26, 2022 1:34 pm

Leaving it Last Minute
Salwan Mynhier

The Black-and-Reds, at the beginning of qualifying, would likely have hoped to be comfortably secure in a playoff spot by now, if not mathematically assured of one. Bad losses to Quakmybush and Lumbinipur in the first half of qualifying imperiled the hope of even finishing in playoff position, and continued stumbles since then, including our most recent result against Aleirave have prevented us from either reaching second place or leaving the chasing pack behind. As things stand, after drawing with the Baptism of Fire Champions, the SRS sits three points behind Brookstation for second place, with both teams having played 16 matches. Just two points behind us is Eraman. Crucially though, the Monkey Kings have only three matches remaining, having already played 17. Finally, rounding out the picture of likely contenders is Sargossa, whom the Black-and-Reds will play in the next international break. A win for the Black-and-Reds would all but eliminate the Corsairs, who are six points off the pace for a playoff spot. These sides fought to a draw last time out in the SRS, and both will likely be hoping for a better performance in defense after both teams conceded three goals. Further back, fellow AO nation Efnakia are effectively eliminated, as the best they can do is equal our current point total, and they would need to exceed our goal differential as the Black-and-Reds hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. Still, there is no more room for mistakes or underperformance. Bad results against either Sargossa or Brookstation will leave the door open to the teams behind us, and a failure to make the playoff would be a complete disaster.

Before Groothuis and company can concentrate on Sargossa though, there's the matter of setting things straight against Lumbinipur. There's still be absolutely no communication from their FA, their government, or anyone having anything to do with them. Personally, I don't think any such place exists. I'm not even sure how SCFA officials are meant to recognize their team, should they show up in Sjerezo next week.

Schedule and Results:

MD17: SRS 3-0 EFK @ Synesoft Arena (cap. 46,950), Syneca, Sivolvia, SRS
MD18: ALR 1-1 SRS @ A field (cap. 100), Lahaira, ALV
MD19: SRS  v  LMB @ Smolak Systemy Stadion (cap. 31,200), Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS
MD20: SRG  v  SRS @ Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado (cap. 108,879), Soluca, SRG
MD21: SRS  v  BRO @ Emerald Coast Coliseum (cap. 31,200), Vassilian, Algolia, SRS
MD22: MNS  v  SRS @ TBA

World Come Undone, Part 5
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Spring.

A season marked by renewal and rebirth. Many religions celebrate festivals of fertility or resurrection. New growth emerges in the fields and forests. Birds return from their winter homes far to the south. Small creeks and rills swell with snowmelt, burbling noisily down hillsides to join the rushing rivers in the lowlands. But for the people of West Squornshelous, the revolutionaries hiding out in the hills, the ordinary people trying to go about their lives, and the now over 300 thousand troops on occupation duty, the only real renewal is of hostilities.

There are minor skirmishes all across West Squornshelous, but the event that really makes people sit up and take notice is one too big for even the government-controlled press to hush up. Revolutionary numbers are particularly high in Molvania, the most recently annexed of the West Squornshelan provinces. Once the spring thaw eliminates the chance for footprints in snow, the newly organized and united revolutionaries launch a campaign of strikes against Imperial installations and infrastructure. Patrols and convoys are ambushed seemingly at random. Road and railway bridges are blown up, often just as Imperial forces are crossing. Every attempt at retaliation comes up with little to show for the effort and expense in men and equipment. Eventually it seems to the troops there that they have been besieged by an invisible enemy. Reinforcements are on the way, but until they arrive, it’s a risky proposition just stepping foot off-base.

Those reinforcements will take time, coming all the way from the Isle of Squornshelous, because the army cannot afford to weaken its presence elsewhere in West Squornshelous. As they shuffle units from place to place, no sooner is one region declared “pacified” then insurgents appear elsewhere. In early May, a major supply convoy loaded down with food, weapons, and ammunition for occupiers on the Sivovlian peninsula is ambushed on the rural highway south of the port of Arkintoofle. Fewer than half of the supplies will arrive at the depot in Yassaca, and while much of the remainder is destroyed or abandoned, the revolutionaries make off with as much as they can carry.

In response, two entire divisions make a sweep along the coast road, setting out from Yassaca and Arkintoofle. The plan is that each will drive the presumably disunited and ill-informed rebels before them, before crushing their hopelessly outnumbered force between the Imperial pincers. Instead, they find nothing. The only armed person they encounter is an old man out hunting boar, whom they arrest. Behind them, though, rebels destroy an ammunition dump on the outskirts of Arkintoofle, and the communications hub for the entire Sivolvian theater. The Imperials have no choice but to abandoned the operation and return to defend their bases. As soon as the army leaves, the revolutionaries return, and the Imperials find the local population to be at best sullen and uncooperative. After all, the revolutionaries being hunted are their friends, neighbors, parents, siblings, and children.

Fortunately, the Imperial Army’s leaders have a brilliant solution to this problem. If they can’t force a favorable confrontation with the rebels hiding out in the countryside, they’ll just punish civilians.

No, seriously, that’s their idea. Imperial Army Chief of Staff Petr Osterbakken announces sweeping austerity measures, including strict rationing of gasoline, rubber, sugar, coffee, flour, meat, and just about everything needed for day to day life. These measures are presented to the public as a result of the military’s need to secure supplies to put down the rebellion, but in reality there is no real shortage. These actions are punitive in nature, as is a new decree that institutes a draft of West Squornshelans for what essentially amounts to forced labor. This new West Squornshelan Support Corps will dig ditches, fill sandbags, and all other manner of menial labor. With the heat of full summer just weeks away, thousands of West Squornshelan civilians, people who have so far committed no crime against the Imperium are marched at gunpoint onto military bases.

In his private journal, Osterbakken writes that the decision is “a calculated risk. But I deem that, being good and stalwart imperial subjects, the people will rightly see that it is the rabble rousers and murderers hiding like wolves in the hills who are to blame for their misfortune.” Bjorn Havelid, Viceroy of West Squornshelous is also confident in the move, believing that “we will all pull together to squash this revolt and return to normality before next winter.” He makes no mention, however, of what contributions he personally will make to the war effort. And there are some who share this viewpoint. The opinions published in the decidedly unfree press cannot be relied upon as a barometer of public opinion, but most historians seem to agree that there was considerable resentment for the revolutionaries among the population, and not all of the so-called collaborators were motivated by personal financial gain.

For a majority though the army, indeed the Imperium has now gone too far. Desertion from the Service Corps is a problem from day one. On average its work crews are below 60% of their strength on paper, and those who do stick around, whether out of fear or apathy, quickly gain a reputation as slow, inefficient, unmotivated workers. Sabotage is also rampant, and it isn’t long before Service Corps members are viewed with suspicion by the Army, many of whom openly refer to them as fifth-columnists, and fights are frequent between Service Corps and Army personnel.

Perhaps Osterbakken, Havelid, and the rest of the Imperial leaders are right. Perhaps the population, being forced to share in the consequences of rebellion, will turn on the insurgents and aid the army in tracking down and eliminating them. Perhaps the Service Corps will become a valuable contributor to the war effort, once a few bad apples are weeded out. Perhaps this well all be over by next winter.

Perhaps, but to anyone with eyes, it really looks like the opposite is true. Perhaps all they’re accomplishing with their punitive measures is inflicting pain on the undecided, and making up their minds for them.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Thu May 26, 2022 1:59 pm

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

DROMOZOA: THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY?
By Anna Comneno

Consternation has been caused across the multiverse - or at least those portions of the multiverse with an interest in football - by the news that the mutations afflicting the Holy Empire's football team this World Cup qualification cycle are caused by poorly understood trans-dimensional entities called 'dromozoa'. These little-known creatures from a planet named Shayol apparently implant new body parts on humanoid creatures that visit their home world, and while imperial citizens are somewhat more resistant than mundies to the impact of the dromozoa, this only has the impact of delaying the development of new body parts rather than halting the phenomenon. More remarkable is the discovery that the impact of the dromozoa cannot simply be dreamed out of existence upon a player's return to the Dreamed Realm, but rather maintain both a subjective and objective existence between and beyond realities.

While steps have been taken to reassure mundies that dromozoa are incapable of leaving Shayol, and that the newly grown body parts are not contagious or in any way harmful to mundies, consternation at the phenomenon has been considerable. While the rate of mutation seems to have slowed, particular concern was caused during the Holy Empire's 2-1 away victory to Darkmania when substitute Andronicus Cantucazeno grew complete anatomically correct male genitalia from each cheek, his forehead, and the back of his neck - in each case including scrotum, testes, and penis. A rush of blood to his head following a home team corner caused a ... state of excitement with his new body parts that saw the home broadcaster censor the match and instead switch to a cartoon of 'Mr Snuggles and his Happy Time', a popular local children's cartoon about an anthropomorphic hamster and his cuddly friends. Holy Empire Manager Juan Tzimisces was later forced to deny that the Holy Empire squad was about to be replaced by anthropomorphic hamsters 'at least in World Cup 91', he later confirmed. HEFA later apologised to the Darkmania authorities for any offence caused by the visible excitement of Mr Cantucazeno manhoods.

At this point only two members of the Holy Empire squad have not grown new body parts. These are left winger John Pselluso and central midfielder and captain Constantine Lascaro, both of whom are said to attended to by highly skilled medical teams 24 hours a day, just in case. One particular unsolved mystery is why the mutations only seem to appear in the middle of international football matches; further research is said to be needed on this point.

Regardless of the cause of the mutations, the timing of their appearance, and the nature of their manifestation, many imperial football observers are said to have spotted opportunities for further Holy Empire success as the team seeks its fourth consecutive World Cup final appearance, second consecutive title, and record sixth title overall. The advantage gained on corners from having a extra-tall double-torsoed defender, or a forward who is virtually incapable of handling the ball due to the extra feet on his wrists have been much commented on in other media. Others have drawn attention to Romanos Adrianuso's extra burst of speed now that he has four extra legs, and Manuel Palaeologo's clever use of the extra leg growing out of his head in a particularly acrobatic goal in the 4-1 home win against Unpleasant.

However, others see the mutations as a potential threat to further success. Mr Cantucazeno's new facial genitalia are a case in point, but if Arianites' wrist-placed hands have been a boon, Jorge Sphrantzes's extra hands on his buttocks have proven to be a case in point - leading directly to the buttock hand-handling penalty that gave Darkmania a sniff of an upset in last night's match. Observers have expressed surprise that opposing teams have not been able to take better advantage of some of these less convenient mutations, with Vilita the only opposing team to try and gain a proper tactical advantage over the Holy Empire, and here more by the use of a unusual climate choice of venue rather than overt targeting of imperial mutations.

Other mutations seem to have no practical impact; examples include Miguel Zarides's necklace of ears and Juan Neokaisareites's chest thumbs.

With the end of World Cup qualification approaching, and the Holy Empire in control of its own destiny - albeit unable to afford a slip-up given Vilita's strong second-place showing - attention is beginning to turn to the World Cup finals and the impact of the mutations on contests with some of the other leading footballing nations (other than Vilita). HEFA is expected to make a statement on further expectations following the conclusion of qualifying.

by **Krytenia** » Thu May 26, 2022 2:23 pm

With me today is Brelk-Xeral Erv, manager of the Krytenian national team. How do you see the qualifying campaign so far?
"It has been an interesting introduction for myself and the squad, I think. The players have begun to understand the way I work, and the beliefs I have in how the team can and should play. This job, though...it's not like where I have managed before. There is a lot of irrationality in the fans. They have this great passion for football, and they are incredibly loud. The problem is they've been fed on 'the Krytenian way' for so long. I have been told there are a lot of people on social media who do not like the way I do things?"

You've been told? So you've not read this yourself?
"Nobody ever won a match following instructions from Chirper, so no."

Fair. Are you happy or disappointed with where Krytenia stand in the table right now?
"Neither. I think you must understand, Mr Niblick, that we are not in a position where I am presenting the finished product. There is rebuilding, much learning, and some unlearning to be done. For too long, the Krytenian team has been set in its ancient ways; now we are creating a new way, from the ground up. A few bricks will get broken upon the way, but it is what it is. The important thing is that we show we can compete, and we have done that. Only the defeat to the Ochre Islands stands out to me so far, and we can afford a blip at this early stage."

Would you consider qualifying to be the end goal at this World Cup, then, or is that not as important?
"Only an idiot would say that they didn't want to qualify for the World Cup. What we are doing here - what I am doing here - is making sure that qualifying for a World Cup is followed by reaching the knockout stage, and then making each further step. The philosophy here is not only to not accept defeat, it is to win in such a way that defeat is never in question. Overpower, overload, overwhelm. Always believe you are better."

How would you say the players are bedding in to your tactics?
"If they weren't receptive, they would not be here. It's that simple."

Who would you say has impressed you so far?
"That hardly matters. Every player is a cog in a machine, a fraction of a whole. We need a unified team, based around a solid core. [Savannah] Quinn and [Scott] Stringer are good examples of this. They understand that hanging a painting off two nails is more secure than one. They are my two nails, but there are another nine players on the team equally as important."

It looks likely that the return match against the Ochre Islands could decide whether the national side reaches the playoffs. Will you be looking for revenge?
"Vengeance clouds the mind. We have four games left to play, and we want to win all four. When we met in Bellflower, we played badly and they played well. Winning would be no more than correcting an error."

Finally, the media and fans have come to calling you 'BXE'. How do you feel about picking up a nickname so quickly?
"I think it shows that Krytenia has accepted me, and that is a good thing. I hope that in future, they will talk of my works rather than my initials, though."

Brelk-Xeral Erv, thank you for your time.
"And thank you for not asking anything especially stupid."

by **Mytanija** » Thu May 26, 2022 2:40 pm

The two youngest members of Lev Repin’s squad, Bosko Pestotnik and Drazen Skara, passed the ball to one another out on the training pitch somewhere in suburban Esca. The pair of 19 year olds had come up the youth ranks together, Pestotnik for Ararat Severyan and Skara for 1923 Esca, they had met-up several times with Mytanija’s junior teams too. It was an unlikely friendship, or at least it would have been in a previous iteration of Mytanija. Pestotnik, a Catholic Rauchik kid who supported and played for Ararat Severyan, a club which was a celebration of everything Rauchnya and whose ultras were fiercely in favour of Mytanar unity. Skara, a Zentrian Orthodox kid from the seat of Zentrian power in Esca, coming through the academy at 1923 Esca – a club whose ultras were Zentrian nationalists, deeply racist towards Rauchnya. But this was a new Mytanija, those things didn’t bother the pair, even if many perhaps were bothered at the idea the two could be friends.

“What’s it like in Quebec, Bosko?” Drazen asked without looking at his friend, fully concentrated on juggling the ball, then half-volleying it back across the artificial turf. Bosko, for his part, took a moment to think about his answer.

“…Different, I guess.” He said. “It’s very different to here. Culturally, I mean.”

“You like it though?”

“Yeah. I do. Early days though, only lived there for a year.” Bosko replied, a note of caution in his voice. “Semir has been big for me, he helped with everything, getting an apartment, all those sort of things.”

“He’s a good lad, Semir.” Drazen said. “I wouldn’t mind trying to move somewhere abroad one day, I think it’d be class.”

“Really? I thought 1923 Esca were hyping you up as their great home-grown new hope or something… I saw a few things online about it.” Bosko laughed.

“Haha, well, they might be pushing that but there’s a few who could say the same thing, Milos Bajic, Nenad Tejic, even Nicolás Riesgo. Who knows man, we might do what you Ararat boys did a couple of years ago and win the league! Spirit of Youth Trophy generation coming through the ranks and all that.”

“That’d be impressive, Atletik, Liria and 1896 Ebor seem to have woken up ever since that though.”

“True,” Drazen said ruefully. “Do you regret leaving Ararat before the Copa de Campeones and National Cup double?”

“Now?” Bosko asked, slightly rhetorically, but Drazen nodded. “Maybe a bit. It’s easy with hindsight though, isn’t it? Dordo and Ermin did the same thing. None of us knew what would happen the season after but I guess we’re all part of it in a small way, we got the boys there from the season before.”

“Yeah… But a Copa de Campeones man, wow.”

“I know mate,” Bosko laughed slightly. “Obviously I’d have loved to be a part of that. But I also wouldn’t be getting paid what I’m getting paid now and even as an Ararat supporter it’s obvious Mipojoseon are a bigger club, it’s like playing for one of the big three at home. I’m gonna have more chances of playing in the Champions’ League and all that.”

“Yeah I guess. It’d be nice to be able to build something with the club you support though, but those three are just so hard to beat. Even if one has a bad season you need to beat the other two as well.”

“Is this your way of slyly complimenting me for the part I played in Ararat’s famous title win, Drazen?” Bosko laughed.

“Haha, I can’t lie man, beating those three to a league title is super impressive. Fair play, like.” Drazen replied sheepishly. “First and last time I say that, though.”

“I mean, I know how impressive it was,” Bosko smirked. “But you should seriously think about moving abroad man, it’s a different lifestyle, I still feel like Mytanija is so slow to change. Quebec’s a bit different to that, none of the problems between regions like we have. Bit more forward-thinking.”

“I will, though I want to spend a couple more years with 1923 and see where it takes us. Got some really good players at the moment and last year should allow us to keep the group together for a bit longer. Might be hard to ‘do an Ararat’, but maybe we could.” Drazen chuckled.

“Hey man who knows? Where would you fancy moving to anyway?” Bosko asked his friend. “If you were to move abroad?”

“That’s a tough question like… Do Mipojoseon need a striker?” Drazen laughed. “I don’t know. That Chromatik team Zlatan plays for will need somebody when he leaves, Z’ai’ai or whatever. Nephara’s always cool too. I remember watching Ocokoljic playing for Newrook City there when I was younger.”

“I’m sure you can aim high enough if you keep it up, mate.” Bosko said reassuringly. “Not sure how much my advice would count for but I’ll see if I can have a word with the gaffer for you though!”

A whistle sounded, the signal for the players to gather together for the start of another day’s training.

“C’mon, let’s go in then.” Drazen said, before volleying the ball into a goal around 25 metres away, it made a satisfying noise as it pinged off the inside of the post and against the back of the net.

by **Mertagne** » Thu May 26, 2022 2:53 pm

Continued excepts from the journals of Guren Ayerbe
The state of the Assembly after these two weeks has become not too dissimilar to trench warfare, but instead of a single simple front, this legislative war is being fought from a litany of fronts. Naturally, as we've seen the more corporate leaning types consolidate themselves like wounded animals against the more democratic types, regardless of flavour, several camps have emerged that have been hard at work drafting their own frame of government.

In the interests of transparency, I will detail the prevailing forms of government at this stage, as well where the main points of contention between Assembly members are on each.

It is prudent to describe the status quo at this stage also, as some of the suggestions are so radical that time may completely erode any sense of the Mertagnian charter in its current form. Currently, the Mertagnian Government is built around the Tricameral System, in which three functionally separate entities keep the political system stable by ensuring that change can only be enacted if it is truly wanted by the majority in power. At the lowest level (not of importance, but simply because it is closest to the foundation - the people), sits the Regional Forums. There is one regional forum for every province, totalling nineteen. These regional forums consist of Regional Forum Members (RFMs), and their number is determined by census results, ensuring equal proportional representation across the nation for their regional representatives. These members are elected in each province on a rotating basis, in a five-year cycle, through proportional representation. This ensures that the National Forum gets a regular 'churn', in which political blocks have to do their best to keep their electorate happy throughout their tenure, lest they lose National Forum seats and Federal Council seats to their competitors. Once the majority switches, the President is removed a new one is installed. It's a slow cycle, one almost designed to bar populism from gaining a foothold - an attempt to stop a movement like the Corvidae from taking a root-like strangehold in the planter box that is Mertagnian Democracy.

And it works, for the most part. It's not without its flaws, or we wouldn't be having this assembly. The first radical new idea that is undergoing a series of debates across the assembly is one from the more corporately aligned delegates. It sees tricameralism scrapped entirely, with the appointment of a 'National Congress' directly elected from electoral wards created across the country. Gone is the power of the province, for all sit equal under the 'wards', and a head of government is not elected directly, or even simply by commanding a majority - they are elected by members of this congress, which in my opinion is a rather roundabout way of simply giving the head of government to the majority leader. It does, I suppose, represent a unique opportunity in that the governing members get a say in who they coalign with, and it also allows for leadership contests to take place inside the congress. The second part of this odd idea is a separate head of state, that sits above the Congress, and is appointed by the Congress. This head serves a life term, only being replaced when they die, in the interests of 'stability'. The head can be impeached by a supermajority of the national congress (something that these delegates seem to be really into, a supermajority, presumably because they assume nobody can agree on anything in this nation to that degree), and the Head of State can directly amend the charter. This proposal is problematic, but not even for the reasons I have just described. The oddest part of this proposal is the idea of a separate entity, the Economic Board, which determines government spending and is overseen by, and I'm deadly serious - the top 100 business operating within the country. This was, in its initial form, just the top 25 CEOs, but was promptly laughed out of the room until this revised edition, supported by the FMAG types, was tabled and began to be seriously picked apart.

by **Turori** » Thu May 26, 2022 2:54 pm

Continued from: The Worst Best Team in History and The Best Worst Team in History: Part I ...

The Best Worst Team in History Part 2

The Throne, Kingsbury, Schiavonia :: The rivalry between The Union of Vilita and Turori and the Nationa of Bettia had its roots straight through the fourth wall and into the realm of the Football League. Just a few cycles later, this rivalry would hit its peak when - competing together for the first time during AOCAF 16, the unified team of Vilita and Turori would square off with Bettia in the AOCAF Semi-Final in special all-red kits meant to represent their allegiances through the fourth wall and intimidate the Bettians, whose allegiances were with an undoubtedly lesser organization wore the traditional blue-and-white quarters that they tended to utilize only against Vilita or Turori. However, that rivalry may not have ever truly gotten off the ground if not for the teams prior meeting in the Eighteenth Cup of Harmony final - and the ultimate lopsidedness of the result.

Bettia had entered the Cup of Harmony in a much different position than the Turori National Team had. While the Eels, as a top seed, had finished dead last in their Qualifying Group, Bettia would go into the final matchday of World Cup 26 Qualifying in second place with a one point advantage over Praying2God while Fmjphoenix had already been assured the top spot in the group. Bettia's path to the World Cup Finals seemed clear. Match or better Praying2God's result and secure a place in the finals. Considering Bettia's opponent for the match was second-to-last placed nation Basicota it seemed a given that the Rovers would be on their way to Commerce Heights and Oliverry.... Until it wasn't.

In an upset result, the tiny nation of Basicota were competing in their first and ultimately only ever World Cup Qualifying campaign and, as it would turn out, their final matchday fixture at home against Bettia would be the last official match in the nations history. There would be no follow on invitation to the Cup of Harmony and the nation would never again attempt to Qualify for the World Cup. They may not have known it at the time, but the game against Bettia to close out World Cup 26 Qualifying was, in the literal sense of the term, the Nation of Basicota's World Cup Final.

Dubbed the "Basilesk" by the neutral press - because why not - Basicota certainly treated the match as an important one - certainly the most important in the history of the nation that was ranked 205th in the multiverse. With their home fans cheering them on, Basicota netted the first two goals against 23rd ranked Bettia and would hold on for a memorable 3-2 victory. With the matchup between Tanah Barung and Praying2God ending in a 1-1 draw, it meant that Bettia and Praying2God had ended the Qualifying campaign level on points. Praying2God's superior goal differential would ensure their advancement to the World Cup Finals for the first time while Bettia was forced to join the rest of the Worst in the Cup of Harmony.

Like Turori, Bettia would manage to navigate their way through to the Cup of Harmony Final - the first ever appearance for either side in the World Cup Committee's lesser sanctioned tournament. Both sides managed to secure clean sheets in their Semi-Final matchups with Turori advancing to the final by virtue of a 2-0 victory over Nedalia and a clean sheet by Ebbow Dakin while Bettia were involved in a goalless draw with rising nation Andossa Se Mitrin Vega that could only be broken in Extra Time when Bettia pulled ahead and ultimately victorious by a 1-0 scoreline.

After having played their entire tournament thus far in Milchama, the Turori National Team would have to head over to Schiavonia for the Final - although it wouldn't be the first time during the course of the tournament that they will have traveled to Schiavonia. Due to a communication error, the Schiavone Football Federation had actually initially announced that all Quarter Final matches of the Eighteenth Cup of Harmony would be played in Schiavonia. This had resulted in teams from the Milchaman Region - namely Turori, The Archregminacy, the Anathematic Republics and Nedalia chartering flights to Schiavonia only to find out that their games would be played in Milchama after all, and having to travel back before their Quarter Final fixtures.

This time, however, the travel was unavoidable. Someone would have to be on the move as Bettia, the last remaining side from the Schiavone half and Turori, triumphant on the Milchaman half of the draw, would clash at The Throne in Kingsbury, Schiavonia in the 18th Cup of Harmony Final. While both nations were previous Baptism of Fire Cup Champions - Turori prior to World Cup 15 and Bettia prior to World Cup 22, neither had ever contested a World Cup Committee Sanctioned Final in a tournament with ranked nations competing before. While both would eventually go on to contest numerous such finals it was the Eighteenth Cup of Harmony in Milchama and Schiavonia that marked the first time that the Nations of Turori and Bettia would battle with major silverware on the line.

Turori were largely unchanged for the match, letting things ride with the team they had brought at the start of the tournament. The ride to the final was much more of a roller coaster for Bettia who had actually originally intended to compete in a unified three-nation team along with fellow Atlantian Oceania based nations Nedalia and Hypocria dubbed the "Verdena Three". Ultimately, however, in order to keep the tournament at 32 teams, organizers decided to deny the request of the three nations to compete in a single unified team and instead each was forced to enter their own independent roster. This left the Auroras scrambling at the last moment to fill out their roster and as such Bettia had just two goalkeepers in their squad and four midfielders. They had no trouble recruiting forwards for the competition, however, as nearly half the Auroras roster consisted of attack minded players even if all but one of them had single digit all-time appearances for the National Team.

In the end, it would be that inexperience that would cost the Bettians. After an initial surge of energy that kept things fairly even on the pitch, the Turori National Team eventually started to wear down their over-gassed opponents. The games first goal would hit the board in the 33rd minute through Eels attacker Koiba Uviava and Turori would defend that lead through to half time where they would make one change, introducing young striker Lennie Lavine onto the pitch in place of Martiia Rawaii. While Lavine offered a bit of pace and chaos in the second half, it would be Turori's experienced attackers that would keep their calm in the big moments. Uviava would score Turori's second in the 63rd minute and was followed up in quick fashion by a fantastic effort from Jutar Ranaso who skipped past Auroras defender Rabah Hopcin and then fired the ball low under the body of a sliding Von Bietch - giving Turori a 3-0 lead and sending the traveling Eels into rapture as they now stood just 23 minutes away from their biggest ever tournament victory.

Having taken a three goal lead the Eels made a pair of substitutions to slow things down and ensure they had fresh legs in defense. First, it was the Karelan protege Jiateo Kansu-Ramzi being removed for Raso Morre. Then at the very next stoppage it was star defender Loala Saenu coming out with Restiia Rlain entering the pitch. The moves would help keep the five-pronged Bettia attack at bay and even help contribute to a late counter-attack strike by Jutar Ranaso - their second of the game that would also secure the Cup of Harmony Golden Boot and ultimately the Cup of Harmony itself for the Eels.

While Turori were certainly triumphant on the day, Bettia would ultimately get the last laugh in the rivalry between the two nations, inflicting upon Turori their highest ever World Cup defeat - a 6-0 embarrassment at the Almintora National Stadium during World Cup 37 Qualifying. Not knowing what the future held, the victory would be a great triumph in the Island Emirate and, for the first time, crowned the Turori National Team as the Best Worst Team of the World Cup's 26th cycle.

...to be continued...

 Turori 4 - 0 Bettia	
	Turori Goals:	:: 33' Koiba Uviava:: 63' Koiba Uviava:: 67' Jutar Ranaso:: 82' Jutar Ranaso           
	Stats :: Turori 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 9:: Corners: 12 :: Bettia :: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 7
	Turori Lineup :: 	Ebbow Dakin, Maratima Tareak, Loala Saenu (Restiia Rlain 68'), Jiateo Kansu-Ramzi (Raso Morre 67'), Brad Edwards, Christian Briyjao (Nua'oma Aikiki 80'), Malaino Mumamba, Martiia Vluka, Martiia Rawaii (Lennie Lavine 45'), Koiba Uviava, Jutar Ranaso

TURORI NATIONAL ✓

@TuroriNat
In a topsy-turvy window, the Turori #Eels dropped to 4th in the #Group14 standings after defeat to Flavovespia then bounced back with a 5-2 victory over New Folgore Follow the Story Here...

#WC91Q - #TURvFVO - #Group14

Almintora, Turori

Postcard:

Fixture :: World Cup 91 Qualifying: Matchday 20 v. Wreckeria:

Location :: Almintora National Stadium is located in Almintora, Turori. Almintora is the capital city of the Island Emirate of Turori and has been the capital ever since the time of Turorian independence.

Capacity :: 79,000 (All Seated)

Stadium History :: The Almintora National Stadium served as the home of the Football Association of Turori and the Turori National team from their entrance onto the international competition scene prior to World Cup 15 until the Football Association relocated their headquarters to the purpose built Eels Park community in Eelandii, Turori.

The Almintora National Stadium was originally constructed as a 45,000 seat stadium for use by the National Team during World Cup 15 and World Cup 16 qualification. However, when it became evident that Turori's nearby neighbors, the Tropics of Vilita, were being considered as the potential hosts of World Cup 17, the Football Association of Turori strategically aligned itself with their former colonial lands in order to ensure that of the 8 stadia selected for the World Cup Finals, one would be from Turori. Naturally, the Almintora National Stadium was the stadium of choice and would serve as the first time the Island Emirate of Turori would open its doors to a major international event. With a lot on the line, the Turorian government partnered with the Football Association of Turori to increase the capacity of the Almintora National Stadium from 45,000 to 79,000 in time for the World Cup 17 finals.

The move was proven even more fruitful when the Turori Eels themselves qualified for the World Cup 17 finals, the first finals appearance for Turori, and were able to play each of their group stage matches at their home stadium.

With the success of hosting one group of the World Cup 17 finals at the Almintora National Stadium, Turori had put itself on the map. Soon after it would be announced that the Island Emirate of Turori would host World Cup 19 in a joint bid with The Belmore Family. Naturally, the crown jewel of Turorian stadiums, the Almintora National would ultimately host the World Cup Final - the single most prestigious match in the multiverse.

Unfortunately for the Almintora National Stadium, hosting the World Cup 19 final was something of a 'peak' over the course of the stadiums lifespan. Co-sharing the arena between the Turori National Team and Turorian domestic side FC Almintora accelerated the wear, tear and aging within the facility. To make matters worse, the mediocre performance of FC Almintora in the domestic league meant that incentive to invest in further renovation of the arena was minimal. The stadium would still be chosen to host the final of the 26th Cup of Harmony, but even by that time the Cednia Beach Center in Cednia had started to become the premier sporting facility on the Island. In fact, even the Cup of Harmony 26 final was originally awarded to the newly built Coliseum of the Inurahtii in the Inura Forest, however, the Safety & Health Initiative of Turori determined that the site would not be ready in time to host spectators, with the Final site being retroactively chosen as the Almintora National Stadium due to its experience having hosted the World Cup 19 final.

Despite having been supplanted as Turori's international stadium of choice, the Almintora National Stadium has accrued one honor that no other stadium in Turori - or in Vilita, can lay claim. Almintora National Stadium is the only stadium in Vilita & Turori to have been selected as a host site for the UICA Globe Cup, having been home to the 55th Globe Cup final. Almintora National Stadium also hosted the 66th UICA Champions Cup Final.

Primary Tenants :: FC Almintora currently compete in the Vilitan Declasse Division. The Turori National Team continue to play occasional matches at the arena during World Cup Qualifying due to the arenas central location in Almintora, the capital city of Turori.

Previous Fixture :: World Cup 91 Qualifying Matchday 1 v. Gadria :: The Turori National Team have played one match at Almintora National Stadium thus far during World Cup 91 Qualifying, with a 2-1 opening matchday victory over Gadria. Planio’o Nrujsa and Naraiza Ruaplal scored Turori's goals in the match. The fixture against Wreckeria was originally slated to be held at Eels Park in Eelandii, Turori however the fixture was moved to the Almintora National Stadium in Turori's capital due to high demand for tickets as Wreckeria and Turori are currently engaged in a battle for qualification to World Cup 91. Turori lost the away fixture in Hapilopper by a 0-1 scoreline which was Turori's first defeat of the campaign. Victory over Wreckeria is seen as critical in Turori's hopes to earn Group 14's lone Automatic Qualification berth.

by **Banija** » Thu May 26, 2022 3:04 pm

Ruperto Fôx wasn't the Banijan chief negotiator who negotiated the legislative deal. He had made sure of it. He didn't simply want to be seen as "the Farf MP", and had delusions- there is no neutral way to describe them, they are delusions- of eventually going for the big job one day. But of course, the Katikkiro herself was not simply going to let her own negotiator recommend this deal. There was one way to ensure smooth sailing here, and that would be via Ruperto Fôx himself. He was on the cabinet sub-committee, while not meeting Alex Teran and his negotiatiors, ensuring that on the Banijan side, everybody was held accountable and that the agreement was up to scratch. He remembered his conversations with Teran- he had delivered, he had ensured that the Farolerans would get the Lion's share of the aid.

And when the Speaker called on him to speak, he was ready. "Mr. Speaker." He looked around the Lukiiko. "Thank you for allowing me to be here today. I am Banijan- raised in this country. And yet, of course, I am also Farf. I am Faroleran, I am Rulandese. The places of my ancestry. Naturally, it gives me quite an insight into our nation's largest minority population, a minority population that I find myself a part of, the Farf immigrant population. When Banijan systems were hacked and Farfadillis attacked, it was one of the most tragic moments in the history of both nations. The relations between Banija and Farfadillis have been prosperous, and while that was a terrible moment, we have stood by their side ever since our weapons were used in such a callous attack on the land of my own ancestors. We launched one of the largest relief efforts, in terms of manpower, in global history- with nearly 1 million unique people, since World Cup 85, signing up to be a part of Banijan Volunteers for Farfadillis."

"But with the passage of time, our own relief efforts need to evolve alongside them. Our old reparations pledge to Farfadillis has expired, and with Banijan Volunteers for Farfadillis winding down, our reparations package will be updated. We have negotiated with the man who is the representative of the Farf people, Alex Terán, who is the President-For-Life of Farolera. Many of us in this building know him from his position as the head of the FFFF, and while I was not our lead negotiator, our own Katikkiro had the wisdom to put me in the sub-cabinet for Banija on this issue, as she thoroughly understands how accountability on the inside leads to great results. I give full credit to Xolile Lubabalo for her leadership on this issue." At that point, the Mikiikos who were supportive of the Government stood and gave her a roaring applause, while the opposition did exactly what you'd expect the opposition to do during an applause line- nothing.

"I am here to announce the results of these negotiations, which Alex Terán is an enthusiastic supporter of. We are going to pay a set annual reparations amount to Farolera- the beating heart and the economic engine of Farfadillis. The strength of Farolera will help make the rest of the country stronger. They get going, everybody else gets going. Obviously, each nation has its own set of problems within Farfadillis, yes. But Farolera has made obviously the best use of the aid that we have provided so far. With continued investment in Farolera, we are going to help create a Farf model state- with rising economic standards, a beacon of stability, a 'city on a hill', as some say, and the rest of the country will follow. As they follow, Banija will be there, ready, with open arms."

"While it is impossible to open up shipping lanes to all ports, it is feasible for our Coast Guard, with our Navy, while respecting Farf sovereignty, to help open up shipping lanes. That is why, once the Lukiiko votes this reparations package through, within 2 months, we are going to train our Coast Guard and our Navy adequately so we can open up shipping lanes to reach Farolera. Nations, via the sea, will be able to ship to anywhere in Farfadillis via the ports of Farolera. This will do wonders for the supply chain. While planes, of course, have done the job for a long while, ships have always been the best way to bring the largest amounts of cargo. This will be a boon to their nation as the World Cup approaches, making it possible, potentially, for tourists to even enjoy the beach in Farolera."

Banijan Reparations Package for Farfadillis- Banijan Deliverables
Banija commits itself to providing the following economic aid to Farfadillis
#1- Formula to give cash reparations of $500 million to Farolera annually
#2- Commitment to open up shipping lanes to Farolera, and 'guarantee' safe passage of all civilian vessels to Farolera. Coast Guard and Navy will work to 'effectively manage' kraken population in order to make this possible
#3- Support programs for low-interest loans to Farf businessmen to create and expand businesses in Farfadillis, with preference given to regions with highest economic potential(OOC Note: Read as Farolera)
#4- Support programs for loans to Banijan businesses to create operations in Farfadillis, with stable areas of the country being preferred(OOC Note: Read as Farolera)
#5- Support programs to allow college students from Farfadillis to go to college & University in Banija at local tuition rates
#6- Support limited tariff entry, at half of the AO tariff rate, for imports into Banija from Farfadillis

[i]Banija also promises to enact the following diplomatic measures in response to Farfadillis
#1- Banija hereby upgrades its interest section in Farolera to a full-scale Embassy, and appoints an Ambassador responsible for relations with Farolera and all of Farfadillis
#2- Banija pledges to open interest consulates in each of the other nations of Farfadillis

Banija pledges to support the following pilot projects in Farfadillis which, if successful, can be expanded across the country
#1- Banija pledges to support a major upgrade of electrical infrastructure in Farolera. While Banija shall take the lead, Banija will reserve the right to work with other nations to fund and help gain the necessary expertise to achieve this goal

The following institutions in Banija, that are not the national government, hereby pledge to support the following projects in Farfadillis
#1- The Northern Moravica University Medical School, alongside Secanto Hospital Systems, pledges to build a new hospital, alongside a new medical school, in Farfadillis
#2- Orange Sky Corporation, working with the Moravica Public Airport Authority(MPAA), pledge to conduct minor renovations of Farf airports and airplane runways, particularly in Farolera, ahead of the World Cup 91 Finals

by **Tikariot** » Thu May 26, 2022 3:20 pm

-- The Tikariot Premier League is covered by Simon Nighthorse and Sakari Pernfors --

After having covered the bottom end of the Tikariot Second League's season 104 last time around, we will be taking a look at what most fans are really interested in, which is the race for promotion. As mentioned last week, the obvious favourites were at least the Anhedron Wanderers and Veriasod Wolves out of the relegated teams (mostly due to Meriador and Zhelmagor financial backing not being as big as these two clubs'), together with recently relegated Fort Viljan Northern FC and Morannon Athletic. Recent seasons had seen teams like Nagoush in the TPL or the likes of Cape Shetma and Varakoula coming close, but due to the large fluctuation in players with the Tikariot Premier League clubs regularly parsing through the second tier to pick up the top talent, these teams fluctuate as much, making it difficult, if not impossible to pinpoint particular candidates among those.

Looking back at the season now, and as briefly mentioned last week, there were ten teams in total that would be in contention throughout most part of the season and in the end finished a total of only ten points apart after 46 games, showcasing the competitiveness of the league. Out of the above-mentioned teams, it did come as a surprise that Cape Shetma, Varakoula and even Nagoush were not even part of this group, with Cape Shetma barely avoiding relegation even on the last match day.

Ending up at the bottom of the group was the trio of The Zhelmagor Society, Toroyra FC and Kiz'Aldain AFC, all of them level on points at 72, with the Society having the least goals allowed in the league (shared with Cape Shetma) and the third best goal difference and Kiz'Aldain racking up the second most goals scored, but as so often it is not these numbers that matter in the big picture. One point ahead of them--and six adrift from the promotion spots--came the biggest surprise of the bunch with the Anhedron Wanderers only finishing in seventh, which was a huge disappointment for the Dragons, but they were not able to compensate for the huge exodus of talent after their shock relegation.

In that their fate ended up similar to the Veriasod Wolves, who ended up in sixth, three points ahead of the Wanderers and only three away from attaining immediate re-promotion, but the Dhaencunori team definitely has had promotion as a must-have in their season's goals and these two clubs showed how fierce the battle was. One point clear of them and two outside of the very narrow promotion zone came two of the clubs that had been relegated within the last two seasons, that being the Fort Viljan Northern FC and Meriador FC, who were in contention until the last two match days, but ultimately fell short, Meriador having been the closest with the second best goal difference, only bested by one by the ultimate champions of the league.

This leaves us with three teams, one of which had been in the TPL last in season 90 and the other in season 99, so at least one surprise returnee was guaranteed, maybe even two, with still record TPL champions Morannon Athletic in the mix as well. The battle for second came down to the goal difference, as the two teams had finished even on points, and even there they were only separated by one goal, with Alcassar FC ultimately falling short in an epic finish to the season, almost toppling favoured Morannon Athletic from their promotion spot. Athletic, returning to the TPL after two seasons, proved to be too strong and now is aiming to take example from the very strong showings of the Carathyr Emeralds and Avanaroch White Wings after they had gained promotion to the TPL.

Three points ahead of them, with the most goals scored and best goal difference of the league, though, the Crimsonhawke FC were crowned Tikariot Second League champions and they are a very interesting case, when one looks at the club's background. They long have had a reputation as one of the best talent sources in the country, as currently portrayed by the likes of Kathleen Chamberlain, the Spiteri siblings Johanna and Kevin, Christina Pogosyan or Leah Robbins, all of whom rose through the different ranks of Crimsonhawke's academy system and there have been some rumours that some of this talent might be interested in actually returning to their youth club in their challenge to avoid immediate relegation, especially since some of them (especially Chamberlain and Kevin Spiteri) debuted in the national team as well. Some of these rumours are linked to alleged clauses in the transfer agreements, where Crimsonhawke retains certain buy-back rights in case of a promotion, so this will be one very interesting thing to watch for in the transfer season.

Tikariot Second League Promotion Race

    Team                           P   W   D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
  1 Crimsonhawke FC               46  24  10  12  90  66  +24  82
  2 Morannon Athletic FC          46  24   7  15  83  64  +19  79
  3 Alcassar FC                   46  22  13  11  77  59  +18  79
  4 Meriador FC                   46  20  17   9  74  51  +23  77
  5 Fort Viljan Northern FC       46  23   8  15  74  62  +12  77
  6 Veriasod Wolves FC            46  21  13  12  58  39  +19  76
  7 Anhedron Wanderers FC         46  22   7  17  65  50  +15  73
  8 The Zhelmagor Society FC      46  19  15  12  65  43  +22  72
  9 Toroyra FC                    46  20  12  14  74  62  +12  72
 10 Kiz'Aldain AFC                46  21   9  16  84  75   +9  72

by **Cassadaigua** » Thu May 26, 2022 3:21 pm

What happens if we don’t qualify?
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Every World Cup cycle, there are top soccer nations that fail to qualify for the World Cup and end up in the Cup of Harmony. It’s been a while since Cassadaigua has had to worry about that, as most campaigns have seen the team click on all cylinders and win their group. Tickets were punched to the World Cup, and we could make our plans accordingly. For World Cup 91, the team was coming into the tournament doing something that they had never done before, and win the Copa Rushmori. It didn’t seem like this would be the cycle where we would find ourselves with the very real possibility of being Cup of Harmony bound instead. Time is winding down, and the Fillies are two points behind second place Electrum and technically tied with Sarzonia for third even though the Stars have a game in hand. So, really, Cassadaigua is in fourth place with this group right now. The good news is that the team still has games remaining against both Electrum and Sarzonia, so they do still control their own destiny. You only have to finish in the top three to make the playoff, so the pink and black definitely control their own destiny. That’s just how it should be, and maybe things will be okay after all.

But, what happens if we don’t qualify? By that, I am not looking for those sarcastic answers of, “Uhh, well you go the Cup of Harmony and hope to win it.” I’m talking about the bigger picture, and one concern that some fans have been asking me about over the last few days is whether or not Queen Cassie II would pull the soccer team out of international competitions if they did not make it. That seems crazy, right? So much has been put into our national soccer program, and they are coming off their greatest regional achievement. Yet, we put a lot into our other sports programs as well, and that did not stop the Queen from pulling everything out, except for, as of right now, baseball, lacrosse, and soccer. Failing to qualify for the World Cup would give the people who wanted equality across all sports programs their way, even though what they want is for all of them to be back, and not vice versa. There is no doubt that there is plenty of talent in Cassadaigua that if they failed to make the World Cup this one, they are good enough to bounce back and win World Cup 92. Therefore, I think this is a bit of an extreme concern. I highly doubt that such an action would be taken by the Queen.

Will Brittany Byers be sacked as manager? I don’t think so, as you have to remember that CASE (Cassadagan Association for Soccer Excellence) is one of the most patient soccer organizations out there in terms of retaining managers. In other words, they are the complete opposite of Farfadillis. Byers does come off of the Copa Rushmori title, and the President of CASE, Stephanie Sweeney, is a close friend of hers. All that should mean that there is nothing for Byers to be concerned about, but it would put her on the hot seat for World Cup 92, definitely. What it does not mean, is that her assistant, Hannah Shanley would be back. I am guessing that Shanley would be the sacrificial lamb of CASE in this regard. Shanley was supposed to be working extra closely with the defense, and the 22 goals that the team has allowed through 17 games is not where the team expects to be. Shanley is the manager of Starksville United, and her club side has struggled in recent years as well. Failing to qualify for the World Cup would likely mean that CASE gets a new primary assistant to Byers. If Brittany were to be sacked unexpectedly, and if Cassadaigua looked to promote from within, I am thinking that it would be Jessica Tolson, the manager of Victoriaville South End. That said, if Byers was sacked after potentially failing to qualify for the World Cup, I am almost certain it is because CASE feels that there is an international candidate out there that is perfect for the job.

Personnel wise, you can’t be ranked as highly as we are and expect to see many of the same people return with a failure to qualify. I think this would be the last World Cup that Jenna Frontiera started in. She struggled in qualifying in World Cup 90 as well, but turned it on substantially in the World Cup. Bayley Stanton has been hit and miss, too. Both would still likely get a spot on the next team, but the torch would be passed up front to Chloe Anderson and Rachel Boldin. They were the leaders of the Copa Rushmori championship team, since Frontiera opted out of that and Stanton was used as a substitute. Some are criticizing Byers for not starting them now, but scoring goals has not been the problem of the Fillies. They have scored 40, but have not had that go-to scorer. Frontiera has picked up her share, but they have not been coming often enough in the “bigger” games. Morgan Rosenblatt has been fine and productive in the midfield, but those around her have not been that way. 23-year old Kelsey Werth might be one of the bigger disappointments, but she still has plenty of time to redeem herself with big games coming up. Defensively, the team started two new players, and they have been sloppy at times, especially in the loss to Delte.

The biggest program on the field has been in goal. When that happens, it makes the defenders in front of them look worse than they have been, and I think that is a fair assessment. Cynthia Kerr is coming off an awful game in the inexplicable loss to Delte, and Katie Schnapper has not made the most of the opportunities she has been given. At this point, we know that Stacie Thornton was earmarked as the starter, but she did not have as good of a year with New Lakeland, and because of that was only a reserve on this team. She could, maybe, be the starter in World Cup 92 if she rebounds with New Lakeland SC, but you may very well see three new faces here for the next Cup. That might even happen at this position even if the Fillies do get into the World Cup.

Would winning the Cup of Harmony, if the team had to play in it, make matters better? That, to me is an unchartered territory. The Cup of Harmony despite not having 32 great nations in it, is still a greatly competitive tournament, and a win there could salvage a little bit of pride but that is something I would only talk about if the team ends up playing in it. We don’t even know for sure if CASE would change up the lineup for that tournament itself. I think we can all agree that this is something we don’t have to worry about, and that we end up as a part of World Cup 91, where we belong. Two of our final three games are against Electrum and Sarzonia, so we could find our way to that playoff, and while that’s never the route that one wants to take to get to a World Cup, we’d be glad to take that route right now.

Court Has Made Their Decision, and the Northern Battle,
By Kelsey LeClair, Concord Heights Times, Current Events

We have received word this evening that the Royal Court had officially made their decision and is ready to announce it to the press. It has been advised that there should be a strong security presence in major cities because no matter which way this decision goes, there will be people who object to it. Pretty much everyone expects this to be an announcement that Cassie III is the rightful next in line, and the request for added security in major cities could be seen as the biggest clue as to which way this announcement will go. Both Brianna I and Cassie III have been requested by the Court to be in attendance at the formal announcement, and both have stated that they will do so. Queen Cassie II will be there as well, and you can expect to see many other members of the Royal Family, if not all of them, at the announcement. Citizens will hope that the loser handles this gracefully and concedes the fight.

Will the anticipated announcement of Cassie III mean that Brianna I actually concedes? Is there anything left that she can do? I would like to think that she would, as after all Brianna has not looked to create a major scene and has been diplomatic about her claim. However, I am not certain. One scenario I am hearing talked about is in regards to the “Northern Battle”. What if this is all the plan of Queen Cassie II and the new landmass becomes a separate country, a country to be ruled by Brianna in recognition of her role? That’s not going to happen, for the simple reason that there will be no new country created. It will become an annexed part of Cassadaigua. Now, the Queen could allow Brianna to have authority over that region, but again, that’s doubtful. This mission isn’t taken now because of Brianna’s claim. It was in the works ling before then.

Brianna received another endorsement today, too, Princess Etain, of Brenecia. She is a 28-year heir to the throne, currently held by Mairin IV. The Queen stated her support of Cassie III, so Princess Etain’s support was unexpected. Ashley Fournier, my colleague here at the Concord Heights Times who follows royal affairs as her speciality, and that includes what goes on in other countries told me that, “Personality wise, there are similarities in the two of them, Brianna and Etain. Both have proven themselves to be intelligent, and looking to go about things the right way but at the same time you have the sense that when, in Etain’s case, and if, in Brianna’s case, they do come to power, that they will do things a little differently than their predecessor with a different level of enthusiasm.”

Meanwhile, north of the border, things are going according to plan, and there has not been much pushback by other nations as to the purpose of the mission. After all, it is respected that we are going into unclaimed land. The biggest concern is that of the civilians of the area, and Queen Cassie II has not been blind to that. Many buses, too many to count, were headed north of the border to “carry people away from the planned area of annexation to land that we will not be claiming, if they do not wish to become a Cassadagan citizen.” The infrastructure is not well developed and there is no possible rail network. Roads are in poor condition, but this seems to be a priority right now. It’s not ideal, as it means leaving their belongings behind, and it is hoped that the vast majority will choose to become Cassadagans.

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