[Roleplays] :: World Cup 92

by **Acastanha** » Sat Oct 08, 2022 8:35 pm

The Election Date Confirmed
Last evening, the president of Comissão Eleitoral de Acastanha (English: Acastanha Election Commission; CEA), Xande Trukan announced the important issue surrounding the 2022 Acastanha General Election. As we know just a week ago, President Makarin announced the dissolution of the Parliament which marked the 60 days count down for the country to held their election. And CEA worked fast to delivered a successful election.

The first issue announced by CEA is about voters. There have been an increase in the numbers of registered voters in the country from their last general election in 2018. Around 7 million voters will cast their votes in the upcoming election. It is an increase of around 4% from the previous election. The eligible age to vote is still the same with the age of consent is set at 17 years old. The recent steep birth increase has affected the numbers of eligible voters. The age of consent for voting is now account only 59% of the total population.

The second issue is about apportionment. The 2022 General Election is the first election to be held after the 2020 national census. This census is use to determine the new seat distribution for all elections in the country. Conselho Popular seats are set at 100 based on the Parliament Act where the seat distributed based on population proportion of each provinces in the country. While Conselho Estadual seats are 75 which distributed evenly to each republics, 35 for each and an additional 5 seats assigned to Região da Capital. Xande Trukan stated in the announcement speech that there is only a slight change in the seat apportionment for the upcoming election. The change only happened in Arra Republic Conselho Popular's seat where Sagamarkan Province lose 1 seat while Baasarra gained 1. The total seat for each republics and region are stay the same. 57 seats for Arra. 39 seats for Palidas. And the remaining 4 seats for Região da Capital. For Conselho Estadual, no change was happened. The seat distribution for each province remain the same.
Conselho Popular Seat Re-Apportionment

Regions/Provinces     2020     2010     Change
Arrakan                16        16       -
Baasarra                8         7      +1
Radkan                 10        10       -
Sagamarkan             10        11      -1
Tabeirakan             13        13       -
Arra Republic          57        57       -
Cabo                   10        10       -
Espinhosa              19        19       -
Madeira                 2         2       -
Nascente                4         4       -
Ocidental               4         4       -
Palidas Republic       39        39       -
Região da Capital       4         4       -
Conselho Popular      100       100       -

Conselho Estadual Seat Apportionment

Regions/Provinces     2020
Arrakan                10
Baasarra                5
Radkan                  6
Sagamarkan              6
Tabeirakan              8
Arra Republic          35
Cabo                    9
Espinhosa              17
Madeira                 2
Nascente                4
Ocidental               3
Palidas Republic       35
Região da Capital       5
Conselho Estadual      75
The third issue is party numbers. There is a slight increase for political party numbers that join the upcoming election. In the 2018, there are 13 confirmed parties who joined the election with 12 of them success to gained at least 1 seat in Conselho Popular. While only 9 of them win at least 1 seat in Conselho Estadual. For 2022 election, there are 4 new political parties that will be join in to a total of 17 parties. União a Todos becomes the first and only party to be headquartered in the capital, Amarelda. The party leader and founder, Tacito Eldanagh said that he feels sad about the increase gap between the two republics. He hopes with this party he could closed the gap and end the separatist movement in the country.

Arra Republic based party
União do Povo (UdP), People's Union
Arra Nasionalista Partidu (ANP), Arra Nationalist Party
Centro da Aliança Democrática (CAD), Center of Democratic Alliance
Ecovibração (Eco), Ecovibes
Novo Aliança de Arra (NAA), New Arra Alliance
Sindicato dos Trabalhadores da Arra (STA), Arra Worker's Party
Arra Socialista Liberalista Partidu (ASP), Arra Socialist Liberalism Party (New)
Juk Arra (JA), For Arra (New)
Palidas Republic based party
Partido Liberal Democrático de Palidas (PLDP), Palidas Liberal Democratic Party
Partido Progressista Sindical (PPS), Progressive Union Party
Avante Palidas (AP), Onward Palidas
Novo Movimento de Palidas (NMP), New Palidas Movement
Verde Palidas (VP), Palidas Green
Ketampi Bersatu (KP), Ketampi United; Ketampi Unidos
Partai Ketampi Jaya (PKJ), Great Ketampi Party; Partido Grande Ketampi
Partido Nacionalista Palidas (PNP), Palidas Nationalist Party (New)
Região da Capital based party
União a Todos (UaT), Union to All (New)

The fourth and last issue is election date. CEA confirmed that the election will be held for 2 days. The dates are 5 and 6 November 2022. The voters may cast their votes from 8am until 8pm. This to ensure that everyone especially citizens who is still working during weekends can cast their votes. For disable people, they may asked for early voting. The ballot will be send to their address via post. This type of voting can also be applied by other people who is probably unable to votes during the confirmed date. Acastanhada citizens who live abroad will get their ballot from the respective embassy. While CEA is officially open presidential candidacy which will be opened until 24 October 2022.

MD 11
Bye

MD 12
Eastfield Lodge v Acastanha

Calls up

Starter
31 GK  Santiago Karba
12 LB  Rafael Oronako
3  CB  Santiago Urupao
16 CB  Dionisio Leimanki
4  RB  Jorge Vidshav (C)
17 LM  Lisandro Turtapa
6  CM  Plinio Adondare
20 CM  Nóe Brinanko
9  RM  David Gothrado
22 ST  Manuel Brandas
11 AT  Felix Kalchankar
Substitute
23 GK  Armando Padia
33 GK  Tiago Kalabar
13 LB  Manuel Savalor
2  CB  David Erunde
27 RB  Casimiro Urinjane
7  LM  Pedro Ustankar
8  CM  Igor Erdagh
28 RM  Andre Aramde
10 ST  David Yushankar

by **Nephara** » Sat Oct 08, 2022 8:41 pm

Saterun 0 - 5 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Provost; 17 - Meadows, 18 - Copperhead, 6 - Scales, 3 - Lind (25 - Levering 82'); 13 - Brewer (7 - Anharbour 82'), 4 - Southsea (19 - Belltower 63'), 15 - Sauber (8 - March 63'), 11 - Loeher; 24 - Reisinger, 21 - Vetiver (14 - Slazenger 82')
Goals: Vetiver 17', Reisinger 41', Reisinger 55', Loeher 59', March 84'

Nephara 3 - 3 Pluvia SI
(4-4-2) 1 - Provost; 17 - Meadows, 5 - Clevinger (18 - Copperhead 81'), 6 - Scales, 3 - Lind; 13 - Brewer, 4 - Southsea (19 - Belltower 81'), 15 - Sauber (26 - Kvasina 89'), 11 - Loeher (16 - Reader 67'); 24 - Reisinger, 21 - Vetiver
Goals: Brewer 41', Reisinger 54', Sauber 60'

People expected rotation. They were disappointed. Cantor needed to get a big, confident win into her squad, and that was precisely what she got.
There was one key change made, but it was not for a desire to rest someone. The front two of Harper and Vetiver just wasn't having the desired effect. Vetiver was undroppable, so that meant Harper had to go. Slazenger was Harper but not as good. That left Kurtishi, Reisinger or a third midfielder. But Cantor believed in 4-4-2; Vetiver worked better with help around her, someone to link up with. Kurtishi was the safe option, 18 caps in which he'd been largely been up to the standard. Vasya Reisinger was anything but. Many casual Nepharan fans still had known who she was a year ago; now they knew her as the striker who had eight caps and zero goals to show for it.
But she was tearing it up in Tumbra, and more importantly, she had the raw physicality to rip defences apart.
Saterun 0, Nephara 5. Reisinger gets an assist, flicking on a header straight into Vetiver's path, a thumping finish past the goalkeeper. Then a thumping header finally, finally got her off the mark herself, and she hammered in a second soon after. Loeher and March rounded off the goalscorers. It was a big game, and they needed it to be.
They did not need to be 2-0 down against Pluvia at home after 25 minutes. That was not on the agenda.

Still. For a while, there, it looked like they'd turned the corner.
The two goals had come from two clinical strikes ion target, Rory Goldberg leading by example by thumping a shot past Provost's near post before a clever, deft passing move gave MacKay a tap-in after he had, too, too easily, turned Clevinger. Cantor bit her nails. But she did not panic.
Yet.
It was individual class that brought them back into the game, gave them a lifeline before half-time. Madita Brewer, at long last, did what Madita Brewer was meant to do. What Madita Brewer did, regularly, at club level; turned her man inside out and let fly casually from 30 yards, popping the ball into the top corner like it was the most natural thing in the world.
In the second half, the Cormorants came out roaring. Brandt made sharp saves from Loeher, then Southsea. Reisinger slammed home a header to equalise in the 54th minute, dropped beautifully on her head by Radeka Lind, before Tasha Sauber initiated and then finished a passing move, driving at the far post to sidefoot home Vetiver's through-ball. 3-2. Sighs of relief all around.
Until The Pass.
Today, the honour of The Pass belonged to Finlay Muir, off the bench for Pluvia. The wingback was under pressure from Brewer, albeit somewhat uneven pressure - Brewer was a willing runner, but not a natural defender from the front, something Cantor was thankful was being worked on in Brenecia - but he had just enough time to look up and try the pass, which wound up being... The Pass.
The Pass was weighed perfectly. It found the yawning gap between Reniira Clevinger and Aranea Provost, and was perfectly timed and placed for Benjamin Kruger, another substitute with fresh legs, to race between them. Provost initially ran out for it, her brain telling her she could close the distance. Her brain still didn't realise she was 33, until it was too late, and she dithered, and here was Tosca Meadows, sliding in unnecessarily, making a hash of a salvageable situation by bringing the player down...
Goldberg hammered home the penalty, Pluvia took the point, but it was The Pass that haunted Cantor's dreams that night.

The Pass was brilliant from Muir, but at the top level, at the business end of the World Cup, there would be players who could put on a pass like that at will. Pertinently, that was the kind of ability Morgan Rosenblatt had. The Nepharim knew it, keenly; she displayed it in the Zenith week after week.
Tosca Meadows, unfortunately, had confirmed most of the biases people had put in her. A great attacking fullback who in theory Cantor had thought could overlap while Brewer dipped inside... but in practice, she was too eager to go forward, left the structure exposed. It was hardly a huge issue. Cantor had, effectively, three 7.5/10 rightbacks to choose from, but the team was otherwise made of 9s, as would be the sides at the business end of the Cup. Still. She had alternatives at the position.
And, though certain people still felt it unbelievable, she had alternatives between the sticks as well. The issue wasn't really Provost's or Clevinger's. In the club game, Provost remained an elite-level goalkeeper... guarded by an elite defence that saw her day-in-day-out in training. From their perspective, Provost's turn of pace had just gradually eroded over the past three years, been adapted to in training drills over and over, gradually having to take on more of the reaction duty. But for Reniira Clevinger and Anaximander Scales, they got slapped down in front of her every once in a while, and Niira seemed to still expect Provost to come rocketing off her line like she used to, while, well, Naxi was just slow as shit.
It was not a crisis position, but there was a clear weakness of pace there. Strand was faster on her feet. And taller. And less mercurial. The iteration was there to be made... and Cantor needed iterations. For all her bold talk of people shitting themselves needlessly over qualification, well... there were only so many home setbacks fans could take. And their next match was, on paper, easily the hardest to come.
Well, there was nothing for it. August Kovac and Medusa Strand were going to have to start against Cassadaigua. Their qualification hopes might just rest on it.

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 6
Goalkeepers: 1 - Aranea Provost (Spartangrad, EUR), 12 - Medusa Strand (Chromatik, CMT), 20 - Toxothea Sebring (Crisisbless)
Defenders: 2 - August Kovac (Crisisbless), 3 - Radeka Lind (Jinja City FC, BNJ), 5 - Reniira Clevinger (Herzegovina City FC, BNJ), 6 - Anaximander Scales (Brinemouth), 17 - Tosca Meadows (Brinemouth), 18 - Sven Copperhead (Crisisbless), 22 - Ettard Mitteager (AFC Treason), 25 - Tanith Xu (Myana, CMT)
Midfielders: 4 - Cassander Southsea (Brinemouth), 7 - Kestrel Anharbour (Crisisbless), 8 - Renate March (Herzegovina City FC, BNJ), 11 - Arachne Loeher (Wirr Tsi, CMT), 13 - Madita Brewer (Northern Union, BRE), 15 - Tasha Sauber (Spartangrad, EUR), 16 - Isolde Reader (Myana, CMT), 19 - Sonya Belltower (Sabrefell Athletic), 23 - Kurtis Swainsona (Revolutionaries, EUR), 26 - Lindse Kvasina (Istria City FC, BNJ)
Forwards: 9 - Davor Kurtishi (AFC Corvistone), 10 - Bravura Harper (Ulsa, EUR), 14 - Idina Slazenger (Tihon, CMT), 21 - Felixe Vetiver (1830 Cathair, AUD), 24 - Vasya Reisinger (West Cuono Rangers, TMB)

BYE
Nephara 2 - 0 Tjorl @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
East Murbley 0 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 1 Koronavia @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Xitizian States 0 - 0 Nephara
Nephara 1 - 0 Reçueçn @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Kelssek 0 - 0 Nephara
Nephara 1 - 2 Mertagne @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Saterun 0 - 5 Nephara
Nephara 3 - 3 Pluvia SI @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Cassadaigua vs. Nephara
BYE
Tjorl vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. East Murbley @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Koronavia vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Xitizian States @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Reçueçn vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Kelssek @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Mertagne vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Saterun @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Plusiva SI vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Cassadaigua @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)

by **Kelssek** » Sat Oct 08, 2022 9:03 pm

No score, no loss as Kelssek holds off Nephara challenge
Thu 23.11.192 / Sport / International football

Whether it was a match where both sides displayed defensive excellence or terrible finishing is up to interpretation. Kelssek will have much to be satisfied with in their scoreless draw against Nephara which keeps them unbeaten and in touch with the top of World Cup qualifying group 3.

Kelssek tried to create hostile conditions by hosting Nephara in the far west, but the weather in Novonaya was not obliging. This is the time of year when the stadium’s main tenants FC Novonaya unpack the snow shovels and stock the stadium concessions with handwarmers. But unseasonably warm 7C conditions greeted Kelssek’s matchup with the qualifying group’s highest-ranked team.

Cathal Gallagher was good behind a well-organized defence to earn the clean sheet. But they were helped towards that by some curious choices from the chances they did give up to Nephara. The home crowd was expecting to go behind after ten minutes when Nephara broke through with a three-on-two counter attack, but Madita Brewer couldn’t seem to decide who to pass to and mis-timed the pass to put Bravura Harper offside.

Ingrid Lambert impressed in her second start for the national team and showed some solid positional sense throughout the match. She was particularly effective in the tackle against Bravura Harper and will have noted with satisfaction the Ulsa striker’s withdrawal after 70 minutes.

Nephara unsurprisingly enjoyed more of the ball, but Kelssek had spells on the front foot too. An inability to fashion a clear-cut chance dogged them all match as the final pass always seemed to come in slightly the wrong place for the forwards.

Shaheen Taleb had probably the best chance on 78 minutes when he managed to turn past his defender and fire on goal from 15 yards, forcing a good save from Aranea Provost. This came right back at Kelssek however as the Nephara goalkeeper’s throw was played almost straight through the lines by Renate March, and Davor Kurtishi steamed in on goal but found only the goalpost when he put his shot past Gallagher.

Jorge Guardia had seen enough and brought on Matts Bogdanor and Lily Marshall to see out the match. Some might have complained this was a negative approach, but in the circumstances the point was much more valuable.

The players certainly seemed to stand by the manager’s decision, at least as captain Colm Ó Tuathail saw it. “As a player you always want to go for the win of course, and we gave ourselves a good shot. I don’t think it’s a matter of... sometimes you have to defend to attack. And you can go forward more with guys like Matts [Bogdanor] back there.”

Guardia deflected the question of whether more invention was needed, especially if Kelssek hopes to make headway in the World Cup.

“We created chances, but a lot depends on the moment, and sometimes it’s too much about moments in the match if you focus on the result, but I prefer to look at the whole 90 minutes for answers,” he said after the match.

KELSSEK 0
Gallagher, Buené, Auiloquet, Lambert, Holman, Lapierre (Heer 66’), Ducharne (Bogdanor 83’), Ó Tuathail (Lafrenière 75’), Hartpoach, Taleb (Marshall 83’), Maçon-Petrault (Ahmad 75’)
NEPHARA 0
Griffin Park, Novonaya (attn. 41,359)

TJORL 1 – (42’)
KELSSEK 2 – Wylten (63’), Ahmad (71’)
Salinas, Bowler, Auiloquet, Lambert, Holman, Lapierre (Bogdanor 77’), dí Völará, Ó Tuathail (Buené 77’), Docherty (Mann 82’), Ahmad (Laishram 82’), Wylten

by **Huayramarca** » Sat Oct 08, 2022 10:30 pm

Rating: A - Suitable for everybody.
Broadcaster: RTH - Radio y Televisión Huayramarquina.
Time: 1h - 20:00-21:00 every Sunday.

You might not know me, so let me present myself. I’m Santiago Campuzano, I’m a foodie and a lover of tourism, culture, and all things folk. This is my first time in National TV and now I’m a man on a mission! I want YOU to hop into this adventure traversing the entirety of this vast country called Huayramarca, land of the Pachamama, high af mountains, jungles, and exotic coasts to get lost! This trip will, for sure, be an interesting one. “¡Dame tu mano y ven conmigo! ¡Vámonos al viaje para buscar los sonidos mágicos de Huayramarca!

*Then, a 1-minute intro to the tune of Huayramarca by the band Illari popped up, showing footage of the cities of Guayaquil, the Huayramarcan Metropolitan District, Sechura, El Alto, Alto Hospicio, Puerto San Carlos among others*

Welcome to the show where we enjoy the very best of Huayramarca: its people, its culture, its traditions and the food, magnific dishes able for everybody, including for the people from the Republic of Covelandia to calm down their cannibalistic appetite; refrain from that, eat Huayramarcan foods. I’m Santiago Campuzano and welcome to a new episode of Enchanting Huayramarca. This time, we will show you an interesting celebration at the heart of the jungle region, specifically at the Province of Sechura, but not at the city of Sechura; instead, we will have a look to the Carnival of Nauta, which is one of the most important ones of the Carnival Season¹

Reaching Nauta, and the Province of Sechura, could be somewhat troubling as the distances are significant to be there. From the Metropolitan District, there are 23-26 hours of driving ahead, from the high sierra, sliding through the treacherous Yungas roads and its constant huaycos which can be troubling, also some ferry crossings to reach Nauta. There is also the alternative of the subsidised domestic flights in Huayramarca, a safer alternative and a more relaxed one as it only takes 3 hours to reach the Regional Airport of Quistococha, located in the outskirts of Nauta.

The airport of Nauta, in this time of the year, has a fresh air of carnival as, when you reach your destination, you are received by people dressed in indigenous clothings, which are commonly used for this kind of ‘carnivals’ which happen to be a ceremonial event for the tribes of the Province of Sechura. Also, let us mention that the reception is always good here, as the Provincial Government tends to offer people some free beverages when arriving, part of the commodities that this province can offer to the people after their oil boom. We were offered an interesting mix of lemonade, with mint and peppermint, quite a fresh one to be fair and enough to satisfy us.

We took a taxi to the hotel to unpack our stuff and walk around in a more comfortable way. After an hour, since the traffic rush is heavy in this city in this part of the year, due to road closures and preparations for the carnival, we reached our destination. Nauta is a crazy city indeed, but not in the offensive side of the word, but in the sense that the preparations for the carnival are insane, tremendous, and otherworldly due to the stages set, and the devotion from the locals to ensure that the spectacle will be one of high quality.

As we walked through the streets, somebody recognised and invited us to take part of the small party they were having in their house. Ricardo and Alberta, a couple that live near the Main Square, told us to enjoy Sechuran hospitality, one that has been renowned as of late for its lavishness and lack of limits when it comes to offerings for you. Immediately, we were received with Nachos a la Sechurana a particular side dish of this region, we accepted with hesitation and Alberta told us “That’s ok, but I’ll give you a tip. You never say no to a Sechuran” And that’s right, rejecting offerings from Sechurans is as offensive as an insult or a slur, so take care of it when invited to this province.

We helped in the preparation, as it is appreciated here, and we noted how stacked are those Nachos a la Sechurana. First, a load of beans, avocado, eggs that are prepared simultaneously with shrimps in the other side of the kitchen. You cook the shrimps with some species such as peppermint and peppers to give a strong taste, then there’s need to prepare beans and melt some Arequipa-style cheese. Some minutes late, we took a lot of small tortillas, dipped the avocado, eggs, shrimps, then the beans and the Arequipa cheese to have the last touch. This is strong enough for a meal, but just wait as the real Nautan monster dish is waiting for us.

The nachos were excellent, we told them that their recipe is extraordinary as it was indeed. Then, Ricardo told us a particular thing about this side dish: “There’s not a single recipe for this kind of nachos, only the unwritten rule of featuring shrimps, beans, and Arequipa cheese. Then, you have carte blanche to cook it as you want; we in the jungle don’t care about a specific way, we just want to enjoy and show abundance of ingredients.” Alberta then added “We live once!” Then we all nodded, as it is right and it is the main reason we have this show, to expose the unknown side of Huayramarca and to promote it so you can get to know it.

Then, another significant dish was in the making. The family was already preparing a big pig to be cooked, they have been roasting it for about four hours and one more was remaining, something that made the nachos be a good pick for the moment indeed. They told us that they will prepare a 3-in-1 dish of chancho³ con cecina y chorizo, ensalada de chonta and chaufa de la selva. A combination that is long storied in the zone of Nauta and the neighbouring province of Madre de Dios.

Let’s start with the chancho con cecina y chorizo, which is basically pork with plantains, chorizo, and beans with a different touch. The pig must be fried with species such as paprika, pepper and some spices that will provide a unique flavour to it, then the plantain and beans that are omnipresent in the dishes from the Huayramarcan jungle region. The ensalada de chonta is a palmetto-based salad, with tomatoes and dressing present; palmetto is included for the fact of being a native fruit from the zone, a traditional element of foods in the region of Sechura and Madre de Dios since times immemorial.

The most curious background is the chaufa de la selva, a rice-based dish that is accompanied by carrots, green peas, olives and meet. The original recipe from this dish originated by a mixture of local products and the will of Yueyu immigrants that had settled in the zone since two decades ago, they used to create a mix of foods from their nation with Huayramarcan ingredients that were called chaufa in the jungle region and chaulafánin the coast.

The mix of dishes has made us to see a big one, something that you should get used to see if you visit this zone of Huayramarca, as people will try to fill you till satiety. It was a great moment with this family, but we had to leave them, although that was an impossible mission for us, as they told us “Carnival will cross this street in a couple of minutes, so no point for you to leave.” Then, a bystander told us “Being here will bolster your chances to get the best images of it, since they stand here for a couple of minutes.” We asked why and we got told “The family is one of the biggest patrons of this carnival, they provide a lot of support for this.” Then we noticed that, indeed, it was a golden chance to take some pictures of the carnival.

During the previous minutes, Alberta told us about the history of this specific carnival. “The Carnival of Nauta is a festivity that has the aim to acknowledge the traditions of our forefathers by celebrating life, we recognise their will for this land, which is prosperity, happiness, and faith in a better future. Us, Sechurans, will always have parties and invite people with big meals as an appreciation to the Pachamama for what we have been given from her, it’s an act of appraisal and respect to our traditions.” Then we said, “Since when this carnival has been organised?” Then we got told “This is the 99th anniversary of the Carnival, we have been a bit ‘austere’ to what we are planning for the next year, since it will be a century of Carnivals if God and the Pachamama allows us to make it real.”

Social relationships are important in this carnival, as entire neighbourhoods organise themselves to perform comparsas (troupes) with carriages, fireworks, special costumes, and dances that reflects the traditions from each side of the city or represent the diaspora from other countries with expat presence in Nauta. People often collect money, prepare food, and then sell it to make earnings and guarantee that their troupe will provide a great show; there has been reports of incidents in the past, but those are almost unheard of since neighbourhood or district rivalries had ceased to exist, it’s now a matter of joy and respect to the forefathers of the Nautan and Sechuran people.

As the carnival is now reaching the house of the family that invited us to enjoy a moment, we prepare all our equipment to get some interesting material from it, which, for sure, will provide a great idea of what this carnival has got to offer. Then, the family told us part of the preparations and the sacrifices that many people do to take part of the carnival.

“Being part of the Carnival of Nauta is a gigantic pride, a reason to brag for ever and ever to your friends across Huayramarca. The reason of it is due to the long preparations made, as people takes two to three months to do rehearsals, learn their dancing routines and making sure that the group will have a spectacular coordination for the Day D. Many times, people must put some of their funds to buy dressings, to transport themselves to the training locations and working on the decorative carriages that they will use to make their show more beautiful and gracious to watch.”

Then, Ricardo told us “With all the time, money and decorations made, you’re aware that this carnival is significant for the people in Nauta, and the fact of having one of the best carnivals, if not the best in Huayramarca, being part of this and winning awards due to decoration or for your dance, gives you bragging rights across this nation for some time.” Among laughing, we got offered a last thing, and it is the legendary Ayahuasca; a tea, with some curative effects, that is widely consumed in the jungle for festivities or when people are sick.

A pot with ayahuasca

This infusion has some interesting effects in people, it must be said that it may cause strong desire to fell asleep due to its relaxation properties. People with issues of insomnia may drink this beverage, which uses some special coca leaves and strong alcohol for its preparation, which doesn’t take a lot of time, it is a matter of 20 minutes to have it ready to serve hot. We drank a bit of it, as we needed some relaxation due to the tremendous effort made by our stomach to digest a big food as the one, we just had eaten, aside from the fatigue from the three-hours flight to Nauta. This will, for sure, help us to sleep as a baby and quite fast. The strong effects of this beverages caused us desire to go to sleep, but we must thank the family for their receiving, aside to congratulate Nautans for the spectacular carnival night we just have had this moment.

The Province of Sechura is so big and diverse that it is unfair to dedicate a single episode to it. Its contributions to the culture of Huayramarca, its history and cuisine has made us to spend more time visiting some other zones; for the next episode, we will travel near the Huayramarcan-Krytenian border, to the metropolis of Sechura, the second biggest city of Huayramarca to show some interesting details of that place, the history of the oil boom and economic miracle of Huayramarca from firsthand. Cheers! See ya!

1. The Carnival season is an important part of the national traditions, usually happens between December and March of every year (summer months). This has been a tradition since the early time of the Plurinational State, to remember our forefathers and celebrating ‘the meaning of life’.
2. Meaning ‘landslide’ in the Quechua language. Used also to identify the style of play of the Huayramarcan National Team.
3. Slang for ‘pork’ in Huayramarcan Spanish.

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 12:20 am

Johan Svante, Olaf's brother, sitting at his brother's hamster farm

Johan Svante was sitting in front of the television, watching the Nyowani Kitara World Cup Qualifier on Matchday 10, at home, against Atheara. The game was frustrating- this was always going to be a pretty challenging contest, and that was showing on the telly. While Owino Odede had given the Kitarans an early lead against Atheara, and had put them well on their way with a 1-0 halftime lead, everything had been going the other way- and slowly falling apart around the team, in the second half. A wicked, bending free kick was a frustrating way to allow an equalizer, and yet, it was so clean- Atheara had done well to climb back into the game, and their play after that showed they would not settle for a lone point.

They were going to go for all three.

Which, all respect- Nyowani Kitara was also going for all three. This game wouldn't make or break anybody- simply too many games left in Qualifying for that to happen. But, of course, points earned now will help give the team leeway as their 'points possible remaining' number starts to shrink. And in a team that truly believes that the group is up for the winning, these are the types of games, especially at home, where they felt as if they must earn all three points. So despite the goal, and Atheara starting to do better in the attack, both teams were trying to get forward- neither satisfied with just the lone point either had.

Then, Johan heard a huge CRASH.

"What the fuck?" He thought to himself. He thought it came from the direction of the hamster farm- and then, he quickly panicked, thinking maybe a coyote or two had gotten into the compound. He ran into the next room- a ton of empty cages, some empty hamster wheels. "What the hell? Where are..."

And then, he looked outside- and he ran. The hamsters that lived in the outdoors. The face was completely torn down. IT was as if somebody had driven a bulldozer through it. And not a single hamster was left. "What the? Oh my..." He muttered himself. He walked over to the barn, where the last big set of hamsters lived- and indeed, the barn was completely and entirely empty as well.

"Well, I've gotta call Olaf when the game ends." He told himself. "And now I've gotta write a letter to the City..."

Notice: Warning to Town Residents

Recently, there are a huge number of hamsters that have escaped the Svante family farm, estimated to number just shy of 700, that have escaped into our kind town. They are exhibiting non-hamster behaviors- traveling in big groups, eating our grass and kibbles at will, and furthermore, being the biggest nuisance that our town has faced since the Civil War. If you come across these hamsters, do not- and we repeat, do not- approach these hamsters trying to catch them yourselves. Please, give your location and call animal control.

Do not attempt to feed these hamsters, and do not leave food outside your home for these hamsters to eat. We will catch them, and restore order to our beautiful village.

Winger Olaf Svante, getting the call from his brother after NYK's game on Matchday 10

"The hamsters WHAT?" Olaf Svante exclaimed, as his brother Johan had explained everything that had happened. "That is devastating. I need to come home- immediately." Immediately, he plopped down, nearly in tears in the locker room. It had been a rough game, taking the home loss to Atheara. And now... for the most devastating news of the day. Tears were flowing down his face- this was hitting the winger hard.

He then walked up to Liang Wei, and explained the situation to him. Svante would certainly need their Matchday 11 and 12 Qualifiers off, where the team would have a pair of away games- a trip to West Barack and East Obama on Matchday 11, followed by a visit to Saint Eleanor on Matchday 12. Svante needed to take the next window off to work and round up the hamsters in his hometown, as he feared for their life in the wild.

Maybe- just maybe- he'd write to Gerald, on The Holy Empire? They were group rivals, yes. Of course, Svante was completely and entirely oblivious to the true feeling of the hamster of The Holy Empire had about his hamster farm. But sometimes, there were things that mattered more than football...

To: Gerald, captain of The Holy Empire National Football Team

Hello Gerald,

I write to you, in the worst of circumstances. As you may know, I am the proud keeper of the loudest hamster farm in Nyowani Kitara, and quite probably one of, if not the, largest ones in all of Rushmore. Hamsters both live, and love, their lives on my farm. We feed them, give them good space, and an ample environment. They thrive, as it is my ultimate goal to have the largest hamster farm the world has ever seen.

However, tragedy has struck. Unfortunately, my hamster farm was breached- every single one of my hamsters escaped. I would like to invite you, before our World Cup Qualifier on Matchday 13, to visit my farm, visit my city. Let me know how I'm doing. How to help protect against predators. I'm going to search for them as best as I can- show you what we can.

From,

Olaf Svante

Olaf Svante, having absolutely no idea how disastrous an invitation of this caliber was, and blissfully enjoying his ignorance (while causing his NT to be down a winger), sent the letter to the captain of The Holy Empire national football team. Would he respond?

by **Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 1:48 am

--------------------
Aleiusia Star
--------------------
Splitting the "true" from
"false" for over 30 years

Five Fast Facts-Sport Edition

Another week is here, and it's another week for Five Fast Facts-Sport Edition, the best way to learn about the sports new from your number one local and national news source, the Aleiusia Star.

Zeta Reka NT Leader Connected to Crime Ring
Sportlich boss and former Zeta Reka head coach Bosko Nowak was formally held in custody. Nowak is to be charged with facilitated drug and firearms transactions while a DD Porto Nowi player. Nowak, formerly arrested for property damage in his young adult years, denied all charges. The arrest is in connection to a three year investigation against football ultras in some of the largest Rekan cities. Read more...

Zeta Reka Streak Smothered
Zeta Reka flew high with five wins in succession. The side's unbeaten streak of seven ended versus Savigliane. The result was a one goal margin, with the winner scored by Valentina Gastaldo after a pass from Adrian Toscani. The sour ending to match prompted criticism of the defensive tactics used by Coach Jialan. Rekan commentator Luka Lukić claimed the opposition, "could not be forced to lose their lead." Read more...

Government-RekanSport Dispute Continues Thanks To Bricks
RekanSport continues to defend itself accusations it was attacking the incumbent government in its story "Rekan Team Sport Celebrates Anniversary" published weeks ago. The article was condemned by right wing and traditionalist journalism for its coverage of culture minister Lev Solbodanić and the modern state of Kožalopta, Zeta Reka's oldest team sport. RekanSport's editor Julli Tanzer-Ruperts has now published a special article condemning "treating letters" sent to RekanSport by far right political adherents who represented "true sports" according to their brick attached parcels. The government has also condemned the death threats lobbied to RekanSport, while also criticizing Tanzer-Ruperts for trying to tie the government's threats of lowered funding to violent threats. Read more...

New Kožalopta Tier Coming Soon?
Kožalopta proposes third national tier. Professional Kožalopta forwarded a proposal to its leadership which would recognize a third nationwide league for the Rekan born sport. Opposition to the proposal exists from local leagues, and some large teams. The proposal will be voted on in the summer break. The League also announced a proposal to rename their championship trophy after recently deceased attacking specialist Maximillian Hartenagel. Read more...

Analysts Crunching WC92 Numbers
The Rekan Federation of Football Analysts (RFFA), a technical committee for Rekan football, has kept track of the Rekan performance, and will announce its players of the tournament for not just Zeta Reka, but also the tournament at large. Much speculation has taken place of who will be awarded the honors from RFFA. Marko Zup and Fenstermacher Schwartzhammer are the top picks on Rekan betting sites. Read more...

Written by Wladmir Benčić, former basketballer for club and country, journalisms degree holder, and best selling author.

Weekly headlines
Zeta Reka NT Leader Connected to Crime Ring
Energy Prices Prompt Banking Worries In Capital Cove
Mayor Proposes City Council Expansion
World Cup 92 - Zeta Reka Streak Smothered
OP;ED - Immigration Bill Rightly Faces LGBT Critique (by Sofia Schärf)

by **West Barack and East Obama** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 2:04 am

BBC OFFICIAL REPORT: White Stars Fail To Shine Against Obamen In 3-0 Defeat

By Football Correspondent Gary Obamaniker

Jakartington WB, West Barack - With government officials/fans finally trusting the process, apologising to kit man-striker Fred Olibama for the supposedly ugly kits they were now adorning, and munching on Taco Bell from the Pentagram's food court, they enjoyed the time of their lives as they watched the Obamen thump favourites Saint Eleanor 3-0.

The classic lineup had finally returned as Bark Obamallama's suspension ended. This almost helped the Obamen to a spectacular opening goal in the 4th minute, as Obamallama hoofed the ball to a waiting Olibama. The striker made a run towards goal, but was denied by a well-timed block from Eleanorian centre-back Sam Newbridge. With both teams playing a defensive style, things were quiet for a while after that. The home team was cautious against the clearly superior opponents, whilst the away team were making sure to not slip up.

After 43 minutes of sporadic attempts on goal and numerous fouls, the Obamen won a corner kick. Set-piece specialist Lily Chobamya whipped the corner in, with skipper Trent Vobama rising above everyone else to head it home. The crowd of defence corporation lobbyists cheered raucously at the Obamen taking the unlikely lead, and the first half ended with the Obamen 1-0 up.

After the start to the second half was delayed as the match officials needed to take toilet breaks (due to the Taco Bell), the Eleanorians got underway. They switched up the tempo, desperate for an equaliser. The Obamen started to feel the pressure, which combined with their stomachaches was going to make the second half very uncomfortable. Fortunately, the White Stars constantly wasted their opportunities in front of goal, not even testing Dwayne Obama with their wide shots.

Snobbish butler Charles Obama, who had avoided the Taco Bell due to being accustomed to El Presidente's more civilised food, was by far the least lethargic person on the pitch at this point. In the 61st minute, he made an ambitious dribble past the distracted Eleanorian defenders to slot the ball into the bottom right corner. A good save from John Bailey denied this goal, but winger and international cricketeer Jenny Barracki sprinted forward to knock the rebound into the back of the net, doubling the lead for the home side.

After scoring, Barracki (along with Brett Pogama and Harvey Chobamya) were substituted after developing painful stomach cramps. With three of the arguably fastest Obamen being forced off the pitch, the Eleanorians decided to turn up the heat even higher. Buck Obamafinakis ordered the team to park the bus to cling onto their win, and soon nobody even dared to step foot in the opponent's half. This worked wonders for a while, as frustrated Eleanorian forwards tried with no avail to break down the sturdy Obaman defence. In particular, Princess Sylvia of Atoccia missed an open goal in the 79th minute when Dwayne Obama collapsed due to the overwhelming stomach pain. The royal flush of embarrassment on her face after that summed up the match for the Eleanorians.

Charles Obama, tired of his team's incompetency, got bored and decided to grab his first international goal with another dribble past the exhausted and annoyed Eleanorians. Unfortunately, his dream of getting an international goal was denied by Newbridge when he tripped him up. This didn't turn out all too bad for the Obamen, as Newbridge was the last man so he received a straight red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity, and a penalty was awarded to the Obamen. Charles Obama visibly winced as Lily Chobamya converted the penalty in the 89th minute, and will probably still be longing for that international goal.

The game ended 3-0 the the Obamen, and the Eleanorians hurried off the pitch in embarrassment at their defeat. There was no more cheering from the fans however, as they were all either in the bathroom, the long queue for the bathroom, or ordered to get back to work. Those damn government party poopers.

by **Cassadaigua** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 6:15 am

That was a big win,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Knowing Cassadaigua was going to be a pot 2 team, there was a lot of interest in who the pot 1 team would be that we would have to play. Eventually, the draw took place, and we could see that it would be Nephara that we were matched up against. Because of our recent history and being a fellow Rushmori powerhouse, anticipation for the match was immediate. There would also be interest in who that pot 3 team would be, since of course, they would serve the role of spoiler, potentially. That would end up being Kelssek, another well known opponent to our fans, so that added even more excitement. Once you were out of pot 3, the next few nations that get drawn in would traditionally fit the role of being a pesky opponent, but not actually be those that you would expect to be the biggest threats. Mertagne was a tough pick from pot 4, one of the best in that pot, but then came the nation drawn out of pot 5: Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, which with all due respect to the nation, I will reference as simply, Pluvia. I’m sure the Saxean Isles are beautiful and they can feel free to send me a tourist guide via email.

Pluvia does not have a long and storied history in international sports, but they have been a presence in qualifying since World Cup 86. They have not always made much of an impact within the tournaments, and were a low end pot 5 team coming in. However, things have clicked for them under the guidance of Savigliane’s Laurent Chambéry. The team known as the Magpies came into the matchup with a record of 5-1-1 and in second place, a point ahead of Kelssek. In that stretch, they managed a +7 goal differential, which suggests that they have been pulling out a lot of close games, and that is a sign of well coached and well disciplined team. Some suggested that since they had not played either us of Nephara yet, that their record could be a little misleading, but the Fillies were not going to get bogged down in that.

For Cassadaigua, this was the match right before the bye with a game against Nephara looming right after it. Having the bye right now would assure that there would be no looking past Pluvia, and since the Magpies were doing so well, that also meant that the Fillies would be well prepared for Laurent Chambéry’s game plan. Stadium information was not publicly revealed, perhaps in an effort to keep the fan bases of Cassadaigua, Nephara, and Kelssek away from the stadium, since we all know they have loyal supporters that will travel. Despite that, word got out as to where the game was being played, thanks in part to a twii’tur post by captain Morgan Rosenblatt informing everyone where the game would be played. Manager Brittany Byers went with “A” lineup, and early on in this game, we certainly caught a glimpse of the gritty style that Pluvia plays with. They take care of the little things, and don’t beat themselves, and while the Fillies played with a slight edge in time of possession for the first half, there was always the feeling that either side could get the first goal of the match. Eventually, 38 minutes in, that would come, and it would be from a set play off a free kick, scored by Chloe Anderson to make it 1-0. That would be the score at halftime, but the Magpies again showed their resiliency with a 70th minute equalizer from Flynn MacKay. Thankfully for us, just six minutes later, Morgan Rosenblatt answered, and that goal would stand, giving us the 2-1 win.

With this victory, Team Cassadaigua entered the bye with a 7-2-0 record, leading now second place Kelssek by five and Nephara by six. That’s a bit deceiving, since the team has played more games than everyone else in the group not named Reçueçn. For the team, the timing of the bye could not be any better, giving them a well earned day of rest before the big game against the Cormorants at home. Many likely spent the time with their domestic clubs, or with their familes while key games within the group took place, including a clash between Nephara and Pluvia. Witnessing the resiliency of the Magpies didn’t end when our game finished against them, as they would then show that against Nephara, scoring a 3-3 draw against the Cormorants.

Therefore, we can now see a little more clearly where the Fillies truly stand within the group with the even amount of games played. They are two points ahead of Kelssek, and five over Nephara. A win against the Cormorants at Dagan Airways Stadium could dig quite a hole for that club, and we expect them to be doing everything in their power to keep that from happening. Kelssek is a concern as well, not that we weren’t expecting them to be. I called it at the time that we might regret “only” getting a home draw against them. Right now, they are right on our heels, just two points back. Looking deeper into the performance of the team, the 31 goals are appealing, and a product of the more offensive system being implemented by Brittany Byers. Chloe Anderson and Rachel Bolden continue to have great chemistry with one another and Morgan Rosenblatt is again having a strong campaign. There was concern that this system could impact the defense, but with this playing structure, I don’t have a problem with conceding twelve through nine games. It’s not the lowest total in the group, but it is more than adequate. The back end has played well, and Stacie Thornton has stepped nicely in her first qualification of being the regular starting goalkeeper. We have to keep the ball rolling in the second half, because we saw two years ago that nothing is to be taken for granted.

by **Atheara** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 7:23 am

Part IV out of ??
New Challenges, Same Opponent

It was another day of warfare. ISLORA was continuing to give resistance, now that they were using their more advanced weaponry created with Elyzian Energy. Everyone was fighting with all that they have but yet it seems as if one side was certainly winning. Ever since the discovery of Elyzian Energy from the ISLORA, the AMC has certainly been doing their best to keep up with their weaponry. There were a lot of things that they tried with Elyzian Energy, courtesy of Cecilia Scharlund. It was the first time she could thank the AMC, otherwise she might have lost it.

Speaking of the Scharlund, she was at the battlefield as she dodged a fire bullet from an ISLORA mech before grabbing a sword that was on the ground. She ran towards the mech as it was loading up another shot, sliding under it as it smashed the ground with it's other hand. Cecilia faced back and got up before stabbing the mech's leg with the blade and climbed it. Planting an energy infused bomb, she triggers it and jumps off the mech as it flailed around, before the bomb activates, exploding the mech into shreds. She laid on the ground before realizing a robot soldier was diving right at her. She wouldn't have to worry, as Rozmund arrives dashing at the robot, punching it away before it could hurt Cecilia. Rozmund lands on the ground nearby as Cecilia sees him approaching, giving out a hand to help the captain get up.

"Thanks, old friend."

"You're welcome, we've been friends for so long, afterall."

The captain grabbed the VC's hand and got up. The two proceeded to look at how the battle was going. Overall, the AMC was winning this one for sure. The Battle of Vicelga River was one for Atheara to remember, as their forces were pushing back the ISLORA. Robots and mechs clashed with eachother as both sides used weaponry of now, the future, and the past enhanced with Elyzian Energy. It wasn't a beautiful sight, but it was a necessary one to avoid similar ones in the distant future. But then, a massive explosion. A giant mech rose up and fired it's main gun, destroying an Athearan artillery piece. The mech was shaped in that of a golem, colored with white and yellow energy around it, signifying lightning.

Three more Athearan artillery pieces appeared as they disabled their cloaking cyphers. Colored in black and grey and infused with light-ish blue energy from the Elyzian energy within them, signifying a wind element attached to them. The three artillery pieces fired at the giant golem mech as smoke appeared from the impact. Yet when the dust settled, the golem was still alive. Guns were fired at and artillery battered at the mech, yet it still stood. It was nothing the AMC had ever seen so far in their campaign to end ISLORA.So far, it wasn't looking any good as some of the AMC soldiers were forced to retreat and regroup with the rest of their squads. What would take that thing down?

But then, rumbling came from the nearby trees. Several AMC mechs of several types along with two Athearan tanks came out. Out of all the mechs, the several types seem to carry a different armament each. One type had small rocket pads attached onto their body (Ranger), another mech type seemed to have a blaster on one hand and a free (Balancer), controllable hand on the other. Meanwhile, the other type of mech seemed to have two hands free to use for whatever purpose they were needed for (Combater). The combater mechs charged at the golem mech the ISLORA was controlling, while the balancer mechs followed suit. The ranger mechs stayed behind as they aimed their weapons.

The balancer mechs fired their blasters at the golem, forcing it to defend itself by blocking the shots. Three combater mechs charged at the giant golem mech, holding it still as it clawed themselves onto it. Meanwhile, the ranger mechs charged up their rockets and proceeded to fire swarms of rockets at the golem mech. The golem mech was able to break free from the combater mechs holding it down as it swang the rockets that the ranger mechs fired at it away, hitting many of the soldiers that were still exposed to the open. Cecilia and Rozmund dragged several of their own soldiers to cover.

"My brother should be ready now!"

Christian Fierrevanturo shoted as he directed orders on a holographic device, not too far from the captain and vice captain's location. And then the two tanks finally made a sound. They were ready for combat. One had a more larger and bulkier appearance, armed with an armor piercing gun. The other was slightly smaller and had a less powerful gun but it was compensated in better mobility and more coverage on the battlefield just from it's appearance. The smaller tank fired it's gun and shells as it swayed around the golem mech, trying to distract it. The golem mech tried to follow suit but couldn't as even though it had removed it's holders, several combater mechs returned to hold it in place once more.

The larger tank, noticing it being distracted, immediately fired it's main gun, hitting the golem mech right at it's center. An explosion shook the ground and created a small shockwave, shocking everyone to dive for cover once more. Smoke would cover the entire battlefield as everyone had their vision obstructed. After a while, the dust would settle once again. This time, the golem mech was down but it was still showing signs of being operational. It slowly came back to life and operational status, but not without being damaged for it's own good. Everyone knew one more blow would seal the deal.

"Where is she when you need her the most?!"

"Right about here you upper class jerk!"

Screamed the pilot Canna Varschal through the intercom. She had just recently completed another air patrol and decided to set out to where everyone else was after resupplying, all by herself. She looked over at the current situation on the ground, thinking about something. There was something the black woman wanted to test out about the new "equipment" the Athearan Aerial Corps (AREC) had supplied the new fighter aircraft with. Nonetheless, the pilot was certainly excited to find out what new toys her personal fighter aircraft was given.

She circled around in the air before deciding to dive down. Despite the alarms that she would crash to the ground, she kept her aim on the giant mech that was still in the process of recovery. And then, Canna pulled on the trigger. She fired the jet's enhanced machine guns, before pressing a button twice. That button proceeded to trigger the firing of two Elyzian enhanced missiles. After that, she drived the jet straight back up, barely above the mech after the impact. What happened was that the bullets from the machine guns had pierced the armor of the golem mech and damaged it even more. The enhanced missiles ended it off as a massive explosion occured once again, finally ending the golem mech.

Once that happened, ISLORA retreated. They knew that their defeat was finally sealed after their superweapon was defeated that easily. Many of the AMC soldiers who were in cover decided toi go out and check the field. They all started celebrating. Scharlund gave a smile in that she was impressed while Fallagher gave out a good laugh while shouting, "That's the AMC for you!" Meanwhile, the Fierrevanturo siblings had met up nearby and gave eachother a high five. Though the elder one certainly did it less willingly. Varschal meanwhile was in delight through the intercoms.

"I call for a celebration after that astounding victory!" Cecilia said through communications.

Part V out of ??
Three Questions, More Like Several
Dialogue only. Between Captain Cecilia Scharlund and an Athearan Researcher tasked on researching Elyzian Energy.

...

...

...

...

...

"...Hello? Is this connected...?"

"Greetings, Captain Scharlund. Firette Gledswyn, Athearan Researcher at your service."

"Ah! Greetings as well, Firette. Calling me Cecilia is also fine, no formality needed afterall."

"Ah, of course. Forgive me for that.

"Apology accepted. Now, do you know why I have setted up this call?"

"Sorry Cecilia, but I do not."

"The reason why is because I have a few questions about Elyzian Energy, mainly three questions. The reason I didn't ask them during the meeting was because I would rather not have the Grand General be staring at my neck all the time..."

"Of course Cecilia. You're free to ask me any questions regarding Elyzian Energy."

"Alright, so my first one is... I'm sure you know the context of this one... What was that golem mech we faced at Vicelga River? It doesn't seem to be any typical Energy Mech that we have analyzed and researched. Mind giving me information about that?"

"Of course Cecilia. What you faced was something known as an Energy Beast, the only ones who can create them for now are the ISLORA. We have five different classifications for Energy Beasts. They are, from weakest to strongest, Rook Class, Knight Class, Bishop Class, Queen Class, and King Class. That golem energy beast you faced was classified as a Bishop Class, which means the AMC already has grown extremely strong."

"Interesting... But why are they based on the names of major chess pieces?"

"A man by the name of CD suggested it. We don't know who actually reccomended it however, and that was what they went by when they reccomended the idea to us. So because of that, we have no clear cut answer for this question, forgive me for that."

"That's alright, no need for apologies."

"As you say so. Anyways, what's your next question?"

"I already know the elements that Elyzian Energy is connected to, but can you tell me the elemental synergy?"

"You must mean what each element is good and bad against, is that correct?"

"That is correct, Firette. Please do tell me."

"Alright, as you know, there are Stage 1 elemental energies or resonances, whichever you prefer. They are fire, water, earth, lightning, and wind. Fire counters wind, wind counters lightning, lightning counters earth, earth counters water, and water counters fire. That's the basics of it. Do you need any more information that may be of use for your soldiers, or is that it for the second question?"

"That is all for the second question... Even if I have other curiosities."

"Please tell me Cecilia, you are free to speak your own mind."

"Alright then... Is there a possibility that other elements exist other than that we know of?"

"Yes, it is a possibility. The largest possibilities are the existence of Stage 2 elemental resonances and 'Solace' elements, such as dark and light along with reality and imagination. However, the last one is a bit sketchy and we have yet to start research on it. Is that understandable?"

"It is."

"Okay Cecilia, next question. And this one is your final one, so make sure you get what you want."

"Of course... Uhm, erm... The question is... Why am I able to be around extreme amounts of Elyzian Energy without feeling the certain side effects?"

"..."

"Firette?"

"Sorry, the question was a bit surprising. To answer it... We're not sure. There is a theory going around in the research camp that people who have the ability to be around Elyzian Energy and absorb it are called 'Vessels' but I've yet to confirm that."

"...Vessels...? What does that mean...?"

"I am yet to know myself Cecilia. I'm sorry."

"It's alright Firette. Also, may I give you one more question if that's fine with you? It doesn't relate to Elyzian Energy in any way."

"Hmm... Sure, they likely won't know that I'm spending the night talking to you."

"Okay, the question is uhm, what have the researchers been doing with the man I gave you?"

"Kharschkal? Oh he's been quite silent. The man has been quite the interesting exp-"

"Okay maybe that's it for the night... I wouldn't want to guess what you have been doing with him."

"Alright alright. So, that's it for tonight?"

"Yes, that's it for now Firette. I'll call you again if I need more information about anything."

"Alright Cecilia, have a good rest."

"May you have a good rest as well."

by **North Cassadaigua** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 9:18 am

Kind of halfway,
by Jack Stewart, blogger

Jack here again! So, we are kind of at the halfway point of World Cup qualification, and it looks like my prediction about the North Cassadaigua team is going to be correct. They are not going to qualify for World Cup 92. They aren’t doing poorly though, and have a feisty record of 5-1-3. At the top of this group is Tikariot, just like everyone predicted, right? I was told beforehand that Graintfjall was the reigning World Cup champion, so they must be really disappointed to be in second place right now. I know that they have not lost, and that they are only two points out, but what a disappointment. The champions are beatable! Not by us, but by other people, obviously.

So far, winning the drawing to be the traveling beat writer of the North Cassadaigua has enabled be to travel to the following places: Loyo, Graintfjall, Tikariot, and Eraman. First, let me start with Loyo. Since we last played them, they have been kind enough to reveal a list of their players. That really would have made things easier for me on the first leg of this, but I am glad to have it now. They did not publicly reveal where their games are being played, as I guess they still want people to have to figure that out for themselves. That’s not being very hospitable! What they have let people know is that they love baseball, and I am glad to hear that. Baseball is an amazing game, and I guess they just “like” football. They didn’t say anything about whether or not they like soccer, though. I guess some nations call soccer football, and I can understand the logic of it being more of a “foot” ball, but I like calling it soccer, better.

Another nation I traveled to so far was Eraman. This was not one of the countries that I was told would be good in the World Cup, but I guess they have been doing this try to qualify thing for a long time. I like the nickname of the team being called the Monkey Kings. That’s different, but that can be a positive. Unlike Loyo, who made us have to find out the hard way where they were playing, these guys were courteous enough to provide that information. We played at the Daulapura Stadium, which is the largest stadium in the country. It seats 40,000, so it’s pretty small for “largest” standards, but bigger does not have to be better. I felt a lot of the people around were very stuffy and full of themselves, and was told later that the city is infested with billionaires and royal people. It makes me think that they should just do away with all of the seats and just have an all-luxury suite stadium so those people do not have to interact with us mere mortals.

Then, there was a Tikariot, a nice nation located in Rushmore. I like the nickname of their team, being the Snowy Owls, and the passion of the team when they do what they call the Thunder Clap. That made me think that we should do something cool when the games are played back in Moreau. We don’t have any cool chants at all, and that really should change if we are ever going to be taken seriously as a soccer playing nation. While the Tikariot Football (can people stop calling soccer that, it’s really confusing) Federation, provided a detailed list of their players and other information about the squad, they never provided home stadium information. So, again, I was left to scramble to figure out where the game was being played. The game didn’t go very well for us, but I was least able to figure out how to do a proper Thunder Clap.

Finally, I was able to visit Graintfjall, and while it gets really cold there in the winter, at least we are not in that awful season quite yet. So, it was only a little chilly for the game. Like Tikariot, they also reference snow in their team nickname, calling themselves the Snow Wolves. I noticed that they had a player from Brattleboro FC in Cassadaigua in their lineup, Alyssia Noahsdóttir, and I tried to arrange an on field interview with her to talk about playing us and all that. But, once again, I was intercepted by security who did not believe that I am a professional journalist. I mean, the Grand National Arena personnel gave me a press pass and what I thought was a good enough credential, but apparently I had to apply for a special credential to get access to the players from the home nation. That really stunk, but I guess I have learned my lesson this time.

Oh well, bring on the second half. After playing the final game of the first half, obviously.

by **Pemecutan** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 9:37 am

MD 9
Kuraita   0 – 0   Pemecutan

Goal scorers:
No goals

Substitutes:
Kadek Rai Partha <—> Kristian Subrata (48')
Wisnu Pramana <—> Pandu Oka Jaya (66')
Alvino Bastian <—> Oscar Tri Atmaja (72')
MD 10
Pemecutan   3 – 1   Kimi-Suomi

Goal scorers:
Leo Olivando (13')
Agus Setiahadi (63')
Wisnu Pramana (81')

Substitutes:
Yuhabani Nehusandak <—> Gede Arya Wisesa (76')
Komang Trisna Mahayana <—> Pandu Oka Jaya (85')

Soma Wage Wuku Dukut, Pawukon 1783

Purnama, A Full Moon Celebration

Pemecutan Puri - Purnama or a full moon is a common moon cycle which occur once every 15 days. On the day, the moon can be seen in its fully round shape. And the day is considered one of the good day for the Sanatana Dharma believers to held a ceremony. At this Monday, the Sanatana Dharma believers celebrate the Purnama Kapat, a full moon of the fourth month of Içaka calendar. Purnama Kapat is one of the few important days for Sanatana Dharma believers based on Içaka calendar. Many Piodalan (places anniversary ceremony) are held during the day. Piodalan as a ceremony have a meaning to replenish the place and balance it energy (or aura) so it can be use properly again. The ceremony is commonly held in annual basis.

Ngelis procession, the first stage of the Piodalan ceremony. The event itself have several stages from asking permission to casting the holy water for cleansing and purification.

As it is written in Sundarigama Scripture;

ᬫ᭄ᬯᬄ ᬳᬦ ᬧᬭᬾᬭᬾᬲᬶᬓ᭄ᬦᬶᬭ ᬲᬂ ᬳ᭄ᬬᬂ ᬭᬸᬯ ᬪᬶᬦᬾᬤ᭞

ᬫᬓᬤᬶ ᬲᬂ ᬳ᭄ᬬᬂ ᬲᬸᬃᬬ ᬘᬦ᭄ᬤ᭄ᬭ᭞ ᬬᬢᬶᬓ ᬦᬾᬗ᭄ᬓᬾᬦ᭄

ᬧᬸᬃᬦᬫ ᬫ᭄ᬯᬂ ᬢᬶᬮᬾᬫ᭄᭞ ᬭᬶᬂ ᬧᬸᬃᬦᬫ ᬲᬂ ᬳ᭄ᬬᬂ ᬳᬸᬮᬦ᭄

ᬫᬬᭀᬕ᭞ ᬬᬦ᭄ ᬭᬶᬂ ᬢᬶᬮᬾᬫ᭄ ᬲᬂ ᬳ᭄ᬬᬂ ᬲᬸᬃᬬ

ᬫᬬᭀᬕ᭟

Transliteration;
Mwah hana pareresiknira sang hyang rwa bhineda, makadi sang hyang surya candra, yatika nengken purnama mwang tilem, ring purnama sang hyang ulan mayoga, yan ring tilem sang hyang surya mayoga.

Translation;
There is also a day of self-cleansing for Sang Hyang Rwa Bhineda, named Sang Hyang Surya Chandra, which happened during full moon (purnama) and new moon (tilem), during full moon Goddess of Moon (Chandra) is in meditation state, while at new moon God of Sun (Surya) is meditated.

However, Purnama Kapat become one of the most important full moon celebration. The reason is because it is fall during the transition of season in Pemecutan. From dry to wet season. At this time flowers are likely to bloom and trees began to change its colors. Another insight which makes the day important is because of the month name. Kapat is sometimes associated with Keped, a Hanacaraka word which means neat or tight. The day is meant for the people to cleanse themselves. Become as neat as they can be while also tightly protecting themselves from negative influence in the preparation of the changing season. According to Ida Pedanda Agung Manik Sugi from Griya Sanur, Purnama Kapat is a good day for melukat, a self cleansing ritual performed in a holy spring. He add that melukat can also be performed in person at the home by asking for blessing from Sang Hyang Kawitan, the ancestors and Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru, the one and ultimate teacher (may also referencing to God Shiva).

Sanggah Agung or Sanggah Surya, an important part of Piodalan and many other ceremonies. It is build as a tribute to Sun God, Surya as the witness to everything happened on Earth.

For the Piodalan ceremony, many homes (especially Puri, Royal Palace) and temples have change its facade. It become more vibrant with all the colors and intricate decorations. The ceremony usually held for the whole day. Art performances such as Drama Gong, Pemecutan traditional stage performance act, Wayang, shadow puppet performance and traditional dances like Rejang or Baris are accompanied the ceremony. Sometimes during the main event, you can see several people get in a trance. These are selected people who is believe to have a direct connection with the Gods or Goddesses that they worship.

People in trance. They can do unexpected things from dancing uncontrollably, eat lighten incense or even trying to harm themselves using keris, Pemecutan short sword or spearhead.

MD 11
Hapilopper v Pemecutan
MD 12
Srednjaci v Pemecutan
Starters: Benches:

1  GK Herman Putrawan Aksabala Jandisuga GK 12

2  LB Yuhabani Nehusandak Gede Arya Wisesa LB 24

3  CB Sorabala Aksapadan Surya Brata Wijaya CB 13

4  CB Satya Putra Laksamana (C) Oscar Tri Atmaja RB 26

14 RB Alvino Bastian Ngakan Putu Suweca CM 29

6  LM Agus Kusumawijaya Kristian Subrata RM 17

19 CM Agus Setiahadi Pandu Oka Jaya ST 32

30 RM Kadek Rai Partha Reserve benches:

20 ST Wisnu Pramana Gery Afilianto GK 33

10 ST Leo Olivando Putra Eka Laksana CB 18

11 AT Komang Trisna Mahayana Basuyuha Padurjana LM 15

Eka Yuliawan CM 39

Arya Tungga Wijaya AT 22
Injuries:
RM Samsul Hermawan
CM Rama Karyadi
AT Dewa Putu Mahardika

by **Juvencus** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 9:50 am

The Second Great War of Unification(1876-1892)

While speed was indeed powerful in some instances of the war, in other occasions total victory was necessary. Total victory meant complete and total annihilation of the enemy in all fronts, in every single way possible, fathomable or unfathomable. The goal in every battle to have ever taken place in the general area of Juvencus was that for thousands of years. It was a mental booster whenever it was achieved, as achieving it was be rare no matter the means or the tide of any conflict. The Juven State had managed to push Torona in this exact spot to claim the first total battle victory. On the other hand the Toronese were cornered with only utter humiliation in their hands, even with the Scudelliano help that had arrived in the spot just in time.

Tightening the fields, by Robert Lambert ~circa 1910

Chapter 21: Siege of Torona(October 2nd, 1881)
Part 1: The Domination

On land: The reality of the situation is that the Juven State's military was more than capable of eventually capturing Torona at some stage during the war regardless of the circumstances. However, the assistance and education provided by the Quebecois was of pivotal importance in making this a reality earlier on during the conflict. For the past year restocking had been commonplace despite the dire circumstances of the famine and sickness that were ravaging the entire nation, perhaps double or even triple as commonplace as the next closest power, which was Scudelli. This played a big part in the equipment of larger amount of troops and with the Quebecois help in training them, more were ready for the battles ahead.

The first stage of the battle took place around a small flat area just outside Torona. Pomenienze Uhlaner charged at the Toronese Spirezi in a flexible formation meant to surround them. While the Spirezi initially took notice of this, they were not able to outmaneuver them and as such they were stuck inside a web of Uhlaner charging towards them from all directions with no possible way to react to any of those attacks. Many Spirezi eventually dropped dead right then and there. The web eventually got less tight, as such the Spirezi found an opening to at least leave the battlefield before facing complete destruction but the Uhlaner were just not done yet. A chase ensued and the Spirezi's horses were just not fast enough compared to the Uhlaner's horses. As such, they were locked again in that same web, relentlessly pummeled and massacred yet again until the last few decided to surrender.

Several skirmishes and other small-scale fights followed in multiple positions around the trench line during the morning time. The Juven were just gathering victory after victory and the important positions got smaller and smaller before being completely captured. The fighting increased in scale as the first line of defence dropped that easily with such short fights. A massive battle followed at Nuovavolta, a settlement right outside the entrance to Torona, between an overextended squad of Juven and Quebecois and a Scudelliano force, in a massive hand to hand scenario. Nuovoltese villagers even joined in the effort to defend their village in a bloodspill. However the combined Juven-Quebecois force was too good and the settlement was captured fast, albeit with losses. Artillery was swiftly moved there.

As the day moved forward, an artillery bombardment of Torona followed. Many buildings were razed to the ground, as well as parts of the Royal Palace of Torona itself. King Alberto IV of Torona was miraculously unharmed and it is recorded that he swore to god multiple times and he in fact managed to join in the frontlines himself. On the other side, now Elected Monarch of the Juven State Gianluca IV was overlooking the siege of Torona, in what was the most important he oversaw since the defence of his home in Pomena.

On water: A massive combined Juven-Quebecois blockade meant that Torona was completely starved off supplies from all possible routes and while naval attacks could be used to deter that, they were rendered impossible as that same blockade managed to bombard many of the anchored boats in the port of Torona, rendering them useless for the duration of the siege.

It was believed this strategy was used to signify to the Independentists that no matter what attacks or military victories they would manage to achieve, the Juven State was always a step ahead. But in reality, starving Torona off of its necessary resources would put the general population in risk. And with a big part of its navy destroyed and with massive casualties on land too, this meant that either a general surrender was on the horizon or a last stand for the ages. A choice that would only depend on its King, Alberto IV.

by **Flavovespia** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 11:50 am

Flavovespia 1 - 0 Delaclava

They left it late, but Flavovespia got a 1-0 win over Delaclava, in a potentially key game at the top end of Group 6. In a run of a few critical games, Flavovespia will be very pleased with this home win to keep up the momentum in the side.

After 2 successful wins in a row, Flavovespia were unchanged for this match, the 4-3-3 and combination of players working out well so far. Unlike most games so far, this one began without either side really racking up a clear advantage early on. It had a bit of a knockout game feeling to it, with neither side wanting to take too many risks and face being exploited for them.

Jonathan Bagshaw was the first to really test either goalkeeper. His shot from just outside the box was powerful, but a bit too central and Earl James pushed it away to safety. The ball was cleared away before anyone in a yellow shirt could pounce on the rebound. Bagshaw was looking lively, and was unfortunate to not at least get a goal or assist in the first half. Delaclava were working the ball well in the middle of the park, but were finding the backline of Flavovespia typically stubborn, and that one breakthrough for a clear cut chance wasn’t forthcoming in the opening half.

The second half began with Delaclava the ones looking more likely to score. Some quick passes were taking the Flavovespian midfield out of the game, and it seemed a breakthrough was close. Aarif Muhammad had to make a fee good saves from quick shots, one of which Paul Taylor was fortuitous not to deflect into his own net. However Flavovespia weren’t giving up lightly, and on the hour mark Adrian Jones headed just wide from a quick break.

As the minutes of the second half ticked on, it seemed the intensity of the game had dropped somewhat. Delaclava were maybe taking it a bit less risky, knowing a point away against a side in the top spots could be a good return. Flavovespia were probing, but still keeping plenty of players back to try and avoid being hit on the counter attack.

With 6 minutes to go, the game’s only goal came. A free kick allowed Flavovespia to get plenty forward. Kieron Player’s effort was blocked and looked to be going out for a corner. Substitute David Clark however turned it back into the box, and Michael Cole stooped low to head the ball in, past Earl James and a defender on the line. Joy for the home fans, who senses Flavovespia had one hand and then some on 3 points, although they’d need to hold on for a bit more time.

Hold on Flavovespia did, as they ground out the 1-0 win with some backs against the wall defending, which Delaclava couldn’t break down. Flavovespia may not have scored lots this time out, but Qualifiers can be won or lost in these games where draws are turned to wins.

Jeruselem 2 - 0 Flavovespia

Flavovespia’s loss in Jeruselem was just their second so far, but leaves them with no points yet off of the Top 2 seeds, and a wait to see which position in the Top 3 Flavovespia end the first half of the Qualifiers in. A reversal somewhat of the previous game, Flavovespia lose a game where even a draw would’ve been useful.

Coming off of a bye, Jeruselem were keen to hit the ground running in this game, and put Flavovespia under early pressure. They had a lot of the early possession, but Flavovespia had planned for that, and they were prepared to counter. In the space of a minute, a quick save by Aarif Muhammad and a long clearance by David Lyons set up Michael Cole, who was just unable to get the ball past Baelz Helos in the home goal.

Jeruselem would get the important opening goal just after the midway point of the first half. It was Diplo Pharm with an inswinging cross, and Jacob Geese-Frogg got the better of Stuart Cookson to steer the ball into the bottom corner of the net. A well worked goal, but disappointing to Flavovespia who by this point were just seemingly getting into a good rhythm.

Flavovespia pushed hard for an equaliser in the first half, and were taking risks in the final minutes. They were nearly hit on a quick attack by Jeruselem, but a great sliding challenge by Stuart Cookson took the ball from Ina Ninomae just before the shot could be taken. It was 1-0 at halftime, Jeruselem edging this game, but Flavovespia not out of it.

The second half didn’t begin with a huge amount of excitement. Jeruselem with the lead weren’t overly attacking, and thus didn’t get the ball behind the backline of Flavovespia much. And with Jeruselem taking less risks, Michael Cole and Jonathan Bagshaw were stifled, often forced out wide and unable to find a target in the box. Robert Totten tried to resolve this with a couple of speculative efforts from range, but couldn’t get on target.

The second goal came from the spot, after something of a contentious penalty call. Nako Ayame tried to send in a cross from the left wing, which struck Andrew Dance on the arm. Dance had his arm out as he was sprinting to chase down Ayame, and argued the case it was ball to hand. The referee and video referee were undeterred, and Jacob Geese-Frogg had the chance to double the lead. He hit the penalty hard and true, and Aarif Muhammad was beaten for pace despite diving the right way. 2-0, it seemed very likely Jeruselem would get 3 points.

Flavovespia tried hard to get back into the game, but at 2-0, Jeruselem were content to sit back and defend now. The experience of the hosts shone through, and the Flavovespian forwards were boxed out and unable to find the opportunity to try and score. The 2-0 final score reflected the hosts performance, although Flavovespia felt that on another day avoiding loss could’ve been possible.

The first half of the qualifiers will end with Flavovespia in the Top 3 of the group, which is at least a playoff spot. A big positive is but for a draw in the Ochre Islands, they’ve beaten every team ranked below them in the KPB rankings, especially with away form a struggle for plenty of teams in the Qualifiers. However the 2 losses to the Pot 1 and Pot 2 side are a question mark, and a sign maybe Flavovespia have a bit more work to do to become the ones to beat in the group.

by **Delte** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 12:18 pm

Delte 4–1 The Jovannic
Sports Correspondent Polka Lunn At Ildemorton Road for Marshlock Wetland Review

I won't dwell overly long on the finer details of this match, but certainly mention should be made of the excellent midfield performance of Iack Tase who almost single-handedly turned this game around after The Emperors took an early lead in front of a small but excitable congregation of Jovannic travelling supporters. Having eaten the town out of fried rice and chicken beforehand, they no doubt expected to finish the trip off with a celebratory saki or two after Jovan Ilohil gave them a perfect start to the game, but it was rubber chickens all round once Iack had taken control of this match, scoring once and assisting in two more as The Representatives continued a surprisingly strong start to their campaign. We're all looking forward to another visit from Sarzonia next and their incredibly technical ediraf slim-fit power-wicking shirts.

At the same time, or maybe a few minutes after...

Sajnur 2–2 Delte
Sheep Farmer & Temporary Player-Reporter Tonque Endra in Javoser for Sheeps & Cows & Salmons & Trouts Farmer's Bulletin

I've been briefed not to dwell overly long on the finer details of our match here in the South Pacific region (what a huge, sunny and coralific place by the way) but suffice it to say the Away Team Mission continues to prove satisfactory to good overall with another point in our busy schedule flitting here, there and everywhere. I watched the whole game from the bench as Coach Cerrough decided to rest me, suggesting I was showing my age a little. If you think I look old you should see Engy Tardenning, who at 33 looks at least 34 and a quarter already - but he still had half a yard on his defender to hit a brace and win a polite round of applause in the changing room afterward for his efforts.

I hear the home team banged in a few more, too.

Every Day I Roleplay About Football
3/6 : Screvenor Knock-Offs

From: human.3458374874@ediraf.co.sb
 To: bot.hr@ediraf.co.sb
 cc: fred.oakenshield@ediraf.co.sb

Dear Human Resources Inbox Processor.

Hello, Quality Controller Raul Valk again. Thanks for asking about my health and injuries. Rest assured I’m perfectly fine after the incident in the queue at Sark’s Family Sportsmonger and the prognosis for my bits and piece which were so savagely punched by a young child in a frenzy is good, with only a few days of discomfort to go. Should I ever wish to get a family reproduction licence from the Board of Population Control it won’t be my kit bag that holds me back, shall we say! On that note I have copied in Employee of The Month Prize Administration Supervisor Fred Oakenshield just to confirm that yes, I have signed the Injuries Sustained In The Workplace [Or Related Activities] Compensation Waiver, and no, of course, I would never put our glorious corporation in harm’s way by disclosing something likely to create any form of disrepute. I’m sure the whole thing was a complete misunderstaning anyway, especially since the Deltic folk have been nothing but extra attentive to my needs since they found out I am Starblaydi. Heaven knows why - in so many ways they are quite the isolationists, with some odd views about the world; but to me as a foreigner they have been nothing but kind and, not wishing to sound ungrateful at all, a little patronising, like they feel tremendously sorry for me. On the plus side, I had extra portions for dinner last night and again at breakfast this morning, and the concierge of the Prince Tyrbert Hotel has given me a complimentary spa treatment day ticket for a popular healing spring up country. How kind!

The eagerness to please was evident on the street corners of Oswark town too, where a very helpful fellow seemed to be aware of my interest in ediraf kit, though clearly he didn’t have the full picture of my employment standing, my Employee of The Month award and my commission to find out what the locals think of ediraf products. This eager chap approached me as I walked down Aughtshambles Street asking if I was still looking for some sports wear. “I’ve got a range like, all discounted, come and have a look,” he said, brooking no denial. He took me down an alleyway where he and another fellow had piled a few cardboard boxes full of clothing. “Lookit this,” he said, and pulled out what looked to me a bit like a vintage Sargossa from around World Cup 61, but, to be frank, didn’t look very ediraf even though it had the badges on it. I couldn’t see a sign of any wicking whatsoever. I was wondering what I might say to these two young gentlemen when I heard the crack-crack-crack of hobnail boots on the pavement and suddenly round the corner came two River Patrolmen. “You dirty Screves!” one yelled and the young men scarpered, lugging their boxes with them. One patrolman took off in pursuit, while the other remained behind to inform me that I had nearly fallen under the nefarious spell of a couple of ‘Screvenors’, traders from the next valley along who specialise in counterfeiting and “ripping off innocent foreigners… this shortage of ediraf gear is like manna from heaven for these types,” he told me. He generously escorted me back to the hotel, warning me to keep an eye out for fakes which he carefully explained could be easily identified by the fact they were being sold out of a cardboard box in a back alley. I admit I told him I had an eye for these things, thanks to my job at the factory. He seemed very impressed and called me ‘Sir’ with considered emphasis. I feel like I have a solid friend in the form of The River Patrol.

Sincerely, R.Valk, Quality Controller. 
Employee #345.8374.874.

by **Mercedini** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 1:17 pm

92nd World Cup Qualification
First Round Robin: A Review So Far
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Good evening one and all and welcome back to World Cup Qualification. We are very close to the halfway point of qualification, as Mercedini face their final opponent in the group before all of the reverse fixtures. Another two results went into the history books over the past couple of days, leading to a rather interesting looking group after the first round robin. This World Cup cycle has already been a relatively successful one for the Golden Eagles, and they remain in contention for at least a playoff spot on the evidence of these opening games. Dini finally tasted defeat in their ninth game of the campaign, following a nine-goal thriller at the Sports City Stadium against top seed and group favourites, Valanora.

This could very well be the cycle where Billic finds his redemption. Last time round, it was one to forget as the team were out of qualification contention fairly early in proceedings. Following that, they failed to escape the group stage of the Cup of Harmony, a tournament where they finished as runner-up in the prior edition. While the World Cup might be too much of a long shot, this cycle is all about trying to rebuild a side that can at least be competitive throughout qualification, while also challenging the perennial qualifiers in those individual matches. Let's go through those previous matches and see where Dini is positioned.

World Cup Qualifiers: Settling For Second?

It has been a cycle full of surprises for the Golden Eagles; they are giving the top seeds a run for their money while also providing their fans with decent defensive performances. With one game to go in the first round robin (which will be away to Darkmania in a Novapax derby), the Golden Eagles have conceded a total of 13 goals so far. Granted, the majority of those goals have come from the top two seeds (5 from Valanora, 2 from the IAQ), meaning they have managed to shutout many nations towards the lower end of the rankings. They haven't scored the most goals, nor have they conceded the least, but their performances have awarded them the highest overall goal difference in the group. That might come in handy later down the line, but it could very well end up as a race for second and third in the group. Chartistan and Mercedini sit in those spot right now, but Group 13 is all about Valanora who looks to be strolling to yet another World Cup Group Stage berth. With eleven games to go they have a comfortable three point margin back to second, plus an eight point gap back to fourth.

At the start of the campaign, all of the pressure was on Talisky to deliver as the next big Mercedinian striker. In his first couple of cycles, he was relatively unseen in a roster which had performed well. He had relatively low impact, and only tended to score late in games where the result was beyond doubt. However, in this cycle, he has transcended into a goal scorer which not only nets goals in big games, but actively contributes to the play to earn small advantages for his team. The Blue Strike Zoloroni striker could very well find suitors following this cycle, but for now, he is the key driver to his nation's success. Whether his form will continue remains to be seen, but he could be a major factor in Dini's fortunes for the rest of the cycle.

As mentioned previously, Dini will round out their first round robin by travelling within Novapax to their neighbours, Darkmania. Following that, it's a second match against Chartistan where Dini will hope to make it second time lucky and extend their lead against the group's current third place side. The Golden Eagles will also be making their second trip across the multiverse for their away matches, with their travels proving fruitful so far with key victories over IAQ and OAM. We have our fingers crossed, but you just never know what can happen during World Cup Qualification.

QUALIFYING MD9
Mercedini 4-5 Valanora

-  Group 13                          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Valanora                            9    7   2   0    30   17  +13    23
 2 Mercedini                           9    6   2   1    27   13  +14    20
 3 Chartistan                          9    5   4   0    21   11  +10    19
 4 Independent Athletes from Quebec    9    4   3   2    29   20   +9    15
 5 Baggieland                          9    4   0   5    19   20   −1    12
 6 Oberour Ar Moro                     9    3   3   3    14   15   −1    12
 7 Arjunnagar                         10    3   1   6    18   29  −11    10
 8 Al Qurija                           9    2   3   4    13   18   −5     9
 9 Elmyia                              9    2   2   5     8   16   −8     8
10 Darkmania                           9    2   1   6     9   19  −10     7
11 Great Korvax Empire                 9    1   1   7    14   24  −10     4

It's beginnning to get very close in the race for a top three spot in the group, with Valanora, Dini, Chartistan, and the IAQ all fighting for the three spots to further their campaign. Remember, only the top spot guarantees a spot at the World Cup, while second and third will have to play-off versus a team that finished third and second respectively in another group. There could be plenty of blockbuster ties for those remaining World Cup spots, but for now, Dini must simply focus on this group and hope that their efforts bear fruit. Don't forget, you can watch all of the action and reaction on Mercedini Sports Daily, but from Zoloroni, goodnight!

by **Mytanija** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 2:20 pm

Dzvezdan Kitanchev sat in his office pleased with his team’s work during the last couple of international breaks. A rocky start had been replaced with a sense of assuredness, experienced players helping younger ones to contribute, guiding them through matches and ensuring that results were ground out even if performances weren’t yet at the level Kitanchev himself wanted. And then there were the days where everything seemed to come together. Mytanija’s home game versus Cap Nord had been one of those occasions as the Hoops dominated on their way to an emphatic 5-1 hammering which added further respectability after a misfiring start.

Playing in Stratenberg, at the Utcastadion, came with its own difficulties. Mytanija may have put a lot of the post-Conflict tension in the past, but Magevs were still some of the most likely to sneer at the idea of a unified Mytanija, one nation behind its team. Magevskaya had been pro-Kalinina during her premiership and had supported the regime during the Mytanar Conflict, after all. There had been some resistance to that prevailing view, of course, but it mostly came on the other side of Magevskaya – not in Stratenberg, the region’s largest city, but in the much smaller fishing port of Vostochnaya Tochna.

It meant that the FSM choosing to host a game in Stratenberg was regarded as adding unnecessary difficulty to Mytanija’s schedule in some quarters. If the Magevs don’t want to support Mytanija then why put a game there? But the FSM were keen to use football as a unifying force and the government had not too quietly reinforced the idea that the sport’s governing body should take games to ‘all corners of the country’ through Ana Mecava-Catic’s time as Premier. That meant that the Hoops would play in Stratenberg and versus Cap Nord – perhaps for the first time – the crowd at the Utcastadion seemed firmly behind the team. It was also a sold-out crowd, something of a rarity for Mytanija games held in Stratenberg in the past.

Whether it was the capacity crowd or Kitanchev deciding to stick with his key players for the fixture which pushed Mytanija onto such a comprehensive victory the manager could not tell, but he hoped that the support his team received was a portent to the future. Hopefully Stratenberg could become a bit of a fortress for the national team in the same way that cities like Thessia and Ebor were. Matches held there always seemed to extract that bit more from players compared to games in some Zentrian cities, Miago, Avnalia and even Kitanchev’s home region Nasto. It was a shame that the FSM regularly decided against holding games in Miago, for example, but they couldn’t count on the game going ahead without incident. Kitanchev hoped that that would change.

Performances like the one versus Cap Nord would help, everybody liked to see a team winning and young people would perhaps feel that little bit more inspired by it. Jezdimir Ocokoljic and Omer Kuhar-Arh had really begun to hit their stride and Bigger Mbala-Ekakia was such an important presence at the back, constantly organising no matter who he was partnered by. It felt a little bit like things were coming together and a draw away from home against TJUN-ia, a nation which has caused Mytanija problems across various sports in recent years, only served to reinforce the feeling of progress from the start of qualifying to what was nearly the mid-point. Kitanchev had been worried after the first three or four games, but now things felt like they were heading in the right direction, and he felt like the pressure had been lifted ever so slightly.

It had been suffocating for a while. The defeats the Ancherion and Talannua had been unexpected. It had left Mytanija with a proverbial mountain to climb after several teams appeared to overperform in the early rounds of qualification. Each international break seemed to make the size of the task at hand even larger, but gradually Kitanchev’s team began to cut it down to size with better play and a greater understanding of what they were being asked to do. Repin’s more methodical, measured style of play was to be replaced with more direct ball progression. There would be a bit less control, but there would – in theory – be more chances created at a quicker rate. Score lines like the one against Cap Nord demonstrated what that looked like in practice. The formations used were similar, but the methodology was quite different.

‘I don’t want possession for its own sake,’ Kitanchev had said to the players early in his reign. ‘I want the ball so that we can try to score goals. The aim must always be to pass forwards and get the ball towards the opposition goal as quickly as possible.’

It appeared as if they were beginning to understand and it had happened just at the right time, allowing Mytanija back into 2nd place in the group just before the halfway stage. They were 6 points down on the Tumbrans, the group leaders building up that gap due to Mytanija’s early failings, but they were next best and in a spot which could see them qualify to the World Cup through the play-offs – a familiar path for Mytanija. Kitanchev smiled wryly as he looked down the group, the Hoops were one of three teams locked together on 17 points, joined by TJUN-ia and early giant killers Talannua. The Hoops’ next opponents and regular foes Cabo Azure were two back on 15, whilst Cap Nord and Ziwana were one point further behind on 14. Six teams separated by 3 points with one game to play before the halfway point. It was a crazy group.

Cabo Azure would present a challenge, as they always did. Mytanija’s Rushmori rivals had been on the receiving end of a tough group stage defeat under Lev Repin, but had since developed their game enormously and had dealt the Hoops two defeats in the Copa Rushmori since then. The game was being held at the Novi Atletskistadion in Thessia, perhaps the most supportive environment Mytanija could play in. The atmosphere would be hostile, both because Mytanija desperately needed the points and because it was a Rushmori derby against an opponent who had proven a real thorn in the side over recent years. Kitanchev would be banking on an experienced line-up to deal with all the noise around the game and get the job done professionally. A 6-point deficit to Tumbra might seem like a lot, but Mytanija had to be ready to capitalise on any slip-ups.

The small matter of the return game against Ancherion also loomed large in the same international break, just after the Cabo Azure fixture. They would be welcomed to Cassia, a ground which went firmly into the Utcastadion, Stratenberg category for not always being the easiest to play at for Mytanija. In recent years brave souls from nearby Severyan had flooded in to make it a much more positive atmosphere, but there was always the threat of the ground being filled with right-wing Rauchik nationalists who felt that ‘Mytanija’ had done little for Rauchnya during the Mytanar Conflict, when Kalinina directed her forces to try to wipe out the Rauchik population. Kitanchev sighed, his wry smile long gone.

He silently wondered just how many other international managers had to think about all these socio-political considerations in the run-up to international matches. Mytanija was a bit of a unique case, but he wished that he could just focus on the football, just for once.

by **Yue Zhou** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 2:25 pm

a continuation of this line.

some café
Háttmark, Græntfjall

Kara still hadn't fully come to terms with the fact that she was going to be capped in a few weeks' time yet. She'd always known in her heart that the day would come eventually, whether it was Græntfjall or Yuezhou - a confidence fueled by her meteoric rise up Steinaux's youth ranks - but at the age of nineteen? Not even the ambitious midfielder would've predicted that. And although the World Cup-winning KG had adopted a wait-and-see approach with the young talent, the more desperate YFA had gone all-in, suggesting that she could be in the squad as early as the next World Cup (or more realistically, the Cup of Harmony). Whether this was just a convenient outlet for Kara to avoid the Græntfjall-or-Yuezhou question was not something she tried to think about while she fiddled with a slowly melting latté.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her agent, a graying ex-striker named Gunnar who'd befriended the family during her academy years. "One more thing, Kara. They've actually just sent the mockups for your kit. As requested, they were able to reserve #17 for you, and I expect that if you're called up for Qualifiers next cycle that would still be reserved for you."

He turned his laptop around to show her. On the screen, Kara saw herself pumping a fist after scoring a goal with the blue-and-yellow Tahautxi kit photoshopped onto her. She grinned excitedly, which quickly faded when she saw what was on the kit.

"Uh, why does that say 'Zhang'?"

Gunnar winced. "Yeah. That's the thing."

"You told them I wanted my first name on the kit, right?"

"I made your wishes very clear to them. They, uh, were not very receptive. Let me see the wording they used..." The agent pointedly clicked around his email for a minute. "They feel that they're already compromising by letting you go by your birth name instead of 'Zhang Bailan', which-"

"Fucking...didn't Reeve get to keep her name?"

He sighed in response. "I did bring that up...they pointed out that Li Jing wears his last name in the GPL. I think the phrasing was 'different naming conventions between Yue nationals and naturalized foreigners', but I wasn't exactly taking notes."

"And they said it has to be Zhang? Even if they wanted my surname since it's Yuezhou, it's not Zhang. And they drop this shit on us, what, two weeks-"

Gunnar held up a hand. "I can go back to them with Mingsdóttir, if that's what you're saying." "But," he added, leaning in, "are you sure you want to compromise on this? Because it's not going to stop at your kit - if anything, we're still in the honeymoon. And names have power, Kara."

Kara looked away, pensive. "I mean...if I want to get capped now, it has to be them, right?"

"Does it have to be now?"

She nodded. "If the KG have anything to offer me, I'll consider it."

by **New Gelderland** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 2:35 pm

New Gelderland in playoff position after 9 games — can it maintain its form in the second half?

To the surprise of many, especially our neighbours in Electrum, New Gelderland currently sits in third place in its World Cup qualification group. Of course, it will likely not stay there: the team will face StrayaRoos on the last matchday of this first half in a must-win game that will determine the final standings for the group heading into the second half. Nonetheless, this is a prime place to ask ourselves: How did we get here, and where are we going?

New Gelderland didn't get its first win of qualifying until the fifth matchday, when it shocked visitors Delte with a 1-0 victory. Then again, Delte's players have had notorious problems with health when traveling to away games, to the point that they've had to segregate out a home team and a separate away team. Although it surrendered its next home game to Sajnur in a bitter disappointment for the team, our women then went on a three-game unbeaten streak to land us where we are now: a record of 5-2-2 and seventeen points (one more than our regional rival slash partner in crime Ceni, which always had more expectations placed on them than New Gelderland).

At this point, we might have been inclined to regurgitate all the scorelines in each match, but we decided not to do that. Look them up on the sidebar, folks, if you really care to know. Suffice it to say that the defense has been rock-solid, conceding only six goals in total — three of them to Sajnur. Sad. Our strikers have been a little less prolific, although Jaclyn Swan-Weiss and Carya Longreach have gotten the job done where we needed them to: We don't need to run the score up to win the game, but we also don't need to park the bus, either.

In the end, then, this balanced but oh-so-slightly defensive strategy has seemed to work so far, shutting down opponents' offenses while giving us enough time to mount pitch perfect offenses. Chef's kiss. If only we hadn't totally melted down to Sajnur, at home no less...

So, after this first-half campaign that has assuredly exceeded all expectations, can New Gelderland maintain its momentum heading into the first half? Unfortunately, we're somewhat bearish on that question. Of course, it would be all too easy to just list all the other nations in the group, say "we're lower ranked than this team," and then call it a day. But that analysis would be simply too facile, and also unrealistic — especially considering that we've beaten half the teams in the group anyway!

Our bearish outlook, then, comes simply from the distribution of home and away games versus the top seeds. Let's look at perhaps the five most dangerous seeds coming up: Farfadillis, Sarzonia, Baker Park, Delte and Sajnur. We face the latter two away and the former three at home.

Why is this bad news, you might ask? After all, we have a fighting chance against Sarzonia and Baker Park especially after notching an away win and a draw, respectively. But we would argue that, in fact, those initial results were just flukes. After all, any team can park the bus after scoring a lucky goal to preserve their victory, just like New Gelderland did against Sarzonia. And really, we know that Baker Park is underperforming in the group, as a measly sixth despite have a perfect qualification record. That has to change, right?

And, of course, Farfadillis will be unstoppable. As the world number eight and the top seed in the group, they should be expected to run away with things. They have, with only two draws to their name and not a single loss. In the first half, New Gelderland did well to keep this notoriously attacking side to only one goal — but New Gelderland could not utilize its defensive prowess to counterattack effectively, and that will probably doom the side when Farfadillis comes to Lexington.

Delte and Sajnur are interesting choices for our next-half preview, as neither are in the top three seeds in the group. But it seems likely that Delte will take the first playoff position, given its playing in this first half so far (and the quality of its player-reporters' news coverage: we might concede that it's better than ours, even though we're professional sports journalists!). And we'll go to face Delte away, which gives the side that coveted home advantage.

And while Sajnur is sagging in the rankings, we squandered our home advantage against them earlier in the campaign with that devastating loss. Even though New Gelderland has been surprisingly good with away victories this first half of qualifying, we really can't expect more than a single, solitary point against Sajnur at their home grounds.

So while we're excited that New Gelderland has come this far, we also know that it has a hard road ahead. Especially in the match that will close out the first half: a home game against StrayaRoos, which has been punching above its weight as the sixth pot team. (We've seen some of their games and don't think they should be, but that's another matter entirely.) Nonetheless, our path ahead is unclear, and we only proceed with the grace of Margaret.

Let the sacrifice of rubber chickens begin now.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 3:19 pm

ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE

MD9: (31) Chromatika 5-2 (108) Xanneria
Goals: Phoen 11', Fillar, B. 65', Xuen-Zhukov 71', 80', 88'
Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Begley (C); Coulibaly - Régine - Mixon; Baum - Ju - Laurette - Womack; Phoen; Delaya - Xuen-Zhukov.
Substitutes: Fillar, E. -> Womack (52'), Fillar, B. -> Phoen (52'), Nodis -> Mixon (68'), Kreutzberg -> Baum (68'), Killian -> Delaya (80')
MD10 (290) Atetancillo 1-4 (31) Chromatika
Goals: Xuen-Zhukov 9', 39', 64', Toussaint 88'
Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Begley (C); Coulibaly - Régine - Mixon; Baum - Ju - Laurette - Womack; Phoen; Delaya - Xuen-Zhukov.
Substitutes: Paterson -> Coulibaly (59'), Christelle -> Baum (65'), Apt -> Ju (65'), Ansoll -> Régine (81'), Toussaint -> Delaya (81')

MD11 vs. (77) Brookstation @ The Shock, Wirr Tsi, Capital District, Chromatika (Cap. 51,350; 18,000 Seats) and MD12 vs. (53) Juvencus @ The Islander Dome, Myana, Myana Island, Chromatika (Cap. 133,000; 35,000 Seats)
Predicted Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Fillar, J. (C); Ansov - de Aea - Anbient; Fillar, G. - Zuniga - Hauser - Ighv; Kuznetsov; Killian - Oveni.
Reserves: GK Kathie Begley, GK Jacob Descombes, DCR Ami Coulibaly, DCR Paisley Paterson, DC Klavida Régine, DCL Ipati Aimée, WBR Emilie Kruetzberg, BWM Kaia Larriet-Cortes, BWM Mare Si, AP Bailliare Fillar, AM Allissar Pheon, WBL Edith Fillar, F9 Paskal Toussaint, CF Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov, CF Candice Delaya

The Red League All-Decade Team
06: Left Backs

By: Jordan Lawless, Chief Correspondent

When it comes to defenders, what should we base our decisions off of? Obviously, seeing how the team did in conceding goals is a huge metric, but not the only one. Sometimes, great defenders can be overcome by lack of cohesion, and other times, a team only concedes as many goals as it did because there was a player that was carrying the team. The Left Back can both be a stalwart defender as well as a facilitator for the attack; the two choices for this position are very clear.

The Red League All-Decade Second Team Left Back:

Monika Strasbourg, Myana

A mainstay of the Islanders squad from Seasons One to Nine, Strasbourg was signed as a diminutive and spiky defender who's at her best rushing forward on the overlap with the wind at her back. Unpredictable as to what she'll do after that. She can still cover her defensive rounds more than capably, aided by her pace and lungs. She set up many a play that ended up with Enrico Hanson-Conavacio getting goals, and was a member of the All-League First or Second Team for four seasons. Strasbourg also appeared for the Cormorants during her career, to the tune of nine caps and a goal - and anyone that gets recognized by one of the best sides in the multiverse gets a nod. She was a key part of the inaugural seasons for a team that was very good during that time, and she absolutely deserves this spot.

The Red League All-Decade First Team Left Back:

Dhruv Roy, Urrheddiao/Crossroads

Dangerous with headers, sometimes weak against quick counters, and a mainstay on the Newlandian national team for multiple seasons, Roy started his career in the Red League with Urrneddiao before moving to the Crusaders, where he stayed until Season Nine, being part of multiple teams that played better than expected for both squads. It's true that he never won a league title, but he made a living being part of backline for squads that made their way to the IFCF and was in contention for so much more. Never the best pure defender, Roy was dangerous on the turn and in getting the rest of the team in a fine position to contest. A consummate professional and teammate, Roy is the undisputed choice for First-Team All-Decade.

Next: Second-Team Midfielders

The Third Chromatik Premier Election

Meet the Candidates #4 Jung Jin-Shil - The Wildcard

Let it be known that the days of a unified Chromatik government post-Rainbow Revolution is over. In the dissolving of the Traditionalist Party, they fired one parting shot that could have far-reaching circumstances: They removed a common enemy from the board, one that everyone could lay down their differences and focus upon. Since then, though the Saebitdang (New Light Party)'s emergence has put some things to rest, the Rainbow Party has seen itself splintered to three different pieces (thankfully, the Saebitdang has also seen some internal strife). The three candidates that will face off in the Rainbow Party primary represent each of those pieces. We shall finish with the most unpredictable of the three candidates: Jung Jin-Shil.

Jung Jin-Shil is a very controversial figure in Chromatik politics. Her father was General Jang Han-Shik, a major figure in the Chromatik Party who was in charge of a lot of the party's finances as well as intelligence. At the onset of the Rainbow Revolution, when Jang realized where the tide was turning, he defected to the Shadow Writers, turning himself in for amnesty and for the safety of his family. the amount of money that he brought over to support the Revolution mattered a lot while hurting the Chromatik Party, and for his contribution, the Rainbow Revolution sentenced him to prison for life in a low-security, comfortable prison, while allowing his family to be free.

When the Revolution happened, Jung Jin-Shil was just a cog of the Chromatik Party system, pushing paperwork in the political morass. She defected along with her father, and used her skills to help the Revolution, but not in any major way. She supported the Revolution's sentencing of her Father, and inherited most of his wealth after the new Chromatik government took their piece. She invested the money into businesses that would have a huge say in the rebuilding of a free Chromatik infrastructure - food distribution, housing development, and education. She made sure to not buy more than 30% of any business so that nobody could accuse her of overstepping her bounds, but she has her fingers in multiple facets of the Chromatik economy, making her one of the most influential people, albeit unknown, within Chromatika.

How did she become a candidate within the Rainbow Party? In order to continue to defend her assets, Jung became a supporter of the major party in Chromatika, becoming a major donor in multiple campaigns and speaking to the importance of just how much the country has improved after the mistakes made by her ancestors (she seems to truly believe this, but it is also a very good political move). As the next Premiership election looming more and more in the horizon, with The Royal Apologist and the Stalwart setting themselves up as two of the major candidates, some of the dissidents of the Rainbow Party started to lift Jung up to be a third choice - mostly as a nonpolitical choice that could be more easily controlled. It was when many of them had committed to Jung that she pulled out the card that nobody had seen coming - expedition.

Jung has started to champion for an expedition to the uncharted areas of Anaia. Saying that she will fund 90% of the expedition - the rest will come from independent donors who also want to see Chromatika expand - she has been quoted as saying that "We must not limit ourselves to the land that we possess. The future of Chromatika - to make sure that we do not stay stagnant and that we do not run into a housing problem - is to start establishing settlements and beachheads in areas of Anaia that nobody lives at. We are willing to be under government supervision to make sure that this will be done in a respectable manner to whatever may await us, but we truly believe that this is the future for our beloved country."

This has brought a new wrinkle to these elections that nobody expected. Until her bringing this up, the party had just been split between taking care of Chromatika first and looking to strengthen ties with their allies. Now, she was suggesting that they should just look elsewhere instead - and that those issues didn't matter as much. This focus on something else than what has been debated has been just tolerated by her support base, who remain her support base to make sure that the others don't come into power. They best be careful, though - because if she does get elected, or if she gets to come into a position of power, she will have her way.

That makes her the biggest wildcard in Chromatik politics.

Next: The New Light Party #1 - Hélène Embroise

World Cup 92 Qualifying, Part 5: L X-Z

Four caps. Seven goals. First striker to score back-to-back hat tricks in Chromatik history, all before his twentieth birthday.

Sure, the goals happened against teams that they were supposed to beat, and the Anomalies have maintained an undefeated record through nine games, but to see someone take to scoring so easily is a testament to Repin's system and the way that he wants to play football. Players are starting to push the ball back into the box to set things up for the strikers, and strikers are starting to take bolder chances to make it their mission to score when they get the opportunity. This has resulted in some goals being conceded - though the only goal conceded against Atetancillo was a penalty - but as long as they are the ones dictating the pace, they are doing just fine.

Does the goals scored mean that Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov is on the fast track to be the Anomalies' starting striker? Yes, there is no doubt that he is the future. Hank Killian and Kara Oveni are not players who were born to score, and you need a pure striker to be the goalscoring machine in Repin's system.

He will be available off the bench for the games against Brookstation and Juvencus - and the game against Brookstation will decide who will be the top team in the group heading into the second half. With tough road games remaining, this is going to be a very important homestand - and a way for Chromatika to show that it has fully converted to the Repin way of play.

Like one L X-Z.

by **Delaclava** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 3:58 pm

Flavovespia 1–0 DELACLAVA
Cole 84'
James; Baxayev, Champagne, Gouin, Barry; Zaitsev (Bartos 46'), Romeijn, Lindblad, Martin (Racette 66'), Anagnakis (Kovalev 46'); Meyer.

In a key away match, the Phoenixes' offense is once again stymied in a second consecutive shutout loss, extending its winless streak to four and leaving the team in dire straits. Although all credit goes to Flavovespia for controlling the pace of the game and generating attacks from the wings, Delaclava again looked uncomfortable and shackled against a superior team, wanting to embrace a more aggressive spirit instead of following Ishutin's more conservative gameplan.

DELACLAVA 6–2 Efnakia
Gretler 3' 48', Meyer 24' 78', Romeijn 31', Anagnakis 55' | James (o.g.) 20', Romeijn (o.g.) 45+2'
James; Baxayev (Meñica 78'), Champagne, Gouin, Barry (Torres 78'); Bartoš, Romeijn, Lindblad, Anagnakis (Kovalev 65'); Meyer, Gretler (Khautov 65').

With some pent-up anger and goals loaded in the chamber, the Phoenixes finally exploded on a hapless Efnakia side that hasn't looked at all like the dark horses that many pundits envisioned. With a change in formation, the twin powers of Lukas Meyer and Mathias Gretler set the field aflame, with only friendly fire slowing the roll of the Phoenixes. It won't repair the damage of the preceding weeks, but it gives Delaclava a much-needed win and a confidence boost, and keeps them in the hunt for another trip to the World Cup.

Waringpost

"Skyscraper U": Grand Vista University will be Mainframe's first

Roland Desny, the billionaire founder and CEO of defense and security contractor firm Billingsley Tasman, has announced he is starting Grand Vista University, a for-profit institution that will be the first college in Delaclava's mainframe.

"I am ecstatic to partner with the Delaclava government and develop this unprecedented educational opportunity," Desny said in a video statement. "This migration to Sonnel and the development of the mainframe constitutes and requires an investment in our future, and there is no better way to fund that future than to support the rising bright minds, the emergent visionaries who will fill all the floors of this institution."

By "floors", Desny alluded to the unique physical layout of the school characteristic of the mainframe. Already colloquially named "Skyscraper U" by many media outlets and observers, Grand Vista University - classrooms, library, dormitories, offices and all - will consist of a single tower of 280 stories, although Desny anticipates that upper floors may need to be added to accommodate students if the university sees such growth. Grand Vista University will initially welcome approximately 5,000 freshmen and 2,000 first-year graduate students to begin their studies.

Desny has founded a new corporation, BT Future Incorporated, that will manage the operations of GVU; Alexander Verga, Associate Dean of Career Development at Quinniville Institute of Technology and a longtime associate of Desny, will serve as the university's first chancellor.

In elaborating on the for-profit status of the university, Desny explained, "This is a sustainable and optimal business model that will be a boon for students and investors alike. The profit and the product is the talent and workforce that the university will generate. It will encourage investors to pour money and resources into Grand Vista and allow the university to financially benefit from the young scientists, engineers, and businessmen it trains."

As alluded to in that statement, GVU will emphasize technical fields of study, engineering, hard sciences, business and finance, architecture and government - the fields best suited to optimize the Mainframe.

Applications for the inaugural class opened in conjunction with Desny's statement and can be found on Billingsley Tasman's website. Verga claimed on Twii.tur that this application cycle promises to be fiercely competitive, with more than 10,000 applications already submitted.

by **Wreckeria** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 4:19 pm

GROWING PAINS: A former nation and its team struggles with its new identity
By Gord Radcliff

4: The less fortunate ones
While people such as Biscuit Gilbert and Arnold Martin have been fortunate enough to find a place in the new Wreckeria, not all can say the same. A few blocks away from Unification Stadium is a reminder of what was for many years, what had been for so long. It was a sign that the unification of Wrecker and Hapilopper had not been good for everyone. There were people that had been left behind by the unification, and Earl Lawrence was one of them.

Earl Lawrence, 55, lives in a rotting apartment west of Unification Stadium, a place that probably lives on borrowed time. Hell, Lawrence probably lives on borrowed time, too. The apartment smells awful. Crime is rampant in the area, to the point where Lawrence still sleeps with his .22 rifle every night. And the monthly rent on the apartment, $450 a month, is set to increase to $1200 a month in a couple of months. Lawrence says he can’t afford that and afford to eat at the same time, so he’s looking at other places in Halsted.

“But the problem is, where I work, they’re not offering raises,” Lawrence said. “I told them about my situation and their reaction was, pretty much, ‘well, tough shit.’ So I’m having to find some other place, and lord knows if that’s possible.”

Lawrence works as a short-order cook at a 24-hour greasy spoon diner not far from the highway, several miles away from downtown Halsted. It is a place as far removed from the new Halsted as possible. There’s nothing glamorous about it. The clientele stop here as a break from their long drive to and from places far away. They just want a bite to eat – be it scrambled eggs and bacon, or an egg burger. It doesn’t make much for Lawrence, but it’s enough for him – for right now – to make do. For some time, Lawrence was excited about Wreckeria consolidating into Hapilopper. He was excited about possibly making more money and possibly seeing an improvement in his life. But none of that has happened.

“I still make the same that I made before consolidation,” Lawrence said. “Hell, maybe a little less. But the point is, though, is that the Hapiloppian promise that so many of us were hoping for, well, it ain’t worth shit. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I lose this place. I can’t pay $1200 a month. I guess I could try to go to school, learn a trade, something, but I’m scared of what this will mean for me.”

Lawrence was not alone. His next door neighbor, Tammy Johnson, is a hairdresser in Halsted, and like Lawrence, she had found her rent skyrocketing as well while her wages remain stagnant. Johnson, however, has something in her favor. At 25 years old, she has time on her side. She has her health. And she has her parents, living elsewhere in Halsted, that she can depend on if she has to. But that’s the last thing she wants to do.

“I don’t want to have to go back to my parents,” Johnson said. “If I go back to my parents to live with them, I’ve failed. You know, when you turn 18, you feel like you have to set out on your own, that you have to move away and try to find a livelihood of your own. I never went to college. I just went to work. My goal was to try to make money for myself.”

Johnson lives in a spartan apartment of her own. There aren’t many decorations or keepsakes in her life, not much of her family or of anyone in her life.

“I told myself I wouldn’t even consider making a family of my own unless I could sustain a life of my own,” Johnson said, “and I don’t think I’m doing a real good job at it.”

Johnson, like Lawrence, questioned the so-called Hapiloppian promise that, right now, has fallen flat for people like them.

“A few years ago, everyone was making as much as I was, so we weren’t having a lot of problems,” Johnson said, a tone of melancholy in her voice. “But now, there’s a good number of people that are making a hell of a lot of money, and here we are, trying desperately to survive. This is no way to live. All of us thought when Hapilopper took us in, we’d be making more money, but you see how that’s all gone. It’s a load of crap and something’s got to give.”

The sad thing about Lawrence and Johnson were that they were far from alone. These were hardworking Wreckerians, all of whom were trying to make a success out of their lives, but yet, were finding that success to be a little bit unattainable.

by **Valanora** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 5:12 pm

Does Raynor City United dominating the Premiership make things more difficult for the national team? It is not a question often asked, as the dominance by the Rockers over the top flight has been a pretty staple thing for almost as long as any one can remember, bar the handful of elves that are still around the Empire. While there have been other champions for sure, with FC Capri having had a hugely unexpected championship run in the last few seasons, by and large it is the biggest team from the empire capital that has been the top team in the entire nation. They are partnered with one of the best academies in all of the Empire as well, although having their own academy as well, but more or less the highly prestigious Night Academy has provided the Rockers a plethora of youth talent to choose from and bleed into their senior team so that their dominance is ever pushed forward. Yet the financial might of the club can not be undersold either, having quite the huge amount of funds behind it with the royal family being the owners of the club and the amount of riches that they have at their disposal is more than impressive.

The ability to buy their choice of talent though does seem to hamper that development of players that could have the potential to the same level of those they are bringing into the team. As a result, the other teams in the league also open up their wallets and fork out money in order to try and keep the talent gap from growing into something where the league is not even competitive. As a result, many of the starters across the entire league are not from the Empire or even home grown from inside the Empire, meaning that the development of those prospects is often stalled at a certain point. On the one hand, this is poor as it means that not only do the squads face registration headaches when it comes to IFCF and other ICC football, but it also means that the stars of tomorrow's national team are usually not being developed here within the Empire. Yet on the other hand this has forced many of these players to look for ventures overseas and consider options that they might not have had in mind, broadening their horizons as well as the scope of the Vanorian athlete to untapped markets.

When it comes to specifics, you need only look at the recent pool of players that have been made available for the Marauders to see where there is not enough domestic representation given the quality of the Premiership. It has consistently been one of the better domestic leagues in the sport, even during times when its UICA/IFCF coefficients might not have represented this (see currently Nephara and/or Eura). Thirteen domestic based players were included in the published national pool being evaluated by Didrik but only three of these players come from teams that are not in the Champions League and five of them come from United themselves, where they are not the full time starter at their respective positions. This is particularly damning when it comes to the goalkeeper position, a position which historically has been one of the most troubling positions for the Marauders to try and fill, and only one of the five keepers in the pool are domestic based.

So does it cause an issue or is it simply the natural evolution of a league that by and by has money to burn with the best club at the top of that league having more money than anyone else? United has their representation on the team and pool but they are a team who essentially fields two teams to deal with the fixture congestion that they routinely are having to deal with as a result of their domestic and international obligations. A team like Club Atlético Bexar might win the hearts of the locals with a majority domestic based roster but at the same time, they are not consistently qualifying for the ICCs nor are they cultivating talent that looks good enough to produce players for the national teams. With so many Vanorian youth to mid twenty players finding themselves in a rotation option both in the Empire and abroad, it can make the selections going forward that much more difficult. It would behoove the Premiership to institute a registration rule to encourage the development of the home grown talent, be it Vanorian or otherwise, but it likely is not willing to give up its flair and lack of regulations in the transfer window to do so. For now, those with the talent need to continue to work hard to get their clubs, in the Empire or outside of it, to start them for the current upward trajectory of the Marauders to be maintained.

by **Pasarga** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 5:53 pm

The players were having to make do with the circumstances that they found themselves in, a circumstance that none of them could have ever believed would come to pass when they were growing up in the dual islands. The SuperLiga had been forced to move to Valladares for the season and there was talks that it might have to make it a second season if the situation in the dual islands was not resolved by the start of the next summer. The PFA had made the decision have their home matches during the qualifiers take place in the Sargossa, choosing the closest city to the dual islands in San Marquez and the venue of Estadio Silva to be their home away from home. Valladares had been considered to also play host to the national team during the crisis back at home but the distance between the two nations was put into question when a closer alternative was given, one that would allow those who had the means to from the dual islands to try and go in support of the national team that was continuing to play on despite the troubles going on at home.

Despite the difficulties of their situation, the Wanderers were doing a remarkable job of keeping their cool and performing well enough to be at the top of the group heading towards the halfway point of the Qualifiers. A three point lead over Huayramarca and fellow Rushmori Eastfiled Lodge who are tied in a second heading into the last game of the first half meant that if things did end now, that the squad had done their job and found a way to get the side into the Finals in Vilita and Electrum. Of course that is not the case, there is still another eleven games to be played and one more still in the first half, a first half that has seen the shake up of the roster prove to have both highs and lows. The inconsistent strike force has finally seemed to find their shooting boots in the qualifiers, with Elek Salai having eight of the twenty-two goals that the squad has scored in their first nine matches. Yet at the same time there have been a few defensive miscues that have allowed other teams into matches and has seen the side drop five points that they might have thought should have been earned.

With as many changes as what was had to the national pool heading into the qualification marathon, it is not a major surprise to see a few miscues here and there, although those in the "home" matches have been a bit disappointing considering the usual very strong nature of the results that the Wanderers have when playing at home. Part of that may also be due to the fact that they are not actually playing these matches in the dual islands and are not having the same level of comfort that one would be accustomed to in those home fixtures, allowed to relax and play their natural game. The last match in San Marquez might have been a turning point though, with the Wanderers putting five goals past Coconut Isle, though still conceding two. Despite those two goals, the five scored and the football that was on display was far more what the fans of the team have been used to in the last few years of the Wanderers when playing in a home fixture, the movement of the ball and clinical finishing of the team being an absolute joy to behold.

Yet in the next match in a trip to Trolleborg, there was not that same fluidity to the game that had been there but a few days prior and instead the side was in a cagey and hotly contested affair with the hosts. Although the side would eventually come out on top, with goals by Magana and Topić in the second half, it was a prime example of the side not playing fully up to the high potential that they have. When they are leading matches, they need to be able to step on the throat of their opponents and not barely squeeze by in very hotly tested affairs. The goal difference situation is not in the favor of the side and they could use far more of those five to two victories than then the two to ones that have been somewhat common during this qualifying process. All that said, the obviously distracted players should be highly commended for even being on the field at all and being able to perform at a level that has them where they would more or less be predicted to be if they were not facing the domestic turmoil. Will that resolve hold though over the last game of this half and into the second half, will that consistency from the strikers finally hold form for an entire qualifying campaign? If so, this team should be qualifying.

by **Tikariot** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 5:57 pm

The by now familiar piano notes open up to sliding images of different areas of Tikariot, of restaurants, dishes, and more, before the logo superimposes itself over a collage of the various images.

The still then morphs towards an ornate garden set within a white marble courtyard, with Susanna Wheymore, host of Culinaria Tikariot, studying a beautiful arrangement of orchids.

Susanna Wheymore: Good afternoon Tikariot, welcome back to Culinaria Tikariot, and welcome to mysterious yet opulent Acrassia! This will be the first of two, shorter, episodes in a slightly different format due to some schedule restrictions, but as I always say, better smaller portions than none at all! I'm here in the courtyard of the Al-Jezairi palace of Alcassar, which once had been one of the many residences of the old sultans of Acrassia, which has always been and still is renowned for its extraordinary collection of orchids, which is well-known throughout the nation and attracts orchid lovers and scholars from far and wide as well. Alcassar also is the capital of the westernmost province of Tikariot, which like many of the nation's provinces has its very own flavor profile that distinguishes it from the rest of the nation. But let's have a look at where we are first!

Scenes from Acrassia begin to show on the screen.

Susanna Wheymore: With most of Acrassia occupying the Acrassian peninsula in the very west of Tikariot, it has traditionally been one of the first and main ports of call for the nation, and for the sultanate it had been before Tikariot came together as a country, making it one of the region's major trade hubs. Sub-tropical in climate, it often is hot and humid, which is something that also has shaped its culture, as you will find most activity taking place either in the early morning or evening and into the night to escape the often sweltering heat. Its culture also is the home for many stories and tall tales, many of which are just that, tales and myths, but that doesn't stop many people from becoming somewhat dreamy when thinking about the riches and extravagancies of old.

Modern Acrassia has opened up a lot to influences from other parts of the nation and also region, while still maintaining its own, very distinct character, but behind a lot of the old palaces and markets lies one of Tikariot's biggest financial heavyweights, with many banks, national and international, holding headquarters or major offices in the province. Pyathora at the very southern end of the peninsula also has emerged as the by far largest Navy base of Tikariot, making the most out of its strategic location and large natural harbor, which proved to be easy to defend and act as a near-perfect spot to act as a pivotal spot for it.

Returning to Susanna in person, she is not in a picturesque location this time, but a restaurant, which looks like a middle way between a palace and the inside of a tent, with the former set up as a formal dining room, while the latter resembles more of what one would expect from somewhere out in the desert, where a caravan set up camp and have the head of the family use as an opulent residence while being on the "road", so to say.

Susanna Wheymore: Tonight I am at one of Alcassar's most iconic restaurants called "The Palace of Alcassar", which prides itself on being fully authentic Acrassian cuisine only, with recipes handed down through families across centuries, which I figured would likely be a good point to really get to know and taste what this province really is about. Now some of you might wonder why we are not exploring an exciting market or any of the likes this time around, I am a little limited in mobility.

The camera moves down a little, showing a bandaged ankle.

Susanna Wheymore: Nothing serious, just a twisted ankle, but still enough to make me far more stationary, so I will focus more on the tasting of the food already done and some information on it that finding and seeing its origin, but in the end, if we can eat and discover great food, that's what it all really is about, right? So with that out of the way, I've been told that I would get to taste a few different meals or courses, so let's jump in!

A waiter comes out with a platter that contains a stack of thin wraps as well as small and round flatbreads, surrounded with several small pots and bowls with a variety of dips and sauces, also some raw vegetables, making it look like an appetizer platter.

Susanna Wheymore: Now traditionally an Acrassian dinner begins with a variety of sauces and dips that diners can eat with their choice of bread. These small, round flatbreads are called akhatour and are leavened little vessels to load up with some of the many dips that Acrassia has to offer, while there are also the wraps that are locally known as makhzar, which can either be used to wrap things in them--I know, who would have thought-- or grab meats or dishes with instead of using utensils. These dips here often are based on one particular ingredient, which is then added to for texture, flavour varieties, and nuances or just regional distinctions.

She begins to point at several of the bowls.

Susanna Wheymore: Here we have mahazaar, which is a mix of fresh and dried peppers--and vastly varying heat levels--, breadcrumbs, and spices, there is fashoul, which is ground-up white beans and chickpeas, and of course again spices, both of which are considered staples of Acrassian food. One quite unique part of an opening round of Acrassian food, though, is wrapped salad. Yes, in some areas people will use lettuce leaves to wrap things in, here they use makhzar and wrap different chopped and marinated vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, radishes, and more, in them and consume them. I will try my best not to make a mess, but to be honest, it does not sound like the easiest way of having a salad, but hey, there must be something to it, right?

She begins using several of the akhatour with mostly the mahazaar and fashoul.

Susanna Wheymore: Oh, this is so flavourful! The fashoul is really creamy and the herbs and I think lemon juice really works great to add both aromatic and zesty flavour to the mix. And for the mahazaar, as you can see here, there are two different kinds, which are two different versions made with different peppers, let's see. The first one here is very nice and mild, it definitely has a coarser texture than the fashoul, and it also feels that it is more substantial, while the other one--phew, this one packs a punch! It is very similar in the texture, but this clearly has a lot more firepower in the pepper department, but let me try something.

She scoops up another dip, white and herby, adding it on top of the mahazaar.

Susanna Wheymore: Ah, this is a bit better for me! This is, I believe, a garlic and herb dip called--eshaaf and this actually tastes great! It mellows the heat of the peppers and adds this refreshing touch, I'm not sure, if I'm supposed to mix these, but they work great together! So, as I had mentioned earlier on, due to some schedule-related reasons we have less time today, but please join me again next week for the second part of my Acrassian feast, in the meantime I am going to try this salad wrap or wrap salad and see how this works!

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Oct 09, 2022 6:09 pm

In a world where truth is often stranger than fiction, you may wonder: what are Zwangzug's residents reading these days? We took a look at some of the titles on the pretentious Merano Regency best-seller (borrower?) list to find out.

-Letters of Last Resort: one of the few attempts to engage with interregional political events, set off the coast of a slightly alt-history "Terranea." After a submarine fails to make contact with their homeland, and worry that it may have "ceased to exist," the nervous crew ponder their next steps.

-Enfolded Flesh: a scandalous, very not-safe-for-work stream-of-consciousness narrative. Despite the lurid content warnings, there is surprisingly little sexual activity--just needlessly graphic descriptions of other bodily functions not normally associated with interpersonal pleasure.

-Eraser Dust: a collection of poetry that uses tightly-constrained forms to portray harrowing anxiety. A few critics have speculated that "Calvin Polk-Davis" is a nom de plume of a better-known public figure who would rather not have their mental health issues associated with their public persona, but there has been no evidence towards this claim.

-Wye Junction: weird almanac of train minutiae and lore ("fastest time to visit all stations on a single network, etc.") Occasionally read by foreigners, ironically.

-Fuse Box: billed as a skeptical takedown of religious hypocrisy, this memoir quickly swerves from the political cliches you might expect to detailed and often hilarious chronicling of council bickering and small-town bureaucracy. One for the "you have to really love X before you can be allowed to authentically hate X" genre.

-They Walk Among Us: stupid thriller that's allegedly about aliens but really about increasingly implausible ways to detect aliens. Noteworthy among sports fans for the portrayal of conspiracy theorist and baseball manager "Michelle Sun," who is a thinly veiled expy of Zebras manager Wenjie Liu. Among the novel's many other plot holes, people pointed out that it was unlikely for Sun to have led her fictional Zebras to a WBC championship, but the "real-world" Zebras made the final of WBC55 just one cycle after Liu's retirement, so who's laughing now.

(Dewey 18, Dulk-Fough 41, Sokhi 64)

[Roleplays] :: World Cup 92

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