World Cup 93 - RP Thread

by **Flavovespia** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 12:58 pm

The next article in This is Flavovespia looks at some of the companies that are recognisable within Flavovespia, and also abroad. Some of these may be recognisable from football shirt sponsorship. Here are 10 of the most distinctive brands in Flavovespia, covering a variety of different types of industry.

Buzzin

The primary energy drinks supplier in Flavovespia. Buzzin is a very well known brand, formerly a sponsor of the football league, sponsor of TV show Buzzin Record Show, and general high octane activities. The hexagonal logo and styled text are distinctive across the nation. The default carbonated energy drink has a slightly sweet taste to it, and is still the best selling product despite a wide variety of alternative flavours. Buzzin’s advertising campaign has occasionally come under fire for encouraging dangerous stunts from the general public, as well as a bit of a reputation for being associated with disorderly behaviour.

Natfiser

The current sponsor of Flavovespia’s football league, and the largest banking and financial institution in Flavovespia. The name comes from a shortening of NATional FInancial SERvices. The government is a minority shareholder in Natfiser, with a bulk of shares sold off over time. The purple corporate colours are fairly recognisable on any high street bank branch. That in itself has over time been something of a political football, along with other nationalisation effort. The Socialists favour buybacks, the Democratic Conservatives oppose it, Flavovespia Forward tend to go with the flow on the issue.

MarkIt

One of the largest brands in Flavovespia, this online retailer is based out of Hadford Hill. The name, as may have been noted, is a pun on “market”, with the tagline “SeeIt, ClickIt, MarkIt”, used for 4 decades now. Kenny Graves founded the company in 0U, not long after the internet became to really become prominent in Flavovespia. The company captured an untapped market, and became the place for online shopping. Kenny Graves, and his descendants who are majority shareholders, are also big supporters of Hadford Hill FC, hence the long term sponsorship deal on the shirt.

eatin

Originally founded in Loxthorpe, eatin is the largest food delivery company in Flavovespia. Initially focused just on takeaways, it can also supply food from supermarkets and cafes in the last 10-20 years. A proud Loxthorpe company, they sponsor Loxthorpe Rovers FC. The logo features a home symbol above the i, symbolising the “eat in” nature of the business. Some criticism however has come in from how much of a takeaway monopoly they have in some areas, stifling local businesses if there’s a disagreement.

vertec

vertec is a green tech company, the name inspired from the French word “vert” for green. Originally from the East Coast, with government subsidies they were one of the first to really grow the green technolog and energy generation within Flavovespia in the 0’sAU decade, paving the way to the transition away from non-renewable energy in the nation. Wind turbines in particular are a speciality of vertec. Vertec were also a sponsor of Langmere Green Rovers for several seasons.

Hive

Hive is the main social network of Flavovespia. When it started in 10AU, few believed it had much chance of success, given the already established international rivals. However, the 300 character limit, 30 second video limit, and ability to connect to topics with hashtags, meant content travelled quickly within Flavovespia. The VIP account option, for celebrities and notable figures, was controversial at the time, but has given a big platform for celebrities. Hive has, for better or worse, also allowed individuals to have their brief moments of fame.

FREST

FREST is the largest supermarket chain in Flavovespia, offering products across a price range with a basics, standard and a premium range. The distinctive yellow and blue logo is a familiar brand across Flavovespia. Originally based in Waldster, over 100 years ago, the brand spread to most of the nation fairly quickly, with only Hadford Hill for a while particularly resistant to FREST, favouring their own supermarkets. FREST remains popular across the demographics of Flavovespia, although a few think it has a negative effect on local food stores.

SIMIES

SIMIES is one of the key techonology companies in Flavovespia, in particular with regards to computing. Originally a part of IMS (in itself a state funded tech development company), SIMIES broke away in 14AU and later overtook its parent company. The two pronged approach, of both gaming consoles, and development of software to work with desktops and laptops, allowed SIMIES to flourish as a brand, and became a modern success in the nation.

nanoscale

One of Flavovespia’s newest successes in the past decade. nanoscale was born out of a combination of state funding and a combined set of university startups to explore the commercialisation of nanotechnology. Whilst the main focus was originally for electrical and quantum applications, research and development has also gone into uses in structural, mechanical and medical purposes. The company also currently sponsors Bavingtor FC

MegaStar

A confectionery producer in Flavovespia, with its Star Chocolate Bars the signature product. Many brands of confectionary within Flavovespia are owned by MegaStar, and the distinctive red star and yellow banner logo is recognisable. MegaStar were headquartered in Waldster, but had factories in Vale and Radstye. The company’s main factory in Vale became a tourist attraction, and the company would sponsor Vale FC in recent seasons. In recent times they’ve looked to grow their profile abroad.

by **Stevencousin** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:38 pm

Want to find an interesting port? Here are 4 ~~hipster cafes~~ hotels and resorts to make you dizzy in Cassaholm! (Part 2)
LocalSpotStar

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4

1. Everlynn Park Prestigious Hotel, Everlynn Park Precint, Cassaholm
Parking and Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay connected and come and go as you, please. Ideally located in the Everlynn Park part of the high-end Cassaholm area, this accommodation puts you close to attractions and exciting dining options. Don't leave home before visiting the famous Everlynn Night Market. This 4-star property features a restaurant to make your stay even more indulgent and memorable. The hotel provides front desk services such as concierge services, safety deposit boxes, and luggage storage for guests' convenience. If needed, tours can book tickets and places for all the best shows and programs near you. Cold nights are better than hot nights because you can cozy up in the hotel fireplace.

2. Compass Hotel, General Bertinni St., Cassaholm
Compass Hotel provides various services and facilities to help make your stay more comfortable. Free internet access is available within the hotel area to keep you connected throughout your stay. For guests arriving by car, parking is provided free of charge. You'll have no problem planning your day and transportation needs with front desk services that include concierge services, safety deposit boxes, and luggage storage. Several great dining options at the hotel ensure you always have convenient and delicious options. Compass Hotel is ready to meet your specific needs. Various types of cuisine, including halal, are offered for guests with dietary restrictions. Have fun at night with ease! Enjoy the fun of the night at the bar without having to go out anywhere. Compass Hotel allows you to make the most of your time! While there, you can enjoy the various recreational facilities offered to all guests. Don't forget to go to the swimming pool at the hotel. For those who don't want to miss a workout, a visit to the hotel's fitness facility will help you stay fresh and healthy. nCompass Hotel is one of the hotel chains owned by Stevencousin's famous billionaire, Armando Cassa, who is also the owner of the Cassaotel boutique hotel chain.

3. Fairchurch Gardentel Cassaholm, Oxdark Memorial Botanical Garden Compound, Cassaholm
Fairchurch Gardentel Cassaholm is a distinctive addition to Cassaholm and a smart choice for travelers. This hotel is in the vicinity of popular city attractions, located in a convenient location for tourists to explore. Variety is the spice of life. Fairchurch Gardentell Cassaholm offers plenty of choice in activities, with its location only 500 m from the Oxdark Memorial Botanical Garden. The range of services provided by Fairchurch Gardentel Cassaholm ensures that all travelers get the most out of their stay. Never lose touch with your contacts, with free Wi-Fi offered throughout your stay. Your exploration of Cassaholm can be assisted with the shuttle, car rental, and taxi services available in addition to frabCar and Kiten. Parking is available free of charge for guests. Front desk services that include concierge services, safety deposit boxes, and luggage storage can assist you with your needs. The hotel's ticket and tour service also helps you book tickets and places for entertainment and exploration. Long stay, or just need clean clothes? dry cleaning and laundry services offered at the hotel will keep your favorite clothes clean and available. In-room amenities include daily housekeeping and 24-hour room service and room service, so you can relax and enjoy your stay. Don't forget their casino is located on the sky level (top floor).

4. Slvyxx Hotel, General Bertinni St., Cassaholm
Whatever your reason for visiting Cassahom, Slvyxx Hotel Cassahom is the perfect place for a happy and exciting holiday. Enjoy more possibilities on your vacation at Slvyxx Hotel Cassahom, with its convenient location 840 m from Vy10 Casino. Every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable by providing the best services and facilities. Keep communicating easily with the hotel's free wi-fi. Shuttle, car rental and taxi services provided by the hotel make exploring Cassahom more convenient. Guests can use the hotel's free parking. Every morning, you can start the day with a delicious breakfast offered at Slvyxx Hotel Cassahom. During your stay, choose from a variety of delicious dining options at the hotel. Whatever your dietary restrictions, you won't go hungry at Slvyxx Hotel Cassahom which offers a wide selection of delicious food. A night at the hotel bar is just as fun as a night out with your fellow travelers. At any time of the day or night, you can enjoy a snack at the hotel's vending machine. The recreational facilities provided at the hotel ensure that you have plenty of activities to do during your stay. A relaxing end to the day is possible with a visit to the massage, steam room, spa, and sauna. Start your vacation with a swim in the pool. Fitness enthusiasts who want to continue their routine while on vacation can stop by the hotel's fitness facilities.

by **Krytenia** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 5:43 pm

Four games remain, and it's crunch time in Group 13. So, let's predict what could happen as dreams are made and shattered...

KRYTENIA
Let's start with our very own Dragons. Their next two games, to be frank, should be wins and comfortable at that. Strayan Rus have been little short of useless for the entire campaign, and should be ripe for the picking - especially as we'll be playing them at the cauldron of noise that is AFC Linford's home at Brecklands. Inkwellistan, meanwhile? They drew with us on our own patch and we can't be having a repeat of that. Light it up with a W.

Then comes the closing pair of matches. Turori come to the Isserson having already lost to us at their place, and I can absolutely see the sky blue coming away from this with another win, especially as it's likely to be a crunch game for Krytenia. That leaves us with a trip to Montaña Verde, and I'm going to stick my neck out and say we get revenge for the Matchday Eleven reverse.

TIKARIOT
The Snowy Owls have looked to be the class of the group since just before the halfway point of qualifying. Yes, they still have to play Baker Park at home and Turori away, but this Tikariot team are high on confidence and looking very hard to beat. Honestly, I can see them taking four wins out of four and qualifying top of the group in style.

TURORI
Nine games in, and it looked like the Eels were cruising. That...no longer appears to be the case. Now, their next game is against the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison and, frankly, they'll win that comfortably. After that, though? I'm not sold. Montaña Verde to most will look for all the world like a win for Turori, but there's something about this match that just hints to me "trap game", and I'm predicting a point for both sides.

Then comes a final pair of matches the side from Atlantian Oceania could do without. We've already mentioned that Krytenia and Tikariot should win these last two games, and it may just mean that Turori runs out of gas at the most crucial juncture. Four points from twelve would be a worry, but it's possible.

BAKER PARK
Now, on the minus side, the Commonwealth has the hardest job on Matchday Nineteen, having to travel to Tikariot. I don't see them coming out of that game with anything bar a painful defeat. Luckily for the Bees, after that they probably have the easiest run-in of the lot. Guanacasteca, Raspotochje, and Oscioru should provide little in the way of real competition, and I predict that all three of these games result in Baker Park victories.

So how does that leave the table? Well...

Projected Group 13                      Pld    W   D   L   Pts 
 1 Tikariot                              18   18   3   1    57
 2 Commonwealth of Baker Park            18   16   1   4    49
 3 Krytenia                              18   15   3   4    48
 4 Turori                                18   15   2   5    47

Is there an element of hometown bias here? Maybe. But, let's be honest, the only proper leap of faith is Turori failing to pick up the W against Montaña Verde, so it's by no means out of the realms of possibility. It does offer that fain flicker of hope, though, and clarifies one thing for sure; nobody can afford to drop points against the teams they should be beating. For Krytenia, this means win both games on their next international week, and cross their fingers that Turori - or Baker Park - make a hash of things.

Here's to the Dragons finding favour and fortune with Margaret...just this once.

by **Banija** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 8:01 pm

At a port in Istria, Moravica- Banija's largest city

Banija's Ambassador to Cardenao, Toyuwa Okafor, was back in Banija handling business. The former national team striker had spent quite a few years as an Ambassador in Cardenao, and he was preparing for the next stage of his career- moving from diplomacy to politics. A lot of Ambassadors were making this decision. It was, as many said, a 'once in a lifetime moment'. The next election, at worst two years from now, was seeing a once-in-a-lifetime automatic expansion of the Lukiiko, from 500 to 600 members, due to population growth targets that the Banijan Census flew past. That meant, at minimum, there were going to be 100 new members of the Lukiiko. And then you take in the regular retirements, people losing re-election, people losing nominations from their parties, etc... It meant that there were going to be huge numbers of new members in the Lukiiko.

So Toyuwa Okafor, like a lot of Banija's diplomatic corps, were seeing this as the perfect opportunity to get into politics. And those who wanted to get into diplomacy- well, suddenly, there were more posts available than ever. So Okafor had been coming home more often- speaking with his political party of choice, talking about potential seats he could run in. It was always tough to get on the party list, or at least a high enough spot on the party list where you didn't need a constituency, and if you've never ran before, that would be difficult to do- even if you were a celebrity.

But just because you were returning home, it didn't mean that you didn't have diplomatic business to take care of. And the transfer of a portion of a triceratops herd, to Cardenao, was a part of diplomatic business that he was asked by President Otamendi to oversee directly- and of course, he happily obliged. He was with Ambassador LeCerci, Cardenao's Ambassador to Banija, as they were both in Istria to see the transfer. The animals would travel on one of Banija's three aircraft carriers, the only boat big enough to take the triceratops that the Banijans had. They, of course, could have asked, or rented, a container ship from a private shipper, but the Katikkiro felt it best to use secure government resources. They had 16 of these dinosaurs on boat- 5 female adults, 5 male adults(for breeding), three female children, and three male children(also for breeding, but in the future).

Of course, you couldn't just float an aircraft carrier across the ocean- they did not want neighboring nations to get the wrong idea. So Banija's Ambassadors in all the country's they would be traveling by, let those nations know about the dinosaur filled ship that would be traveling around their waters- as well as the fact that it was an aircraft carrier. One that they did not need to worry about- this massive ship was a ship of peace. Okafor watched as they put the last triceratops on board. It was going to be tough, because obviously, moving animals across oceans was never a great process- but he knew that they'd have such a fantastic living situation once they got to Cardenao.

A public ceremony of the transfer of the animals would happen once they got to port in New Cardonia- with Cardenao's President in attendance. He was having some small talks with Ruby LeCerci. Here, the ceremony was much smaller- saying goodbye to the animals. The Ambassador got up to speak.

"Hello, my friends." Toyuwa Okafor said. "I am here for a good reason, for a good purpose- the transfer of this segment of the triceratops population to Cardenao, so that a wild triceratops population can start in Cardenao. This is a project of historic significance- this is the first time in Banijan history, that triceratops are being transferred abroad to live in the wild. As the world's only known country that has a native triceratops population, we take our role as the stewards of this population extremely seriously. Cardenao, in their interest in making this happen, have proven themselves to be a nation that will take their role as stewards of this population just as seriously. The President is a great man- with his direct interest, and the interest of their people, we will soon see a second country where the triceratops population not only survives, but thrives."

It was not meant to be long- he said a few more words, and then sat down. Time to get on a flight. In a few days time, he would be sitting at the reception ceremony in Cardenao, front row as the President extolled the virtues of receiving these animals. And a few weeks after that- he'd be returning to Banija, full-time. The time to announce his electoral ambitions was coming soon.

by **Pemecutan** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 8:05 pm

Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || News || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 || Chapter 7

Chapter 8

"You can't jump into the lion's den just like that. We need to be cautious. It's a battlefield there," scream Ali Sukmahadi, the Minister of Defense.
He become so furious after I said my intention to visit Mengwi.
"You are to exaggerating. There's no war. It's not a battlefield. I'm just visiting one part of our country. Why do we need to be cautious? I'm not receiving any death threats whatsoever. Why do you afraid?" I ask him firmly.

This is what's going on after I reach Pemecutan after the Inter-Nations Conference. They are being overprotective. While I just wants to reached out for my people. The people that in the past few weeks voiceing their concern over the country. Why is it so hard for them to understand? My intention is to bridging mainland and Kanginan. No more favoritism in Pemecutan. It should have ended decades ago. But if they are still feeling that way, something is definitely wrong. And I need to know what is wrong as I am the Patih Madya, the head of government.

"We're afraid that there are grassroots movement that might have targeting you. If you go there that will be a suicide," explain my chief of intelligent.
"If there's a concrete proof about this? Or are you just making assumption?" I'm asking again.
And as predicted, he can't say a word.
"If there's no clear evidence about anything that you all blabbering about for this hour then why are you prevent me to see my people there?!" my voice thundering throughout the room.
The awkward silence fill the room in an instant. No one dare to argue what I'm saying earlier.

"We are deeply sorry, My Lord. We are just afraid something might happened," say my intelligent with a tremble voice.
"All I can see is the fear has succumb all of you," I still can sense an angry tone in my voice. Seems like I can't get rid of it. Me still angry. "What do you want to do next? Placed my in a house arrest so I can't go everywhere?" and here comes my insult. My anger win.
No one dare to look at me. I have to lowering my anger.

"We don't mean to angering you, My Lord. But please reconsider. Or at least held the meeting in a neutral place," recommend my defense minister.

And here I am. In one of Pemecutan's territory named Tandeg Suci. It is a small territory just around 100 square kilometers which consist of numerous atolls. It located less than 10 km southwest of Kanginan's mainland. Historically, the territory and the present day Segaranusa province was part of Tambangan kingdom, the usurper of Karanganyar Kingdom. After the marriage conflicts, Tambangan forces attacks Mengwi Kingdom, the leader of Kanginan Realm. Mengwi was defeated. The island of Segaranusa and the surrounding islands were taken by Tambangan. Segaranusa was then returned to Kanginan Realm while Tambangan still retained the atolls island whose later becoming Tandeg Suci.

Honestly, the island is a great gateway for anyone who wants sometimes to relax and avoid a rush and crowded vibe of the big cities. It is a major tourist destination in the country. But now, it is use as a secret meeting place for me. Thanks to my overprotective intelligent service and defense minister, no one's know I am here. And this is just a one day meeting, hopefully. The person that I will meet is Kanginani leader or Patih Madya ing Kanginan. The position is similar to a governor because they are govern the constituent state as the King is only a figurehead.

"My Lord, Patih Wiradarma is here," inform my secretary.
"Let them in."
The door to the room is slightly open. And from behind it, a tall slender man in the age of early 50's come through. He is Satya Wiradarma, Patih Madya ing Kanginan or Kanginani Prime Minister. I stand up and approach this important man.

"It's great to finally meeting you," I greeted him with a strong handshake. He smile widely and receive my greetings.
"Shall we."
I escorted him to the table where our private meeting will be held. And the door is already close so no one will listen to what we're going to talk about.

Finding the Truth

Our conversation is interrupted by some maid who brings the snacks and drinks. But then the door is closed for good.

"I'm sorry, My Lord. But if I may, I don't really understand about this meeting. What do you want to talk about?" he open our meeting.
I'm trying to be calm and put a gentle smile so he won't get nervous. "I believe you already know about the rally of protests that's happening in several weeks before," I open my conversation. He slightly nodded. "And as I understand correctly, both protests, before and during the official appointment was started in Kanginan. It was triggered here. Until Ratu Penglingsir himself asked the initiator to meet thee." I pause for a while and seeing his reaction. He looks so calm.
"I'm trying to find the source of the protest. And I hope you can help me with that," I ended my prologue.

Wiradarma took a sip of his black coffee before straighten up his seating posture. "I believe you have to meet these 5 youngsters who had met Ratu Penglingsir. They are the initiators," he responded in a flat tone. Not a slight of emotion in his words.

"That's not what I mean," I stop him there. And he looks shock continued with curiosity. "I have read their proposal. Their idea for a complete change to the country. Which is quite extreme in my personal view. But I just find that their resentment was only caused by what's our former Ratu Hawir Bhuja's did," I'm pausing again. Letting him to digest my words.

"Isn't it just that?" he asked dumbly. I have to take a deep breath.
"I don't think so. Ratu Hawir Bhuja's case is the ultimate caused. The last string that snap them to do the protest. There should be a small things that follow suit until it builds up to the ultimate caused," I explain it to him.
"I'm really sorry, My Lord. But I don't really understand about this. Everything seems to be going smoothly. There's nothing happening before. So why know?" he confused himself. While I feel dumb.

I thought by inviting Kanginan's Patih Madya I will find the answer. But it seems like he doesn't know anything. So to whom I have to find the reasons of? Do I have to invite him? The one that the intelligent thought to be the mastermind of all this?

by **Ziwana** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:33 pm

SOCCER ZIWANA: A review of Birnin Select’s last 4 games in the Ngwazi League

It is what it is, lets quickly get into reviewing show we am rushing to church;

Matchday 26
As farmers begun to harvest the crop that they had toiled and sweated for, the same was expected of Birnin Select and Western United against relegation candidates Wadid Young Boys and Wadid Rangers. However, the two sides put a twist into the Ngwazi League title race. Wadid Young Boys in last place on the table held first placed Western United to a 1-1 draw whilst Wadid Rangers a few points from the drop zone got a crucial win against second placed Birnin Select to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.

The lose against Wadid Rangers by Select and the draw by Western United means that the two sides are now separated by 1 point.

Asani Effiong’s fine 20-yard finish early in the second-half won the game for Rangers. Birnin Select did try to make a comeback but Dwanbridges performance in the game wasn’t good, substitute Orama Bukani was not any better.

Matchday 27
Birnin Select re-established winning ways again in spectacular fashion by defeating Big 8 side ECOA Football Club 2-0 at home.

Mphatso Hara won a controversial spot kick in the first-half. Hara had gone down after supposedly being tripped by Victor Mponda. Contact between the pair was minimal but Zack Dawnbridge converted before James Makina scored the winning goal in the second-half.

Matchday 28
Black Leopards would take revenge against Birnin Select on matchday 28 by helping Western United take control of the Ngwazi League title race with 2 games remaining thanks to the Leopards defeating title contenders Birnin Select 1-0.

Dainess Musonda’s header in the first-half stoppage time gave Leopards the win. Western United manager will be upset at his boys not taking the opportunity by the horns and winning their game as they drew against ECOA FC. This is the second time that when Select has lost, United had drawn. United and Select were now separated by a critical 2 points in the title race.

Birnin Select had to face the Big 2 in their last few games in Amangwazi Birnin and their fellow title contenders Western United. Would Select crumble as they did earlier in the season as shown by the lose to Leopards or would they raise to the occasion and win their first league title in 17 years to end the misery of its fans?

Matchday 29
Matchday 29 saw Birnin Select travel a short distance east of their stadium to face Amangwazi Birnin in a crucial Derby. Select had to win no matter what.

A phenomenal second-back comeback saw Birnin Select return from the dead. Losing 2-0 at half-time, the Peoples Team hammered in five goals in the space of 23 minutes to keep their title hopes alive.

Amangwazi Birnin where coming from beating Ainsworth FC and where in form whilst Select where coming from a loss. The Royals as host where never going to let Select push them at their own ground so they dominated the midfield surprisingly against a side with George Rooney and Paul Munthali. Charles Tembo seemed to be giving Chester Moyo football lessons in embarrassing fashion. It came as no surprise when the Royals took the lead through a Charles Tembo goal. Tembo would score again in the space of 2 minutes.

Reports from the Birnin Select camp say that Francis Chiwaya was absolutely livid at his players at half-time. He questioned if they even wanted to win the title and if they where even good enough to play in the Ngwazi League. His outburst seemed to have worked as the Peoples Team scored 5 times to win the game.

The first goal came from a penalty which Zack Akitor Dawnbridge calmly chipped the penalty right down the middle. Andrew Gondwe would score the equalizer from a 20-yard bullet into the Royals goal. From this point onwards the game was good as over.

2 minutes after the eqaulizer, Dawnbridge shot a bullet between Amangwazi Birnin defenders past the goalkeeper for the third. Dawnbridge then added his third and Selects fourth goal after James Makina had passed to ball to him. Dawnbridge would then add the fifth goal to end the absolute obliteration of their rivals.

Selects performances had fans celebrating before news of United defeating Black Leopards 6-1 was heard.

The stage was set, Birnin Select would face Western United at the NSB Amazanga Stadium for the title. What a blockbuster match it would be, who rise to the occasion and when the game? Select have to win the game against United for them to lift the title whilst Amawashindi have the option of drawing. United are 67 points and Select 65 points.

by **Eraman** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:36 am

II.V
THE FOURTEENTH GENERAL ELECTION
THE HOT SEATS OF ERAMAN (PART 2)

iii. Citta

Citta is one of the two west coast states in Eraman located in the northwest of the country. The population is mainly Eramanese and Samuderan with pockets of Palmyran in the urban center. The state's capital is Cittapura, a small laid-back city famous for its educational institution, the Universiti Cittapura and Eramanese College Cittapura, the best university and high school in the country famed for producing top Eramanian leaders including the current Bendahara and opposition leader.

The largest city in the state however is Atra, located in the southern part of the state, a former mining town with a huge population of Palmyran and Samuderan that turned into the financial hub of the state with time.

Citta consists of 5 parliamentary seats with 4 seats (Boni, Cittapura, Akni, Karibu) located within the Eramanese heartland belt and 1 seat (Atra) within the progressive coastal belt. The state has been won by the National Front since democracy was introduced in the country. They won 4 of the seats in the last general election with the People's Pact winning their sole seat in Atra.

The state will see Sadi Harijit, the second most influential man in the country being the deputy president of the Eraman Nationalist Party (ENP) defending his Akni seat. The Laksamana of Eraman who is tasked to take care of the country's defense and foreign affairs will face the challenge from Indera Hikayat from the Labour's Justice Party (LJP) of the People's Pact, a challenge that Sadi Harijit is expected to overcome.

The hottest seat in the state however will be in Atra with the incumbent, Sena Linggam, the former chairman and father of the current secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) moving to a seat in the state of Pasir. The battle for Atra will be between two influential Samuderan politicians, Daud Kamil of the Eramanian Muslim Congress (EMC) representing the National Front and Mukarram Khalid of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) representing the People's Pact

iv. Puncak

Puncak is one of the two landlocked states in Eraman located in the southern part of the Krama Mountain Range. The population is mainly Eramanese. The state's capital is Puncakpura, the highest state capital in the country and prospered as the main city that connects the road between the west coast and east coast of the country. Apart from the city, the state itself is densely-forested highlands.

Puncak consists of 3 parliamentary seats with all 3 (Mentari, Sentari, Puncakpura) located within the Eramanese heartland belt. The state is a stronghold for the National Front which had won all the seats in the state in every general election including the previous general election.

The hottest seat in the state will be none other than Puncakpura itself as the Bendahara of Eraman, Tun Rendra Usin tries to defend a seat that he held since his youth after the death of his father, Tun Ajak Usin, the 2nd Bendahara of Eraman. Tun Rendra Usin will face a formidable challenge this time around with the People Pact putting an outspoken politician, Oji Sali, the Woman's Chief of the Labour's Justice Party (LJP) as their candidate.

by **Indusse** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 3:11 am

The Gentleman's Gazette
End of an Era

The Media in Indusse were all busy covering a breaking news that started with a tweet that was posted by Indusse's former national team captain and President, Baskar H Kumar. BK10 announced his retirement from all sort of professional football. He had earlier retired from International Football and only participated in professional club football. He got himself bought into Baghdad United, one of the top clubs in the nation of Adab. Playing a few seasons there, and shifting himself to the side bench he prepared for his retirement and found the last day to be the perfect day to announce his retirement. The tweet marked a lot of reactions from fans, his colleagues, his family and friends.

As a former national team captain and considered the greatest player the nation has ever seen, Baskar has likely built a large fanbase of supporters over his career. Upon the announcement of his retirement from all forms of professional football, there was a mix of emotions from the public. Many fans of Baskar and the sport of football felt a sense of sadness and loss as one of the country's most celebrated players hangs up his boots. They also feelt the sense of gratitude and appreciation for the many years of dedication and success Baskar has brought to the sport.

With nationwide reactions happening, his retirement has also brought up rumours about his future plans. People suspect him to step down from politics too and move to a complete retirement life. With the elections approaching soon, he may not be the next presidential candidate for the Democratic Congress.

Due to Baskar's illustrious career and reputation, his retirement was covered extensively by the media in Indusse. Various critics, thinkers commented on the matter. John Lucas, a well known sports writter wrote in his blog:
"the announcement of Baskar's retirement will serve as an opportunity for fans and the wider football community to reflect on the impact he has had on the sport in Indusse. His legacy as a skilled player, respected leader, and role model for future generations of footballers may be celebrated and remembered for years to come."

BASKAR H KUMAR

Age: 48
Position: Forward
Kit Number: 10
Current Status: Retired
First World Cup: World Cup 79
Last World Cup: World Cup 90
Total World Cup Played: 10 (Didn't participate in WC 84)
Team Position: Midfielder (WC 79 - WC 81), Striker (WC 82 - WC 90)
Captain: Yes (WC 82 - WC 90)

Club History

Signing 1 - Hind City FC (B)
Signing 2 - Hind City FC
Signing 3 - New Hind City FC
Signing 4 - Innisfree FC (Loan)
Signing 5 - New Hind City FC
Signing 6 - Southbay Riveria FC
Signing 7 - Baghdad United (Rtd.) ^(Adab)

by **Acastanha** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 6:26 am

Acastanha Yearly Kaleidoscope
Achievement of the Year - Part 2

Aside from Games of the Olympiad and Games of the Melayu Olympiad (GOTMO), Acastanha entered another multi-event sports competition early this year. The competition is known as IBA Sports Championships which held by a multiversal broadcasting association. It is the association third sports competition after the club football championship and the standalone Dawwar ta' Malta. Although Acastanha was absent in both events.

Entering IBA Sports Championships, Comitê Olímpico Acastanha didn't give any target. They we using the competition as the warming up for the upcoming Games of the Olympiad or the Summer Olympics where Acastanha is plan to entering. A total of 58 athletes were send in 5 sports, gymnastics, weightlifting, futsal, 3x3 basketball and sepak takraw. The country didn't stand a chance in gymnastics despite some of their athletes were advancing to final. But other countries were dominating the events.

In weightlifting, Octavio Paluva, the Olympic gold medalist was failed to gave his best after failing in both snatch and clean & jerk category. He even unable to finished a single lift in both. The country first medal was won by Bruno Gajhastar in men's 67kg. He was success to lift a total 291 kg which was far below his best lift which he made in the Olympic. Gajhastar success to claim bronze with the lift. The second and last medal in weightlifting came from the women's event. In the women's 87kg, Estefania Ordonko won the silver with a total lift of 236 kg.

The country's best result surprisingly came from the team sport. Acastanha show their superiority in sepak takraw, the sport where the country is most recognized. During the height of Sepak Takraw International Council (STIC), Acastanha sepak takraw clubs dominated the competition. Although they were only won 1 Liga Super Sepak Takraw edition but their clubs were constantly finished in the top 4. And this reflected in their performance in the IBA Sports Championships. Acastanha men's sepak takraw team success to bring gold for the country. While a surprise result came from the futsal event. Acastanha only entered in the men's event of futsal and they success to grab another gold.

With the results, the country success to win a total of 4 medals, 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. And this was far from what they have been expected. Comitê Olímpico Acastanha hope that this success can be replicate in the upcoming Summer Olympics as the country have only won 1 medal in that event.

by **Atheara** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:39 am

Off The Bay of Atheara

Waves lightly rocked the seas, despite being in the middle of the bay of such a nation. The coastal and deep waters within The Bay of Atheara were calm and rather soft, as the skies were dark yet so clear. No clouds were to be seen, and the wind was harsh but weak. Once could possibly tell that the weather was rather off, but ever since Elyzian Energy was discovered hasn't it always been offputting for most people? They all would say that, but for some it isn't. Well for those saying that dark skies at 1700 hours isn't offputting are some odd people one could say, but who's to judge them? The weather has been worse at times and it can't be denied that this is rather normal than the weirdest that the nation has seen. But as the waters were light and rather calm, something was afloat amidst the bay. Looking closely at it, lights aimed at the skies could be seen from said something. As if it was keeping a close eye on the dark skies for anything alarming. Moving closer towards it, turns out that the something that was afloat was an ocean liner ship. But it didn't seem to hold anyone, and there was a symbol on the ship that made it rather obvious. This ocean liner is an ISLORA base, afloat at seas.

How it ended up at the hands of ISLORA is unknown, but they most likely captured it during the Second Civil War and transformed it into a base. Yet once you ask the question, another one rises rather fast. How is ISLORA still operating after the end of the war? Well, ISLORA isn't completely destroyed and this was likely one of their last bases. Based on rather recent reports, there are still followers of the ISLORA Organization hiding out in the mountains of Atheara, and that they were also hiding within the deepest depths of Atheara's underground tunnel system. But a ship at seas as a base was a rather intriguing surprise. The ship wasn't moving, and it showed no sign of actual power. Only the lights it aimed at the skies. It seemed as if this ship was having another day of relative peace... But sadly, that days of peace was already long gone. Yet our heroine wouldn't know that until she boarded the ship. Cecilia Scharlund was being transported on a small speedboat by a soldier from her former battalion. Parking the boat directly at the side of the ocean liner, Cecilia gave a nod as she jumped onto the side of the ship and slammed a pike into the metal, her former soldier saluting and leaving. Once he left along with the speedboat, Cecilia grabbed out another pike and used it to climb the side of the ship. She did not want to alarm her presence by using the powers she had, as she wanted to catch up to Hanna who decided to investigate this ship alone.

As she slowly, and as silently as she can, climbed the side of the ship without causing too much ruckus, she could hear a few voices speaking. About how some crazy blonde woman decided to land on the ship and commit slaughter and how they were able to escape it. Scharlund concluded that these soldiers were likely talking about Ocherbeth, meaning she was here and that Cecilia was at the right place. Right at the edge of the ship's deck, Cecilia takes a peek and sees a few soldiers, four to be specific. Preparing herself, she climbed the side and landed as her boots hit the wood. Taking out one of her pistols, she fires twice to kill two soldiers and charged forward. The other two were surprised and fired their guns at her. Luckily for Cecilia, their guns were burst ARs and she dodged the bullets before striking one soldier in the face in the face and sending him off the ship. She grabbed her other pistol and fired at the last soldier alive right at the head, killing him instantly. Looking around, it seems this place had a bloodbath from Hanna before she arrived. There was a pile of dead bodies, a lot of blood smeared on the deck and a few parts of the wooden surface were burnt likely from the lightning Hanna had as her powers. Hanna was the more brutal of the two, as she could see a few heads were cut off. She shook her head at the show of brutality.

Cecilia after that decided to check what she had. Two pikes, twin pistols, boots with a metal plating to allow a nasty kick to an opposition's face, everything was in check. Once done, the former captain looked around. She saw what seems to be a line of burnt wood on the floor, which likely came from the tip of Hanna's sword from her using her powers as the Vessel of Lightning. She decided to follow said trail in order to find wherever Hanna is. While following the trail, it abruptly swung to the side, entering one of the metal doors on the ship. The trail was still visible, this time on a metal surface. Scharlund continues to follow the trail, as she sees more blood and dead bodies laying around... It seems like Hanna had a lot of unfinished business with her previous overlords... In all honesty, Cecilia thought she had kind of forgotten about it all. But it seems the heir of the House of Scharlund was wrong. Giving out a small sigh, she continued to walk while following the trail of black on the floor. It seems to head only deeper and deeper, further inside the ship. After a while, the black trail stopped and Cecilia looked at what was in front of her. A massive iron door. Before she could touch it, the door started cranking and opening itself. After a bit, Cecilia was on guard. But once the door opened, she could see what the room was.

It was a massive room, with tubes and cables everywhere. And at the center there was a wide open space. In that wide space, she could see two figures. First was Hanna, currently choked with what seems to be a string of water around her next, her uniform ripped and torn as she was battered and bruised. The other person was another woman, wearing a sort of dress-like uniform with dark blue hair and ocean blue eyes. Cecilia could feel that she was another vessel. But this woman seems to have noticed Cecilia as she throws Hanna to the side, knocking her out.

"Hmph, another one. So they've sent you to hunt me down huh...?"

"Wait, what do you mean? I'm only here because I am here to back up Hanna. Who are you and what have you done to her?"

"Oh, the blonde's name is Hanna... I don't care too much about her. I feel rather sad for you, actually. My masters told stories of this Hanna, how you were friends. How you love her more than just that... And how she was fiddled and played as a lapdog for what could have been a prosperous climb and rise for this great nation, hm?"

"Don't you dare sare that about her! And not only that, your "masters" only brought upon disunity and destruction for this nation! Isolationism may have been something that we Athearans have followed for so long, but things change. We also changed, internationalism is the way now."

"That may be, but part of what I said is true, no? Being a part of this project to hold godly powers, to bend reality however we wish... I know that inside, you are still doubting about yourself. Even when your friends comforted you, you were still uncertain. You tried to ignore it, yet the decision of you doing so is now is trying to bite your back."

"...Just shut up about it already. Who are you, even? To come out of what I could say nowhere, and start bringing this all up?"

"Ah, forgive me for not introducing who I am. My name is Havija Voulleire Drijanova, created from the same thing that created you. For I am the Vessel of Water. I was supposed to also be part of the final battle that the AMC and ISLORA had, but they kept me in secret here... And now, it is time for me to crush you and your would be "girlfriend" is what I'll say."

The moment the now revealed person as Havija said that, she raised her hands and formed several sphere of waters around her. Cecilia immediately grabbed her two guns and fired multiple bullets at the Vessel of Water. The bullets quickly approached, but Havija formed a wall of water which drowned the bullet's momentum. But as she did so, Cecilia charged forward with her two pikes and slammed them down. Havija simply jumped back and fired three barrages of condensed water, as the Scharlund dodges them and heads towards Hanna's location to pick her up and leave for now.

This left Havija rather unsatisfied, as she started heading out of the room in order to chase the two other vessels. After quite some time, Cecilia was already on the deck preparing one of the safety rafts while Hanna was in it. Knowing that fighting against a vessel with ordinary weapons would be rather difficult, and wanting to truly accept herself as the same as the two, she also put her two pikes and pistols in the raft and dropped the raft down into the water. Cecilia also dropped down, but as she landed what would have been in the water, she was now walking on it. Cecilia transformed into her form as the Vessel of Wind, using her powers to keep the raft steady. While doing so, she used the pikes and rope that Hanna surprisingly had in order to keep it close into the shop by tying the raft and pike together with the rope, and slamming the pike into the side of the ship. As she was doing this, the Vessel of Water was now on the deck of the ship. Cecilia could feel the wind and the waves of the waters picking up, becoming rougher and rowdier the longer this will go on and she even hears a bit of chanting. Teleporting onto the deck with a gush of wind, Cecilia sees Havija casting a sort of spell and as she fires a formed wind spike to disrupt her, a massive tentacle of water catches the wind spike and throws it back at her.

Cecilia quickly forms another wind spike and deflects the one flung back, but she could see two massive tentacles made of water wanting to slam her. She dodges out of the way and fires the wind spike she was holding along with another two more, only for them to be thrown aside by another tentacle of water. Seeing as the tentacles were growing in amount and her being at a disadvantage in this exact location, she teleported just some distance off the deck of the ship whilst floating in the air. Havija had a face of discontent with this, as she formed more massive water tentacles. Cecilia formed several wind spikes, ten to be exact and was trying to figure out what in the world the Vessel of Water was trying to do, before all the tentacles grabbed onto the ship and proceeded to push the ship down below. She was trying to sink the ship?! Luckily, the rope connecting the raft Hanna was on was snapped, but with the ship being forcibly sunk it was creating a wave that was pushing Hanna away. Not wanting to lose her, Cecilia teleported with a small hurricane and formed a strong shield of wind to deflect the incoming wave from drowning Hanna, which was somewhat successful.

But now, Cecilia looks at what she has to face. Havija was standing while being supported on a pillar of water, while a massive head reared itself from the depths of the sea. It seemed to take form of a massive sea being, with now fourteen tentacles flailing around. All of them were in different sizes, but that doesn't help much. The winds and the waves were getting even more rougher and even sparks of thunder could be heard. Havija looks down below at the Scharlund and unconscious Ocherbeth in disdain. Cecilia quickly charged her ten wind spikes, ready to fight a battle she is unlikely to win. However, with a good enough plan and by maybe thinking outside of the box, maybe Cecilia could win this one sided fight.

"I won't be going down so easily. I'll win this."

by **Cassadaigua** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:45 am

Team Cassadaigua: World Cup 43- World Cup 93

Part VII: World Cup 61/62- Are we done?
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

It's safe to say that after Cassadaigua won World Cups 50 and 51, then co-hosted the 54th, that the nation was firmly established in the soccer world. In our short lifespan in the tournament, we had seen many nations come and go, some of which had great successes and others would just be a one off. It is a reality of our world, nations will cease to exist for whatever the reason may be and it doesn't matter how good they may have been. Cafundeu, Candelaria and Marquez, plus even the great Aguazul are never seen any longer. While some nations withstand the test of time, it seems like for many, there is a shelf life. For team Cassadaigua, World Cup 61 was looking like it was going to be our last hurrah.

At the time, Cassadaigua was still among the top ten in the world, ranked eighth, and they did not have much trouble qualifying a dominant 15-0-1 record, topping The Archregimancy by thirteen points. Also in that group was an up and coming Farfadillis side who entered the competition ranked 199th but showed that they would be one that meant business for the future by finishing third, and only a point behind The Archregimancy. The World Cup itself would go well for a while, making it to the round of sixteen before eventually losing to their World Cup 54 co-host, The Babbage Islands. Another competition was in the books, and it didn't seem as though there was any reason to be concerned. Cassadaigua would surely be back for World Cup 62, just like they had always been. Now, bear in mind that the nation was entered into the 62nd World Cup, and did fully participate. In fact, they did decently but would not qualify for the competition, losing in a playoff. That failure ended a streak of thirteen consecutive successful qualifications. There is a big dark cloud over World Cup 62, though, as to this day we don't who the players were that actually played. No official roster was ever submitted to the tournament organizers, and we have been unable to find any press releases about it. Due to the failure to provide such a list of players and the apparent lack of press coverage, Cassadaigua rightfully did not receive an invitation for the corresponding Cup of Harmony. Officially, World Cup 63 is the only one that we did not participate in during this period of time, as we returned for the 64th and that will be the next installment of this series.

But, what actually happened in World Cup 62? Was it essentially the same people as the 61st? And why were the people that played in World Cup 62 never given the chance to play just four years later? 86-year old Kellie Fenton was a reserve 22-year old striker back in #61, and she was able to tell me what she experienced.....

"World Cup 61 in Valanora was truly fascinating for me. I was so young then, and when you are that age, you take your lumps on the bench because you figure that your time will come just as long as you continue to work hard at everything you do. When we lost to Babbage, we shook hands with them and figured we would just get them next time."

..... but would there be a next time?

"I was sitting around, day after day, waiting for my call. I was firmly established enough at that point to where you would expect to get some form of communication as to whether or not you were going to be a part of the team, or were going to be left off. I didn't expect to start in 62. Ashley (Barrett) and Brianne (Van Karsen) were still ahead of me on the pecking order, still players that I realized were better than me so I wasn't going to dispute that. But I was hoping to be in a position to where I would get get a some playing time, at least in the qualifiers. Back then, naturally, we expected to be in the World Cup because we had been in so many in a row."

..... then, she explains, things got very weird...

"You would call CASE headquarters, and they would go right to voice mail. At that point, many of us from the team in 61 were calling one another, trying to figure out what was going on. None of us had been called or named to the team. It was like CASE just didn't care anymore, but they had still signed up for the World Cup, so clearly they were going to still participate. Eventually, there were some of the former team that was called and was able to go, like Ashley Barrett, but I was never contacted. Never, at any point, was I even given a courtesy message from CASE to say that I would not be a part of the team, and I was kind of bitter about that. I cut off ties with them at that point, and it didn't surprise me that they never signed up for World Cup 63 when they failed to do so. It was an odd period, all of the sudden this organization that had done so much to create a powerful international soccer program that was widely respected was now showing a complete lack of interest."

Ashley Barrett passed away eight years ago, but she never spoke much about what happened during World Cup 62. She was also very bitter about CASE not attempting to send a team for the 63rd Cup, and then not getting an opportunity to play for the team when they returned in the 64th. I don't want to get too much into the next installment of this series, which will be talking about the comeback edition right now. You can relate to Ashley's displeasure, though, as she would have been 32 at the time of the World Cup 64. Sure, that a little on the older side, especially for a forward, but still young enough to where you would think someone would still get an consideration if they still were playing at a high level. To put that in perspective, say Cassadaigua was silent in World Cup 94, did not participate in 95, and then never gave Lexi McGregor and Shannon Cunningham, who aren't even old enough to drink alcohol in some countries, a chance to participate in World Cup 96. That would be a massive slap in the face to both of them, and while we know Lexi McGregor would put a massive stink about it, it would be completely justified.

In retrospect, trying to determine what actually happened to cause this lack of interest has led to a lot of finger pointing. CASE and the Royal Palace mainly blamed the other for this period of time. It may have been a little bit of foreshadowing, too, because when Cassadaigua did return for World Cup 64, it would only be for five Cups before the longer dark period would take place. It should also be noted that soccer was not the only sport that was quiet during this time, as Cassadagan athletes from all sports were unable to play at the international level.

"You just of accepted it in the long run," Kellie Flinton told me, "domestic sports were still a thing, and we were still grateful to have it. And no one could stop you from watching the World Cup on TV."

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:50 am

By Peter Davis

After the Draw Masters returned in insane style, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were now spending a lot of their time looking at their backs and not in front of their chests. The leaders were 10 points clear and now, we had a 2-point gap behind that we had to take absolutely seriously no matter what. Li Xiu Ying knew that great teams should be focused on moving up the table and now with what is happening behind them but in this scenario, she had no choice - she didn't want to miss out on the Top 3 at all and she just knew that no matter what, her team will have to fight for their right to take any further part in this WC process...so just like any other WCQ process then.

Up first was Nephara in our house, the National Stadium in TJUN-ia City, and a game that would've been massive already was sent into overdrive as The Cormorants were looking to secure qualification as soon as possible while we were looking to keep our grip on 2nd place locked in. Li knew that Igrene Cantor was going to throw everything into coming out of the JagBase with all 3 points and so, the game that ended up being played was one where Nephara had the slight edge but we had the crowd cheering us on. Twice Nephara took the lead in this game, through Madita Brewer in the 1st half and Arachne Loeher in the 2nd, but each time TJUN-ia found a way to peg them back thanks to Yomakaji Shimigatsu in the 23rd and Kelo Ngwemanagawa in the 67th. The final 20 minutes would be pure chaos as both teams pushed for a winner but in the end, a late corner would end up being the decider as Kim Choi-ya's effort was headed home by Jose Lozano de la Cruz and this home descended into chaos. We would hold on for the 3-2 win, the gap was reduced to 7 points and things didn't actually feel too bad anymore. Nephara may win this group...but at least we beat them on their way.

If you thought we would get a break at the Archalit Olympic Stadium in Charkara then you would be wrong as the Pirate's Kingdom of Archalit and their team, managed by Krystol Mays, were certainly hungry to cause a shock and this game would essentially be the Nephara game on repeat. The hosts took the lead twice thanks to Kanoa Faye (The Juggernaut) and Jose Gee (Marathon Champ), but Malhrani al-Kalhrani and an OG from Myst Magica (The Witch). This game needed a winner and in the 78th, that would be provided by a stunning run and goal from Fernandino and just like that, we won 3-2 for the 2nd game on the bounce.

Things remained the same and with 4 games to go, the only thing we can really do right now is carry on and hope for the best. The Estádio do Pacífico in Rio Pacífico will host 10th placed 95X before we make the trip to 11th placed Caribbea in a 2nd to last cycle that isn't an assured 6 points at all. We just need to do our thing. Permutations can be worried about on MD21 and 22. GO JAGS!

MD1: @United Bongo States of America (265) W 3-1 (1st)
MD2: @Srednjaci (101) L 0-1 (5th)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD3: vs Savojarna (37) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 1-0 (3rd)
MD4: @Elmyia (124) - Tollington Park, Mosfleet W 1-0 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD5: vs Varavel (284) - Salam Liljamie Stadium, Al Kalifa W 7-2 (2nd)
MD6: @Nephara (11) - The Farham Arena, Sabrefell L 1-2 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD7: vs Archalit (183) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville W 7-3 (2nd)
MD8: @95X (159) - City Stadium, 95X City W 3-2 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD9: vs Caribbia (222) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas W 5-1 (2nd)
MD10: @Ziwana (82) - Ziwanicell National Stadium, Birnin-Likulu L 3-5 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD11: vs Baggieland (71) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky W 2-1 (2nd)
MD12: vs United Bongo States of America (265) - Tallawah Stadium, Port Town/Portuaria W 3-0 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD13: vs Srednjaci (101) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu W 5-1 (2nd)
MD14: @Savojarna (37) L 0-1 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD15: vs Elmyia (124) - Zebra Stadium, Toropo/Almadinat D 2-2 (2nd)
MD16: @Varavel (284) - Stadion Glendoorn, somewhere in Varavel D 4-4 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD17: vs Nephara (11) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 3-2 (2nd)
MD18: @Archalit (183) - Archalit Olympic Stadium, Charkara W 3-2 (2nd)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD19: vs 95X (159) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico
MD20: @Caribbia (222)
---------------Boot It!---------------
MD21: vs Ziwana (82) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong
MD22: @Baggieland (71) - Dartmouth Hill, Hawthorn

by **Aeragny** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:06 am

Vic-á-Vis is an Airannian comedic sports talk show, broadcast on sundays, in which host Toussan Átrange and his sidekick Uiláme Grypsten talk about sports, together with a bespoke guest. This week, nationally known author, columnist and comedian Filipe Vékle is the guest. Typically during the 30 minute run time, the first half consists of a week recap; during which the hosts and guest talk about the sporting events of the past days. This time, the conversation mostly focussed on the won game against Valentine Z; in particular focussing on the beauty of a goal with which Garyabh sealed up 3 points for the Drills; and going over the many important saves by Victorya éys, both against the Valentine and Astograth teams. After the commercial break though, the second segment would play out, during which the guest typically brings in an item to show off and talk about. Tonight's section would become recognized as one of the more iconic segments the show's ever had.

Toussan: So, over the commercial break, you and I, Filipe, we looked at the table, and quickly talked about the chances the Drills might clinch that 3rd place spot; let's pull it up real quick,
Uiláme: Certainly, Toussan - as you can see, there's really no way that the drills will be catching up with either of the top 2; they're 10 points clear of us with 4 matches still to play, so it's technically possible, but you could say the same about the possibility of a chopping down a tree with chopsticks.
Toussan: Sure. But that's just the top 2, right?
Uiláme: Absolutely; and while it's also a long shot, it doesn't hurt to set our sights on the third place spot. As it stands, there's only four points between us and Valentine Z, the team that was defeated in Vorácy this week - so for example, if they lose all four upcoming matches, and we draw each, we will come ahead of them on goal differential.
Toussan: Yes; or if they lose two matches, or even lose one and draw another, isn't that so?
Filipe: Oh it's true, and then I had to look over at the schedule for Valentine Z, and see if that was at all realistic. Uiláme?
Uiláme: Valentine Z is still to play against Ryfenia, Astograth, Equestrian States and... Audioslavia.
Filipe: The good news, is that there's no conceivable way as far as I can see that Audioslavia isn't winning against them, but-
Toussan: How come?
Filipe: Well, I did a little research into this: as it turns out, in Audioslavia there's currently a huge hype around a glass sculpture of a swan
[picture is shown on screen]
Filipe: Here it is, in less forthfaring times... now, it was a trophy for winning the U21 World Cup a very long time ago; but it was almost immediately shattered when the team captain dropped it. The museum put it on display regardless though, but recently, it was stolen!
[audience gasps
Toussan: They stole a pile of glass rubble?
Filipe: They sure did. You'd be more surprised when you find out what the thieves did with it though - they restored the sculpture, and returned it a few days later.
Uiláme: Here it is now, in its full, restored glory.
Filipe: So I found out as well. But then they had it smashed again, to restore the history of it, and immediately the Audioslavian team only took away 1 point from the next two games. Superstitious they may be, the Audioslavians, but at the very least, they can recognize a pattern. They had an AI rebuild the swan, once again, from the glass ashes, and since then, have only conceded two goals, and won every single game.
Toussan: So, what you're saying is, that a glass bird is currently the greatest driving force behind the Audioslavian success?
Filipe: Apparently so, and it would seem the fans have really taken it to heart, and I see no reason to believe it's not true myself - so I'd argue there's no chance Valentine Z drops 3 points against Audioslavia in their upcoming game, next week.
Toussan: But we need four, not three, right.
Filipe: Yes, so I looked towards the other teams left on their schedule, where could this one point difference be made up? Ryfenia? Most likely not; the Ryfenian team has shown a sincere lack of form, perhaps even more so than during the Baptism of Fire, when the Drills also met the team in the group phase, it seems unlikely Ryfenia will take any points off Valentine Z. Astograth, as we saw just two days ago, also has been playing a very uninspired game, and has seemingly been performing worse as the qualifying stage goes on. So then all that's left is Equestria - now I don't mean to claim the same I've said for Astograth isn't true for Equestria; both teams are lacking identity and are just not showing up, but in terms of history, Equestria also has something Astograth doesn't have: a World Cup victory.
Uiláme: That is true, the Equestrian States have won World Cup 83.
Filipe: And looking in the history books, it's widely agreed that the Equestrian team just hasn't been quite as strong ever since. So, I was wondering, would there be any way we could coerce them to well and truly show up for their match against Valentine Z, so that the Airannian team might have a shot to make it to play-offs?
[cut away to a pre-recorded video, with Filipe sitting at a desk with a phone, wearing a fake moustache, making phone-calls without the other side of the line audible]
Filipe: Hello, is this the uhh, Equestrian Sports Museum? Yes, hi, I was wondering if you have any broken statues, by any chance? [beep beep beep]
Filipe: Hi, this is DrillCorp Restoration services, do you by any chance have any sculptures that might be worth restoring for us due to their disrepair?
Filipe: Hi, you're speaking with DrillCorp, we're a restoration service - are you at all interested in having a sculpture restored by us? You're a dentist's office, you say? Very well, but do you have any sculptures slash statues slash dental casts maybe?
Filipe: Greetings, my name is Phillip Vergleton, I'm a non-suspicious invester, who is most interested in art that is broken. Do you have anything to sell me?
[cut back to studio, applause]
Filipe: Yeah, so it took a little while, but eventually I got in contact with "the Great Rainbow", and they actually were willing to cooperate with us.
Toussan: I find that entirely unplausible. What is this "Great Rainbow" you speak about?
Filipe: No, it's true! It's some kind of art school, as I found out-
Uiláme: It's an elementary school.
Filipe: A school where art is done, yes, well aware. So, basically, they sent us a busted up sculpture of sorts, and well,
[Filipe reaches under the table, pulling up a small, shoddy clay statue of a vague horse-like figure]
Filipe: I have restored, the Equestrian sculpture!
[applause
Toussan: Is that it? That thing is barely five inches tall!
Filipe: Well, I'd say five inches is perfectly adequate
Uiláme: I must also say, it took Filipe three hours to repair.
Toussan: Three hours for that?!
Filipe: Look, okay, it wasn't easy. This statue, which was created by a fifth grader as celebration of the World Cup victory of Equestrian States back in the day, was accidentally dropped by the arts and crafts teacher as it came hot out of the oven; and because she felt so bad, it was put on display regardless - the Equestrian team hasn't truly showed up ever since their victory, the timelines match up perfectly!
Toussan: You're putting an awful lot of faith in the power of various sculptures, don't you?
Filipe: All I'm saying is, if we would want to have any shot at qualifying, we'd really have no shot unless this works! At the very least, I'm trying something here!
Toussan: And I appreciate that, Filipe. But I must say you have made an unfortunate miscalculation...
Filipe: What's that?
Toussan: Have you, by any chance, looked at the schedule for the Airannian team? Uiláme?
Uiláme: The Drills are yet to go up against Obrela, Boring Paradise, Murphtannia and their next game will be against... Equestrian States.
Toussan: Now tell me, Filipe, does this statue really work? Because if so, we have a problem on our hands here, don't you think?
[Toussan reaches under the desk, pulling up a small wooden mallet]
Filipe: Oh come on...
Toussan: I declare this to be, outright stupid. Case dismissed!
[Toussan whacks the "horse" statue with the mallet, breaking it into pieces, though not shattering it hard enough to make the clay shards fly all over the studio]
Toussan: And, unlike this statue, I hope to see you, dear viewers, again, next week, same time, same channel!

by **Estorvipa and Estorpiva** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:23 am

From the diary of Marek Lemish

Two games doesn’t define the qualifying campaign of an entire country. It’s not supposed to define a country’s campaign to qualify for the World Cup. And yet it’s all that I can hear from everyone else after the downturn in form that we seem to be going through. All day and all night, it’s all that I can hear from the people around. “We won all of these games against these teams before, why are we drawing or even losing to them now?” And the reason why people keep asking these things time and time again is because nobody really knows the answers. If someone had the answers to these questions then I’m pretty sure that no one would be asking them ad nauseam. Shit, I would love to answer all of these people, but I know that no matter the answer I give them, nobody will ever be satisfied.

The campaign had really gotten off to a good start against Abanhfleft. Nobody really expected that we would win against them in such a dominant fashion. Yes, people believed that we were capable of winning against Abanhfleft, but we didn’t think we were good enough to beat them 4-1! This was a team that had been playing in the qualifiers for far longer than we have, and yet we managed to beat them like they had just come out of the Baptism of Fire. Apart from that big blonde bastard Fahrni, that Abanhfleft team did not look like they were anything resembling a team at all. The rest of the first half of the qualifying cycle followed a similar pattern, with the team taking victories against some of the biggest teams in our group such as Valladares, Pasarga, and even Valanora, literally the best team in the entire multiverse at this moment. But once we went into the second half, things just haven’t been the same. Again, nobody can explain why. We were still creating enough chances to get us wins over some of these teams, but we weren’t converting as many of those chances as we used to do. That’s one explanation, but surely that can’t be all that there is to it.

For many weeks, it really looked like the Federal Republic was going to be able to make it into the World Cup, or at least the playoffs before the World Cup finals. But this recent string of losses and draws is starting to make it more difficult for everyone to continue believing. I can’t really blame them. I was in the same position then, and I still am in the same position right now. I still believe that we can make our way into the World Cup, but the path just got rockier with all of the points we’ve dropped. It doesn’t help that Pasarga look like they’ve finally regained their form while we’re losing ours. Hmm. Maybe they’ve found a way to steal another team’s good form and make it their own. But that’s just my crazy side talking. God knows I’ve let that side take over my diary more times than I really should.

I don’t think there’s anything else I really have to say. I need to prepare for the next two games against… well, I don’t even remember who we’re supposed to play in the next three days. Just gotta train, train, train, and hope against hope that I can convert my chances this time, and that everyone else gets to convert their chances as well.

  ESTORVIPA AND ESTORPIVA 0 - 1 FLAVOVESPIA      
                                GOLDSTONE (63')

      VALANORA 1 - 1 ESTORVIPA AND ESTORPIVA        
  LUDWIG (15')       RODIN (39')

by **Juvencus** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:32 am

*Mind you this is taking place before the matches against the Licentian Isles and Lozho

CALCIO NEWS JUVENCUS(Part 2)

The screen showing the show would suddenly black out amidst the dialogue of the pundits and Ajello. The station was not quick to spot it out but not so quick as to fix it. As such, the black screen remained for 30 more seconds. All of Bavardi, Lopez and most importantly Ajello would all sit back and wait it out until the station would signal the restart of the broadcast.

Cesare Bavardi: And we're back! Excuse our signal issues, our wonderful technicians have fixed them all up for us and our show will go on to the very end. Back to the conversation at hand, mister Ajello. If you could give us any sort of prediction for the game against the Licentian Isles soon as well as the game against Lozho, it would be greatly appreciated. We will follow through with our very own guesses for the matches ahead.

Cesare Ajello: For the most part, seeing as the Licentian Isles have crumbled ever since we gave them a beating on the first part of the cycle, seeing this game through and winning with ease is something I can safely say considering our own streak to the top of the board as it is currently standing. Lozho, however is a bit trickier. It is a very talented and up and coming squad, certainly punching above their weight for debutantes. They have also not conceded any goals for the past what? 3-4 games? It is the best defence in the group bar our own but considering we also have the best attack in the group, being the ones who break through their defensive lines again is something I can somewhat tell, though not certainly. A tie would be very likely against them, so we should not be too cocky here.

Giovanni Lopez: I certainly agree on the Licentian Isles part. I believe we are crusin' through with ease against a destabilised side. Lozho on the other hand don't stop being debutantes and as such inexperienced against more elite squads and we also have the home advantadge to help on top of that. In which case, I definitely see us winning, if not steamrolling them. This also serves as a great opportunity to increase our lead compared to Drawkland and Nyowani Kitara as they will be facing each other. If there is any games to win, it is those games ahead. I have extreme faith in our team, back to front that they will be giving us some memorable victories ahead. What do you think, Bavardi?

Cesare Bavardi: It is hard to tell, considering the history of our team. Recent memory says that these winstreaks go all the way to the end, which is what I am really seeking to say here. Both are talented teams, one is relatively storied as well on the grand scheme of things. The talent of the Juven on the pitch however is unparalleled this cycle and with extreme honesty I say we can pick some victories but barely. Agreeing here with Ajello, Lozho has a scary team and despite their lack of experience they possess an amount of talent matched by few other teams in the group stages to be honest with you. Obamovich, the Obama immigrant has served the team really well. Seeing the Sonnelian blood do its job for them it is enough for me to say that we should keep our eyes peeled. However I also should state that players like Limene or Campana will sure pull their weight.

Giovanni Lopez: And with that, our producers are requesting an ad break. We will see you all just right after it!

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 10:31 am

After back-to-back wins got us right back into contention in Group 4, the Huuhkajat of Kimi-Suomi could feel as though their fate was still in their hands and he eivät halunneet sen muuttuvan ollenkaan. Esko Laaksonen knew that the pressure was certainly on everyone to perform to their very best and not fuck it up...but in football, you can never be certain what could happen and that would be proved here.

Pesä would host Bubiyan ja Warbah (Bubiyan and Warbah) in a game that many did expect would be another good way to get good points on the board, but things didn't turn out that way at all. We took the lead early thanks to a nice goal from Kimi Airo, but BjW didn't give up at all and managed to score a 92nd-minute equaliser to shock The Nest and make our overall position very shaky indeed.

With that in mind, we knew we needed to get a result against Sudilinen (Sudilia) and we certainly fucking tried Oliver Thompson's side. We took the lead in the 34th thanks to Mika Noronen only for Olivier Ouimet to fir back just before half time. Valtteri Nordström would try to claim those points in the 67th but Ouime just wasn't having it at all and in the end. his effort in the 78th would end up being the one that split the points. Our 2nd draw in a row sent us back to 4th and things didn't look well AGAIN.

We can't just let this slip...and everyone knew it. Farfadillis is coming to Pesä in a game that may end up deciding our Top 3 fate before we make the long trek to face Karpaatia ja Ruthenia (Carpathia and Ruthenia) no matter our determined fate or permutations. We can still make it in. But it's going to take a few miracles. NOSTA KUIN HUUHKAJAT!

by **Elmyia** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 11:52 am

The bowl shape of Stadio Luca Spaletti seemed to be empty of atmosphere. Tomljanović's goal in the 82^nd had been the sucker punch to put Srednjaci and put paid to any dreams of qualifying. From there things had turned to silence, the dim hopes ignited in a run of 8 points from 4, including a big win over Baggieland, were now gone. Some turned to despair, others straight back into the gallows humour that dominates the life of an Elmyian fan. Scuba Dave surveyed this scene swaying. He spat at his feet and turned to Dead Short Mick.

"Ay, Mick, I've had enough of this nonsense. If that prick wasn't manager we'd av won it."

Mick put his arm around Dave and slurred back "it's just like you say mate, just like you say, didn't score enough bloody goals did we?" he hiccuped gently, pulling Dave over sideways somewhat.

"I'm sick of this, pass me the terps, I feel like smashing up Samita and I want to be in the ether when it happens."

From there, Scuba Dave's memory was apparently pretty much blank. The next thing he remembered he was speaking on the news.

***

"The time is 12 o clock noon, you're watching the news on Mosfleet Television. Today's top, and only story...

The Elmyian Assembly remains held hostage. A 8.47am this morning a pair of tanks rolled through the front doors. A group of 22 reported football hooligans have stormed the building, it is believed in response to the 1-0 defeat against Srednjaci. We'll head over to Anna Brunt with the latest. Anna, have we had any develops on the demands of those involved?"

"Hello Paul, we are yet to receive any updates from the inside of the building. Some furitive texts from the assembly members held inside gave us an idea of early proceedings. The impression that this group are football hooligans, rather than a politically motivated group, was communicated from inside. They've engaged in chants, drinking and generally menacing those in the building. They are armed, but not universally. They have apparently turned the speaker's chair into a makeshift toilet having been unable to find the proper facilities. But, as to their current demands or motives, it's hard to say. We are currently trying to establish a live feed, but no update yet Paul."

"Thank you Anna. Well, condemnation has come from key figures across all areas of public life in Elmyia, including those in the football world. One person who has come in for criticism in the wake of this has been Police Chief for Mosfleet and Beaucester Hugh Pozzo, who we have on the line here. First question Hugh, what steps are you taking in regards to the situation here?"

"Well Paul, these are very concerning scenes as we all understand. Given the armed nature of it, having established a cordon ourselves, we have enlisted the military to intervene, and are continuing to play a role in reconnaissance and in policing the perimeter."

"And, given the relative reprieve given to Scuba Dave, do you think hooligan elements have been emboldened by lax policing?"

"Now look, we policed that case as was correct, I believe the case against Scuba Dave ultimately was a damp squid..."

"Do you mean squib?"

"... anyway. These hooligan elements clearly are more menacing, organised and serious than that group. I will be assisting the military personally in efforts to bring the situation around, we've brought in our top hostage negotiators."

"And if this proves to be the doing of Scuba Dave and the Scuba Gang, will you be resigning your position Hugh?"

"That is a purely hypothetical question and I won't be answering. It's a mute point."

"Moot."

"What?"

"It's a moot point."

"That's what I said."

"You said mute, this is the sort of thing that's lost your market share Paul..."

"I'm going to have to cut the interview there Hugh as we've had a live link established with the assembly hall, Scuba Dave is making a statement from within the chamber."

Scuba Dave stood up to a lectern and coughed "Now, look, this situation has gotten waaaaaay out of hand. But, we have only one demand... I, I mean, we, want Benni Massi to step down as national team manager. He's a boring bastard and I, I mean we, hate him. Elmyia needs to score more fackin' goals already and I, I mean we, want final say on who is appointed. Also, we'll release the tea lady if you send beer." With that the live feed cuts.

by **Patriotlandia** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 11:58 am

Page 116

As we continued our sailing, we took inventory of everything on board and their condition. Almost everything seemed in good enough shape for further travel so we pressed on. It did not take long before we reached the opening of a large river. There seemed to be debris on the western bank of the river which looked like it could be from a ship. We decided to head upriver to investigate but soon found ourselves at the foot of a huge rapids blocking our way. We debarked to explore on foot but the vegetation was hard to navigate as the forest was much denser than what we had previously seen. We pushed on nonetheless but the whole party was on edge as some were sure they could hear strange sounds from further in. Everyone froze when they heard a branch crack violently close to our position. Weapons were readied and everyone was prepared for an attack, but nothing happened. As we prepared to move on, the sound was heard again and most jumped when we came face to face with a deer. The poor creature froze for an instant at the sight of armed when and then disappeared deep into the forest. The group carried on until we arrived at an area mostly devoid of tall trees. The clearing was still overgrown with bushes and vegetation but a few stone houses could be seen at a distance. We moved quickly to inspect it but we soon realized that these buildings were much older than our arrival and could not have been built by our colleagues. The buildings were simple consisting of a single room but the stone construction was strong enough to endure years of tough winters and neglect. Rummaging around, we could not find any indication of who lived in these dwellings and we quickly made the decision to explore further ahead and come back later. A few hours of exploring later, reports came from the other exploring party that they had spotted plumes of smoke in the forest to the east. Everyone quickly prepared their belongings for a longer march as we could finally hope to be reunited with the rest of our comrades.

Image generated by AI (Craiyon)

Results
----------------------------
Patriotlandia 2–0 Lashnakia
Parc du Nord (24,005), Alexandrie, Province of Foubrac
Patriotlandia hosted Lashnakia for the opening match of a very important window. The team needed to secure some really important points to keep the hopes of getting out of the group stages alive. Samuelle Savoie-Smith, who got the nod to start in the midfield, found Heather Graham wide open in the box to open the scoring. Alexia Brant would score in the second half to build the lead and the team would manage to complete the clean sheet.
"Everyone executed the game plan perfectly." Said manager Jean-Alexandre Carignan. "It's an opponent we needed to beat and we played to our strengths. Hopefully the home fans enjoyed the performance and continue to support in the next matches that are very important."

Pasarga 1–3 Patriotlandia
As the team made their way to Stade de Torgos in Pasarga, they were greeted by one of the biggest stadium they ever played in. The 90,000 seat amphitheatre was intimidating to the Patriotlandians but the routines of a soccer match soon calmed their nerves. Alexandre Desrives would score first with an impressive goal. The attacking midfielder retrieved his own rebound, as his free kick hit the wall of defenders, and placed a shot towards the far post. The shot seemed to have deflected a bit which fooled the Pasargan netminder Přibyl. Pasarga would reply not long after to thwart the Patriotlandian momentum. Harlow Hopkins added a goal after coming off the bench. She replaced Elie Manahan after he seemed to tweak something and had trouble moving around on the pitch. Bertrand Langlais would add the insurance goal late in the game. "It's a play we practice often", said Hopkins of her goal. "The defense closed down quickly on Desry so we knew I could get open and have enough time to place a shot".
Upcoming Games
----------------------------
Patriotlandia vs Oberour Ar Moro (68)
Petro-Pat Navy Memorial Stadium (62,000), Port-la-Ville, Province of Abelanne

Patriotlandia @ Al-Tamazgha (239)

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 12:53 pm

Kairothletes: A Wing and a Prayer

Our hand consists of four patches, only one of which is currently playable, and one inverter. There are only three cards left in the deck, and by process of elimination/card counting in the discard pile, we should be able to make a pretty good guess at what they are. We haven't seen the WC92 or WC45 patches yet, so they're probably buried there, and we have at most one more inverter.

The inverter we have in our hand is only for pre-Zwangzugian World Cup history, and most of those events we don't want to change anymore. The only thing that could potentially help would be flipping World Cup 25, which is currently in its alternate state, paradoxing WC26. Mayumi wants World Cup 26 patched, while Héðinn wants it in its original status. It's unlikely that we're going to be able to satisfy both of them at this late stage, but we certainly don't have time to go back and forth, so let's go ahead and play the patch now, and we can nullify it later with that inverter if we have to. In the patched timeline, World Cup 26 sees fans in Kaze Progressa adopt system karela; Rejistania have (in this alternate history) won three titles on Progressan soil, they have to be onto something!

Okay, good, here's the WC92 patch we want. In an altered knockout stage that doesn't have Zwangzug, Vilita win the semifinal, and Takaara Milanzi will go on to win the Silicon Boot. The timeline with the original WC90, and alternate WC91' and WC92', is home for Kestrel, who succeeds. (This was more or less an inevitability since we flipped WC85, but there's always room for edge cases to interfere.) Yes, Kestrel is named after the polar exploration TV show director, I didn't feel we got enough mileage out of that joke the first time around so you're stuck with it.

Kestrel wrote:Of all the things we could change, I felt kind of bad about using the time machines to watch football. Still, watching people just casually walking around without masks was bittersweet.

And as we'd hoped, here comes the WC45 patch, in which it's an interspecies Candelaria And Marquez team who overcome the Holy Empire's cavemen in the final. This is what Héðinn wants, so let's play it.

And we draw the last card, which is an inverter that only targets events in the history of the first-generation Zwangzug team. In particular, we have nothing that can help Mayumi at this point; she needs Kirola's emergence in WC61 to be flipped, so that we can showcase different pixelated kits for Nephara's World Cup victory in WC74. We did flip WC61 earlier, but we didn't have the WC74 patch at that point, and now WC61 is back on track, so we won't be able to help Mayumi.

This leaves us with two travelers who it might be possible to send home, and no more cards in the deck. Can we help them? Spoilers: the answer is yes. And we're going to do so in--if I do say so myself--a pretty darn hilarious way.

(Waugh 31, Sokhi 50)
(Imamura 67)

by **Cap Nord** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:27 pm

Erna’s long, flowing hair looked to have overtaken the pillow as it was softly, slowly caressed by Sebastian. They were lying in bed together, with the lazy satisfaction only to be held by unmarried couples on a Sunday afternoon. Each was looking to the other side, but they were looking into each other's soul without words. They knew the routine where the weekend would end again and five excruciating days of reality would stand between them once more. But as they lay there, time appeared as static a dimension as the spatial ones, where one knows for a fact that we are darting through the multiverse at speed but only feel the slumber of the bedroom. A conversation started, with the same opener as it always did. Sebastian’s remark had initially mildly irritated Erna but by now she had found the charming beauty in his tenacity to decry something which had to be accepted for a fact.

“I don’t get why you need to sleep in the palace. You can perfectly do the commute and stay with me.”
“You know that in case of an emergency, I need to be around.”

Most of the time, Sebastian would nag a bit further about the privilege of the despised royals but now he only grinned.

“They’ll get their emergency soon enough.”

Every word of his in that direction conflicted Erna and the last week had only worsened that. All she could manage was a short nod, something which Sebastian did not notice.

“Soon, the royal family and their tyranny will be a thing of the past. Do you realize that, Erna? How the whole history of our people will suddenly tumble into a different direction… And all because of us.”

Her breath sped up, something which he took as an encouragement.

“See, Erna, with your puzzle piece, we have the final backheel to topple them. One shot, one opportunity. But with my coordination and your entry into the palace, we can land a blow that will send the royals to another world.”
“To another region might just suffice.”

She said it with near carelessness, but even if Sebastian was not in the most perceptive of moods, he noticed her hesitation.

“You are not doubting the plan, are you?”
“Of course not.”

Erna congratulated herself, it had sounded just confident enough. But the words casted a black cloud over her heart. Of course she wanted to see a democratic sunrise for Cap Nord, an end to the days of semi-fascist rule. But with time, the man for whom she had been planted as a spy had conquered a bit of her heart. How big that bit was depends on the day of the week: today she told herself that all she wanted was to prevent that the people’s wrath would lead him to the scaffold. By next Friday, her heart would boil and simmer for Prince Harold.

“Just a bit more, honey, and you will effectively be a hero of the nation, slaying the royal house.”

The remainder of the conversation got engulfed by sloppy endearments.

[A good twenty years later, conveniently the current time - or rather, near the end of MD16 against West Barack and East Obama]

“I know I have not been around but he remains ‘my guy’. I tried to do something to look after him, better late than never. After all, he is my son.”

One could almost taste the uncomfortable silence, bar the clattering of the falling tea mug that dropped out of Erna’s hand. For twenty years she had discarded the possibility and taken every bat of Jorgen’s eye, every specific quirk and every glimmer of talent as a reflection of Sebastian Gammelgard. Better known as ‘the courageous Seb. L. Gammelgard, martyr of the opening day of the Silk Revolution’ on his rarely visited tombstone. Along with him, her impact on the revolution had slowly disappeared from the history books, something which she did not mind. With a shaking hand, Erna tried to grab her lighter, craving a cigarette in the hope that in the circling smoke an answer would appear. The one that came was short.

“He’s not.”

If you heard carefully, you noticed another clang and cling, this time not of porcelain cups meeting its early end but from the pieces of heart from the King. Ever since he had heard of the existence of Jorgen Bjerkness, the young man had lived in a secret corner of his heart, one he did not share with anyone. Uttering those lines could be one of the most courageous things he had ever done and now his visions were smashed to pieces like a glass swan. Against all knowledge, he protested, only worsening his faith.

“But, why not? Those weeks before the Silk Revolution, my heart, my everything truly belonged to you. I would have given you the empire, just for a few more of those nights, I wanted to tell my family about…”
“He is not your son.”

And then the words came out like blood from a cut wound. First slowly, one by one and then in thick drips, each and everyone soaked in two decades of silent suffering.

“I was in love with one of the bravest men of the revolution, bless him. You and me that was… An infatuation, at best. It meant nothing, nothing to me.”

Who said that only the truth can hurt?

“I loved you, Erna and you. Why else would you have been there, with me, for those weeks…”

King Harold’s words froze as things clicked together. He and his family knew they had been betrayed by someone, someone who knew the ins and outs and who could smuggle a few dozen of fighters into the palace without being noticed. Over the years, various theories had surfaced and since his return in power, a small commission had been looking over the question of who had been the one who had double-crossed them: so far without result.

“Were you the…”
“I was.”

King Harold rose, a broken man with the shoulders hunched, and left in silence.

[One match further in the campaign, a home confrontation against Mytanija]

Hosting Mytanija should have been a bonafide loss but Kitanchev saw how his eleven looked surprisingly out of place upon their return to the stadium where two years earlier a spark had been lit which would become a political milestone in the history of Cap Nord: what started as fan violence between Capnordic and Mytanar hooligans would start a domino effect to the Counterrevolution (or at least, so the history books insinuated). Disregarding the mechanics behind it, it remained a confrontation with high intensity: the away fans had been limited in number and carefully screened, but still had managed to bring enough pyro to the match to force the referee into a halt in the game as the stewards carried off the lighted candles.

It offered the cameras a chance to go over the stands. If the home game against West Barack and East Obama had been a delicate, difficult remembrance of the Silk Revolution, this was a pompous celebration of its counterpart. Rows and rows of NUP politicians had lined up to show their presence on this unofficial (and calendar-wise incorrect) anniversary of that previous match. All had toothpaste smiles, not just over the memory of their takeover of control, but also because of the scoreboard: the Whalers, by all statistics the unmistakable underdogs, led with one goal to none. Few would remember how lucky that score had been, with a rare miscommunication between Mbala-Ekakia and Besak turning a mediocre cross into a spectacular opening goal.

King Harold watched it from his sofa, alone, and his seat in the SendBank Arena remained empty. His relationship with Queen Sophie had taken a dive, so far that he had remained at the Paleisette for the week while the queen and their daughter stayed in one of the country residences. The lights had been dimmed and the personnel had been given leave to watch the game with their families. There stood no drink, no chips or anything: King Harold would have to confess in all honesty that he had no clue where to find them. Eighteen long years of exile, of being ignored by every single person in Cap Nord. But tonight, with the crown on his head, he felt lonelier than ever. His life goal, this position did not feel like an empty box, but as one with a poisonous and vicious cobra.

As the last few minutes of the game took on, the commentator raised his voice. In red and black, the visitors pounded on the crackling Capnordic wall with five Mytanar players constantly residing near the offside line. The Whalers held on, but barely: Johannes Marzinn, who had taken over from Siel Leuwert after the latter’s gaffe against Lionsroar, stood tall and showed why he had been scouted for an international transfer by Cleorough. The defensive line had been reinforced by Jonathan Peary and that sufficed just enough to make it through a barrage of corners and attacks. The support of the twelfth man is often overrated, but tonight it made a difference and seeing the impact of a group only made the King lonelier.

Milosevic whipped a new effort into the box where living legend Jezdimir Ocokoljic had strengthened the might of the Mytanar attack. Patrick van Hilvaren cleared it, just ahead of the striker, and headed it towards an exhausted Worbe. The defensive midfielder found Bjerkness and his pass missing a bit of depth was a blessing in disguise: the rest defense of Mytania hesitated for a second between pushing and falling back, opening up a small corridor for Till Myrrheim. Despite facing his own goal, Jorgen Bjerkness had seen it and with a perfect cross, he launched the striker for the decisive 2-0: the stadium erupted.

As did King Harold, but in a different way. The wide grin of Bjerkness filled the screen in the celebration and Harold could only see it as if the youngster was mocking him, taunting him, humiliating him. Hurting him, hard and deep.

It unleashed an anger, unseen in the otherwise so gentle and goodhearted king and to no one in particular (as there was no one else in the room) he exclaimed that Jorgen Bjerkness would never play for Cap Nord again.

by **Delte** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:21 pm

Delte 3–1 Acastanha
Sports Correspondent Kim Samrodd at Ildemorton Road for the Shingarter Herald

I won't dwell overly long on the finer details of this match, but certainly mention should be made of The Representatives briefly clambering above Di Arra and into the play-off spots for the first time in the famously difficult 'third cycle', with a solid victory over their near rivals in the chase for the honour of extending the process of failing to qualify for the World Cup proper. Early goals from Irki Mynster, Tai Cerotha and Kal Rayler put the game out of reach for the Acastanhos before the half hour was up, with Plinio Adondare pulling one back in a more even second half. Not to worry, Arrows, as those blasted Pratapgadhis threw another swastika-shaped spanner in the works just a few minutes later.

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

Pratapgadh 1–1 Delte
Tug Boat Captain & Temporary Player-Reporter Austin Lyepolde in Chittorgadh for Wight's Evil Twin Brother MonoZ's Recently Reactivated SubTwiitur Account

I've been briefed not to dwell overly long on the finer details of our match but suffice to say the Away Team Mission struggled against the Former World Cup Champions Brenecia, disguised as unranked Pratapgadh, with a laborious draw that saw them very quickly fall back out of the play-off places. Enor Perro cut a frustrated figure and seemed most angry with his star player - which was himself - that blew up into an ugly and very unstoiclike spat on the toucchline late in the game when he substituted himself off, and was very unhappy about it. Will he reconcile with himself and restore himself to the team for the final must-win away tie on the Ile de Richelieu or show a strong hand and insist on discipline by refusing to pick himself?

Only time and anti-psychotic meds will tell.

The Quick & The Delts
6/6 : Faraway Sauce

“I think we have a solution,” announced Doctor Orem Ustingham with a flourish, via a video link in the conference room to the Away Team base on the Ile de Richelieu. “RecQ helicase is a family of helicase enzymes initially found in Escherichia coli that has been shown to be important in genome maintenance. They function through catalyzing the reaction ATP + H2O > ADP + P and thus driving the unwinding of paired DNA and translocating in the 3' to 5' direction. These enzymes can also drive the reaction NTP + H2O > NDP + P to drive the unwinding of either DNA or RNA.”

A stunned quiet descended upon the group.

“We have developed a RecQ Helicase Booster syrup…” said the Doc, trailing off somewhat from his initial enthusiasm. A sea of blank stares looked back at him.

“I think you lost them at ‘solution’, Doc,” said Away Team Coach Enor Perro. “Maybe explain about the syrup again. How does it taste, for example?”

“How does it ta- ?” repeated the Doc, “I mean…

“…OK well I haven’t actually tried it myself yet but - ”

“Is it safe then?” interrupted Away Team Captain Enor Perro.

“Of course, we wouldn’t send you off halfway around the ringworld^[1] with something that - ”

“So we’re taking this with us are we?” interrupted Away Team goalkeeper Enor Perro.

[Actually that was just a writing device to make it sound better; Beltane Chattiard asked the question and he was the actual Away Team goalkeeper].

“Well yes, the helicase ingredi - ”

“To be honest, Doc,” interrupted Coach Perro “what we really want to know is, if we put it on our skinny fries in Pratapgadh, will it help us retain our youthful good looks even though we are unfortunately ageing rapidly in the far faraway? And, as I asked before, will it taste good?”

“Well I’m not sure about putting it on your chips but it has a sugar base as a protein binding mechani… err, anyway, yes it is palatable. If I can just give you the basic science in a nutshell - for reasons yet to be determined there is some sort of protein disruption occuring which we think is causing excessive damage to part of the Deltic DNA. This syrup provides something called a helicase to help with repair and maintenance of the double helix.”

Once again there was an awkward silence.

A frowning Rodhi Nunte, the Away Team midfielder, tried to vocalise his limited cognition of the matter - “so, err… there is this protein that… um…”

“Basically,” interrupted Coach Perro impatiently, “in prokaryotes RecQ is necessary for plasmid recombination and DNA repair from UV-light, free radicals, and alkylating agents. This protein can also reverse damage from replication errors. In eukaryotes, replication does not proceed normally in the absence of RecQ proteins, which also function in aging, silencing, recombination and DNA repair.”^[2]

“Oh well,” said one of the Rothdaring brothers (I’m not sure which), “why didn’t he just say that in the first place?”

There was a round of nodded agreements.

“We call it Faraway Sauce,” said the Doc, a little deflated.

1OOC: The Deltic view of the multiverse - a great big alien-built ringworld the length of three solar systems spinning around the primary star Maxx-B.^[3].
2OOC: Obviously the technical details are accredited to Wikipedia since I can't possibly be expected to know how to describe the genetic science behind degenerative ageing processes, I'm an artist not Neil deGrasse Bleedin Tyson FFS PhD Etc.
3OOC: Because this is what you get if you insist on me writing my own material. (See [2] above).

by **Mytanija** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 3:16 pm

AN ODE TO ARMONI OKOMBO

A bit of a change of pace in this blog, we’ve had a large slant towards international football in recent months, focussing on the trials and tribulations of Mytanija and their progress towards what we hope is another World Cup qualification. At the moment it doesn’t look like they will do so directly, sitting four points behind group leaders Banija with a mere four games to go. Mytanija’s strong defence has become a little leakier and the goals haven’t gone in at the rate of either Banija and Poafmersia and suddenly the Hoops are looking over their shoulder at the Poafmer national team, perhaps more worried about being leapfrogged by them than doing the same thing to the Banijans.

Instead of looking at that in more depth, as we’ve had such a strong focus on it in terms of tactics, man-management and psychology, we are going to look more at the news that 1923 Esca full-back Armoni Okombo has decided to retire from international football at the end of the current cycle. Okombo has been an iconic player for both club and country, performing exceptionally for Nyowani Kitara and helping lead 1923 Esca to two league titles and a famous run to the finals of the IFCF Champions’ League. That’s particularly impressive for a left-back, but it says a lot about the interesting tactical system Sava Grgurovic has instilled at the Radnika based club, particularly in recent years, after managing to bring in the players who can carry out his orders on the pitch.

Okombo nominally plays left-back in a back four and his defensive ability has had to be superb because of how much ground he is expected to cover up and down that left flank. Usually this back four has become a bit more of a back three in possession, with Okombo given licence to get forward up the flank and join in attacks – both by holding width out on the wing and by making probing underlapping runs in more central areas. The two central defenders and right-back (which used to be Mytanar national team player Petar Pejakovski, who has since left the club for Quebec) would shift across to compensate for Okombo’s forward raids, but Okombo would be expected to track back in hurried fashion should 1923 Esca lose possession. His fitness, tactical understanding and anticipation all had to be top-class in order to perform in the role Grgurovic assigned to him.

1923 Esca’s shape with the ball would sometimes look like a 3-3-4 or 3-2-5. Many Mytanar teams play in the latter shape, a lineage which was created by Lev Repin’s tactical approach with the national team and has almost become self-reinforcing. As more Mytanar clubs employ the shape when they have possession of the ball it becomes more difficult for the national team to shift away from it, as the players they can use within it are well-versed in how to perform the various roles. Okombo’s ability with the ball, however, almost led to Sava Grgurovic creating a specific role for him, with more freedom to play wide or centrally and licence to be aggressive.

In the 3-3-4 shape you would see the three 1923 Esca central midfielders hold their positions, usually between the halfway line and opposition penalty area. They could then act as conduits, either moving wide or remaining central, for the ball to move from the back three to the front four and vice versa. They could also recycle the ball should the front four need to take a step back so that they could try again. Okombo would sometimes act as the left most player in the front four, holding width to try to draw the opposition defenders out of shape. Inside of Okombo would be his left-winger, in recent years the youthful Nenad Tejic – a winger who likes to play as an inside forward. Okombo’s ability in wide areas would allow Tejic to operate in the areas he most enjoys and excels. Grgurovic was always enthused by just how well Okombo complemented other players, helping them to be the best they could with an intuitive understanding of what they needed out on the pitch:

“You often have players who understand what you want them to do and can carry out your instructions to the letter. That can be quite common, often players who work hard, perhaps not the best in terms of ability, but are able to do this are the ones who come out of academies and succeed by having long careers in the sport. It’s much less common to find problem solvers. Players who can do all of that with instructions, but who can see a problem on the pitch and who can figure out a solution. What is the least common is those rare players who can do both of those things, but who can also do so in a way which improves their teammates performances. The biggest compliment I can pay to Armoni is that in my time with 1923 Esca he’s always been one of those players who can do all three things. He’s been a real special player for us over the years and one who has allowed young players, the likes of Drazen [Skara], Nenad [Tejic] and Nicolás [Riesgo] to become the players that we see today.”

Grgurovic is not usually the most expressive in terms of his interview answers, so the fact that he is able to speak at such length about Armoni Okombo perhaps demonstrates just what a competitor he has been. The 3-3-4 formation was the one which got 1923 Esca their first ever Mytanar Top League title, and now they have moved closer to the regular 3-2-5 formation we see much more commonly. In this one Okombo either operates as an extra left-winger, again allowing Nenad Tejic to drift inside alongside Drazen Skara with one of the central midfielders pushing forward into the forward line and Milos Bajic holding the width on the right flank. At other times Armoni Okombo will be the one making incisive runs into central areas, allowing Tejic to hold the width on the left, and Okombo’s sense of space and positioning allows him to make decisive contributions from those central areas.

The fact that Okombo has regularly challenged the assist charts as well as being a key part of a defence which has amassed one of the best defensive records in recent seasons demonstrates his ability at both ends of the pitch. In matches against some of the top domestic sides Okombo could regularly be found making important tackles at one end before contributing with assists at the opposite end. He has been a top performer and is right up there with the best players in the country over the last decade or so. He finished 2nd in the Player of the Season award in the 32/33 campaign, something which is a real rarity for a defender, but even more so for full backs. Gazeta Sporta gushingly praised him: ‘Armoni Okombo is one of the best left-backs in the history of the league’ following the most recent 1923 Esca title success, but there was still unfinished business in IFCF football.

As a result of their second domestic success 1923 Esca qualified directly to the group stages of the 13th IFCF Champions’ League. A tough group of Rülândéá Kôstä, Maethoru SC and Fiskadaha FC awaited them. The Farfish and Ko-orenite sides are famed in international competitions, particularly in recent seasons, whilst there is always a respect for Poafmersian football in Mytanija following a few meetings at both international and club levels. Two wins, three draws, a defeat and nine points later and 1923 Esca had squeezed through. The Escan side were beaten at Radnika by Fiskadaha, but famous victories over Rülândéá Kôstä on home soil and Maethoru away were key factors in their progression. A tricky draw against Vanorian side Mar Sara was dealt with reasonably comfortably, a 3-1 aggregate win sending them on to Zwangzug’s Ephesian FC. Okombo was the key man in this tie, scoring and assisting in the 3-1 home win and making a vital goal line clearance to keep a clean sheet and 0-0 away from home.

In the semis 1923 Esca would meet Rülândéá Kôstä once again, but this time they utilised what they had learned from the previous matches, fell back to their 3-3-4 approach which had worked well in previous years for a bit more security and smashed the Farfadillis team 5-0 on aggregate. Okombo grabbed two assists across the two legs, raiding forward from left-back and causing all kinds of issues. It allowed 1923 Esca to become the first Mytanar team to reach a UICA or IFCF final since 1896 Ebor in the 54th UICA cycle. At that stage they couldn’t quite get across the line, defeated by Valladar side Fontvielle Impact. Okombo couldn’t quite write the most famous line in 1923 Esca’s history – and perhaps the most famous in Mytanar club football history, given the financial disadvantage the Top League often finds itself at against other leagues now. It wasn’t quite the fairy-tale ending, but 1923 Esca and Okombo wrote a famous story which many in Mytanar football didn’t think was possible anymore.

Okombo has been a crucial figure since coming to Mytanija, he has allowed 1923 Esca to finally deliver on their long-time undelivered potential, winning their first league titles and fighting all the way to the final of the IFCF Champions’ League. He’s retired from international football, but he may yet have a couple more highlights in his locker at club level. Few would bet against him.

by **Rouyoute** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 3:33 pm

Rouyoute Wins First Match In Three Months In Uncharacteristically dominant 4-1 Showing Against Cordian Isles

The as of yet unnamed Rouyoute national soccer team ended a three-month winless drought with a shocking 4-1 victory over another struggling crew in the Cordian Isles. The win was a welcome relief for the Rouyoute team, who can now at least say about this season “we won some games,” plural.

Despite their numerous and potentially laughable struggles, the team at least looked alive, getting a lot of scoring opportunity - whether due to their potential or the Cordian Isles’ poor showing is up for debate. Led by their sometimes impressive forward, Adam St. Claire, the Rouyoute team showed that they still had what it takes to compete from time to time at least.

St. Claire, the team's most athletic if polarizing “star” forward, was a constant thorn in the side of the Cordian Isles defense, using his speed and agility to create space and opportunities for himself and his teammates while not turning the ball over at record pace for once. We use the term “star” loosely here.

With the win, Rouyoute vaulted up to second to last in their group, a small but significant step up from their previous last-place position. Significant to them, that is - we doubt anyone else besides Naked News Jerusalem will even notice. Their record of 2-4-12 and a goal difference of -21 may seem unimpressive, but the nation’s only national team will take any positivity they can get after two grueling cycles in the qualifiers, and frankly the nation as a whole could use some good news going into some…potentially tumultuous times.

by **Stevencousin** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 4:18 pm

NATIONAL ECHO

Football Club: Sport or Business?

Article by Roy Fieldgad

Businessmen's Dominance in the Sports Arena. It has been traditional, since before independence, that this country's football team is led or owned by those who are important figures in a business organization, including the CEO, or the owner of a large company or conglomerate, not only in football but in fact in all sports arenas. Whether it is an honor for the figures involved, the effect is that it is difficult to separate businessmen from football. Today, most football clubs in this country are owned and led by big merchants and business figures, although sometimes it is clear that they do not have a clear mission and vision for football. These entrepreneurs not only hold the position of Club Chairman, but they also hold several key club positions such as board members and also president, vice president, or deputy chairman of a football club or other sports club. It is rare for these figures to refuse to be nominated for these positions, some of them even have a careful plan to get the position through the ownership of the main shares of the club or through the outright purchase of a football club. Not to mention the billionaires, they are willing to spend billions of dollars to make sure they can buy a successful football club, when in fact they are ignorant of the ins and outs of the sports industry let alone manage it. So another position had to be created to help them, which is the Sports Director, the person who is the link between the owner and the technical organization of the club. Finally, we are concerned that, the football clubs of this country only care about profit, not more like a business company than a sports entity, and players and fans become sales products and which will sooner or later destroy the spirit of sports in this country. We do not deny, there are some business individuals who are very interested and knowledgeable about football, and have a great love for this sport, they also help raise the level and quality of national football, for them, we say thank you. Hopefully, club owners and sports organizations are not only interested in profit because sports as we know them to belong to everyone.

Other News
- WCQ93: Stevencousin beat Canadian Dominion 4-3 at Waxwood Circle
- WCQ93: Kallstrom still leading for national team top scorer with 9 goals
- WCQ93: MD19, our boys will meet Dod Rava at Waxwood Circle
- Royalbox smart city expected to reduce 70% of energy, carbon emission: Mayor

by **Aleirave** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 4:50 pm

Revolt
Sannyamathland 2–0 Aleirave
Aleirave 1–2 Eraman

There's a lot that can be said about the Tereyev regime itself, but a lot of it is already well known. The island's occupiers installed their regime based on razdeleniye (separation), and treated the Aleiravans as under-class citizens of their own island, a brutal, authoritarian dictatorship replaced the increasingly democratic regime of old, and the island was thrown into a period of isolation that set back the island's technological progress by hundreds of years. This is all common knowledge... but what are less-known are the inspirational stories of the time, and it's worth knowing about these tales.

From the first war against the Klysevtsy to the day Malako Eterena shot Aleksandr Tereyev, there were quite a few attempts by the local population to repel those who oppressed them, although their stories unfortunately tend to go unsung due to the Tereyevs' attempts to keep the population in line. The first of these, the Lihavia Revolt, occurred in 1793, and marked the very first time the new oppressors seemed like mere men rather than untouchable overlords.

The events that would lead to this revolt would begin with the passing of the last Petakiko, Vairekona Lihavia. His son, Nivoloa, was always guided by his father to never, ever believe in what the government said about the current state of affairs. There was a lot of misinformation being peddled by Fyodor Tereyev around this time in an attempt to dumb down the local population; after all, they wouldn't revolt if they didn't know better.

Fyodor's misinformation campaign was deeply rooted in the Aleiravan establishment, from the now-Tereyev-controlled schoolhouses to government services. He would talk about how it was the Klysevians who freed the people and protected them from themselves, and how Pa'ole IV was a brutal dictator who needed to be stopped. Aleiravans who were around at the time of the Sack of Lahaira knew better, but anyone trying to present viewpoints that the government didn't like would be executed. Except for Vairekona... he wanted the truth to live on, so he made sure Nivoloa was educated in the real facts, and that he had the revolutionary spirit inside of him...

When Vairekona passed away, he told Nivoloa that it was now his turn to carry on his legacy, and that he did. He would host open speaking sessions where he would tell younger Aleiravans, those with no memories from before 1769, about the real history, and about who Fyodor Tereyev really was... naturally, Fyodor didn't like him one bit, but there was nothing he could really do, since he always managed to evade detection.

A revolutionary fervor began, and in 1793, one of Nivoloa's speaking sessions ended with an important message: "it's time to overthrow this wannabe Petake," he said, "by any means necessary." Those who attended his speech marched to the east and broke past the fencing that separated them from the elite, and climbed Veshnikov Hill, to the Presidential Palace at the top. Fyodor Tereyev was taking his nap at the time, so it seemed like Nivoloa's revolutionaries might have a chance of killing him... but the guards were ready for their ascent. There were brutal clashes outside the Palace, and amid the chaos, one young woman climbed up to the top of the Palace, and threw Fyodor off the balcony. He was killed by the fall down Veshnikov Hill, and the woman, Relinea, shouted down "OUR WAR IS WON! WE ARE FREE!"

If she was right about this, then history would've been a lot better for the island, but alas, Fyodor's son Petr was still alive, and the guards were winning their clashes on the hill. What would become known as the Lihavia Revolt ended with 113 Aleiravan fatalities, 359 wounded, and both Relinea and Nivoloa being hanged for treason at high noon the next day. They would be used by the Tereyevs as examples for the people, to deter them from ever revolting again... but for the oppressed majority, they would go down as martyrs. In 2024, to celebrate the first Aleiravan Independence Day, the port formerly used by the Tereyevs, Port Makhemmidov, would be renamed to Port Nivoloa.

The Lihavia Revolt was a brutal time in Aleiravan history, but it is not one that should ever be forgotten, despite Fyodor's descendants' attempts to erase it from the history books. It would not be the last time that anti-government spirits would spark into a flame of revolution, but memories of the revolt, passed down through the generations, served to both embolden those who came after and deter a revolution at the same time; yes, these heroes' legacies among the people could be pointed to and they certainly inspired future generations to be bold, but anyone even thinking about revolution couldn't help but think of those who lost their lives that day, and most couldn't stomach the idea of likely dying at the hands of the elite without accomplishing anything.

World Cup 93 - RP Thread

WC RP 9

Boot It!: A Resurgence In Form!

Draws, Draws, Draws

WCQ-93 MD17-18

Who is online