CAFA X Everything Thread

by **Chromatika** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:19 pm

Important Links:
CAFA X Signup Thread // CAFA Rankings

Welcome to the tenth edition of the CAFA. Enjoy your stay, and my the odds be ever in your favor.

Group A - Coastal District
(UR) Avisora
(11) Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land
(21) Legalese
(9) Pacitalia
(2) Ko-oren

Group B - Capital District
(UR) Triumviratus
(13) Vdara
(4) Bostopia
(8) Flavovespia
(19) Pyazhnaya

Group C - Rainbow District
(14) Kimi-Suomi
(UR) West Vdara
(26) Chromatika
(1) Mertagne
(6) Estorvipa and Estorpiva

Group D - Mountain District
(UR) Hanalia
(5) Cardenao
(10) Audioslavia
(18) Aleirave
(16) United States of Nova Calania

Format:
Single Round-Robin, top three teams to playoffs (third place to Losers' First Round)
Tiebreakers: Points, Goal Differential, Head-to-Head Result, Coin Flip (Extra match scored just using RP Bonus)
Teams seeded, Group Stage rematches avoided on Winners' Quarterfinals only

Winners' Quarterfinals: Q1 - 1v8, Q4 - 4v5, Q3 - 3v6, Q2 - 2v7
Losers' First Round: LFR1 - Q1 Loser vs. 9, LFR2 - Q2 Loser vs. 10, LFR3 - Q3 Loser vs. 11, LFR4 - Q4 Loser vs. 12
Winners' Semifinals: S1 - Q1 Winner vs. Q4 Winner, S2 - Q2 Winner vs. Q3 Winner
Losers' Second Round: LSR1 - LFR1 Winner vs. LFR4 Winner, LSR2 - LFR2 Winner vs. LFR3 Winner
Winners' Final: F - S1 Winner vs. S2 Winner
Losers' Third Round: LTR1 - LSR1 Winner vs. S2 Loser, LTR2 - LSR2 Winner vs. S1 Loser
Losers' Fourth Round: L4R1 - LTR1 Winner vs. LTR2 Winner
Losers' Final: LF - L4R1 Winner vs. F Loser
Grand Final: F Winner vs. LF Winner (repeat if necessary)

Schedule (Cutoffs are between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM PST)
Sunday, October 20, 2024: Matchday 1 (2 vs 5, 3 vs 4, 1 BYE)
Tuesday, October 22, 2024: Matchday 2 (5 vs 3, 1 vs 2, 4 BYE)
Thursday, October 24, 2024: Matchday 3 (3 vs 1, 4 vs 5, 2 BYE)
Saturday, October 26, 2024: Matchday 4 (1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, 5 BYE)
Monday, October 28, 2024: Matchday 5 (4 vs 2, 5 vs 1, 3 BYE)
Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Winners' Quarterfinals
Friday, November 1, 2024: Losers' First Round, Winners' Semifinals
Sunday, November 3, 2024: Losers' Second Round, Winners' Final
Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Losers' Third Round, Losers' Fourth Round
Wednesday, November 6, 2024: Losers' Final
Thursday, November 7, 2024: Grand Final Game 1
Friday, November 8, 2024: Grand Final Game 2 (if necessary)

Note: Teams that don't have to RP during days where lower bracket games are scored do not have to write RPs to gain max RP bonus. The team that makes it to the Grand Final may just write one RP between the Winners' Final and the Grand Final, and it will be weighted to cover multiple cutoffs. The same is also true for the team that loses the Winners' Final and has to play in the Loser's Final. This same principle will also count for the teams that make it to the Losers' First Round (they do not need to RP twice between Matchday 5 and their first match). Users are still encouraged to RP during their BYE days - those will still be graded on a daily basis.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:25 pm

CHROMATIKA

Welcome to Chromatika

Overview: Chromatika is a nation composing of a group of islands located in the far northeastern corner of Anaia. There is the main island of Chromatik Island itself, Urrhed Island to the southwest, Myana Island to the northwest, and Dorri Island to the northeast.

History: The tale of Chromatik history is one filled with mystery, wonder, tragedy, and determination to make something that is better.

Chromatika one day popped into existence by mysterious forces that have since been identified as a group of extraplanar angels known as The Enlightened Ones. It's still unclear where the populace came from. The Chromatik Party held sway over the land, implementing its seven-color caste system, until the Rainbow Revolution happened, led by the Chromatik National Team in World Cup 75. This resulted in the first Manager of Chromatika - Franscesca Larriet-Cortes - being martyred.

A group of revolutionaries called the Shadow Writers were able to gather elements of the Chromatik Army, Air Force, and Navy to overthrow the Chromatik Party. Alina Krasnikova, one of the leaders of this movement, was the first Premier. Chromatika then ran into another hiccup when the time of the first democratic election came, with the Checkers Party, formed by a lot of the remnants of the Chromatik Party, tried to take control of the election. Aided by one of the Enlightened Ones, the Rainbow Party was able to, with help with their Atlantian Oceanian neighbors, stop the forces behind the Checkers Party and ensure a safe election.

In the following years, the Rainbow Party splintered into the Rainbow Party and the New Light Party. After a very close election, Hélène Embroise of the New Light Party was elected the Third Premier of Chromatika. Since then, it’s been proven that the New Light Party was influenced by a shadow group called the Shadow Hand. This has caused another shock to reverberate in Chromatika, making everyone wonder if they will ever have an actual fair election.

Then, an Abyssal incursion in nearby Yesopailtha was stalled by the Yesopalithans; in looking for another point of magical entry, the Abyssal forces latched onto the magically temperate jungle of Eyrods. The eastern half of Myana Island was shut down for a year, finally taken back by a huge gamble taken by the Yesopalithans.

Now, in the middle of rebuilding, the Chromatik Security Council has taken control of the country for safety purposes until the next election. The eastern half of Myana Island is still being rebuilt - and this hosting of the CAFA is the first foray of Chromatika getting back into the international scene.

Cultural Notes: While visiting Chromatika, please observe the following:

Travel Advisory: All foreigners that are not directly involved in the rebuilding process are not allowed to come onto the eastern half of Myana Island. Please stay in the city of Myana if you are visiting the island.

Transportation: Chromatik highways aren't very wide - two lanes per side at most. There is a very expansive railroad system that was originally used for troop movement, but has been refitted to serve the everyday citizen. There is an underwater construction project that is projected to end soon that will tie the mainland to the two islands down south. A subway system and a bus system in the bigger cities have also been established. Franscesca Larriet-Cortes International Airport is also not very big, only serving regional flights. For the tournament, the nation will be accepting team planes to land, but it'd be best if you flew to Quebec City, Cathair, Jhanna, Ramusok, or Villeneuve first. Ferries run from the Islands of Myana and Urrhed to and from the main island on the hour.

Ticketing and Visas: All visitors with a valid ticket will get a two-week visa that includes the match that they will be attending. For those attending multiple matches, they will be allowed to stay up to three days after the latest match or two weeks, whichever is longer. Tickets will be distributed as follows: 35% to each nation partaking in the match, 10% to Chromatiks, 15% to people from other nations, and the remaining 5% to be included with any of the tickets that aren’t sold by a predetermined point in time (usually 3 days before the match).

For matches featuring the Chromatik National Team, the distribution is a bit different: 45% for Chromatika, 30% for the visiting team, 20% to people from other nations, and the remaining 5% to be included with any of the tickets that aren’t sold by the predetermined point in time. Any press and dignitaries’ tickets will be counted among the residual 5%.

Also of note: ticket scalping (buying and selling tickets in front of the stadium to would-be buyers) is illegal in Chromatika. If you want to get a ticket in that fashion, make sure you are at least three miles away from the stadium, or don’t get caught. Otherwise, you will be fined and your ticket will be confiscated. All ticket sales are tied down to the holder twelve hours before the match.

Laws: Chromatik legal code is a bit on the stricter side. The Chromatik Police, known as the CPD, are a well-trained, swift response group with a sizable presence. Chromatika does tend to side more on prevention than reaction. For an enjoyable stay, please note the following laws that visitors should be aware of:

The legal age of purchasing and possession of liquor and tobacco is 18. Stores are required to card anyone that appears to be less than 25 years of age.
The legal age of purchasing cannabis and other marijuana related products is also 18, and the limit of purchasing cannabis without a medical prescription is two grams per visit.
The importing of any alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other drugs is illegal without declaration. With declaration, up to a liter of alcohol, two cartons of cigarettes, and three grams of cannabis can be brought in.
Having multiple cars on a lane meant for one car is a finable offense, and the offending drivers’ licenses can be revoked.
Jaywalking is a serious offense in Chromatika. If cited three times, the offender can face serious fines and jail time should they continue to offend. Don’t do it!
As previously stated, ticket scalping is a finable offense that can lead to the ticket being confiscated.
Foreign visitors cannot bring firearms or any kind of weapons into the country without a specific license and accompanying paperwork. Even then, the weapon must be disassembled and ammunition shipped separatedly.
Foreign visitors are not allowed to bring more than 10,000 NSD or 21,000 NMS in cash into the country without proper declaration and accompanying paperwork.
For any other questions about legal matters, please call 99 1133-4455, the Chromatik Legal Hotline, or visit chromatiklaws.en.cr.

Currency: The currency of Chromatika is the National Mark. the exchange rate is at a respectful 1.5 Chromatik National Mark per 1 NS Dollar. Cost of living is rather low in Chromatika, as the government provides most things through taxes. A bottle of water costs 1 NMS, a good meal about 10, and a new car around 40,000. Please come to Chromatika with all your currency changed to NSD or NMS, as we don't provide exchange services from other currencies.

Climate: Chromatika is a rather cold nation, with the average temperature being 65 F (18 C) in the summer and down to 11 F )-8 C) in the winter. The northern parts tend to be colder, while Myana and Urrhed tend to be a bit warmer. There is a temperate jungle in Eyrods where the temperature can spike up a bit more. It doesn't rain much, but snows a fair bit; winds don't gust that much, either. Climate-wise, it's a rather cold, boring, land. The CAFA will take place during the summer months, so expect temperatures to be in the mid to high sixties (upper teens Celsius) with mostly cloudy weather, except in the Myana/Urrhed Islands, where it can get to the lower seventies, and the mountains of the Mountain District, where it will be colder.

Language: The official languages of Chromatika are English, Korean, French, Mandarin, and Russian. The most commonly used one in English. Depending on where you visit, you can hear one of the other being spoken interchangeably. Most Chromatik peoples know at least three of the five languages, with one of them being English. Pockets of other language speakers do exist, but are more rare.

Cuisine: Chromatik food is usually spicy, filling, and served warm. There are a few cold dishes, but as the country itself is very cool/cold, Chromatiks prefer hot dishes. Korean, French, Chinese, and Eastern European cuisines are all available for consumption. Chromatika has a sizable population that has dietary needs, and and as such, vegan, vegetarian, and other such cuisines are not only present but popular.

General Populace: The Chromatik people are respectful, polite, and usually keep to themselves. If you don't bug them, they won't bug you. That isn't to say that they aren't nice, as Chromatiks get by with most everyone. Just don't make fun of the past, don't make light the actions of the Chromatik Party, and enjoy your visit!

Host Cities and Venues

Hosting Cities and Venues

Note: You'll often recognize that the Capacity of a venue and the Seats are different. That's because traditionally, Chromatik stadiums were also the place that people would go to in case of evacuation due to natural disasters. The Capacity is the number of people that can fit in the stadium comfortably; the number of seats is the number of actual seats that are available to view the football games. For the ones where seats aren't listed, Capacity indicates number of seats.

Group A: Coastal District

Lhor
Located in the northeast corner of Chromatika, right by the ocean, Lhor was historically a whaling town - and now a place that is famous for its whalewatching tours. Otherwise, Lhor is famous for being the fashion Capital of Chromatika - although most of the modeling still happens in Chromia. A lot of young people live in Lhor because it is smaller, fashionable, and beautiful.

Venue: The Cove (Cap. 51,265; 28,000 Seats)
What's not to like about this stadium? Located right by the ocean, with an aquarium across the street. Beautiful view of the ocean and the sunset. The focus of the town, the jewel of the city... It's a pretty place to be. On a calm day, you can see the ocean, a good view of the sun setting over the horizon, and feel the gentle breeze. The Orcas are an enigmatic squad - they've had so much Banijan money poured into them, only to only make the IFCF CC on seldom occasions.

Schedule
Matchday 1: Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land vs. Ko-oren
Matchday 2: Ko-oren vs. Legalese
Matchday 3: Legalese vs. Avisora
Matchday 4: Avisora vs. Pacitalia
Matchday 5: Pacitalia vs. Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land
Winners' Quarterfinal

Pria
The second biggest city in the Coastal District, Pria is a city in the middle of a transition. Previously, it was where the Chromatik Party housed the young people that it was in the middle of indoctrinating - an academy of sorts before they hit collegiate age, conveniently housed in a high-security installation off of the main island. Since the Rainbow Revolution, the barracks of the institutions have been remodeled and retrofitted to become a symbol of hope - a place where the previously marginalized can get education paid for by the previous elite to reach goals and dreams that had been shut off from them in the past. There isn't a city like this elsewhere in Chromatika - and they are fully aware of it.

Venue: The Pack, Pria (Cap. 67,290; 19,000 Seats)
An old amphitheater that's been remodeled into a stadium, The Pack looks like it's from a bygone era, but is still cool to observe. Cylindrical with an open roof, it is a stadium that, though it may look unspectacular at first glance, tends to leave an impression.

Schedule
Matchday 1: Legalese vs. Pacitalia
Matchday 2: Avisora vs. Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land
Matchday 3: Pacitalia vs. Ko-oren
Matchday 4: Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land vs. Legalese
Matchday 5: Ko-oren vs. Avisora
Winner's Quarterfinal

Group B: Capital District

Wirr Tsi
Wirr Tsi, a city in the Capital District that is more towards the Mountain District, is where the Chromatik Air Force is located, with over sixty percent of the population being military. Besides being an air force town, it’s where the armaments are being manufactured as well. It's not a very exciting town, but an important one. Recently, more and more of the populace has been moving from Chromia to other cities in the district, which has led to Wirr Tsi cresting the 800,000 mark in terms of population.

Venue: The Shock (Cap. 51,350, 18,000 Seats)
The Shock, home to the Wirr Tsi Shock, was built to house the Air Force's football team. It's not a very flashy stadium, but it was built somewhat recently, so it's state-of-the-art. The stadium has glass floors and ceilings that make light reflect rather interestingly, making it quite fun to look at from certain angles. There are airplane fly-bys before every match, usually made of pilots getting their licenses, which add a different layer of a viewing spectacle. As the home venue of one of Chromatika's most famous teams, The Shock has gotten plenty of love and hate over the years - and is proud to host the Chromatik National Team.

Schedule:
Matchday 1: Vdara vs. Pyazhnaya
Matchday 2: Pyazhnaya vs. Bostopia
Matchday 3: Bostopia vs. Triumviratus
Matchday 4: Triumviratus vs. Flavovespia
Matchday 5: Flavovespia vs. Vdara
Winner's Quarterfinal

Alnio
Alnio is the technological capital of Chromatika. Located just thirty-one miles East of Chromia, almost dead center of the Capital District, it is in Alnio that Black Raven Technologies is headquartered (yes, that group that owns multiple clubs across the multiverse). Alnio has lots of blue collar workers and used to be completely populated by Greens on the Chromatik Scale. Now, the city is busy with a lot of Red, Orange, and Yellow people being educated, along with some of the Blue, Indigo, and Violets who wanted to be scientists there to learn as well. Alnioans look to get past the city’s checkered past and toward a more progressive future.

Venue: RCK Field (Cap. 100,400, 32,000 Seats)
RCK Field is a stereotypical football field in a nice stadium. The stadium surrounding the field has shopping malls built in it, and there is a huge food court as well. RCK stand for Richard Charles Klevion, a local statesperson who was instrumental in the founding of the city and it being recognized as a separate entity from Chromia. The team that calls this field home, Alnio, has recently risen back through the ranks to be one of the top teams of the Red League; Alnio has recommitted to their team with vigor.

Schedule:
Matchday 1: Bostpoia vs. Flavovespia
Matchday 2: Triumviratus vs. Vdara
Matchday 3: Flavovespia vs. Pyazhnaya
Matchday 4: Vdara vs. Bostopia
Matchday 5: Pyzahnaya vs. Triumviratus
Winner's Quarterfinal

Chromia
Chromia (previously Chromatik City) is the Capital of Chromatika and the seat of its government. The city is located ten miles east of the border with the Heartland and Rainbow Districts, and some of the suburbs of the city spill into the other two districts. It is in Chromia that Chromatik politics is realized, and where Hélène Embroise serves as the Premier. It is also the site where most of the atrocities of the previous regime were committed, so it is a very historical and very conflicting site for most Chromatiks. As the nation's capital, it is home to more than 5.8 million people, housing more than a quarter of the country.

Venue: Chromatik City Field (Cap. 100,000, 32,200 Seats)
A stadium used by both Crossroads and Chromia Central College University, Chromatik City Field is one of the newest stadiums in the country, sporting state-of the art seating, accommodations, and screens. As the "third stadium" in Chromia, it is usually reserved for musical events when not fielding one of those two squads; due to its simplistic beauty and clean appearance, it is a must-see for any visitors, especially those interested in architecture and culture.

Schedule:
Winners' Semifinal

Venue: Anomaly Tower (Cap. 110,320, 42,350 Seats)
Anomaly Tower is a really weird stadium, because it's on the bottom floor of a huge complex that is used as a famous restaurant. Yes, the restaurants close during matches so that the noise doesn't get too unbearable. But you can get a good meal at a five-star restaurant and then go down to watch a match! Anomalies Football Club calls this place home. Located toward the northeastern edge of the capital, The Anomaly Tower is a bit out of the way - which is great, as it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Schedule:
Winners' Semifinal

Venue: Capitalizt Dome, Chromia (Cap. 144,000)
The crowning jewel of Chromatika, and the national stadium where international matches are usually held. It's your typical big-team stadium, home of the Chromatik Capitalizt. It is one of the few stadiums that are only used for football matches. The national collegiate finals and high school finals are held here, too. Recent renovations have updated the equipment to be state-of-the-art, and a retractable roof can be used during the severest of winter storms. There really isn't many other stadiums like the Capitalizt Dome in the world.

Schedule
Winners' Final
Grand Final

Group C: Rainbow District

Lanar
Located at the Western side of the Rainbow district, Lanar was founded first, and is the older brother. Lanar is known for producing most of the nation's vehicles. Viper Motors (previously Imhar Automotive) is located there, being the only automotive maker of Chromatika. Being by the coast means a lot of foreign cars come through here as well.

Venue: Hawks' Nest (Cap. 112,000, 38,000 Seats)
The home of the Red Hawks, the Hawks' Nest was made to resemble a bird's nest with the field being where the eggs would lie in a bird's nest. The sloping roof does bounce back sound onto the field making it one of the loudest venues in Chromatika. Lanar has been a midtable squad in the Red League in the recent years, which has helped raise its image. Their biggest rivals are Sanar.

Schedule
Matchday 1: West Vdara vs. Estorvipa and Estorpiva
Matchday 2: Estorvipa and Estorpiva vs. Chromatika
Matchday 3: Chromatika vs. Kimi-Suomi
Matchday 4: Kimi-Suomi vs. Mertagne
Matchday 5: Mertagne vs. West Vdara
Losers' First Round

Sanar
The youngest brother of the three (Lanar, Sanar, and Pelar), Sanar is known for two things: First, it's where Z'ai'ai and Umbar’s lumber ends up to be turned into furniture. Second, it's where the headquarters of the Death Templars Law Firm is located. DTLF was the sponsor of the Chromatik League for many years and is one of the biggest companies in Chromatika, specializing in legal counsel, accounting, philanthropy, and nonprofit fundraising efforts.

Venue: The Hive, Sanar (Cap. 122,000, 42,000 Seats)
Don't go to The Hive unless you don't mind being a bit squished. It's the densest stadium, and was specifically designed that way to emulate a hive and how full it is of bees. The field is the most open part of the entire stadium, but the absence of a roof means you're at the mercy of the elements. Sanar is a yo-yo club, through and through, and the fanbase has enjoyed every opportunity to go against their hated rivals (Lanar) whenever possible.

Schedule
Matchday 1: Chromatika vs. Mertagne
Matchday 2: Kimi-Suomi vs. West Vdara
Matchday 3: Mertagne vs. Estorvipa and Estorpiva
Matchday 4: West Vdara vs. Chromatika
Matchday 5: Estorvpia and Estorpiva vs. Kimi-Suomi
Losers' First Round

Group D: Mountain District

Felswyr
A town known for its ski resorts, a winter paradise. Felswyr is located at about the dead center of the Mountain District, right by Mt. Niai. It is known for tourism and for being the winter Capital of Chromatika. During the summer, snow still exists on the highest peaks of the nearby mountain, but the streets aren’t iced over as much. Felswyrites are kind, well-spirited people who are fiercely loyal to their small-town feel. The only host city with a population of just more than 100,000, there’s a reason that Felswyr is on the list - it is one of the finest, model towns in Chromatika.

Venue: Frozen Stadium (Cap. 32,100)
This stadium is mostly known for being 6,112 ft above sea level. The air is thin and cold, and wind chill can also be a factor. Thankfully, the tournament is being held in the summer, so temperatures should be a bit more mild. The Frost call this place their home venue, and each match is sold out due to the limited number of seats and the brand of football they play. To accommodate those who don't with to experience the cold, there are plenty of venues around the stadium where one can watch the match indoors.

Schedule
Matchday 1: Cardenao vs. United States of Nova Calania
Matchday 2: United States of Nova Calania vs. Audioslavia
Matchday 3: Audioslavia vs. Hanalia
Matchday 4: Hanalia vs. Aleirave
Matchday 5: Aleirave vs. Cardenao
Losers' First Round

Z'ai'ai
Located at the Southeast corner of Chromatika, Z'ai'ai is seated by Mt. Kùrn, the highest point in Chromatika, with elevation of 17,254 ft. It is a rare place where you can experience the mountain and the ocean at the same time within an hour's drive. Pronounced 'Zee-aye-aye", it's also the cuisine capital of Chromatika due to the variety of ingredients that are available from both the mountains and the ocean. A lot of mining is done at Mt. Kùrn, and logging is also done on a sustainable level and sent to Sanar to be turned into furniture.

Venue: Z'ai'ai Field (Cap. 113,000, 40,000 Seats)
The home of the Mountaineers, and an iconic stadium that boasts the view of the ocean and of the mountain on a clear day. Z’ai’ai Field is a quarter mile away from Z’ai’ai Institute of Technology and only two miles from the port side of Z’ai’ai. The pride of Z'ai'ai, and a beautiful sight that is one of the main attractions of the city. Z'ai'ai is one of the premier yo-yo clubs of Chromatika, having spent many seasons in both the Red and Orange Leagues.

Schedule:
Matchday 1: Audioslavia vs. Aleirave
Matchday 2: Hanalia vs. Cardenao
Matchday 3: Aleirave vs. United States of Nova Calania
Matchday 4: Cardenao vs. Audioslavia
Matchday 5: United States of Nova Calania vs. Hanalia
Losers' First Round

Umbar
Forty or so years ago, Umbar was the southern part of Z'ai'ai. They separated and incorporated into their own township and became famous for where all the logging that gets done in Z'ai'ai gets turned into Lumber. The second biggest city in the District in terms of population, Umbar has worked hard to distinguish itself from Z'ai'ai and be its own entity. Notable sightseeing activities in the area include the Logging Museum, a archery/throwing axe range, and the eastern half of the Umbar Lumber complex, which includes an area where the public can experience various aspects of the logging industry.

Venue: Umbar Ultima (Cap. 81,200; 27,500 Seats)
Home to perennial survival seekers Umbar, Umbar Ultima is an octagonal stadium known for its rigid structure and professional ambience. Also used to host mixed martial arts matches during the offseason, Ultima has a retractable roof to help with adverse weather. It's a stereotypical stadium hosting a team that has never really made it big nor fallen out of the spotlight.

Schedule:
Losers' Second Round

Urrhed Island

Urrheddiao
Located at the southernmost point of Urrhed Island, Urrheddiao is the seafood capital of Chromatika. It is here that most of the fishing fleets call home, and most of the nation's fish is caught here. as one of the southernmost cities in the country, Urrheddiao is one of the warmest; it is also possible to get on cruise ships here to sail south - toward Yesopalitha, Savigliane, or even Audioslavia or Cosumar if one is feeling particularly adventuresome. Urrheddiaoans are some of the friendliest in the country, known for their cordial behavior and hospitality.

Venue: United Center (Cap. 120,000; 28,000 Seats)
Initially, United owners wanted the stadium to be right by the water. However, safety concerns over the huge tidal waves in the winter forced the stadium to be about fifteen miles off the coast. The stadium can be transformed into a place where a lot of the city can take shelter in in the event of a tsunami or a typhoon, as it sits at the highest point on the island. It isn’t the most appealing stadia, but it’s one that stands out in the town. The football culture is great here as well, as United started in the second tier and worked its way up to be one of the greatest teams within the nation before the league was first disbanded. Urrheddiao now remain one of the mainstay teams of the Red League. The fans are quite loyal here, and the rivalry with fellow Islanders Myana and Tihon is something to watch.

Schedule
Losers' Second Round
Losers' Fourth Round

Tihon
Located on the northwesternmost point of Urrhed Island, Tihon is another fishing town, and the state capital of Urrhed Island. It is also a tourist attraction due to the huge open beaches in the area. Tihon is a maritime paradise, loved by surfers, fishermen, and those who enjoy watersports alike. Most of the seafood caught from Urrhed Island is passed through Tihon before being shipped toward the Rainbow District, and to the rest of the country; this makes the Port of Tihon one of the most influential ports in the country.

Venue: The Tidal Wave (Cap. 95,210; 25,000 Seats)
The focal point of the town, the Tidal Wave is built on the high end of the island as to provide shelter against storms. There is a huge statue of a wave about to crash down outside the stadium that casts a shadow toward the entrance. The Wave provides a secondary center to the town away from the port and fish market. There was a time where Tihon won five straight titles during the Chromatik League era - and with the team starting to put up great results once again, there is talk of a return to glory.

Schedule
Losers' Third Round

Myana Island

Myana
Biggest port city in Chromatika. Second biggest city in Chromatika. Naval headquarters of Chromatika. Second biggest fishing town of Chromatika. Tourist attraction. What more is there to say? Myana is a sprawling city made of rolling hills next to the ocean. There are stretching suburbs, beaches as far as the eyes can see, and always a view of the ocean. Myaners are busy, hardworking people who know how to do the work to talk the talk. Myana is the state capital of Myana Island, and forms a series of major ports alongside Tihon, Sanar, and Lanar between the Chromatik Main Island, Urrhed Island, and Myana Island.

Venue: Island Dome, Myana (Cap. 133,000; 35,000 Seats)
The Island Dome is located five miles from downtown Myana, towards the interior of the Island. It is in the shape of a boat to commemorate the naval forces, and there is a cannon that goes off every time the Islanders score a goal at home. For the World Cup, any goals will be celebrated by a cannon being fired. The Islander Dome has been open since the initial season of Chromatik football, home to the four-time champions.

Schedule
Losers' Third Round
Losers' Final

by **Mertagne** » Thu Oct 17, 2024 3:39 am

Previously, in Mertagne...
Subsets of the nation took to the polls as they do every year under Das Karrusell, and returned a change in government as the Worker's Unions of Mertagne, led by popular post-war politician Brandon Hope, failed to get a majority of seats and were unable to form a government with their left-wing populist compatriots, Aurrerra. Instead, new Mertagnian Conservative leader Linden Saloman, who had previously served as Governor of border region Harridan, was appointed as Grand Regent after entering a coalition with centrists in the Unified Mertagne Party and a smattering of neoliberals from the Liberal League.
This new government is taking a more ACORN-skeptic approach to business and the economy, focusing on ensuring that Mertagne is doing enough to meet its internal market demands before exporting to the free trade zone, and also ensuring that the nation does not rely too heavily on foreign investment, having learned from the lessons of the Insulation.
On Mertagne's borders, neighbouring nation The Karodin Tetrarchy is undergoing a turbulent time as of late. Having recently ousted one of the Tetrarchy's four leaders in an embezzlement scandal, a new, pro-Mertagne candidate has been installed by the community leaders in the province of Nevezant. The new leader, Etain Harveye, has pledged to distance himself from the previous Tetrarch, but has failed to immediately tackle some of the larger issues facing the nation, that have been exacerbated by poor decisions from other Tetrarchs.
With two years of economic downturn, and pressure from an ever politically aware populace, many are worried that the Tetrarchy is on the brink of collapse, and the Mertagnian government is keeping a keen eye on the situation to determine what how they can benefit from what will happen next.

ETAIN HARVEYE SUBMITS ARTICLE OF CESSION TO MERTAGNIAN NATIONAL FORUM
Nevezant Tetrarch’s proposal gains strained approval from all four Tetrarchs after spate of national crises

Dannin, MERTAGNE-- Etain Harveye delivered an impassioned conference speech on the steps of the National Forum this morning, as the most recent Nevezant Tetrarch travelled to Mertagne to meet with Grand Regent Linden Saloman to discuss the cession of the Karodin Tetrarchy to Mertagne, following two years of difficulties in the nation that have ground the nation’s exports to a screeching halt and such much of the economy.

18 months ago, Mertagnian intelligence revealed a Bostopian-conflict era plot to extend the Bostopian naval blockade towards Porzhbihan, in preparation for a beach landing and subsequent invasion. While the current iteration of Bostopian leadership have claimed such plans “have been falsified by Mertagnian intelligence”, the threat of invasion has still remained in the public consciousness of the Karodinians, and the Mertagnian government have made gestures to ensure the Tetrarchy’s protection in the event of such an attack. Members of the Mertagne Defence Force have been stationed at a base just outside of Porzhbihan for the last 12 months, conducting exercises and aiding in training programs for Karodinian militias.

Suspicions around the Bostopians came to a head about two months ago, after a Bostopian-flagged ship was seized by a joint Mertagnian-Karodinian customs force operating in the Grinshem Sea. Further inspection of the vessel revealed several containers worth of weapons which were to be shipped to Porzhbihan and, it is suspected, to be sold on the black market across Calania.

In response to this, the various Karodinian militias loyal to the Tetrarchs were placed on high alert, and the customs searches on vessels in the area have ramped up despite declining trade in the port of Porzhbihan, which has seen significant market share loss despite its cheap import taxes due to the advent of the ACORN single market resulting in trade being lost to Mertagnian ports on the Grinshem coast.

Such hardships have taken a toll primarily on the urban communities of the Karodin Tetrarchy, but ultimately have affected all in the principality of Porzhbihan due to the Tetrarch’s poorly-timed investment into Karodinian shipping, which was funded by an additional round of tithing for the Porzhbihani community. Such a loss in investment has dwindled purchasing power in the Karodin Tetrarchy, meaning that many citizens have become poorer in the last few years - and with no consensus on how best to tackle these crises, the downturn is likely to continue.

As such, discussions between the Tetrarchs, including recently selected Nevezant Tetrarch Etain Harveye, have determined a possible solution to both issues - cession of the Karodin Tetrarchy to Mertagne. Such a decision has likely not been made lightly by the Tetrarchs, as they will be too keenly aware that Linden Saloman’s government in Dannin will drive a high price for access to the Mertagnian internal market, ACORN, and the nation’s defensive capability - a price that will likely be paid by the lessening or removal of the responsibilities of the Tetrarch.

But will a culture that has been celebrated internationally for its eschewing of modern dress, customs, and technology be adequately protected if made to join Mertagne? The Mertagnian national identity is one that prides itself on acceptance of different cultures, as nearly a century ago it was forged by those that decried intolerance and wished to work for a collective future. Various provincial identity movements have seen various waxings and wanings in traction over the years of the First and Second Mertagnian Republics, most recently before the Bostopian Conflict with Malcolm Noirot’s first government and the betrayal many of his long-time supporters felt with him softening his previously hard-line federalist stance in relation to Freskovia. Integration in the greater whole of Mertagne if the cession plans are approved is likely to be a long road, and one that will likely come with compromises from both Karodinians and the Mertagnians, in the interests of a more cohesive Calania.

by **Audioslavia** » Thu Oct 17, 2024 4:29 pm

Carrying the One

Parts [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

A few thousand years ago, Audioslavia had a disastrous fourteen minute experiment with a monarchy. Regardless of how meaningless those fourteen minutes were, the very fact that there was a monarchy at all means two things are true forever. First, there will forever be a lineage of descendants of the usurped monarch. Secondly, it will always occur to at least one person in the world that, hey, maybe there should be a king after all, and while there is a person with a claim to said kinghood, there will always be a Restoration movement, no matter how small or disorganised.

At any given time, one person - almost certainly a man, due to the rules of succession having been written some time before feminism - has the title of First in Line to the Throne, sometimes called simply ‘Number One’, but often referred to ‘The Target’, which is where The Union comes in.

A society almost as old as the monarchy itself, The Union has one goal: Hunt and kill anyone who bears the title First in Line to the Throne, whether they actually claim the title or not.

The Union’s rules are simple. Anyone bearing the title First in Line to the Throne of Audioslavia must not come to, or even visit, the nation of Audioslavia. If they are in Audioslavia while being First in Line, they, and they alone, must be killed. To murder someone further down the line of succession is as heinous a crime as any other murder. Number One though? Fair game. And The Union includes enough members of the police, government and judicial system that no kingslayer has ever seen the inside of a cell. At least, not for said slaying of the king.

Due to the popular Successr mobile app, Audioslavians keep an occasional tab on where they might be in the line of succession, and are advised to emigrate sharpish should their number drop into the single digits. Perversely - and this isn’t public knowledge, so don’t go spreading it - the app also allows The Union to track the whereabouts of the Number One, should they have the app on their phone. The app comes pre-loaded on all phones sold in Audioslavia, by law. Even before the app, if anyone ever found themselves as First in Line while still in Audioslavia, their life expectancy was best measured in hours.

Our story follows Fraser Farrington, reluctant First in Line to the Throne. He is the youngest of two brothers - both now dead - and millionaire parents - also both dead. He has, with the aid of a small band of Restorationists, found refuge on a refitted eight hundred year old navy ship named The Cochise, based in Hunter’s Bay. His rescuer is a special forces agent - turned - butler named Archibald Craig, who looks like someone superimposed an ageing Errol Flynn’s face onto the body of a particularly well dressed heavyweight boxer.

In the opposite corner is one small, disorganised corner of The Union, where scrawny waste of skin Declan Parton has recently failed in his attempt to kill Farrington. Declan now finds himself with a 78-year old life-long member of the Union called Falda who, along with the rest of the universe, thinks Declan is a pillock.

"So when do we go get my sister in law?" Fraser Farrington asked, finally, and carefully. It was the sort of thing you couldn't throw in after too much of a lull in the conversation. You had to be casual with it. It was, to him, the only logical course of action. Go in. Get Tania before she gives birth to a new born son, which could be any day now take her to the ship. "We can't just sit and hope it's a girl"
"Er" said Captain Douglas. "Come again?"
"We sail into Cathair, get her, bring her here" said Fraser. "I mean, we don't know if it's a boy or a girl, do we"
"Er" said the Captain, again. He wore the expression of a man who's used to scolding people for not adding '...Captain, sir" at the end of every sentence, yet seemed to stop himself every time he realised he'd also have to call Farrington "your grace"
"We indeed do not know that yet" said Craig. "I'm quite sure we don't have the facilities to aid the birth of a child on the ship, of course" he added, although to be fair to him the wrinkle of his brow suggested he was considering what cooking utensils he could wash out. If anybody could deliver a baby using a warm spatula and some sails, it was Archibald Craig.
"We can sail elsewhere though, can't we? Cosumar's right there, there's Koronavia, Legalese, maybe Starblaydia?"
"Three days travel, five days, a week and a bit, a week and a bit" said the captain.
"She's due this week, hmm?" asked Craig
"Yes" said Fraser, "So it looks like we'll need some... equipment?" said Fraser, now a little unsure of himself. "Maybe a trained professional?I I mean I'm not suggesting we kidnap a nurse..."
Craig stifled a chuckle expertly.
"I'm not sure you can shanghai midwives, but it's a thought" he said.
"Can we at least sail kind of Cathair-wards" said Fraser, to the captain. "We'll think of some sort of plan"
"We need supplies. Fishing run down south. We don't quite..." said the captain, interrupted by Craig clearing his throat.
"I'm sure the captain will consider your request, your grace" said Craig.
"We... will" said the captain, finally adding a very quick your grace of his own to the end.

by **Bostopia** » Fri Oct 18, 2024 8:46 am

News that Mertagne had seized a Bostopian-flagged ship two months prior to today were still shaking the nation, though the expected response of a couple hundred ballistic missiles being swiftly fired in a vaguely north-north-westerly direction across the Bekk towards the Mertagne wasn't what was shaking the nation in a literal sense. What had shook the nation was the sheer nothingness of the response. It was almost as if the Mertagnian Government hadn't mentioned it at all to the Bostopians and just decided to drop it in to a diplomatic communique at the start of a sport tournament.

Still, now the news was out, the national spirit was in a distinctly foul mood, aimed largely at the Prime Minister, Emily Bonsmore, who had been blindsided by all of this as much as anyone else was. It was a major failing for a relatively young democratic Government for one of their ships to have been taken with no response. The call of the people was for the Mertagnians to 'reap the whirlwind', a call so resounding that none across the south of Anaia could sleep. Yet the Government only idled, idled, idled. Overtures towards Mertagne were made, as they had to be, but it appeared that the Mertagnians were only interested in their own affairs, going on a landgrab of the Karodin Tetrarchy whilst blaming events following the Bostopian counter-attack on Mertagne for necessitating this.

The Barony of Newford was the most central area of Newfort, and was the smallest Barony in the country, not even covering all of Newfort anymore as it had expanded outwards from the ford and new fortresses sprung up across the central Bostopian plain to protect the expanding city. History being put to one side, it was a late spring day in Newfort, just as the weather was starting to think about turning from warm to hot and the swimming points in the River Rosse were gradually filling with people looking to jump in the water for exercise or to cool down or both, flowing as it did from the Helena Range, which formed part of the Stony Mountains. The mountains as a whole formed the natural border between the Duchies of Krendhaer and Marshia, reaching north and broadly making the border between Marshia and Granfair, where the mountains range smoothed out a little and it met the sea. That the river came from such a climate meant it stayed refreshingly cool, and clean, as strict environmental laws protected all rivers waters rising in the mountain range. So, even in the middle of Bostopia's biggest city was the river clean enough to enjoy.

While some earlier iterations of the city's masterplan had the Rosse deepened so that naval ships could sail up the Thomas from the Bekk, then into the Rosse itself, before reaching Newford and be lifted out of the water via giant cranes into another nearby river so they could sail out to the Sea, this never came to fruition, and it was probably for the best too, as it would have made a massive polluted chokepoint that would be of high military value for an attacker. The various Bekk Commands, the Coastal Commands, the Strait Commands and the High Seas Commands would remain separated from each other geographically as well as within the Ducal Navy's structure charts.

The River Rosse, for now, was filling of the tears of the twins, the Duke's most favoured aides, who were still mourning his loss. They stood halfway across the river, in water which nearly came up to their necks, keeping them cool in the late spring sun. 'Try not to cry' the first said, 'think of the Emperor getting done in by President-Emperor Mihaly. That usually cheers you up!' They didn't give a toss about the Emperor. Who did? 'While the thought' the second said through sniffs and sobs 'is always a pleasant reminder of the time he died and along with it Bostopia's responsibility for the war with the Ochres and Mertagné – his actions also lead to the death of our beloved Duke!' She said, wailing again. The first twin embraced the second, and looked upstream at the publicly-owned lilos floating slowly down the river towards them. The Government – well, the Emperor - had decided that all lilos (also known as pool loungers) should be nationalised when fears of Mertagnian invasion from the Bekk were growing to make sure none could be requisitioned by Mertagnian troops. While the war was now long over, the Newfort Corporation (the local authority) had no plans of re-privatising them, instead finding an excuse to create jobs releasing them onto the river first thing in the morning from pens just inside the Newfort city boundary, as well as at various times throughout the day when enough of them had floated outside of their Local Authority Area and a replenishment of upstream stock on the river was required, in order to keep numbers up for those entering the water further downstream in central Newfort and beyond. That the lilo factory where corporation stocks were bought from was owned by prominent elected members of the Corporation would have been a bigger scandal had the local journalists not been paid off. Still, they would every quarter send an angry letter to other Local Authorities downstream of the Rosse (notably Jembersken and Lusby), where they suggested lilos were being 'purposefully kept and not returned as required by law'. One or two were even sent to authorities in Legalese where Newford Corporation lilos were seen to have made good their escape onto the Legalese bank of the River Thomas. It was of course just for show, but the journalists were happy enough to report on how many lilos were retrieved and how many blank artillery shells were fired in Legalese's direction – usually one for every 'stolen' lilo, but occasionally three on special occasions.

Some of the lilos still under the Corporation's control were, of course, being used by people to serenely float downstream, drink in hand, enjoying the rays and the bubbling of the water beneath them as if it were a lazy river and they had managed to sneak alcohol onto it again. One of them caught one of the twins eye. 'It can't be' she whispered, as the figure on the lilo got closer. This caused the second to turn and look as well, shielding her eyes with her hand from the sunrays glistening off the water. The lilo got closer, the man on it lying back with his hands behind his head, oblivious to the excitement he was causing downstream until water suddenly splashed over him, making him sit up with a start. 'He's not The Duke!' Twin two wailed. 'He's just an ugly man who looks vaguely like the Emperor wearing a fake moustache and glasses!' She went to pull them off his face but the first twin had given the lilo the confused man was on a good shove, sending it off downstream and well out of the reach of a very angry twin.

'I'm so angry!' She yelled, splashing more river water up and over the lilos floating past, drawing some consternation from the occupied ones. 'How dare that ugly man put on a fake moustache and glasses!' The twin got louder and louder as she continued. 'If the Duke was here I know exactly what I would say!' The first twin, the calmer of the two, took a breath, wishing the same thing. 'Shall I inform the Duke?' 'No need' said a snorkel poking up from the underside of one of the apparently empty lilos 'for it is I!' the lilo flipped over 'THE DUKE!' The twins both squealed so loud that people looked over at a very wet man pulling a snorkel out of his mouth and removing a large pair of swimming goggles from over his face. There were gasps among the crowd as they realised who he was, and news quickly began spreading through the country. The Duke was back. And he was soggy.

by **Flavovespia** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 7:33 am

CAFA Cup 10, after the adventures of the World Cup, Flavovespia return to their home continent, keen to improve on their last showing in this cup. The 2 purple stars on the crest of the Flavovespia football team shows everyone what this tournament means to them, and their past success, and the team and fans are itching to relive those days. The stint of Victor Adeyemo as manager has been a mixed bag so far. After an early exit in CAFA Cup 9, he was unbeaten in World Cup Qualifiers 97, then won all 3 group games. The draw panned out rather unfortunately, Flavovespia faced Farfadillis, there are many words to describe the events of that game, few of which are positive from a Flavovespian perspective. Few could blame Adeyemo or the players, and despite a relatively early Round of 32 exit, the World Cup was by and large what Flavovespia wanted until that stage.

Chromatika will be the hosts this time out, potentially a more settling and familiar surroundings to some of the Flavovespia team than Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land. However with just 4 group games, with 3 of the 5 in each group entering a double elimination bracket, Flavovespia know they’ll have to hit the ground running, to stand a chance at the trophy. A relatively tough start awaits though, as Flavovespia have to take on the top seeds of the group, Bostopia. They play a direct 4-4-2, with Alan and Dean leading the attack (starting striker Alan not to be confused with goalkeeper Alan, left midfielder Alan, right defender Alan, the Allan in midfield, or the other striker called Alan). Bostopia enter with a point to prove, and it’s a tricky opening fixture.

Pyazhnaya are the second opponents of Flavovespia after a bye. These sides famously met in the CAFA Cup 5 final, where Flavovespia came out winners, 3-2 after extra time, to lift their second consecutive CAFA Cup. The distinctive colour of their jerseys adorn the side as they play an attacking 4-4-2 formation. Radmila Masharina is the young star in attack, as Aleksandr Zavrashin brings a relatively youthful side to this tournament. Both these sides know this could be a key game for a Top 3 spot, as Pyazhnaya look to defy a Pot 4 ranking.

Triumviratus debut in this tournament, and are the penultimate opponents of Flavovespia. As debutants, they’ll be playing a defensive, 5-3-2, and certainly not afraid to make tough tackles and play to the edge. For a team like Flavovespia, it’ll be of utmost importance to not get drawn into any silliness as a result, and to keep their heads. A fairly youthful team, experience in defence will likely be from Phoenix Praeconinus, and Pæon Octavianus could have a busy time in goal.

Flavovespia finish the group stage, but hopefully not the tournament, against Vdara. They reached the World Cup 97 knockout stages too, and look to be a side on the up. They come in playing an attacking 5-3-2, so expect a game with plenty of goals, especially if qualification is on the line. Alessia La Rosa leads from the heart of the midfield, and if they play well, the whole team usually does. Vdara may be Pot 3 here, but they could well go far if they find form. Flavovespia will certainly be challenged in this group, but with a double elimination bracket, know that a top 2 spot could be vital to getting themselves in the latter stages of this tournament.

by **Estorvipa and Estorpiva** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:44 am

Saint Paulsburg, “Soviet Republic of Estorvipa”
Five years ago

Field Marshal Petar Antonic and Colonel General Trayko Nikitin, both formerly of the Estorvipan People’s Army and now the self-proclaimed leaders of the breakaway Soviet Republic of Estorvipa, stepped out in front of the facade of the Royal Duma building in the city of St. Paulsburg to address the dozens of columns of soldiers assembled in front of the building. The soldiers, like Antonic and Nikitin before them, were formerly part of the Estorvipan People’s Army before their commanders had decided to follow the Field Marshal on his way out of the EPA and towards his own “independent state” in the midst of the Rose Revolution that was threatening to tear Estorvipa even further apart than it already was. As commander of the People’s Army, Petar Antonic had been given the task of reclaiming the north from the anarchist rebels that had taken over the area by none other than the dictator of Estorvipa himself, Vissarion Zhivkov. In that task, Petar Antonic had failed, though it was definitely not for lack of trying. Despite many attempts at modernization, by the time the Northern Revolution kicked off, almost ninety percent of the People’s Army was still using equipment that was at least twenty years old. Only a handful of units used arms and vehicles that could be classified as “state of the art,” and most of the rest had to make do with armored vehicles and rifles that had been designed to fight in a war that had rapidly proven to be outdated.

Equipment also wasn’t the only problem that Petar Antonic faced when he went against the northern rebels. Most of the People’s Army manpower at the time consisted of conscripts, easily impressionable eighteen-year olds who had little understanding of why they had to serve in the army and even less knowledge of the enemy they were about to fight. As anarchists, the northern rebels didn’t have a truly unified fighting force, but the gangs that had taken over governing the northern cities had their own forces which they used to fight against the People’s Army. Easily the most recognizable and infamous of these groups was the Blue Skulls, a group that started off as an armed militia but quickly grew in numbers until it was essentially the northerners’ own army. The Skulls were infamous for their savagery on the battlefield, throwing waves upon waves of their own men on People’s Army positions until the latter surrendered or were overrun. And if that alone wasn’t enough to strike fear into the hearts of the poor conscripts, the Blue Skulls would chop off the heads of dead enemies and put them on posts to delineate the border between the north and the rest of Estorvipa. Sometimes the Skulls would even pick out individual soldiers and blast directed propaganda messages at them, urging them to lay down their arms and defect to the north or else unspeakable things would happen to their families and friends.

Desertions and defections were a massive problem for Petar Antonic, not a complete surprise given the large disparity in training and equipment between his conscripts and the hardened criminal scum who took up arms for the northerners, especially those in the Blue Skulls. It was easy to dismiss his young conscripts as cowards whenever they dropped their weapons and ran away from fighting the northerners, but Antonic had noted that even the older soldiers like the warrant officers and non-commissioned officers were equally as prone to running away from the fight as the average grunt. Even the commissars, the men who reminded the rest of the army about how communism was better than the enemy and that victory would be achieved if only one believed strongly in the ideology, were willing to risk running afoul of their own rules against retreating because that was a more palatable alternative to getting captured by the northerners, who had said and proved time and again that they would show no mercy to any commissars that fell into their hands. That was how dire the situation had become when Petar Antonic had been given the mission of reclaiming the north from the rebels and bringing it back under the control of Rybolovlev.

These issues were only compounded when the Rose Revolution sprung up in the south, and Antonic soon realized that he simply didn’t have the manpower or resources to fight a two-pronged war. And then the Pridnestrovian intervention force came along, and Estorvipa literally tore itself apart under the weight of so many factions fighting for their own piece of the pie. It was at around this point that Antonic had realized that he would be fighting a losing battle if he remained by the side of Vissarion Zhivkov, who had become more and more unhinged as more and more enemies appeared to fight his “beloved” Estorvipan People’s Republic. And Antonic had also begun to hear rumors that Zhivkov was becoming more receptive to negotiating some sort of truce between himself, the northern rebels, and the Imperium that had been Estorvipa’s rivals for a long time and was rumored to be the one behind the Northern Revolution in the first place. Antonic knew that achieving peace was the ultimate objective of war, but what he couldn’t stomach was the possibility that his commander-in-chief could actually throw in his lot with the country that had made Estorvipa miserable in the first place. That was the main reason why Petar Antonic had decided to split off from Vissarion Zhivkov and the Estorvipan People’s Army and establish his own little fiefdom in Estorvipa, the Soviet Republic of Estorvipa, in the ultimately vain hope that he would be able to lead his own troops to victory.

Unfortunately for Antonic, he hadn’t counted on Pridnestrovia entering the fray in Estorvipa and attempting to re-establish their own brand of order from all of the chaos that had engulfed the land. And even more unfortunately for Antonic and his men, the Pridnestrovian intervention forces had landed in territory controlled by his Soviet Republic and his new Estorvipan Liberation Army, meaning that in the blink of an eye, Petar Antonic was now up against an even more technologically advanced foe that also had the advantage in both manpower and discipline. This, along with the fact that the Soviet Republic had been fighting its own two-front war against the northern rebels and Vissarion Zhivkov’s Estorvipan People’s Republic, ensured that the Soviet Republic wouldn’t be able to keep hold of most of the territory that it had seized from the People’s Republic after Antonic had made his mutiny against Zhivkov official. The Pridnestrovians, for their part, had made it clear that they would eliminate any and every faction that they encountered that had carved itself off from the Estorvipan People’s Republic, meaning that Petar Antonic and his Soviet Republic was now fair game for the interventionists.

If Petar Antonic had thought that desertions and defections had been a problem for him against the northerners, then those problems would multiply threefold upon the entry of Pridnestrovia into what was now being called the Estorian Civil War. Despite his own attempts to instill more discipline and backbone into the core of his new Liberation Army, most of Antonic’s soldiers were still conscripts at the end of the day, and they were prone to breaking and running away at the first sign of trouble. And with the knowledge that they would not be treated well if they surrendered to either Zhivkov’s loyalists or the northerners, most of the Liberation Army’s soldiers opted to give up to the Pridnestrovians instead, who at least tried to show that they were now more humane towards prisoners of war, or at least more humane than they had been before. This had resulted in Pridnestrovia’s rapid advance through Soviet Republic-held territory, and just a couple of weeks after landing on Estorvipan shores, the Pridnestrovian Army was now knocking on the doors of St. Paulsburg. Petar Antonic had made St. Paulsburg, the traditional capital of the Estorvipan state, the capital of his Soviet Republic in an attempt to add legitimacy to his separatist state and rally more supporters to his side, but even the citizens of St. Paulsburg were beginning to look like they had had enough of the chaos. They just wanted the fighting to end, and if that meant welcoming the Pridnestrovian intervention with open arms then so be it. But unfortunately for them, Petar Antonic had no intention of letting the city fall without a fight.

Petar Antonic stood in front of the soldiers of the Estorvipan Liberation Army gathered in front of the old Royal Duma building, the current site of his headquarters. He was wearing the dress uniform of a field marshal of the Estorvipan People’s Army, and festooned on his chest were at least two dozen medals that had come along with his time in service. Not that Antonic could claim to have had much actual combat experience while serving the People’s Army; the Northern Revolution was the first time in over fifty years that Estorvipa had been in a war since the Imperium occupied and took over their southern neighbors Jugovipania. Nevertheless, the medals had the intended effect of impressing the mass of mostly conscripts in front of him. Beside Antonic, Colonel General Trayko Nikitin was similarly attired, giving off the impression of competence, even if it was slightly propagandistic. “Comrades,” Antonic began, “today the Soviet Republic of Estorvipa stands at a crossroads. To the north, we have the anarchist rebels and their masters from the Imperium. To our west lies Rybolovlev, Vissarion Zhivkov, and the heavy price of what he sees as our betrayal to his cause. And to our east and south, the Pridnestrovian horde approaches. The Pridnestrovians claim that they are here in Estorvipa merely to restore order, but they said the same thing when they went into Ixania and Hatay, and look what happened to those places! The same fate awaits St. Paulsburg and Estorvipa if we let them take this city away from us, and we cannot let that happen, comrades. We must hold the Pridnestrovians at St. Paulsburg, or else the consequences will be disastrous for the future of the Estorvipan state and the Estorvipan people. At the same time, I also have knowledge that Vissarion Zhivkov plans to sell out the Estorvipan people by entering into an alliance with the very Imperium that has divided the Estorvipans into many. We cannot allow Zhivkov to sell us downriver to the Imperials, and thus we must also attack Rybolovlev while defending St. Paulsburg from the Pridnestrovians at the same time. It will be a tough task, but I have faith in all of you that you will accomplish these tasks. Today, the work of the Estorvipan Liberation Army begins. Today, the Estorvipan Liberation Army will liberate Rybolovlev and the Estorvipan People’s Republic from the traitor Vissarion Zhivkov, and the Liberation Army will liberate St. Paulsburg from the threat of the Pridnestrovian invaders. To your posts, comrades! The liberation of Estorvipa begins now!”

One of the soldiers assembled in front of the Royal Duma building in St. Paulsburg that day was Private Arseniy Davydov. In the near future, Davydov would eventually make his name as a professional football player representing the future Federal Republic of Estorvipa and Estorpiva on the international stage, but for the moment he was nothing more than a simple conscript in the Estorvipan Liberation Army, pressed into service when the barracks town of Supskij had decided to throw in its lot with Petar Antonic and his Soviet Republic of Estorvipa. Arseniy Davydov had been a young player for CSK Armiya Supskij, the football team operated and supported by the Estorvipan People’s Army, when the Rose Revolutions sparked off the chaos of the Estorian Civil War and he was pressed into service. At the time, Arseniy was a much better footballer than he was a soldier, but he was about to be forced to learn how to become one, and he was about to do it against the mighty Pridnestrovian Army. He and his unit had been assigned to the defense of St. Paulsburg, and Arseniy Davydov would be put squarely on the frontline against the Pridnestrovian intervention forces. It was not something that he looked forward to doing at all.

by **Pacitalia** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 10:58 am

Sunday 20th October 2024

Matchday Memo
Foxes face tough group to begin CAFA Cup title defence
Re-match with Ko-oren, battle with Legalese await in the group stage

Paolo Perretto

CHROMIA, CHROMATIKA — And we're off! The tenth edition of Anaia's regional football championship is officially underway in Chromatika — and the table is set for an exciting tournament, with the potential for some unexpected results.

Pacitalia embarks on its title defence facing a smaller field of opponents, but a tough group that may very well pose a revamped Foxes squad and its new manager some significant challenges.

This time, the CAFA Cup is a slimmed-down regional championship, with just 20 nations participating. Pacitalia enter as the seventh-best side on paper, per the regional rankings updated prior to the tournament, as the third- and seventh- ranked teams did not make the cut. Even so, after making the jump on the ranking table from "unranked" to the top 10, several stalwarts on the Pacitalian squad have bowed out and exited stage right, including long-time back Hermès Adiarche.

Adiarche bid international competition adieu at the conclusion of CAFA Cup 9, citing the championship victory as a great excuse to make way for the next generation of Pacitalian footballers. And, indeed, the former captain's contributions to capturing the silverware marked a bookend to an accomplished career.

There are eight new players in the 23-man roster for the Blue Foxes, and the turnover is reflected in the average age of the starting eleven, which dropped from 28 in the last cup, to 26. The team will also navigate some injury challenges from the start, taking the pitch on matchday 1 without one of their best playmakers and goal-scorers, as Memo Sánchez continues to nurse a hamstring issue.

New manager Fico Carbone has also shifted the Foxes' default formation from the 4-2-3-1 of tournaments past, to a more defensive 4-3-1-2, forcing Gianmarco Zolà to share striker duties with newcomer Bolade Akinyemi. These adjustments have taken some getting used to, as Pacitalia struggled in its tune-ups — a pair of pre-tournament inter-Foringanan friendlies, where the Foxes got past Medovicia 1-0 on a late goal from Bolade, and settled for a scoreless draw with Scandonia.

The lack of offensive production is a concern for Carbone, who helms a team that netted a Pacitalian record 31 goals in the last CAFA Cup en route to the title. But Carbone says the overall defensive strategy remains the same and the formation shift is simply a realignment to get more bodies behind the ball, while compensating with an extra striker up front — meaning the team should be able to counterattack more efficiently.

Captain's duties have shifted from Adiarche to midfielder Mau, who anchors the Pacitalian attack. Behind him in midfield will be the known quantities of Niko Armaou and Dario Formetti, plus first-time starter Bosee Kolawole.

Along the backline, Adiarche's departure results in the three remaining incumbent starting backs all shifting one spot to the left — Kiko Rodríguez moves to left-back, Mauro Girometta and Adewunmi Ikogwe are now anchoring the centre-back spots, and new starter Drağan Mihaiescu holds down the fort at right-back.

Legendary keeper Ander Bera, who signalled this tournament may be his last, remains between the posts as a source of competence and comfort. Paolo Corasetto remains on the squad as a backup, but the aging Emin Demirtas' time on the 23-man squad has come to an end, dropped in favour of younger and more promising Lamberto Zaccone.

Pacitalia is in Group A for the tournament, with a key re-match ahead from the last tournament — Ko-oren await in the middle of the group stage. The Foxes edged the then top-ranked Dragonflies 2-1 in the quasisemifinal, and the team will no doubt be looking for revenge. Though both teams will likely settle for a draw, the final placing in the group stage may come down to who is able to extract three points from this match. The Dragonflies continue to be a juggernaut, having only dropped to second in the regional ranks despite the disappointing exit two rounds before the final.

A familiar foe also lurks in the group — Legalese are the Foxes' first opponent. The two sides last clashed in AOCAF Cup competition several years ago and will face each other in international competition for the first time in over a decade. The region's 21st-ranked side is using a "Takil"-style strategy of relentless attack, which looks set to clash with the Foxes' defensive pedigree. The opening match could be a nail-biter, or it could be a thrilling homage to the infamous Superscorigami. (What's the over-under on an 11-10 final result?)

Previous hosts Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land return to the playground with a near-equal ranking to Pacitalia, and will also pose a strong challenge for the Foxes, as will newcomers Avisora, who are determined to shed the disappointment of an unsuccessful World Cup 97 qualifying campaign. The Avisorans are in some ways reminiscent of Pacitalia in the last Cup — unranked, ready to have fun, playing some honest football with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The tournament, despite its slimmed-down field, still employs the "winner-loser" bracket as the previous tournament, meaning teams will not officially be out of contention for the trophy unless they lose twice in the knockouts. The top three teams from each group make the knockouts, though only the top two go to the "winner" bracket automatically. Because of the unusual format, there is once again a good chance for some re-matches from the group stage — meaning that if there happens to be controversy or bad blood during the round-robin, a team could exact its revenge in a matter of days.

It's setting up to be a fantastic tournament and no doubt Pacitalians are already super-glued to their screens, waiting for the first whistle to blow.

The tournament opens tonight and is set to conclude November 9th.

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Copyright © 2024 Pacitalian Broadcasting Corporation • http://www.pbc.pc/sport/fb/cafa/333299877/

by **Hanalia** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 1:00 pm

As far as entries to international football go this was perhaps as easy as it could get for Hanalia. For starters they have a bye, an extra week to familiarise themselves with how things work around here, and an opportunity to look at the opposition not face to face on the field. Additionally the Group D Mountain District draw had intrigue. Cardenao, Audioslavia and United States of Nova Calania all happened to be the lowest ranked teams in pots 1, 2 and 3. On the other hand pot 4 is represented by their top ranked side. What relevance is this to Hanalia? Frankly, not much. Being the newcomers, Monroe's side will carry the underdog status throughout, and any win could been seen as an upset. It does perhaps make the chances of one such upset slightly more likely but we all know sport takes place in the field and not on paper and ultimately it will come down to how the Hanalians perform. Will they dull under the international glare or will they shine in Chromatika? The wait to find out is almost over.

Schedule
v BYE
v Cardenao (5)
v Audioslavia (10)
v Aleirave (18)
v United States of Nova Calania (16)
HNL Roster link

by **Triumviratus** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 3:53 pm

JACINTHUS • CENTO • TO • VENCESLAUS • HIS • FATHER • VERY • MANY • GREETINGS • I • PRAY • THAT • YOU • ARE • IN • GOOD • HEALTH • NIGHT • AND • DAY • AND • I • ALWAYS • MAKE • OBEISANCE • BEFORE • ALL • THE • GODS • ON • YOUR • BEHALF. • WE • HAVE • JOURNEYED • ACROSS • THE • NEWLY • FOREIGN • SEAS • AND • ARRIVED • SAFELY • ON • THE • SHORES • OF • THIS • NEWLY • FOREIGN • LAND • THOUGH • THE • JOURNEY • WAS • TEMPESTUOUS • AND • THE • WILLS • OF • THE • CONTUBERNIUM • TESTED • ALL • OF • THE • THEM • WERE • BENT • BUT • NONE • BROKE • PERHAPS • THIS • WILL • HAVE • TEMPERED • THE • STEEL • OF • THE • YOUNGEST • FOR • WHOM • LIFE • HAS • NOT • HAD • ITS • FULL • TIME • TO • MEASURE • AGAINST • AS • YOU • AND • THE • SENATE • INSTRUCTED • WE • HAVE • BOUGHT • OURSELVES • THE • SERVICES • OF • SOME • OF • THE • LOCALS • TO • INFORM • US • IN • THE • WAYS • OF • THIS • STRANGE • VARIANT • OF • HARPASUM • AND • BOUGHT • FURTHER • STILL • TO • BRING • MORE • NEWS • OF • THE • LANDS • AND • SEAS • WE • FIND • OUR • NATION • IN

IT • APPEARS • THAT • OUR • INITIAL • REPORTS • ARE • TRUE • THE • DIPLOMACY • OF • THESE • LANDS • DOES • REVOLVE • PRIMARILY • AROUND • SPORT • AND • THE • REPORTS • OF • WONDERS • I • CAN • REPORT • WITH • MY • OWN • SENSES • TO • BE • THE • TRUTH • AND • THESE • WONDERS • EXTEND • INTO • ALL • MATTERS • OF • LIFE • AND • INDEED • DEATH • WE • WOULD • BE • AS • AN • ANT • STANDING • AGAINST • THE • ARMY • OF • OLD • ALREADY • THERE • ARE • REPORTS • OF • TENSIONS • BETWEEN • THE • NATIONS • OF • MERTAGNE • AND • BOSTOPIA • AND • FROM • WHAT • INFORMATION • I • HAVE • BEEN • ABLE • TO • GATHER • THIS • HAS • THE • POTENTIAL • TO • ESCALATE • INTO • A • FULL • SCALE • WAR • WITH • THE • NATIONS • OF • THESE • LANDS • POTENTIALLY • BEING • DRAWN • IN • AS • ALLIES • I • HAVE • INSTRUCTED • THE • CONTUBERNIUM • TO • REMAIN • POLITICALLY • NEUTRAL • IN • THESE • AND • IN • ALL • MATTERS • FOR • THE • CURRENT • TIME

IN • THE • MATTER • OF • THE • HARPASUM • ANAICUS • TOURNAMENT • WE • FIND • OURSELVES • AT • A • SLIGHT • ADVANTAGE • BEING • ABLE • TO • WATCH • THE • OTHER • NATIONS • IN • OUR • GROUP • COMPETE • FIRST • AND • FURTHER • OUR • LEARNING • OF • BOTH • THIS • SPORT • AND • THE • OPPONENTS • WE • WILL • FACE

by **Cardenao** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 7:37 pm

“…United States of Nova Calania.”

“Don’t you mean Principauté de Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer?”

“I think he means People's Republic of Burnham-on-Stove!”

“Aren’t they all the Équipe nationale de football des États-Unis de Nouvelle-Calanie?”

“Oh would you all shut up! We have important matters to discuss here!

It’s the start of the CAFA cup, we got a big opening game against Nova Calania…”

“Don’t you mean–”

“Oh hush, we got this big opening game and an opportunity to set the tempo for the kind of tournament we want to have. I’ll tell you how I want this game to go. I want us to be assertive out there, decisive in our actions and our movements. When we’re defending, I want everyone to be nice and compact. Funnel the ball out wide, they can whip crosses in if they want to, but there’s not going to cut through the center and open up easy scoring options for themselves. After we lose possession, you better immediately counter-press Nova Calania and try to win the ball back within five seconds. Nip at their heels, put in a strong challenge, do what you gotta do to win that ball back, but if you don’t win it back after those few seconds, I want you to drop back and join the defensive unit. Wingers, drop wide to support the fullbacks. Telmo, I want you dropping down between the centerbacks when we’re in possession so we can control the game more, I need you to recycle the ball as your first option, look for a linebreaking pass second. You hear?”

“Yes coach,” the team responded. Now was the time to get locked in and set the details to secure the win.

“Haritz…you’re the captain, you run the midfield, you make us tick……do your game. This is the final dance for you and Juanma Saez…make the most of it. That doesn’t mean go crazy and try to do it all yourself, but set us up and bring us to victory.”

Manager Ramon Lamberti looked around at La Furia Azule, those in Blue and Gold who were ready to get out there and go to war to win honor for Cardenao. It was, as far as he could tell, their first matchup against Hanalia and while it was sure to be a well contested battle, there was no reason why the Blue and Golds shouldn’t bet on themselves to come out on top. They had a good team, in fact they were returning the exact same team as the one that qualified to the World Cup Finals for the first time in nation history. True, heroes of the game Haritz Larrainzar and Juanma Saez were slated to retire from the national team after that World Cup, well shit could you hang it up after going to the Finals for the first time? No, no they had to run it back for one last chance in the CAFA Cup.

“We have a good group, a difficult group, some good teams and the Devil Named Audioslavia…once again. Good group but shitfire we’re number 5 in the region so play like it. Pass and move, pass and move, control the ball, control the space, take your touch to let the play develop before you…remember, we can deal with the pressure we choose to invite, then exploit that and head to goal.”

“Hellllll yeah boss!” Chímo Ventura exclaimed. The former bright hope for Cardenaoan football was finally, peacefully in a good moment. Years of dealing with that label and he, and Cardenaoan football as a whole, failing to live up to their billing for over a decade–that created certain tension, certain pressures in any individual, and Chímo was no different. His struggle with CAD-E addiction and infamous PlayToy Mansion adventures in Quebec are well documented, but his recovery and rise to, perhaps not the lofty heights envisioned when he was a young player, but considerable heights nevertheless has been inspirational. And now he’s coming in off playing an important role helping bring Cardenao to the World Cup Finals. Can he do it again in the CAFA Cup? Can he do even better and bring the Golden Moon to the championship game? That was Ramon Lamberti’s job.

“I know you got it in you Chímo, I know all of you do. So this is your time, time to get out there and set the tempo for the tournament ahead. Do you want to win? Do you?

Then prove it tonight.”

Interesting Things About Cardenao: Part I

Amola friends, Makoa Bernat, reporting from the surfing island of Mokuleia in Cardenao. Over the course of this new series, Interesting Things About Cardenao, where we explore interesting things about Cardenao. This won’t be very extensive in content, rather it’s intended to be a short, easily digestible blurb of interesting things about Cardenao. I’m here with one of Cardenao’s most peculiar species……Banijan Triceratops. Yes, triceratops…from Banija. What’s the deal with these creatures?

Well, they come from Banija, hence their name as Banijan Triceratops. The story of how Cardenao acquired these dinosaurs comes from Mihaly’s close relation with Banija and her government, it was simply a matter of asking for them and of course the Banijans would be happy to send some of their Triceratops over to us. So what does it mean now that Cardenao has Triceratops?

Very good things, very good things indeed. Not every nation has dinosaurs, so that’s another reason why your next international trip should be to Cardenao!

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:15 pm

Some time ago

"Jim, did we really have to go for it this time? The country's still reeling. There are some that say that we'll never have a free election that doesn't end up in tragedy. The eastern half of Myana Island is still being rebuilt. The Red League has barely gotten to its feet, and the Chromatik Security Council has their hands full with convincing the public that they are only going to be in power until they can make sure to weed out the worst parts of the Shadow Hand's involvement. Did it have to be now that we hosted yet another tournament - even if it's on a Regional scale?"

In the penthouse suite of the downtown Chromia hotel, James McNavis stared across the room at his counterpart. Marcus Alleta was a necessary if not annoying piece of the Chromatik bureaucracy, working with the Department of the Interior in regards to everything that went on when other countries were invited to participate in sporting activities. Thankfully, he had cultivated a decent enough relationship with Alleta - to the point that the two were sharing drinks on a Friday night after the meeting that had finalized the Capitalizt Dome as the venue of the CAFA X Final. It had taken a bit of maneuvering, but the powers that be had finally agreed.

"It's because of that very issue that we need to successfully complete this hosting job," James McNavis answered. He was the Chromatik Venues Head of the Chromatik Football Federation - and Viktor Karras, Jr. appreciated him for the work that he did. They needed a win, they needed the money, and they needed to show the Chromatik public that Chromatika was able to still be a valuable piece in the international community.

"You know that some of the public will say that we're being irresponsible by looking at foreign image when we should be handling our own people, right?" countered Marcus, "What are we to do about those people?"

It was a good point - but a point that they would have to overcome.

"It's going to take time anyway - and the ones that are truly affected are being helped. To the naysayer who doesn't have any skin in the game, it shouldn't matter what we do in the interim. To those that do care about the news from our corner of Anaia, though? Showing that we still have the capacity to host a tournament to completion will do a lot to show that Chromatik stability is returning - and then we can double down by showing us running our elections well, hopefully. This can be that very important first step," answered James.

"You don't have to convince me. I just hope it works - if anything does happen, we will never live it down. That'll be your head as well as mine, you know," was the response.

"We'll just have to hope, then, that the worst doesn't come to pass. Drink to that?" James offered.

Marcus sighed, and raised his bottle. The two clinked before turning their conversation to more entertaining things - hoping for the best ahead.

by **Aleirave** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:32 pm

Awaken

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Haulafo Paka'ula was awakened by his phone alarm for the first time in quite a while... he didn't turn it on often, but when he did, it was always something special... it was time for football.

Specifically, it was time for the annual tradition of going over the CAFA draw with the team. The Seagulls always had a weird history with this competition, but that didn't stop it from being something they'd look forward to every single year... and this year was certainly just a little more special than the others that had come before it.

Of course, this year they were coming off of their first World Cup qualification! Not only that, but they had managed to make it into the final 16, truly a special feat indeed. Heck, even when they did lose, it was to the eventual champions, so nothing much to be sore about there. Coming off of a massive achievement like that made hopes very high for this CAFA... and boy, the competition would be fierce this time around.

It may have been a smaller CAFA than usual this time around, but the talent was all still there... and this would be a difficult field for Aleirave. Dipping down to rank 18, a low they hadn't seen in many, many years, they had gone back to being minnows in a big, big talent pool... but this group draw? That was something promising.

For starters, Aleirave were the highest-ranked team in pot 4. While pot 4 wasn't an ideal position for them to be, you have to start a rebuild somewhere, and for them, it was right here. Their first matchup would be against the Bulls of Audioslavia, the lowest-ranked team in Pot 2, and a real throwback to this team's first match ever, all the way back in CAFA II. While this would be a tough first matchup, this wasn't the Audioslavia of old, and they had a real chance to start off strong here.

As for Matchday 2... that would be a bye. A nice day off to recover from their first match, since no matter whether they won, lost, or drew it, it would sure take a lot out of them. Byes are always a good opportunity to relax, and a good checkpoint to see how you're doing and what needs to change. This little break would be needed, what with what MD3 was set to be.

Their third matchday would be against the United States of Nova Calania, the lowest-ranked team in Pot 3, and the closest matchup they were going to have in this cup. Anyone could win it, and they would need to be giving this competition their absolute 100%. Luckily, they had the advantage of being well-rested, whereas Nova Calania would be coming off of playing the top 2 seeds back to back. This team would likely be drained, and that was the Seagulls' chance.

Matchday 4 would be a slightly less nerve-wracking one, against unranked Hanalia, a team returning from quite a long isolation. With this team being gone from all competitions for so long, nobody knew what they were going to bring to the table, so this would be the most likely matchup to be a surprise.

Lastly, who else but Cardenao to finish this group stage off... and they happened to be the lowest-ranked team in Pot 1. While Cardenao would absolutely be the favorites to win, this draw was relatively lenient on the Gulls, and they would be slightly more beatable than some of the other teams who could've appeared in this position.

For those keeping score at home, that's the highest-ranked Pot 4 team being drawn against the lowest-ranked teams from every other ranked pot. Quite literally there was mathematically no better chance a Pot 4 team could have to perform well than this opportunity the islanders had just been handed on a silver platter. All they had to do was get it done.

"And that, right there, is where you lot come in..." Haulafo said to his team on their first day of training, after the schedule had been read out. "A golden opportunity is just that... an opportunity. And I'm gonna need you all to perform your absolute best to take advantage of it. The top three teams in each group move on, but really we want top two, since third has to walk a tightrope from the very start of the knockouts. I know you all have what it takes to get back to the top... the question is, are we ready for it?"

The response from the team was a mix of excited cheers and nervous mumbles, as, while the younger players were filled with enthusiasm following their World Cup performance, the veterans knew that CAFA tended to be where this team had a penchant for underperforming... but, only they would be the ones who could change that, and their nervousness turned into determination when they heard the following words from their manager:

"I know what you may be thinking... lightning never strikes twice, does it? We just had lightning in a bottle last year, and it's never coming back... well I say, lightning does strike twice on a lightning rod, and you, the best team in the multiverse, are that lightning rod."

Was this speech as corny as all hell? Sure, but it had a certain charm to it, and that charm was all they needed.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:00 pm

Matchday 1 Cutoff

Who will get the ideal start to this edition of the CAFA? Cutoff!

Tables to be provided after Matchday 2.

Group A
Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land 4–2 Ko-oren
Legalese 5–5 Pacitalia

Group B
Vdara 2–4 Pyazhnaya
Bostopia 1–3 Flavovespia

Group C
Chromatika 2-1 Mertagne (scored by Quebec and Shingoryeo)
West Vdara 0–1 Estorvipa and Estorpiva

Group D
Cardenao 3–2 United States of Nova Calania
Audioslavia 3–0 Aleirave

by **United States of Nova Calania** » Mon Oct 21, 2024 3:13 am

Nova Calania lost against geographical rivals Cardenao

Felswyr, Chromatika - It's that time of the year where every Anaian nations gather and play football. This year, the hosting nation is Chromatika and, unlike last edition, this time we play in real football stadiums. Nova Calania is in Mountain Group along with our neighbors Cardenao, who just won the World Bowl. Fun fact, Nova Calania and Cardenao is separated with a mountain chain, making land travel between the two nations a little difficult. Other nations in the Mountain group are Audioslavia, Aleirave and Hanalia. The big question is is there a rivalry between Nova Calania and Cardenao? Geographically, we're really close but they've beat us everytime we meet, in every sports. I guess despite our geographical proximity, there's no rivalry unless we start to win against them.

Both teams met in Felswyr, famous for their college football team, and Cardenao won 3-2. Nova Calania is actually playing without a proper coaching staff since they've been sacked after World Cup 97. The current interim coach is the 8 years old son of the Nova Calanian Football Federation manager. Nova Calania started off on the good foot with Frédérique Goudreau-Luneau scoring a header goal at the 8th minute after receiving the ball from Charlotte Gibouleau-Beaudoin. But then, Cardenao took control of the game and if Serge Bleau-Bean wasn't in goal, the score would be higher for Cardenao. Chímo Ventura had the ball at the 28th minute and made a cross to Dani Anselmo who kicked it into the net to tie the score. The Blue and Golds took the lead at the 36th minute when Haritz Larrainzar dribbled with the ball and made a short pass to Juanma Saez who kicked the ball past Bleau-Bean and Cardenao was leading 2-1 at halftime.

Nova Calania started putting more pressure on Cardenao's defense in the 2nd half and it paid off at the 55th minute when Mei Qi Xiong scored on a free kick. We were tied again! Then... uhh... the seats were so comfy and I fell asleep. The stadium janitor woke me up and told me the game ended 5 hours ago! He told me Cardenao won 3-2 but he couldn't tell me the name of their 3rd scorer and when. On matchday 2, Nova Calania stays in Felswyr and will play against one of the most ancient nation in Anaia, Audioslavia.

GAME SUMMARY

8th    GOAL NOVA CALANIA     Frédérique Goudreau-Luneau assisted by Charlotte Gibouleau-Beaudoin
28th   GOAL CARDENAO     Dani Anselmo assisted by Chímo Ventura
36th   GOAL CARDENAO     Juanma Saez assisted by Haritz Larrainzar
55th   GOAL NOVA CALANIA     Mei Qi Xiong (Free Kick)
???    GOAL CARDENAO     Unknown Scorer (I fell Asleep)

Paul-André Veilleux

by **Ko-oren** » Mon Oct 21, 2024 5:28 am

OOC: image at the top AI-generated

Explore the Extraordinary

There are infinite reasons to visit Ko-oren. Some of the best nature in the multiverse. Vibrant cities. Award-winning cuisine. History and culture. Incredible scenes in the multiverse's biggest sports.

Can't choose? How about one of these unforgettable journeys?

Nature

Majaroren and Razahne: Start out in the capitals and spend a day in each of the national parks there: the marine sanctuary of Insin, gorgeous Sathonga lake, set out on hikes in the Wuritharanau mountains, and complete the circle around the Jatunar lakes.

Sahamanaubahl: Enjoy hikes and cross-country skiing on the frigid northeastern steppe and the Hemauniguth mountains. Visit the many lakes and their unspoilt vistas, and discover our national parks on either side of the mountain.

Edihlbahl: From the quaint mountain town, you can go on different (multi-)day trips taking you through the mountains with activities around every corner. Hikes, climbs, runs, or even frisbee golf in a pine forest.

Thorunohn: Spend a week in the most beautiful scenery in Ko-oren. The sources of the Sihlben, Aurohra, Hissathra, and Isohle rivers, in the Thorunohn wetlands. You won't find this many flowers and trees unique to Ko-oren anywhere else in the country!

Sohlatal: The university town of Erpuhnur welcomes you to explore the rainforests that span most of the island. Lose yourself in the serenity, listen to the silence.

History and Culture

The Gems on the Bay: Discover our capitals, stay a while in Amahne, the Cultural Capital, and enjoy everthing that Ethuweri and Gehenohn have to offer. Hug the coast and stop at any town in between while you check out history and politics across centuries of greatness in Gehrenna, Maethoru, Senoren, Majara, and Amahne. At the end you will be in the important port Ethuweri, a centre of contemporary culture!

The Southeast: A rougher place to be. Go to hip and upcoming Serekhan, enjoy prize-winning cooking in Erpubehte, and party on the streets of Thelesra.

Garihnkatar: The biggest city of Ko-oren has everything on offer: great nightlife, clubs and concerts, see where the beat carries you.

Orental: Find answers to all your questions about medieval Ko-oren, check up on excavations from the first people to set foot on the island, and figure out what's behind our weirder customs in the southwest!

Journeys

Tarrashalli: Sit back and relax, take in the views on both sides of the train that carries you from Gillberra to Myaranowra in five days.

Grand Tour: See the best we have in a tour de force across our oldest cities, best food, most beautiful landscapes, and strangest national parks.

Don't forget that Ko-oren has a progressive tourism tax: the fewer days you stay, the more you pay - but you're exempt if you stay at least seven days as an Anaian, or ten days as a national from elsewhere. Check the rules and how much you pay on tax.gov.kor/tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism

by **Mertagne** » Mon Oct 21, 2024 8:03 am

ANOMALIES BEST GREEN GOBLINS IN CAFA X OPENER
Claudio Vantula faces first match, first loss against tournament hosts

Sanar, CHROMATIKA-- Mertagne's CAFA X campaign, manager Claudio Vantula's first at the head of the table, has suffered a tumultuous start as the Green Goblins failed to block out the buzz of the home field advantage in Sanar against the Anomalies. Home fans were packed into The Hive to watch Chromatika play Mertagne, and that home energy seemed too much to bear as Chromatika showed a commanding performance throughout both halves of the match.
Alina Khabibullina's side played like one that seemed to know Mertagne's game all too well, as Mertagne's eminent style of pre-football a responsive style of play that has been the hallmark of the Mertagnian side since the days when its opposite, post-football, was causing regional greats such as Audioslavia and Ko-oren to win and lose finals respectively, was met with a Chromatik response that showcased how the game has definitively evolved from such loose definitions. Furthermore, the Anomalies use of the CAFA as a proving ground for many of their less capped players ensured that the Mertagnian side was met with a significantly more hungry version of the side than they may have found in World Cup competition, with each player on the field looking to prove themselves to the cadre of Chromatik fans that had packed the stands.

The match began with a lighting fast goal from Chromatika, as just three minutes in a blistering shot recieved by Kaytlyn Jean-Baptiste from the wing was enough to sail past Callaghan Bauldry and give the Anomalies an early lead. Mertagne, near instantly on the back foot, would consolidate around the back line and attempt to push forward, as Claudio Vantula had decided to field a central duo of Mari Vastell and Jon de Vymont, aiming to ensure that the ball could be locked into the centre of the pitch and away from the lethal wingers of the opposing side. This play did not fully deter the home side, however, and Chromatika continued the press against the Mertagnian defence, with two more shots on target in the next twenty minutes, which were each clutched by Bauldry. The Green Goblins would place their first shot on the board just before the half-hour mark, as Trebuchet managed to get on the recieving end of a long ball from midfield and scarpered past the Chromatik defence to boot the ball against the gloves of Hailee Sourtois, who had yet to see any proper action in the tournament thus far. A late tackle from Stewart Bickley would see him given a yellow card, which essentially reset the momentum that Mertagne had managed to build on the attack, leading to a sluggish end to the first half.

Facing and uphill battle, the Mertagnians came into the second half with a bit more grit, and a tactical substitution from Claudio Vantula to bring on Conwal Ibarborde in place of Jon de Vymont saw the back line take on a slightly more aggressive tone, with the aim of shutting down attacks and clearing the ball into the attacking third. This strategy would pay off, as the Green Goblins managed to keep the ball in the Chromatik half for a solid chunk of the second half, with a number of shots sent goalward that were either deftly handled by Sourtois or skittered just wide of the mark. The Hive would prove off-putting for the Mertagnian attack, and the atmosphere from the densely packed crowd as the home side carried the ball up the pitch was certainly a shot in the arm for the Anomalies. The Mertagnian defence cracked once again in the 73rd minute, as a corner kick delivered by Nemes Mátyás found its way past the goal line thanks to Evin Françine-Miklavivec. Keen to get a goal onto the scoreboard, a rapid-fire counterattack from Mertagne saw Sourtois caught off-guard, as the Chromatik captain gambled a bit too early against a shot from Nazer Armenadriz. Unfortunately, Mertagne's goal would come just a bit too late to really make the most of, and the end of the match swiftly arrived, heralding the win for the tournament hosts.

Mertagne need to make the top three of five in this CAFA's group stage, and with matches against Estorvipa and Estorpiva, Kimi-Suomi, and West Vdara still to come, the Green Goblins will be looking to take as many points as possible from their remaining opponents. Vantula needs to work out where this squad's weaknesses lie fast during the team's bye on Matchday 2, and ensure that they begin to build up enough points to avoid the Losers' bracket by the end of the group stage. Mertagne remain in Sanar for their match against Estorvipa and Estorpiva, and hopefully the Green Goblins won't get stung twice at The Hive.

CESSION PLANS RECIEVED BY NATIONAL FORUM - TO BE DEBATED IN SPECIAL SESSION
Mertagnian government to debate plans to absorb Karodin Tetrarchy

Dannin, MERTAGNE-- The National Forum is to enter a special session in order to debate the cession plans delivered by Etain Harveye last week, which detailed the handover of the administration of the Karodin Tetrarchy to Mertagne as markets in the Tetrarchy continue their inescapable downturn begun by the ousting of the previous Tetrarch of Nevezant, Gwenael Quemere. The plans, delivered by Etain Harveye last week to Linden Saloman's office, were met with mixed response from politicians across Mertagne, with many concerned that the nation is not in a fit state to properly integrate a nation as culturally distinct and as economically insecure as the Tetrarchy.

Mertagne has often had a shaky relationship with the nation to its west - during the Bostopian Conflict, the Karodin Tetrarchy remained markedly neutral, and capitalised on the Bostopian blockade on Mertagnian ports in the Grinshem Sea. The Tetrarchy has also become a haven for Mertagnian dissidents in recent years, with many Mertagnians moving to the nation to eschew either obligations to national service, or criminal convictions. However, the Tetrarchy has also been a source of economic growth for Mertagne, with the nation's population providing a comparatively cheap source of labour for Mertagnian businesses, and the Tetrarchy's lumber sector providing a significant amount of resources to Mertagne's construction industry.

Details of the cession plans, as designed by the Tetrarchs, have been provided to the press preceding the debate in the National Forum, which would see the Tetrarchy's four provinces - Porzhbihan, Hirtraez, Nevezant, and Havreg - absorbed into Mertagne at the County level, with the Tetrarchy as a whole becoming analagous to a province. Mertagne would take responsibility for matters of national security, foreign policy, and economic policy, with the Tetrarchy retaining control over its own internal affairs, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and local policing. Notably, plans have not been detailed for the administrative structure of the Tetrarchy, and this is likely to be a key point of debate between the National Forum and the Tetrarchy's leaders if the cession is approved.

Grand Regent Linden Saloman has been quoted as saying that the cession plans are 'a step in the right direction for the Tetrarchy, and for Mertagne as a whole,' and that he is 'confident that the National Forum will see the benefits to both nations that this cession provides and allow us to unlock the next stage of negotiations'. However, concerns have been raised as to how the integration will work in practice, as many cultural groups are concerned about the erosion of the Karodinian identity if it were to become a Mertagnian province.

A judicial review is likely to be requested from the Charter Council to determine how many culturally specific rights, if any, Karodinian citizens will retain if the cession is approved. Worries that the future province will become a 'wild west' for criminal activity have been raised by a police union in Harridan province, who have stated that they are 'not equipped to deal with the influx of criminal elements that could stem from further integration of the Tetrarchy'. Furthermore, the nation's obligations to ACORN and the free trade zone have been called into question, as the Tetrarchy is not a signatory to the free trade zone, and will be required to meet ACORN's standards if it is to be absorbed into Mertagne. This could mean a large overhaul of the port of Porzhbihan, and likely additional connections to the Trans-Calanian railway, the Karodinian leg of which is currently already maintained by Mertagne. Voices in the Tetrarchy are concerned that many of their citizens will be 'technologically cut off from the job market jobs', squeezing the already strained economy in the Tetrarchy.

The National Forum is expected to debate the cession plans in a special cession session over the next fortnight, before both the Tetrarchy and Mertagne hold two referenda concerning integration. If both referenda are successful, negotiations will begin in earnest to determine the future of the Tetrarchy as a province of Mertagne. The Karodin Tetrarchy is expected to hold a series of town hall meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the cession plans with community leaders, as Etain Harveye has stood firm in declaring that 'no plans will be made without the consent of the Karodinians.'

by **Hanalia** » Mon Oct 21, 2024 10:09 am

MD1 v BYE
Hanalia 0 - 1 BYE (a.e.t)

Having some extra time in their BYE week, the Hanalians went for some 'altitude training' with an expedition up Mt. Kùrn, Chromatika's highest peak. The first portion went without incident, a strong team bonding experience, physical training accomplished through the hikes and friendly 5 a side competition with the local guides made for a well enjoyed time. The relaxed attitude faded in the days leading up to summit day as the guides impressed upon the travelers the potential dangers of the task at hand. Passing landmarks such as Deadmans Walk and the Ridge of Tears reinforced their point. The views on the way up had been breathtaking but the summit of Mt. Kùrn was extraordinary. Snow capped mountain peaks stretching inland, sun shimmering over the sea and the twin cities of Z'ai'ai and Umbar. Across the bay was even a faint glimpse of Myana Island on the horizon.

The descent was the tricky part. Incoming messages of potential bad weather put a rush on the group to get down quickly. The revised plan was to rise early morning in the summit camp, and squeeze 2 days hike into one. These were high performance athletes after all and the expedition route had been designed for a more leisurely pace but speed was now in order. So on only a couple of hours sleep the group began the trip 'home'. Progress was speedy at first and the reward for an early start was a blazing sunrise panorama. They passed through the penultimate camp stopping briefly for food and a rest. Ordinarily they would've been done for the day but pressing on to shelter at the next camp was the afternoon task.

The sky was darkened as the sun set and the storm clouds gathered as our intrepid explorers reached their base for the night. Exhausted, the team collapsed into their beds and nodded off, no bedtime stories required. When the storm arrived in the night it sounded apocalyptic. It went all night and all day and then all night and all day again. Hours were passed with card games, keepy uppies and streaming CAFA matches through what dodgy connection there was. Even as the storm subdued activity on the mountain was still deemed unsafe but eventually the all clear came and the expedition was able to continue.

Releasing young football payers cooped up for 3 days straight was another kind of storm unleashed on the mountain. They were bouncing and shouting and laughing, all good natured fun until it goes wrong. A fall resulting in a broken ankle before a minute of football had been played saw the end of Dan Lin's competition and the start of months of rehabilitation. This is not the start Hanalia will have wanted and their prospects made all the more difficult losing the team's young poster boy.

Schedule
v BYE
v Cardenao (5) @ Z'ai'ai Field, Z'ai'ai
v Audioslavia (10) @ Frozen Stadium, Felswyr
v Aleirave (18) @ Frozen Stadium, Felswyr
v United States of Nova Calania (16) @ Z'ai'ai Field, Z'ai'ai
HNL Roster link

by **Bostopia** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 2:39 pm

'So, what's news?' Asked The Duke, holding his chest out under a hand-dryer in the public toilets near the river, trying to dry the medals attached to his jacket, which had turned a dark green owing to just how wet it was. As the medals began to dry a little, and he had burnt himself ('ouch!') fumbling about with them, he was left with a patch of light green jacket over his left breast where the jacket had dried as well. 'Well, your The Dukeship' the first aide said, hanging around awkwardly outside the toilet block (despite then being genderless) 'CAFA X has started' the second added. 'Lots of excitment around that' the first told The Duke. 'Excellent!' cried The Duke as he strode out of the door and back into the Newfort sun, before thinking for a moment and going back in.

'Did my friend Alan make the team?' The Duke asked, as the sound of the soft tinkle of water on porcelain was carried out of the room as well while he spoke. 'Oh, yes Your Duke!' 'He's playing left midfield' 'And gave a good showing against a foreign team!' The Duke's brain whirred into gear again as the toilet flished. 'That doesn't sound like Alan' The Duke told them. 'I've never known him to play left midfield. Totally right footed.'

'There was an Allan who plays right midfield' 'who came off the bench in the same game' the twins responded, one after the other. 'Ah! That sounds like the Alan I know!' The Duke responded with a beaming smile that would be recognised across Bostopia had they only had chance to recognise it. 'Just to be clear Your Dukeship' the first twin said, mildly pushing her luck 'It is Allan who you're friends with isn't it?' 'Of course!' The Duke responded, washing and drying his hands again. 'Alan - that's exactly what I said' The Duke said, a little sternly. The twins bit their lips. They loved a stern man in power. Mihaly's problem was that he was never stern enough. Not like The Duke! 'My good friend Alan who plays right midfield.' The twins looked at each other and nodded. Allan was the Duke's friend, no matter how he pronounced it, they must remember it was Allan and not Alan.

All this take of Al(l)an had drawn quite the crowd. Al(l)an was a very popular member of the Bostopian side. But not as popular as the man striding out of the toilet with a dry set of medals. Those who hadn't already formed a loving semi-circle around the toilet block the Duke was using rushed to join the crowd, which was rapidly becoming a throng as news had quickly spread that The Duke had returned from - somewhere at least - and was now back, a sopping wet mess, yet still somehow exuding the power and confidence that simply wasn't matched in the democratic halls of power and wouldn't be matched. The Duke looked over the River Rosse and the park-come-floodplain on either bank, toward central Newfort, the rising skyscrapers further back, the sun beating down on their many roofs.

'Where should we go, Your Dukeship?' The Duke was asked, and he surveyed his ever growing crowd, as a soapbox was thrown towards him from somewhere, which he caught so magnificently that the medium of the written language wouldn't do it justice. The Duke passed the soapbox to his loyal aides, one of whom placed it on the ground for him for him to step on. The Duke saw now that the growing crowd had been joined by his most ardent supporters, who had heard the call going out across the nation. The Duke didn't actually know where in Newfort the halls of power were. He'd arrived with half a plan and it was starting to show. One of his aides spoke up. 'Your Dukeship, I can see on your face you have questions!' 'The answer, Your Dukeship, is the Hall of Barons!'

The Duke pondered for a moment. 'Then we shall march to the Hall of Barons and seize my rightful power back!' A large cheer went up from the crowds.

'Shall I inform The Duke?!' A voice was heard. But it wasn't one of his aides. Fortunately though, The Duke laughed. His aides laughed. The crowd laughed. Then The Duke stopped laughing and pointed toward the Hall of Barons across the river, and as a nearly hundred-thousand strong crowd who had appeared behind him began to march behind their leader toward the democratic hall of power in Bostopia, some of The Duke's most ardent supporters in their matching dark-coloured shirts slowly circled around the lone voice who had called out, and the march shrunk by one.

by **Audioslavia** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 5:00 pm

Carrying the One

Parts [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
[9]

A few thousand years ago, Audioslavia had a disastrous fourteen minute experiment with a monarchy. Regardless of how meaningless those fourteen minutes were, the very fact that there was a monarchy at all means two things are true forever. First, there will forever be a lineage of descendants of the usurped monarch. Secondly, it will always occur to at least one person in the world that, hey, maybe there should be a king after all, and while there is a person with a claim to said kinghood, there will always be a Restoration movement, no matter how small or disorganised.

In Audioslavia’s case, there’s also a counter-restoration movement, which aims to brutally murder anyone in Audioslavia should they hold the title of first in line to the throne

Having heard him talk, Falda couldn’t say she liked Declan any more than she did when they first met, but she at least had some measure of the man now, beyond the ‘5’5 on his grindr profile’ vibe she initially got. There was no doubt about it, he was a Man of the Union, pledged to dedicate his life to maintaining the exile of all would-be “kInGs” of Audioslavia. He was also slow witted, sullen and had a chip on his shoulder, and only the latter could really be explained by his height.

At the heart of it, Declan was annoyed that he hadn’t had the chance to kill the guy who was first in line for the throne. Falda got the impression doing so was something Declan had thought about often, maybe fantasised about how it would feel. She didn’t know herself either, of course, not in the gorier, more personal sense, but she knew enough that what it was Declan was chasing would proceed to turn around, grow fangs and chase at him for the rest of his life. However noble the cause, some laws are natural. Only psychopaths didn’t feel anything but despair after killing another human being, and Declan was no psychopath. If was also, unfortunately for both of them, no orator and no detective, so he could neither give voice to these deep, complex feelings, nor figure out what to do next.

“Intelligence says that there’s about to be a new first-in-line, right” said Declan. “To be born in Saint Audius’s Hospital next week”
“That’s common knowledge, I think” said Falda. “What intelligence tells us is that the baby is due on Wednesday morning at 4, and that the mother has booked both a train ticket to Hasiera and a train ticket to Crossport and a flight from Cathair Crossport to Mertagne and has will likely take neither. There’s a company out in Cosumar who’ll fly her from an airfield near the family’s second home, out in Evadora, over to Cosumar via helicopter for a cool few thousand. Nothing we can do but wait. Oh, and we’re hearing it’s likely a girl, but that the source for that is suspect, so Intelligence says it’s likely a boy”
“So… that’s where this guy’s headed? Fraser Farrington?” said Declan. “Cosumar?”
“Not while he’s king” said Falda.
“Oh, right” said Declan, shaking his head as if shaking loose a forgotten memory. Cosumar didn’t have an extradition process with Audioslavia, but was firm on not allowing Audioslavian “kings” into their borders. Mothers that are carrying future first-borns though? Fine.
“We also know our intelligence is better than theirs, and we think there’s been no contact between Fraser and the to-be-mother, his sister-in-law, Tania Farrington”
“So” said Declan… “he’ll be coming for her?”
“‘He’ won’t do shit. Who knows who picked him up, what kind of private contractors those rich-kids had working for them, but whoever it is, they won’t put him in harms away until he can’t pay any more”
“Is that it?” Said Declan. “A private security firm?”
“Come on, Declan” said Falda. “I know you’re not the smartest knife in the fuckin larder, but come on. I mean, what else would be”

A hundred and fifty kilometres away, a cheaply refurbished, partially disguised six-hundred year-old wooden gunboat and its crew of die-hard restorationists performed a slight course correction, and headed towards Cathair.

by **Aleirave** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 7:49 pm

Formless
Audioslavia 3-0 Aleirave

What... exactly... happened?

Sure, Aleirave were never known as a team that does well in CAFA, that much had been made abundantly clear over the last four years of collapse and failure... but going from a World Cup Round of 16 to being 0-3ed by a team that failed to even qualify? What the hell happened and where were the Seagulls that Haulafo knew?

This team, who just 4 short months ago were playing the best football that had ever been seen on the Sunshine Isle, all of a sudden looked like a team of third-graders who couldn't keep their focus on a football longer than they could on a passing squirrel. Honestly, it was a huge humiliation for Haulafo, who had spent years building up what was supposed to be an all-star quad that just... wasn't there.

There are a lot of people and things you can try to blame this on. Maybe it was the underexperienced rookies who just didn't have their heads in the game yet? Well, no, most of them weren't starting, and as for the one who was... Lihana Lehi'ona was honestly one of the few bright spots on this otherwise horrendous team. No, it definitely wasn't the rookies.

Maybe it was burnout? A little case of burnout can go a long way, especially after an exhausting cycle... but in training, everything seemed just fine. Nothing was really out of the ordinary until the starting XI stepped onto the pitch and started losing all focus.

Maybe, just maybe... it was all of the expectations that they suddenly had of themselves. This Aleiravan team was one that had always thrived when not caring too much about the way their results broke. It could just be a case of expecting too much of themselves and losing the focus on what it was that actually mattered.

Well, none of that mattered all too much, anyway. What happened had happened, and this team had just been nuked from orbit by a Bulls squad that gave it their absolute everything, an everything that was just missing from the Seabirds. They were going to need to spend their bye day getting their heads back in the game, or whatever it would end up taking to re-center themselves before the match against the USNC. That was going to be their most critical match, a pivotal moment in what could be their comeback to regional greatness... but right now, it looked like it was all going to wet, messy birdshit.

Did Haulafo even have much of a plan going into the bye day, or were these birds just going to have to wing it? Well, Haulafo always had a plan... but was it going to be a good one?

by **Cardenao** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 9:16 pm

First game? First win.

CAFA time, what a wonderful time of the year. The time when regional friends, allies, and even enemies come together in the spirit of (mostly) friendly competition. A competition that is marked by wacky, zany formats, the nation of Mertagne playing their diplomatic game, Gods knows whatever is going on in the Ochres these days, and……an opening day matchup against the only nation to actually border Cardenao. Nova Calania, who our gridiron team recently knocked out en route to a World Bowl championship, so here we went against them in what was billed as a hotly contested matchup.

And did it live up to that! From the first whistle those boys had fire and the determination to destroy the other team……and I’m not talking about the Blue and Golds. Nope, the Tapirs of Nova Calania, hats off to them in that opening 15 minutes for absolutely running the show to the point where you had to wonder if the Cardenaoan team had ever played ball before. Eighth minute, commanding attack from the Yellow-Reds that culminated in Charlotte Gibouleau-Beaudoin doin’ it all to win the ball from Telmo Andrade before sliding a through ball for Frédérique Goudreau-Luneau to run onto and slot home to make it 1-0 and that’s not how you want to start a game! The Calanians continued to bring the pressure, with Mei Qi Ziong coming close with a free kick in the 14th minute, but after that La Furia Azule started to take control of the match and started to link up some attacking movements. Chímo came close with a shot that rattled off the bar in the 22nd minute before Moustir-Yves Almeny scorched Bleau-Bean’s gloves with a long range shot. 28th minute, Ricky Delafont does well to pressure Nathan Fauteux-McGrath and win the ball back before pinging it out right for Chímo Ventura to run onto. A nice little step over to get past his man before crossing it into the center forrrrr……DANI ANSELMO to head home and make it 1-1! The vibes didn’t last long though……before the lads scored again! It was a beautiful piece of patient attacking play as the Blue and Golds completed 25 passes before Hartiz Larrainzar chipped the ball through the middle for Juanma Saez to collect and smash home past a helpless goalkeeper to make it 2-1, a scoreline that would last as the referee blew for halftime.

Halftime, goodtime, time to take one a couple few beers before heading back to your seat right in time for the teams to play to a bit of a deadlock in the opening minutes of the second half. Nova Calania pushed forward and was pushed back, Cardenaon pushed forward and was pushed back, the teams battled it out in midfield before we finally got the edge as Haritz Larrainzar fouled the shit out of Scarlett McCaskill to give Nova Calania a freekick. Wait what?? Yeah not what I wanted to write, and I definitely don’t want to write the next sentence, but what a BANGER of a goal from Mei Qi Ziong to smash home the free kick past Kai Chidubem who was rooted to his spot. Normally I hate to see a keeper not make an effort for a save, but Kai could’ve had the most perfect attempt at a save he could do but it wouldn’t’ve been enough because Ziong’s shot was just that perfect and it was 2-2 just like that. Coach made a couple subs, Zorion Zuñiga came in for Juanma as did Lonzo Capiatelli for Ricky Delafont, and from then on out the Blue and Golds controlled the flow of the game. 89th minute, Abel Ruiz snapped a pass forward for Titus Young to do what he does best…be fast as hell and run onto the ball before whipping in a tasty little pass for Zorion to bash home with that big head he’s got, and that secured the win for us.

A victory against Nova Calania…look, it might not be an official rivalry but there’s something to be said about getting one over against our geographic ‘friends’. So what’s next? A game against an unranked Hanalia squad who put in that work during their matchday 1 bye fixture. Yes, there’s reports of their team doing some team ilding running up a mountain.

Go Blue and Golds!

Interesting Things About Cardenao: Part II

So what’s the deal with Cardenao? It’s one country but there’s also a Western Cardenao and an Eastern Cardenao…what’s the deal with that? Well that’s a great question and one grounded in collective national trauma. Pull out a map of Anaia and follow along on this one!

Those with eyes will notice a great big expanse of blue sea that separates the two landmasses that constitute Cardenao, and that’s where the national pain comes from. Over 120 years ago, the beautiful nation of Cardenao was an indentured state of the Empire of Eshan, with our bountiful crop and plentiful natural resources siphoned off to this Atlantian overlord. Fortunately, however it happened, that Empire ceased to exist over night but not before a final act that forever changed Cardenao.

You see, that area on the map between Cardenao that is ocean and known as the Strait of Cardenao? Yeah, that used to be a unified land mass with some great farmland. With some great towns, some great cities, some incredibly important centers of Cardenaoan culture. All of that was destroyed when the retreating Echani destroyed the system of dams, dunes, and dikes that kept the seawater at bay. Death, destruction…and the creation of East and West Cardenao.

by **Chromatika** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 9:18 pm

Something has to change if we are to get better at this. The nation can't take another cycle of crashing out at the Group Stage of the World Cup Proper - especially when the playoffs have been expanded to forty-eight nations. Give me something - anything - that we can give over to Alina so that she can have a better understanding of where we are at. We can't expect her to work miracles without giving her some support, after all...

Scrawled in the slanted yet meticulous handwriting of one Viktor Karras, Jr., the note had both a sense of urgency as well as that of desperation. Chromatik football was in dire straits, and while Alina Khabibullina had the Anomalies that had under fifty caps participating in the CAFA, it was the job of the Chromatik Football Federation to make sure that they were giving all the support that the Pyazhnayan Manager needed. She would make a point to judge the roster that were appointed to the CAFA; the support staff would provide the names of those that needed to be looked at going forward.

Which fell to one Emilie Carteaux, of course. Working as a Scout for over a decade for the Chromatik Football Federation, Emilie was a woman married to the job. She traveled the multiverse tracking down Chromatiks playing abroad and within, looking to see if they possessed a quality or two that made them ideal candidates for the Chromatik National Team. For her troubles, she was compensated well, and she had tremendous autonomy - she didn't report to anyone but Viktor Karras, Jr. himself. He valued her input, she valued her independence, and the two worked very well together.

That was the final element that made this request so important. Letting down Viktor wasn't an option - not when Chromatika was reeling politically. Every time that Chromatika reeled politically, it looked at its football program to be the light in the darkness - which was hardly fair, but absolutely true. They were simply running out of time to provide that mystique, that togetherness that the nation needed so badly.

Thankfully, some names came to her mind immediately. The same league that had yielded them Adélaïde Bittencourt would come through for them again. Tikariot wasn't the sexiest name when it came to leagues that yielded plenty of talent, but Chromatiks did well there. Hrönn Sæsdóttir and Nana Sæsdóttir were twin center backs that would provide youth and competition for one Claudia Lethbridge-Antonio. Mel Hartley, on the other hand, was doing very well as a Left Back playing for Tikariot City FC.

Making a mental note to thank Timothy Herald, the Scout in charge of the Tikariot Premier League, for his services, Emilie began to write a brief on these three players, making sure to promise many others before the CAFA would end.

Chromatik football had to change. It was going to change. To what end, with which players, would be ultimately up to Alina - but they had the duty and responsibility to influence the pool, and they were going to do that, and do it well.

by **Chromatika** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 9:25 pm

Matchday 2 Cutoff

Will you gain the upper hand today? Cutoff!

Group A
Ko-oren 2–1 Legalese
Avisora 2–6 Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land

Group A                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land      2   2  0  0   10   4  +6    6
2 Ko-oren                                     2   1  0  1    4   5  −1    3
3 Pacitalia                                   1   0  1  0    5   5   0    1
4 Legalese                                    2   0  1  1    6   7  −1    1
5 Avisora                                     1   0  0  1    2   6  −4    0

Group B
Pyazhnaya 3–3 Bostopia
Triumviratus 1–0 Vdara

Group B                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Pyazhnaya                                   2   1  1  0    7   5  +2    4
2 Flavovespia                                 1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Triumviratus                                1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Bostopia                                    2   0  1  1    4   6  −2    1
5 Vdara                                       2   0  0  2    2   5  −3    0

Group C
Estorvipa and Estorpiva 0–3 Chromatika (scored by Quebec and Shingoryeo)
Kimi-Suomi 5–0 West Vdara

Group C                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Chromatika                                  2   2  0  0    5   1  +4    6
2 Kimi-Suomi                                  1   1  0  0    5   0  +5    3
3 Estorvipa and Estorpiva                     2   1  0  1    1   3  −2    3
4 Mertagne                                    1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 West Vdara                                  2   0  0  2    0   6  −6    0

Group D
United States of Nova Calania 1–1 Audioslavia
Hanalia 1–3 Cardenao

Group D                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Cardenao                                    2   2  0  0    6   3  +3    6
2 Audioslavia                                 2   1  1  0    4   1  +3    4
3 United States of Nova Calania               2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1
4 Hanalia                                     1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
5 Aleirave                                    1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

by **Flavovespia** » Wed Oct 23, 2024 1:10 pm

Bostopia 1 - 3 Flavovespia

It was a bit of a nervous start at times for Flavovespia, but a resolute second half performance saw them come out as 1-3 winners in this opening Group B game. Flavovespia’s Group B games would be held in the capital district, and this opening game was in RCK Field, Alnio. Over 100’000 could fit in the ground, and it felt that full as Bostopia lined up against Flavovespia, with around a third of the ground a sea of yellow fans. All the pre-game excitement had built up to this contest, on a fair evening.

Flavovespia could’ve been forgiven for having lingering post World Cup 97 woes. They had a few early attacks, but by the midpoint of the first half, it was going the way of Bostopia. Bostopia began to press their Pot 1 advantage, and looked to open the scoring. Alan up front, alongside Dean were lively, and it was Nathan Crewe making the most saves in this game, although he did look comfortable in doing so.

After some sustained pressure, Bostopia broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Flavovespia weren’t able to clear their lines again, with Roger Burden’s low clearance intercepted just outside the box. It was Alan to Alan, Nathan Crewe blocked the first shot, but Dean got to the loose ball and slotted in at near range. 1-0 to Bostopia, and few could argue they hadn’t deserved it.

The lead would not last long though. Jonathan Bagshaw whipped in an early cross in the 42nd minute, aiming at the centre of the box. It never got there, as John headed it, aiming to put it out for a corner, but mistiming it, instead placing the ball into his own net. A relatively fortuitous goal for Flavovespia, but they’d take them as they come. Bagshaw would also come close on the brink of half time, a low driven shot from the edge of the box parried away by goalkeeper Alan. 1-1 at the break, Bostopia had looked confident, but the momentum had swung to Flavovespia.

It was a close start to the second half, but there was a sense Flavovespia had something in the locker. And indeed, it was Flavovespia who got the breakthrough in the 67th minute of the game. Anthony Lane was the one who set it up, a great dribble down the wing after being played through by Charles Adams opened up space. A low cross into the danger zone saw the ball fall to Charles Shepherd, and a fierce shot put it out of reach of the goalkeeper and into the net. Flavovespia were 1-2 up, a turnaround complete, and the fans behind the goal in yellow were absolutely delighted.

Bostopia countered, but it was to be their final undoing with 3 minutes to go. A quick clearance saw Jonathan Bagshaw find acres of space. He still had the energy to outpace the defence, and one on one with the goalkeeper, calmly slotted into the bottom corner. 1-3 now, the final flames of a comeback seemingly extinguished. Bostopia had started well, but Flavovespia dug in to get the result. A good win to open the campaign for Flavovespia, they’re on a break before the game against Pyazhnaya.

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