CharmingCavalier 1738 Share Posted January 13, 2023 Heartland Folkball League Championships IX 1907 Heartland Folkball League in the Fields of Minitz Brought to you by The Miller’s Mark, Good for whatever ales you! 1907 Bracket Somehow this leaflet has found its way into your hands as you venture throughout Almaris. However, fear not; we will describe the world’s most riveting sport to you within the confines of this handbill. If you so enjoy it, perhaps you will try it with your neighbors and enjoy the communal affair that is Folkball (rules here). However, if there are no neighbors nearby, let us delight your sensations with the detailing of this Ninth Championship tournament in the Heartlands of man. We set the scene at the Ninth Championship series of the Heartland Folkball League (HFL) outside Minitz. These warm summer days are a true test of a man’s determination to claim the crown for his team and bring home the glory. This year lots were drawn for the ordering of the teams. While the Grenz Hurlers and Florentine Bulls pulled well, the Upstreeters and Suns did not. So, we have our bracket! Let’s get on with the games. Game 1 Grenz Hulers vs New Vienne Upstreeters Our first contest was set between the Grenz Hurlers and the New Vienne Upstreeters. Both teams have had violent streaks in the past, but they can certainly play the sport. It all started off with the shielders guarding the ball exceptionally well. However, after a few minutes tussling in the midfield, we saw the Hurler’s halfback, Heinrik Rarehird, throw an impressive long-range shot into the net for an early lead. Yet, the lead was lost with many successful catches by the long-range icon, the Upstreeter’s Charles ‘the Fish’ Fisherman. He has impressively been able to catch long and deep throughout his career, which was undoubtedly handy for this team. However, three overshot balls ended up awarding the Hurlers a point and a half in defense points. The only thing slowing down the Upstreeter’s offense was the poor net work of Merret the Brown Knight. Known for constantly falling face-first in the mud performing daring dives, they did not pay off in this game. The Hurlers, led by Rarehird, feinted and perfectly predicted his movements. In the end, a last-minute kick of the ball by New Vienne’s shielder, Jaremy Smith, sealed the deal. However, the Hurlers did not disappoint, only losing by a half point. There is talk about making the tournament a double-elimination contest, so in the future, a loss may not spell the end of a team’s season. We all know Hurlers fans will be happy to hear that! Game 2 Florentine Bulls vs Petran Suns Next, the Florentine Bulls took on the Petran Suns in a slightly uneven match. The Bulls have been desperately struggling to find new talent amongst the dwindling population of Florentine. Coach Filippo Jacoson has stated that there is a real possibility they will need to look for a new home or just disband. Meanwhile, the game itself was filled with failure by the Bulls. Of their nineteen shots on the net, none found their mark, and one went over the net to award the Suns a defensive point. Roberto il Toro being benched in this game certainly made the Bulls less fiery, but from his hand gestures on the sidelines, it can be presumed he would have been too violent to let into the game. The Sun’s shielder, Obidiah Longfoot, one of the only halflings ever to partake in the HFL, did an exceptional job. His short stature puts halfbacks and fellow shielders off guard and even allows him to grab the ball several times. Yet, the rushes only resulted in one score with a pass to Petran halfback Roger Norton. Overall the game showed promise for the Suns and a lack of cause by the Bulls. Without noticeable improvements, the Bulls may be bound to stay the lowest-ranked team in the HFL. Championships New Vienne Upstreeters vs Petran Suns The Championship Match was between the New Vienne Upstreeters and Petran Suns. After a dominating victory against the Bulls, most bookies favored the Suns. Overall, it was a close game in which the teams carefully avoided unnecessary shots on the net. As a result, no defensive points were awarded to either team. While Petran halfback Roger Norton dominated the catching game and scored four times, the Fisherman scored five for New Vienne, receiving some excellently placed and long-range catches from netters and halfs alike. Both men carried their teams, but Norton was left as the only scorer for Petra. Longfoot, the Sun’s shielder, could not generate much traction because of Jaremy Smith’s grappling. His rotund presence certainly outweighed the meager size of the halfling and made his patented ‘leg-chops’ less effective. At one point, Smith was seen to try and sit on Longfoot, which prompted interference from several Suns players to avoid those predictably disastrous consequences. In the end, the work of halfback Charles ‘the Fish’ Fisherman sealed the deal for New Vienne. When the final bell was rung, they stood triumphant and claimed the title of champions. For two years in a row, they have squeaked out above the other four teams of the HFL, but how much longer can their luck last? Find out next year! Congratulations to the Winners! of the Heartland Folkball League Championships XI For the second year in a row, THE NEW VIENNE UPSTREETERS! Past Champions 1899……… Petran Suns 1900……… New Vienne Upstreeters 1901……… Florentine Bulls 1902……… Florentine Bulls 1903……… Florentine Bulls 1904……… Grenz Hurlers 1905……… Petran Suns 1906……… New Vienne Upstreeters 1907……… New Vienne Upstreeters (This Year) History of the Heartland Folkball League The Heartland Folkball League (HFL) was founded in 1882 by the four oldest surviving Folkball teams in the Heartlands. Throughout the wars that plagued the 8th Empire and its subsequent successor states, Folkball became a luxury in which few could partake. However, in the aftermath and succeeding years of peace, many veterans and farm folk took to the sport to join their communities and hone their physical abilities during these times of peace. They agreed in 1899 that for one week a year, in the hot days between the planting and harvesting seasons, they would assemble to play for the title of best Folkball team. 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