CharmingCavalier 1723 Share Posted February 3, 2023 Spoiler IT'S FOLKBALL FRIDAY!!!!!!!! Heartland Folkball League Championships XII 1910 Heartland Folkball League in the Fields of New Vienne Brought to you by The Miller’s Mark, Good for whatever ales you! 1910 Bracket Outside the walls of New Vienne, the colossal crowds shoved into tents and amongst the merchant stalls. Hawkers could be heard over the jovial masses, calling for passersby to try their exquisite wares. Any plain folk was inundated with at least seven marketers proudly detailing their jewelry as the best in Almaris. Yet, to the keen eye, it was but glass and cheap plated copper. Yet, you are not reading this for mercantile advice. Nay, ye come to hear the recounting of the glorious Eleventh Championship Tournament of Folkball, the sport of the Heartlands! So, if you are so inclined to pick up the bladder and try it yourself, gather your neighbors in the market square and partake in communal delight (rules here). But if not, let us delight your sensations with the detailing of this Eleventh Annual Championship tournament in the Heartlands of man. Notably, this year the tournament was held in the fields outside of New Vienne overlooking the shimmering sea, where it was once rumored the Duke of Sunholdt would lay a castle. Now though, those fields aren’t for the noble folk, but for the sportin folk! Upstreeter fans could be seen proudly brandishing their team’s colors and shouting, “it’s coming home!” So, as always, lots were drawn and matches set. And then the play began the next morn. Game 1 New Vienne Upstreeters vs Petran Suns Many did not place much weight on the Petran team after their disastrous civil war. Those smart enough to heed this advice profited handsomely in the gambling tents, as the Petrans showed up with only three players and no coach. Although New Vienne’s coach, Greg Miller, called for the game to be called off for the sake of mercy, the officials did not find any rule that states a team could not have less than five players at the start of a match. With the opening bell, it was clear the scarce team of Petra was no match for the historical heavyweights that are the Upstreeters. Charles ‘the Fish’ Fisherman made light work of the shielder’s pitiful defense. Craig Gregerson, Petra’s shielder, and their half, Simon Cowl, left the game after colliding heads and being left without breath or thought. All that remained by the half bell was the netter Glenn Clarke, who arranged a truce with the Upstreeters and headed back to Petra on a lone donkey named “Davis.” With that, the game was over, and the final half was left unplayed. The chants of “it’s coming home” grew louder with each passing moment, and Vienne fans were enthralled by their team’s splendid display. Game 2 Bywater Hedgehogs vs Minitz Mootgoers The returning champions, the Bywater Hedgehogs, squared up against the Minitz Mootgoers in the afternoon showing of Folkball. The Mootgoers have been unsuccessful in their advancement for two straight tournaments, eternally stuck in the quarterfinals. However, this year they had a slight edge as the Hedgehogs have suffered from a declining population in Bywater and the sudden death of Linel Hogbrush, their secondary netter, often forgotten behind Jerry Applebuck. The game was a hot affair from the opening bell to the closing one. The sweltering heat left both teams drenched in sweat. Reinhart Wilhelm, the shielder for Minitz, was exceptionally effective at holding Obidiah Longfoot in position, locking shields, and tackling the halfling to stunt Bywater’s defense. Without Longfoot’s direction and guard, the Barclay’s team managed to squeak out an extra point lead they held to the end of the game. Minitz fans will be delighted to know that the Bauerbecken Vow came true and their coach has built a franchise that is not resting on its laurels. It could be that we are entering the Minitz era in the realm of Folkball, or was this just a fluke? Game 3 Adrian Black Barons vs Atrus Stars The Bianc Cavaliere marched onto the field, leading the Stars against the Adrians on the morning of the second day. Coming off last year’s loss to the halflings, the Stars intended to reclaim their glory in the name of their Kingdom. The Adrians opened the game in Adrian fashion by mocking the southern team, asking them if they intended to win while wearing their bedsheets, in reference to the flowing garbs of the Atrusians. It wasn’t long after the opening bell that it became clear the Adrians knew the weakness of the Stars. Although the Cavaliere wore white plate armor, the rest of the team was quick but vulnerable. Adria’s Hugh Heffher and Leo Pold took to tackling the ball carriers with intense gusto, even breaking some ribs on the Star’s less-known half, Alfredo Canto. This aggressive playstyle netted the Barons a hefty two-point lead that they only expanded in the second half. The only score by the Stars was from the Bianc Cavaliere, who managed to sneak one past Adrian netter Alec Ratiborison. Game 4 Grenz Hurlers vs Sedan Goats As the sun was setting on the tournament's second day, the Grenz Hurlers faced off against the Sedanites, or the team formerly known as the Florentine Bulls. Play started as usual, with Heinrik Rarehird of the Hurlers racking up two nets against the helpless Goats. Spectators and betting men alike suspected the game was over as the dominant Rarehird flexed his exceptional throwing arm. However, something was amiss. Shortly after the second bell was rung, Roberto il Toro, a half for the Goats and known brutalizer, rushed at Rarehird with sickening intent. After a few moments in which both teams rushed the field to break up the fight, officials restored order. Despite this, Rarehird's arm appeared broken in several spots, and his head was soaked with a red stain. Officials ejected Roberto, but the fate of the Hurlers was sealed without their star player. With the help of Antonio la Bianca and the netting skills of Pierre Escargot, the Goats marched back and scored four nets in the latter half. While they did manage to win, it is clear that some chicanery was afoot. The HFL has launched a full investigation into the incident, and officials speculate that Roberto was paid for his intentional disfigurement of Rarehird. However, those allegations are still without evidence. Semi-Finals 1 New Vienne Upstreeeters vs Minitz Mootgoers For the first time in history, the Minitz Mootgoers entered the semi-finals on the third morning of the Folkball Championship Tournament. Coach Bauerbecken was exceptionally optimistic about the match’s outcome, despite going up against one of the most decorated teams in the league: The New Vienne Upstreeters. As usual, the Upstreeters strutted onto the field on their home turf and flashed the crowd the badges that proudly displayed the faces of King Charles and Prince James of Aaun. These stylish cockades really show off the Upstreeter’s dedication to the homeland. However, more importantly, the crowds were alight with cheers of “it’s coming home” and “I believe in God, Charles, and Folkball!” By the opening bell, the Vienne lads took to play like honeycomb on a donkey. Charles Fisherman, the Upstreeter’s half, was indomitable and quickly took the lead by four points. Although Halfbert Pocke managed to squeak in a single goal and Reinhart Wilhelm forced Fisherman to miss one of his numerous shots on the net, it did little to stop the bleeding. By the end, the Fish had scored 6 nets, tying his record for the most points scored by a single baller in a game. Without a doubt, Charles Fisherman demonstrated his prowess on the field and why he is quickly being acclaimed as one of the paramount players in Folkball history! Semi-Finals 2 Adrian Black Barons vs Sedan Goats The third day’s evening was daunting for the Adrian Black Barons and the Sedan Goats. Either team would be pitted against the remarkable Green Wave of the Upstreeters on their home turf after an exceptionally thorough routing of the Minitzers. Additionally, the Goats had to substitute Roberto the Bull as he was barred from playing for the remainder of the tournament after his aggressive play against Heinrik Rarehird. In his place, Coach Filippo Jacoson brought in Louis du Ballon for his debut game. It was a close game from the onset, and it all relied on the netters. Alec Ratiborison was responsible for all three of the half points scored by the Barons and, coincidentally, all the points the team mustered that game. Baron’s half, Leo Pold, was unsuccessful in his attempts to score against formidable netter Pierre Escargot and benchwarmer Jean-Luke Bicard, who substituted in for the old Bulls netter Stefano Valentina. Meanwhile, the peculiar style of Louis du Ballon was revealed to the world and has ignited quite a controversy inside the world of Folkball. To all the onlooker’s aghastment, Louis used his feet to dribble and pass the ball around the field instead of passing or running it. While it was certainly not as effective as the arms of Rarehird or Fisherman, it did manage to score a single net for the Goats. Nonetheless, the footwork was not enough to carry the Goats to the finals. The last bell rang with the Barons holding a half-point lead due to netter Alec Ratiborison. Yet, even though victory was achieved, the Barons did not celebrate and took to their tents to mock up strategies against the Upstreeters, intent on securing a victory in the next day’s game. Championships New Vienne Upstreeters vs Adrian Black Barons And so, on the fourth and final day of the tournament, the New Vienne Upstreeters faced off against the Adrian Black Barons. Truly a clash between the unstoppable Green Wave and the immovable Black Rock! The suffocating heat mixed with the dust of the camp paths was enough to make any man lose a lung. Yet, the teams entered the fenced pitch, and surprise hit every face on the Barons. Standing before them was an eight-foot-tall, hulking giant who wore a bright cockade, a plumed hat, and bore contrastingly pale skin. His hair was aflame with ginger tones, and he was introduced to the officials by Coach Greg Miller as the newest member and shielder of the Upstreeters: Thoric Bloodshield. As the Adrians composed themselves around their fearless coach, Rikhein Ingrid, the Green Wave surrounding the pitch erupted with cheers and insults. The rallying cry of the Upstreeters, “it’s coming home,” was echoed so loudly that it is said men in the Grenz thought the storming worm from the south had tunneled its way to New Vienne. So, as the bell rang, the play commenced, and a game unknown to Folkball took place outside the walls of New Vienne and above the crumbling remains of several cities. Thoric waltzed towards his opposing shielder, Hugh Heffher, and picked the man off his feet, holding him by his collar. Intent on chucking him into the crowd, officials stepped in and informed Bloodshield that any attempt to throw a player from the field would result in his ejection. Despite his undeniable strength, speech comprehension appears to be a weakness for the giant of a man who simply ignored the officials’ pleas and threw Heffher against the distant walls of the city. Although Heffher is still alive, clergy from the Stars’ entourage informed the officials that he had suffered quite a set of injuries. As a result, Bloodshield was ejected from the game to the jeers of Upstreeter’s fans and the stunned face of Baron’s fanciers. After nearly thirty minutes of delay, play continued. Charles Fisherman once again demonstrated that the best defense is scoring more points than your opponent. Although Heinrik Franzoc scored a goal alongside fellow Baron half Leo Pold, neither could keep up with the impressive arm of the Fish. By the final bell, four points had been scored by the Fish, and many fans’ attention still laid on the mysterious giant who debuted that day. Nonetheless, the New Vienne Upstreeters claimed the Championship Cup thanks to the likes of Charles Fisherman and the bewildering beast known as Thoric Bloodshield. Fans in New Vienne started several house fires in the poor district. Similarly, they managed to flip twenty-three carriages to ‘celebrate’ their victory. The phrase “it’s coming home” is carved into every wooden surface in the city. Some even had the words marked on their body by inky needles to their bodies with the date 1910 below. As expected, Charles’ the Fish’ Fisherman was awarded the Most Valuable Folk award and stated, “my prayers go out to my good friend Heinrik Rarehird and his speedy recovery.” Yet, officials from the HFL spent days following the tournament interviewing New Vienne’s coach, Greg Miller, on his possible involvement with the attack by Roberto il Toro. Speculation abounds that Miller may have been involved in a scheme that put a bounty on Rarehird, one that Roberto intended to claim. However, that drama will have to wait until next year. With this, our detailing of the HFL’s 1910 tournament outside New Vienne concludes. Until next year, dearest readers and Folkball enthusiasts. Until next year! Congratulations to the Winners! of the Heartland Folkball League Championships XII THE NEW VIENNE UPSTREETERS! List of 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 1908 ……… Grenz Hurlers 1909 ……… Bywater Hedgehogs 1910 ……… New Vienne Upstreeters (This Year) List of Most Valuable Folk 1908 (Joint MVF)……… Heinrik Rarehird (Grenz Hurlers) 1908 (Joint MVF)……… Charles Fisherman (New Vienne Upstreeters) 1909 …………………… Jerry Applebuck (Bywater Hedgehogs) 1910 …………………… Charles Fisherman (New Vienne Upstreeters) Troubles on the River Petra? After the Petran Civil War, colloquially referred to as the Cuck’s War, between Archduchess Renilde I and Archduke Constanz I, the Petran Suns stand decimated. Their once decent roster has rather wandered south with Constanz or wallowed in the pyrrhic victory of Renilde. Regardless, until the Petrans can regain some semblance, they may be unable to compete on par with their peers, which opens plenty of rumors that other Folkball teams across Almaris may be eyeing their position in the league. However, time will only tell. 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadOne 3381 Share Posted February 3, 2023 Brandt tosses his beer mug towards the side in rage as the Minitz Mootgoers once again have lost this match. "Focking hell mate, I dedicate all my time for this match, right? And what do I get? A loss against the fuckin' Viennese!" Brandt takes out his '#1 Minitz' glove off, and lights a Barcston cigarette to calm down. "The chippy is probably closed now too!" Brandt then goes on a rant to a nearby passenger about how the owners of the Minitz Mootgoers are Kralto-Malinorian outlanders, who have no idea on how to manage a team of Reinmaren tribesmen. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharmingCavalier 1723 Author Share Posted February 3, 2023 13 minutes ago, MadOne said: Brandt tosses his beer mug towards the side in rage as the Minitz Mootgoers once again have lost this match. "Focking hell mate, I dedicate all my time for this match, right? And what do I get? A loss against the fuckin' Viennese!" Brandt takes out his '#1 Minitz' glove off, and lights a Barcston cigarette to calm down. "The chippy is probably closed now too!" Brandt then goes on a rant to a nearby passenger about how the owners of the Minitz Mootgoers are Kralto-Malinorian outlanders, who have no idea on how to manage a team of Reinmaren tribesmen. The Kralto-Malinorian outlanders who owned the Minitz Mootgoers sat in a smoke-filled cigar room somewhere west of the Heartlands. The one puffed on his cigar before nonchalantly mentioning, "did you see what that Reinmarian lad said about us?" The room erupted with laughter and even more dense smog from the tips of their stogies. Another commented back, "and they don't even realize we own the chippies! Win or lose; we always find minas!" With that, the camera panned away into the darkness... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
outcook 724 Share Posted February 3, 2023 Prince Frederick of II, whilst reading the report, slammed in desk in frustation - upon seeing the Sedanian Goats knocked out in just their second game! "Come on, I know they trained our boys better!" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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