[2nd World Cup of Football [rosters, roleplay, results]]

WCF2 Coverage: Round of 16 | Santos-Dominius 2-0 Hertfordshire & Jammbo

Santos-Dominius advanced further in the 2nd World Cup of Football today after defeating the chilly footballers from Hertfordshire & Jammbo in a 2-0 match. The National Football Team dealt a blow to the HNDFF and further built on their short but meaningful winning streak following their victory against Sospestan on Match Day 5 of the group stage. This places Team S-D in a good position to go further in the tournament.

In other news, two established teams found themselves threatened by newcomers to the WCF tournament in close matches. Dalimbar narrowly prevailed over Sospestan in a 4-3 match while Cambria and newcomers from Ryxtylopia drew 2-2 before the Cambrians pulled ahead in extra time by scoring a goal and thus winning 3-2 against their surprisingly formidable opponent. While these are still victories for the more experienced and established Dalimbari and Cambrian teams, they will also have to reevaluate certain aspects of their strategy and formation to prevent close calls like these in the future, while the defeated teams can hold their heads high with pride knowing that they gave their best shot.

Following the victory over Hertfordia, the National Football Team will go up against opponents from Arifiyyah in the Quarterfinals, after the Arifians beat the Sekiyans in a brilliant 4-0 match that brought about the end of Sekiya's stint in WCF2. Meanwhile, Dalimbar will be going up against Fujai, its historic rival on Polaris, in the Quarterfinals; if Team S-D were to emerge victorious against Arifiyyah, it will then have to face the victor of that match. The Cambrians will face off against Nagaraningrad, and the winner of that duel will have to face the winner of Nieubasria v. Larxia.

[2nd World Cup of Football [rosters, roleplay, results]]

WCF2 Coverage: Match Day 5 | Santos-Dominius 3-0 Sospestan

Santos-Dominius has secured a much-needed victory in the 2nd World Cup of Football after scoring a 3-0 win against opponents from Sospestan on Match Day 5. The National Football Team were able to once again harness the resilience they displayed in drawing 1-1 against the Zoranians on Match Day 4, and decisively beat Team Sospestan today in what has been deemed to be the climactic moment of Team S-D's reversal in fortunes following their defeat at the hands of Nieubasria on Match Day 3 and their subsequent comeback.

The victory over Sospestan means that Team S-D will advance to the round of 16, where it will face off against the chilly footballers of Hertfordshire & Jammbo next. In terms of points in the competition, both the National Football Team and the Hertfordians are evenly matched - both teams have had 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss so far, for a total of 10 points each. Pundits at home suggest that the match may very well go either way.

The match proved to be fairly uncontroversial, in comparison to the face-off against Zoran yesterday. Many sports and political commentators had predicted that the National Football Team would be in for an uphill climb against the Zoranians, as a result of the Blubberman fiasco, during which then-SDCSN Sports head correspondent Approctoflecticus Blubberman - up till then an iconic mainstay on Santo-Dominian sports television - made multiple remarks in his coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup that many domestic and foreign pundits later considered to be extremely insensitive and offensive.

Many thought that the National Football Team would not be able to handle the pressure stacked on it by the Zoranians' lingering antipathy towards Santos-Dominius, as well as expectations from back home for the players to reverse their sudden decline following their unsurprising but brutal defeat at the hands of Nieubasria on Match Day 3. However, while the loss to the Nieubasrians - the champions of WCF1 - was not entirely unexpected, Team S-D was able to pull through and obtain a respectable draw in the match, proving that they could handle the pressure.

The victory over Sospestan marks the third victory for the National Football Team so far, having previously beaten Rivalfiume 2-0 on Match Day 2 and Haetonia 4-3 on Match Day 1. While the streak was indeed broken by Nieubasria on Match Day 3 and Zoran on Match Day 4, the Round of 16 face-off against Hertfordia may very well give Team S-D a chance to build up another victory streak again, or eliminate it from the competition entirely without any chance for redemption until the next WCF.

[2nd World Cup of Football [rosters, roleplay, results]]

WCF2 Coverage: Match Day 1 | Santos-Dominius 4-3 Haetonia

Santos-Dominius has celebrated its first victory in the 2nd World Cup of Football today after the National Football Team clinched a narrow 4-3 victory against opponents from Haetonia, in what was described by Santo-Dominian viewers at home as a nail-biting match that was stressful to watch on television.

This victory puts the team in a strong position in Group D alongside the teams from Nieubasria and Zoran, with all three teams each having three points. The losers of Match Day 1, namely Haetonia, Sospestan and Rivalfiume, all have zero points and presently sit at the bottom of the group. However, all teams still have ample opportunities to move up or down the Group D leaderboard, with today's matches being only the beginning of what is expected to be a long competition between the very best footballers and teams of Esferos.

Besides the Santo-Dominian victory against Haetonia, several other countries won exceptional victories against their opponents. In Group A, Hertfordshire and Jammbo won with the biggest margin in their group, triumphing against Tupmonia in a 3-0 match. In Group B, Fujar footballers collectively orchestrated what was later found to be the new biggest win of all-time, managing a 6-0 wipeout of a match against Kurabis, which later led to reports from Fujansk student radio Den Blå Duken that some of the Fujar players apparently appeared "ashamed at [the] shutout" that they had dealt to the Kurabisians.

In Group C, the team from Larxia pulled off a 4-0 victory against the Saint Markians, in what was considered a disappointing start to WCF2 for Saint Mark. However, commentators have pointed out that it was not unexpected, given the fact that the Larxians performed incredibly well in WCF1, having won 2nd place overall after narrowly losing 0-1 to Nieubasria. Commentators expect Larxia to maintain a strong showing this time around, while many have also cautioned against counting Saint Mark out after only one day into the competition.

[2nd World Cup of Football Signups & OOC]

Santos-Dominius is up for it! We will do our level best to take home the Champion trophy.

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

Blubberman, SDCSN plead guilty but S-D Government's diplomatic woes remain

22nd February, 1422 | By Peter Atkinson in New Zoradia, ZOR

 

Santo-Dominian sports anchor and controversial television personality Approctoflecticus Blubberman has pleaded guilty today in a Zoranian court to charges of voicing hate speech against the people of Zoran. In a momentous development that shocked many onlooking political commentators, Mr. Blubberman chose not to contest the charges or fight Zoranian authorities in court, instead apparently accepting his fate. The Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network(SDCSN), the eponymous country's sole dominant network and broadcaster which aired Mr. Blubberman's comments, also pleaded guilty to the charges filed under Zoran's Hate Speech Act of 1421.

The guilty pleas come as the Government of Santos-Dominius itself becomes ever more entrenched in an increasingly difficult diplomatic position. Despite reports of state-backed attempts to bribe the Zoranian Government into letting Blubberman off scot-free, all overtures to dislodge Friberne from the uneasy position of negotiating with New Zoradia have so far failed utterly. The problem has only been compounded by the fact that many of the Santo-Dominian national rugby team's sponsors are corporations who have been alleged to have financially supported atrocities during the Zoranian Civil War - Credit Santosie-Dominigne, one of the Federal Republic's most profitable and secret banking giants, has been particularly singled out by Zoranian media for reportedly providing funds to the now-infamous corporate faction in the Zoranian Civil War. The bank has flatly denied wrongdoing despite accusations from independent investigators that it retains significant amounts of Zoranian financial property stolen from their Zoranian owners during the war.

The highest echelons of the Santo-Dominian Government are rumoured to be in a state of great unease and panic. Unconfirmed reports have recently emerged of Acting President Donald Verbloem pressuring both Blubberman and the SDCSN to plead guilty to the hate speech charges, allegedly in order to appease Zoran and clear the way for eventual reconciliation in the distant future. Acting President Verbloem has been criticised domestically for failing to handle the Blubberman scandal in a timely manner and for failing to penalise Blubberman before his offensive remarks pushed the Zoranian public past its breaking point. Commentators have considered it likely that Verbloem pressured Blubberman and SDCSN into pleading guilty in order to save his own political career, which is currently in great jeopardy and will either survive or sink depending on the outcome of the entire scandal and subsequent political affair.

In recent days, Friberne has found itself under attack not only from New Zoradia, but also from Giovannistadt, which demanded Blubberman's removal from SDCSN. Decision-makers in Friberne have also heard that their diplomatic reputation has suffered in Sanctus Leo, where the Saint Markan royalty are reportedly displeased at the entire fiasco and the great embarrassment it has caused the former Saint Markan island colony. While the Santo-Dominian Government has not explicitly become involved in the situation, most analysts have now concluded that the Verbloem administration is involved to a certain degree in the struggle to soften the blow for Blubberman, SDCSN and the Federal Republic as a whole.

With the Government in full-blown damage control mode and Acting President Verbloem struggling to salvage the humiliating situation, analysts now suggest that a possible political shift may become reality in the Federal Republic. With only a short period of time left until the 1422 presidential election, Verbloem is expected to attempt to keep the country together as best as possible, so as to improve public opinion of his centre-right Democratic Congress Party(DCB). The DCB's presidential candidate is Carnet Goldberg, granddaughter of the late President Paul Goldberg, the former superior of Verbloem. As such, it is widely expected that the younger Goldberg will destroy the Acting President's already weak position within the party if her own presidential campaign fails due to his mismanagement. No comments have been made by Friberne on Blubberman's plea, but analysts say that a storm is approaching on the horizon back home.

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

RWC3 Commentary: Match Day 4, Post-Match

Presented by SDCSN3 head sports correspondent Hector Lafontaine

[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]

LAFONTAINE: Good evening, viewers. From Markanus Stadium in Leo Rugiet, Zoran, I myself at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our sponsor today, Credit Santosie-Dominigne. CS-D is the bank that will keep your money safe from tax authorities everywhere, domestic or foreign. Following the resignation and detention of Approctoflecticus Blubberman, I, Hector Lafontaine, have become the new SDCSN3 head sports correspondent. As such, I will be your host for the remaining duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup, while my former co-host remains embattled by Zoranian litigation.

LAFONTAINE looks to somewhere off the recording set. A few whispers are heard but the contents are inaudible.

LAFONTAINE (nonchalantly): I have been told that members of the camera crew have fallen asleep due to my monotonous reporting tone. I will endeavour to prevent that from happening again.

Loud snoring is heard from behind the main camera. LAFONTAINE lets out an inaudible sigh.

LAFONTAINE (somewhat tired): Disappointing. (Turns to the camera.) Anyways, let us analyse the results of Match Day 4, the final day of the group matches. Starting with Group A. Team SD has defied expectations by winning a 10-3 victory against opponents from Saint Mark that were perceived to be comparatively greater in strength. A remarkable event indeed. And in the other Group A match, the Zoranians proved their might once again by inflicting a 10-3 defeat against the perennially-losing Denieria. Quite remarkable.

A big yawn of boredom is heard, presumably by someone standing close to the audio equipment.

SOMEONE AMONG THE CREW (panicked): OH CRAP! (In a hushed tone.) Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry...

LAFONTAINE: Viewers, my apologies for that unforeseen audio interruption. It appears that the crew are rather fatigued today. Anyways, moving onto Group B. The otherwise pacifist nation of Fujai has uncharacteristically defeated Nieubasria, its neighbour in Polaris. They won a 5-3 victory. Well done. In the other Group B match, Dalimbar continued its winning streak by defeating Einherfell in a 27-8 landslide that rocked the entire stadium it was played in. Congratulations to Dalimbar for their most spectacular performance in that particular match.

The main camera capturing LAFONTAINE begins to tip downwards extremely slowly but visibly. LAFONTAINE fails to notice.

LAFONTAINE (unbothered): Let us turn to Group C. Blue Bubble has won a 15-14 match against Giovanniland, earning their place in the knockouts while once again damaging the Giovannilandian national psyche. My sincerest congratulations to the Glenpavians and dearest commiserations to Giovanniland. And although Hertfordia failed to secure a place in the knockouts, they still put on a good performance by winning a 30-13 landslide against Hanita Grasce. Commiserations to the Hertfordians are in order, it seems - they put on a great display this time around but were not able to advance. They will have to wait for the next Rugby World Cup.

The camera continues to tip down. The top of LAFONTAINE's hair disappears from view. LAFONTAINE still does not notice.

LAFONTAINE (mechanically): And finally, Group D. Min-Su and Qostaoyae, despite both failing to secure places in the knockouts, still played their match, with the Minsunese winning a 15-9 victory. Commiserations to both teams. And in the other match, United Adaikes proved that they deserved their already-guaranteed place in the knockouts by dishing out a 5-0 defeat to Nagaraningrad. Congratulations to the Adaikesians and commiserations to the players from Nagaraningrad.

The camera tilts suddenly and drops, now capturing only the floor tiles of the recording set. LAFONTAINE finally realises what has happened.

LAFONTAINE: What a bother. It appears that the cameraman has fallen asleep and as such, the main camera that he usually holds in place has tilted downwards significantly. It now no longer captures me or the set properly. My apologies to viewers at home and abroad for this regrettable technical error. I shall conclude this broadcast with great speed so as to facilitate the resolution of all of these broadcasting issues. This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. I'm Hector Lafontaine, and it has been really nice to deliver this report to SDCSN3 viewers. Stay tuned to SDCSN3 for coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. I shall see you at the time of the next broadcast. Have a good day.

The screen fades to dark as snoring and rustling become increasingly loud, with sleeping crew members and cameramen captured faintly before the camera shuts off and an advertisement begins to play. LAFONTAINE remains unfazed on the set.

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

17th February, 1422 (Day of the SDS v. SMK match)

Main Study, 2nd Floor

Fribernese Fortress

Friberne, Santos-Dominius

"Mr. Acting President, I regret to report that the Zoranians have rejected the SDCSN's offer to settle out of court regarding the Blubberman case."

"Curses!" Donald Verbloem, Acting President of Santos-Dominius, exclaimed. Under his brief, temporary tenure, the Federal Republic had encountered one of its worst international crises since the Act of Neutrality was first waived a few years ago. Already unpopular with the Zoranians and countless others overseas, Verbloem's career at home was at risk of crashing and burning as well.

"What do you think SDCSN should do, Mr. Acting President? Mr. Rose is urgently waiting for a response," The aide who briefed Verbloem inquired.

"Quentin Rose? The SDCSN president? Tell him to find the least damaging resolution to this wretched scandal! Offer the Zoranians even more money than before! Watches, chocolate, luxury goods, professional banking services...anything that will cool them down!"

"Yes, Mr. Acting President. I shall relay your instructions to Mr. Rose at once," The aide replied as he left the room.

If only that Blubberman fellow kept his mouth shut, Verbloem thought to himself, Santos-Dominius would've come out of the 3rd Rugby World Cup scot-free! But instead, nearly true to his last name, the anchor blabbered without any regard for people who might take offence; now, the Federal Republic was trapped in a situation it was unable to bribe or pay its way out of. Verbloem paced around the room as he tried to think of a solution.

"We could have them fight the case to the end, but that would give the negative impression that we as a country remain allied to Blubberman," Verbloem muttered to himself. "But if he and SDCSN plead guilty, that would effectively be suggesting that we are an offensive, unfriendly and perhaps even racist country. The Zoranians clearly have no intention of settling out of court, so there's no 3rd option here."

Just as he was beginning to panic, Senator Diane Hutchison(DCB-YC), Foreign Minister and a close partner, walked into the study.

"I suppose you're pondering what to do regarding the Blubberman case?"

"Yes, Diane," Verbloem replied. "It's quite the tricky situation."

"Well, I suggest pleading guilty," Hutchison nonchalantly remarked. "The way I see it, it's the only option."

"Are you out of your mind? I'd sooner step on a Dalimbari landmine than allow this country to be perceived as a racist and rude one."

"Calm down," Hutchison stated, still calm and composed. "Consider the advantages and disadvantages of pleading guilty. It will show the world that we have the courage to admit responsibility when we are in the wrong. It will show that we have remorse for bad things we did in the past. And it will satisfy the Zoranians, leaving the way open for a lengthy but ultimately smoother bilateral reconciliation in the future."

"What about Blubberman, then?" Verbloem inquired angrily. "He's a Santo-Dominian citizen. What kind of government are we if we not only refuse to protect him, but effectively surrender him to the wolves?"

"Remember that he did say all those unpleasant things on live TV. He made bad decisions - might as well let him incur the consequences. Of course, if he is treated too poorly, you should reach out to the Zoranians and offer something valuable in exchange for better treatment. But you should otherwise let him face the consequences himself - he's a grown man, and our job is not to babysit him."

Verbloem paces around for a few more minutes before sitting down at his desk. He leans backwards on the large leather chair and lets out a deep and protracted sigh.

"Do you see the benefits of following my suggestion now? We have to make Blubberman plead guilty," Hutchison pressed.

"Yes...yes. It's going to hurt, but it's the only way," Verbloem admitted in resignation. "I should call Carnet - she talked about how Blubberman was this victim of political correctness. She'll want to know this in advance, or else it'll hurt her campaign and she'll get us both kicked out of the party."

"I'm inclined to think that she'll hate us for making this decision behind her back," Hutchison said as she walked out the room. "But the polls are giving that radical commie Wheatley a slight lead in this election. We'll see if Carnet can even get elected to push us entrenched political elders out the party."

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

 

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

15th February, 1422 (The day of the SDS v. ZOR match)

8:30 am

Inside A Travel Coach

Spirit Park Rugby Stadium

Zoran

"No, no, no, no!" James Di Fiorino, coach of the Santo-Dominian national rugby team, yelled as he walked up and down the aisle of the travel coach he was in.

Seated in the coach and in visible fear were the rugby players themselves, having been denied entry into the stadium by angry Zoranian fans. The situation wasn't good - with their sponsorship from Credit Santosie-Dominigne now ruining their image in Zoran and the Blubberman scandal at its climax, Di Fiorino wasn't sure that the match could even go ahead. Panicking, he called team manager Lenny Madeley on the phone.

"Hey Leonard," Di Fiorino said, "What do we do about this mess? That Blubberman fella has been a real idiot. He's dragging us all down with him! The fans have surrounded the stadium. I don't think our players can get into it safely."

"I'm as concerned as you are, Jimmy," Madeley replied, "We obviously can't thrust our players into the stadium and make them endure that kind of abuse. But if we don't enter at all, I fear that we may be forfeiting the match and handing the Zoranians an automatic win. Now that would be a damn humiliation."

"What can we do then? As long as the fans are here - and I assure you they gon' be here for very long - we're trapped. We gotta make a move, Leonard; we need to calm things down. Say, that Blubberman guy's the real monster them Zoranians want to pelt with their eggs and tomatoes - why don't we release a statement or whatever to distance ourselves from him? I betcha the fans will cool off a little, and then we can try to get our boys in safe and sound."

"Y'know, I don't like this idea. I don't like at all, not even a lil' bit. Puttin' out a statement like that is a real political move, Jimmy. It's dangerous. We'll be makin' headlines, and some folks back home are bound to get riled real quick."

As he mulled over the options, Di Fiorino looked at his team. They were clearly exhausted by the media attention. Some of them were heavily asleep, others looking out the window with their eyebrows furrowed, and some sweating in desperation and nervousness. The criticisms from international media and Zoranian pundits were getting to them - youngest member and team captain Damian Haize-Ashknight was under a great deal of stress to hold himself together.

"Leonard, my boys are at their breakin' point. I can't bear to see them like this," Di Fiorino said. "They're just great rugby players comin' all the way east to play a damn good game, and I wanna be able to give 'em the chance to do that. These guys have been practicin' for years to face off against similarly-talented people, like the Zoranians. Let's put a statement out. Let's at least give it a shot."

"I'll do it, Jimmy, just this once," Madeley replied. "You know I don't like gettin' political - it's one of the worst mistakes sports people can do - but I'm gonna do it for the boys. Tell them to hold on for a bit longer, Jimmy, keep 'em afloat - I'll do the dirty work for ya."

"Thanks Leonard, you're a lifesaver. The boys will be really happy to be able to play this match without havin' to worry 'bout hell rainin' down on their heads."

Hours later, on the S-D rugby team's social media account...

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

      

 

   

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

RWC3 Commentary: Match Day 3, Post-Match

Presented by SDCSN3 sports intern Approctoflecticus Blubberman and SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards Hector Lafontaine

[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]

BLUBBERMAN: Ugh, why must I do such menial, mundane things like grabbing coffee for people?

LAFONTAINE: Stop complaining, Intern Blubberman. Since corporate made the decision to demote you from head sports correspondent to intern, you've been extra noisy. This is a warning to you. You can't keep offending people and making us lose viewers from other countries! Anyways, go host the broadcast. Yes, you still have to do that.

BLUBBERMAN: Fine... (Turns to camera.) Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divanadado Gadoataleseevee, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup!

LAFONTAINE: It's "Divando Gadoatalesv". You pronounced it flawlessly in previous broadcasts. Did you screw up just out of intentional spite?

BLUBBERMAN: Ugh, shush! (Turns to camera once more.) Anyways, our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor today, S. Hyster & F. Raud LLP! Employment lawyers Simon Hyster and Fergus Raud are ready to help you start living the good life off of your boss' money. Call them at +2-38-LAW-OUCH today! I, Approctoflecticus Blubberman, shall be your host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Accompanying me is Mr Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards for SDCSN3's online news section. Mr Lafontaine is my direct superior, so please give him a warm welcome!

LAFONTAINE: You're not going to get your old job back with that insincere bootlicking. You forget that I'm the assistant editor responsible for ethics and standards.

BLUBBERMAN: Damn it! Anyways, let's get straight to talking about today's RWC3 news. Match Day 3 has concluded and the official results are out! In Group A, our beloved Team S-D defeated the team from Denieria in a 17-13 victory. Us Santo-Dominians have once again showed people who's boss! This loss, the third one in a row for Denieria, means that they will no longer able to compete. They are eliminated from contention! In the other Group A match, the top team from Zoran trounced Teralyon in a 27-15 victory that illustrates just how strong the RWC2 champions still are, even after all this time. Wow, looks like the Zoranians-

LAFONTAINE (mutters): No outrageously offensive comments up till now? Hmm, he might still have some hope...

BLUBBERMAN: -are on the warpath, treating their rugby opponents like they did to their fellow Zoranians in their civil war! They must be channeling their destructive tendenc-

LAFONTAINE: ...I was wrong! Damn it, Blubberman! Why are you so obsessed with that war? Can you focus on anything positive at all?

BLUBBERMAN: Hey, you told me to talk about Zoranian history! Anyways, onto Group B. Dalimbar has continued its explosive streak by sending Dilber flying in a 23-5 wipeout! Dalimbar's enemies are blasting off again at the speed of light! And in the other Group B match, Nieubasria swamped Einherfell in a 31-16 match, winning a spectacular victory with nearby double the score of their adversary. Einherfell's loss has eliminated them from contention, leaving Team Dilber at the very bottom and Dalimbar and Nieubasria on the rise in Group B.

LAFONTAINE raises an eyebrow at BLUBBERMAN's reference.

BLUBBERMAN: In Group C, Larxia canned Hertfordia in a 17-3 landslide mirroring the overwhelming loss the Hertfordians themselves dished out to Giovanniland previously. Karma really does come back to bite you in the rear! And finally, Blue Bubble edged out a win against Hanita Grasce, defeating them 22-20 and knocking them out of contention. Things could've been different if Hanita Grasce won, especially because of Giovanniland's poor performance so far, but they turned out how they did and that's the only thing that matters.

LAFONTAINE: You're really trying to antagonise literally every other nation in the cup, aren't you.

BLUBBERMAN: They're competitors - why shouldn't I? Finally, let's turn to Group D! Cambria lost against United Adaikes, their eastern neighbour in Polaris, in a 19-24 match that demonstrates that even big countries don't get an automatic ticket to victory. And in the other match, Nagaraningrad delivered a brutal 22-8 smackdown to Qostaoyae, putting the latter at the very bottom of their group and at great risk of not being able to continue in the competition! The Qostaoyans will have to work incredibly hard if they want to survive by the skin of their teeth. And that's it for Match Day 3! This is the chan-

LAFONTAINE: Wait a minute - I'm getting emails from corporate. Huh, the editor-in-chief himself. Wait, what is this? SDCSN stock price tumbling...journalistic integrity mired by scandals...formal complaints coming in from foreign countries and even Santo-Dominians...Government considering suspending broadcast licence...CUT THE BROADCAST! This is a disaster. BLUBBERMAN, IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, NOW! Corporate has some stern words for you!

The broadcast ends abruptly as BLUBBERMAN is forcibly dragged off set by LAFONTAINE and other interns. The camera pans away and the ad break begins.

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

RWC3 Commentary: Match Day 2, Post-Match

Presented by SDCSN3 head sports correspondent Approctoflecticus Blubberman and SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards Hector Lafontaine

[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]

BLUBBERMAN: Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor today, FriLife! It's the insurance conglomerate that profits egregiously from you being in a constant state of fear and paranoia! As always, I Approctoflecticus Blubberman shall be your host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Accompanying me is Mr Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards for SDCSN3's online news section. Mr Lafontaine is a great chum of mine, so please give him a warm welcome!

LAFONTAINE: We are not acquainted in any way, shape or form. I am here for supervisory purposes.

BLUBBERMAN: Ignoring that expression of difficult truth, I'm going to get straight to talking about today's RWC3 news! Match Day 2 has concluded and the results of today's matches have hence been released. Although Team SD had today off as a rest day, I have been told that I don't do enough reporting to justify my current salary, so I'm going to cover the other matches in order to ensure that I can buy my 2nd mansion in lakeside Friberne.

LAFONTAINE: Nobody needed to know how undeservingly rich you are.

BLUBBERMAN: But it's a personal cause that merits promotion! Anyways, let's talk about Group A. In a rather predictable match, Zoran has defeated Saint Mark in a 10-7 victory for the defending world champion. Seems like Saint Mark couldn't deliver the upset I had hoped to see, but the Zoranians were always going to be tough opponents for any team to deal with. All that war and destruction must've hardened them - maybe a bloody civil war is good for rugby training?

LAFONTAINE's jaw drops. He takes out his notepad and scribbles quickly.

LAFONTAINE (muttering): Yet another extremely offensive remark...backlash from Zoranians possible, maybe even inevitable...serious consequences expected...I wonder how he managed to ascend to his current position...

BLUBBERMAN: In other news, Teralyon has proven that they're a force to be reckoned with, winning a 19-17 victory against Denieria. So those Teralyans aren't that bad after all. But still, they lost to us Santo-Dominians previously, so they still have quite a way to go before they can reach the top.

LAFONTAINE: Why do you insist on rubbing their defeat in their faces?

BLUBBERMAN: Because we won? Come on Mr Lafontaine, be a little patriotic. Anyways, moving onto Group B. Einherfell is now in a bad place following a 3-15 loss to the eccentric team from Dilber, with the former now at the very bottom of the group in terms of overall ranking. The landmine-happy Dalimbari have blown the friendly Fujansk sky high, it appears, with Team Dalimbar winning a 14-7 victory against their neighbour in Polaris. I love the Fujansk, but this is quite the humiliation.

LAFONTAINE: I feel like you just want the people who lost to feel as bad as possible.

BLUBBERMAN: Why shouldn't I do that? It's the only way they'll improve.

LAFONTAINE: That's literally public shaming. You know better than that.

BLUBBERMAN: Whatevs. Not my fault they lost. Anyways, let's turn to Group C. Woah! Seems like Group C saw some crushing, one-sided matches today. The Larxians triumphed over Hanita Grasce in a 14-3 victory, proving that their savviness with technology translates to savviness with sports. And the team from icy, desolate and rural Hertfordia swept the floor with the sporty Giovannilandians in an awe-inspiring 19-0 match! Gotta say good job to the Hertfordians - they really vanquished their opponents! How will Giovanniland ever recover from this shameful, utterly disastrous performance? I simply don't know!

LAFONTAINE: You better rein it in, Blubberman. Talk about Group D and then wrap it up, stat.

BLUBBERMAN: ...Fine. In Group D, the matches today were the complete opposite of Group C. Both Group D matches were quite close, actually. The Cambrians narrowly won over Nagaraningrad in a 8-7 victory that defended their honour, while Team United Adaikes won a similarly close 12-10 victory over Min-Su. Don't really have much to say, even Nagaraningrad and Min-Su held their own in their own respective matches, unlike the losers in the other groups.

LAFONTAINE: Okay, that's enough. End it!

BLUBBERMAN: Okay, okay. And that is it for us today! This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and it's been really nice to mock other countries in order to incentivise them to improve. That's my personal philosophy in regards to sports. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of RWC3, and see you whenever stuff happens!

The camera pans away and the screen fades to dark as LAFONTAINE and BLUBBERMAN seemingly argue.

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

RWC Commentary: Match Day 1, Post-Match

Presented jointly by SDCSN3 head sports correspondent Approctoflecticus Blubberman and SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards Hector Lafontaine

[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]

BLUBBERMAN: Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor today, Arrivederci Soldi! It's the luxury fashion house with bland designs making rich people pay to dress poorly! As always, I Approctoflecticus Blubberman shall be your host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Accompanying me is Mr Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards at SDCSN3's online news section. Mr Lafontaine is a close friend of the show, so please give him a very warm welcome!

LAFONTAINE: I am not a friend of the show. I am here to observe and supervise this broadcast and its related operations.

BLUBBERMAN (to LAFONTAINE): Can't you have some cheer? (To audience.) Anyways, onto our main subject today. Match Day 1 has concluded and the results are out. And it appears that Team SD have triumphed against our opponents from Teralyon. A fantastic development indeed. I told you, people, even before the match began, that us Santo-Dominians would kick their a-

LAFONTAINE: Ahem.

BLUBBERMAN: ...that us Santo-Dominians would win fair and square, without any sort of violence or underhanded methods employed against our rivals. Anyways, that now places us in an advantageous position, and Teralyon in a disadvantaged position of course. In other news, Saint Mark won a decisive victory over Denieria - seems like our former colonisers have returned to their egregious ways-

LAFONTAINE: Ahem! (Shoots a glare at BLUBBERMAN.)

BLUBBERMAN: ...I mean, seems like our Auran friends up north have won in an excellent display of effort. Apologies for the slip-up there, didn't mean it at all.

LAFONTAINE: Oh, now the people in Saint Mark are definitely going to remember it now, especially after your terrible apology.

BLUBBERMAN: Aaaaaanyways, moving on! We have been informed that Team SD will not be playing tomorrow, and will instead be taking a well-deserved break after their glorious victory. Hence, we shall now move onto talking about upcoming matches in our group, which is Group A. According to official information from RWC3 organisers, today's losers will be facing off tomorrow - that means that Denieria will be playing against Teralyon.

LAFONTAINE (whispering): You really could've done better with the wording there, in regard to calling countries "losers".

A nervous BLUBBERMAN straightens up himself and continues reporting.

BLUBBERMAN: And the big news of the day is that Zoran, the defending world champion of rugby, will be playing against Saint Mark in a bellwether match! That could show us if they have maintained their winning strength from the 2nd Rugby World Cup, or if they have deteriorated since then - a likely story due to their country's extreme instability, I think - and are no match for Saint Mark. Either is possible, we'll just have to see which side emerges as the victor tomorrow.

LAFONTAINE: Oh my word - what did you just say about Zoran? Okay, you better wrap it up now. I'm going to have a chat with you later about this abysmal broadcast.

BLUBBERMAN's arm subsequently begins to tremble noticeably, affecting his handheld microphone. His audio becomes less clear and more shaky.

BLUBBERMAN (stressed): And that is it for us today! This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and it's been really nice to see Team SD win our country some early glories in their debut match. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of RWC3, and see you whenever stuff happens!

The camera pans away from the studio as LAFONTAINE is seen walking up to BLUBBERMAN and pointing at him while saying something in a stern manner.

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

RWC3 Commentary: Initial Group Allocations

Presented by Approctoflecticus Blubberman, SDCSN3 head sports correspondent, and Hector Lafontaine, SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards

[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]

BLUBBERMAN: Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor, Zeitpunkt watches! It's the prestigious watchmaker representing the highest pinnacle of Santo-Dominian luxury timepieces. I, the unprepared buffoon that is Approctoflecticus Blubberman, will be your obviously uninformed host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup.

LAFONTAINE: And I am Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards at SDCSN headquarters.

BLUBBERMAN: WOAH! Oh-okay. I was not informed of this "partnership". Ahahaha! Wel-welcome Mr Lafontaine!

LAFONTAINE: This is not a "partnership", Blubberman - I am your the superior of your direct superior, and I'm under orders from corporate to keep an eye on you. This is a senior-subordinate relationship.

BLUBBERMAN: Ahahaha, yes, right, totally! I understand, I get it, I do. Anyways, let's get straight to talking about the 3rd Rugby World Cup.

LAFONTAINE takes out a notepad and begins to jot notes furiously as BLUBBERMAN nervously continues his reporting, taking occasional glances at the notepad's contents.

BLUBBERMAN: The organisers of RWC3 have released the group allocations for this event, we've been told. Let's display them on the screen here. According to this graphic produced by the organisers, Team Santos-Dominius will face off against the likes of Saint Mark, Teralyon, Denieria and....and...Zoran!?

LAFONTAINE (mutters): Inability to maintain calmness on air...doubt his competence as head sports correspondent...further observation recommended...

BLUBBERMAN: I'm to-totally confident that our excellent rugby players will manage to seize victory even against the reigning Zoranian champions. (Whispers to LAFONTAINE.) Am I doing good? (Turns to the audience once more.) The organisers have informed us that our first match will be against Teralyon. Oh, those Teralyans better watch out! Us Santo-Dominians are gonna kick their a-

LAFONTAINE raises his eyebrows visibly. BLUBBERMAN gulps.

BLUBBERMAN: ...us Santo-Dominians are going to have a friendly and fair match against the Teralyons, during which Team SD will showcase the premier sportsmanship and respect we always have for opponents, rivals and friends alike. The same can be said for our matches against Saint Mark, Denieria and Zoran.

The recording studio's windows looking onto Spirit Park are closed; two large displays appear behind BLUBBERMAN. They display the words "HISTORY OF ZORAN" in large letters.

BLUBBERMAN: And before we go, let's talk about Zoran itself! It is a fascinating country indeed. Located in northern Andolia, Zoran is known for-

LAFONTAINE (to self): Lack of basic understanding of geography...fatally unprepared and uninformed...follow-up IQ test recommended...

BLUBBERMAN: ...Zoran is known for civil wars, refugees and...oh crap! Wait, Zoran isn't known for "oh crap". I'm sorry!

LAFONTAINE (to BLUBBERMAN): Oh my word, I can't anymore. You...you...!! Stop and wrap it up!

BLUBBERMAN: Eeek! Okay! Apologies to viewers out there, both at home and abroad. This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and it's been really nice to discuss the group allocations as well as Zoran itself as a nation. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of RWC3, and see you whenever stuff happens!

LAFONTAINE forcibly drags BLUBBERMAN off the set as busy interns clean up the recording studio and cut the camera.

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

3rd Rugby World Cup - All you need to know(?)

By Approctoflecticus Blubberman, SDCSN3 head correspondent for sports

Rugby! What is it? How do you play it? And why do I not know about it, just like you? Well, I only know the answer to one of those three questions, but I hope I will be able to educate you today by copying information straight off the Internet and then pasting it here. What do you mean "that's plagiarism"? I've been told by my lawyers here at the Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network that I am free of trouble as long as I don't name where I got my stuff from. Anyways, let's talk rugby!

Just like lots of other popular sports, rugby involves a ball. Unlike many other sports, the ball is oval-shaped and not spherical. You can see how a rugby ball looks in that image above. Because I can't be bothered to actually understand how rugby works, I'll make a comparison to make it easier for you to misunderstand how rugby is. Think of rugby as "diet football/soccer" (don't kill me football/soccer fans) - you score points when you make the ball land somewhere, you have two teams of 10+ people playing on two sides of a rectangular field, there's penalties, you kick the ball instead of throwing, and women who play the sport almost always get forced to wear uncomfortably revealing clothing (just like any other sport, really). I'm sorry if you're truly interested in learning about rugby, but my bosses higher up at SDCSN don't pay me enough to make me actually understand the sport (that's the answer to the third question at the beginning - thank me for being so informative).

I'm sure Santo-Dominians at home and abroad will be pondering a burning question in their heads: why is rugby getting all this attention lately? Well - if you somehow managed to literally miss the title of this article - that's because the 3rd Rugby World Cup is about to begin in Zoran, our Auran non-neighbour to the east! 20 nations in total have signed up for this event, with some big names like Dalimbar and United Adaikes (2nd and 3rd in the 2nd Rugby World Cup respectively) as well as the Zoranians themselves, who won the preceding Rugby World Cup. Will Zoran make use of its home advantage and shut out everyone else to defend its throne, will Dalimbar blast them sky high and grab the crown, or will United Adaikes... .... ...actually they aren't that violent and chaotic. Darn, couldn't really finish that joke on a high note there.

Anyways - back to talking about RWC3. If you are somehow still interested in it and want to watch it, well I have got some news for you: SDCSN Channel 3 will be broadcasting the event live, with I myself serving as commentator and host! Yes, that's right, the great magnanimous corporate sell-out Blubberman has returned when the world needed a dose of unhinged absurdity the most. Do you want to watch an adult man cheer or cry on live television depending on how Team SD fare? Do you want to watch second-rate live footage filmed by below-average cameras? And do you want to watch a television network that ends all coverage of RWC3 inexplicably if Team SD is eliminated? If you said "yes" to all of those questions, then SDCSN3 will be just right for you. And if you said "no", remember that SDCSN depends not only on advertising revenue, but also on your support and viewership! If you don't watch us, I won't get the money to pay for my 2nd lakeside mansion in Friberne. Please! It's an urgent cause. Tune into SDCSN3 - half of us will be waiting for you when RWC3 starts, because the other half will have resigned in search for actually good employment. See you!

[3rd Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

 

____________________________________________________________

Team Information

Style: -2.5

Home Stadium: Mulberry Field, Friberne

Capacity: 20,000

Coach: James Di Fiorino

Manager: Lenny Madeley

____________________________________________________________

Team Apparel

An example of the match jerseys of the Santo-Dominian team - front (left) and back (right). The jersey of team captain Damian Haize-Ashknight with the number 77 is featured.

____________________________________________________________

Team Roster

Player	Position	Age	Home Canton	Jersey Number
Guillaume Piáges	Loose-head Prop	25	Roivivion (RO)	65
Damian Haize-Ashknight (C)	Hooker	20	Sasslen (SA)	77
Richard Campbell-Salisbury	Tight-head Prop	34	Friberne (FE)	69
Hayden Marsden	Second Row	23	Sasslen (SA)	30
Benjamin Davies	Second Row	29	Schwabenburg (SH)	91
Oliver Price	Blind-side Flanker	33	Friberne (FE)	6
Jean St. Cloud	Blind-side Flanker	22	Lemandie (LM)	99
Elias Bierhals	Number 8	24	Nordrhuin-Theronigen (NR)	58
Toby Schmidt	Scrum-half	21	Ostpalain-Westrhuin (PW)	42
Henrik Jorgensen	Fly-half	23	Pressen (PN)	52
Arlo Beauchamps	Left Wing	26	Yatasailie-Comte (YC)	27
Ludwig Lansdowne	Inside Centre	27	Sasslen-Vorpalain (SV)	49
Francis Leclare	Outside Centre	23	Lemandie (LM)	18
Alberto Battanini	Right Wing	30	Oberandolien (OA)	15
Pierre Roberts	Full-back	32	St. Arlaine (SN)	84

____________________________________________________________

Spoiler

RP Permissions

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my scorers, kickers, etc: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

____________________________________________________________

In Other Languages

In Santosian: Équipe nationale de Santosie-Dominigne de rugby

In Dominish: Rugby-Nationalmannschaft von Santoreich-Dominien

____________________________________________________________

 

[3rd Rugby World Cup Signups & OOC]

Santos-Dominius will join as well.

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

[A-Z Guide to Santo-Dominian Cities [WIP]]

City of Lotharburg

Slogan: The Sharp Edge of History

Description: Famous for being the birthplace of many strong warriors in history, this city is now home to grumpy residents and persistent rainstorms.

Population: 113,983 (as of 1422 census)

Canton: Lotharburg(LT)

Status: Largest cantonal city, cantonal capital

Language: Common, Dominish

Demonym: Lotharburgian

Government: Mayor-council government Mayor - Berthold Reiss (CoR) Body - Lotharburg City Council

Lotharburg has long been a city of legends and mysteries. Some allege that it was where migrants from mainland Aura first landed, out of all of Santos-Dominius. Others claim that it is the Santo-Dominian cantonal capital with the worst weather. Whether these rumours are true or not, this quiet town tucked between two hills and many cliffs is like something out of a fantasy about magic and wizardry. A tight-knit community bound by a long history, Lotharburg is where many of Santos-Dominius' best warriors, knights, soldiers and swordsmen were born; rich families would often send children excellent in combat to train in this militar.istic town. Indeed, as the northernmost major city in all of Santos-Dominius, the city and its Lotharburgians have had to fend off countless Auran attempts to occupy and loot it. The city unfortunately fell into Saint Markian hands during that country's invasion of Santos-Dominius in the late 800s, but has since recovered to become the strategic stronghold of the Santo-Dominian north once again.

Today the city is a far more exciting place than it used to be - the infamous grumpiness of past Lotharburgians have disappeared slowly as newer generations become more receptive towards political progress and social advancement. While at heart a traditional city filled with centuries-old buildings, tourism is shining a new light on this oft-forgotten hidden gem bursting with history. Hikers, historians, knight-wannabes and magical fiction reader will be enthralled by Lotharburg's scruffy beauty upon arrival.

ETYMOLOGY

From Lothar (founding duke of the canton) and the suffix -burg (Dominish for "castle/fortress").

HISTORY

Lotharburg was first reached by Auran migrants at around 4500 BF, having been one of the very first Santo-Dominian locations where humans set foot. But given the cold and stormy climate of the area and its disadvantageous geography, settlers opted to go elsewhere, and the town itself was not properly founded until around 142 AF. A period of expansion and fortification followed, as the city became one of the very first to expand southwards and eventually claim the northernmost parts of Santos for itself. The town's mayor, Luther Lothar, was adored by the militaristic town folk as a beacon of their combat prowess and subsequently established himself as Lothar I of the Duchy of Lotharburg, with the eponymous city named after himself and serving as his duchy seat. Under the Duke's rule, the town would continue to strengthen itself, build a rigorous ancient army and become a force to be reckoned with on mainland Santos.

As with any other force that expanded on Santos, Lotharburg soon came into direct conflict with the Duchy of Framboise, ruled by powerful farmer-turned-rulers in the county seat of Romant-sous-Bois. Due to its fighting strength, Lotharburg was quickly considered a threat by Framboisian leaders and determined as a target to be neutralised. A major Framboisian invasion in August 278 began the Great Ancient War, with Framboisian forces pushing to within 50 km of the city of Lotharburg itself. Duchess Joan IV, understandably concerned, chose not to confront her adversaries head on but seek help from the nearby city-state of Friberne, which was directly south of the Duchy of Framboise. In a flawless execution of what we now call the pincer strategy, Lotharburgian and Fribernese forces flanked Framboise from both north and south - Joan IV personally saw to it that the invaders were repelled while the Fribernese pushed onto Romant-sous-Bois, breaking through the under-protected Framboisian south. Here the two city-states fought the 1st and 2nd Battles of Altburg, winning both decisively, and ultimately signed the Treaty of Altburg with Framboise to establish the Old Santosian Confederation.

While an unprecedented 5 centuries of peace followed, Lotharburg fell prey to the Saint Markian invasion like the rest of Santos-Dominius, being besieged and captured in 897. But the days of imperial rule under Saint Mark were not to be the city's final fate, for compatriots in Lemandie, Roivivion and Pressen cantons would rise up in revolt, ultimately banishing the colonisers and firmly hoisting in Lotharburg the Santo-Dominian flag, under which it remains today.

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

HEADLINES/Carnet Goldberg and Dahlia Wheatley face off in 1st presidential debate

Today, former First Granddaughter Carnet Goldberg faced off against former trade unionist Dahlia Wheatley in the 1st presidential debate since the late President Paul Goldberg - grandfather of Carnet - passed away last December. Although Santos-Dominius' political arena is still reeling from the loss of the late President, Carnet Goldberg has already taken centre-stage within her grandfather's centre-right Democratic Congress Party(DCB) as a unity candidate intending to continue his legacy. On the other hand, Wheatley won the nomination of the centre-left Coalition of Roses(CoR) after triumphing over Senator Art Bernstein(WS) - Leader of the Opposition, Chairman of CoR and former vice-presidential candidate - in a bitter fight that saw Sen. Bernstein's former running mate Jeremy Maxson betray his old partner to endorse Wheatley's radical candidacy.

With the nominations of both major parties settled, the two opposing political machines set off in a race to capture the hearts and minds of the Santo-Dominian people. During the first debate, broadcasted on SDCSN Channel 4 and hosted by moderator Patrice Smith, Wheatley went on the offensive and hurled fierce criticisms at Goldberg. The firebrand socialist derided her opponent as "a stuck-up elitist socialite who has no grasp of the real issues that plague this Federal Republic", targeting Goldberg's relatively young age and comparative inexperience in relation to her grandfather, who was President for 66 years straight. Goldberg appeared to struggle at first, unwisely admitting that she needed to "work harder and be more experienced in government" much to Wheatley's pleasure.

The scales appeared to balance out in the 2nd part of the debate, however, with Goldberg recovering after a short break to retaliate against Wheatley. Goldberg took shot at Wheatley's radical stances on hot-button issues, claiming that the socialist was "part of a greater communist conspiracy to undermine the Federal Republic's democratic institutions". Goldberg took issue with Wheatley's proposal to nationalise private ferry services to and from the island of Santos and the Dominius archipelago, saying that "Wheatley's greedy hands are going to smother hardworking ferry operators and put honest Santo-Dominian sailors and small business owners out of business". Wheatley retorted by saying that "Goldberg left the worker out of the equation and didn't even consider them in the example she just told".

Opinion polls show that the Federal Republic heavily favours Wheatley over Goldberg - about 67% of registered voters have declared their intention to vote for the former, while only 22% have done so for the latter. This is reflected in cantonal elections, with swing canton Niedersasslen seeing Head Councillor Jane Figures(CoR) trouncing vengeful predecessor and conservative political veteran Norbert Heitmann(DCB) as the latter attempts to retake control of the bellwether canton known for representing Santos-Dominius' political trends as a whole. In the heavily left-wing canton of Waldberg-Stadt(WS), Bernstein is under enormous pressure from his increasingly disgruntled constituents to get behind the Wheatley campaign or face a more radical challenger from within the CoR; in the similarly-socialist canton of Framboise(FR), Sen. Christelle Chantal(DCB) - the Minister of Biological, Ecological and Zoological Affairs - is widely expected to suffer a humiliating landslide defeat against CoR opponent Bryony Christies.

Reports from within the CoR hint at a careful operation, however. Socialist operatives working for Wheatley are reportedly concerned that opinion polls will deceive the party into overconfidently predicting an easy triumph - essentially the root cause of Sen. Maxson's infamous and unexpected loss to the late President Goldberg when most pollsters projected a major victory for the former. Maxson himself has allegedly learned from his previous mistakes and is rumoured to be closely advising Wheatley on campaigning matters, while taking care not to let voters associate his own electoral failure with Wheatley's drastically improving political fortunes. The Wheatley campaign's marketing consultants have also taken great care not to directly attack the late President Goldberg for fear of being criticised by Carnet Goldberg for disrespecting the dead, especially such an influential and powerful political titan.

With the Federal Republic caught up in such a dizzying political whirlwind, many ordinary Santo-Dominians will have to make a critically-important political decision that may very well decide the country's future for decades to come - literally. If the late President Goldberg's tenure is any proof, a President Wheatley or another President Goldberg could very well serve 66 years, turn Santos-Dominius upside down and die in office. The general public has a choice between the young heiress to the country's most powerful political dynasty at the moment and a radical former trade unionist hellbent on fighting for the working class at the expense of Santos-Dominius' richest citizens. Who will they choose will not be clear until the presidential election itself concludes, but one thing is for sure: no matter who wins, the Federal Republic is headed towards a period of great upheaval.

[The Santo-Dominian Post]

HEADLINES/President Paul R. Goldberg passes away at 97, Nat. Senate to convene urgently

Today, Santo-Dominian President Paul Goldberg passed away at the old age of 97 after 66 uninterrupted years in office. The longest-serving President in the history of Santos-Dominius, President Goldberg died of natural causes in his sleep at 6:52 am this morning due to complications arising from organ failure. He was discovered in his bed by caretakers and the Santo-Dominian Post was notified of his passing at exactly 10 am. The flag above the Fribernese Fortress was lowered to half-mast and thousands poured into the streets of Friberne as social media erupted in shock. President Goldberg's passing marks the end of a decades-long era marked by conservative political domination of the Federal Republic, which some have classified as a staunchly left-wing welfare state.

The National Senate remains officially prorogued until January 1422. However, Sen. Diane Hutchison, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has said that she will be submitting a formal request to convene an emergency session. Formerly the deputy leader of President Goldberg's centre-right Democratic Congress Party(DCB), Sen. Hutchison has automatically been appointed acting leader according to the party's constitution. She is expected to convene an emergency party convention to allow the DCB to elect a new leader as well. Vice President Donald Verbloem addressed the nation in an impromptu press conference, sombrely saying,"Santos-Dominius has lost a political titan. President Goldberg was a brilliant administrator and man of the people, and our Federal Republic is disheartened without his loving guidance." Verbloem was shortly after sworn in by National Court Justice Janine Arbré as Acting President, and is expected to have Sen. Hutchison table a motion in the National Senate to call a snap presidential election.

Although President Goldberg's passing is a certainty, what appears much less certain is the identity of his successor. Both Acting President Verbloem and Sen. Hutchison are favoured by the DCB's conservative establishment, but a growing populist faction has thrown its support behind Carnet Goldberg, the late President's granddaughter. It is alleged that President Goldberg attempted to hold his party together and prevent a three-way Verbloem-Hutchison-Carnet conflict, but it is now expected that open warfare will begin after his passing. Some have posited that the DCB may very well expose major rifts among its members, and that the centre-left opposition Coalition of Roses(CoR) will likely take advantage in an implicit fashion. Sen. Art Bernstein, CoR chair and Leader of the Opposition, released a statement saying, "I send my dearest condolences to former First Granddaughter Goldberg and others who knew President Goldberg well. Although I disagreed with the late President on a diverse range of issues, I recognise the stability and prosperity that his leadership has given this country. Under my leadership, the Coalition of Roses will endeavour to provide an equally brilliant administration in his stead."

Some in the Federal Republic have also debate something historically considered unthinkable - the removal of presidential term limits. The Santo-Dominian Constitution explicitly states that "an incumbent President shall be able to serve, at most, fifteen 5-year terms, consecutively or non-consecutively"; however, many have now pointed out that this effectively amounts to no term limit whatsoever, as 15 5-year terms adds up to a total of 75 years. Critics of this constitutional clause - the now-notorious Section IV, Part A - now opine that presidents can effectively abuse it to serve for 3/4 of a century without ever being removed from office, so long as they continue to win re-election. Every President in Santo-Dominian history has served for long periods of time thanks to this - founding President Bill Mulberry served 57 years(1205-62), 2nd President Jan D. Lovings had 44 years(1262-1306), and 3rd President Eliot Klein racked up 49 years(1306-55). It is unclear if any of the two big parties will support revising that part of the constitution.

Nevertheless, President Goldberg's passing marks the end of an era so incredibly long that some people may have known him as the first and only leader in their lifetime. No matter who succeeds him, it is likely that the Federal Republic will have to cope, adjust and grow alongside a new government, a new President, new policies and new changes.