Arifiyyah

Results of the Round of 16

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

THE REAL CHALLENGE
 
Good day football fans! We're reporting from Ryxtylopia. The Orangutan Rangers qualified to the Round of 16 after getting 1st place in Group D.

 
 
 
 
Behind the Mastermind: Mikel Artery
Mikel Artery,38 years old,we can call him as the greatest coach in football history. With bronze medal in 1421 Esferiad,2nd place in 1422 World Cup,and now top of Grouping round. 
Artery was born and raised in Permata Pantai. His father was a football player for Permata Pantai FC. Artery love football too. He played representing Permata Pantai Youth. Unluckily,no no club wanted him. 
AT age 20,he completed his C coaching license and degree in corporate management,then started to coach Permata Pantai FC Youth. He won the Reserve league at age 21. Insanely,he won as a coach,not a player. Then at age 28,he started to manage Permata Pantai FC main team. He teh won the Arifiyyah Premier League and Sultan Arifiyyah Cup few years ago. He was given the responsibility to coach the Orangutan Rangers 3 years ago,and doing a very well job 
With Classic 433 attacking and sometimes switching to 4231 formation,the team be ome unstoppable. Using Muhammad Nazhim as the playmaker,and Kane as the Target man is very brilliant move. Traditionally play passing style,giving advantage to the team to hold the most possession in the game. 
Hopefully the great performance will continue in the qualification round till the final. Artery,bring the Cup to home!

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

THE REAL CHALLENGE
 
Good day football fans! We're reporting from Ryxtylopia. The Orangutan Rangers qualified to the Round of 16 after getting 1st place in Group D.

 
 
 
 
Behind the Mastermind: Mikel Artery
Mikel Artery,38 years old,we can call him as the greatest coach in football history. With bronze medal in 1421 Esferiad,2nd place in 1422 World Cup,and now top of Grouping round. 
Artery was born and raised in Permata Pantai. His father was a football player for Permata Pantai FC. Artery love football too. He played representing Permata Pantai Youth. Unluckily,no no club wanted him. 
AT age 20,he completed his C coaching license and degree in corporate management,then started to coach Permata Pantai FC Youth. He won the Reserve league at age 21. Insanely,he won as a coach,not a player. Then at age 28,he started to manage Permata Pantai FC main team. He teh won the Arifiyyah Premier League and Sultan Arifiyyah Cup few years ago. He was given the responsibility to coach the Orangutan Rangers 3 years ago,and doing a very well job 
With Classic 433 attacking and sometimes switching to 4231 formation,the team be ome unstoppable. Using Muhammad Nazhim as the playmaker,and Kane as the Target man is very brilliant move. Traditionally play passing style,giving advantage to the team to hold the most possession in the game. 
Hopefully the great performance will continue in the qualification round till the final. Artery,bring the Cup to home!

THE REAL CHALLENGE
 
Good day football fans! We're reporting from Ryxtylopia. The Orangutan Rangers qualified to the Round of 16 after getting 1st place in Group D.

 
 
 
 
Behind the Mastermind: Mikel Artery
Mikel Artery,38 years old,we can call him as the greatest coach in football history. With bronze medal in 1421 Esferiad,2nd place in 1422 World Cup,and now top of Grouping round. 
Artery was born and raised in Permata Pantai. His father was a football player for Permata Pantai FC. Artery love football too. He played representing Permata Pantai Youth. Unluckily,no no club wanted him. 
AT age 20,he completed his C coaching license and degree in corporate management,then started to coach Permata Pantai FC Youth. He won the Reserve league at age 21. Insanely,he won as a coach,not a player. Then at age 28,he started to manage Permata Pantai FC main team. He teh won the Arifiyyah Premier League and Sultan Arifiyyah Cup few years ago. He was given the responsibility to coach the Orangutan Rangers 3 years ago,and doing a very well job 
With Classic 433 attacking and sometimes switching to 4231 formation,the team be ome unstoppable. Using Muhammad Nazhim as the playmaker,and Kane as the Target man is very brilliant move. Traditionally play passing style,giving advantage to the team to hold the most possession in the game. 
Hopefully the great performance will continue in the qualification round till the final. Artery,bring the Cup to home!

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

Going past 16'
 
For the round of 16, Ryxtylopia would be facing off against Dalimbar, a nation that had gone 4th place in group D only winning one match, whilst bearly edging out Libterraria on points, the odds for the Vultures on that regard looked good, since they had gone unbeaten during the groups despite not winning all their matches.
As well as this the ambience for the opposing team would be... hostile to say the least, as fans of Ryxtylopia wanted the team to go on to the next round, instead of exiting the tournament in the round of 16 like in the previous year, where after extra time Ryxtylopia lost to eventual 3rd place winner: Cambria.
However for the players this would also mean a bit more pressure, as if Ryxtylopia exited on the Round of 16 at home it would be a national embarrasment and attacks towards the team lead by Garravez as well as the Dalimbari players could be expected, incidents withing Ryxtylopian football happened often with some of the more infamous moments being:
 
The "I can't hear you!" Incident:
Happened in 1401, during a game between Rio Priava and Bixas, when Bixas defeated Priava at home 5-1, it was then to celebrate the 5th goal that their striker Tarvo Giaxva put both of his hands in his hears, as mockery to the boo's from the crowd, this caused Priava supporters to invade the pitch, which had the match suspended and ended early.
 
The "Upside down U" Incident:
Happened in 1399, in a game between rivals Ystiandes di Ryxtylopia and the University of Ryxenia, Ystiandes had recently beat the U. of Ryxenia 3-2 in a very intense game, and for their next match during the season, fans from Ystiandes hung a very big banner with an upside down U under their drawn mascot, this ended with the internal barriers in the Istadio Carrasoco being broken and a huge brawl ensuing leaving over 30 injured, with the game being cancelled.
 
Libre after relegation:
In 1401, Club Atletico Libre got relegated, by the time they got back to the first division in the following season they would face rivals Diportiva Tsalapaní, in a game that resulted in pure chaos at the Istadio Lybirtad, where Tsalapaní supporters brought a huge banner reading: "RED! Tell me how did it feel playing in the B?" whilst chanting and mocking the local crowd, which ended in a brawl between both sides, injuring around 50 people.
 
The Brivas Bar Affair:
Again involving Bixas and Priava was an affair at a bar in Ryxenia in 1414, where Bixas supporters often gathered to cheer for their team, however after Priava won the game 2-1' their supporters marched to the bar, and started smashing the windows with rocks, attacking Bixas supporters leaving the place, this eventually resulted in police intervention with around 16 injuries.
 
"Bixas you're a ________":
In 1415 during a game between Bixas and Priava, striker Ernysto Guivillana scored a late winner for Priava in the 90th +2nd minute, after which while being interviewed by press he shouted a slur directed towards Bixas fans, this inmediatley got him banned for several months, and the next day his house was raided and trashed by Bixas supporters. Ernysto would be forced to move out of Ryxtylopia due to the hate, whilst Priava supporters will continually back his actions.
 
The "B" incident:
In 1404, Rio Priava dropped for the first time to the second division of Ryxtylopian football, this caused their fans to riot and set fire to the Istadio Franco Rivalda, probably one of the most iconic moments in sporting in this corner of the continent, the next time they saw Bixas in the first division, Bixas supporters prepared to emulate Tsalapaní's mockery of Libre after their relegation, bringing a giant B to the game in the Istadio Arvaldí N. Guivarra, and singing a chant about Priava's time in the "B".
 
All theese incidents were only made worst by "Bands" (basically ultras for ryxtylopian clubs) who harrassed, attacked and mocked eachother to death, part of the reason why Ryxtylopian supporters reffer to themselves as just "The Band" is cause when the national team plays, most of theese rivalries and differences are set aside as all supporters for once head to the stadium wearing the same color and singing the same chants, which was a problem considering many of theese supporters were also known for arousing crowds and being violent.
Due to this, security for the match had already been massivley ramped up, and the players told to expect violence, not only the Ryxtylopians but also this was warned to the Dalimbari players in advance.
 
Meanwhile the team got ready, Garravez decided on the 4-1-3-2 formation, to better handle Dalimbari attacks and hopefully make swift counter-attacks, the players agreed with this for the most part, the lineup could soak up dalimbari pressure on the back and quickly move the ball to the forwards for an attack.
 

 
However the players arrived early at the stadium, and trained, pressure to win the match would be unbelivably high, and whilst the chanting of the crowds could maybe scare the Dalimbaris, if the game was lost the team expected for all out anger to break out.
And as the team arrived to the stadium before the game the hostility in the air was made clear by the crowd outside singing: We have the banners and the drums.
 
 
We have the the banners and the drums:
 
Aquxi i una guirrxa, aquxi i una guirrxa.
Y Ryxtylopia sira primeria.
Tynimvos las bandyras, y lo bombxos tambxién.
Yl Azuil i Amairillo vai volair otrxa vez.
La polixia tonta nai nos vai a detixner.
Ryxtylopia si pripara i nai va a ditiner.
Por qui in iste campó:
Ryxtylopia vai a la guerra con la bandá tambxién.
Aquxi i una guirrxa, aquxi i una guirrxa.
Y Ryxtylopia sira primeria.
Tynimvos las bandyras, y lo bombxos tambxién.
Yl Azuil i Amairillo vai volair otrxa vez.
La polixia tonta nai nos vai a detixner.
Ryxtylopia si pripara i nai va a ditiner.
Por qui in iste campó:
Ryxtylopia vai a la guerra con la bandá tambxién.
 
Here there’s a war, here there’s a war.
And Ryxtylopia will be first.
We have the banners and the drums.
And the Blue and Yellow will fly again.
The dumb police won’t stop us.
Ryxtylopia gets ready, and its not going to stop.
Because in this field:
Ryxtylopia goes to war and the band goes aswell.
Here there’s a war, here there’s a war.
And Ryxtylopia will be first.
We have the banners and the drums.
And the Blue and Yellow will fly again.
The dumb police won’t stop us.
Ryxtylopia gets ready, and its not going to stop.
Because in this field:
Ryxtylopia goes to war and the band goes aswell.
 

Giovannian Empire
An article from the Lavender Encyclopedia | Choose a different language

The Empire's maximum territorial extent during its second golden century (950-1050).
Full quality image link
Status: Empire
Absolute monarchy (648-1095)
Semi-constitutional monarchy (1095-1226)
Capital:
Rivomonte (648-650)
Porto Violeto (650-734)
Giovannia (734-1226)
Official Languages: Giovannese and Lavandulan
Other Languages: Glendulan and Minsunese (in Aura)
Fhaeng, Ganfa, Ardalan, Ulergen, Beremean, Emunian, Varanian (in Andolia)
State Religion: Violetism
Demonym: Giovannian
Area: 
648 (initial extent): 165,700 km²
731 (unification of Lavender Island): 460,800 km²
850 (after colonization of Fhaengshia, Giovandolia and the Outer Sirenas): 1,052,400 km²
950 (after colonization of northern Varanius and overseas trading posts): 1,130,000 km²
1095 (after independence of Blue Bubble, Minsu and Fhaengshia): 508,200 km²
1225 (end of the Empire and modern area): 395,107 km²
The Giovannian Empire (Giovannese: Imperio Giovanniano or Imperio de Giovanniterra) was a late medieval and early modern state in the southern coasts of the Darkesian Sea, with lands in both Aura and Andolia, that existed from 648 to 1225. 
The empire was founded in central Lavender Island from an alliance between the Abrentan and Lavandulan civilizations, and then proceeded to unify the island for the next century. Wars against Minsu (675-688) and Blue Bubble (726-731), in between periods of rebuilding and improvement of the nation's military, and increased trading, marked the first century of the empire. Afterwards, the empire set its sights beyond the island, embarking on a lengthy conquest of various states in northern Andolia between 750 and 850, corresponding to what is today Fhaengshia, Giovandolia and the Outer Sirenas, and also securing a pivotal treaty with Saint Mark in 780.
The empire's maximum extent was reached in the next century after the annexation of northern Varanius and the voyages across the oceans that led to the establishment of multiple trading posts, such as in the coast of western Nur, an era deemed the Golden Age (850-1050). However, the empire came to a decline with the Lavender Revolutions of the late 11th century, which re-established the independence of Blue Bubble and Minsu. Soon after, the return of the Fhaengshian monarchy happened, regaining into control of their entire country after their centuries-long exile in the southern lands of Fhaengshia and causing further territorial losses for the empire.
The empire's final century featured a change of government, from an absolute to a semi-constitutional monarchy, and a greater focus into modernization and adaptation. This successfully consolidated control of Giovaura and Giovandolia, although the western provinces of the latter (modern-day northern Varanius) were lost in 1204. In order to keep up with the times, the final years of the empire saw the start of industrialization, and the eventual transition into a full constitutional monarchy in 1226.
Formation
The Giovannian Empire's origins date back to an intricate period of Lavender Island history. In the late 6th century, the Abrentan civilization was experiencing turmoil after its prosperous Classical Era, with the Abrentan Republic being divided into three states in 574, and these successor realms breaking into even smaller ones by 600. Meanwhile, the Lavandulan civilization faced a long decline during its post-imperial era, besides being threatened by the expansion of other peoples in the island such as the Minsunese. 
A notable happening of this time took place in the year of 571, just before the Abrentan division, when several Lavandulan states forged an alliance with the objective of eventually forming an union with the friendly Abrentans to the south. The ensuing crisis in Abrento threw a wrench in this plan, but two decades later they found a powerful ally in the Giovannian Domain, led by a general called Giovanni that had common interests with the Lavandulans of regaining lost glories, and strategically located in the crossroads between the Abrentan and Lavandulan civilizations.
For the next decades, the Giovannian Domain start to conquer the other Abrentan successor realms one by one, aided by the Lavandulans. The Akallian Confederacy was the first to fall, in 604, followed by the Kornelian Domain in 612, Principality of Kadrina in 615 and Duchy of Velitamme in 623. The ensuing conquests were harder, as they included powerful and populous areas like the Duchy of Rivamora and the rump state of the Abrentan Republic. However, by instigating rebellions in Rivamora that state was also defeated, and after the annexation of the frontier County of Edrense by 640, the Abrentan Republic was left totally encircled. Thus began a long siege that lasted for eight years, until the capital Abrentopole fell and Abrento was reunified. Thereafter, the Giovannian Empire was officially founded, by uniting the two lands of Abrento and Lavandula.
Unification of Lavender Island

The unification of Lavender Island under the Giovannian Empire.
The Giovannian Domain's small capital of Rivomonte soon gave way to the much larger city of Porto Violeto, at the time the largest city in the empire that was not also a previous polity's seat of power, so it was chosen as a neutral new capital. With that began a long process of reconstruction, since the lands of the Empire had seen constant conflict for much of the previous century. The now crowned Emperor Giovanni I, son of the general that forged the alliance with the Lavandulans, focused on improving the nation's economy, expanding its military and seeking trade relations with neighboring nations, while also adding to the empire some frontier mountainous regions, ruling until his death in 655, having ruled the Empire and its predecessor state since 624.
The remainder of the 7th century then saw the rule of two other emperors. Giovanni's younger brother Lorentio I ruled from 655 to 672 and largely continued his brother's policies, further strengthening the Empire, while Lorentio's son Tommaso I ruled from 672 to 701 and took the empire on a different path, starting the second phase of the Lavender Unification Wars. With the preparations laid down by the two previous emperors, Tommaso I declared war on Minsu in 675, seeking to conquer the powerful state to the east which was seen as a threat to imperial ambitions. The war was tough, lasting for thirteen years and happening on two different fronts, the northern and southern. These two fronts eventually met on southeast Lavender Island, where the Minsunese civilization had started around three millennia before, and also the location of its main cities such as Tanba and Shinano, which fell on 688.
After Tommaso's death, his daughter Emilia I ascended to the throne, ruling from 701 to 726, whose reign was marked by a peaceful period in between the major wars of her predecessor and successor's reigns, and also by the increase of trading posts established by the empire across the Darkesian, which helped to expand the nation's trading routes. During Emilia's reign, Giovannian operatives furthermore acted in foreign lands that could be potentially annexed to the empire in the future by stoking division and turmoil, such as the Ardala Khanate that fell in 712. After her death, Tommaso's younger son Giovanni II became the emperor after that, and due to his achievements is commonly known as Giovanni the Great. 
The first of his major acts was to finish what his father intended, to unify the entirety of Lavender Island. The invasion of Blue Bubble happened from 727 to 731—at the time, the Glendulans were divided into northern and southern clans that were fighting a cold war, the result of a civil war centuries before. The northern clan quickly allowed conquest, in the belief that the empire would help the side win, while the southern clan resisted for four more years until its eventual defeat in 731. Thus the island was unified at last, and a new city called Giovannia was built on the orders of Giovanni II to celebrate this achievement, on the original land of the Giovannian Domain. The city then became the capital three years later, marking the transition to a new phase of the empire.
Reign of Giovanni II

The southern Darkesian Sea in the year of 750 AF on the eve of the first expeditions.
Giovanni II ruled until 782 for a total of 56 years, the longest of any emperor, and had already left a mark in history in his first few years by being the first ruler to unify the entirety of Lavender Island. After two peaceful decades during with the empire adapted to this new reality and made important progress in trade and military affairs, expansion happened once more, this time outside of the island. The emperor had economical interests of expanding its territory in order to increase the empire's riches, and also because previous emperors had already been paving the way for conquest by destabilizing foreign lands.
Two imperial sailed off Porto Violeto and Abrentopole in 750, headed to the coasts of northern Andolia. The first fleet landed on the sandy shores of what is now the Fhaengshian territory of Ahfeginsi, defeating the Kingdom of Ahfeginsi and annexing its capital Finsi in 751, while the second fleet reached the Islas dell'Annovo in the new year of 753, where the important fortress of Forte Giovanni (modern Islamagna) was founded. One year later, the second expedition reached what is now modern Giovandolia, getting involved in wars against the Ardala Khanate's successor khanates, with the city of Andoliavilla being the first major settlement founded by the Giovannians there. This fleet was led by General Ferenno, later honored when the coast was named after him.
The ensuing decades saw more conflict in northern Andolia. In Fhaengshia, the Giovannian armies stationed advanced southwards, annexing more realms such as the Kingdom of Shihganfe in 758, home to the large religious city of Ganfa as the capital, but in the winter of 762 their advance was stopped by the most powerful state in the area, the Kingdom of Fhaengshia, which was centered on the islands and the capital Fhaendhaw, with some territory in the south as well. General Filippo then sent a letter calling for reinforcements to Emperor Giovanni II, and in October of the same year they arrived from Abrentopole.
After some naval battles near Ruike and the capital Fhaendhaw, King Soetihn agreed to surrender, while Crown Prince Meisinh, the leader of the forces in the Gheffian region, ordered a retreat to the jungles of modern southeast Fhaengshia. The Colony of Fhaengshia (Kolonia de Fensìa) then was established in November of 762 and lasted for more than three centuries, although it originally only included the eastern Fhaengshian coast—the western plateau was originally a different colony, the Highlands Colony (Kolonia dello Planalto) that was founded one decade after, but later included in the modern state due to migration westwards during the Empire's time.
Meanwhile, in modern Giovandolia, the Ardalan successor khanates saw the threat of the invading empire and crafted alliances to resist the imperial expansion. The full conquest of civilizations such as the Ardala, Bereme and Ulerge took several decades to be accomplished and outlasted Giovanni II's reign, though by the time of his death significant advances had been made by the imperial forces. After the arrival into the mainland and the founding of Andoliavilla in 753, expansion continued in the valleys of the Irto River in modern-day northwestern Giovandolia through a series of battles, leading to the area's annexation by 770.
Furthermore, despite initial setbacks suffered by the Giovannian forces, the old Ardalan capital of Altan-qota (Giovannese: Oddabrio) endured a siege of several years, but it ultimately fell and was razed in 778, its riches stolen and brought to Lavender Island. This was a result aided by revolts from subjects of the Ardalans, that were incited by the Giovannians, and led to the annexation of the entire coast of modern Giovandolia, deemed the Colony of Fernando Coast (Kolonia dell'Lido Ferenno), while the native Andolians resisted for longer in the inland valleys and mountains. It was the last expansion of Giovanni II's reign, though the emperor also achieved a significant diplomatic victory in the end of his realm through the signing of the Treaty of Syntilla with Saint Mark, starting a centuries-long collaboration between the two Auran powers that continues to this day. 
Consolidation of the Empire

The administrative divisions (darker green) and colonies (lighter green) of the Giovannian Empire.
[OOC: Article to be continued later]

Ambassador Katrina Edelgard ducked through the Ryxenian back streets with surprising swiftness. She looked around to make sure she was alone. Liking what she saw, she pulled out her phone and made a call.
“The goods are secured, Chief,” she reported.
“Very good, Katrina. Get back here as soon as you are able.”
“Of course.” She hung up.
The goods in question were tightly wrapped in a large, nondescript bundle under her arm. Edelgard herself was not dressed to her usual standards, but had donned worn street clothes. She didn’t exactly look at home in the slums, and was clearly still a foreigner, but stuck out far less than she would have in her full suit.
She had avoided detection to this point, but as she now rounded a corner, she found herself walking directly towards a pair of police officers. She internally cursed her luck, but did not break stride—the last thing she wanted to do was to act more suspicious.
“Halt,” one of the officers barked.
Edelgard complied.
The other officer smiled. “We just have a couple questions, ma’am.”
“It is my understanding that this is not a restricted area,” Edelgard challenged. “I assure you I’m not with the press.”
“That’s not the issue, ma’am.” The officer gestured to the package in the ambassador’s hands. “I’m going to need to see that.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Officer. My client will be upset if this is tampered with at all.”
“I’m sure they’ll understand,” said the officer, moving to grab the package.
In a single movement Edelgard whisked the package out of reach with one hand, and pulled out her credentials with the other. “I am on diplomatic business for the Republic of Overthinkers. If there is a problem, you are welcome to discuss it with my superior, Ambassador Witz, across town.”
The officers backed up, and Edelgard was allowed to pass.
Edelgard soon left the slums for the more respectable part of the city. She strolled into a fine hotel and took the elevator up. She knocked on the door of Room 417.
Coach Luigi opened the door, then turned to holler back into the room. “Alright guys, the tacos are here!”
A resounding cheer came back in response.
Edelgard opened her package, and distributed quality Ryxtylopian street tacos to very hungry football players and staff gathered in Coach’s suite. She did not remain long herself, though. Luigi saw her check her phone, see something she didn’t like, and leave the room with her share of the food.
Twenty minutes later, Luigi got a text from her. Meet me in my suite. Alone.
“Wendell. Come in.”
Despite having been here for weeks, Edelgard’s room in the hotel was as impeccably neat as the diplomat herself. Only the single suitcase in the closet, and the laptop sitting on the desk, indicated that the room was occupied at all. She let Luigi into the room and shut the door behind him.
“There’s something you may want to see,” she said, as she walked over to the laptop.
Her browser was open to the BrownNewsTV video, which had been released earlier that night. Luigi watched in shock as Lucille Lyons finally revealed herself, only to disparage his team and everything he had built over the past few years at the national level.
As the video ended, he could only shake his head in disbelief. “I’ll be damned. If anything she said about the team was true, she sure didn’t bring it up to me. And I gave multiple opportuni—“
“It’s not really my concern, Coach,” Edelgard interjected, “it simply seemed fair to make you aware of what was being claimed. As far as my department is concerned, this is a petty domestic dispute, so my hands are tied.”
Luigi sighed bitterly. “I imagine you’d tell me that making a statement wouldn’t make matters any better.”
“Not necessarily,” Edelgard shrugged, “and the optics of ignoring the allegations may be worse than dismissing them. But you have a PR team for that.”
“It just sucks, you know? Yeah, Lucille was pretty disconnected from the team, but I always thought that was by choice. Now she’s acting like we’d hunt her down and shut her up if we knew where she was. Like we’re some Zoranian crime ring.”
“You can’t control what people say about you,” Edelgard said. Then, in a lower voice, she added, “but you can control how it’s perceived.”
Luigi raised an eyebrow. “What are you suggesting?”
“There’s a young man I met while I was traveling with the rugby team last time.”
“A Dalimbari?”
“Heavens no. An Overthinker. Got himself into trouble there—I actually don’t know how he made it out. But he might have the perfect skill set for this.”
“To do what, exactly? To silence her?”
“Of course not. But to undermine her credibility.”
Luigi didn’t respond, but seemed intrigued. Edelgard took out a notepad and pen, and wrote down a name and phone number.
“Up to you if you give him a call. Just remember, I didn’t officially endorse this.”
She gave a curt nod as Luigi took the paper and left the room. He stood in the hallway for a moment, studying the note.
Conrad Ellen
+3 33 204 98 861

The Larxian National Team's Training Ground buzzed with activity, the air thick with the sounds of whistles, shouts of coaches, and the rhythmic thud of footballs meeting boots.  Amidst this organized chaos, there was a palpable sense of focus and determination as the players pushed themselves in pursuit of excellence, pausing briefly between drills to catch their breath.
Felix Jr.: Hey, lads, how about we spice things up a bit? A round of "Keepie-Uppies" to break the monotony?
Leo Messy: (grinning) Oh, I can't resist a little challenge. Count me in!
Jordan Moon: (with a smirk) Let's see who's got the moves today.
Andres Pirlo: (laughing) I might be the oldest, but I've still got some tricks up my sleeve. I'm game!
They kicked off their friendly game of "Keepie-Uppies," the ball dancing skillfully among their feet like a choreographed spectacle. Each player contributed their unique flair, showcasing a blend of precision and artistry as they deftly maneuvered the ball, exchanging quick passes and daring flicks.
Felix Jr.: Alright, let the games begin!
The atmosphere crackled with energy as the players displayed their dazzling ball control skills. Each sought to outshine the other, weaving a tapestry of flicks, tricks, and precise touches, igniting a friendly yet fiercely competitive spirit among them.
Leo Messy: (juggling the ball) Check this out, fellas! The old magic is still there!
Jordan Moon: (dribbling with flair) Leo, don't get too comfortable. I'm here to steal the show!
Andres Pirlo: (keeping the ball moving with precision) Ah, youth! Let me show you how it's done, boys!
Felix Jr.: (quick footwork) Leo, you're not the only magician here!
Leo Messy: (attempting a fancy trick) Alright, Felix, let's see if you can keep up with this!
Leo Messy: (pretending) What? How? Felix? You've got moves, kid!
Adrian Garcia: That's some skill, Andres!
Robert del Piero: Come on, Jordan, show them who's boss!
Jordan Moon: (grinning) You're all in trouble now! Time to turn up the heat!
Andres Pirlo: (visibly exhausted) Alright, alright, that's enough fun for today, boys!
Leo Messy: (smiling) Good hustle, everyone! Now, who's hungry? Let's grab some grub!
Jordan Moon: (laughing) Leo, almost got you there! Next time, maybe!
Leo Messy: (winking) Keep trying, Moon! I'm not getting rusty just yet!
Felix Jr.: (with a smirk) Leo, one-nil to me! Better luck next time, eh?
Leo Messy: (grinning) You got lucky, kid! But watch out, I'll get you next time!
The players walked away from the training ground, their jokes and laughter bouncing around. Their bond grew stronger as they teased each other, filling the air with a sense of unity and joy. These moments of fun were just as vital as their hard work, strengthening their team spirit.

THE REAL CHALLENGE
 
Good day football fans! We're reporting from Ryxtylopia. The Orangutan Rangers qualified to the Round of 16 after getting 1st place in Group D.

 
 
 
 
Behind the Mastermind: Mikel Artery
Mikel Artery,38 years old,we can call him as the greatest coach in football history. With bronze medal in 1421 Esferiad,2nd place in 1422 World Cup,and now top of Grouping round. 
Artery was born and raised in Permata Pantai. His father was a football player for Permata Pantai FC. Artery love football too. He played representing Permata Pantai Youth. Unluckily,no no club wanted him. 
AT age 20,he completed his C coaching license and degree in corporate management,then started to coach Permata Pantai FC Youth. He won the Reserve league at age 21. Insanely,he won as a coach,not a player. Then at age 28,he started to manage Permata Pantai FC main team. He teh won the Arifiyyah Premier League and Sultan Arifiyyah Cup few years ago. He was given the responsibility to coach the Orangutan Rangers 3 years ago,and doing a very well job 
With Classic 433 attacking and sometimes switching to 4231 formation,the team be ome unstoppable. Using Muhammad Nazhim as the playmaker,and Kane as the Target man is very brilliant move. Traditionally play passing style,giving advantage to the team to hold the most possession in the game. 
Hopefully the great performance will continue in the qualification round till the final. Artery,bring the Cup to home!

THE REAL CHALLENGE
 
Good day football fans! We're reporting from Ryxtylopia. The Orangutan Rangers qualified to the Round of 16 after getting 1st place in Group D.

 
 
 
 
Behind the Mastermind: Mikel Artery
Mikel Artery,38 years old,we can call him as the greatest coach in football history. With bronze medal in 1421 Esferiad,2nd place in 1422 World Cup,and now top of Grouping round. 
Artery was born and raised in Permata Pantai. His father was a football player for Permata Pantai FC. Artery love football too. He played representing Permata Pantai Youth. Unluckily,no no club wanted him. 
AT age 20,he completed his C coaching license and degree in corporate management,then started to coach Permata Pantai FC Youth. He won the Reserve league at age 21. Insanely,he won as a coach,not a player. Then at age 28,he started to manage Permata Pantai FC main team. He teh won the Arifiyyah Premier League and Sultan Arifiyyah Cup few years ago. He was given the responsibility to coach the Orangutan Rangers 3 years ago,and doing a very well job 
With Classic 433 attacking and sometimes switching to 4231 formation,the team be ome unstoppable. Using Muhammad Nazhim as the playmaker,and Kane as the Target man is very brilliant move. Traditionally play passing style,giving advantage to the team to hold the most possession in the game. 
Hopefully the great performance will continue in the qualification round till the final. Artery,bring the Cup to home!

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

National Stadium,10.30 PM
GOALLL,Arifiyyah National Stadium echoed with shouts of goals after Muhammad Nazhim scored the goal 2nd goal against Pedandria. "First of all, I would like to thank the main organizer of the live broadcast of the world cup premiere, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Thank you also to all the attendees who livened up the atmosphere. Alhamdulillah, thank God for the victory of all the group stage matches. I would like to announce my intention to bring everyone in attendance tonight to witness the knockout match at Ryxtylopia." Sultan Arif said. The next day,the Chairman of State before His Majesty the Sultan at the Arifiyyah Grand Palace. 
10.00 am, Arifiyyah Grand Palace 
Tan Sri Rais, Chairman of States who has been in office for almost two terms, sat on the sofa facing the Sultan, "Why did Your Majesty call me here?" Sultan Arif replied casually,"I want to take you to Ryxtylopia once. You and Dato Isma." Tan Sri Rais replied, "Thank you for your offer, but won't I be assigned to take care of the country if you go abroad?" The Sultan replied, "You must not read the Constitution to the end (with a laughing tone). Just follow us, MPM will be guided by the Keeper of the King's Seal to protect the country. After all, we may have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the leaders of Aura to discuss the Trans-Auran high speed railway prpject which is delayed. They must be interested." He continued, "After all, you are a person who always works hard. You need to rest. When I asked you to get married, you said there was no candidate. I also don't want to mess with your personal affairs.
After about two hours of traveling by air, Sultan Arif carried his son, Ali Nazhim and moved to the hotel with more than 100 entourage members.
 
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN ARIF NAZHIM SHAH CARRYING HRH TENGKU MAHKOTA RAJA TENGKU ALI NAZHIM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ROYAL ASSISTANT,THE CHAIRMAN OF STATES AND 100 ARIFIANS AT THE RYXTYLOPIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

Over the Gulf, 06:35
In the side rush of dawn, the distant peaks glowed pink, like some travesty of a fondant cake. Hard shadows infilled the cavities like ink. Streamers of white cloud strung out in the freezing air, 2000 metres below.
Nock Leader was just a cruciform speck in the bright air ahead. He started to turn, ten degrees to the north-west. Òmah tilted the stick, following, rolling. The horizon swung up and the world moved around. Slowly, slowly. He heard the knocking sound and ignored it. At least the inclinometer was still working. As he came around and levelled the column, Òmah reached forward and flicked the brass dial of the fuel gauge again. It still read full, which couldn’t be right. They’d been up for forty-eight minutes. He took off a gauntlet and flicked the gauge once more with his bare fingers. He felt sure the lined mitten had been dulling his blows.
The dial remained at full.
He saw how pinched and blue his hand had become, and pulled the gauntlet back on quickly. It felt balmy in his insulated flightsuit, but the cabin temp read minus eight. There was no sound, except for the background roar of the engine. Òmah looked up and around, remembering to maintain his visual scanning. Just sky. Sundogs flaring in his visor. Nock Three just abeam of him, a silhouette, trailing vapour. The altimeter read 2800 metres.
The radio gurgled. “Nock Leader to Nock Flight. One pass West and we turn for home. Keep formation tight."  They made another lazy roll. The landscape rose up in his port vision. Òmah saw brittle flashes of light far below. Artillery fire on the islands.
He heard the knocking again. It sounded as if someone was crouching behind the frame of his armoured seat, tapping the spars with a hammer. These engines always made a burbling, flatulent noise, but this didn’t seem right to him.
He keyed his radio. "Nock Leader, this is Nock Four. I’ve–" There was a sudden, loud bang. The channel squealed like a stabbed pig.
The world turned upside down.
"Oh throne! Oh crap! Oh shit!” a voice was shouting. Òmah realised it was his own.
G-force pummelled him. His P7E Firebird was tumbling hard. Light and dark, sky and land, up and over, up and over. Òmah choked back nausea and throttled down desperately. The radio was incoherent with frantic chatter.
"Nock Four! Nock Four!"
Òmah regained control and levelled. He had lost at least a thousand metres. He got the horizon true and looked around in the vain hope of seeing someone friendly. Then he cried out involuntarily as something fell past his nosecone.
It was another Firebird, one wing shorn off in a cascade of torn struts and body plate. Flames were sucking back out of its air intakes. It arced down and away like a comet, trailing smoke as it went spinning towards the ground. It became a speck. A smaller speck. A little blink of light. Òmah felt his guts tighten and acid frothed inside him. Fear, like a stink, permeated the little cockpit. Something else flashed past him.
Just a glimpse, moving so fast. There and gone. A memory of black wings.
"Nock Four! Break! Break and turn! There’s one right on you!"
Òmah leaned on the stick and kicked the rudder. The world rolled again. He put his nose up and throttled hard. The Firebird bucked angrily and the knocking came again. Throne of Stars. He’d thought his bird had malfunctioned, but it wasn’t that at all. They’d been stung. He leant forward against the harness and peered out of his cockpit dome. The aluminum skin of his right wing was holed and torn. Night’s teeth, he’d been shot.
He pushed the stick forward to grab some speed, then turned out left in a hard climb.
The dawn sky was full of smoke: long strings of grey vapour and little black blooms that looked like dirty cotton. Nock Flight’s formation had broken apart and they were scattering across the heavens.
Òmah couldn’t even see the bats.
No, that wasn’t true. He made one, bending in to chase Nock Five, tracer fire licking from its guns.  He rolled towards it, flipping the scope of his reflector sight into position before resting his thumb on the stick-top stud that activated the quad cannons in the nose.
The bat danced wildly across the glass reticule of the gunsight. It refused to sit. Òmah cursed and began to utter a prayer to the sun to lift his wings and make his aim true. He waggled the stick, pitching, rolling, trying to correct, but the more he tried, the more the bat slipped wildly off the gunsight to one side or the other.
There was a little smoky flash ahead, and suddenly Òmah's Firebird was riding through a horizontal pelt of black rain.
No. Not rain. Oil. Then debris. Pieces of glittering metal, buckled machine parts, shreds of aluminum. Òmah cried out in surprise as the oil washed out his forward view. He heard the pattering impact of the debris striking off his nose plate and wing faces. The bat had chalked Nock Five and Òmah was running in through the debris stream. Any large piece of wreckage would hole him and kill him as surely as cannon-fire. And if so much as a screw went down the intake of his engine…
Òmah wrenched on the stick and came nose-up. Light returned as he came out of the smoke belt, and slipstream flowed the oil away off his canopy. It ran in quivering lines, slow and sticky, like blood.
Almost immediately, he had to roll hard to port to avoid hitting another Firebird head on. He heard a strangled cry over the radio. The little dark interceptor filled his field of view for a second and then was gone back over his shoulder.
His violent roll had been too brutal. He inverted for a moment and struggled to right himself as the hills spread out overhead. That knocking again. That damn knocking. He was bleeding speed now, and the experimental engines of the P7E had a nasty habit of flaming out if it struggled too hard. He began to nurse it up and round, gunning the engine as hard as he dared. Two planes rushed by, so fast he didn’t have time to determine their type, then another three went perpendicular across his bow. They were all Firebirds. One was venting blue smoke in a long, chuffing plume.
"Nock Leader! Nock Leader!" Òmah called.
Two of the Firebirds were already climbing away out of visual. The sun blinded him. The third, the wounded bird, was diving slowly, scribing the sky with its smoke.
He saw the bat clearly then.
At his two, five hundred metres, dropping in on the Firebird it had most likely already mauled. For the first time in his four weeks of operational flying, Òmah got a good look at the elusive foe. It resembled his plane, superficially, the cockpit set far back above the drive at the point where the bow of the blade-wings met. A jet interceptor, the cream of the enemy air force. In the dispersal room briefs, they’d talked about these killers being dirt brown or green, but this was pearl-white, like ice, like alabaster. The canopy was tinted black, like a dark eye-socket in a polished skull.
Òmah had expected to feel fear, but he got a thrill of adrenaline instead. He leaned forward, hunched down in the Firebird’s armoured cockpit, and opened the throttle, sweeping in on the bat’s five. It didn’t appear to have seen him. It was lining up, leisurely, on the wounded plane.
He flipped the toggle switch. Guns live.
Closing at three hundred metres. Òmah rapidly calculated his angle of deflection, estimated he’d have to lead his shot by about five degrees. Reverent eye, he had it…
He thumbed the firing stud. The Firebird shuddered slightly as the cannons lit up. He saw flashflames licking up from under the curve of the nose cone. He heard and felt the thump of the breechblocks.
The bat had gone.
He came clear, pulling a wide turn at about two hundred and seventy kilometres an hour. The engagement had been over in an instant. Had he killed it? He sat up into the clear blister of the canopy like an animal looking out of its burrow, craning around. If he’d hit it, surely there would be smoke? The only smoke he could see was about a thousand metres above in the pale blue sky where the main portion of the dogfight was still rolling.
He turned. First rule of air combat: take a shot and pull off. Never stick with a target, never go back. That made you a target. But still he had to know. He had to.
He dipped his starboard wing, searching below for a trace of fire.  Nothing.
Òmah levelled off.
And there it was. Right alongside him.
He cried out in astonishment. The bat was less than a wing’s breadth away, riding along in parallel with him. There was not a mark on its burnished white fuselage.  It was playing with him.
Panic rose inside pilot cadet Zhep det Òmah. He knew his valiant little Firebird could neither outrun nor out-climb the enemy's craft. He throttled back hard, and threw on his speed brakes, hoping the sudden manoeuvre would cause the big machine to overshoot him.
For a moment, it vanished. Then it was back, on his other side, copying his brake-dive. Òmah swore.. He was so close to it that he could see the jet nozzles on the belly under the blade-wings. It could out-dance any prop craft, climbing, braking, even slowing to a near-stall.
Òmah refused to accept he was out-classed, refused to admit he was about to die. He twisted the stick, kicked the rudder right over and went into the deepest dive he dared execute. Any deeper, and the Firebird's wings would shear off its airframe. The world rushed up, filling his vision. He heard the air screaming. He saw the glory of the land ascending to meet him. His land. His home. The home he had joined up to save. Behind him, the pearl-white enemy machine tucked in effortlessly and followed him down. 

Fourth time’s the charm (Matchday 4)
In a well-lit studio, news anchor Anna Čea wraps up the previous scheduled segment.
Anna Čea: ... and now, moving onto the sports segment. We're tuning in with our correspondent Juli Orini live from Ryxtylopia. Hello, Juli!
A big screen behind Čea changes graphics and shows news correspondent Juli Orini. 
Juli Orini: Hello, Anna! And hello to all Fùtbol fans tuning in right now!
Anna Čea: So, what have the Činni been up to?
Juli Orini: Things are looking up for them, as today the National Team earned its first three points! After drawing two matches against Larxia and Alchera, and losing one to Overthinkers, the Činni have won their match against fellow Nurans, Kalmach. I’m joined by head coach Jan Košis to comment on the team’s performance.
The TV feed is now focused on Juli Orini, found just outside of the football pitch, next to Košis. In the background, several fans sitting in the stands are waving familiar Nuran flags, and a couple of bright red flares fill the air.
A small graphic detailing the outcome of the match is seen under Orini and Košis.

Jan Košis: Hello everyone, glad to be here.
Juli Orini: The team seems to have finally broken the deadlock, so to speak, as 75% of Rivalfiume’s overall goals came all from this match.
Jan Košis: Indeed. We’ve been working very hard on goalscoring, especially from “golden occasions” such as set pieces, and it’s working.
Juli Orini: Today is a perfect example of that: let’s talk about Čentini’s absolute screamer! What a debut for him!
Jan Košis: Ah, that was a well worked goal! Super-Substitute Čentini scored a beautiful goal in the first half from a free kick, rocketing the ball in the top corner in the 2nd minute of added time.
Juli Orini: Well, the goal was absolutely stunning, but not-so-stunning was the reason the free kick was given. Is Anečeti going to recover quickly?
Jan Košis: I’m afraid that Anečeti is going to miss some games, as he’s been badly clattered by an opposition player. To be honest, I’m quite shocked that the player wasn’t sent off with a straight red.
Juli Orini: Let’s hope that he recovers soon... 
Despite Kalmach getting a goal back in the 50th minute, the Team didn’t let us down and scored two of their own. What a relief!
Jan Košis: It’s nice to see that the players weren’t let down by the temporary draw and were willing to fight until the end. I’m super proud of them and their superb teamwork.
Juli Orini: Looking at the next fixtures, Rivalfiume is going to face Ryxtylopia, the hosts themselves, who are in a good run of form and have already qualified to the knock-out stages. What’s the plan?
Jan Košis: We have to defend our points advantage as much as we can. Both Alchera and Kalmach have to face tough opposition, like us, and if we lose against Ryxtylopia and they win, it would go down to goal difference. That’s why, if we secure a draw, we would mathematically qualify for the rounds of 16. That’s the plan. As for the formation, some changes have to be made due to injuries or recent fatigue.
A graphic is shown, titled "Most probable formation, according to analysts".


Juli Orini: Thank you for your time, coach. Good luck for the next game, let’s hope for a favorable result!
Jan Košis: Thank you, Juli!
Juli Orini: Fluvians watching at home, don’t forget to tune in next time, as the next match potentially decides whether the Činni make it out of the group stages for the first time ever. Thank you for watching!
The TV switches back to the studio, as Anna Čea begins the weather segment.
Anna Čea: As for the weather, there’s a high chance of showers in all of the Estre Nort department…

'24
 
27th of November 1423, Ryxenia, Oraiva Road, 11:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.
It was a cloudy day when the demonstrations begun, between the start of the tournament, the goal was to reach the Istadio Franco Rivalda, most protesters kept silent, and most signs could only read the number 24, the reason was to protest the 24 high-profile reporters and journalists that had gone missing before the tournament had even begun, considering it had been 10 days since it had begun the protesters reasoned it would be symbolic enough.
Many others mainly hidden amongst the crowd however prepared lazers, improvised shields, and proyectiles with their goals being totally different as it was obvious that this demonstration would as per usual be met by police.
 

 
By now demonstrations had died down as they had little effect and the tournament was well on its way now, its not like they would change anything and only result in more injuries, but within the crowds of actually peaceful demonstrators many carried improvised weapons, and other stuff to take their anger out on the police, some may have also brought illegal weapons to the fray, but by the time the inevitable clash happened it couldn't be confirmed.
It started like most of the other protests with demonstrators going down a road and after a bit encountering a police barricade, with the police either stopping them or ordering them to disperse, in this case the column just stopped, whilst the police couldn't disperse them with their low numbers at the time.
 

 
Stuff started to intensify about 2 hours later when police had pebbles, bottles and other stuff thrown at them, whilst at the same time getting reinforced by more officers and riot-controll vehicles, around 4-5 hours after the start, and with protesters now throwing more lethile proyectiles and the confrontation heating up.
Police started to respond with pepper spray, and paint guns, at this point most of the peaceful demonstrators had dispersed leaving an angry crowd and the police, until a loud BANG was heard around 4:41 P.M. Police thought this was a gun shot and responded with their own fire, not directed at the crowd but to disperse it, this caused panic amongst the demonstrators who rushed down the street with the last molotov coctails thrown at police around this time.
The stampede left around 70 injured, and around 15 in critical condition, by the end of the day deaths had not been reported and the last protesters dispersed by the end of the day, marking an unfortunate end to the wave of world cup protests that had gone throught Ryxtylopia since the tournament was announced.
 

 
28th of November 1423, Ryxenia, Oraiva Road, 8:00 A.M.
Police and cleaning staff worked on cleaning up the road early in the morning, as more reports went to the Department of Internal Security, and they didn't look good, however considering the protests had been dying down it seemed like this would be the last one, several officers had been injured, many with burns or bruises.
However due to the confrontation happening, not in the outskirts of the city but in one of the roads leading to the largest of the venues for the world cup, the Ryxtylopian government  began preparing for a possible media storm ahead.
 

Good evening to all! This is your host of the Sports Report, Numerio Dellio-Oliverde, with the news that Giovanniland has successfully advanced from the group stage of the World Cup of Football. It was tough, but we've made it! Huzzah! We'll be covering the results of the last two matches played by our football team and how they went.
Matchday 4 - Giovanniland 0-1 United Adaikes (Halftime: 0-1)
The fourth game of our team was against United Adaikes, featuring a slightly different roster due to the expulsion of Manuella Giakobo in the previous matchday, replaced by Teodoro Sonserina. The first goal of the match came in the 21st minute, scored by Adaikesian forward Sonya Kynaston in a counterattack, after Giovanniland's striker Gustavo Zapata had a good chance to score but the shot was caught by the opposing goalkeeper Abby Kidd.
There were good chances to score from both sides, and aside from the goal for United Adaikes, the match seemed fairly even. Sadly, their defense was effective and stopped any scoring attempts from Team Giovanniland, although our three strikers nevertheless had a fair performance and our defense also improved after the goal that went through.
The match once more came to a heated moment when Lorentio Santo-Ferraro was the target of a grave foul during the Adaikesian defense area while he had the possession of the ball, and thus Giovanniland was awarded a penalty. Lorentio himself took the penalty, but unfortunately it hit the crossbar. This was near the ending of the match, and soon the whistle blew to mark the final score: Giovanniland 0-1 United Adaikes, the third loss in a row and putting the team in a delicate situation.
Matchday 5 - Giovanniland 2-1 Peourouin (Halftime: 0-1)
Goals: Lorentio Santo-Ferraro (52'), Matteo Diventomare (90'+2')
For the last matchday, Giovanniland came into the match needing a win to advance, and furthermore requiring at least one of Sekiya or Teralyon to lose their matches, since they were in direct competition with our team for the third and fourth spots. The match was against Peourouin, another team that could still qualify, so stakes were high.
For most of the first half the match stayed goalless, with midfielder Gabriella Orfeo bringing the strongest threat to the Peouroun defensive area in the 15th minute, but the shot was diverted by their side's defense player Voldymyd Gorun. Near the end, the Peouroun forward Odeyh Ussrsaii brought a dangerous attack into the Giovannilandian defensive area that was successfully defended, but in the rebound, their fellow teammate Sayu Aktar opened the score, at the 42nd minute.
During halftime, Giovanniland was then the last-placed team in the group, and the moment called for change. Coach Èttore Ottavio-Linnare then made some adjustments in the second half, making the team further focused on offense by replacing Klementine de Abreo-Florine with another striker, Giuseppe dell'Amorine, who got to play his first World Cup match as part of the Squadra Nationala de Pedesfera, and in the midfield switching Gabriella Orfeo for Mara Erdene-Aruna. 
This proved to be successful, as the momentum successfully resulted in a goal by Lorentio Santo-Ferraro, who redeemed himself after missing the penalty in the previous match. The task was still not completed, however, as the team stayed at fifth place behind Teralyon due to the goal differential. Both teams needed a goal, as a draw would benefit neither, which meant that the atmosphere in the Istadio Gral. Tavara Dipartí continued animated, both Giovannilandian and Peouroun fans cheering for their own teams and the strikers attempting every way possible to break the deadlock.
It seemed that nothing would come from subsequent attacks, and the match would stay as a draw. Both teams had beautiful attempts to score, but both defenses were also working perfectly. With both teams on the brink of elimination, when all seemed lost, Giovanniland's striker Matteo Divendomare found the right angle to get the ball past the Peouroun goalkeeper Jakub Ostatna, and score the second and final goal of our team in the stoppage time of the second half. This goal came from an assistance by the young Giuseppe dell'Amorine, successfully making a pivotal impact in his first World Cup match.
The stadium erupted with cheers, but waited, as three more tense minutes were still left in the clock. Then, at 90'+5', the final whistle sounded and fans celebrated the nation's qualification at last, in what is perhaps one of the most suspenseful and breathtaking ways to qualify. Team Giovanniland barely made it in, securing qualification in fourth place of the group through a comeback win, while Teralyon dropped to fifth place, a bad day for their fans since their team had just lost to United Adaikes over at Istadio Rio Bianco.
Now, the next match stands to be a tough challenge, as Team Giovanniland meets defending champion Nieubasria in the round of 16, their team having qualified as leader of group C. Twice the teams have played before, although none in the World Cup—first Nieubasria won 6-3 in the gold medal match of the I Summer Esferiad at Saint-Josalyn. Then on the following edition, the II Summer Esferiad here at Quoriv and Kharventhin, Giovanniland won 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the semifinals! 
Furthermore, the leaderboard of goals scored by Giovannilandian players in international matches, maintained by us here at the Sports Report, has also been updated! You can view it here:
Name Goals Scored Rank Gustavo Zapata 9 #1 Matteo Divendomare 8 #2 Pietro Takeda 5 #3 Lorentio Santo-Ferraro 4 #4 Alberta Verdi 3 #5 Arabella Viaria-Nyima 2 #6 Augusto Uprino-Antenore Klementine de Abreo-Florine Farlina Benaventura 1 #9 Giovanni Oliverde-Lastrilla Jurandire Lianzo Katia Ovinaria-Taspena Manuello Karventine-Devalle Ortensia Anvera-Floreverde Vittoria Oriastella Only time will tell if the leaderboard will be further updated during this competition still, although the coaches Èttore Ottavio-Linnare and Elia Lastrilla have stated that they hope for a good match nevertheless, and that our team should perform the best that they can no matter who the opponent is. Rest assured, Giovannilandians can at least celebrate that our team has escaped the threat of group stage elimination, which would be unprecedented in national football history, and now will at least equal the two previous World Cups' feat of reaching the round of 16. 
That is all from us today, stay tuned for more news from the 3rd World Cup of Football in Ryxtylopia and make sure to be here in our channel to watch the Giovanniland vs. Nieubasria match two days from now!

Results of the Last Match Day of the Group Stage
Group A Overthinkers 2–0 Kalmach Alchera (NPC) 1–2 Larxia Rivalfiume 1–2 Ryxtylopia Group A Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Ryxtylopia 5 3 2 0 10 7 +3 11 2 Overthinkers 5 3 1 1 8 4 +4 10 a 3 Larxia 5 3 1 1 11 8 +3 10 a 4 Rivalfiume 5 1 2 2 5 6 −1 5 5 Alchera (NPC) 5 0 2 3 5 8 −3 2 6 Kalmach 5 0 2 3 5 11 −6 2 a Tiebreaker: Goal Difference Group B Giovanniland 2–1 Peourouin Teralyon 2–4 United Adaikes Sekiya 1–0 Cambria Group B Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Cambria 5 4 0 1 14 7 +7 12 b 2 United Adaikes 5 4 0 1 7 4 +3 12 b 3 Sekiya 5 2 2 1 4 2 +2 8 4 Giovanniland 5 2 0 3 5 8 −3 6 5 Teralyon 5 1 1 3 6 10 −4 4 6 Peourouin 5 0 1 4 4 9 −5 1 b Tiebreaker: Goal Difference Group C Hertfordshire and Jammbo 0–0 Ionia Saint Mark 0–2 Fujai Candelu 0–2 Nieubasria Group C Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Nieubasria 5 4 1 0 11 3 +8 13 2 Fujai 5 3 0 2 4 3 +1 9 3 Candelu 5 2 1 2 7 5 +2 7 4 Saint Mark 5 1 3 1 6 4 +2 6 5 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 5 1 2 2 4 4 0 5 6 Ionia 5 0 1 4 1 14 −13 1 Group D Zoran 0–1 Aukera Libterraria (NPC) 1–1 Dalimbar Pedandria 1–2 Arifiyyah Group D Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Arifiyyah 5 5 0 0 11 4 +7 15 2 Aukera 5 3 1 1 11 7 +4 10 3 Zoran 5 3 0 2 9 6 +3 9 4 Dalimbar 5 1 2 2 5 7 −2 5 5 Libterraria (NPC) 5 1 1 3 7 10 −3 4 6 Pedandria 5 0 0 5 5 14 −9 0 Knockouts Stage

Courtship of the Kings
Seven winters passed since the vanquishing of the Berganisk tribes, and Queen Tamar, her name echoing through the winds like a distant thunderstorm, ruled with sagacity and might.
In those days of yore, three royal suitors sought the hand of Queen Tamar, drawn by the luster of her realm. The first, Tonn, bore a regal countenance, yet his gaze was veiled by vanity and nearsightedness. The second, Olev, was piously devoted, but his reverence for the divine eclipsed the needs of his folk. The third, Jumal, harbored ambitions as fierce as the northern winds, heedless of the welfare of his subjects.
With grandiosity befitting their stations, the three kings approached Queen Tamar, each seeking favor. Yet, the queen, with discerning eyes akin to the falcon's gaze, perceived the flaws that tainted the brilliance of each.
To Tonn, the vain, she spoke words as sharp as the blade at her side. "A king's sight must not be clouded by his own reflection. Beauty is fleeting, but the legacy of a benevolent ruler endures like the northern lights."
Olev, the pious, found himself admonished by Tamar's unwavering gaze. "A king's devotion must extend to the realm he governs, not confined to the heavens alone. Your people crave sustenance and justice, not just the solace of prayers."
Jumal, the ambitious, faced Tamar's unyielding stare. "Power, if grasped without wisdom and compassion, is but a weapon of tyrants. A king should be a shepherd, not a wolf amidst his flock."
Enraged by these lessons in humility, service to the folk, and equality, each king, in the manner of the berserkers of old, drew his weapon. Tonn unsheathed his sword, Olev gripped a mace, and Jumal brandished a spear. They struck at Tamar, blinded by wounded pride and unbridled ambition.
Yet, Tamar, like a Valkyrie in the dance of battle, moved with the grace of the northern winds, deflecting their blows with a skill forged in the crucible of conflict. She spared their lives but claimed their crowns, a symbol of the humility and service they failed to grasp.
The tale of the thwarted courtship and the dethroned kings spread like the whispering breeze through the ancient fjords. The subjects of each realm began to see Tamar not as a conqueror but as a liberator and rightful queen. The realm expanded, and peace descended like the gentle caress of snow upon an ever-expanding dominion.
Thus, the Courtship of the Kings became a chapter in the saga of Tamar, the queen whose wisdom, humility, and martial prowess united realms and brought prosperity to the lands beneath her just and compassionate rule. The people hailed her not merely as a warrior queen but as a sovereign whose heart beat in harmony with the well-being of her folk.

Oli Thurstan, an avid football fan, came from a wealthy family. However, as not to depend on their fortune, his parents taught him and his younger brother to work hard for money. At a young age and already a middle manager in a corporation owned by their family, he can travel internationally within his means.
So when he learned that the World Cup of Football would take place in Ryxtylopia, a neighboring country in the Auran region, he took the opportunity to see the games; however, his money could not afford to watch the games live in the stadiums, so he had to watch in local sports pubs in Ryxtylopia where they broadcast the games he wants to watch, most especially the matches for the United Adaikes national football team.
On the day of the United Adaikes-Peourouin match, he was at Los Tarrxos.
 
Minutes before the United Adaikes-Peourouin match (3rd Match Day)...
Oli sat at the crowded bar, nervously sipping a drink, adorned head to toe with the United Adaikes national team's colors.
Peouroun Natalya Serumikin sat next to Oli, also donned in Peourouin national team's colors.
"Quite the atmosphere in here, huh?" Natalya spoke first.
Oli had to turn his head twice to see who had talked to him, and he smirked at what Natalya was wearing. "You have no idea. My team's going to wipe the floor with yours tonight."
Natalya laughed, "Dream on! We've got this in the bag. Your team won't stand a chance."
"We'll see about that," Oli replied, "it's all in good fun, though. Football brings people together, doesn't it?"
"Definitely," Natalya responded, "no hard feelings, just the beautiful game doing its thing. By the way, I'm Natalya."
Oli took Natalya's hand when she reached out for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, Natalya. I'm Oli."
"Short for Oliver?" Natalya raised her glass.
Oli clinked his glass to Natalya's in return and smiled. "Nope, Just Oli. May the best team win... though we both know who that is."
As the match kicks off, the tension rises. Cheers and groans fill the pub with each near-miss or brilliant play.
Natalya nudged Oli. "That was a close one, huh?"
Oli responded by nodding. "Too close for comfort. But we've got this."
The game takes unexpected turns, and both fans ride an emotional rollercoaster. Despite the rivalry, mutual respect forms.
Natalya spoke first during the match's final whistle, "Your team played well. It could've gone either way."
"Same goes for yours," Oli replied, "football, huh? Unpredictable till the end."
Oli and Natalya share a smile, realizing that, beyond the rivalry, they've found common ground in their love for the game and the shared experience of the match.
Oli raised his glass to Natalya. "Cheers to a great game and new friends."
Natalya clinked her glass to Oli's.
She then gave Oli a side hug after chugging her drink. "Until the next match, my friend." She tapped Oli's back and left first.
Oli also finished his drink and smiled at Natalya as she left.
 
Big thanks to Peourouin for his input. A shout also to Ryx for the setting.