ARDA CUP Football 2012 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Shastanis Althreduin · 03-06-2012, 08:24 PM

The Misty Mountains are not happy with Saruman. No, not happy at all.

Traditionally, Saruman has been on cordial, allied terms with the Misty Mountains, collaborating with them on more than one occasion. However, Saruman's defection (indeed, he will not be joining the Misty Mountain squad this year) has hit them pretty hard.

Even that, though, could have been borne. But when Saruman took Caradhras, the Great Mountain and, arguably, the best GK Misty Mountains has ever had, with him, the resultant uproar was nothing short of cataclysmic. It isn't too surprising, either, given that the mountain sits squarely within the Misty Mountains themselves.

In a move partially driven by spite and partially by the fact that, having traditionally not gone very far in the Arda Cup, they are in desperate need of talent, Misty Mountains has pulled what is lovingly referred to by Tol-in-Gaurhothians as a "Legate-180", and drafted two elves to their side! It's hard to imagine a race more antithetical to how Saruman has acted in the past (and given that the Misty Mountains team has generally been filled with players of a more evil inclination, it's equally astonishing.) Their appearance so far out of the range of the Golden Wood is just more fuel for the rumor that Lothlorien will not be fielding a team this year, but Rumil and Orophin could not be reached for comment.

Standing in for Caradhras this year will be the Great Goblin, and claiming the the only FW spot on the squad will be that perennial fan favorite, Durin's Bane.

GK - Great Goblin (6)

DF - Chief Wolf (3)

MF - Rumil (5)
MF - Orophin (5)

FW - Durin's Bane (16)

Nogrod · 03-07-2012, 02:00 PM

Like already revealed in the AKM story from Númenor, some Númenorians are joining Ulmo this year for a sea-themed team. Now after meeting the always pleasant and revered Uinen, we are able to reveal some more details about that venture.

It seems the old trio - her, Ossë and Salmar - will join Ulmo again this year. It also looks like Ulmo is ready to put up quite a price tag for his team. Uinen's view on their salaries was quite straightforwards though: a worker needs a fair pay.

To the question, whether Ulmo had raised the price tag unfairly high for other investment groups to follow she was not inclined to answer but pointing at the fact that Meneltarma Capital, Avallónë Securities, Grey Ships Ltd. and Swanhaven Pearl inc. had decided to join the team with their capital making it possible to recruit a top talented team.

And so Tar Minastir equals the pay Ar-Pharazôn and Ar-Adunakhôr make (15) in team Armenelos. And even if that could be thought of being just decent for a player of his caliber, it would look that the other Númenorians have a nicer contract with The Sea they could ever have bargained with team Armenelos - or any other team to that matter. That is not saying they aren't quality players compared to fex. the hordes of Easterlings some Beleriand teams have been forced to sign in lacking capital after hiring over-prized heroes into their squads. With money one gets quality, even if one overpays them a little.

An interesting signing for The Sea -team is Voronwë tending the goal. One might think he would bear some regrets towards Ulmo for his seven years at the sea only to bring him back to be his runner-boy. But it seems Ulmo trusts in his minion and Voronwë looks pleased with the salary of 8 million. But it is a questionmark to be sure: he played midfielder the last year with less than impressive statistics, but he guarded Indis and is called "the enduring one" for no light reasons. So maybe we should trust Ulmo's foresight here?

~*~

On another news.

The AKM board has decided that Hunter U. Nogson will not be appearing in the Barrow Downs, mainly for the reason that the BD is a family-friendly site. But you can join his journalism in the blogosphere at Fear and Loathing in Arda. In his first blog-entry A night-out with some considerable felines he has already revealed the identity of the star striker for team Angband!

the phantom · 03-08-2012, 05:20 PM

The Underground
Fundin Ironpike

MORIA – Dwarves through the ages have always had mixed reactions to Arda Cup and football in general. Across the board they show reverence for the architectural wonders that the sport has yielded, and participated in the design and building of many stadiums, but more than a few display little interest in the craftsmanship on the pitch.

“The fact is, Dwarves generally aren’t suited for football psychologically and physiologically,” says Wicket Flitwillow, Professor of Dwarf Studies at the University of Rivendell. “They’re decent leapers, and enduring, but their height and leg length is quite a handicap.”

On the mental side of things, Flitwillow says: “Certainly the Children of Aule enjoy using their physical bodies to perform feats of strength and dexterity, but the problem is, they like to be able to see results- enduring physical proof of their prowess. Objects. Football simply doesn’t reward their efforts the way they prefer.”

Flitwillow added that Dwarves generally don’t have “fun” the way other races do. “They’re very serious. They’re more than welcome to invest in teams, but their desire is to turn a profit. And when it comes to actual playing, they need to be motivated by something rather serious- their pride, for instance.”

***************

And perhaps Aule had that very idea in mind when he met with the Dwarf-lords and proposed the idea of a Dwarf-centered team named “Dwarves United”. According to meeting insiders, representatives from the Lonely Mountain and Old Moria were initially against it on the grounds it would steal talent from squads they’re already invested in (Erebor and Misty Mts). But Aule informed them he had already been in talks with some talent, and that only a couple would be at all likely to be approached by those squads, and that they didn’t plan to accept.

The dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod, and Durin himself urged their brothers to put it aside for the moment and listen to the proposal, and the Old Moria dwarves gave their permission. The Lonely Mt dwarves on the other hand, spear-headed by King Dain, remained unwilling to accept the premise of a Dwarf-team without clarifying a few matters.

“First, I wonder why no Dwarf has questioned the viability of a squad composed entirely of members of our race,” he said. “We are a talented people, skilled and hardy and valorous, but football has historically failed to balance our strengths and weaknesses.”

At this pronouncement there was much table-pounding and protesting, but Aule motioned for quiet and beckoned Dain to speak again. “That is not to say that a Dwarf or two cannot make a fine addition to a team with an appropriate blend of complimentary talents- did not Azaghal play a fine part in the back-to-back titles gained by Maedhros’ Union squad? But the feats of great Dwarves filling specific roles on teams does not necessarily translate to fielding a team of Dwarves.”

At this, Thrain stood and voiced his support for Dain. “I agree- this has been tried before. Teams composed entirely of Dwarves, or Hobbits, who share our lack of length, have found little success in Arda Cup through the years. I cannot imagine agreeing to such an unwise investment.”

The word “investment” seemed to put the issue of injured Dwarf-pride out of the minds of the other attendees. Aule was, after all, asking them to help fund the venture, and the point of any investment was to gain from it. The Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod now looked skeptical as they turned to face Aule again, who did not appear flustered by the flow of things.

“Your concerns are justified, Dain, Thrain,” he said, nodding to each, “But do not suppose that I have overlooked such matters. While I am proposing a Dwarf-owned team named ‘Dwarves United’, I fully intend to include non-Dwarves. Not just any non-Dwarves, of course, but tried and true Dwarf-friends- those that we have allied with at one time or another, and that have respect for Dwarf-kind.”

There was interested murmuring at this announcement, in the midst of which Gimli son of Gloin shouted, “The Lady Galadriel would be a strong ally!” Following his lead, many Dwarves began yelling out names of Dwarf-friends that they were partial to. Aule motioned for quiet again.

“Feel free to reach out to Dwarf-friends and bring their names to me if they are in fact interested, but with the reformation this season and the frantic signing period, it’s very likely your intended targets will not be able to join us- this year.” There was a lot of head-nodding after that remark. The Dwarves seemed pleased by the idea that Aule intended to make the club a mainstay.

“Have you made any successful contacts?” asked a member of the Belegost delegation.

“Indeed I have,” answered Aule. “A great craftsman and friend of Dwarves has agreed to sign on.” Aule winked at Narvi as he continued, “Perhaps Narvi already knows of his friend’s intentions.” Nearly all the Dwarves of Old Moria looked excitedly to Narvi for confirmation, and simply beamed when he gave a small smile and nod. It had to mean Celebrimbor!

Aule rose from his chair grinning and shouted over the buzz. “If you wish to play for the squad, tryouts begin tomorrow! The weather should be fine tomorrow, so be at the Dimrill practice field at noon!”

Before exiting through the doorway, Aule added, "And for those that are wondering- Yes, I'll be in uniform."

***************

So, Dwarves United looks well on its way. In other Dwarf-related news, the Dwarves of the Lonely Mt. (Erebor Craftsman Union) and their investing partners- Lake Town (Moneybags Monetary Management), Dale (Celduin Corp.), and the Wood Elves (Elves of Mirkwood)- are nearly finished with their Erebor squad, and it looks quite pricey indeed!

Big names come with price tags, and Erebor looks to have no shortage of recognizable figures, such as Smaug, Beorn, Thranduil, and even Gwaihir. Our sources within the Erebor Craftsman Union tell us they expect the team salary to top out somewhere around or just above 100 million, which would potentially give Erebor the highest payroll east of the sea!

The cash-minded former Mayor Moneybags of Lake Town has been pushing for a dirt-cheap roster all along and nearly left the investment pact when his strategy was overruled, but in the end he and his cronies couldn’t stand to be left out of such a big event, and they are hoping the spending yields high results.

Boromir88 · 03-09-2012, 09:26 AM

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

The Black Gate Re-Opens

Moments ago, our offices in Minas Tirith got word from our sister station in Minas Morgul that the Black Gates would re-open and were expecting Sauron to announce what team he would be playing for this year. Like last time, it was The Mouth of Sauron who rode out from Mordor to make the announcement. There was less of a media circus, since the timing of this announcement seemed relatively unknown to the wider, Arda-media. The Mouth, also stated he would not be taking any questions at this time, but here is the official announcement out of Mordor, as reported by our sister station, in Minas Morgul:

"I am please to announce, this year, the great Lord of the Black-Land, Master of the Rings, has committed to play for Barad-dur this season. We can not disclose the amount at this time, that is for my Master to release, when he feels appropriate, but he has officially signed a 1-year contract for Barad-dur.

The reason this announcement was kept quiet, is simply because my Master wanted you, his people of Mordor, to know first. And may you see his commitment to Mordor, and to you, is unshakeable. He wishes all his investments well, and is confident in his servants playing for team Mordor will perform just as admirably. My master believes we have two teams in which Mordorians will be proud of to call their own this year.

There is also a statement to make about the Tol-in-Gaurhoth report from earlier in the week. Much was made about the possibilities of my Master playing for TIG this year, too much, in fact. My Master wants to be clear on this, not at any point did he consider playing for TIG, or any team other than one of the two Mordor teams. How these rumors that he would leave for TIG got started, he does not know, but suggests it was the media searching for a story, for the sake of having a story. My master hopes, in the future, to avoid these flare-ups that tend to get stirred up out-of-control media speculation. If you truly want to know what is happening with your Mordor teams, or your Lord's involvement, contact our public relations office, and we will respond at the appropriate time. Or, in the very least, listen to those who have always know his mind the best, like myself, or the phantom.

That is all. Thank you, and you shall be seeing both Mordor teams on the practice fields soon enough."

03-06-2012, 08:24 PM	#1
Shastanis Althreduin Werewolf Psychic Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: In fire, water, earth, and air. But mostly water. Posts: 2,832	The Misty Mountains are not happy with Saruman. No, not happy at all. Traditionally, Saruman has been on cordial, allied terms with the Misty Mountains, collaborating with them on more than one occasion. However, Saruman's defection (indeed, he will not be joining the Misty Mountain squad this year) has hit them pretty hard. Even that, though, could have been borne. But when Saruman took Caradhras, the Great Mountain and, arguably, the best GK Misty Mountains has ever had, with him, the resultant uproar was nothing short of cataclysmic. It isn't too surprising, either, given that the mountain sits squarely within the Misty Mountains themselves. In a move partially driven by spite and partially by the fact that, having traditionally not gone very far in the Arda Cup, they are in desperate need of talent, Misty Mountains has pulled what is lovingly referred to by Tol-in-Gaurhothians as a "Legate-180", and drafted two elves to their side! It's hard to imagine a race more antithetical to how Saruman has acted in the past (and given that the Misty Mountains team has generally been filled with players of a more evil inclination, it's equally astonishing.) Their appearance so far out of the range of the Golden Wood is just more fuel for the rumor that Lothlorien will not be fielding a team this year, but Rumil and Orophin could not be reached for comment. Standing in for Caradhras this year will be the Great Goblin, and claiming the the only FW spot on the squad will be that perennial fan favorite, Durin's Bane. GK - Great Goblin (6) DF - Chief Wolf (3) MF - Rumil (5) MF - Orophin (5) FW - Durin's Bane (16) __________________ Shasta– ... However, if he's innocent his famous clairvoyant powers must be taking the week off. Meanwhile, the Night-kills have been awfully effective– almost like we're dealing with a psychic wolf... - Nerwen, WW LXXV

03-07-2012, 02:00 PM	#2
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	The AKM news from the Sea Like already revealed in the AKM story from Númenor, some Númenorians are joining Ulmo this year for a sea-themed team. Now after meeting the always pleasant and revered Uinen, we are able to reveal some more details about that venture. It seems the old trio - her, Ossë and Salmar - will join Ulmo again this year. It also looks like Ulmo is ready to put up quite a price tag for his team. Uinen's view on their salaries was quite straightforwards though: a worker needs a fair pay. To the question, whether Ulmo had raised the price tag unfairly high for other investment groups to follow she was not inclined to answer but pointing at the fact that Meneltarma Capital, Avallónë Securities, Grey Ships Ltd. and Swanhaven Pearl inc. had decided to join the team with their capital making it possible to recruit a top talented team. And so Tar Minastir equals the pay Ar-Pharazôn and Ar-Adunakhôr make (15) in team Armenelos. And even if that could be thought of being just decent for a player of his caliber, it would look that the other Númenorians have a nicer contract with The Sea they could ever have bargained with team Armenelos - or any other team to that matter. That is not saying they aren't quality players compared to fex. the hordes of Easterlings some Beleriand teams have been forced to sign in lacking capital after hiring over-prized heroes into their squads. With money one gets quality, even if one overpays them a little. An interesting signing for The Sea -team is Voronwë tending the goal. One might think he would bear some regrets towards Ulmo for his seven years at the sea only to bring him back to be his runner-boy. But it seems Ulmo trusts in his minion and Voronwë looks pleased with the salary of 8 million. But it is a questionmark to be sure: he played midfielder the last year with less than impressive statistics, but he guarded Indis and is called "the enduring one" for no light reasons. So maybe we should trust Ulmo's foresight here? ~~ On another news. The AKM board has decided that Hunter U. Nogson will not be appearing in the Barrow Downs, mainly for the reason that the BD is a family-friendly site. But you can join his journalism in the blogosphere at Fear and Loathing in Arda*. In his first blog-entry A night-out with some considerable felines he has already revealed the identity of the star striker for team Angband! __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

03-08-2012, 05:20 PM	#3
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	The Underground Fundin Ironpike MORIA – Dwarves through the ages have always had mixed reactions to Arda Cup and football in general. Across the board they show reverence for the architectural wonders that the sport has yielded, and participated in the design and building of many stadiums, but more than a few display little interest in the craftsmanship on the pitch. “The fact is, Dwarves generally aren’t suited for football psychologically and physiologically,” says Wicket Flitwillow, Professor of Dwarf Studies at the University of Rivendell. “They’re decent leapers, and enduring, but their height and leg length is quite a handicap.” On the mental side of things, Flitwillow says: “Certainly the Children of Aule enjoy using their physical bodies to perform feats of strength and dexterity, but the problem is, they like to be able to see results- enduring physical proof of their prowess. Objects. Football simply doesn’t reward their efforts the way they prefer.” Flitwillow added that Dwarves generally don’t have “fun” the way other races do. “They’re very serious. They’re more than welcome to invest in teams, but their desire is to turn a profit. And when it comes to actual playing, they need to be motivated by something rather serious- their pride, for instance.” *************** And perhaps Aule had that very idea in mind when he met with the Dwarf-lords and proposed the idea of a Dwarf-centered team named “Dwarves United”. According to meeting insiders, representatives from the Lonely Mountain and Old Moria were initially against it on the grounds it would steal talent from squads they’re already invested in (Erebor and Misty Mts). But Aule informed them he had already been in talks with some talent, and that only a couple would be at all likely to be approached by those squads, and that they didn’t plan to accept. The dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod, and Durin himself urged their brothers to put it aside for the moment and listen to the proposal, and the Old Moria dwarves gave their permission. The Lonely Mt dwarves on the other hand, spear-headed by King Dain, remained unwilling to accept the premise of a Dwarf-team without clarifying a few matters. “First, I wonder why no Dwarf has questioned the viability of a squad composed entirely of members of our race,” he said. “We are a talented people, skilled and hardy and valorous, but football has historically failed to balance our strengths and weaknesses.” At this pronouncement there was much table-pounding and protesting, but Aule motioned for quiet and beckoned Dain to speak again. “That is not to say that a Dwarf or two cannot make a fine addition to a team with an appropriate blend of complimentary talents- did not Azaghal play a fine part in the back-to-back titles gained by Maedhros’ Union squad? But the feats of great Dwarves filling specific roles on teams does not necessarily translate to fielding a team of Dwarves.” At this, Thrain stood and voiced his support for Dain. “I agree- this has been tried before. Teams composed entirely of Dwarves, or Hobbits, who share our lack of length, have found little success in Arda Cup through the years. I cannot imagine agreeing to such an unwise investment.” The word “investment” seemed to put the issue of injured Dwarf-pride out of the minds of the other attendees. Aule was, after all, asking them to help fund the venture, and the point of any investment was to gain from it. The Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod now looked skeptical as they turned to face Aule again, who did not appear flustered by the flow of things. “Your concerns are justified, Dain, Thrain,” he said, nodding to each, “But do not suppose that I have overlooked such matters. While I am proposing a Dwarf-owned team named ‘Dwarves United’, I fully intend to include non-Dwarves. Not just any non-Dwarves, of course, but tried and true Dwarf-friends- those that we have allied with at one time or another, and that have respect for Dwarf-kind.” There was interested murmuring at this announcement, in the midst of which Gimli son of Gloin shouted, “The Lady Galadriel would be a strong ally!” Following his lead, many Dwarves began yelling out names of Dwarf-friends that they were partial to. Aule motioned for quiet again. “Feel free to reach out to Dwarf-friends and bring their names to me if they are in fact interested, but with the reformation this season and the frantic signing period, it’s very likely your intended targets will not be able to join us- this year.” There was a lot of head-nodding after that remark. The Dwarves seemed pleased by the idea that Aule intended to make the club a mainstay. “Have you made any successful contacts?” asked a member of the Belegost delegation. “Indeed I have,” answered Aule. “A great craftsman and friend of Dwarves has agreed to sign on.” Aule winked at Narvi as he continued, “Perhaps Narvi already knows of his friend’s intentions.” Nearly all the Dwarves of Old Moria looked excitedly to Narvi for confirmation, and simply beamed when he gave a small smile and nod. It had to mean Celebrimbor! Aule rose from his chair grinning and shouted over the buzz. “If you wish to play for the squad, tryouts begin tomorrow! The weather should be fine tomorrow, so be at the Dimrill practice field at noon!” Before exiting through the doorway, Aule added, "And for those that are wondering- Yes, I'll be in uniform." ************* So, Dwarves United looks well on its way. In other Dwarf-related news, the Dwarves of the Lonely Mt. (Erebor Craftsman Union) and their investing partners- Lake Town (Moneybags Monetary Management), Dale (Celduin Corp.), and the Wood Elves (Elves of Mirkwood)- are nearly finished with their Erebor squad, and it looks quite pricey indeed! Big names come with price tags, and Erebor looks to have no shortage of recognizable figures, such as Smaug, Beorn, Thranduil, and even Gwaihir. Our sources within the Erebor Craftsman Union tell us they expect the team salary to top out somewhere around or just above 100 million, which would potentially give Erebor the highest payroll east of the sea! The cash-minded former Mayor Moneybags of Lake Town has been pushing for a dirt-cheap roster all along and nearly left the investment pact when his strategy was overruled, but in the end he and his cronies couldn’t stand to be left out of such a big event, and they are hoping the spending yields high results. __________________ the phantom** has posted. This thread is now important.

03-09-2012, 09:26 AM	#4
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK Boromir the 88th The Black Gate Re-Opens Moments ago, our offices in Minas Tirith got word from our sister station in Minas Morgul that the Black Gates would re-open and were expecting Sauron to announce what team he would be playing for this year. Like last time, it was The Mouth of Sauron who rode out from Mordor to make the announcement. There was less of a media circus, since the timing of this announcement seemed relatively unknown to the wider, Arda-media. The Mouth, also stated he would not be taking any questions at this time, but here is the official announcement out of Mordor, as reported by our sister station, in Minas Morgul: "I am please to announce, this year, the great Lord of the Black-Land, Master of the Rings, has committed to play for Barad-dur this season. We can not disclose the amount at this time, that is for my Master to release, when he feels appropriate, but he has officially signed a 1-year contract for Barad-dur. The reason this announcement was kept quiet, is simply because my Master wanted you, his people of Mordor, to know first. And may you see his commitment to Mordor, and to you, is unshakeable. He wishes all his investments well, and is confident in his servants playing for team Mordor will perform just as admirably. My master believes we have two teams in which Mordorians will be proud of to call their own this year. There is also a statement to make about the Tol-in-Gaurhoth report from earlier in the week. Much was made about the possibilities of my Master playing for TIG this year, too much, in fact. My Master wants to be clear on this, not at any point did he consider playing for TIG, or any team other than one of the two Mordor teams. How these rumors that he would leave for TIG got started, he does not know, but suggests it was the media searching for a story, for the sake of having a story. My master hopes, in the future, to avoid these flare-ups that tend to get stirred up out-of-control media speculation. If you truly want to know what is happening with your Mordor teams, or your Lord's involvement, contact our public relations office, and we will respond at the appropriate time. Or, in the very least, listen to those who have always know his mind the best, like myself, or the phantom. That is all. Thank you, and you shall be seeing both Mordor teams on the practice fields soon enough." __________________ Fenris Penguin Last edited by Boromir88; 03-09-2012 at 09:30 AM.