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Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 18, 2017 - 06:34 Reply with quote Back to top

It had been three weeks and four games since the Archers of Avelon had beaten the Zhufbar Bruisers. In that time, things had only deteriorated. The Archers had managed to string together a streak of six shut out victories. The wins came against such franchises as the Acolytes of Corruption, Khornius Evangelitxers, and the Venturian Big Guys. Most recently was the 2-0 victory against Coach Guffabiere’s squad of mummies and skeletons.

Kondor picked up the sports section of the Avelon Gazette only to read that the Archers held the top position in the E.L.F. standings. For a moment he was worried until he realized that Coach Rags had not yet logged a pair of matches against dead teams. A simple 30 point outing against one of them would move them in front of the Archers. With about ten days left in the season all they had to do was complete the cycle and they would probably step into the lead.

Dropping the newspaper into the trash bin, Kondor opened the door and strolled down the street to the Tarnished Crown. To this point, he had not set foot inside the establishment, but today he had business with the owner.

The front door to the inn opened to the tavern portion of the establishment. The place was adorned with pieces of Archer memorabilia. A helmet sat in the center of every table, and the walls were lined with archery targets. One wall displayed portraits of every Archer killed while playing and below the portrait was a little bronze tag detailing the circumstances of the death. Even at this early hour, the place was buzzing. It was a good sized early diner crowd.

Kondor moved to the office tucked in the corner near the stairs and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” shouted Crobis from inside.

Once Kondor was inside, Corbis immediately started talking and ushered Kondor to a seat.

“Good. I have wanted to talk to you. I am quitting the Archers unless you quadruple my salary per game as apothecary. After the skills I displayed during the game against the Bruisers, I have offers to work from some of the top teams in the league. Look at these. This is an offer from the Hellbound Charioteers, and this is another from the Agility Monsters. I am moving to the top.”

Kondor took a second to take it in and measure his next words. The game against the Zhufbar Bruisers was considered the game of the month and it had been watched in every corner of the old world. Everyone who mattered had seen Corbis pound the life back into Revwe, the captain of the Archers of Avelon.

“No Corbis. You will not take any of these jobs but you may indeed quit the squad.” Said Coach Kondor with a very measured tone.

Corbis was dumbfounded. This was not how he had expected the conversation to go. “Now why would I do such a daft thing? There is gold to be made.”

“Because you and I both know your true skills.” Answered Kondor. “How do you think the Charioteer fans will react if you accidentally kill the Dark Avatar rather than an opponent doing it? Where is the honorable death in that? How will the Agility Monsters react if you tear rather than repair the achilles tendon of Nogli “The Sage”? No Corbis, you are a tattoo artist, amateur veterinarian, tavern owner, and unless you take a pay cut, former apothecary to the Archers of Avelon.”

Having always been a rational gnome, Corbis stared blankly as he processed the information. At that moment there was knock on the door. Kondor walked over and placed his hand on the doorknob.

“I trust I will see you at practice in the morning.” He said and left.

As Kondor left, a figure in a full length black coat and wide brimmed hat came through the door. Corbis shook himself and looked closely at the man. Jorin’s pale violet eyes were set deep in his sockets and though his cheeks were rosy because he had recently fed, Corbis recognized him for what he was.

“What do you want blood drinker? Speak carefully, and know that if you have been eating my clients, I will put a stake in you myself.” Said Corbis.

Jorin spread his hands wide open in a sign that he was not hostile. “I come with a proposition.” He said. “Are you aware of the bounty on the heads of the Archer Kill-Team? You my friend are in the perfect position to help me collect. In light of the conversation I just overheard, my guess is that you may be interested in a partnership.”

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3894763

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3894868

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3895454

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3895735
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 21, 2017 - 08:05 Reply with quote Back to top

Mid way through practice at Avelon Stadium, Archie interrupted the group by pushing in a wagon sporting a very large crate addressed to the Archers of Avelon. The box stood about five feet tall and the base was three feet square. The team gathered around the box and watched as the courier struggled to open it. The front finally popped off and Archie stumbled falling face down in front of the opening.

Immediately, green leafy jaws snapped forward catching the lad by his boot. He screeched and bellowed and finally pulled free leaving his boot in the maw of the creature. The jaws shook for a moment then spat it out after recognizing it as inedible.

A few of the elves chuckled at the situation. Within the box was a carnivorous plant. Once it had room to stand erect, it would measure five and a half feet in height. This particular plant had only a pair of heads and very limited reach. While it was clearly hungry it was not large enough to threaten Archie or anyone larger than a baby.

The plant was potted in a plain clay container. Iondil noticed and pointed out that there was a small scroll attached to the pot. While Meldalf and Osonia used spear butts to distract and control the heads, Archie was forced to crawl into the crate and retrieve the parchment. He scurried back and handed it to Kydeth who opened it and read.

“Honorable Archers,

Please accept this Venus Mantrap and an invitation to confront us on the Blood Bowl pitch. If you accept, please send your courier to the Tarnished Crown where we are lodged. The game can be held at your earliest convenience.

Blessed Regards,

Ohwatch
Coach of the Venus Package.”


The line elf Vanaantien spoke up. “I don’t know. I always say Beware of Lustrians bearing gifts. Do we know anything about this team?”

“Does it matter?” Responded Revwë. “I don’t think we have ever turned down a challenge. Schedule the match for two days hence. That should be enough time to sell tickets.”

“Agreed.” Said Nienna. “Archie, go buy some live rabbits to feed this poor venus mantrap. I am going to plant it in our endzone. Once it is fully grown, it will make some opponents hesitate before scoring. In the meantime, it will eliminate our rodent problem in the stadium.”

---------------------

A few hours before the match, a massive rain storm rolled in and the deluge continued throughout the match. The game was one the Archers would rather forget.

The lizardmen were in their element and they easily controlled the Archers and the ball. Frenzied Saurus did what many other teams had been unable to accomplish. Their hammer like fists and snapping jaws made short work of elven armor and injured five elves while knocking out several others.

Vanaantien’s premonition proved prophetic. The skink Skineur stomped on her hip leaving an injury that was sure to limit her mobility.

Only Revwë seemed prepared for the match. She was the only real opposition for the lizards. She was the one who plucked the ball from the mud in traffic and made a dodge for a score. She also was the only one to injure any lizards, and she did so with pizazz by causing three lizard casualties.

Still, her efforts were not sufficient. In the end, the Venus Package left Avelon Stadium with a 2-1 victory and handed the Archers a rare loss.

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3896039
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 21, 2017 - 10:31 Reply with quote Back to top

Good evening Archers. As the match is about to get underway, I want to take a moment to introduce you to the new Assistant Coach Jorin Lamplighter. Jorin will be on the sidelines during the match and will help out where I need him, but most of his official duties will be bookwork and research. He has done some prep-work for this match so hear him out.” Said Kondor.

Jorin took off his wide brimmed hat and hung it next to his cloak on the rack. Doing so revealed wrinkled and gaunt features of an aged human. His thin hair had been slicked back to cover a crowning bald patch in the back. His violet deep set eyes blinked only rarely as he addressed the team.

“You have faced the Titans before. Coach c98 is no slouch. The dark ones will be looking to injure you ate every opportunity.” He started.

“Well, it is Blood Bowl.” Scoffed Osonia. “Where did you find this genius?”

Jorin was unmoved and continued. “The team has changed since you faced them last. Cronus is still their heavy hitter, but he is a much better tackler now. Atlas is much faster and they picked up a witch elf called Hera. I strongly recommend that one of you distract the referee while others foul these three when they are down. Otherwise, just score as often as you can.”

“Genius.” Muttered Osonia again.

Once the coaches left the room Revwe addressed the team. “Watch each other’s backs out there. We have lost elves to these dark ones before. Remember, there is a 100 gold crown bounty on Hera so she is our priority. However, I will personally pay an additional hundred to anyone who simply retires Cronus.”

The Archers took the field to the roaring ovation of the crowd. Moments later the ball was in the air with players and blades flashing and slashing all over the field. The journeyman Quickhawk made the most of the situation in a bid to make the team or at least some extra gold. His fifth and final foul hit pay dirt when a pair of Archers pinned Hera to the earth. He had kicked her several times before, but this time he was able to use his blade. He found a spot right above her kidney and drove it up into her liver. Knowing it was fatal, he left the blade in her while the referee escorted him from the field.

The second half offered more of the same except that it was Cronus delivering the pain. Osonia planted her leg to dodge away but Cronus swept it. The knee buckled and popped. Only Iondil coming to her aid kept him from finishing her off.

When the whistle finally blew, the scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of the archers, but more importantly the Titans would go back to their caves without a witch.

From the bench Quickhawk smiled as Revwe handed him a bag of gold.

https://fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3896796
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 24, 2017 - 08:22 Reply with quote Back to top

Revwë truly enjoyed road trips with the Archers of Avelon. Traveling to distant cities to play Blood Bowl was invigorating. Each city had peculiarities and quirks that she found interesting. However, most cities also gave her a chance to stretch her legs, hunt, and often earn a little gold on the side.

The first stop on this road trip would be at clearing in the swamp. The plan was to play against a team of frogmen. That game would be a bit of a novelty. Only once before had the Archers played against a Slann team, and since that time most of the Archers that had played in the match had retired in one way or another. The current team was excited to play an pit themselves against an agile and complicated team.

Still, the game was more than 24 hours away. Right now there was only the hunt. Revwë, and the rest of the Archer Kill-Team awoke in the early morning hours, dressed in their camouflage gear, and stepped into the wooded area near the inn. Every archer had been offered a place on the kill-team and most accepted. The only exceptions currently were Kydeth and Meldalf. Kydeth was a pacifist, and Meldalf decided it was better to avoid business ventures with team mates.

The group spread out to form a line with each elf within view of her neighbor. In the center was Throthradir with Revwë and Nienna on each extreme flank. After nearly an hour of silently moving through the brush, Ortalion spotted their prey and motioned for the team to stop and circle. The seven elves followed the gestures and worked inwards forming a three quarters circle around a giant lizard Kroxigor and a Slann handler. The Kroxigor sat on a fallen log and seemed to be enjoying a breakfast of roasted common alligator while the handler squatted next to him and nibbled on indigenous fruits.

It was time for the more junior members of the squad to earn their pay. Through hand signals, Revwë ordered Nienna and Throthradir to stand down and then turned command over to Ortalion. On her signal, Adresin, Iondil, and Vanaantien pulled their bows and loosed a volley of arrows on the unsuspecting Kroxigor. His startled howl of pain rattled the forest and startled his slann handler. The giant stood and turned to face origin of the attack and recognized Iondil as his assailant. Enraged and in pain he charged the elf as she panicked and faltered knocking her bow. Three more arrows from her colleagues skewered the Krox and still it pressed the attack swatting and batting the bow from her hands. Instinctively she dove to one side and pulled her sword.

The slann handler overcame his shock and recognized the plight. Abandoning his charge he fled deeper into the woods and away from his assailants. But he would not get away unscathed. Hitting a moving target hopping through brush is not an easy task and Ortalion would be forgiven for not executing a kill shot, or even a shot that would slow the frog The arrow went clean through the bicep and embedded in the ground.

Meanwhile, Iondil knew she was no match for the strength of the wounded Kroxigor. She chose avoidance. The injured Krox flailed but failed to make contact. Over and over arrows struck home until at last one found an artery. The beast weakened, faltered, and finally slumped against a tree and slid to the ground.

Revwë came and inspected the work shaking her head.

“Sloppy work.” She said. “Four elves and more than a dozen arrows to bring down one beast. Additionally, the handler escaped. Ortalion, your first shot should have been to take down the handler and let your teammates work the Krox.”

Ortalion accepted the criticism silently. Revwe continued. “Nevertheless, at least this beast will not be in the game tomorrow. I will clean up the issue of the witness tomorrow on the pitch. Tonight we dine on roasted Kroxigor. Tomorrow after the game, we will have frog leg stew.”

After eliminating as much evidence of the hunt as possible, the kill-team returned to the inn to prepare for the coming match.

Without the Kroxigor to provide some muscle on the pitch, the game against the frogmen went according to plan. Revwë identified the Kroxigor handler early in the match and put a short blade between his ribs on what looked to be a common block.

Elsewhere on the field, Nienna, Ortalion, and Kydeth combined for the play of the match. A pass to Ortalion followed by her handing it to Kydeth resulted in a score with such style that it earned a new Fumbbl Badge. With the ball starting in the Archers own endzone, the ball went from coast to coast to the roaring dismay of the Circus Frog crowd.

In the end, Kydeth and Revwë would each add one more point for a 3-1 victory.


https://fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3896919

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Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 24, 2017 - 11:49 Reply with quote Back to top

From the game in the bog, the Archers moved northward for several days traveling to face an undead team coached by a necromancer named Didier. Didier was a rarity among Blood Bowl coaches. Undead teams were his passion and he rarely strayed to coach another squad. This night, the Archers of Avelon would face his most successful team named simply for the groan of the superstar mummy it employed.

AAaargadonf was the name of the team, but as the Archers learned, while you laugh at the name the team pounds your players into the turf. The Archers of Avelon left the undead arena humiliated and injured. Kydeth and Nienna, heroes of so many other matches, suffered injuries to the body and the ego that would take weeks to heal. The team would leave the field scoreless, battered, and humiliated.

Before the team caravan began rolling yet further Northward, Kondor paid a visit to Coach Didier. The ancient coach shuffled slowly but purposefully about his laboratory where he examined the most recent shipment of corpses his ghouls had dug up.

“I had hoped to see an elf or two on your gurney tonight.” Stated Kondor interrupting poor Didier’s train of thought.

Once Didier recognized who was addressing him he responded. “Yes, yes. Unfortunate how that worked out. Elves do make the best zombies. Most of these corpses will serve no purpose except as tackling dummies for the wights and mummies. I suppose that a couple may be useful as security guards at the entrance of the stadium. So…What brings you to my office Kondor?”

Didier turned his attention to the freshest body and Kondor spoke up. “I wonder if you can tell me anything about a vampire named Jorin. I know how rumors circulate among the undead and thought you may be able to tell me something.”

Didier lifted the corpse’s arm and tickled under the arm with a magic feather. The body reflexively pulled away and Didier smiled. This one had potential. Some reflexes and instincts remained.

“Jorin….vampire…ahh yes. Jorin. Not much to tell really. He is a low level assassin and bounty hunter from the southlands. Word is that he is working for you, which is really strange considering the number of bodies your Archers have dropped all over the Old World. I would have told you earlier but I thought you must already know. I just assumed he was employed by you.”

Kondor nodded. “I figured it was something like that. Do you know if I am his target?”

Didier chortled and almost choked laughing. “Of course you aren’t. Who do you think you are? You are a Blood Bowl coach. You have no impact on anything in this world. You don’t fight, you don’t block, you don’t score, and you don’t foul. In fact, with elves you barely do any coaching. You schedule matches, select cheerleaders, and talk to the press. No. Jorin is stalking elves.”

Kondor breathed a sigh of relief. “That is good to hear. How about another match when we are in the region?”

“Yes, yes of course.” responded Didier. “Now go. Your caravan has already left. The team moves on without you.”

“Thanks for the game Didier. See you around.”

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3897197
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 24, 2017 - 12:39 Reply with quote Back to top

The team caravan continued to push due north. Once they crested Ragnarok Pass the temperature dropped fifteen degrees and the wind picked up blasting an artic chill. The view however was spectacular, and even the human eye could see for miles as nary a cloud blocked the vision of the empty plain below. Hamlets dotted the horizon but the only structure of note was the Stadium of the Charioteers standing proudly in the open tundra.

This was the land of the hardened Men of the North. These were the men tasked with stopping the seasonal flood of chaos that came from the wastes further North. Thus far their heroism is what had saved the Southern lands from decimation time after time. In this grim existence the rare outlet of joy came from Blood Bowl, and year after year and match after match that joy had been provided by the legendary Hellbound Charioteers.

The Archer caravan pulled up to Charioteer stadium and Kondor went directly to see Coach Arktoris only to be dismayed by what he found.

“What do you mean the Charioteers are on holiday? Do you know how far we have traveled for this match?” grumbled Kondor.

Arktoris just smiled. “A team with the value of the Archers simply cannot be prepared for a match with the Charioteers. I gave them a much needed break in the hot springs to rejuvenate a bit. They will be back before winter. In the meantime the Archers can play against the practice squad.”

Kondor grumbled and looked at the roster of the practice squad. Indeed, it would provide a good match-up. The players were skilled enough to be first string on most professional Norse teams. He just couldn’t let the Archers know they would be playing the Charioteer B Team.

“Ok Arktoris, you have a deal…but only on the condition that the Charioteers play the Archers if the Archers manage to win.”

Arktoris extended his hand to solidify the agreement. “It is their funeral but if that is how you want it, you have a deal.”

With the deal in hand, Kondor went to the visiting team lodgings to address the Archers. Once he explained that they could only play the Charioteers after defeating Raid’s Ragers, the Archers agreed to take the field.

The Archers played an inspired match scoring thrice before the Ragers could put one on the board.

Arktoris smiled sitting in the owner’s box. Perhaps he had found a worthy rival to play the Charioteers. Only time would tell.

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3897587
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 25, 2017 - 07:00 Reply with quote Back to top

After the victory at Charioteer Stadium, the Archers of Avelon turned south to the Vuhush Mountain Range. Once beyond Ragnarok Pass they turned West in the Valley of Myks and followed the worn trail along the frozen river bed until the valley opened wide enough to support a dwarven town named Kan Badir.

The Blood Bowl field was like none Kondor had ever seen. It was placed adjacent to the sheer cliffs on the Southern side of the valley. On the home team side of the field, row upon row and aisle upon aisle of bleachers had been carved deep into the cliff face creating an immense cave and natural protection from the elements. The acoustics were such that the shouts of the raging fans were amplified directly to the field exaggerating the perceived size of the crowd. On the visiting team’s side of the field, a couple hundred bar stools stood in a barren field to serve as seating for visiting fans. Between the weather and the arena, this pitch provided a home field advantage like no other in the Old World.

Unlike the inhospitable nature of the field, the Dwarven hosts provided the visiting Archers with every comfort they could hope for. After such a long stretch on the road in severe weather conditions, the team was happy to take a couple of days and enjoy the comforts of a fine Dwarven tavern and the thermal baths that were tapped from the depths of the mountain.

By the time game day arrived, they had nearly forgotten they were in the frigid Vuhush Mountains. When they stepped from the warmth of the mountain caverns onto the permafrost covered field the bone chilling cold was nearly unbearable. To make matters worse a massive blizzard had blown in to make both passing and running treacherous.

In this weather it was no surprise that not even one fan sat on the ice covered barstools on the Archer side of the field. On the other hand, the side of the stadium that housed fans of the home team was filled to capacity with drunken dwarfs doing everything in their power to distract the players on the field.

Revwë took a moment to talk to the team before the match began. “The key to this one is going to be ball control.” She said. “Nienna and Throthradir, I want you to run some short passing drills in the backfield until we get a good opening. Try to spread the beards out and I will hit them where I can.”

The Archers nodded their agreement and began bouncing around the field to stay warm. Eventually, after an obviously calculated delay, the Dwarven team OktoberFists took the field to the deafening ovation of the crowd. Warmed only by the alcohol pumping through their veins they wore only basic clothing under the massive armor, but clearly the alcohol was sufficient.

Despite the conditions, this would be an unparalleled match in Archer history. Every fan that saw the game on Cabalvision would tell his grand children about it.

The first half saw Nienna Nenharma and Throthradir Falavoul put on a passing and rushing clinic. Nienna completed five passes in the worst possible conditions before Throthradir took the ball and put it in the enzone for a first half lead.

In the meantime, Revwë terrorized the dwarven opposition. First the runner Gloin Oakbrew tried to tie her up only to have Revwë gouge out his right eye. Next the slayer Thandor Triple Keg tangled with her only to receive the same treatment. Finally the team captain Tuval Red Malt attempted to put an end to the rampage only to take an awkward drunken fall and break his unfortunate neck. With two dwarfs blinded and the captain dead, the dwarfs were disheartened and cheers from the crowd had turned to deafening jeers.

While spirits were low, the resolute dwarfs carried on. As the game was about to end, the speedy blitzer Brag Grimbard had a slim chance to even the score but the OktoberFists would ultimately be undone by the weather. The treacherous footing claimed a victim when Dhun Old Porter fell in front of the ball carrier preventing him from reaching the endzone before time ran out.

The end result was a glorious victory for the Archers of Avelon.

The Archers returned to the inn and packed for their departure the next day and then made their way to the tavern where they encountered their opponents from earlier in the day. After a few uncomfortable moments, Osonia lifted a toast in memory of the fallen Tuval which went far to meliorate the mood. The mood turned to merriment when Nienna forced Kondor to sit next to her and they both sat topless for Corbis to tattoo the Snow Joke Fumbbl Badge on each of their right breasts.

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After a few more drinks, Iondil climbed on top of the bar and shouted for their attention. Osonia then grabbed Revwë and pushed her to stand next to the bar.

“We have just received word from league that Revwë Larereta has been credited with three casualty causing hits. The tally is in and she is now the first official Blood Bowl Legend of The Archers of Avelon. Let us drink to the exploits of the Captain of the Archers of Avelon!”

Shouts of approval rang out and both elves and dwarfs pounded on the table in approval. The merriment would continue for several days as the Archers waited for the blizzard to pass. Indeed it was a great day for the franchise.

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https://fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3897731
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 26, 2017 - 14:05 Reply with quote Back to top

After traveling for several days through the chilling Vuhush Mountains, the elven caravan rejoiced as they crested the final peak and overlooked the Southern Plains. Another three days of journey would bring them back to Avelon for some rest and recuperation. The Archers made camp and enjoyed a lovely spring afternoon while dining on some fresh tubers and mushrooms scavenged from the forest.

As the meal was coming to a close there was a disturbance on the perimeter and the posted guard shouted for help. The archers grabbed their bows and scrambled to the rescue. What they found was a skaven slave on his knees with a parchment in his outstretched paw.

Kondor opened it and deciphered the writing then addressed the team.

“A rat team has challenged us to an exhibition match in the fields a few hundred meters from here. The rewards for the match are slightly lower than your normal appearance fee but would make a nice addition to the coffers. Are you interested?”

With no better way to spend the evening, the Archers agreed to the match. Still, Kondor was nervous. He worried about what would happen if the game went sour. How many rats lived in these mountains, and what would happen if there were casualties? With that in mind he arranged a pre-game meeting with the coach.

Coach Bugrum was a large black skaven with patches of grey. Each coach came to the meeting with a pair of bodyguards. During the conversation Kondor learned that Gurdien Dejjaqli Zobbi was a young team from a small island off the Cathy Coast. They had reached the mainland not long ago and worked their way Northward playing where they could find a game.

It seemed like a chance to have a good scrimmage so the agreement was made to meet an hour before sunset. When game time arrived, the Archers were pleased at what they found. This was indeed a pick-up game with only a few clan rats to spectate.

The skaven team was typical. A pair of well armored blitzers and a fairly skilled gutter runner led the team. The anomalies were a pair of ginger furred rats. One was a simple slave but the other was trained as a gutter runner. Revwe and Nienna took a keen interest in the pair and pointed at the two while whispering nodding before taking the field.

When the game finally took place, it went back and forth with neither the Archers nor the mice putting much effort into the match. In the end it would be a 1-1 draw with neither team particularly happy with the results.

Once the final whistle blew each team retired to their encampments.

In the early morning hours, Nienna worked her way around the camp and woke everyone who was sleeping. She was dressed in her hunting gear and blood spatters speckled the camouflaged clothing. She poked Kondor with her bow to wake him.

“Time to go.” She said. “Get moving or we will leave you here.”

Kondor, who was accustomed to sleeping on the ground in good weather, grabbed his boots and only grumbled a little. He reached the wagon and found the entire team already packed and ready to go. When he climbed to his assigned seat next to Corbis in the luggage cart he realized why they were moving with such haste. A pair of ginger haired rat corpses lay in the cart in the early stages of field dressing. The rare pelts would bring a handsome sum in the Avelon Market.

“Well” he thought. “That is one team that will probably never agree to play us again.”

https://www.fumbbl.com/FUMBBL.php?page=match&id=3898283


Last edited by Kondor on Apr 28, 2017 - 07:19; edited 1 time in total
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: Apr 27, 2017 - 10:16 Reply with quote Back to top

“We gather together today to hang the portrait of Iondil Isilielenion on the Wall of the Fallen Archers.” Began Ortalion.

The high elf team, coaches, apothecary, and most illustrious fans of the Archers of Avelon united at the Tarnished Crown Tavern.

Meldalf’s mind wandered to the previous match. It was one he would rather forget. The pounding of centaur hooves and hobgoblin boots would haunt his memories in the days to come. The Archers of Avelon had been dismantled by Serenade of Sorrow’s chaos dwarf team. Not only did injuries abound, but through the game the elves just could not catch the break they needed. Passes went awry, and too many times the normally agile Archers were tripped up as they tried to dodge away from assailants.

Ortalion continued. “She had cheated death many times and played through a niggling injury. However, on this night, the hoof of the centaur Lord Luc would be her demise.”

On the back row of the solemn assembly, Kondor grinned as he thought of the previous night’s match. It had been many games since elven blood had flown. This time, early in the second half, Lord Luc’s thunderous charge knocked Iondil to the turf then he stomped on her over and over with a quarter ton of bovine rage. Iondil covered as well as she could but kick after kick and hoof after hoof did their damage. The medics dragged her from the pitch in obvious agony. The internal injuries must have been immense. Corbis and Jorin did what they could to ease her pain but the end did not come quickly.

Ortalion’s voice brought Kondor back to the present. “A founding member of the Archers of Avelon, Iondil enjoyed a 55 game career, scoring thrice, throwing 160 blocks, and causing five casualties. Five times her contributions were sufficient that she was named the Archer of the match. It is with heavy hearts that we bid her adieu, but we take heart in the fact that she leaves the pitch of life not in prolonged retirement but as an active Blood Bowl Star.”

Corbis watched as the velvet drape was pulled from the painting revealing the portrait that would hang on the wall as long as the Tarnished Crown endured. The image took him to her final moments on the sideline at Avelon Stadium.

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The grounds crew had just dropped Iondil in the dugout and Corbis began to assess the injuries. They were severe. The elf was in the fetal position clutching her abdomen and groaning. Still, as he poked around he had hopes that the injuries were not fatal. He could not be certain if she was losing blood internally but her complexion indicated that most likely the damage was just severe and extreme bruising. The only thing that he could do was give her a pain elixir and wait. At best, she would likely be out of action for several weeks.

But the Assistant Coach Jorin had different plans. He stood at the entrance of dugout and dictated that Corbis guard the door. Then the gloomy one in the dark hat stooped over his victim and a few moments later the groaning stopped as did the life of Iondil Isilielenion.

The vampire then gently laid the corpse on the gurney and pulled a small claw from his boot. Raking the claw over the neck of his victim several times, he disguised the wound and covered the evidence of a vampire attack. With the deed complete, Jorin handed Corbis a bag of gold, and the pair returned to the Archer bench.

In the tavern Nienna raised a goblet in a toast to her friend and teammate only hesitating to fire a glare at the vampire in the back row.

In the match Nienna had pushed Lord Luc away from her downed friend and signaled for the medical crew. She had the nearest view of the injury causing event and it did not look to be a fatal one from her perspective. Iondil had lived through far worse.

After the match she and the other members of the team had delivered the body to the morgue in preparation for cremation rights. While there she inspected the body and though the death looked legitimate, the neck abrasion seemed out of place. Acting on a hunch she pulled a blade and cut deeply into the bicep of the cadaver. Only a few drops of blood came from the wound and everyone in the room immediately realized that the death was not due to normal injuries.

The commemoration at the Tarnished Crown went late into the evening and then into the morning hours. At last Jorin decided to leave and see if he could find an indigent to feed on for an after-hours snack. Instinctually, he wandered to the poorest district and down lanes dotted with run down bars and crumbling shacks that served as temporary housing.

As he approached his favorite type of dark corner the odor of malt liquor mixed with sweet blood caught his attention. About twenty yards down the alley a hunched woman limped along with a mostly empty bottle in her left hand and her right hand clutching her mid-section. Smiling silently he turned and followed her walking just quickly enough to close the gap.

He reached to put a hand on her shoulder but the victim unexpectedly turned to face her assassin. The hunched “victim” dropped the bottle and straightened her back and then pushed the cloak from her shoulders. Rather than a hapless drunk, Jorin faced the Archer Team Captain. In her dominant right hand she carried a sharpened oak table leg.

“Your work is sloppy.” Frankly stated Revwe. “How much was the pay out?”

“500 gold crowns. But my payday for you will be four times that.” He responded confidently and unsheathed a saber that had been sheathed below his full length coat. With his offhand he took a moment to toss his oversized hat to the side.

Revwe looked at her enemy. He would be easy to underestimate. This vampire had been turned very late in life, probably at near eighty years of age. His very thin hair had been dyed black but a gaunt face and frail looking limbs could not be masked. Fortunately, this was not Revwe’s first confrontation with a vampire. She would not be a naïve victim.

She raised her make shift stake and stood in a battle stance. Jorin prepare to strike when surprisingly, he was struck. Simultaneously six arrows skewered his torso coming from various directions and angles. He now realized that he was surrounded and outnumbered. Several more arrows implanted as he struggled to find his assailants.

The battle was over in moments. Revwe swept the feet of the disoriented creature and in one fluid motion pounced driving the stake deep into the chest. Jorin growled in displeasure and clutched the shard jammed in his body then quietly fell limp.

Nienna stepped up next to Revwe and plucked Jorin’s discarded sabre from the ground. Without a word she chopped of its head then looked to the other Archers.

“Burn the body and bury the head on the other side of town. Iondil is avenged.”

https://www.fumbbl.com/FUMBBL.php?page=match&id=3898541
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: May 04, 2017 - 11:22 Reply with quote Back to top

Kondor walked through the Archer of Avelon locker room and addressed anyone who cared to listen. “Has anyone seen Jorin? I owe him some gold. I thought those orcs would be more than the Archers could handle.”

“Leave the gold with me and I will see that he gets it.” Osonia said with a snicker.

Kondor looked at her sideways and shook his head. “No. I will just pay him next time I see him. It is kind of strange that he was not at the game today.”

“Not really.” Adresin responded. “If he is not out stalking someone, he is probably running from the local clergy. I heard there are a couple of witch hunters passing through the region.”

Kondor smiled. “Well, I hope they stake him before I have to pay up. Fifty gold coins is nothing to leave on the table.”

On his way back to his office, Kondor thought about the game that had just been played. Coach Project had directed a good match. In the first half, the Archers were on the ropes and reduced to desperation plays. However, once in a while, desperation results in success. Nienna managed to pop the ball out and Throthradir picked up the ball in traffic and the cleared it out of danger then score. With a defensive score in the first half, the orcs had to play aggressively in the second. The aggressive play forced a gap in the orc defense that Nienna exploited to get the ball to Throthradir for a second point.

Kondor opened the door to his office to find a tiny shriveled and bent elderly woman in a dark purple cloak relaxing in the chair in front of his desk. He was completely befuddled until he noticed the dark red, jewel encrusted glove on her right hand.

“You are early Xolaxlexa.” Kondor said.

Xolaxlexa had recognized Kondor’s momentary confusion but was unhappy that he had recognized her so quickly. It ruined the game she had planned to toy with him.

“You are no fun today.” She said as Kondor took his seat behind the desk. “However, I must say that I enjoyed the last reconnaissance mission you commissioned. It was nice to go to Fathnore again, and trying to sort through the blond elf’s ancestry was challenging. So, I assume you have another face for me to research?”

The old woman stood and walked behind Kondor and began massaging his shoulders. A familiar shiver went down Kondor’s spine as he thought of Kydeth. Like Nienna, she was blond but that is where the similarity ended. This elf was tall, slender, and buxom with long strong legs and a contagious perfect smile. In Kydeth, Kondor had often found an unlikely ally in the club house.

“Ahhh.” Said Xolaxlexa after gleaning what she could from Kondor’s mind.. “You don’t know her family name. That will make things more difficult but I will manage.”

The shapeshifting spy stopped the massage but let her fingers delicately tickle down Kondor’s arm as she moved around in front of him and seated herself on his lap. But now, rather than appearing as withered old hag she had grown and filled out to the point where she had to remove the purple cloak and the clothing below it was entirely inadequate. The dress was now far too short and what was once a loosely buttoned blouse was nearly bursting. Her smile was almost too much for Kondor to bear.

She tickled Kondor under the chin with the scarlet glove. “Does anyone else come to mind?”

Again began to shift, but the change stopped and she scowled. “You do know how to ruin the fun. I will not be changing into Throthradir Falavoul. However, I will get you the information on s/him.”

Now it was Kondor’s turn to laugh. “I met Throthradir when he was a quality blitzer for the Archers. Now that she returned after a leave of absence, she is an outstanding catcher.” Kondor abruptly switched topics. “So blondie, I have a change to our contract. You only get paid for your services if they are rendered while the player is on the team. If they are killed in action I don’t need your information.”

Xolaxlexa stepped away from the coach for a moment and considered the situation. “I will be assuming more risk. I could have everything complete only to have the subject killed off the day before. I will accept the deal if the payment is increased twenty percent.”

“Ten percent.” Kondor said. “Not a crown more.”

Xolaxlexa turned on the charm as she prepared to barter. She batted her eyes and gave Kondor a lurid stare. “Agreed. But only because I love your ….”

A knock at the door and a shout from the courier Archie interrupted what could have turned into an expensive and passionate situation.

“Coach Kondor.” He shouted. “The Chaos Dwarf team is at the Tarnished Crown Tavern. The scouts scouting report should be here within the hour.”

Kondor headed for the door. “Thank you Archie.” He said looking back at Xolaxlexa who had not changed from her she elf form. “Kydeth was just leaving. I will meet the scouts at the Shining Bauble.”
------------------------------

3-0 win vs orcs https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3899497
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: May 04, 2017 - 12:50 Reply with quote Back to top

The game against the Chaos Dwarf team Accion Social went better than could be expected. The final score was 2-1 in favor of the Archers of Avelon, but it was a match where the elves were dominant. They gave up the consolation point in the final seconds of the match when they overcommitted to an effort to get a third point. It left them out of position and unable to complete a shut-out.

As such, the team was in high spirits when they convened at the Shining Bauble after the match. The Archers were already digging deep into the wine cellar when Archie handed Corbis an early copy of the sports section of the Avelon Herald. Corbis had to stand on the bar and bang pans together to get anyone’s attention but eventually the dancing and music stopped long enough for him to speak.

“What I hold are the final standings for this season of Elves Leaving the Forest.”

A low murmur brewed through the tavern and Corbis continued.

“The grand champion this season goes to the wood elf team Meet the Feebles Variety Hour with 410 points.”

A chorus of boos filled the room and an air of disappointment was palpable.

“Second place belongs to The Archers of Avelon with 383 points.”

The boos were replaced by cheers and glasses tapped together in toasts. Corbis could barely be heard but he continued.

“E=Mc2, Slim Chance Brigade, and Redemption Songs round out the top five places. It also says that the Archers of Avelon will receive laurels for the Category C leading performance against Khemri and Undead teams.”

Corbis kept reading but by now the merriment had resumed with greater fervor than before. The Archers had attained a degree of glory they had expected but until this moment had not been able to make a reality. For this season, they were the most successful High Elf team in the old world. In the coming months the targets they aimed at on the practice field and the range would be decorated with Feeble as a reminder of the next stage of greatness.

Kondor stood to leave the Shining Bauble and was confronted by Osonia.

“Where do you think you are going?” she said with a drunken slur. “There is a medal and laurels to be tattooed.”

Kondor was unfazed and laughed directly in her face. “Second place is the first loser. Grab a gold medal and I will happily sit for the needle.”

Stymied and drunk, Osonia stumbled out of the way when Kondor pushed past her to the door. This time he had a valid argument.

Image Image Image

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3899612
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: May 12, 2017 - 12:48 Reply with quote Back to top

Coaches Ansgar and Kondor sat in the stands. Both were booing the high elves. Ansgar booed because he coached the Wood Elf team playing against the Archers of Avelon. Kondor booed because the high elves he “coached” had a shot at actually winning. Both coaches were in the stands because elves of any flavor need very little coaching.

Kondor loved the first half. The Archer thrower felt pressured by a short kick and fumbled an easy pass. The wood elf Aphrodite scooped it and scored easily. Sure the Archer team captain scored to end the half but since the wood elves were receiving in the second half, things looked good for the woodies.

In the second half everything fell apart. Innana scored early to put the wood elves on top. Kondor immediately shouted over the cheers. “No you fool! Too Soon. Too SOON!”

Kondor had seen it before and it played out just as it always had in his nightmares. A pass from Nienna to Kydeth allowed a quick equalizer. This one would come down to the final whistle. With the final kick, the Archers moved into position to pressure the ball and simply harassed woodies that worked their way down field. Under pressure and with nowhere left to go, Lilithu tried a final pass to Demeter only to have Kydeth come up with an interception. She would hand the ball to Revwe who scored at the whistle to win the game.

Kondor and Ansgar threw down their beverages in disgust. Filthy lucker elves! You can’t count on anything with them around. After a bit more grumbling the two coaches shook hands and parted ways.

When Kondor reached his office he was greeted with more news. Corbis had a gurney prepared and his ink pots and needles were laid out on the adjoining table. The tattoo pattern he had prepared was a Fumbbl Badge labeled Closed Shop. Kondor sighed and took off his shirt. This would be his fourteenth tattoo since signing up to coach the Archers of Avelon.

“Hard to believe we have not seen a rookie in the line-up for twenty five games.” Corbis said. “Still. Look at it this way. Every time you get a tattoo, sales at our inking franchises spike. Perhaps you should consider helping the team succeed.”

Kondor climbed on the table. “I’ve thought about it. To be honest, the success of the Archers has improved attendance at games where I coach other teams. Plus, the tattoo franchises are doing well. How is business for you at the Tarnished Crown?”

Corbis talked as he began jabbing Kondor with a particularly rusty needle. “Booming would be the right word. Any idea what team will be up next?”

“No. Not yet. I have sent out a few offers and there are some interesting possibilities but nothing solid. I will let you know as early as I can so that you can plan appropriately at the tavern.”

Corbis nodded and picked up his yellow ink. As he poked away, Kondor began to consider the next match.

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Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: May 19, 2017 - 12:02 Reply with quote Back to top

“You know,” said Osonia, “Once in a while Kondor does a decent job. Before he took over as coach, I doubt we could have booked a match against a team with a record like Cubic. They have about 900 wins and 400 losses. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Nienna sniped back. “Sure. But it only makes this game one of thirteen hundred for them. It will be forgotten before they replace the gutter runner Throthradir crushed.”

“Too true.” Kydeth interjected. “Worse. If the game ever comes up Kondor will point out that this was just one of two hundred draws played by the rats. We needed a win for the Archer of Avelon star to rise.”

The door to the locker room opened and Revwe rolled herself to the front of the room in a wheelchair to address the team.

“That was an awful match.” She began. “It is one we should have won. The first half went our way with rats tripping all over themselves. Throthradir managed to avoid that star’s stabbing all game long and even injured a gutter runner. Kydeth played well and put two points on the board. However, our defense was porous. It was imperative that we put their legend on the bench early. Instead he scored twice. Also, we need to watch each other better. I had no warning that their blitzer was going to hit me. Now I will have to sit out while my leg mends. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?”

The room was silent.

“Alright then. Two-a-day practices for the next month. Go home and rest. Be ready for tomorrow. There will be a memorial service at the stadium for the scrub we hired at noon.”

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3900158

2-2 draw vs Cubic coached by Madvig
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: May 22, 2017 - 13:31 Reply with quote Back to top

“All rise for the High Prince Moranion!” declared a voice as the door on the locker room opened.

Those who were not already standing leapt to their feet and bowed their heads in respect.

“Rest easy my brothers.” Came the commanding voice. “I have watched your matches and found them to reflect well upon our race. Will you grant me the honor of joining you on the pitch for your coming match against the foul ogres?”

Kondor knew his place and kept his mouth firmly shut. The Prince looked around the room and locked eyes with each elf present one by one until all had met his gaze. Only then did the team captain dare to speak.

“The honor is ours your majesty. We are humbled by your request to join us on the pitch. What role would you like on the field?”

Moranion returned his gaze to Revwe. “My role on the pitch will be to bring down the largest foes and open space for the Archers of Avelon to bring glory to The Kingdom.”

The Archers of Avelon all nodded in consent and preparations were made for the game the next day.

Kondor immediately rushed to visit Coach C98 and inform him of the developments. He found the ogres going through their normal pre-game work out. Logs were lifted and stacked at one end of the pitch only to later be carried back to the other side to repeat the task. Boulders were tossed back and forth supposedly to build strength and prepare for tossing runts down the field. “Working out” was all nonsense to Kondor but many players swore to the effectiveness.

The quick conversation brightened C98’s mood considerably. He called the team together. “Lads, sharpen your boots and spikes. Prince Moranion will be on the field tomorrow.”

The ogres just looked at one another not comprehending the significance and the runts had not paid any attention to the conversation.

C98 slapped a palm over his face. “A big Muckty Muck thinks he’s tougher than all ya’all. Beat him up.”

Now they understood and took heart at the prospect.

When the game came around the next day both teams were highly motivated. They lined up at mid field for the coin toss and threw insults back and forth. This was the third time they had faced each other and both knew what to expect.

Thriller looked at Osonia and pointed a stubby finger that had been chopped off at the first knuckle at her. “Yer dead gimp. When I’m threw with ya, ya won’t have to worry ‘bout that bad back any more.”

She just shrugged. “You bumblers have tried before. Do your worst.”

The Archers received the ball and headed for the southern sideline. Prince Moranion singled out Eastwood in combat and wrestled him to the ground leaving a gap for the Archers to charge through. But it also left him on the ground and open to the boot of the runts. Three times they stomped on him with no effect before the Archers put a point on the board and both teams lined up again.

This time Prince Moranion tapped the rookie Fylson on the shoulder as he stood on the line of scrimmage. “I’ve got this son. Step back into the ranks. I want the front line.”

Fylson started to argue but decided to follow the command. Within seconds, Moranion was regretting his prideful decision. Again he was on the ground and boots rained atop him. Meanwhile Thriller made good on his promise and caught up to Osonia grasping her in a monsterous bearhug for which she was ill prepared. He looked her in the eyes and began to squeeze before throwing her to the ground with all his weight atop her. A collective and approving gasp of “Ooohhhh!” rang through the crowd. No one was surprised that the death was professional and instantaneous.

Thriller took a moment to grandstand. “Clearly she has never lifted!” He shouted to the crowd.

Boos echoed from the crowd but they were not directed at Thriller. Rather, a pack of runts had teamed up on Prince Moranion and with the help of an ogre stretched him wide open. Psycho’s stomp on the soft bits was truly an undignified blow to inflict upon an individual of the station of Prince Moranion. Fortunately, before he could bring the boot down again and eliminate odds of Moranion producing a spare heir to the kingdom the Archers of Avelon pushed into the fray and dragged him to the bench.

An Ogre scored the equalizing point and both teams went to the locker rooms for halftime. Prince Moranion was moved to a tub of Ice Water to nurse his injuries and from there he addressed the team.

“If you don’t win and look good doing so, I will have every one of you hanged before sunrise.” Said The Prince matter of factly.

To open the second half, the Archers blitzed, caught the ball, and cleared it from danger. For most of the half they danced and displayed poise and grace. Finally, they enacted a play that would put them back in the good graces of The Throne. Throthradir killed a runt and then Kydeth killed another before moving to the endzone where she received a long pass from Nienna for the win.

When the Archers of Avelon returned to the locker room, the Prince was back on his feet but clearly hobbled.

“Well played.” He said as he congratulated each player with a pat on the shoulder. “I’ve been called away so I will not be able to join the victory celebration. But rest assured that I will return to join you again. The Archers of Avelon have proven themselves worth of my aid.”

When he left the room, only silence filled the air. No one wanted to lay eyes on their prince ever again.

--------------------------
2-1 win over Do You Even Lift Bro

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3900431
Kondor



Joined: Apr 04, 2008

Post   Posted: May 23, 2017 - 12:29 Reply with quote Back to top

“Lizardmen.” Vanaantien grumbled under her breath. “I wish we would just avoid them all together.”

Exactly thirteen games earlier, a skink had fouled Vanaantien and permanently hobbled her step. Now she began to sweat as she looked at the scaly creatures they would soon face on the field. It was the little ones that worried her. The tiny one called Hiyii Hinkii had the nastiest reputation. He had already been thrown out of twenty five matches for fouling and everyone knew that he researched his opponents’ weaknesses.

For Vanaantien, the worry was well founded. She simply never got into the game properly, and when you play with trepidation you are a flat footed target. She never took her eyes off Hiyii and when she winced at the boot planted on Nienna, the Sarus Bazzik Okzziin caught her from the blind side blasting her into the center of the Muddy Men end zone.

He too had done his research. Prior to the previous lizardman match, the Archers had been gifted a Venus Maneater which they planted in the middle of the end zone. It had flourished on a diet of arena rats and an occasional stray cat. While not full sized it was certainly able to live up to its name. Until this moment everyone had given it a wide berth so it had not been tested.

Unfortunately for Vanaantien, Bazzik knew very well what the plant was capable of and his perfectly placed block knocked her to the base of the plant below the gaping pod of alternating hooked and spiked teeth.

Upon hitting the ground Vanaantien looked up and smiled as she recognized that Hinkii had turned his back to her. She rose to one knee and prepared to exact revenge for all the pain a skink had once caused her. She let out a battle cry and made the first step towards a blitz when the pod engulfed her from neck to knees. Both extremes were unprotected and the razor sharp teeth cleanly sliced through flesh and bone. The closed pod then straightened and slightly bent to continue absorbing the summer rays of the sun.

Elsewhere the game raged on. At halftime no one could account for Vanaantien. They played the second half oblivious to the fate of their team mate.

The grounds crew reported for duty after the match and raked the occupied boots and helmet into the dust bin along with debris that had been tossed on the field during the match. The demise of Vanaantien Umadove would become an urban legend. Most eyes were on the ball during the fateful play but a few fans claimed to have seen Snappy (as the plant would come to be called) snatch up Vanaantien. However as no evidence was ever found, the claims were dismissed as the delusions caused by too much Bugman’s Brew. To this day a drunken fan or member of the Archer practice squad will claim to see her in the stadium. Sometimes she is spotted in the stands, and sometimes in the locker room, but most often she is see running drills on the Archer sideline as if she were spectating from the bench.

https://www.fumbbl.com/p/match?id=3900445

2-1 win over Lizardmen
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