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Nilpaurion Felagund · 03-04-2012, 01:03 PM

Weekly Wrap
by Adam 'not the economist' Smith, ArdaCup.com reporter

(The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media.

And yes, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.)
____________________

What we have here is an ArdaCup.com exclusive. Yes, that's right, none of my respected and tenured peers *cough* were fast, or patient, or determined, or important enough to accomplish what I have done: an exclusive interview with star striker Fëanor.

But before that, I'll present an overview of the stories I've gathered over the past few days.

Manwë, as the chair-Ainu of the financial group Ainulindalë Enterprises Ltd, has invested in teams that start with the letter 'V' (no surprises there), including the Valimar team, which the group completely owns. He will also be goalkeeper for the aforementioned squad, but, according to rumours, aside from trusted Námo on defence, none of the other Aratar are in the team with him. (Ulmo and Aulë, sure, but Varda? Did the two have a lovers's quarrel or something?) However, joining the team is a pair of pairs—the Blue Wizards, fresh from their eastern journey, playing midfielders, as well as the youngest sons of Fëanor, Amrod and Amras, on defence. With none of the big names, though, one wonders how the team managed to be one of the most expensive to be fielded (rumours say that it is the most expensive team.)
Ainulindalë Enterprises Ltd has, however, been denied from investing in Tirion, when public investment managed to raise enough to fund the team after certain players took salary cuts, keeping the budget within reasonable limits. (This move has been frowned upon by the Arda Football Players Association. AFPA Chairperson Uldor has said, 'Players should take salaries according to the level of their play, and not a cent less.') Ingwë returns from a stint in Valinor, and captain Finwë has managed to retain forward Aredhel for ten million, as well as Mahtan and Finarfin for eight million each. The two biggest surprises are: 1) Finarfin and Ingwë switching places, with the Vanya in midfield and the golden-haired Noldo at goal (perhaps he hopes that his son's performance at Eldamar will continue on the Arda stage?) and 2) the signing Thorondor and Eönwë (for fourteen and ten million, repectively)—with the addition of Manwë's herald, as well as the retention of Ar-Feiniel, the team could perhaps offset the continued absence of Míriel and Nerdanel, and the addition of the great eagle could help solidify a backline that lost Aulë in the offseason.
Fëanor and his sons form a collective majority in the newly formed team AC Beleriand. But the rumours that none of the Fëanorion will play alongside their father have been confirmed (see the interview below for details). Morgoth has tried to invest in the team (this was said to the reason his appearance in the Eldamar-Eldar United game), but Fëanor went to the Edain Houses and the Ossiriand Elves for funding instead. Fingolfin and Eöl, aside from playing under the AC Beleriand banner, have stocks in the team (Fingolfin Funds and Dark Elf Mining have invested 10% and 5%, respectively, in the team.) Also, Fingolfin has been joined by his trusty steed Rochallor on defence (signed for two million, continuing the trend of low animal player salaries).
Team Nargothrond is to be owned completely by the Nargothrond Group, with Finrod as its chairquendi of the board, which includes his brother Orodreth and niece Finduilas. The team from the caves of Narog has been a disappointing one so far—not qualifying for the knockout stage in two years, and managing to finish first in their group before being upset in the group of sixteen in the two years before that. Finrod said that he hopes to end this underachieving streak by fielding a stronger squad, but one wonders why Túrin hasn't been approached during the offseason. Is there truth to the rumours of Glaurung resigning with the Noldorin stronghold? Anyway, Bëor (returning as goalkeeper), as well as his son Baran and great-great-great-grandson Barahir rejoins the squad (for eight, four, and eight million, respectively) and striker Gwindor returns after a three-year absence (signed for eleven million).

And now, what you've all been waiting for. After defeating FC Angband 472 4-1 in their home game of the semifinal, Eldar United advances to the Deathless Champions League finals with an aggregate of 5 goals to Angband's 2. The team returned to Formenos as they await their finals game in the Song of Stone Stadium in Gondolin against either Taniquetil or Tol Sirion. It was here that I managed to find Fëanor after he agreed to be interviewed.

Adam Smith: First of all, how do you feel about your performance in the Elvish Premier League?

Fëanor: We'll be back on top next year. That's a promise.

Adam Smith: Well, you made up for it by crushing [FC Angband 472] in the Deathless Champions League, where you personally scored a hat trick. Did your EPL travails this season have anything to do with how you approached that game?

Fëanor: I always try to play at that level, whatever game it may be. The fact that it was against Morgoth, or it came after a tough loss in the Premier League has little to do with it.

Adam Smith: You might end up facing Manwe's Taniquetil in the finals. What's the significance of this possible [Arda Cup 2011 quarterfinal] rematch for you?

Fëanor: He's just another opponent for me. Whatever he or his kind may say about dooms, I believe that victory is something that's obtained on the pitch, and not something predestined.

Adam Smith: So you're saying that they were better than you last year?

Fëanor: The past is the past. Next time we meet on the field, I'll show you who's better now.

Adam Smith: Speaking of the present, what can you tell us about your new team for the Arda Cup, AC Beleriand? For example, how do you feel about playing with your half-brother Fingolfin?

Fëanor: I've played with Fingolfin before, and I know he's a really good player. He plays all positions with the same high level of skill, so he can help shore up whatever a team's weak point is. More importantly, he knows that this is my team. It's important that I have control over the team I play in—last year's experiment with Lothlórien reinforced that for me.

Adam Smith: And Eöl? What made you want him on your team?

Fëanor: Well, despite the fact that he's Sindarin, he shares the same passion in craftsmanship that I have. And it's apparent in his play, especially when he had his way during last year's semifinal game [with Doriath agains Angband]. He had the same balance of finesse and strength that I had while I was making some of my best works of art—and best goals as well.

Adam Smith: Are the rumours that your sons have not asked to be signed in this team true?

Fëanor: Unfortunately, yes. Well, Maedhros has always been hard-headed, and Maglor usually followed his lead. Celegorm and Curufin enjoyed being forwards last year, and I think they didn't want to play with me because they didn't want to be compared. Well, in short, all my sons have an independent streak—which they got from me—and after winning a championship with me they all want to find their own ways to success.

Adam Smith: Any other things you can reveal to us about your team?

Fëanor: It was surprising when Ecthelion and Beren approached me in the offseason—well, they both went through Fingolfin before talking to me. I don't know them personally, but I've seen them play. Beren is almost like Fingolfin—he can play wherever you need him to be, so he's a good addition to any team. When I asked him why join me, he said that he wanted to play with the creator of the thing that made him famous.

And Ecthelion's a fearless player, and a player with championship experience. I don't know what's happening in Gondolin that they didn't put more effort into signing him, but their loss is my gain.

Adam Smith: Speaking of Beren, I've heard that there are other of the Edain in your team? How do you feel playing with them? I'm sure, like with Beren, you don't know any of them personally.

Fëanor: Well, I feel uneasy including too many players I don't know. Unfortunately, due to the new system, you can't have a team composed of stars, unless they're all willing to play for much less. So we signed whoever wanted to play whatever position we need for whatever price we can offer.

Adam Smith: Hm, by the way, what does 'AC' in your team name stand for? Isn't that the initials of a fictional football team?

Fëanor: What are you talking about? Anyway, 'AC' stands for 'Arda Cup', which is our goal. Sure, I've won it with Formenos in 2008, but four years has been too long. I want to win another one.

03-04-2012, 01:03 PM	#23
Nilpaurion Felagund Scion of The Faithful Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines] Posts: 5,312	ArdaCup.com pre-tournament report Weekly Wrap by Adam 'not the economist' Smith, ArdaCup.com reporter (The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media. And yes, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.) ____________________ What we have here is an ArdaCup.com exclusive. Yes, that's right, none of my respected and tenured peers cough were fast, or patient, or determined, or important enough to accomplish what I have done: an exclusive interview with star striker Fëanor. But before that, I'll present an overview of the stories I've gathered over the past few days. Manwë, as the chair-Ainu of the financial group Ainulindalë Enterprises Ltd, has invested in teams that start with the letter 'V' (no surprises there), including the Valimar team, which the group completely owns. He will also be goalkeeper for the aforementioned squad, but, according to rumours, aside from trusted Námo on defence, none of the other Aratar are in the team with him. (Ulmo and Aulë, sure, but Varda? Did the two have a lovers's quarrel or something?) However, joining the team is a pair of pairs—the Blue Wizards, fresh from their eastern journey, playing midfielders, as well as the youngest sons of Fëanor, Amrod and Amras, on defence. With none of the big names, though, one wonders how the team managed to be one of the most expensive to be fielded (rumours say that it is the most expensive team.) Ainulindalë Enterprises Ltd has, however, been denied from investing in Tirion, when public investment managed to raise enough to fund the team after certain players took salary cuts, keeping the budget within reasonable limits. (This move has been frowned upon by the Arda Football Players Association. AFPA Chairperson Uldor has said, 'Players should take salaries according to the level of their play, and not a cent less.') Ingwë returns from a stint in Valinor, and captain Finwë has managed to retain forward Aredhel for ten million, as well as Mahtan and Finarfin for eight million each. The two biggest surprises are: 1) Finarfin and Ingwë switching places, with the Vanya in midfield and the golden-haired Noldo at goal (perhaps he hopes that his son's performance at Eldamar will continue on the Arda stage?) and 2) the signing Thorondor and Eönwë (for fourteen and ten million, repectively)—with the addition of Manwë's herald, as well as the retention of Ar-Feiniel, the team could perhaps offset the continued absence of Míriel and Nerdanel, and the addition of the great eagle could help solidify a backline that lost Aulë in the offseason. Fëanor and his sons form a collective majority in the newly formed team AC Beleriand. But the rumours that none of the Fëanorion will play alongside their father have been confirmed (see the interview below for details). Morgoth has tried to invest in the team (this was said to the reason his appearance in the Eldamar-Eldar United game), but Fëanor went to the Edain Houses and the Ossiriand Elves for funding instead. Fingolfin and Eöl, aside from playing under the AC Beleriand banner, have stocks in the team (Fingolfin Funds and Dark Elf Mining have invested 10% and 5%, respectively, in the team.) Also, Fingolfin has been joined by his trusty steed Rochallor on defence (signed for two million, continuing the trend of low animal player salaries). Team Nargothrond is to be owned completely by the Nargothrond Group, with Finrod as its chairquendi of the board, which includes his brother Orodreth and niece Finduilas. The team from the caves of Narog has been a disappointing one so far—not qualifying for the knockout stage in two years, and managing to finish first in their group before being upset in the group of sixteen in the two years before that. Finrod said that he hopes to end this underachieving streak by fielding a stronger squad, but one wonders why Túrin hasn't been approached during the offseason. Is there truth to the rumours of Glaurung resigning with the Noldorin stronghold? Anyway, Bëor (returning as goalkeeper), as well as his son Baran and great-great-great-grandson Barahir rejoins the squad (for eight, four, and eight million, respectively) and striker Gwindor returns after a three-year absence (signed for eleven million). And now, what you've all been waiting for. After defeating FC Angband 472 4-1 in their home game of the semifinal, Eldar United advances to the Deathless Champions League finals with an aggregate of 5 goals to Angband's 2. The team returned to Formenos as they await their finals game in the Song of Stone Stadium in Gondolin against either Taniquetil or Tol Sirion. It was here that I managed to find Fëanor after he agreed to be interviewed. Adam Smith: First of all, how do you feel about your performance in the Elvish Premier League? Fëanor: We'll be back on top next year. That's a promise. Adam Smith: Well, you made up for it by crushing [FC Angband 472] in the Deathless Champions League, where you personally scored a hat trick. Did your EPL travails this season have anything to do with how you approached that game? Fëanor: I always try to play at that level, whatever game it may be. The fact that it was against Morgoth, or it came after a tough loss in the Premier League has little to do with it. Adam Smith: You might end up facing Manwe's Taniquetil in the finals. What's the significance of this possible [Arda Cup 2011 quarterfinal] rematch for you? Fëanor: He's just another opponent for me. Whatever he or his kind may say about dooms, I believe that victory is something that's obtained on the pitch, and not something predestined. Adam Smith: So you're saying that they were better than you last year? Fëanor: The past is the past. Next time we meet on the field, I'll show you who's better now. Adam Smith: Speaking of the present, what can you tell us about your new team for the Arda Cup, AC Beleriand? For example, how do you feel about playing with your half-brother Fingolfin? Fëanor: I've played with Fingolfin before, and I know he's a really good player. He plays all positions with the same high level of skill, so he can help shore up whatever a team's weak point is. More importantly, he knows that this is my team. It's important that I have control over the team I play in—last year's experiment with Lothlórien reinforced that for me. Adam Smith: And Eöl? What made you want him on your team? Fëanor: Well, despite the fact that he's Sindarin, he shares the same passion in craftsmanship that I have. And it's apparent in his play, especially when he had his way during last year's semifinal game [with Doriath agains Angband]. He had the same balance of finesse and strength that I had while I was making some of my best works of art—and best goals as well. Adam Smith: Are the rumours that your sons have not asked to be signed in this team true? Fëanor: Unfortunately, yes. Well, Maedhros has always been hard-headed, and Maglor usually followed his lead. Celegorm and Curufin enjoyed being forwards last year, and I think they didn't want to play with me because they didn't want to be compared. Well, in short, all my sons have an independent streak—which they got from me—and after winning a championship with me they all want to find their own ways to success. Adam Smith: Any other things you can reveal to us about your team? Fëanor: It was surprising when Ecthelion and Beren approached me in the offseason—well, they both went through Fingolfin before talking to me. I don't know them personally, but I've seen them play. Beren is almost like Fingolfin—he can play wherever you need him to be, so he's a good addition to any team. When I asked him why join me, he said that he wanted to play with the creator of the thing that made him famous. And Ecthelion's a fearless player, and a player with championship experience. I don't know what's happening in Gondolin that they didn't put more effort into signing him, but their loss is my gain. Adam Smith: Speaking of Beren, I've heard that there are other of the Edain in your team? How do you feel playing with them? I'm sure, like with Beren, you don't know any of them personally. Fëanor: Well, I feel uneasy including too many players I don't know. Unfortunately, due to the new system, you can't have a team composed of stars, unless they're all willing to play for much less. So we signed whoever wanted to play whatever position we need for whatever price we can offer. Adam Smith: Hm, by the way, what does 'AC' in your team name stand for? Isn't that the initials of a fictional football team? Fëanor: What are you talking about? Anyway, 'AC' stands for 'Arda Cup', which is our goal. Sure, I've won it with Formenos in 2008, but four years has been too long. I want to win another one. __________________ フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good... Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 04-21-2012 at 09:38 PM.