“Chapter 1


Two days. It was nowhere near enough time to train up a new BloodBowl team. But he’d done his best. At least they looked like a team, with eleven players on the squad and something resembling a uniform to wear. He would have liked more in the way of medical supplies but the two ‘doctors’ he’d picked up outside the stadium would have to do. Their first match would be a real learning experience for all of them, but at least it wouldn’t be too painful… he hoped.

“Listen lads,” he said, trying to sound upbeat and cautious at the same time. “You’re playing Tooks’n Hook. Now listen. They may only be Halflings, but they’re hugely experienced. And they have two treemen who make Lion look like a plant. They’re killers and they would just love to add some fresh wood elves to their score.”
A couple of the line elves looked uncomfortable.
“But the good news is that out of 119 games, they’ve only won three, so the chances are, anyone who survives the match will have a win under their belt. So, off you go and do what you can. Survive first, score second and enjoy yourself third.”

As the team set off nervously for the dug out, Beds are Burning approached the coach.
“Erm, Boss. I’ve a favour to ask.”
“No favouritism, remember,” barked Robsson. “You get out there and get dirty with the rest.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just that I bumped into a couple of old friends down at the burger stand. They’re here to watch the match and when they knew I was playing for the wood elves they got really excited, and I… well, I kind of promised they could come along and have a go if they felt like it. We go way back and they owe me a favour or two.”
“Have a go?” Coach Robsson couldn’t believe what he was hearing. First of all a wood elf frequenting a burger joint. That was unheard of in itself. Then the fact that there were people who knew Beds are Burning and called him friend. And then volunteered to play. For free. Unreal. Still, if they were fool enough to offer, he was happy to put them up front where they would soak up some punishment and save his own boys for a few turns.
“Fine. Get them whatever you can find in the way of uniform and have them report to the dug out as soon as possible.”
“That’s okay, boss. They have their own kit. Armour and everything.”

That was when Robsson started to get suspicious. Their own kit? Just who are these friends of yours?
“Willow Rosebark and Dolfar Longstride.”
Coach Robsson started to say something, but the words dribbled out of the side of his mouth instead.
“Please coach, say it’s okay. They’ll be so disappointed if you say no. Please say yes.”
Robsson nodded, and only remembered to close his mouth long after Beds are Burning had run off to give his friends the good news.


* * * * *

A win! And no dead players. Although there were a couple of close calls on that score. As it turned out, those two so-called doctors actually were doctors and they were most valuable. When The Lion and the Unicorn had gone down Robsson had been sure he was matchwood, but a couple of minutes with the doc and he was able to wave a branch like a true warrior. He’d be back in time for their next match no trouble, and might even make it to a couple of training sessions as well.

Rosebark and Longstride had helped as well, not so much on the field, but they were a real hit with the crowd afterwards, signing autographs and posing for sketches. Robsson was sure they’d won over a few of the neutral spectators and the memorabilia stand had even sold out of pennants and The Lion had even had people trying to peel off strips of bark. The future was looking a little brighter tonight.

So why was Beds are Burning looking so glum?
“Sorry, coach. I was just thinking about Brogwick.”
“Who?”
“Brogwick. That was the name of the Halfling I smashed. Turns out he didn’t make it. Poor lad.”
“Well, better get used to it. There’ll be plenty more where that came from… hopefully. Remember, it’s either them or you. I doubt he’d be moping about if it had been the other way around. Just remember that.”
“Maybe you’re right. I guess it’s the same in battle. But there was no glory in it. Maybe we should pick on someone our own size next time, eh?”
Coach Robsson sighed. Beds was a good player. He had promise, and he had surprisingly accomplished friends, but he really did have a lot to learn about BloodBowl. The last thing Robsson wanted was a fair fight. Not for a while anyway.
”