“For once, the bookies were betting on the Warriors of Woe. Everything seemed to be in their favor. Not only were they rated higher, but also they outnumbered the slaves of chaos 12-11, they were more skilled 8-4, and even their record was better 2-5 vs 0-7.

When Malendil (the team’s only wardancer) took the field and discovered someone had greased his shoes – no problem right? The Slaves won the toss and elected to receive. They came out hitting. ¾ hits broke armor including a broken neck to Nirethlar (only elf with guard) causing a niggling injury. Al was silent as the team held their breath. The apothecary was quick on his feet however and managed to save the poor fool. Shaken but still confident the team started their defense. Things started to look better as they managed to stun the minotaur. Kallinn (a skilled dodger) tripped making his dodge and is promptly knocked out however. The team is still not worried. Elves are supposed to fail the easy stuff. Just to prove the point Athroth trips and stuns himself next turn while trying move a bit farther than normal. The Slaves run in a touchdown easily but at least no more elves are hurt.

The Warriors set up to receive, but the coach for the Slaves has outsmarted them. He quickly moves all his players on the scrimmage thwarting the Warriors carefully planned set-up. Amidst the scuffling at the line of scrimmage, no one notices as the usually very agile Athroth bobbles the ball as he picks it up from the turf. Blocks are thrown on both sides as the Warriors struggle to get elves into position for the score. In no time, Althroth and Eriel are both badly hurt and lie wounded on the sidelines. With players dropping left and right Calinn goes for the quick score. Dodging free he passes to Liannor the Catcher. Unfortunately, Liannor is distracted by the adjacent beastman and lets the ball slip through his fingers.

The Warriors manage to get the ball right back as the beastman carrying the ball trips while trying to move too far. Again, the pass is made to Liannor. Again, he is distracted by the adjacent beastman and lets the ball slip through his fingers. Luckily, another beastman for the Slaves trips while moving too far and the Warriors get yet another chance. This time the catch is hauled in easily and Liannor streaks for the end zone. The half ends not long after with a few more stuns and trips thrown in for good measure.

Second half shows more promise as Malendil badly hurts a beastman on the opening drive. As more players are pushed around on both sides, Esslar sneaks into the end zone and scores for the Warriors.

The Slaves receive and push the ball downfield. Still riding his adrenaline rush, Malendil blitz’s the beastman holding the ball but ends up flat on his back as the beastman out blocks him. A fierce tumble for the ball ensues as ownership of the ball changes hands with each turn. Finally the Warriors manage to get the ball into the hands of Kalion who sees Liannor open near the endzone. Kalion trips trying to get to the catcher and smashes his hand severely, a wound sure to aggravate him for the rest of his career. The Slaves recover the ball and run towards their end zone. Malendil fails to bring the beastman down or even strip the ball from its grasp. With a few hits and a nice dodge the beastman scores to end regulation play.
Overtime begins with seven Warriors taking on eight Slaves. Each side blocks ineptly as the Warriors struggle to set up their offense. Down to six elves, the Warriors are running out of options. They attempt the same passing play that has failed them twice previously. This time Liannor is paying attention. He plucks the ball from the air and streaks for the end zone. The Slaves are all just out of range and cannot catch the speedy elf as he dashes free into the end zone.

In the end, it was a bloody contest that the elves should have won easily but were nearly outmatched by the fearsome Slaves. Thanks to Caileanhawk for a fun match!
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