“Coach Hissa Lives looked out at the elves on the field and spat. Nobody loves an elf and these were no exception. Sure, they were not as snooty as most but on the pitch their game was still top notch.

Rolling Coal had drawn a small following as a perceived working man’s team. For one reason or another each had left their clans and taken up jobs in the outside world. They were now lumberjacks, miners, furriers, and exterminators. Each of their jobs existed as an anathema to what they once were, and yet each provided a valued service to the world. And each was good at his job.

But none of that mattered at this moment. At this moment there was only the ball, the end zone, and an opponent in the way.

On the other sideline Kondor smiled. He learned long ago that there was normally no need to coach elves. They were natural scorers and even on a bad day they kept the game competitive. Today they were on top of their game.

Sure. Ogres did what ogres do and put elf after elf on the bench. But surprisingly, none of the injuries were serious and the gnome apothecary Corbis never even opened his medical bag. For their part, the elves were quick of the ball and twice moved so quickly they blitzed to the ball before the kick even touched the ground.

Clear Cutter was the star of the match racking up a trio of point and injuring a trio of snotlings. It was too much speed for the ogre team and the elves put 7 points on the board. This was a record for Kondor that he had not expected to see.

In the stands, most of the Rolling Coal crowd roared their approval. The exception was a dozen high elves who had arrived a little late with the plan of berating their own coach. Imagine their horror when they watched a bunch of low brow cousins do what none of them had ever done. The Archers of Avelon had never scored six in a match much less seven. With this match Kondor would earn a new measure of respect and be a bit harder to control.

When the match finally drew to a close the other wardancer called Strip Miner presented Kondor with a game ball and a patch. The patch known as “Griddled” was awarded for completing the grid. Now with just over 1,500 sanctioned games Kondor had filled the Fumbbl Grid by matching coaching one team of ever race against one team of every other race at least once. While the feat was not unheard of, it was rare and worth commemorating.

As they headed to the tavern for refreshments Kondor was happy. The achievement was satisfying, and now he could move on to other projects. The Archers of Avelon would receive more attention and the AARRR league may never be the same. “Buckle-up he thought.” The ride had just begun.


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