[Boromir88]

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BoroLXXXVIII, Two Towers Network (TTN)

Another Great River springs unity

This is something the Arda Cup prides itself on, football unites. It unites all the peoples and races of distant lands, and can bring old friends together. In an attempt to copy on the early sucesses of the Gelion in last years tournament, this year sees the formation of the Anduin.

Fram, Earnil II, and Beorn had become good drinking pals in past Arda Cups, so instead of only meeting up whenever the tournament was taking play, the three realized they all lived on the Anduin and thus could form their own team! It was decided immediately the three would return to their respective homes to begin recruitments. It was also decided, since this would be a diverse team, uniting the peoples populating the whole length of the Great River that Fram and Earnil II would be co-captains.

Beorn had no issues with this arrangement and has made a hard push to sign Grimbeorn. However, no confirmation as to where the Old Bear-Man will sign has come yet, since reports say Sauron is making a nice offer to Grimbeorn also.

Fram had little trouble recruiting Frumgar and Leod to the team, and they were the first to sign. From Gondor Earnil II, has brought one of it's great Ship-Kings, Falastur, and Telumehtar Conqueror of Umbar. Mysteriously Rumil and Orophin came looking for open spots, as rumor says they were feeling spurned by the direction Galadriel was leading Lothlorien in.

Long-time member of Moria, Durin, also approached Fram to sign with the Anduin. What reasons could have driven Durin out from under his mountain!? Fram was reluctant at first, since he has a rocky history with the dwarves, but was swayed by Beorn, who personally vouched for Durin.

The Spirit awakens in Caradhras

The Misty Mountains (and formerly Moria) has a history of fielding solid and the most brutal talent possible. However bitter tensions between dwarves and baddies often led to not only rows between Moria's fanbase, but lots of in-fighting with the team.

The Misty Mts wanted to stick with their hard-hitting and sinister personality, and it was decided that Saruman should come in to lead the team to better fortunes. Saruman has his only metal to prove after his past failures with Isengard, and most recent failure at Bywater. It was clear Saruman could no longer stomach the fool Gandalf, as 5 minutes after Bywater's loss to Mithrim in the first round of the playoffs last year, Saruman held a press conference ripping his former friend and fellow wizard: "Gandalf's love of the halfling's leaf has clearly been the main factor in his diminishing skills" and "He must have purchased boots a few sizes too big, as those were the worst passes I ever had the displeasure of trying to receive."

Once Saruman was placed as the new Head of the Misty Mts he went straight to work in a massive rebuilding effort in bringing in players, and pushing out those who did not fit the team mold, which is sure to be bruising, evil, and cunning. His first move was bringing back hometown-favorite Durin's Bane. The Balrog had loved Moria as his home much more than Angband. However, the problem of Durin still remained, as it was proven in 2009 that those two simply could not play together. This was not a difficult decision for Saruman, force Durin out and insert his Bane, that's a swap anyone would accept!

With Durin's Bane on the team, usual suspects Azog, Great Goblin, The Watcher, and William all agreed to stay on. Also surprisingly the eagles Meneldor and Landroval have stayed, trying to repay Azog for his defense of the eagles' unfair treatment by the refs.

Everyone knows Saruman's got a bag of tricks, but this may be the greatest secret he has ever unlocked. Yes, even greater than his breaking of white light. The Misty Mountains have been shaking and rumbling with a glorious and ferocious storm for weeks now. It is being reported that Saruman, with aid from Durin's Bane has discovered the infamous Spirit living within Caradhras! And he plans to put the powerful Mountain Spirit in the goal to turn away shots with swirling winds and harsh snow and ice.

The Elven-Nations strike back

Rivendell and Lothlorien have hit on hard times recently, and the fan discontent has been growing. Many have even called for the Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel to step down and let more innovative minds run the respective teams. Elrond and Galadriel have become associated with the antiquated belief in defense-first. To prove the critics wrong Elrond and Galadriel have put a lot more effort and money into recruiting this year, and truly have been able to attract better talent.

Elrond has changed the team name to Eregion this year and he made sure to boost the offense first by signing Glorfindel back after Glorfindel's brief stint with Gondolin. And actually, Elrond addressed two problems with one move since the sturdy steed Asfaloth followed his master and will surely boost the defense. The defense was awarded another boost when Celebrimbor said he would join. Celebrimbor is truly a master defender and with the defense shored up premier goal scorer and father to Elrond, Earendil, was next to join.

The rest of the team is to be filled by various Elves and Men in the area, as we imagine Erestor, Elladan and Elrohir will all be back. However, there is one new addition, who we are told is making his first Arda Cup experience which has the Eregion fans (particularly the ladies) squeeing and crushing with excitement. Who this player could be we haven't got the slightest idea, but Elrond has tapped into a whole new fanbase of support for Eregion.

And across the mountains Galadriel was hard at work in fielding a competitive team. Fans were getting displeased with Galadriel's insistance on staying with the talent in her own realm and thus this year has gone for players far outside Lorien's borders. But we'll make note that Celeborn, Haldir, and Nimrodel have all stayed with the team.

A big move was made with Galadriel acquiring Gandalf and placing the wizard to head the defensive responsibilities. With Gandalf, also came another great defender from its years in Rohan, Shadowfax. Galadriel always had a mind for defense, but the biggest critiques have been Lothlorien's anemic offense and Galadriel's refusal to bolster it. So, while the two defensive signings were seen as big improvements, Lothlorien fans were still disappointed as the offensive woes were looking likely to continue.

Not so fast, with Gimli back with Lothlorien (and for a very cheap price), the dwarf managed to convince his friend and famed sharpshooter, Legolas to join the team. There are rumors also that Boromir II is planning to sign. Everyone wonders when he will return to one of his home Gondor teams, since it's been years since he's played for them. He has always wanted to play under Aragorn again, however once learning Aragorn would be heading to Eriador and not Minas Tirith, Boromir appears must yet again decide which Elf-ruler he wants to play under. At this point it is unlikely he returns with Rivendell, which leaves either Lothlorien or a possibility of finally returning to Minas Tirith eventhough it is ironically captained by another elf.

The biggest news which has JUST been confirmed in the last few hours. This is true and remember, you heard it from us first NOT AKM. In last years reports rumors were swirling Feanor had in his heart-of-hearts wanted on the Lothlorien team and would play if Galadriel merely gave him a lock of her hair. Galadriel refused and fans were irate. They could have had Feanor! It appears Galadriel has took to heart the storm of hate mail angry fans sent in after reading TTN's report, since Feanor was spotted at the Caras Galadhon training grounds in today's practice. Details of this deal have yet to be told, but both Galadriel and Feanor have agreed to hold a press conference by the weeks end.