In the ensuing days, a multi-clan committee was selected to draw up the official rules and an accord was signed by all clan leaders to establish Empires League Football™ and its body of 16 of teams, split into four geographically united divisions. The inaugural ELF™ season was to be held in two-years time, allowing each clan to appoint a patron to found a team, to learn the game, and to build their field and stadium to host games.
By law, the leadership of the Empire would be determined by the results of each annual ELF™ season. Each team would compete throughout the season, at the end of which, a team patron from the top team in each division would form the Empire’s leadership counsel, and the winner of the championship game would rule as the Empire’s monarch.
An Empire’s calendar was unified across the clans and used to mark the start of the new era and of the games to be played, with the first games starting in 3 E.L. (the third year after the signing of the Empires League accords). The trading city of Syre Genothe, melting pot of Vohalm’s cultures and clans, was selected as a neutral site to host the new royal houses and the Stadium of Monarchs, home of the Empire Bowl™ — the ELF™ championship game to determine the monarchy.
Though finished much later in 7 E.L., the Stadium of Monarchs is considered a marvel of architecture. Representing the light and dark of each world within the Empire, each half of the stadium is designed by builders of the separate clans, such that it strikes an imposing backdrop for the championship game and a reminder of what each team is playing for.
It is against this backdrop, we find ourselves now, in year 10 E.L., where Odall Thrym, quarterback for the Krondag Hammerlings™ looks over the defense of the Dûrzhâd Dragons™. For their part, the Dragons are the first-ever Darksiders Union™ team favored to win the Empire Bowl™. But Odall and the rest of the Hammerlings believe their own quest to be the first non-elvish team to raise Lydália’s Sceptre™.
It’s fourth down, with 7 yards to go at the Dragon’s 27 yard line. A quick glance at the clock reveals only two clicks remain — only enough time for one last play. The Stadium of Monarchs roils with thunderous excitement.
Odall barks commands and his lineman hikes the ball. Bryndun Thrym runs a deep post pattern. Togar Nagheld runs an underneath route, clearing the defense for Tygarne Torghelm — the Hammerling’s massive tight end — to run up the seam. Odall sees him break open and lets the ball fly. It just clears the outstretched fingertips of a diving defender and lands in Tygarne’s hands. Tygarne tucks the ball and lowers his shoulder into the oncoming tacklers, pushing them back and propelling himself just across the goal line before they drag him to the ground. Touchdown!
The crowd erupts in cheers and jeers as drums sound and trumpets blare. Odall runs to his teammates and his good friend Tygarne. After a hearty embrace, Tygarne hands Odall the ball before breaking into a toothy grin and triumphantly lifting Odall onto his shoulders.
