Pipecross

Shield bearing acrobats running through a curved field, smashing against shield walls and flying in the air trying to put a leather ball into a barrel... excitement!

Pipecross is the most played and beloved team sport in Edison and the inner core of the Eldwell Empire. What began as a simple game among children has evolved into a national pastime, drawing spectators from all walks of life and fostering fierce rivalries among its many teams.

Origins and Evolution

The sport of Pipecross developed during the early days of the construction of the wall surrounding the main island of Edison. With little space to play, children began running through the massive half-pipe storm drains that, during heavy rainfall, concentrated and guided excess water to the sea. In its original form, the game was played by two teams of 5 to 11 players each. The goal was simple: carry a ball from one side of the half-pipe to the other and throw it into the barrel of the opposing team, all while the other team attempted to stop them.

Players would carry shields made from the tops of wooden barrels, using them to bash against their opponents and protect the ball carrier as they advanced toward the opposing barrel. As the sport grew in popularity amongst adult workers, it became more intricate and defined. The teams were locked to nine players each, and roles were established, including the barrel keeper, shieldbearers, and runners. Rules solidified regarding how points were scored and what constituted a foul, and soon, teams named after construction firms, mines, steelworks, and shipyards began to form, leading to the establishment of a multi-tier league system.

The Rise of Professional Pipecross

As Pipecross grew in popularity, teams began to buy workers and pay large bonuses to their players, transforming the sport into a professional spectacle. Teams of athletes performed incredible feats of military-like maneuvering, dance-like feints, and circus-like stunts with their shields and runners. Players launched into the air or created ramps to jump over the shield walls of the opposing team, turning each match into a thrilling display of athleticism and strategy.

The sport quickly became a major attraction, drawing huge crowds to watch their favorite teams compete. However, this newfound popularity also led to clashes between fans on the streets after matches, as the rivalries between teams intensified. Despite its rough beginnings, Pipecross gradually gained respect across all levels of society.

The Modern Era of Pipecross

Today, Pipecross has transcended its origins in the steelworks and workshops of the Lower Class. Universities, military academies, and even some high society clubs like the Lantern Society have their own teams, competing in a five-tiered league system: Delta, Gamma, Beta, Alpha, and the prestigious Imperial League. The Imperial League, though the smallest with only 16 teams, is the pinnacle of Pipecross competition. Its matches are nothing short of spectacular.

Players in the Imperial League wear alchemical shields equivalent to those of The Radiant Shield Guard and wield stun batons. Runners are equipped with small jump-assisting thrusters, allowing them to perform acrobatic maneuvers and evade opponents with ease. The humble storm half-pipe has evolved into a moving and landscaped field filled with traps and obstacles, challenging even the most skilled players.

Every year, thousands of fans flock to the Barrogate Arena to witness the 15 knock-out matches of the Imperial League. These games have become grand spectacles, showcasing not only the athletic prowess of the players but also the cultural significance of Pipecross in the Eldwell Empire. What began as a simple game played in the storm drains of Edison has grown into a symbol of national pride and unity, drawing Alsian citizens together to celebrate the spirit of competition and the thrill of the game.

The Business of Pipecross

As Pipecross has grown into a cultural phenomenon, a thriving memorabilia industry has developed around the sport. Fans are eager to spend their hard-earned money on signed shields, balls, and other items used in the game. These collectibles have become prized possessions, often displayed prominently in homes and businesses. The most sought-after memorabilia can fetch high prices at auctions, with items from famous matches or legendary players being particularly valuable. The passion for Pipecross has turned these simple objects into symbols of pride and loyalty for fans, further deepening their connection to the sport.

However, with the rise of Pipecross’s popularity, gambling on the outcomes of matches has also become a widespread and, at times, problematic activity. Bookmakers operate openly in the Delta, Gamma, and even Beta leagues, taking bets on everything from match outcomes to individual player performances. While gambling adds another layer of excitement for fans, it has also given rise to darker elements within the sport. There have been increasing reports of match-fixing, particularly in the lower leagues, where players are more vulnerable to the influence of unscrupulous bookies.

These bookmakers, often backed by criminal syndicates like the Claws, are known to use enforcers to collect debts and intimidate players, coaches, and even referees. The integrity of the sport is at risk, as rumors of fixed matches and coerced players circulate among fans and officials. Despite these issues, the allure of Pipecross remains strong, with the majority of fans and players still dedicated to the spirit of the game. However, the growing concerns about gambling and corruption are beginning to cast a shadow over the sport’s once-untarnished reputation.

Primary Related Location

Edison

Important Locations

• Barrogate Arena

Related Ethnicities

• Eldwelian