🏆 Gridiron Chronicles 1970: Season end of the year report by the Earl of Hedges

 

🏆 Gridiron Chronicles 1970: 
The Hedges Bowl Kicks Off! Knights vs. Ravens: 1970 Season Opener!

The King is Dead, Long Live the Tribe
— A Final Retrospective on the Season of the Gambit —

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Part I: The New Order and The Underbelly
Regular Season Highlights:

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Part II: The Thanksgiving Day Massacre

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Part III: The Final Showdown
The Championship Qualifier
The Grand Final: Blackwood Ravens vs. Azatar Tribe

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Part IV: The Council is Seized

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Ladies and gentlemen, gridiron fanatics and pigskin connoisseurs, the wait is finally over! The air is crisp, the stadium lights are beaming, and the roar of the crowd is deafening – because it's GAME DAY at the legendary Hedges Bowl! This isn't just any game; it's the highly anticipated 1970 Season opener, pitting two titans of the league against each other in what promises to be an instant classic!

(The broadcast opens with a dramatic, sweeping shot of Nocturnis, all grit and shadow, before settling on a news desk covered in betting slips and a single, weathered football.)

The city of Nocturnis is still reeling. After a season that was less a sporting competition and more a political proxy war, the final whistle has blown on the inaugural Gridiron League season. The outcome—the victory of the Azatar Tribe—was not just an upset; it was a total political upheaval that dethroned the Blackwood empire and established a new, unpredictable order in the city.

This season was defined by one fact: The Meridian Gambit, the ruthless agreement struck in a penthouse, where every powerful family—from the ancient De la Cruz to the aggressive De Costa—agreed to end the street bloodshed and fight instead for control of the Council of the Families' Heads. This was the greatest show on earth, engineered by media mogul Silas Blackwood Sr., and the narrative played out exactly how he intended... until the very end.

The 1970 season introduced a stark division of power. The league was split between the old-guard Founding Families—who based their teams on tradition, like the Knights of Hedges (Mara-template defense) and the Templar Knights (Halas-McCaskey discipline)—and the eight expansion teams brought in by Blackwood, featuring the supernatural and the ruthless.

Teams like the Trollgods Grey Gargoyles (industrial might) and the Salem Witchdoctors (Baron Samedi's power) added an unpredictable chaos. But no new team was more terrifying than the Underworld Denizens. Led by the Ratte Syndicate—a coalition of criminal families like the Ratto, Ratzen, and Myshkin—the Denizens were the physical manifestation of the city’s multiversal underbelly, using cheap players and rampant fouling as their core strategy.

Meanwhile, the Azatar Tribe and their Red Sun Council—led by figures inspired by activist templates like Juno Trill and Rusty Malice—fought with the primal conviction of a people determined to reclaim their sovereignty. Their on-field struggles, reflective of the Kansas City Chiefs’ own 7-5-2 regular-season fight, showed their resilience, but few predicted they would survive the winter.

The season was a duel for top seeding. Blackwood’s flagship Ravens (11-3) dominated the Southern Division with tactical precision, while the Coastal Corsairs and the Divine Wind carved up the Western Conference. Every game was a power play, every late-game injury a whisper of political sabotage. The public saw sports; the families saw a body count on the way to the council throne.

The playoffs began on Thanksgiving weekend, a media spectacle branded as The Thanksgiving Day Slaughter Matches and Wild Card Playoffs. This was not just a name; it was a promise, tying into the city's NWL faction wars to create a unified festival of televised brutality.

The first major power play came not from the field, but from the boardroom. The Knights of Hedges, through a politically charged maneuver, secured an unprecedented bye straight to the final round of the championship, avoiding the bloodbath. This controversial move, a clear sign the Meridian Gambit rules were being manipulated, made them the instant villains of the postseason.

This left the rest of the contenders to fight for their lives in the Divisional Round:

• Blackwood Ravens vs. Divine Wind: This was Silas Blackwood’s first act of playoff manipulation. He pitted his Ravens against the Divine Wind, ensuring the organized crime syndicate—a major power competitor—was eliminated early in the tournament. The Ravens won a tactical masterclass, eliminating the Tongs' influence from the Council race.

• Azatar Tribe vs. Stone Goliaths: In a clash of old-world industry versus indigenous might, the Azatar Tribe defeated the formidable Goliaths. The win was a testament to their unwavering spirit, pushing them to the edge of the final showdown.

The stage was set: The Azatar Tribe, the underdog, had to get past the politically maneuvering Knights of Hedges to face Blackwood’s Ravens for the entire city.

The first championship game was a true proxy war: the cunning, politically maneuvering Knights of Hedges against the Azatar Tribe, fighting for their spiritual sovereignty. The Knights' defense, built on generations of secrets and discipline, finally met its match. The Azatar's primal power and relentless will, directed by the Red Sun Council, broke through the defensive lines, proving that heart and land are more powerful than political maneuvering. The Azatar Tribe won, setting up the ultimate final.

This was the war for the soul of Nocturnis. Silas Blackwood's Ravens—cunning, efficient, and representing the new corporate future of the city—against the Azatar Tribe, representing the original inhabitants and the raw spirit of the valley. Every viewer, every bookie, every family head knew who Blackwood wanted to win.

But the Azatar Tribe, fueled by a purpose far greater than a championship, fought with a savage intensity that the Ravens’ calculated tactics could not contain. The Ravens were outmatched not by strength, but by spiritual conviction. The final whistle blew, and the Azatar Tribe had achieved the impossible.

The consequences were immediate, shaking the foundations of every major family in Nocturnis:

The Azatar Tribe are the inaugural Gridiron League champions. By virtue of this victory, the Azatar Indians have now seized the Council of the Families' Heads, instantly changing the political landscape of the city. Silas Blackwood Sr., for the first time in memory, failed to secure the ultimate prize.

Adding to the shock, the Mayor (Blackwood’s brother) publicly accepted the result, granting the Azatar Tribe immediate free reign over the city's council affairs, solidifying their power and upholding the integrity of the Meridian Gambit... officially.

But even as the celebrations begin, a new shadow lengthens over Nocturnis. The Barlow family, who were left completely out of the Meridian Gambit and ignored by Blackwood, are now plotting their revenge. They will not accept the Azatar’s rule, nor Blackwood’s defeat. They are the new wild card, preparing to fight back through or by other means.

The Gridiron League has crowned its champion, but for Nocturnis, the war has just begun. The question now is: What will the Barlow family do when the new season begins?

(The blog post ends with a final image of a stylized football helmet, with a single feather resting on top. Below the image, the words "Tune in next season for Gridiron Chronicles 1971..." fade into the shadows.)

Saturday Morning Cartoon Year in Review: 1970 – A Groovy Goodbye to a Decade, A Grand Hello to Another!

Well, here we are, December 30th, 1970. The scent of pine needles is still in the air from Christmas, and the promise of a brand-new year, 1971, is just hours away. Before we dive headfirst into the future, I wanted to take a moment to look back at what truly mattered most to us kids every single week: Saturday morning cartoons. And let me tell you, 1970 delivered in spades.

This year felt like a turning point. The late sixties had given us some classics, but 1970 brought a fresh wave of energy, a distinct '70s vibe that was all about music, mystery, and a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated fun. It was a golden age, with three major networks—CBS, ABC, and NBC—all vying for our precious morning hours, each unleashing their animated arsenals to capture our imaginations.

The undisputed heavyweight champion of the year, without a doubt, remained CBS's Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!. Even though it technically debuted in '69, 1970 was its year to truly solidify its legendary status. Every single Saturday, the Mystery Machine rolled onto our screens, and we were hooked. Fred’s traps, Velma’s smarts, Daphne’s occasional peril, Shaggy’s perpetual hunger, and of course, Scooby’s cowardly heroics – it was the perfect blend of spooky thrills and laugh-out-loud humor. You'd find yourself trying to guess who the "monster" really was right along with the gang. It was the benchmark for cartoon mysteries, and frankly, nothing else quite matched its consistent brilliance.

CBS also continued to charm us with the wholesome, musical antics of The Archie Show and the bewitching fun of Sabrina and the Groovie Goolies. These shows had that irresistible pop sensibility, with catchy songs that would stick in your head all day. And speaking of music, 1970 introduced a phenomenal new contender to the cartoon band craze: ABC's Josie and the Pussycats. From the moment they burst onto the screen with their leopard-print outfits and that killer theme song, they were an instant sensation. A rock band that travels the world getting tangled up in spy adventures? It was brilliant! Josie, Melody, Valerie, and their hapless manager Alexander, along with his sister Alexandra, brought a new level of glamour and adventure to Saturday mornings. Their songs were actual hits in our minds, and every week felt like a mini-concert.

NBC wasn't to be outdone. While they had solid performers like the venerable Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour – a timeless treasure that always guaranteed classic gags and perpetual chase scenes – they also pushed the boundaries with their live-action-hybrid shows. H.R. Pufnstuf, a fantastical journey through Living Island that debuted in late '69, continued to captivate us with its vivid, slightly psychedelic world and memorable characters like Freddy the Flute. And in 1970, it was joined by The Bugaloos, another Sid and Marty Krofft creation. These four insect-winged musicians, living in a magical forest, brought more catchy tunes and whimsical adventures, proving that Saturday mornings weren't just for animation anymore.

Beyond the major hits, there were other notable additions and mainstays. ABC's Harlem Globetrotters animated series brought the incredible skills and comedy of the real-life basketball legends to cartoon form, with them fighting crime between games. And for the motorheads among us, Hot Wheels delivered high-octane racing action, bringing our favorite toy cars to life on the screen. Shows like The Pink Panther Show on NBC, with its sophisticated, often silent humor, offered a unique alternative, while the various iterations of Tom and Jerry or other classic Hanna-Barbera shorts provided reliable bursts of slapstick.

Of course, the shows weren't the only stars of Saturday morning. The commercials were just as much a part of the experience. The jingles for sugary cereals like Lucky Charms or Trix, the vibrant ads for new action figures, board games like Mouse Trap, or the latest Mattel Hot Wheels tracks – they were all part of the ritual. You’d rush back from the bathroom during a commercial break, not wanting to miss a single second, but also subtly influenced by the bright, energetic pitches for toys and treats.

Looking back, 1970 felt like a vibrant explosion of creativity. The animation was getting smoother, the stories were becoming more complex (well, for a kid's show!), and the music was undeniable. It was a year where you knew exactly where you wanted to be every Saturday morning, sprawled out on the living room floor, bowl of cereal in hand, completely lost in these incredible worlds. As the countdown to 1971 begins, I can't help but wonder what new heroes, crazy creatures, and rock 'n' roll bands await us. But one thing is for sure: 1970 cemented Saturday mornings as the absolute best part of the week, a magical escape that we'll always remember.

Where No Toys Have Gone Before - Star Trek The 1970s Toy Boom

Where No Toys Have Gone Before - Star Trek Early Star Trek Toys (1967-1969)

The 1970s Toy Boom

A Personal Touch: Inheriting the Stars

You know, one of my favorite blog posts I ever wrote was called "Where No Toys Have Gone Before - Star Trek," and it's all about the fascinating world of vintage Star Trek toys.

It really dives into how Star Trek, which first hit our screens on September 8, 1966, changed science fiction forever. With Captain Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy leading the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the show explored new worlds and promoted values like justice and peace in the 23rd century.

Gene Roddenberry, the show's creator, originally pitched it as a "Wagon Train to the Stars." But he had a deeper vision: to use science fiction to explore real-world issues like the Vietnam War and civil rights, cleverly getting past network censors. It's wild to think that this show, now a huge franchise with multiple spin-offs and movies, almost didn't make it! The first pilot, "The Cage," was deemed "too cerebral," and they even had issues with Spock looking "too satanic."

When Star Trek first aired, ratings were low, and NBC almost canceled it after the first season. It was only thanks to passionate fans and even Lucille Ball, whose Desilu Productions made the show, that it got two more seasons. Once it hit syndication in 1969, it became a massive cult phenomenon, leading to conventions and a flood of merchandise.

It's interesting to note that while the show started in 1966, most of the initial toys and memorabilia didn't come out until 1967 or later.

One of the earliest items was the Ideal Toy Company's Star Trek board game from 1967. It had cool illustrations of Kirk, Spock, and Uhura, and the goal was to navigate your spaceship from Earth to different planets and back.

Aluminum Metal Toys (AMT), famous for their car model kits, got the exclusive rights to make Star Trek plastic model kits. They released a U.S.S. Enterprise model kit in 1967, which even had battery-operated lights in its original version! Later, they added a Klingon Battle Cruiser and a Spock figure.

Remco also jumped into the Star Trek toy scene in 1967 with items like their "Tracer Gun" (a ray gun that shot plastic discs) and a "Tracer Scope" gun. Though some of these early guns were a bit generic, their packaging often featured fantastic graphics that collectors now highly seek. Remco later released a much-loved plastic Utility Belt Set, complete with a Phaser, Communicator, and Tricorder.

Other notable items from 1967 included a set of 72 Leaf trading cards with black and white photos, and a Mr. Spock children's Halloween costume by Ben Cooper. These are super rare now! Gold Key also started publishing a series of 61 Star Trek comic books in 1967, and the first Star Trek novel, Mission to Horatius, came out in 1968.

The 1970s brought a huge wave of Star Trek merchandise, largely thanks to Mego Corporation and Azrak-Hamway International, Inc. (AHI). Mego became a giant in the toy industry with their 8-inch action figures. Their Star Trek line, released in 1974, is considered one of their best. It included Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, and a Klingon, with Lt. Uhura added later. These figures had detailed head sculpts, cloth costumes, and accessories like tricorders and phasers.

Mego also produced impressive playsets like the U.S.S. Enterprise bridge playset, which even had a "Transporter" function to make figures "disappear." While not perfectly screen-accurate, kids loved it, and it could fold up into a carry case. They also made a "Mission to Gamma VI" playset featuring an ancient temple and alien monsters. Mego's "Aliens" line of figures, including characters like the Gorn and Romulan, are incredibly hard to find today and can fetch hundreds of dollars.

When Star Trek: The Motion Picture came out in 1979, Mego released figures in smaller 3 ¾-inch and 12-inch scales, following the trend set by Star Wars toys.

AHI, known for their "rack toys," also released several popular, quirky Star Trek items, like a parachuting Mr. Spock figure and a U.S.S. Enterprise with a helicopter blade that could be launched into the sky. These items were often cheaper in quality and are now very rare to find in good condition.

Other memorable 70s collectibles include Book and Record sets from Peter Pan/Power Records, View-Master reels from GAF, Dr. Pepper drinking glasses, and various puzzles and activity books.

These toys brought countless hours of joy to kids back then. With new Star Trek movies and shows still coming out, it's great to see new generations of "Trekkers" and "Trekkies" get to experience the magic, and hopefully, enjoy their toys as much as we did (and still do!).

It's amazing to hear about the history of Satar Trek toys, and it's even more special when it's personal. For me, that history came alive because my parents were huge fans and collected all the original merchandise. When I was born, they passed that entire collection down to me. So, I truly was a Star Trek baby boomer, surrounded by the Enterprise, phasers, and tricorders from day one. It wasn't just a TV show or a line of toys; it was a part of my upbringing, a tangible connection to the optimism and adventure of the 23rd century that my parents cherished. Playing with those original pieces wasn't just fun; it was like stepping into their fandom, and now, it's a piece of my own story.

Yours for now, Captain Hedges

The Day I Was Born a Half a Century and Still Making Noise: Celebrating My Arrival on November 27, 1970

 

Half a Century and Still Making Noise: Celebrating My Arrival on November 27, 1970

Another year, another spin around the sun! Today, as November 27th rolls around once again, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia and profound gratitude. Birthdays, after all, are not just about cake and candles; they're milestones that invite us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the incredible journey we're all on.

For me, this particular November 27th carries a special significance. It marks the day my adventure began, back in 1970. At precisely 10:48 AM, I made my debut into the world at Flagstaff Hospital in Arizona. I can only imagine the joy and anticipation in the room as my parents, Earl C. Hedges Sr. and the wonderful Marlene Joan (McCallister Midian Name) Hedges, welcomed their newborn. To Doctors Dave Martain and Henry Poore, who guided me into this world, I owe a silent thank you for a safe arrival.

Stepping back in time to 1970 paints a fascinating picture. It was a year of significant events – [You could insert a brief, relevant historical or cultural event from 1970 here, for example: "a time when the world was captivated by the Apollo missions and the sounds of a changing musical landscape filled the air."]. It's humbling to think about the backdrop against which my life story began to unfold.

As I reflect on the years that have passed since that November morning in Flagstaff, I'm overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the unwavering love and support of my family, who have been my constant anchors. Gratitude for the friendships that have enriched my life with laughter and understanding. Gratitude for the experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges, that have shaped me into the person I am today. Each moment, each connection, has woven a unique thread into the tapestry of my life.

Life, as it does for everyone, has presented its share of twists and turns. There have been mountaintop moments of pure joy and valleys that tested my resilience. But through it all, the lessons learned and the love received have been invaluable.

While today is a day for looking back with appreciation, it's also a day for looking forward with hope. The future holds possibilities yet unseen, and I embrace the journey ahead with an open heart and a sense of anticipation.

So, as I celebrate this milestone, I raise a virtual toast to life, to love, and to the incredible journey that began on that November morning in Flagstaff. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my story. Here's to many more chapters filled with joy, growth, and meaningful connections!

The Day I was born..........

Me and my Dad around the same age!

more pictures to come later on..........Yours for now Captain Hedges

The1970s the Decade Gridiron League teams within the City of Nocturnes

📜 The Complete History of the Gridiron League (GIL)

I. The Ancient Origins (1880s – 1960s)

The roots of the Gridiron League stretch back to the late 19th century, a time when the emerging colony of Nocturnis needed a method to settle disputes without constant, large-scale bloodshed.

• Founding Purpose: The earliest form of the league, the GridIron Tournament, was established to decide the leadership of the budding colony. The original competition featured eight founding teams, representing the city’s most powerful ancestral families: The Templar Knights, Azatar Tribe, Knights of Hedges, Thronebrue Maulers, Blackwood Ravens, Stone Goliaths, Silverbacks, and the Divine Wind.

• The Decades of Decline: By the mid-20th century, the league had become fragmented. The ruling families largely abandoned the field, preferring to wage their wars through corporate sabotage and literal street violence. The underlying chaos grew as the city became a nexus for otherworldly events.

• The Multiversal Crisis: The period was marked by massive refugee influx. The ether dragons, who control the multiverse portals, helped evacuate populations from worlds like Troll World to havens like Zimarala. Many of these displaced beings, including trolls, goblins, and other monsters, eventually found their way into the underbelly of Nocturnis, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the city's power dynamics.

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II. The Coup and The Meridian Gambit (1970)

The modern Gridiron League was born from a singular, calculated power play by media mogul Silas Blackwood Sr.

• The Blackwood Takeover: Recognizing that the ongoing street violence was bad for business, Blackwood engineered a plan to transform the league into a singular, high-stakes, televised spectacle. He sought to centralize all power and profit from the conflict.

• The Meridian Gambit: In a legendary backroom meeting held in late 1969, Blackwood forced a political truce. He brought together the old-guard families (Hedges, Stone, Templar) and the emerging powers (Ratte Syndicate, Stirling) and laid down the new law.

• The Truce and The Prize:

  • The Truce: All major hostilities must cease. The feuds would now be settled exclusively on the gridiron.

  • The Prize: The winner of the annual GIL Championship would gain the most coveted prize in the city: Leadership of the Council of the Families' Heads for one calendar year.

• The Roster Formation: Blackwood consolidated the league into one conference—the Nocturnis City Gridiron Conference—and expanded it to 16 teams, merging the eight Founding Teams with eight new Expansion Teams. This included forces like the Underworld Denizens (Ratte Syndicate, representing the multiversal refugee underworld) and the city-owned Moon Elf Nocturnis Team.

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III. The Inaugural Season: 1970 (The Year the Underdog Won)

The first season was a political drama disguised as a football league, with the stakes clear for all participants.

Key 1970 Season Events	Teams / Narrative
The Regular Season	Dominated by the Blackwood Ravens (11-3). The Azatar Tribe (based on the Kansas City Chiefs' 7-5-2 template) fought a tougher, less dominant season, qualifying for the Wild Card on spirit and will.
Thanksgiving Day Playoffs	The Wild Card round was branded as the Thanksgiving Day Slaughter Matches, a chaotic spectacle. The Knights of Hedges pulled off a massive political maneuver, securing a controversial bye straight to the Championship Round.
The Final Showdown	The Azatar Tribe fought their way through the Divisional Round (eliminating the Stone Goliaths). They defeated the politically-backed Knights of Hedges and then faced the brutal Blackwood Ravens in the final.
The Champion	The Azatar Tribe won, driven by their fight for sovereignty and the spirit of the land. The Azatar Indians seized leadership of the Council of the Families' Heads.
Political Fallout	Silas Blackwood Sr. lost control of the Council. His brother, the Mayor, was forced to accept the result. The Barlow family, who were deliberately excluded from the Meridian Gambit, began plotting their revenge in the shadows.

🏈 Nocturnis City Gridiron Conference: The Roster 1970

1. Northern Division (Northbank County Parish)

Team	Owner / Syndicate	Lore & Play Style	Template / Inspiration
The Azatar Tribe	The "Red Sun" Council (Juno Trill, Rusty Malice, etc.)	The Champions. Primal power and unpredictable tactics rooted in the land. Leaders fight for sovereignty. Their championship win echoes the KC Chiefs' rise to power.	KC Chiefs (1970) & Activist Leaders
The Knights of Hedges	The Hedges Family	The Defensive Masters. Known for impenetrable defense and cunning. Controls the city's agricultural wealth and is a major founding family.	Mara Family (NY Giants)
The Stone Goliaths	The Stone Family	Industrial Might. Built for durability and impact. They are the original builders of Nocturnis, representing industrial strength and unshakeable foundations.	Long-standing NFL Family
The Shadowbourne Specters	The Shadowbourne Family	The Elusive Mystery. An unnerving, elusive team known for misdirection and psychological tactics. A family that vanished and mysteriously re-emerged to reclaim their status.	Family Lineage Re-emergence

2. Western Division (Sea Shore, Bayou)

Team	Owner / Syndicate	Lore & Play Style	Template / Inspiration
The Coastal Corsairs	The De Costa Family	Ruthless Opportunists. Aggressive, high-risk, high-reward team. Their emblem is a stylized skull of construction girders, reflecting their legacy of seizing physical control of the city.	Jerry Jones (Cowboys Persona)
The Divine Wind	Jade Dragon Crime Boss (Majority) & Lian Chen (Minority)	Venomous Precision. Agile, disciplined, and focused on quick, debilitating attacks. Lian Chen provides a legitimate face for the Tongs' criminal enterprise.	Kim Pegula (Co-Owner Template)
The Salem Witchdoctors	Baron Samedi	Supernatural Dominance. A chilling force on the field, with players (living or undead) using Voodoo rituals. The team is an extension of Baron Samedi’s power as a Loa.	Powerful Figurehead / Deity
The Blood Bayou Beasts	A Communal Trust	Primal Chaos. A team of animalistic creatures and cryptids from the Louisiana Bayou. Their play style is wild, unpredictable, and fiercely territorial.	Communal/Trust Ownership (a twist on the Packers)

3. Southern Division (Downtown, Obsidian Citadel)

Team	Owner / Syndicate	Lore & Play Style	Template / Inspiration
The Blackwood Ravens	The Blackwood Family	The Media Empire. Silas Blackwood Sr.'s flagship team. Known for swiftness, intelligence, and tactical precision. They are the ultimate vehicle for Blackwood's corporate dominance.	New-Era Owner (Shift from Old Guard)
The Silverbacks	The Stirling Family	Financial Cunning. Focuses on intricate plays and hypnotic control of the game’s flow. The family controls the city's financial sector and uses the team to reflect their discreet, high-value operations.	Bidwill Family (Long-standing financial interest)
The Moon Elf Nocturnis Team	The City of Nocturnis	The People's Team. Graceful, elusive beings connected to lunar energies. The only publicly-owned team, serving as a symbol of the city's unique supernatural identity.	Green Bay Packers (Public Ownership)
The Underworld Denizens	The Ratte Syndicate (Majority) & allied families (Minority)	The Underbelly. A team of Rattlings and Goblins known for fouling and underhanded tactics. The Ratte Syndicate (families like Ratto, Myshkin, and Ratzen) represents the organized criminal diaspora from Earth, Troll World, and Zimarala.	New Corporate / Criminal Consortium

4. Eastern Division (The Rest)

Team	Owner / Syndicate	Lore & Play Style	Template / Inspiration
The Templar Knights	The De la Cruz Family	Ancient Discipline. Embody strategic brilliance and unwavering discipline. Descendants of a French Templar offshoot, representing ancient mystery and precision.	Halas-McCaskey Family (Chicago Bears)
The Thronebrue Maulers	The Thronebrue Family	Raw Power. Synonymous with overwhelming physical force and unyielding will. Echoes their family's industrial might in the city's Foundry District.	Rooney Family (Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Trollgods Grey Gargoyles	The Iron Spire Syndicate	Industrial Defense. Represents the raw labor and steel of the city's manufacturing heart, known for powerful, unyielding defensive lines.	Ford Family (Detroit Lions)
The Ry'lah Renegades	OmniCorp Holdings (Cult of Lamashtu front)	Cosmic Chaos. The league's undisputed "monster" team, featuring Lovecraftian abominations. Their mind-bending play is a ritualistic service to the chaos they seek to unleash.	Shadowy Corporate Front

Friday the 13th: The Nocturnis Arc - The Glitching Lights of Noir

 

Friday the 13th: The Nocturnis Arc – First Glimmers into the City the Glitching Lights of Noir

Friday, March 13, 1970: The Glitching Lights of Noir (Expanded)

Barely a month had passed since the strange static whispers had begun to haunt the airwaves of Nocturnis, and already the city seemed to be subtly, unnervingly changing. The perpetual gloom felt thicker, clinging to the rain-slicked streets like a shroud. The vibrant, yet decaying, neon signs that gave Nocturnis its signature noir aesthetic began to exhibit their own unsettling anomalies on this Friday the 13th of March, 1970.

It started subtly. A flicker that lasted a fraction too long. A momentary dimming across an entire block of glowing advertisements, plunging the street into brief pockets of deeper shadow. Then it became more pronounced. Individual letters in towering neon signs would sputter and die, rearranging the intended messages into cryptic, often unsettling fragments. "Welcome" might become "Woe Come," or "Pleasure Palace" could ominously blink as "Pale Lapse." These weren't mere electrical faults; there was a deliberate, almost malicious intelligence to the way the light danced and died.

More disturbingly, some signs began to display symbols that no one recognized. Glyphs that seemed to writhe in the glowing tubes, hinting at forgotten languages or geometries that defied earthly understanding. Faces, fleeting and nightmarish, would momentarily appear within the colored gas, leering out at the rain-soaked pedestrians before vanishing back into the electric hum. The city's artificial lights, once a comforting, if gaudy, presence against the encroaching darkness, now felt like eyes watching, judging, reflecting the unease that was slowly settling over Nocturnis.

Whispers began to circulate amongst the night shift workers – cab drivers, late-night diner staff, and the few brave (or foolish) souls still out on the streets in the early hours. Tales of entire blocks of neon pulsing with an unnatural rhythm, casting the city in sickly, shifting hues of blood red and corpse blue. Stories of signs that seemed to hum with a low, resonant frequency that vibrated in the bones and stirred unpleasant thoughts.

This wasn't the overt terror of a physical manifestation, but a creeping sense of wrongness, a corruption of the familiar. The Glitching Lights of Noir were a visual echo of the static whispers from the radios, another subtle intrusion of the otherworldly into the mundane fabric of Nocturnis. It was as if the city itself was beginning to glitch, revealing the alien code beneath its gritty surface, hinting at a deeper infestation that would only continue to grow in the years to come. The darkness was not just outside; it was beginning to flicker and pulse within the very lights that defined Nocturnis.

Yours for Now Captain Hedges

NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling: Genesis - Week 3 

- Linda Marie's Gauntlet! (February 28th, 1970)

By Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis, NWL Historian

The air in the Nocturnis arena felt heavy as "Saturday Night Showdown" kicked off. The brutal images from the previous week's steel cage war, where I can't seem to find right now however, The Black Dragon and the Alliance Liberation Front left a trail of destruction, were still fresh in everyone's minds. Even our esteemed commentators, Chet Hardington and Brenda Starr, couldn't mask their grim concern.

A Phone Call That Changed Everything

Suddenly, the broadcast shifted to a split screen, a stark contrast between the dimly lit, opulent domain of Silas Blackwood Sr. and the more functional, yet determined, setting of Linda Marie Edwards. A tense phone conversation unfolded, revealing a shocking power play by Silas. In a move dripping with malice, he announced his own absence, gave the victorious (and brutal) ALF the night off, and, in a stunning act of sabotage, left Linda Marie with a decimated roster. His challenge? To put on a show using only the women of NWL. A cruel test designed to humiliate his wife and prove his dominance.

Brenda Starr's bewildered question echoed the sentiment of everyone watching: "Chet, what was that all about?" Chet Hardington, equally stunned, could only surmise that the night had taken a dramatically "interesting" turn.

Linda Marie's Defiant Stand

The broadcast returned to a determined Linda Marie Edwards standing center ring, microphone in hand. Facing an uncertain crowd, she laid out the situation with unflinching honesty. But instead of despair, her voice resonated with defiance. She declared that the show would go on, and that the women of NWL would not only deliver but would prove their worth and resilience to Silas Blackwood. The crowd, sensing her unwavering spirit, erupted in cheers, a wave of support washing over the arena.

Match 1: Spirited Opener

Penny "The Peach" Palmer (Babyface) vs. The "Boston Brawler" Betsy Malone (Heel)

Our opening contest saw the wholesome energy of Penny "The Peach" clash with the rough-and-tumble style of the "Boston Brawler" Betsy Malone. Betsy tried to use her physicality to intimidate the spirited Penny, but the babyface fought with heart. Ultimately, the "Boston Brawler" proved too strong, securing a hard-fought victory and setting an early, dominant tone for the heels.

Match 2: Cunning vs. Sunshine

Suzy "The Sunshine" Jones (Babyface) vs. "The Sinister Siren" Cassandra (Heel)

The contrast in styles continued as the agile and cheerful Suzy "The Sunshine" Jones faced the manipulative "Sinister Siren" Cassandra. Cassandra employed every trick in the book, using mind games and subtle rule-bending to frustrate Suzy. In the end, Cassandra's cunning prevailed, likely with a sneaky pinfall, further solidifying the heels' momentum.

Match 3: Hometown Heroes Rise

The Hometown Harmonies (Betty "The Bellwether" Baker & Dolly "The Dynamo" Davis) (Babyfaces) vs. The "Boston Brawler" Betsy Malone & "The Sinister Siren" Cassandra (Heels)

The rookie sensations, The Hometown Harmonies, got their chance to shine against the two victorious heels of the night. This tag team encounter was a true test of their teamwork and resilience. Despite their individual successes earlier in the evening, Betsy and Cassandra struggled to coordinate effectively, their heelish tendencies sometimes working against them. In a feel-good moment for the Nocturnis faithful, Betty and Dolly's spirited teamwork allowed them to overcome the brawling and cunning of their opponents, securing a morale-boosting victory for the babyfaces!

Main Event: The Ultimate Handicap Challenge

The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, & Vivian Vachon (Babyfaces) vs. The Royal Dynasty ("Velvet Vixen" Veronica Van Cleef & "Serpentina" Simone DuBois) (Heels)

Linda Marie's ultimate booking gamble was this 3-on-2 Handicap Match, pitting her top three female babyfaces, including the newly crowned champion The Fabulous Moolah and the resilient Vivian Vachon, against the arrogant Royal Dynasty. Veronica and Simone, initially relishing their numerical advantage, soon found themselves facing a united and determined opposition. Mae Young brought her legendary toughness, Vivian fought with a fire fueled by last week's injustice, and The Fabulous Moolah, the seasoned champion, orchestrated their offense with masterful precision. After a thrilling back-and-forth battle, The Fabulous Moolah seized an opening, securing the pinfall victory for her team!

Linda Marie's Triumph and Silas's Looming Shadow

The arena erupted as Moolah, Mae, and Vivian stood victorious. Linda Marie Edwards joined them in the ring, her face radiating pride and satisfaction. Grabbing the microphone, her voice strong and clear, she delivered a powerful message directly to her absent husband: the women of NWL had not only delivered but had proven that the company's strength lay in its collective talent and fighting spirit.

As Linda Marie stood tall with her triumphant women, the broadcast cut to a split screen once more. On one side, Linda Marie's triumphant visage. On the other, the dark, empty office of Silas Blackwood Sr. His physical absence spoke volumes, hinting at a simmering fury and the undeniable escalation of the power struggle within NWL.

Chet Hardington, visibly impressed, declared it an unbelievable night, a true triumph for Linda Marie and the women of NWL. Brenda Starr astutely noted that Linda Marie had proven herself a force to be reckoned with, and ominously predicted that the war between the Blackwoods had only just begun.

Tonight, Nocturnis witnessed not just a wrestling show, but a powerful statement. Linda Marie Edwards, faced with sabotage, turned adversity into opportunity, showcasing the incredible talent and heart of the women of NWL. But as the lights faded, the looming shadow of Silas Blackwood Sr. served as a stark reminder that the Genesis Saga is far from over.

Another week down in the annals of NWL history! What awaits us in Week 4? Stay tuned, wrestling fans!

Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis, NWL Historian, signing off for now.

NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling: Genesis - Week 2

 

NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling: Genesis - Week 2 - 

Dusty Arrives, Titles Change, and WAR RAGES!

By Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis, NWL Historian

Welcome back to the shadowed world of Nocturnis and the immediate aftermath of "For the Love of the Gold"! If you thought Valentine's Day was dramatic, you haven't seen anything yet! The debut of NWL's weekly live broadcast, "Channel 6 Saturday Night Showdown," was nothing short of revolutionary, delivering shocking twists, a title change, and a descent into all-out war!

Silas's Reign of Doubt

The show opened with the controversial NWL World Heavyweight Champion, Silas Blackwood Sr., strutting to the ring, championship gold gleaming. He defiantly addressed the accusations of his tainted victory, dismissing the legendary "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers as nothing more than a disgruntled "crybaby." Silas seemed determined to solidify his reign, but fate, and a certain sharp businesswoman, had other plans.

The Cowboy Rides In!

Just as Silas was basking in his self-proclaimed glory, the unmistakable music of Cowboy "Dusty" Rhodes hit the arena! The charismatic veteran strode to the ring and dropped a bombshell: Linda Marie Edwards, clearly not content with the controversial championship win, had hired Dusty Rhodes as the new booker for NWL! This power play sent shockwaves through the arena and directly undermined Silas's authority.

An Immediate Challenge and a Biased Referee!

Dusty wasted no time in making his mark. Declaring that the NWL World Heavyweight Championship needed to be proven, he pointed to the ramp, and the music of the underdog rookie, Sonny Cooper, filled the arena! Dusty announced that Silas would defend his newly won title right then and there against Cooper.

But the surprises didn't stop there. Dusty then declared himself the special guest referee for the main event, proclaiming himself the "new sheriff in town" and promising to call the match fairly (though his smirk suggested otherwise!). With a mischievous glint in his eye, Dusty grabbed the bell and rang it himself, starting the championship match immediately!

Main Event Mayhem: Silas Blackwood Sr. (c) vs. Sonny Cooper (Special Guest Referee: Cowboy "Dusty" Rhodes)

The main event was a chaotic and clearly biased affair. Dusty Rhodes lived up to his "new sheriff" moniker, delivering lightning-fast counts for Sonny Cooper and agonizingly slow counts for the enraged champion, Silas Blackwood Sr. He conveniently seemed to miss blatant fouls committed by the challenger while scrutinizing Silas's every move.

Against all odds, and with a significant assist from Dusty's officiating, Sonny Cooper managed to catch a distracted Silas in a quick schoolboy roll-up! Dusty dove down for an unbelievably fast three-count! Sonny Cooper had done it! He was the new NWL World Heavyweight Champion!

Silas's Fury and Linda Marie's Satisfaction

Silas Blackwood Sr. erupted in a volcanic display of rage, screaming at Dusty about the blatant fast count and the perceived betrayal. The camera then cut to Linda Marie Edwards in her luxury box, a slow, satisfied smile spreading across her face. Her strategic move to bring in Dusty had paid off handsomely.

The ALF Unleashes and War is Declared!

As the new champion, Sonny Cooper, and the triumphant booker, Dusty Rhodes, celebrated their improbable victory, the sinister Alliance Liberation Front (ALF), led by a seething "The Black Dragon," stormed the ring. Their target was clear: the new champion and the man who orchestrated the title change.

Just as the ALF gained the upper hand in the ensuing melee, the patriotic heroes – The Haunted Patriot, The Disillusioned Whistleblower, and The Patriotic Hero – charged into the fray, evening the odds and setting the stage for an all-out brawl.

Dusty's Challenge: Steel Cage WAR!

In the midst of the chaotic brawl, Dusty Rhodes pointed towards the ceiling. A massive steel cage began to descend, trapping all the combatants within its unforgiving confines! With a glint of steel in his eyes, Dusty roared, "You want a war, Dragon?! You got the Alliance Liberation Front! And I got The Patriots! And tonight, in this steel cage... WE GO TO WAR! RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW, BABY!"

Steel Cage War - First Blood!

The impromptu steel cage match erupted into a brutal and bloody affair. The ALF, with their numbers and ruthless tactics, gained the early advantage. The Patriotic Hero and The Disillusioned Whistleblower were both busted open by the relentless assault of the foreign stable. The ultimate, shocking blow came from The Black Dragon, who, using a concealed "assassin's blade" (in a truly shocking and controversial moment), sliced open both Dusty Rhodes and the newly crowned champion, Sonny Cooper! The referee had no choice but to call the match due to the First Blood stipulation!

ALF's Bloody Triumph and a Chilling Retort

The Black Dragon and the ALF stood tall, a menacing and victorious force within the blood-soaked steel cage. They had made a terrifying statement.

But the night wasn't over yet. Just before the broadcast faded to black, the camera cut to a solitary Silas Blackwood Sr. backstage. His rage had seemingly subsided, replaced by a chilling laughter. Looking directly into the camera, he delivered a haunting taunt: "Heh heh heh... Well now, Linda Marie, sweetheart... who's got the last laugh now?"

The final image was a quick cut back to Linda Marie in her luxury box, her face a mask of genuine bewilderment and perhaps a dawning sense of horror. The carefully orchestrated chaos had escalated beyond her initial calculations.

Week 2 of NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling was a game-changer! A new champion was crowned in controversial fashion, a new power player emerged in Dusty Rhodes, and a brutal war has been declared between The Patriots and the sinister Alliance Liberation Front. And lurking in the shadows, a vengeful Silas Blackwood Sr. plots his next move.

Don't miss next week's "Saturday Night Showdown" as the fallout from this explosive night continues! The Genesis Saga is just getting started!

NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling: Genesis -Week 1

NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling: Genesis - Week 1       For the Love, Gold, and Betrayal Collide! 

(Valentine's Day, 1970)

By Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis, NWL Historian

Welcome, wrestling aficionados, to the dawn of a new era! Last night, on Valentine's Day, 1970, the shadowy city of Nocturnis witnessed the explosive debut of NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling with their inaugural event, "For the Love of the Gold" Extravaganza. This wasn't just a wrestling show; it was a spectacle of ambition, power, and shocking betrayal, all unfolding under the unique vision of newcomer businesswoman Linda Marie Edwards. And at the center of it all? A wedding ceremony inside the squared circle!

The Queen's Tournament: A Champion Crowned Amidst Chaos

The night kicked off with the "Love for the Gold Queen's Tournament" to crown the first-ever NWL Women's Champion. The sixteen-woman single-elimination tournament was a rollercoaster of action and surprises:

• Early Shocks: The first round saw an immediate clash of titans as Mae Young battled "The Brutal Blossom" Mai Linh of the mysterious Vietnamese Fury. Their intense encounter ended in a shocking Time Limit Draw, eliminating both and igniting a fierce personal rivalry that promises future brutality.
• Royal Dominance: The arrogant Royal Dynasty made a strong statement as "Velvet Vixen" Veronica Van Cleef and "Serpentina" Simone DuBois both secured victories over the wholesome Hometown Harmonies (Betty "The Bellwether" Baker and Dolly "The Dynamo" Davis respectively), showcasing their cunning tactics.
• ALF's Presence Felt: Jena the Jungle Girl, aligned with the sinister Alliance Liberation Front (ALF), delivered a decisive win over Penny "The Peach" Palmer, while "The Silent Assassin" Thuy Nguyen (also of the Vietnamese Fury/ALF) used precise and cunning maneuvers to defeat Suzy "The Sunshine" Jones. Betsy "The Bellwether" Baker proved her grit with a tough victory over "The Sinister Siren" Cassandra.
• Controversial Semifinal: The semifinals saw veteran powerhouse The Fabulous Moolah advance after a clean victory over Veronica Van Cleef. The other semifinal saw a controversial finish as Vivian Vachon fell victim to interference from "The Brutal Blossom" Mai Linh, allowing Thuy Nguyen to advance via count-out!
• A Brawl Erupts: The controversial finish ignited a fiery brawl as The Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young stormed the ring to confront the ALF's female contingent, hinting at a future six-woman war!
• The Coronation: In the tournament final, the legendary Fabulous Moolah proved her dominance, overcoming the underhanded tactics of "The Silent Assassin" Thuy Nguyen to become the inaugural NWL World Women's Champion! She was crowned by Linda Marie Edwards herself, receiving the prestigious Queen's Crown, Scepter, Robe, and Championship belt.

The King's Gauntlet: A Champion Crowned Under a Cloud of Controversy

The main event was the 40-man "For the Love of the Gold King's Tournament" Gauntlet for the Gold, promising to crown the first NWL World Heavyweight Champion.

• New Faces and Heel Heat: The early and mid-stages of the gauntlet showcased new talents like Sonny Cooper, Iron Mike Hammer, The Midnight Rider, and The Golden Gladiator. However, the heels, particularly the members of the ALF, along with "Mad Dog" Mahoney and The Super Destroyer, established their dominance.
• The Patriots Stand Tall: The trio of American heroes – The Haunted Patriot, The Disillusioned Whistleblower, and The Patriotic Hero – displayed resilience, bravely targeting the nefarious members of the ALF.
• Mad Dog Unleashed: A shocking surprise entrant at number 25, the unpredictable Mad Dog Vachon, injected pure chaos into the match.
• The Dragon's Reign: Demonstrating his cunning and resilience, "The Black Dragon" entered early at number 8 and remained uneliminated throughout the entire grueling gauntlet, guaranteeing himself a spot in the final two.

• A Controversial Conclusion: The final showdown saw Linda Marie Edwards' fiancé, local football star Silas Blackwood Sr., enter the match and ultimately capitalize on a distraction caused by the ALF to secure a quick, opportunistic pin on The Black Dragon! Silas Blackwood Sr. became the inaugural NWL World Heavyweight Champion, but his victory was immediately shrouded in controversy.

• Rogers Walks Out! The celebration was short-lived as a furious "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers stormed to the ring, accusing Silas of betrayal and a broken promise. In a shocking moment, Rogers declared, "I quit, NWL! I'm out of here!" leaving the audience stunned and NWL with a major void.

The "Match Made in Heaven"... or Was It?

Despite the chaos and the bombshell departure of Buddy Rogers, the wedding ceremony between Silas Blackwood Sr. and Linda Marie Edwards proceeded. However, the underlying tension was palpable. Linda Marie's forced smile hinted at a deep resentment towards Silas's actions, suggesting their union was one of strategic convenience rather than genuine affection. This "match made in heaven" already appears to be built on a foundation of ambition and potential future conflict.

The Genesis has begun, and it's already explosive! What will be the fallout from Silas's controversial victory and Buddy Rogers' dramatic exit? How will Linda Marie Edwards navigate this turbulent start? One thing is for sure: NWL Nocturnis Pro Wrestling has arrived, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen!