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The Beautiful Quest: An Association Football Quest

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We play through the adventures of a footballer throughout his career, experiencing all the ups and downs, dodgy haircuts and expensive cars.
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Character Creation Part 1
  • Threadmarks
    • K

    KingArthur

    The Once And Present User
    Location
    United Kingdom
    The Beautiful Quest​

    Football. Soccer. Futbol. Fußball. The Beautiful Game. The sport has many names but the game is the same. Twenty two players run around the pitch for ninety minutes and in the end the Germans win.

    Association Football, just like other Football codes (Rugby Union, Rugby League, American Football, Canadian Football, Australian Rules Football, Gaelic Football and International Rules Football) descends from games played during the 19th Century in England's public schools. The sport grew rapidly during that Century, with the rules being centralised in 1863, payment of players allowed in 1885 and the Football League being established in 1888. The sport is now the most popular in the world, with the World Cup final being watched by billions on six continents.

    This Quest will follow a player, with the working title of Player McPlayerface. This player will be male because my knowledge of women's football is limited and there are more paths available for a male player. We will play through his career as a player and maybe beyond too. The first votes are below.

    When Was He Born?
    1. 1940 - The World faces its darkest hour, while football is cancelled in most countries. You are in the same generation as legends like Pele and Bobby Charlton.
    2. 1950 - The War is over but the struggle is not. An Iron Curtain now divides Europe and war has broken out in Korea. Football has returned with Brazil hosting the first post-war World Cup. You are in the same generation as legends like Johann Cruyff and Socrates.
    3. 1960 - You are born at the cusp of the Swinging Sixties, which was a great decade for football as well. You will grow up watching Pele light the world on fire, George Best light the world and his life on fire as well as England win their only World Cup (so far). You will be in the same generation as legends like Diego Maradona and Gary Lineker.
    4. 1970 - You are born in the same year of one of the greatest World Cups in history, as Pele inspired one of the greatest teams of all time to a record third win. You will grow up watching the Total Football of Ajax and Barcelona. You will be in the same generation as legends like Romario and Denis Bergkamp.
    5. 1980 - You are born in a nadir for some (England) and a golden age for others (Italy). You will grow up watching Diego Maradina lead Argentina to two World Cup finals through brilliant play and brilliant cheating. You will be in the same generation as legends like Xavi and Ronaldinho.
    6. 1990 - You are born in the year of Italia 90, another excellent World Cup and at the dawn of the era of commercialisation. You will grow up watching the brilliance of Zinedine Zidane as well as the all-conquering Manchester United team of the 90s. You will be in the same generation as legends like Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

    Where Was He Born?
    1. England - The birthplace of football and home to iconic teams, iconic stadiums and iconic players. Despite this they often disappoint at tournaments due to a combination of managerial ineptitude, the general incompetence of the FA and a lack of cohesion. Football here tends to emphasise physicality instead of creative flair. Will you be the one to bring football home?
    2. France - Despite being the home of some all time greats such as Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane, they tend to underperform at tournaments, only winning the 1998 and 2018 World Cups in OTL. Football here isn't as set in stone as other countries, with the physical Patrick Vieira and the skillful Henry playing together for both club and country. Will you be the one to finally make them a world powerhouse?
    3. Germany - Germany are one nation who have not underperformed at tournaments. They have won the 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 World Cups as well as the 1972, 1980 and 1996 Euros. They are home to Bayern Munich, a very successful club, legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Lothar Matthaus, Jurgen Klinsmann, Oliver Kahn, Miroslav Klose and Philip Lahm as well as Jurgen Klopp, one of the greatest managers of the present day. Football here tends to emphasise high pressing and Germany has spawned many of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Will you continue to lead this talented nation to success?
    4. The Netherlands - The Dutch were a relatively minor footballing power until two men appeared in the mid to late 1960s. Those men were Rinus Michels and Johann Cruyff. Michels managed Ajax (the biggest Dutch club), Barcelona and the Dutch national team to various levels of success, while Cruyff played the all three and later managed Ajax and Barcelona. They instituted the philosophy of 'Total Football' which was a very fluid, passing game. On the national stage, the Dutch national team have only won Euro 88, having lost in the finals of the 1974, 1978 and 2010 World Cups. Will you finally lead the perennial chokers to success?
    5. Italy - Italy have a long and rich footballing history, having been represented by Paolo Rossi, Dino Zoff, Roberto "The Divine Pony Tail" Baggio, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro del Piero, Francesco Totti, Andrea Pirlo and well you get the point. Many great managers such as Vittorio Pozzo, Carlo Ancelotti, Marcelo Lippi, Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri all hail from Italy too. Italian football is based around the very defensive Catenaccio style, but the country has lots of success regardless, winning the 1934 (dodgily), 1938, 1982 and 2006 World Cups as well as Euro 68, with their clubs also having success. Will you be the one to lead them to a fifth World Cup title, equalling Brazil?
    6. Spain - Historically Spain have underachieved on the world stage, only winning Euro 64 on home soil, despite fielding top players such as Luis Suarez (no, not that Luis Suarez), Andoni Zubizaretta and Raul. Then, a golden generation happened, leading to victories in Euro 08 and 12 as well as the 2010 World Cup inspired by Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Fernando Torres. After that, they have declined, struggling at major tournaments. Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate La Liga and have won a combined 18 European Champions Leagues. Their rivalry is more than just mere competition. Barcelona's motto is Mes Que Un Clube, Catalan for More Than A Club, and they represent Catalonian nationalism and independence, advocated by some of their players. On the other hand, Real Madrid are based in the capital in the heart of Castile, are one of the richest sports teams in the world and represent Spain. Their rivalry is much more than competition, it is a battle between two cultures, two ideals. There are many other successful clubs in Spain, notably Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Valencia. Will you lead Spain into a footballing golden age?
    7. Brazil - The words Brazil and Football are so intertwined that they may as well be synonymous. The Selecao have attended every single World Cup to date, winning in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, and are among the favourites every year without fail. Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho, Socrates, Zico, Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldo (no, not that Ronaldo), Kaka and Neymar call this nation their home among many more players. Flair and skill is prioritised in the country, as well as having an eye for goal regardless of your position. Will you be the next Brazilian to light the world on fire?
    8. Argentina - Across the River Plate lies Argentina, Brazil's fierce rival and opposite in many ways. Yes, there are skillful players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi but there are also a number of hardmen such as Diego Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino and, in more recent times, Nicolas Otamendi. Many great managers come from Argentina too such as Marcelo Bielsa, Jorge Sampaoli, Simeone and Pochettino. The passion here is intense, especially in the Superclasico between the eternal enemies of Boca Juniors and River Plate. Argentina have triumphed on the world stage in 1978 and 1986 but success has been hard to come by since then, despite Messi, arguably the greatest player to have played the sport, playing for the team. Will you be the one to bring home glory to Argentina?
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • I think I'm leaning towards
    [X] England
    [X] 80s

    For a very underdog story. We would grow up watching great players from other nations, and we'd have a desire to restore our honor on the national stage - the fa formed in 1991, so that's good, or we could always join the la Liga in Spain to build up our skills.
    Though I'm amenable to change if you guys have a better narrative idea.
     
    @KingArthur can the birth year be split down the middle a little? If we're born at 75, 76 we might get to play in 98. Also, where's the quest starting point - high school, childhood, or are we already in a club?
     
    asphaltus said:
    @KingArthur can the birth year be split down the middle a little? If we're born at 75, 76 we might get to play in 98. Also, where's the quest starting point - high school, childhood, or are we already in a club?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Probably should have clarified this but we start with childhood which I'll try and get through quickly. Then every season as well as major international tournaments will probably be an update. If the pace is too fast, I might slow it down. Also I think I'll keep the dates as they are purely for simplicity. If this is successful, I will run a second game with different countries and birthdates.
     
    [X] Plan - It's coming home
    [X] 1980
    [X] England

    Love a good underdog story, and England stands out as one of the few countries that consistently under performs at this point.
     
    [X] Plan - It's coming home
    [X] 1980
    [X] England

    Vindaloo! VINDALOO!
     
    KingArthur said:
    Probably should have clarified this but we start with childhood which I'll try and get through quickly. Then every season as well as major international tournaments will probably be an update. If the pace is too fast, I might slow it down. Also I think I'll keep the dates as they are purely for simplicity. If this is successful, I will run a second game with different countries and birthdates.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    This concept is a gem my friend. All you have to do is polish it and we'll support it no matter how slow the updates we'll be patient
     
    [X] Plan - It's coming home
    [X] 1980
    [X] England

    Because since my beloved Women's USA team is not among them....might as well help the brits win some hardware.
     
    Birthday said:
    I do feel like one update covering one entire season of football is too much. Is the quest going to be more about the narrative or numbers?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Well the narrative and the numbers will be linked. The actual results will be RNGd to make it balanced but the narrative decisions will be done by vote.

    Once we get regular football would September-December, January-May, June-August turns (with an extra turn if there is an international tournament) be better?
     
    Character Creation Part 2
  • Threadmarks
    • Character Creation Part 2​

    You are born in England on September 25th 1980. Now you must choose a starting situation and basic position before we can begin the story.

    Who Are You?
    1. You are Michael Darwin, born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on September 25th 1980 to Pete and Cathy Darwin. Pete worked in the shipyards until he was laid off in the early 80s and struggled to find work afterwards. Even though Cathy works as a secretary in the bank, money has always been a problem for the family but you and your dad have an escape - the football.
    2. You are Darren Robinson, born in Darlington, County Durham on September 25th 1980 to Arthur and Sarah Robson. Encouraged by your football-supporting parents, you took up the sport and showed great talent. After seeing England's recent failures on the international stage, you want to bring football home yourself.
    3. You are John Lewin, born in East Croydon, South London on September 25th 1980 to Susanna Lewin, a first generation Jamaican immigrant, and an unknown father. You grew up in Croydon surrounded by drugs, poverty and gangs but you were determined to make a better life for yourself, fuelled by your skill at football. You are eligible to play for both England and Jamaica.
    4. You are Rahim Khan, born in Walthamstow, East London on September 25th 1980 to Abdul and Shaukat Khan, both second generation Pakistani immigrants. Despite the hopes of your father and uncles that you would be a great Cricketer, you proved to be far better at football. You hope to be a great player one day, perhaps for a local side like Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United, and be the first Muslim to play for England. You are eligible to play for either England or Pakistan.
    5. You are Andy Watson, born in Salford, Greater Manchester on September 25th 1980 to Brian and Tanya Watson. Despite your family being fans of the local Rugby League team, the Salford Red Devils, you showed proficiency with the round ball, not the oval one. Growing up very close to Old Trafford, also called the Theatre of Dreams, and in the heart of the football-crazy North West, you have had a lot of exposure to the sport and there are scouts from a whole host of clubs watching you. After seeing Marco van Basten tear England apart at Euro 88, you told yourself that when you were older you would lead the Three Lions to glory. The long road to glory starts now.
    6. You are Daniel O'Connor born in Bootle, Merseyside to Patrick and Mary O'Connor, both second generation Irish immigrants. Since the docks closed, there has been little to no work in Bootle so you grew up in poverty. Your dad tried to get some more money through stealing cars with a gang, but he was arrested and sentenced to jail when you were 8. You turned to football as a way to escape the harsh realities of life and maybe become rich, ensuring your family don't have to live in poverty any more. You are eligible to play for England and Ireland.
    7. You are Joe Parsons, born in Portsmouth, Hampshire September 25th 1980 to Andrew and Elizabeth Parsons. Andrew was a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy, but was killed when the Argentines shot him down during the Falklands War, when you were just two. You and your mother have managed to live a fairly comfortable life but something is missing in your life. You've taken up football as many young boys do and have proven to be quite good at it. You hope that you make it as a pro and your dad would be proud of you.
    8. You are Jason Smith, born in Leeds, West Yorkshire on September 25th 1980 to Jason and Maria, a first generation Ghanaian immigrant, Smith. You had a fairly average childhood and your parents have supported your budding career, happily taking you to practices and games for your local youth team. Your dream is to play for England and lead them to a second World Cup at last. You are eligible for England and Ghana.

    What Position Did You Play In As A Kid?
    1. Goalkeeper - The Goalkeeper's purpose is to defend the goal, although some managers believe the keeper should play a more active role in the game as a 'sweeper keeper'. Keepers are an integral part of every team and, due to lower physical demands, can go on playing at the top level longer than outfield players, but they are the least in demand position in the sport. You would grow up watching Goalkeepers like Peter Schmeichel, Peter Shilton and David Seaman.
    2. Defender - Defending is a very important but usually unglamorous role. Central defenders are the last line of defence but are also expected to be tall and use their head to get a few goals in at the other end. A centre back also serve as the Captain in many teams. Full backs are more attacking oriented, with part of their job being to get crosses in and take throwings in the final third. They are also supposed to mark the opposition's wingers. You would grow up watching Defenders like Tony Adams, Gary Neville and Stuart Pearce.
    3. Midfielder - There are many different types of midfielder. Defensive Midfielders, sometimes called Holding Midfielders tend to sit back and protect the back four, while Attacking Midfielders push up to help the strikers. Box to Box Midfielders, as the name implies, do both. Playmakers sit in the centre of the park and play passes forwards, hoping to thread a striker through, while wingers rely on their pace to run down the wing and fire crosses into the box. Midfielders are also expected to be competent at taking set pieces. You would grow up watching Midfielders like Paul Gascoigne, Roy Keane and Steve McManaman.
    4. Forward - Forwards get the most fame and glory because they score most of the team's goals. Centre Forwards lead the attack and are expected to be proficient with their feet and head. Pace isn't necessary but is a bonus. Wingers are sometimes played very far forward, especially in a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3 formation, to become a Right Forward or a Left Forward. A second striker is a more advanced version of the Attacking Midfielder who plays as a link between the Midfield and the Centre Forward. You would grow up watching forwards like Alan Shearer, Diego Maradona and Jurgen Klinsmann.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X]- forward
    For the glory and because striker isnt a option. Dont care about the name
     
    [X]Midfielder
    Since one of the more critical positions has no votes, sadly :V
     
    A case for my plan.

    England had a ton of great midfielders during the 2000s, but had no great forwards to partner with Michael Owen. Note that when Michael Owen came back to England after playing for Real Madrid, he specifically chose Newcastle so he could play alongside his former England striking partner, Alan Shearer.

    Shearer retired from international football after the Euro 2000 competition. Imagine what England could achieve during the 2000s if Owen had a striking partner that was only a year younger than him.
     
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