"Brains" Mortigan: A Hauntie's Woe?

The Haunted Woods replacement has been one of the few changes for teams this season. Elbin Kroe, of Terror Mountain, and Evrem Guilako, of Tyrannia, have been traded to each other’s team. Orie Dinelle has returned to Brightvale as Goalkeeper. “Dasher” Soley’s retirement confirmed the rumors of last season. Though short-lived, it can definitely be considered as a change for Krawk Island’s original plans. But only time will tell, as the tournament progresses, whether or not these modifications have been for the best.

Perhaps the most surprising of them all is the replacement of Autrey Fulse with “Brains” Mortigan, the Zombie Usul. Affably nicknamed “Zombusul”, “Brains” is certainly being warmed up to. There seem to be mixed reactions, from disappointment to automatic acceptance. I, for one, am going to miss the Ghost Yurble. His tackling skills are going to be sorely missed as well!

Fulse himself was a replacement for Chelo Binay in the second Altador Cup. He’s certainly proved himself in the three years on the team, though Haunted Woods suffered under the infamous “winner’s curse”. It was the hope that with the change, the team could place in the top tier and perhaps become the first team to win the Cup twice.

Autrey’s bulky size and how meddlesome and pesky he was to score around dominated the other team’s woes. “Brains” will have big shoes to fill -- literally! His strength and stamina, however, should overpower his lack of intelligence. Irony, eh?

From first, to seventh, to eighth, and to tenth, Haunted Woods has seen many defeats from its previous glory days. The rest of the Haunted Woods members -- Krell Vitor, Fanetti, Wan Dirx, and Zo Junior -- will see their third Centre Defender. This is the only major change: Krell has decided to stick with the 1+3 formation as before, as it seems to improve their defense while Zo sticks to offense. Zo led the top scorer’s list for most of the tournament last year, and it seems like a good move for the Haunted Woods captain.

But what do “Brains’” teammates think of the trade? They weighed in their thoughts during a light practice, just days before the tournament begins. Haunted Woods’ captain was eager to share his feelings on his new player, as well as his thoughts on the overall team this year.

(DG stands for me, daisygirl88_5, KV for Krell Vitor, FN for Fanetti, WD for Wan Dirx, ZJ for Zo Junior, and BM for “Brains” Mortigan.)

DG: “Welcome back for another season! Ready for the opening match? Why did you choose the 1+3 formation?”

KV: [Low growl] “We are ready. I feel confident after our practice. I decided to stick with the 1+3 formation because our defenders are capable of holding a defensive formation, while we let Zo handle most of the offense. To be successful, we must have a solid defense. Zo is quick enough to handle the only forward position.” [Laughter]

DG: “Part of your defense includes the newest player to the team, ‘Brains’ Mortigan. What do you think of the change and how will it impact the team this season?”

KV: “It was definitely hard to part with Autrey, but we needed a change in our defense after three disappointing years. ‘Brains’ seemed the most promising, and we’re happy to have him on the team.”

DG: “One last question: Who do you think will win the Altador Cup?”

KV: [Laughter] “Us, of course! AAOOO!”

DG: “Thanks for your time and good luck!”

Fanetti was practicing throwing a Mutant Yooyuball when I approached him. It scooted off in the opposite direction of Zo Junior.

DG: “Fanetti, you’ve seen some tough losses in the past. Do you think that Haunted Woods can turn its luck around with the signing of ‘Brains’ Mortigan?”

FN: “I think so! I’ll miss Autrey helping me on defense, but this season sounds promising with our new teammate. We look good out there.”

DG: “What’s your least favorite Yooyuball to block?”

FN: [Looks toward Mutant Yooyuball] “The Mutant Yooyuball, by far. It’s completely impossible to judge where it’ll go next.”

DG: “Thank you for your time.”

Wan Dirx was heading off the field when I caught up to him.

DG: “What are your opinions on ‘Brains’ Mortigan? Is the defense shaping up?”

WD: “He’ll be a great asset to the team. Krell, ‘Brains’, and I have been practicing defensive plays while Zo and Fanetti practiced scoring and blocking, respectively. The defense is shaping up nicely.”

DG: “Thank you for your time.”

Zo, in the meantime, had been chasing the Mutant Yooyuball across the field.

DG: “What does the change of Centre Defender mean to you?”

ZJ: “Hopefully it will give us a boost for this season. Hopefully it won’t strike out my efforts on offense either!”

DG: “What teams will you have to step up your game against?”

ZJ: “Lost Desert and Shenkuu seem to have a lot of momentum going into the season, but we’ll just have to see!”

DG: “Thank you for your time.”

I even caught up with the Zombie Usul himself.

DG: “What’s it like being on Haunted Woods?”

BM: “...Gooooood. Kreeeell issss kindaaaa scaryyyyy...”

DG: “Where did you get your nickname?”

BM: [Moans] “...I like brainssss...”

DG: “Errr... thanks for your time.”

Krell, Fanetti, Wan, and Zo are happy with their new teammate. But what of the Haunted Woods’ supporters? Will they make some noise for “Brains” Mortigan? What do Haunted Woods supporters think? A couple of the Haunties’ thoughts are below:

“I think Autrey shouldn't have been kicked off even if the new guy is awesome.” -- hebbyys_side

“I didn't like the idea of ‘Brains’ replacing Autrey at first, but now ‘Brains’ has grown on me. Zombies ftw!” -- neos_rocks22

Will “Brains” be an important asset to Haunted Woods? Will Haunted Woods foil the “curse” that has plagued it since the second Altador Cup with the substitution? We can only wait and watch to see!

Good luck to everyone in the tournament!

AAOOO! AAOOO! AAOOO!

~daisygirl88_5