This Month in Trade Federation History – Year 27 • Month 11
The Necromancers of Shockball: A Federation Pastime
Published by the Trade Federation Library
Compiled and authored by Gav Lucky, Archivist and Self-Proclaimed Authority on Trade Federation Greatness
Editorial Foreword
Most factions only have resource departments and armies. Some have the Crown or temples. The Trade Federation, however, true to its capitalistic and eudaimonic values, has always had two great institutions: commerce... and games.
This edition traces how Shockball evolved from a Vinsoth-based gambling experiment into a pan-galactic pastime that continues on even to this day. Along the way, it survived scandals, Imperial audits, league collapses, and reboots under new commissioners and new flags.
The Tauntaun Races were the Federation's first great circus, but Shockball is its long-running obsession. The most recent comeback of the games has filled the November galactic news cycle with Shockball Pre-Season and Beta Season hype, making it the perfect month to cover how the sport is woven into Trade Federation culture and history.
This issue will show that the Empire of Trade has always been there, from the beginning and throughout Shockball history.
Technology Upgrade
We are happy to announce that the Library Team has received new and improved technology for historical data restoration! Please enjoy reading the GNS posts with more recovered imagery than previously possible, allowing you to experience the holo recordings as it was originally aired!
When the Whistle Blew on Vinsoth
It began, as so many Federation stories do, in orbit over Vinsoth.
On Year 5 Day 276, with barely contained glee, Nereus Eruresto announced another season of organized rough-housing for profit: Galactic Shockball, with the Federation as its faithful organizer.
The image projected by the holodisplay fades to black. It is silent for a moment before an image of a jersey flashes on the display as loud, intense music is drowned out by the sound of pads crashing into each other. The scene goes black and silent once more before being interrupting by a brief glimpse of what appears to be a Defel dressed in a blue and gold uniform streches up to catch a holodisc in the air. The music builds up quickly and another crack is heard as a heavy opponent plows into the Defel, flipping over in the air before face-planting. The screen goes black and silent again before cutting quikly between scenes as the music builds. Sweat dripping into the scared eye of a man facing a line of fearsome opponents. A Kel Dor carrying the holodisc and he spins past a defender only to get flattened by the next. Cheering fans painted in theirfavorite teams' colors. Suddenly quick images flash of the disc-handler leaping over a pile of bodies to score, a receiver running long and making a diving catch into the scoring zone, and crowds going wild.
The screen suddenly goes black again as the music instantly silences. Letters begin to fade into existence...
The holovids sold it as pure spectacle. There were bodies slamming together, painted fans screaming in the stands, the logo burning itself into the retinas of every gambler within range of a holoscreen. The Trade Federation acted as league commissioner and central bookmaker. All bets, spreads, and raffles were would be routed through Federation coffers.
A week later, the betting window opened.
The scene cuts back to the Galactic News Service news room after commercials, you see only an empty chair at the table, but you hear someone talking, he is interrupted as a GNS technician runs into the scene to lift the familiar midget-wookie reporter who has been covering the Galactic Shockball News onto the table. The reporter looks offended, but quickly puts back on his smile and starts his monologue over
The time has almost arrived! The starting whistle of the first Shockball games of this season will be heard on Thursday evening. Our reports show that many sponsors have contacted the Shockball League to responsor their teams, but fear not, potential new investors! There are still many teams that will be available Wednesday evening at midnight EST. Nereus Eruresto has told us that he will be releasing the teams list in the Trade Federation IRC room: #tradefederation. So be sure to be there to have the best chance of claiming your team! Speaking of Nereus Eruresto, here is the latest prepared Shockball announcement featuring him...
A small video feed appears in the corner before expanding to fill the screen. It shows a tall Hapan with blonde hair standing in a galactic sports bar with a Trade Federation hat and green coat writing down on a notepad as the sentients around him yell out and hand money to him. The recorder flies over the crowd and moves to Nereus Eruresto, who is leaning on the bar once more sipping his drink. He has a big smile on his face as he begins to speak
Ahhh, its that time of year again...The same time last year when I would wager every single credit chip I had or could borrow from anyone willing, to have my chance at winning millions. That's right, the first week of Shockball games are about to begin, so I'd like to give a simple explanation on how you galactic sentients can use your knowledge and instinct to become multi-millionaires over night.
Please pull out your copy of the Point Spreads for the week and look at it as I speak (( updated for this week's games: http://www.swctradefederation.com/Shockball/allnew/theLines.php )). You'll notice each game has a favorite team, an underdog team, and a "- (point amount)". Lets take the Trade Federation Chiefs at Broncos game. The line is Broncos are the favorite with a -3 spread. What this means is if you take the Broncos to win you have the Broncos - 3 points, or if you take the Chiefs you have the Cheifs plus 3 points.
Now lets say the final score of the actual game is Broncos 21, Chiefs 20. You bet on the Chiefs plus 3, so would you win the bet. (20+3 = 23, which beats the Broncos 21). Likewise if you bet on the Broncos, you would have lost.. (21-3 = 18, which of course loses to the Chiefs 20). In the event of a tie, the league wins.
So now that you know how the lines work on the Shockball website, you can start to send in your bets for this week. All bets can be submitted to shockball@swctradefederation.com via the href="www.swctradefederation.com/Shockball/allnew/" target="_blank">shockball webpage, through a direct email client, or including it in your Darkness description when transferring the credits.
ALL BETS AND MONEY MUST BE RECIEVED PRIOR TO THE KICKOFF, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE LEAGUE. So, do yourself a favor and send in your bets AND money at least a day early, so there will be no confusion. Any bet not accompanied with money by the game's start will be thrown out and invalid.
Nereus smiles to the recorder and finishes up the announcement
And to kick of the Season right, any bet over 250k automatically enters you into a raffle for a JM-5000, donated by the Trade Federation. Best of luck to you, I'll see you on the gambling floor.
the scene fades out to the Shockball league image
The only game that matters.
By Week 2, the shockball machine chugging along with millions of bets, millions of raffle entries from hopeful sentients eyeing the ship prizes.
The scene cuts from an advertisement of a ship manufacturer to a bright green shockball field lit under two suns hanging in the sky above the field. The now-familiar midget wookie reporter is holding a microphone and standing next to the rookie ball-runner for Owyn's Broncos
"Griffin, how do you feel after that tough scrape against the Trade Federation Chiefs?"
"Oh, I felt great. Our team played really well today, and I am very excited to be a part of it."
The camera cuts back to inside the studio where the midget wookie is once more in the seat. He is facing the camera, sitting on phone books to be able to see over the table
"And he was not the only one excited about Shockball this weekend! Gamblers earned record amounts of money during the opening week of Shockball gambling! The high payout for the weekend was 50 million credits! The lucky winner of the JM-5000 was John Sarelli. Congratulations, John!
This week is looking to be an even better week than last, with a 1m raffle on anyone who bets on the Monday Night game. As always, send those bets to shockball@swctradefederation.com (credits to the Trade Federation) and visit the Shockball website at www.swctradefederation.com/Shockball/allnew/ Here's the latest Shockball Spread for this week sent across the wire (for a more intuitive chart, visit the shockball website HERE ) :
Date & Time Favorite Spread Underdog 9/19 1:00 ET Owyn's Broncos -3 At Baktoid Jaguars 9/19 1:00 ET At Dorin Ravens -4.5 Iron City Steelers 9/19 1:00 ET At w00tness Lions -3 Raging Wookie Texans 9/19 1:00 ET At Dark Titans -1 Rune's Sexah Colts 9/19 1:00 ET At Blue Sabre Packers -9 Hinota Bears 9/19 1:00 ET Intersec Redskins -3 At Antarian Giants 9/19 1:00 ET At Asarya's Saints -7.5 JUGANOTH 49ers 9/19 1:00 ET At BHA Falcons -2.5 NAO Rams 9/19 1:00 ET At Trade Federation Chiefs -6 Sanjiti Panthers 9/19 4:05 ET At Ara's Buccaneers -2.5 Sinite Seahawks 9/19 4:15 ET At Dark Vengeance Cowboys -4.5 Storm Sec Cardinals 9/19 4:15 ET CEC Patriots -8 Combank Browns 9/19 4:15 ET At Shirak Raiders -3.5 Offworld Mining Bills 9/19 4:15 ET Darkclaw Jets -3 At Alissma Chargers 9/19 8:35 ET At Zaltin Chargers -4.5 Black Dolphins Monday Night Shockball Point Spread
9/20 9:05 ET At Black Sun Eagles -3.5 Hapan Vikings
This week's featured team is: THE SINITE SEAHAWKS
A word from their sponsor: "The Sinite Seahawks have had a change of venue. Owner Malakai Brooks moved the team to Sinite and gave the team the money it needed to get it deep into the playoffs. The well known Anzati was pleased with the teams sucess so far.The Sinite Seahawks come into the season with high expectations. Last years playoff performance was only a dress rehearsal for the run they intend to make this year. The Seahawks coached promised that this year's defence was much improved after off season signings and well run training camp. Expect this team to win its division with a 12 win season."
Honor, Integrity, and Profit. Honor (and glory) from putting yourself out there in the games. Integrity (and fairness) in the refereeing and bookmaking. Profit (and loss) from the sponsors, the betting, and raffling. The sport embodied everything that the Trade Federation stood for.
It is clear from the records that the whole galaxy would have agreed with most of the above statement, that the games were honorable and profitable... but not all agreed that it was fair...
The House on Trial
The games were being enjoyed by all sentients in the galaxy, tuning in every week. Children watched the spectacles, dreaming of one day making it onto their local team and competing on the big screen. But among the excitement and dreaming, something dark was growing... and headed the Federation's way.
You would think that of all the governments in the galaxy, the one whose motto is An Empire of Trade would be the least expected to cook the books, or in the very least, fail at basic accounting. But with every good game eventually comes the accusations of fraud, auditing, and regulation. On Year 5 Day 290, the Imperial Ministry of Finance broke the mood with a very different kind of broadcast.
The the Imperial Ministry of Finance is placing the Trade Federation, the commissioner of the Shockball League, on probation pending an investigation by the Imperial Ministry of Finance into its financial practices.
It has been rumored that the league is bankrupt and is in danger of not being able to cover its bets. The Imperial Ministry of Finance first suspected the leagues financial woes after learning of odds and line modifications after week 1 proved to be unprofitable for the Federation. Additionally, ad hoc wager caps are being placed, without standard, on Imperial citizens. The caps in and of itself is not a concern to the Finance Ministry. Rather, the fact that these caps are practiced in ad hoc fashion, that is, different caps are given to different gamblers based on the odds of their bet being a successful one, is what alarms the Finance Ministry.
The Financial Ministry will also perform a routine audit to rule out possible racketeering and money laundering for known pirate/criminal groups operating in the area.
It has also been learned that the league has failed to renew its license, although it its application for renewal is pending modification.
The league and Trade Federation have been placed on notice due to the events cited above. All owners and gamblers are to use caution when dealing with the league until further notice.
In response to recent complaints, the Imperial Ministry has decided to send Imperial Minister Kaldreon out to Vinsoth.
Minister Kaldreon will evaluate the league's financial situation and conduct a league audit for the following two weeks to evaluate their financial standings, ability to conduct business without prejudice and whether any criminal infractions have occurred.
At this current time we ask all Imperial citizens to limit their participation with the league until the audit is completed. If not, use extreme caution.
The message was clear: the House might not be able to pay out. And in gambling, one could say that not settling debts is the one accusation worse than cheating.
Were the rumors true? Was the Empire of Trade, who's entire ethos was Honor and Integrity, running a Ponzi Scheme?
Within hours, Shadow Enterprises Network pushed out The Trade Federation's response as a counter-narrative. It was characteristically aggressive, polished... and very public.
After hearing news of a potential scandal with the Shockball wagering the Shadow Enterprise News Network sent out a SENN representative to gain an exclusive interview with some key members in the Trade Federation. First lets check in with Shelrus Terklan who has gained an audience with Duceroy Nereus Eruresto.
Shelrus: Good Day Duceroy I would like to ask you a few questions in responce to the anouncement by the Empire into illegal activities as well as some other concerns about the Shockball league if you don't mind?
Nereus: Certainly, as I am more than willing to aid the Empire in this unneccessary audit, I would be glad to speak to you
Shelrus: I guess the first question that everyone wants to know is simply is the Shockball League really bankrupt?
Nereus laughs.
Nereus: Certainly not. As almost all of the claims in the Minister's 'report' it is entirely false and preseumptuous. The Minister is speaking from guesses. Regrettably at the expense of innocent citizens and gamblers. For example, the statement " different caps are given to different gamblers " is entirely false. What merely happened is that Emperor Vodo was informed by myself personally of the rules for Shockball beginning the 2nd week. All those involved in the bets that it would have affected last week were informed personally. However, Vodo reacted quite unexpectedly to the news and overreacted in demanding an audit, in order to assure all galactic citizens of the honesty and integrity that remain in the Shockball League. I fear the overreaction continued in the Minister's GNS announcement as he distorted the truth and occassionally flat-out lied. What disappoints me most is that the tax credits of the innocent civilians are paying for this audit and galaxy-wide announcement. What a waste to accuse the longest standing pillar of honest trading and business of petty criminal charges over a personal dilemma of Emperor Vodo
Shelrus: So contrary to the Ministers charges of these wager caps being different for everyone they are all uniform and not just levied against the citizens of the Empire?
Nereus: Of course. The Trade Federation and the Shockball League has always treated all citizens of the galaxy equally. I fear the Minister's statement was a careless exagerration, which I assumed a Minister of the Galactic Empire would be careful enough to avoid.
Shelrus: It has been noted that The Trade Federation has not renewed it's license, What can you tell our viewers about this situation?
Nereus: As he mentioned in the GNS post, it is pending. I have been attempting to contact the proper Minister for weeks now. However, he seems to have disappeared or decided that he did not wish to return my calls. Recently, Minister Kaldreon has picked up the slack and has been appointed to arrange the acquisition of this liscense. The Trade Federation has been trying its best to comply with the Empire's desires, but it is the Empire itself holding it up!
Shelrus: It is mentioned that this action is due to recent complaints, how many complaints has the Shockball Legue itself gotten? Or if all of these complaints are comming from citizens of the empire to the empire have any proof of complaints been handed to the Shockball League so that they can properly respond to them?
Nereus: Sadly, as far as the Minister has been able to prove to me, the only complaint has been from the overreaction of the Emperor himself. I fear that the galalctic citizens are being terribly misrepresented and misinformed by this Minister's innaccurate Announcment.
Shelrus nodded softly and then looked over his notes for a moment before continuing: We all know the Trade Federations past with criminals and pirates, I am sure noone will forget how the thief Ace Menshue was delt with so I have to ask, Do we have any idea what prompted these rumors of laundering money for pirate organizations?
Nereus: Yes, my faith in the citizens in the galaxy is what keeps me optimistic about this whole ordeal. Although the Minister may tell erroneous information to the galaxy, I know the people of the galaxy are smart enough to recall and acknowledge the Trade Federation's spotless record in trading. No Trade Federation member has ever stolen while working for the Trade Federation. Never. The only thing that I can guess would prompt these rumors is the Emperor's own personal greivances.
Shelrus: Thank you for taking the time to set these terrible rumors straight, do you have anything else you would like to say to the galaxy?
Nereus: Its my pleasure to give some truth to the sentients of the galaxy on a medium that is normally dominated by exagerations and distortions. The last thing I would like to say is: If you fear anything while placing your bets on Shockball, speak to any of those who have participated before, our record is spotless! And I wish all of you out there good luck and happy betting.
Shelrus: Once again Duceroy thank you for your time, we now take you to Gensalith Bract who has Larbac DarkClaw with her who is the sponsor for the DarkClaw Jets for the second year now.
The picture faded to one of a pretty alien talking to the Arcona who leads the Techno Union, Larbac DarkClaw.
Gensalith: Director DarkClaw as the sponsor of the DarkClaw Jets can you tell our viewers at home what you think about these accusations as put forth by the Empire?
Larbac: Honestly I am dismayed and Angered at the slander the Empire has subjected the Trade Federation and the Shockball League to. I was fourtunate enough to become the sponsor of the Jets last year and have renewed my sponsorship this year and I could not be happier. Not once have I regreted my decision to sponsor a team or to make bets on the games. In my personal opinion I think a wager cap is a good thing, it stops people from taking advantage of the Trade Federations good name. When people start betting 20, 30, 40 million or more on games with a 5:1 spread then they stand to gain a lot if they win. However the Trade Federation and Shockball League Coffers are not endless, so why should the rich try to break the coffers just to make themselves richer. This is for everyone to have fun and maybe if they play their cards right make some money off of it. Its truly sad to see that some would try and take advantage of this fine sport. I stand behind the Shockball League 110 %
Gensalith: Thank you Director DarkClaw, we now return you to the regularly schedualed program, already in progress.
The shockball league had become more than a game. It was now a stage for a clash of reputations: Imperial Ministry vs. Trade Federation's claim to be the galaxy's "longest standing pillar of honest trading." Duceroy Eruresto and Larbac had dismissed the rumors... and the PR move worked. The betting continued without interruption, signaling that the galaxy did not believe the rumors either. It was a testament that the Federations reputation would not be so easily damaged, even from a public warning and pre-emptive slap-on-the-wrist by the Imperial government. The betting, the games, and the investigation, would continue on...
A Golden Age of Gambling
While the Imperial auditors analyzed millions of holorecords, the Federation kept the lights on at the stadium.
The Galactic Public has shown their great ability to discern fact from lies as Week 2 set a Season record for bets placed. Although the Season is still young, the number was staggering. Likewise, Week 3 looks to be a great week for gamblers as the teams line up, the regulars are already picking their teams and placing their bets.
All bets over 250k on one game will be eligible for a raffle for a J327 Starship
Without further delay, here are the lines for Week 2!
Date & Time Favorite NFL Spread Underdog 9/26 1:00 ET At Black Dolphins -1 Iron City Steelers 9/26 1:00 ET Dark Titans -6 Baktoid Jaguars 9/26 1:00 ET At Antarian Giants -3 Combank Browns 9/26 1:00 ET Dorin Ravens -2.5 At Zaltin Bengals 9/26 1:00 ET At Trade Federation Chiefs -8.5 Raging Wookiee Texans 9/26 1:00 ET At NAO Rams -7 Asarya's Saints 9/26 1:00 ET At Hapan Vikings -9 Hinota Bears 9/26 1:00 ET Black Sun Eagles -4.5 At w00tness Lions 9/26 1:00 ET At BHA Falcons -10 Storm Sec Cardinals 9/26 4:05 ET At Owyn's Broncos -10 Alissma Chargers 9/26 4:15 ET At Rune's Sexah Colts -6 Blue Sabre Packers 9/26 4:15 ET At Sinite Seahawks -11 JUGANOTH 49ers 9/26 8:35 ET At Shirak Raiders -3 Ara's Buccaneers Monday Night Shockballball Point Spread
Date & Time Favorite NFL Spread Underdog 9/27 9:05 ET At Intersec Redskins -2.5 Dark Vengeance Cowboys
...and, a week later:
The familiar midget wookiee reporter fills the screen (as much as his small body can) as the evening news begins. He speaks swiftly as to get through the whole section before they cut to commercials
Greetings, Galactic Gamblers! This week for Shockball is going to be one you won't want to miss! This week's Monday Night game is going to be an exciting game! Its arguably to two underplaying teams in the entire Shockball League playing each other. Who will rise to the occassion and begin to play at the level they are capable of? Will the Viceroy's rousing pregame speech to the team be enough to rise the Cheif's out of their current slump, leaving them 0-3 in the season so far? Or will the Dorin Raven's be the ones to step up their game and stomp all over the Cheifs?
Only time will tell, but you can make your opinions heard by placing your bet on your favorite for the game. All *winning bets* on the Monday Night game will be entered into a 800k raffle, and all of the losing bets will be entered into a 300k Consellation raffle! Whether you pick the right team or not, you can still win lots of money!
Be sure to look at the other games for this week, some of my personal favorites for gambling odds are the Redskins-Browns Game, Raiders-Texans Game, the Broncos-Buccaneers Game and the Titans-Chargers Game. without further ado, here are the lines for this week. As always visit the Shockball Website to place bets and send all money prior to kickoff to the Trade Federation for those bets to be valid. http://www.swctradefederation.com/Shockball/allnew/theLines.php
Date & Time Favorite Shockball Spread Underdog 10/03 1:00 ET At Blue Sabre Packers -7 Antarian Giants 10/03 1:00 ET Black Sun Eagles -9 At Hinota Bears 10/03 1:00 ET Intersec Redskins -3 At ComBank Browns 10/03 1:00 ET CEC Patriots -5.5 At Offworld Mining Bills 10/03 1:00 ET Shirak Raiders -2.5 At Raging Wookiee Texans 10/03 1:00 ET Rune's Sexah Colts -4 At Baktoid Jaguars 10/03 1:00 ET At Iron City Steelers -4 Zaltin Bengals 10/03 4:05 ET At Sanjiti Panthers -3.5 BHA Falcons 10/03 4:05 ET Asarya's Saints -3.5 At Storm Sec Cardinals 10/03 4:15 ET Darkclaw Jets -5.5 At Black Dolphins 10/03 4:15 ET Owyn's Broncos -3 At Ara's Buccaneers 10/03 4:15 ET Dark Titans -3 At Alissma Chargers 10/03 8:35 ET NAO Rams -3.5 At JUGANOTH 49ers Monday Night Shockball Point Spread
Date & Time Favorite Shockball Spread Underdog 10/04 9:05 ET At Dorin Ravens -5.5 Trade Federation Chiefs
By Week 4, betting volumes were so high that even setting the lines became a spectacle.
"Better late than ever, eh?" the midget wookie asks rhetorically to the camera as the scene zooms out to show the Galactic Shockball League panel of announcers. A tall, greet Twi'lek male is sitting at the end of the table and begins ranting, "The Chargers dominated over the Titans?? Where was this Chargers team the rest of the season?" A female Hapan looks bewildered at him and rolls her time at the camera and then says to him, "Churldun, If the tosser, McNair would've been there instead of whining like a gimpy nerf in the bacta tanks, the Chargers wouldn't have stood a chance. LT can carry them only so far, and over the Titans is definitely too far. The Titans lost that one, the Chargers didn't win it."
The camera pans to the midget wookiee who smiles and speaks over the ensuing debate as the other announcers join in to toss in their two cents.
"As you can see, our board of announcers has been a bit divided on where to set the lines for this week, and because of this, the lines have been released to the Galaxy a bit late, but we're sure that you gamblers out there would rather have the best lines a bit late then terrible lines early. So, get out there and gamble! A giveaway of 500k is being raffled to anyone that bets over 500k"
Date & Time Favorite Shockball Spread Underdog 10/10 1:00 ET At CEC Patriots -13 Black Dolphins 10/10 1:00 ET At Iron City Steelers -6 ComBank Browns 10/10 1:00 ET At Rune's Sexah Colts -9.5 Shirak Raiders 10/10 1:00 ET At BHA Falcons -7 w00tness Lions 10/10 1:00 ET At Asarya's Saints -3 Ara's Buccaneers 10/10 1:00 ET At Dark Vengeance Cowboys -3.5 Antarian Giants 10/10 1:00 ET Hapan Vikings -4 At Raging Wookie Texans 10/10 4:05 ET At Darkclaw Jets -7 Offworld Mining Bills 10/10 4:05 ET Baktoid Jaguars -3 At Alissma Chargers 10/10 4:15 ET At Owyn's Broncos -5.5 Sanjiti Panthers 10/10 4:15 ET At Sinite Seahawks -7 NAO Rams 10/10 4:15 ET At JUGANOTH 49ers -1 Storm Sec Cardinals 10/10 8:35 ET At Intersec Redskins Even Dorin Ravens Monday Night Shockball Point Spread
Date & Time Favorite Shockball Spread Underdog 10/11 9:05 ET At Blue Sabre Packers -3 Dark Titans
The Trade Federation Chiefs appeared regularly in the spreads. So did the Darkclaw Jets.
A month and a half after the final games, over two months since the original rumors of fraud began, the Federation cleared its name.
Many of you know today of the audit that began almost a month ago on the famed Shockball league. The Galactic Empire began an investigation as a result of many complaints and rumors regarding of the league. Minister Kaldreon was called in to begin a investigation. After flying out to Vinsoth, the audit went by quickly as the Viceroy and Duceroy sent reports as requested each week to Minister Kaldreon. After compiling the submitted information as well as viewing the stats of the leagues income/payouts, I have found no evidence of money laundering or support of piracy anywhere with the league. The league also has sufficient funds to cover any bets made by any person in the galaxy with the league.
It is my judgment that the league is only in violation of operating without a legal GGL (Galactic Gambling License), and the Viceroy is currently working with us to obtain a renewed license. Any fines to be levied will be decided at a later time.
The Necromancers of Shockball
Shockball 2 and the Echo of Esco
Shockball's first great Federation-centric era would not last forever. Leagues stumble, administrators move on, holosites go dark.
In time, the original trade-run league faded, and a new generation tried to revive the sport on Coruscant. Yet, whenever shockball returned under other banners, they would point back to the Trade Federation Shockball era under Viceroy Esco as the example to be led by.
CORUSCANT (GNN) - Today, on the steps of their Coruscant headquarters, the Galactic Shockball League announced that they would again this year be playing a full season after a short hiatus and under new management. Team ownership applications have been coming in at an encouraging rate, such that all teams have been claimed in advance of the upcoming season.
The GSL encourages betting on all of their games, and current odds and spreads can be found on their holosite. Week 1 of games will start on day 281, and bets for the first week will be accepted a couple of weeks in advance.
The new commissioner of the league, Mikel von Bianchi, had a few words to say about shockball's return.
"The Trade Federation under Corbin Esco did a fantastic job with shockball years ago. We here at the GSL are overjoyed with its return, and can only hope to see the type of success it enjoyed back then. However, to be successful, it takes quality teams, sponsors, and of course, all of our fans."
The GSL would like to thank their corporate sponsors, especially Biotech Medical. Shockball is also brought to you by The Wraiths, The Diversity Alliance, Stark Collective, TransGalMeg, Tytus Escorting, Terra Stryker Industries, the Tamerin Foundation, and the Avance Coalition.
[9:155/GNN/SAK.51.204/SOC/M.Bianchi]
By Year 9, the Federation was no longer running the league, but its early work had become the standard by which new commissioners measured themselves.
Where the Federation once took bets directly, the GSL now leaned on sponsors like Biotech Medical, The Wraiths, TransGalMeg, and the Avance Coalition. Yet the core template -- spreads, holosite odds, week-by-week betting -- was pure Esco-era Federation, and the sponsorship by the Avance Coalition, in hindsight, would exist as a trace of the Federation as it is today, many of its members and culture stemming from it with the Great Merge.
In other words, even in absence, the Federation's ghost sat in the commissioner's chair.
The Knights of Shockball
The Shockball 2 eventually moved on, as they tend to do. It would be four years later in Year 15 when The Knights of The Fountain announced that they would be starting a new commission, although the news was overshadowed by the Krieg's Run Fourth Season racing tournament.[10]
Alpha Medical Shocks Shockball Back to Life
Of course, that commission didn't last long either. Three years later in Year 19, a new faction appeared, Alpha Medical Corporation, went public on the stock exchange. Their marketing strategy: Shockball 2 (technically Shockball 3) Capital on Stensen's Colony.[11]
The Father's of Shockball
Alpha Medical Corporation would host two Shockball League seasons, before selling to Koensayr Manufacturing in Year 20. The new league, I would call Shockball 4, would be represented by Mr. Luukh.[12] It was actually Mr. Luukh who was the founder of the Colonial Shockball League. The article would even try to suggest that many considered him the "Father of Shockball" saying...
CSL Shockball set the quality standards that influenced shockball in general and the Galactic Shockball League as well.
...despite CSL being founded in Year 9 and the Trade Federation hosting the games as far back as Year 5. If Luukh is the Father, then Esco is the Grandfather.
It would seem that the Echo of Esco was getting quieter and quieter...
- Mr. So (left) visiting the new Shockball League headquarters with Mr. Luukh (right). The buildings are undergoing the last cosmetic touch ups before the official inauguration.
In an attempt to maintain momentum, in Year 21 the CSL built a new HQ and launched it with a Gala Event, hosted by Moebius Ventures.[13] But after another season of games, Shockball would again fade into the background.
The Future of Shockball
Last galactic year, the Galactic Shockball League, after years of dormancy, returned once again. But this time, it seemed different. It was the Beta Launch of an all new sports program, featuring new recording technology to make you feel like you were actually there and an all new sports stats holosite.
BREAKING: Galactic Shockball League Emerges from Dormancy, Announces Beta Launch
- Archive footage from a previous GSL season showing arena action
GALAXY-WIDE — In a surprise announcement that has sent ripples through sports entertainment circles, the Galactic Shockball League (GSL) has officially emerged from what Commissioner Tholme So calls a "period of strategic reconstruction" to announce the beta launch of a comprehensive new league management platform. The GSL, which operated intermittently in previous cycles under similar leadership, has undergone what appears to be a complete technological overhaul—a transformation that Director of Operations Bouma Ga`Mon described as "rebuilding the foundation of galactic sports entertainment from the ground up."
For those unfamiliar with the sport, Shockball represents one of the galaxy's most physically demanding team competitions, combining elements of strategy, athleticism, and split-second decision-making. Teams of players from diverse species and backgrounds compete in high-energy matches that have captivated audiences across multiple sectors for generations. What makes this announcement particularly significant is the technological sophistication the GSL has brought to bear on recreating the experience for a new generation of participants.
Sources familiar with the new platform indicate the league has implemented a sophisticated experience point progression system that rewards both active participation and passive development. Unlike traditional static attribute systems common in earlier sports simulation platforms, the GSL's approach allows players to distribute training focus across multiple skills simultaneously, with performance-based multipliers reaching up to 400% efficiency for skilled participants. The system includes interactive training mini-games that directly impact player development, creating what league officials describe as a "living progression system" that evolves with each player's dedication and skill.
The platform's integration with existing galactic authentication systems represents another significant technological achievement. Character information—including species designation and customizable avatar imagery—imports seamlessly, while regional divisions reflect familiar galactic geography from the Core Worlds to the Unknown Regions. "We wanted to create something that felt native to our community," Commissioner So explained in prepared remarks. "This isn't just a peripheral entertainment platform—it's built from the ground up with our galactic citizens in mind."
Beyond individual player development, the platform enables comprehensive franchise management capabilities. Team owners can exercise full roster control, conduct contract negotiations, navigate free agency systems, and customize strategic lineups. Perhaps most notably, ownership can be delegated through a formal contract system, allowing managers to assume operational responsibilities while owners maintain oversight—a structure that mirrors professional sports organizations across the galaxy. The GSL will support multiple competition tiers, from friendly exhibition matches to division-wide tournaments, with conference-level competitions enabling cross-division rivalry matches scheduled for implementation in upcoming development cycles.
All matches utilize real-time simulation engines that incorporate player skill levels, energy management, playstyle preferences, and tactical presets to generate detailed play-by-play results. The simulation includes positional movement on a 2D arena, allowing for dynamic tactical gameplay that veteran Shockball enthusiasts will recognize while remaining accessible to newcomers. Those interested in seeing the platform in action can view an official gameplay trailer on the HoloNet showcasing the match simulation system, player management interfaces, and training mechanics.
Commissioner So emphasized that the current beta launch represents more than a simple product release—it's an invitation for community feedback and collaborative development. "We're not just launching a product," So stated during the announcement. "We're inviting the galaxy to help us shape the future of this league. Every beta participant has the opportunity to influence where the GSL goes from here." All galactic citizens are eligible to create accounts and begin building their Shockball careers through the official platform at shockball.online. A dedicated community coordination server has also been established at https://discord.gg/Q73axEq4NG for real-time discussion and support.
Sports entertainment analysts note that the timing of this launch coincides with increased interest in community-driven entertainment experiences across the galaxy. The GSL's integration with existing galactic social networks represents a potentially significant strategic advantage over standalone sports simulation platforms. Whether the league can recapture the engagement levels of its earlier iterations remains to be seen, but the technological sophistication demonstrated in the beta release suggests Commissioner So and his team have invested considerable resources into this revival effort. For a sport that has long thrived on the passion of its participants and the intensity of its competition, this new platform may represent exactly the evolution Shockball needs to electrify a new generation of fans.
The Galactic Shockball League operates as an independent organization. Galaxy News Service provides this coverage as part of our entertainment sector reporting and does not endorse or warrant any third-party platforms or services.
How long will this new age of Shockball last?
Only time will tell.
Bonus Content
Here's a snapshot of our very own Taanab Titans wiping the floor with the Furious Faeries on their home turf! GO TITANS!
Coming Next
The Rise of the Federation – Part 2: The Architect
Contribute to the Archives
Did you participate in the old Shockball leagues? The Trade Federation Library invites all Trade Federation veterans to record their recollections as part of our Oral Histories Initiative. Contact Cangeson Wolfsbane or Gav Lucky for an interview session. Your memory is the Federation's legacy.
References
- GNS: "Another Season of Shockball! Gambling and Team Sponsoring still available." Nereus Eruresto. c. Year 5 Day 276. ↩
- GNS: "Shockball Gambling Open (and explained) for Week 1! Raffle for a JM-5000..." Nereus Eruresto. c. Year 5 Day 281. ↩
- GNS: "Shockball Spread for Week 2! Raffle: 1m credits for all bets on Monday Night Game." Nereus Eruresto. c. Year 5 Day 289. ↩
- GNS: "The Imperial Ministry of Finance warns Trade Federation of possible Shockball violations." Uther Von Kaldreon. c. Year 5 Day 290. ↩
- GNS: "Shockball! The Truth Shines Bright!" Avalon Kartane. c. Year 5 Day 290. ↩
- GNS: "Shockball: Week 2 sets records; Week 3 lines available." Nereus Eruresto. c. Year 5 Day 296. ↩
- GNS: "Over 1m in Free Shockball Raffles! Week 4 Lines Available." Nereus Eruresto. c. Year 5 Day 303. ↩
- GNS: "Shockball Week 4: Big Games this week. Lines Available." Nereus Eruresto. c. Year 5 Day 313. ↩
- GNS: "The Return of the Galactic Shockball League." Giselle Montari. c. Year 9 Day 187. ↩
- GNS: "The Sporting News." Rawth Shacklefist. c. Year 15 Day 290. ↩
- GNS: "Galactic Shockball Returns" Tholme So. c. Year 19 Day 165. ↩
- GNS: "GSL Shockball changes ownership and will hit harder than ever" Nat`rhon L`uukh. c. Year 20 Day 30. ↩
- GNS: "Shockball is Back!!" Nat`rhon L`uukh. c. Year 21 Day 232. ↩
- GNS: "BREAKING: Galactic Shockball League Emerges from Dormancy, Announces Beta Launch" Tholme So. c. Year 26 Day 310. ↩