Signups are now open for Urthvision XXI!
Welcome to Nandrat, the gem on the Mother River and the heart of Tavaris!
Entrants, please complete this form to submit your performance for the 21st edition of Urth’s premier song contest.
[Note: this is reposted from Union Media Alliance, where you can find additional information about Tavaris in the leadup to Urthvision.]
25 March 2024
Tavaris Will Decline to Compete in Urthvision XXI
NUVRENON– The Tavari Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Sport announced on Monday that, just as it did for Urthvision XIII in Nuvrenon, Tavaris will not send an entry to the twenty-first edition that it is due to host later this year. “It is a tremendous honour for Tavaris to be hosting Urthvision, one of the world’s truly premier cultural events, for the second time. After consulting with the leadership of Public Broadcasting Tavaris, our country’s broadcasting partner for Urthvision, we have decided as we did for Urthvision XIII for Tavaris to decline to send an entry for the edition of the contest that it is hosting. It is doubtless that Tavaris, the Tavari people, and the Tavari culture will be everywhere during Urthvision XXI, and we believe that with this remarkable opportunity to showcase who we are to the world through designing, organizing, and coordinating the event, it is unnecessary for us to also compete in the event, potentially taking away a spot from another country. We know that there will be many across the country who will be disappointed that they will not be able to cheer for a Tavari competitor, but rest assured that the Tavari will be well-represented at Urthvision through our sister countries in our Tavari Union, who are more than ready and willing to carry the Tavari banner for all of us,” said a written statement issued by Lemezda Vonarík, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Sport.
One Tavari person who is certainly disappointed is the winner of Urthvision XX, Oda Rundra Lita, who had surely been looking forward to trying for a repeat victory. “Absolutely gutted x,” posted the popstar on Pigeon shortly after the announcement. The Tavari music world has been thrown upside down since Ms. Rundra Lita’s shock announcement on Saturday that she is seeking election to the National Diet under the Tavari National Party, who are ideologically controversial to say the least. It is undeniably awkward for politics to suddenly come so blazingly close to Urthvision, which is ostensibly meant to rise above politics for the sake of music and togetherness, and the question of whether Ms. Rundra Lita would even be eligible to compete if she were an elected Diet Delegate had been raging since she made her announcement. The rules for the All-Tavaris Songfestival—the contest by which Public Broadcasting Tavaris selects the Tavari entrant—have long banned competitors from publicly identifying with “controversial political causes” during the course of the event. Ms. Rundra Lita and her campaign declined comment for this article.
However, politics are not necessarily the only reason behind Tavaris’ move. Not only is it true that Tavaris declined to send an entrant to the last edition it hosted for precisely this same reason, several high-level sources within the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry for Internal Affairs (which regulates Public Broadcasting Tavaris) told the News that the actual primary reason for the decision is much more mundane: money. Speaking anonymously because they were not approved to speak on the record, several people with whom the News spoke indicated that the government simply did not have the funds to run both the All-Tavaris Songfestival and Urthvision itself. “The Diet is currently dissolved for the election and the Prime Minister is in caretaker status, meaning no new appropriations can occur. No one knows how the election is going to turn out, and we don’t want to be left holding a bag that the next Prime Minister refuses to fill, so best to just get it out of the way now,” said one. Another individual was more blunt: “The Culture Ministry runs on spare change and pocket lint, especially post-Ranat Accords. If we have to foot the bill for Urthvision, we aren’t footing the bill for anything else.”
Fans across the country are expressing their disappointment on social media. “SO disappointing that Tavari Urthvisions never have Tavari singers! No one else does this!” said Vedra, 24, a Pigeon user from Ratani. “Tavaris has not won enough Urthvisions to be lording around like New Leganes declaring retirement,” said @NezoNavandri64. And the recent posts of popular Tavari celebrity news blogger @OdaLitaNews are entirely unpublishable for their profanity. While some online spoke of the inability of the Diet to meet during the election to handle event details, many others expressed frustration that the government seemed to be rolling over without trying. “They’ve known since January, they couldn’t have budgeted some money then? They can’t reuse some plans from Urthvision 13?” said Gazna, 31.
At a campaign event on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Žarís Nevran Alandar did her best to dodge questions about Urthvision. Speaking in front of the headquarters of TavariRail South—coincidentally in Oda Rundra Lita’s hometown of Dravai—she tried to keep reporters focused on her plans to expand fibre-optic internet service by running telecommunications backbone cables along TavariRail rights-of-way. “We already won last time, we’re happy as we are, we want more countries to have a chance. But I tell you, future Urthvisions, no matter where in the world they take place, will be easier and more fun to watch and to stream online once our Digital Tavaris Agenda is enacted,” said the Prime Minister. Later in her remarks, she said “What will really ‘Blow Your Mind’ is how fast the Internet can be with fibre-optics.” The crowd at TavariRail South skewed old and wonky, but by the end of her short address, there was a crowd of teenagers—TavariRail ticket station employees, it would seem, still in their impeccable uniforms—silently gathered in the back with crossed arms and stern expressions. The Prime Minister, who ordinarily waits after events to speak with at least some of those who came to see her, departed the venue from a back door flanked by TavariRail security personnel rather than speak with the scorned youth. Said one young TavariRail employee, who declined to give their name, after she had left: “I used to like her a lot, but she seems out of touch. I would have loved the distraction of rooting for a Tavari person in Urthvision. If I could vote, I don’t think I would vote for her.” Said another “I would much rather be voting for Oda Lita.”
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30 March 2024
Labour Groups Outraged as Cabinet Announces Sugar Day Delay for Urthvision
GOOD HARBOUR– The Sugar Day festival, one of the most culturally and spiritually important days on the Tavari calendar, will be delayed by one day in order to permit Urthvision, the world’s premier song festival, to be held on October 10th, the Prime Minister announced after Saturday afternoon’s meeting of the Council of State. Saying that “hosting an edition of the biggest musical event on Urth is a tremendous responsibility and one that we want to be absolutely sure we get right,” the Prime Minister’s written statement was light on specifics as to why, precisely, the event needed to be hosted on one of the biggest holidays of the year, citing the need to “select a day in which the country is already equipped and prepared to handle the logistics of a major event” without going into further detail. The Sugar Day festival is the traditional celebration of common working people across the Tavari Union, once centred around the planting and harvest of the sugar crop but in the modern day expanded to celebrate the labours of every industry. The observance of Sugar Day has been fixed to October 10th and 11th since 1710, but this year will be held on October 11th and 12th. The announcement was immediately panned by many groups across the public, but none more so than the Labour Party and various trade unions across the country.
“This is the most rancid pile of jaguar dung I have ever laid eyes on. It is an insult of the highest order to the working people of this country. It is absolute foolishness of the highest degree, it is completely and entirely unnecessary, and it will do nothing except further wound the heart and soul of a nation that is already hurting,” said Labour Party president and Enaro Tavar Province First Councilor Gabradi Novar Etta. Within hours of the statement, Mr. Novar Etta had gathered hundreds of party members and labour leaders to the central business district of Good Harbour, the base of his party’s power and home to most of the country’s most powerful labour unions, especially the National Mine Workers’ Council and Tavari Shipwrights, Aircraft, and Automobile Workers United. “There’s no reason to spit in our faces for this. Two days out of the year are set aside to celebrate working people, and the Prime Minister asks us to push them back so we can work harder on one of them. We’re tired of being pushed back, we’re tired of being pushed down,” said Shipwrights United president Nebezdi Nevran Tabrašcar, who was accompanied in her statement by the entirety of the Good Harbour Shipwrights rugby team, the only union rugby team in the league owned by a union. The comments from the rugby team are unprintable.
The Prime Minister’s statement took pains to emphasise that the postponement is only by one day, and that there already exists a postponement procedure under the law that mandates employees who work on a day that would have been a major festival that was postponed are to be paid 1.5 times their ordinary pay for the day. “We understand that this is a big ask for our nation’s workers and for all our people. Know that the law ensures that you will get two whole days off for the festival, just as you always have, and that those who work on October 10th will be paid time-and-a-half in recompense for this sacrifice. We do this because the eyes of all the world will be upon us for Urthvision, and we know that the stalwart, proud, and noble workers of Tavaris are better equipped than anyone to get this done and get this done well.”
The Silver Court issued a brief statement that can only be described as terse: “Emperor Otan ratified the Order-in-Council approved by the Council of State as is required by law.” Festival observances are among the most important ceremonial duties of the Tavari monarch, though the Sugar Day festival—uniquely among the major festivals, which also include the New Years’ Day, First Rain, Unification Day, Union Day, Midyear, and Last Rain festivals—has no formal observance ceremony performed by the monarch, and while neither the Cabinet nor the Silver Court would comment on the particulars of royal prerogative in regard to the postponement, it appears likely that because of this, the monarch was not given the opportunity to exercise his own personal choice in whether or not to approve the order. Sugar Day has been postponed by Order-in-Council before, during the labour riots of the 1890s, and was not observed at all during the Great War—moments in history that certainly make awkward bedfellows with Urthvision.
Political observers have posited multiple reasons for the postponement, the most common of them being budgetary in nature. “With the Diet dissolved for the election, monies cannot be allocated, and the government needed to pick a day that was already accounted for when it comes to things like logistics and, especially in the current climate, security,” said Lanibar Ikrit Olaríl of the Royal College of Nuvo’s Fiscal and Economic Strategy Centre. “The government’s usual sources of funding for major national events have been exhausted since the Division Crisis, and not only is the government’s ability to take out loans almost entirely curtailed during an election, given the opinion polls, the Prime Minister’s ability to do so afterward seems in doubt. But the money for security operations and overtime pay and things like that on October 10th are already budgeted, as they are for October 11th, meaning that the most important Sugar Day events—the parades—can still easily take place that day, with the less critical second day events held with presumably less government support on the 12th.” Bedri Hóštan Labadra of the Nuvrenon Defence Policy Institute further emphasised the security point, saying “Given the current social tensions, things are already feeling like the Division Crisis again, and the government doesn’t have to pay overtime to soldiers an extra day if it puts Urthvision on a festival day. It’s a real shame, but it’s hard to imagine that the government really had any genuine alternative.”
Not everyone agrees that the second day of the Sugar Day festival is less critical, however. Tavat Avati shrinemasters and other adherents of the religion of two thirds of Tavari people consider the second day of the observance the most important because it has traditionally been considered the beginning of the season of preparation for the most important day of the Tavari year, New Years’ Day, and a special day set aside for Tavat Avati followers to visit their local shrine and attend what are known as Word Classes, where faithful learn the sacred, ancient chants unique to each Line that they will shout on parade on the New Year. New Shrinemasters are traditionally introduced to their communities on the second day of Sugar Day, and in a religion that does not have regular worship services, the day is one of the three occasions out of the year—the others being New Years’ and Midyear—specifically set aside for Shrine-community outreach. “I can’t tell you how saddening it is to be shunted to the side like this. It really feels like we’re being ignored, being expected to set aside our spiritual beliefs,” said Shrinemaster Ólendra Tivriš Avbómatti of Avbómatti Shrine, the oldest and perhaps most famous Tavat Avati shrine in the country. “We’ll be able to adjust, I expect, but fewer people will be able to attend Word Classes and our engagement with the community will suffer precisely in a time where it really feels like we need it the most. I don’t know what to say, it just really hurts. And that isn’t what Urthvision is supposed to be about, is it?”
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30 September 2024
Navy to be Deployed to River Nandrat as Urthvision Declared Critical National Security Event
IMAGE: The Royal Tavari Navy destroyer Zaram V.
NANDRAT– For the first time in the modern era, the Royal Tavari Navy will send a ship up the River Nandrat—the guided missile destroyer Zaram V—as part of the security measures for Urthvision XXI. The destroyer Nežeren is also to be deployed to the Nandrat area, and the Acronian Peacekeepers Maritime Command has agreed to deploy the frigate Crystal Coast, the Acronian flagship, to the area as well. All three ships carry complements of helicopters that will be deployed to the skies above Nandrat throughout the day of the event. Those traveling to Nandrat for the world’s biggest song festival will see the Zaram V from the Queen Adra IV Bridge, though both the Tavari and Acronian governments have pledged that this will be the only military presence along the border. Coupled with the announcement is a declaration from the Cabinet that Urthvision is to be a Critical National Security Event, along the lines of the wedding of Emperor Otan and Prince Hendrik and the finals of the 2022 World Cup.
For many in Nandrat, this is sure to awaken memories of April 2022 and the peak tensions of the Division Crisis, when the Tavari military base in West Nandrat was encircled by forces loyal to Acronis, in contravention to the Matron’s orders, threatening to begin open warfare in the name of Acronian secession. The Defence Ministry’s announcement on Monday, coming a week after violent riots in Nuvrenon, acknowledged those fears but made clear that the government considers these heightened security measures an absolute necessity. Minister for Defence Tebran Išdašt Batti said at a press conference “The eyes of the world will be on Nandrat next month, and there will be performers and visitors from dozens of countries here, all of whom deserve and will receive safety and security during their time in Tavaris. We cannot and will not fail. To assure this goal, we will leverage the full force and power of the Tavari security establishment, no holding back. I want to assure the people of the world that Urthvision will be safe. You can feel comfortable coming to Tavaris, the most beautiful country in the world.”
It cannot be denied that, just like the 2022 World Cup, a major world event is happening in Tavaris at a time of crisis. Urthvision XXI was announced just a month after Emperor Otan IV was shot and almost killed in the Royal Palace by a rogue officer of the Royal Tavari Marshalls outraged over his performance of the Acronian national anthem, a hymn entitled No Line but Akrona that was illegal in Tavaris for centuries because it was considered incitement. Violent riots broke out in Rodoka in July after the Tavari National Diet passed a law granting Rodokans only one seat in the Diet, a purported answer to the so-called Rodokan Question of how to represent non-Tavari people in Tavaris’ clan-based national legislature. Native Rodokans had enjoyed 20 seats in the Tavari legislature from its inception until, in 2022, the Ranat Accords that granted Rodoka independence repealed the treaty that afforded the Rodokans their seats in the Diet, an apparent oversight that both the Tavari and Rodokan governments missed until the last moment and chose to attempt to solve after independence. Emperor Otan IV, who is also High Chief of the United Tribes of Rodoka and the Isles, enacted his own answer to the Rodokan Question last week by using the never-before-invoked royal power to create new Lines, one for each Rodokan tribe, restoring the 20 Rodokan seats but enraging nationalists across the country, hundreds of whom violently stormed Palace Square, killing dozens of law enforcement officers and burning the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of the Tavari Union. Tensions are higher in Tavaris than at any point since 2022, possibly even worse. It is at this moment that the entire world will look to Tavaris for an evening of music and fun, and the Tavari government has declared that there will be fun by any means necessary.
One person in the Tavari halls of power who is determined to see Urthvision through is Diet Delegate Oda Rundra Lita, who has the distinction of being the currently reigning Urthvision winner. Del. Rundra Lita, of the Official Opposition Tavari National Party (KDT), is Shadow Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Sport and the ranking opposition member of the Diet Committee on Culture and Heritage. She has been on the ground in Nandrat for well over a week, meeting with event organising staff, delegations from the Urthvision Songfestival Broadcasting Union and various participating governments, and keeping the public updated on progress through videos posted to Pigeon. Unlike nearly every other KDT politician, Del. Rundra Lita had nothing but glowing praise for the government’s efforts, saying in Monday’s update video that “Things could not be going better here in Nandrat, and I am so proud of the coalition government for really taking this seriously and making sure Urthvision will be both safe and fun for everyone.” She interviewed Royal Tavari Army Gen. Vezba Omantar Lešti, commander of the international joint task force for Urthvision security, who told the youngest Delegate in the Diet “In addition to the Navy presence in the river and out in the harbour, there will be a significant Army presence here at Rivermouth Park Stadium, with the Marshalls patrolling the city proper. Attendees of Urthvision will see uniformed Royal Tavari Armed Forces personnel when they come to the stadium and we want to assure everyone, they are here for your safety, they are here because they want you to have a good time, and that rain or shine, we will do our utmost to ensure Urthvision XXI is the best edition yet.”
The Royal Tavari Armed Forces, citing “obvious concerns for operational security,” declined to provide further specifics than what has already been released to the media, according to a written statement in response to the Independent’s request for comment. Bedri Hóštan Labadra of the Nuvrenon Defence Policy Institute, a think tank, told the Independent that “it is likely that measures at Nandrat for Urthvision will at least match, if not exceed, the security during the World Cup. It is taking place at the same venue, which is already equipped for high security events, and it should be noted that there has been a heightened Marshall presence in Nandrat for months now anyway since it has become something of a centre for the cannabis industry and the Border Guard is very interested in preventing trafficking across the border. The government is certainly taking security seriously, but it remains to be seen how the dramatic military presence will affect the mood of the event, which is supposed to be light-hearted and optimistic. The exact opposite of security theatre, really. I doubt the soldiers will be doing much dancing.”
In addition to the military presence, Nandrat Province—which operates Rivermouth Park Stadium—has announced a number of security measures for the event. Metal detectors will be placed at every entrance and security officers will be screening and, where necessary, patting down guests to ensure they are not carrying weapons. Weapons of all kinds are forbidden—not only firearms but pepper spray and knives of any kind, including pocket knives and utility blades. Attendees will only be permitted to bring handbags or backpacks that are transparent. Guests who arrive with non-compliant bags will be permitted to leave them with soldiers of the Royal Tavari Marshalls, but they will need to be dropped off and picked up at the security checkpoint outside of the building. Once the event has started, absolutely no guests will be permitted to enter, and no refunds will be issued to ticketed attendees arriving after the doors are closed. Those who exit the event early will not be readmitted for any reason. The car park at the stadium will not be available for public use as it is being used by the armed forces; those arriving by car will instead be directed to the public car parks at the Queen Adra IV bridge, 3.7 vonai (about 2.5km) from the stadium, where they can take free shuttles to the stadium. Streets within a vonai (1.4km) of the stadium will be closed to traffic. Additionally, by order of the Nandrat Province Legislative Council, sales of cannabis products and liquor will cease at noon on the 10th and not resume until the morning of the 13th, after the Sugar Day festival.
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Sitting on your seat in the stadium, under a pair of complementary glow sticks and a map indicating the location of washrooms and horrifically overpriced concession stands, is a carefully placed and tastefully designed pamphlet in three languages, Tavari, Rodokan, and Staynish.
Dovrana, Tere Tulemast, and Welcome to Urthvision XXI!
The Nandrat Province Fire and Building Safety Authority wishes to welcome you to Rivermouth Park Stadium, home to this year’s edition of the world’s leading songfestival. Your safety and security during your time here in the City on the Mother River is of the utmost importance to us. Please take a moment to review the included map of the venue, marking the location of washrooms, concessions, and evacuation routes. Each of our washrooms has facilities designed for species of all stature, and our concession stands are proud to offer gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and carnitarian options to accommodate all dietary needs.
Please note that smoking of any kind, including tobacco, vape, and cannabis products, are strictly prohibited inside the stadium. Designated tobacco smoking and vaping areas are located outside the north and south exits, but please note that cannabis consumption of any kind is prohibited in the entirety of Rivermouth Park and is considered a felony. Pets are prohibited in the stadium but service animals are welcome. Wheeled vehicles of any kind, except those used as mobility aids, are forbidden in the stadium. Lifts are available for the use of disabled, elderly, or pregnant guests. Other guests are encouraged to use the stairs. Both are marked on the included map.
During your time here at Rivermouth Park, you will likely have seen uniformed personnel of the Royal Tavari Armed Forces. They are here for your protection and safety. In most places in Tavaris, including in Nandrat, the military provides civil law enforcement—in essence, they are police officers. Their mission this evening is to ensure you have an enjoyable time. Please give them space to perform their work, but do not hesitate to speak with one if you have a safety concern. Remember: “if you see something, say something.” We expect this evening’s festivities to be fun and carefree, but by keeping vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, you are helping everyone to ensure that Urthvision goes off without a hitch. Things that you should be on the eye out for include:
- Backpacks or bags left unattended
- People loitering in corridors or on the concourse outside of queues for food or washrooms
- People acting in a belligerent or standoffish manner
- People who may appear to be carrying weapons
Note that solicitation of any kind, as well as the distribution of literature either political or otherwise, is prohibited in the stadium, and you should report any such activity to event staff. Urthvision is a celebration of music.
If you have lost an item or have become separated from a child or someone traveling with you, proceed immediately to the information desk located next to the south entrance. All seats in the venue are marked either A (for Anar, meaning North) or D (for Dalar, meaning South.) Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with your surroundings, including the location of the nearest exit. Emergency exit paths are marked by yellow stripes along the floor. In the event of an emergency, follow all instructions given to you by the armed forces.
We are glad that you are here in Nandrat and we look forward to ensuring you have a fun, enjoyable time as you celebrate the music of our world. With everyone’s cooperation, we can have a safe and pleasant time. Again, if you ever have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to event staff or the nearest officer of the Royal Tavari Armed Forces, who will be posted at every stairwell and corridor. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for visiting our beautiful province! We hope you’ll visit again!
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10 October 2024
Nandrat, Tavaris
With a brilliant flash of multicolored stage lights, two orcs step onto the stage. The first, a young man confidently striding, bedecked in a violently fuchsia suit and lime green bowtie, all the colors of the lights twinkling in the diamonds set in the golden rings on his tusks and pendants hanging from his ears. The second is an older woman in a black suit that would have been too somber for a funeral, the only trace of color the navy blue of the shirt under her jacket. There is perhaps an echo of the lights just barely visible upon her silver, permed hair. Where the young man is smiling widely, the older woman has a deadpan face. She is quite a bit taller than he, even with his platform shoes that can be just slightly heard thumping on the stage even over the din of the cheering crowd. The pair take their places at the center of the stage, clasp their right hands upon their chests, and bow to the audience.
On the massive video screen behind them plays a montage of dramatic vistas of Tavari scenery, shot from wide and sweeping angles, with the strike of a drum sounding with each new shot. At first, just the barest hint of a musical backtrack plays, just the first note of an orchestra warming up. A misty waterfall roars in an emerald rainforest, resplendent tropical birds flying overhead. More drums kick in, quieter, with rushes of water seeming to match the percussion. More notes from the orchestra, repeating the sounds of the birds.
An ancient stone structure, weathered and crumbling, rises in massive steps from a jungle up toward the bright midday sun. On a staircase carved into the temple, small and distant figures step in time with the drums. Matching the tempo of drums, monkeys call out from the jungle, and you can just barely hear a humming, perhaps from the hikers below. There is an orchestral crescendo as the camera pans over the glare of the sun.
Sapphire blue waves crash along a white sand beach at sunset. There are several huge bonfires, each with crowds of people gathered around them. At one of them the people are dancing, clapping along to the same beat, vocalizing the same tune as the background music, layering atop all the sounds. There are birds here too, seagulls calling out to the rhythm. Next to another bonfire a group is playing volleyball, and one of them serves the ball at the moment the shot changes.
A city on a wide river, spanned by a gleaming suspension bridge and lined on the right side with a well-manicured green belt kilometres long—at the end, just near where the admittedly brown river meets the deep blue sea, the stadium in which you sit stands with its white, domed roof. The shot moves in, closer and closer, until you see individual people standing along a busy pedestrian thoroughfare. A large young woman lifts a decadently cheesy flatbread out of the wide green leaf it is wrapped in and enthusiastically takes a bite at the precise moment of a clash of a drum. A young man with a pair of headphones draped around his neck takes a drink from a coffee cup whose Royal Rodokan Coffee Company logo has been blurred out. A pair of old men with intricate facial tattoos sit at a table playing a game of black and white square tiles on a polished wooden board, the sounds of clacking tiles joining the chorus. The music is loud and proud now, a lively if nondescript melody of all the sounds of Tavaris. The beats of the drum get faster and faster as the camera speeds up, zooming past dozens of people all in colorful, summery clothing, until it reaches the very same stadium doors that you walked through earlier, above which are a sign that says Zena Dovravi Ha Nandrat - Welcome To Nandrat. There, the screen fades not quite to black but to a very deep purple as the lights shift from dazzling colors to more of a stately amber.
Diagonal stripes of blazing crimson, neon green, bright turquoise, and ocean blue slash across the screen and then split into pairs, with text appearing between them reading URTHVISION XXI: THE WORLD IS MUSIC.
You cannot help but notice that the security checkpoint, metal detectors, and dozens of soldiers with rifles in their arms you walked past did not appear in the montage, but the soldiers are still represented—standing on the floor next to the elevated stage which stands precisely at the level of their eyes, these in handsome formal uniforms and without rifles. There are more soldiers, in camouflage, standing at the end of every aisle, and if you turn back to look toward the exits, you see them standing at the beginning of every aisle as well. You cannot see their guns as easily in the dark of the seating area, but they are surely there.
One in a bright and ebullient voice and the other in a deep and serious boom, the hosts call out “Dovrana, Urth! Welcome to Tavaris!” A chorus of cheers echoes across the stadium, and for a moment—even if just a single fleeting moment—the joy of the crowd is enough to push aside the lingering shadows cast on your mind by the orcs with guns standing behind you.
The young host takes a half step forward. “Hello and welcome, to those here at Rivermouth Park and those of you watching all across the world, to the twenty-first edition of the world’s premier song festival, Urthvision! We greet you this evening from Nandrat, the City on the Mother River, the Heart of Tavaris.”
“Actually, these days, it’s more like the right arm,” quips the woman. A sea of chuckles washes over the audience.
“Oh, but Nevi,” says the man, his showman’s smile morphing into more of a wry grin. “We are Tavari. We wear our hearts on our sleeves.”
The woman’s voice could not be flatter. “I do not.” There is a smattering of laughter.
“I am Otan Novar Kelentíl, entertainment correspondent for Public Broadcasting Tavaris, and this is Nevi Tovrož Batandta, Tavaris’ senior news anchor, who was present for the invention of television.” Otan takes another bow as he introduces himself, but Nevi remains perfectly, rigidly still.
“I am here for the overtime pay.” By now, the audience has gotten the idea. Polite laughter washes over you.
“We had so much fun announcing the Tavari votes last time, our boss let us host the whole thing this go-around!” Otan bounces on his platformed heels.
“You know, since Tavaris won’t be voting.”
“In just a moment, we’ll begin the show that the entire world is here for. But first, we have a special announcement from a very special person!”
The screen behind them springs back to life and displays in ultra high definition the uncharacteristically formal face of Oda Lita, the reigning Urthvision champion. She wears the black robe of a Diet Delegate, with feathers of red, green, turquoise, and blue tucked into her ebony hair—slicked to a sheen—behind her right ear. She is seated at a desk of polished mahogany, a gleaming brass name placard reading RUNDRA in front of her and the Tavari flag and two framed platinum records behind her, matching the platinum of the rings on her tusks. They all sparkle quite a bit more than her dead, dark eyes that are clearly reading from a teleprompter in front of her. Her expression and tone are much, much closer to Nevi’s than to Otan’s. “Elders and youngers, good evening and welcome to Urthvision XXI. Before we begin tonight’s amazing show, we would be remiss if we did not first thank all of you for being here or tuning in to this, the most wonderful show on Urth. We also want to thank all the expert Urthvision staff members who are working hard to bring the show to you, and the brave women and men of the Royal Tavari Armed Forces for keeping us safe tonight and every night. All of you are what makes this all possible.” For just a moment, a glimmer of emotion flashes on her face as she lifts a hand to her mouth and blows a kiss to the camera. “Mwah. Enjoy the show.”
A powerful roar of applause breaks out among the audience that, except for a few isolated pockets here and there, dies out just as quickly as it appeared. The cheers that linger are spirited, perhaps even aggressive, and you can see Otan’s eyes scan the audience. For just a barely perceptible moment, he hesitates.
“W-We love Oda Lita, don’t we?” There is another roar of cheers from approximately the same places, and the keen eyed can see Otan’s shoulders relax. He grins again. “Without further ado, beautiful people, now it’s time for the show! Our world is made of music, and now here is the music of our world!”
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[OOC NOTE: I apologize, some of the videos seem not to want to embed. Every entry is also hyperlinked.]
After pausing several moments for the cheers to die down, Otan speaks again, clearly even more excited. “Our first entrant tonight: Sokala! Dubbed the “Sokalan Drag’s Fiery Mother”, Dagatan Sommera is the first drag performer to ever reach the top 100 on Sokalan music charts. She first came to the public after she won Sokala’s premiere drag talent show “Drag It Down”. Her fiery performance of the show, alongside the popularity of the show, led to increase in popularity of drag as an artform in many cities in Northern and Central Sokala. She was chosen as Sokala’s Urthvision representative after she narrowly won a national vote, winning over Joe and the Mamas who represented Sokala in Urthvision XVI. She wrote AMASOKALANA just for Urthvision XXI, spending a month with Sokalan producer K.C. Tindig. Written with very patriotic tones, AMASOKALANA was meant to be a homage to the beauty of the indigenous and native Sokalans.”
(Sokala: Dagatan Sommera—AMASOKALANA)
••••••••••••••••••
Nevi very plainly reads her cue cards but, to earn her paycheque, diligently lilts her voice for every exclamation point—barely. “Here representing our friends and cousins in Metradan for their first ever Urthvision entry is the star, the very sun of the Metradani rock scene, Luminosa! Bold, powerful vocals and a flair for style mark the sound of the Queen of Argiento, here to sing in her native language about love and her home city. Here is Luminosa with E Corro, Corro!
(Metradan: Luminosa—E Corro, Corro)
••••••••••••••••••
“Now, to Borea, with Nystatiszna! Ny’Braggan is a Neo-Fantøm native, known for their translations of old Akuan prayers, poems and songs. As with most Akuan story telling, it is traditionally performed to a musical beat—however, Ny’Braggan adapts the old stories with new instruments and translation. The song-” Otan stops for just a moment. “Er, ‘Akua Has Left Us’ is a translation of a particularly old poem originating from the 900s, speaking about how the Akua, the mother of all sapient life, has left them alone without notifying them, leaving the Akuanists… hopeless and in the dark… suffering from night terrors from the hopelessness, while the chorus acts as the various spirits of nature describing how much they despise Akua for abandoning her children while regretting what it does to the Akuanists. As is common with most Ny’Braggan works, he changes a few words so the context of the song can be understood by a greater audience.” Otan blinks and clears his throat.
(Nystatiszna: Ny’Braggan—Akua Has Left Us)
••••••••••••••••••
“An up-and-coming Technotrap musician, Technovelia is direct from Tivot to give you the freshest in Salovian pop! This is The Giggling Elven Beauty,” says Nevi without even a trace of a giggle, though after the briefest of pauses, she adds “I am not even sure my co-host was alive when Salovia existed.”
(Tivot: Technovelia—The Giggling Elven Beauty)
••••••••••••••••••
“I may not remember Salovia but dear Nevi remembers the founding of our next entrant, Reijia! Nuza Buzalade is a Reiji musical artist interested in combining modern electrica with traditional Reijian drums and imagery. In her song Firefighter, she expresses a metaphorical fight against wars, hate, and envy.”
(Reijia: Nuza Buzalade—Firefighter)
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x93bof6
••••••••••••••••••
“Next, from Alksearia, it’s the return of Phantoms. After the lackluster performance of the last entry, the people of Alksearia have voted to send Phantoms back to Urthvision this time with the entry, Spillways. Instead of the usual metal the band typically performs, this rock song will have you falling through the-” Nevi suppresses a groan as she detects a pun in her script. “-the Spillways of your Soul.”
(Alksearia: Phantoms—Spillways)
••••••••••••••••••
“STahT—that’s Sagirana Tai a’herhi’Tudarei, which translates from Felaener as ‘Her Voice Over Boys’—is an electronic trio from West Borea. They started out in their tiny Korretis flat with a synthesizer they borrowed from their aunt, and operated underground and unknown for a decade until their hail-mary entry for the ballad-dominated West Borean Urthvision selection galvanised the voting public around them and their latest single: Cats.” Otan pauses, and then grins. “I bet you didn’t know I took Vaaran at university. I’m a big rugby fan.”
(West Borean Federation: STahT—Cats)
••••••••••••••••••
“And now to Taw- er, the Tawusian Cape. Rappell Choan is a Gratultan singer, from the city of Vallentagne. Her music represents the classic spirit of Urthvision: Love! On a deeper level, her song is based on prior experience with lost love. The backing for this performance is based on the siege of Vallentagne, during the unification wars which united old Tawuse under one king. Rappell plays a revolutionary female fighter, known as Roan of Varc, leading remaining Gratultan forces against the Tawusians. Here is Good Luck, Babe!”
(Tawusian Cape: Rappell Choan—Good Luck, Babe!)
••••••••••••••••••
“Next up!” Otan pauses for just a moment, his eyes scanning the audience. “Asendavia!” Without incident, he continues. “Mari Zhoreja is a traditional folk musician from northwestern Asendavia known for covering old folk songs from all across the country. The song she’s covering, Pelumen Kalrudarin, is about mourning the loss of one’s love after waking up one morning to discover that they’ve abandoned them while they slept. Always fun and upbeat, our Asendavian friends.”
(Asendavia: Mari Zhoreja—Pelumen Kalrudarin)
••••••••••••••••••
“Next is Eyjaria. Norberta Charbordis and Bernard Charbordis are a Côtois migrant couple-” Nevi is interrupted by a smattering of boos. “I-It’s Eyjaria, I said. Er, uh, a migrant couple that moved to Eyjaria in 2020, with the two marrying there two years later. The two would then become a major hit in Eyjarian media for their love songs with their song, ‘Looking like you love me’, winning the Eyjarian Melody Song Contest to come to Urthvision. The song is about how the two first met back in the Federation”—there is another swarm of boos, that Nevi yells over—“with references to their rural home town.”
(Eyjaria: Norverta Charbordis and Bernard Charbordis—Looking Like You Love Me)
••••••••••••••••••
Otan’s eyes are wide and he speaks loudly and quickly. “Blueacia! Blueacia is next! This song is about the Blueacian tradion of eating their food at 6 o’clock, but children who are on adventures are not always home by 6. The song is about such a boy and that he should continue with his adventures even past 6—with that mindset he can conquer the whole world.” Otan smiles. “Isn’t that nice. ‘Seis oere thús’ is one of the most famous Blueacian lines, because every mum says it to her children before they go out. Here is Sjoukje Terpstra!”
(Blueacia: Sjoukje Terpstra—Seis oere thús [Be Home at Six])
••••••••••••••••••
“And now from Aduraszna, Fantola Bay, Borea’s busiest pop duo. Named after their hometown, which sits forty kilometers from the nearest body of water, this band has spent the last five months on a gruelling world tour that they booked onto because they didn’t think ASGTV would select them for Urthvision! They’ve had to postpone the Morstaybishlian leg to be here and I, for one, am devastated.” Nevi’s face remains perfectly expressionless, as it has been since the late 1970s. “For all those ticket-holders, here’s something to tide you over: their latest hit single, Romance & Death!”
(Aduraszna: Fantola Bay: Romance & Death)
••••••••••••••••••
“Whew! That’s a nice round twelve entries so far, we’re just about halfway through! Let’s take a break! We have a lovely interlu-” Otan, first bouncing on his heels, stops dramatically and falls over as there is a sudden terrible commotion. Bursting out from backstage comes a massive man, tattoos of jaguar claw marks running down his face, dramatic eyeshadow encircling his eyes, and a dazzling headdress of black feathers. Wearing shiny black leather studded in spikes, he hefts a massive custom electric guitar even spikier than his outfit above his head and screams in rage.
“TAVARIS FOR THE—”
All two meters of Nevi Tovrož Batandta run at the outraged rocker and, without so much as a shadow of emotion on her face, the silver-haired orc smacks a fist into the man half her age and knocks him flat out cold. His head is saved from smacking on the stage by the giant spikes on the back of his leather jacket as well as the hordes of Tavari soldiers clamoring onto the stage after him. Otan, leaping up, rips one of his platform shoes off in a fluid motion and throws it toward the door backstage, missing the heads of the other musicians trying to force their way through a line of soldiers but audibly puncturing a drum and crashing a cymbal.
“That was the Tavari metal band Obsidian Warcats,” boomed Nevi, perhaps just a faint ghost of disappointment on her face as she looks down at the pile of man beneath her, "But, elders and youngers, I am afraid we will not be having an interlude this evening. We will need to take a break of a few minutes while the Royal Tavari Armed Forces work to ensure the stadium is secure. Audience members, do not leave your seats. Media of the world, now is a fantastic time to cut to commercial.”
The lights on the stage cut to black but the lights over the seating area flip back on with a loud sound, stark white and yet more Tavari soldiers begin making their way down each aisle. There is a din of panicked murmuring, a few cries, and the sound of Nevi’s microphone, inadvertently left hot, as she says “Didn’t put anyone backstage, did you? Tremendous work. Spot on.”
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With his hugest smile yet fixed, unmoving, on his face, Otan walks back onstage, his platform shoes replaced with sneakers. His eyes are not smiling anywhere near as much as his mouth and his voice is less bright at first, but a light touch on his shoulder from Nevi as she returns to the stage as nonplussed as ever seems to lift his spirits. “Thank you, everyone, for your patience and understanding. Public Broadcasting Tavaris, the Urthvision Songfestival Broadcasting Union, and the Province of Nandrat would like to apologize for the earlier incident. Please be assured that we have concluded a security sweep of the facility and we are happy and excited to continue with the show.” Standing at the wings of the stage at each entrance backstage are camouflaged soldiers whose rifles are quite visible under the white spotlights that illuminate them.
“Imari Cordell originally wrote this song as a child, having watched as their family-” Otan sighs. “-Struggled to survive through the beginnings of a nation and the aftermath of war. Now no longer a child, Imari’s music has touched the hearts of all of Nyerr, enjoying first place in Nyerr’s top 100 artists for the past 5 years! Here is Mi Capitán!”
(Nyerr: Imari Cordell—Mi Capitán)
••••••••••••••••••
“Now back home to Gondwana, with Korćetta. Train to the Other Side has a rather unusual name, taken from a song of the same name from an old band. Today they take that name and make it theirs by making wondrous music that millions flock to hear. Their most popular song ‘I Will Follow You into the Dark’ talks about following your partner into the afterlife. This song touches so many people’s hearts and is often played at weddings in Korćetta. Lovely.”
(Korcetta: Train to the Other Side—I Will Follow You into the Dark)
••••••••••••••••••
Otan’s plastered smile gives way to what can only be described as glee as the light returns to his eyes. “Let me clear my throat for the solemnity this moment requires. It is time for THE return. The return of Wed Shams, the return of an international superstar, and the return she’ll be making to her ancestral roots. Representing the country she was born in, the next song will be performed by no-other-than… Lórien Talháwi herself. Yes!! You have heard well. The ONLY artist ever to win the contest twice, first back on Urthvision IV with ‘Statements’ and secondly with ‘Euphoria’ on Urthvision XVII. Lórien, the Urthvision legend, is back in the contest, albeit as humble as ever. You’ll see.
The Cukish singer-songwriter was born in Wed Shams back in 1973. Soon in her short-yet-long elven life, she moved to New Leganes, where most of her career has taken place, too, together with her Urthvision success. However, in recent years she has expressed a certain inner longing for her ancestral land, which she often visits. Success after success, but torn between her past and her present, her music and her private life, Lórien composed ‘Is It Love?’, the entry the Shamsian audience have chosen to represent the country. This song marks her first iteration into Shamsian folk-pop, which she grew up with through her mother’s vinyls, and pays homage to the struggles and toxic relationships her ancestors endured. The first part of the performance has been recorded on the arid areas in northernmost Wed Shams, while the audience at home will see her live for the second half of it.
‘Is It Love?’ is one of Lórien’s most personal songs, and one she does not necessarily expect success with, but both personal growth and a tribute to Wed Shams that can be appreciated all around the globe. ‘It’s not about the competition, it’s all about love, and in this case, representing Wed Shams is an opportunity to keep on spreading the love I receive with my music, the love of my fans and the love of my Shamsian family’. Even if she’s modest about all of it, TISATEL Wed Shams certainly haven’t been as humble with their artist choice. Wed Shams is here to play, and they’ll do so with ‘Is It Love?’, performed by Lórien Talháwi.”
“How much did Wed Shams pay to get all that crammed in the script?” Nevi quips, only to be met with a glare from Otan so sharp, it manages to make the woman take a step back.
‘This is LÓRIEN’, Otan mouths silently, and then turns back to the camera and grins. “Wed Shams! Yay!”
(Wed Shams: Lórien Talháwi—Is It Love?)
••••••••••••••••••
“‘It’s a Sin’ by the Elissian pop duo Bike Shop Boys is a powerful synth-pop anthem—whatever that means—that tackles guilt and forbidden love themes. Initially released in the late 1980s, the song has remained a staple of Elissian pop culture, resonating with fans due to its bold social commentary and striking melodies. The Bike Shop Boys, comprised of lead vocalist Nickolas Stringer and keyboardist Kris West, named themselves after a group of friends who worked in a bike shop in Fairfield, Elissia, and were affectionately known as the ‘bike shop boys.’
The Bike Shop Boys have achieved iconic status in Elissia and beyond with their signature blend of electronic beats and introspective lyrics. Their Urthvision XXI entry marks a significant moment for the band, chosen by the Elissian Music Foundation to represent Elissia. ‘It’s a Sin’ reflects the duo’s ongoing exploration of emotional and societal conflicts, making it a fitting choice for their international showcase at Urthvision XXI. The song was produced by Ethan and Edward Silver of Yuki Labels, Elissia’s most prominent music recording label.”
(Elissia: Bike Shop Boys—It’s a Sin)
••••••••••••••••••
“Hatsoonee Meekoo, the beloved pop idol from the Eye, was selected to represent the Commonwealth of Fallan at Urthvision XXI. After a tragic sailboating accident in her youth, Meekoo can only perform live through the use of… holographic projectors!” Otan blinks. “Wow! Her poppy vocals and upbeat dance routines brought her to stardom. She has released six platinum albums and was honoured with a damehood in 2022. Meekoo is a second generation Gondwanan immigrant, and sings in Genesi. Her song, Hibikase, is a touching tribute to her late fiancé, who was eaten by killer whales in 2023.”
(Fallan: Hatsoonee Meekoo—Hibikase)
••••••••••••••••••
“NorthStar is a band from the Norgsveltian capital of Osfjord becoming quickly very popular across the entirety of Norgsveldet, with their song ‘I kissed a girl’ having especially hit a major chord with its pro-LGBTQ message. A song they released after the controversial reveal of Princess Joan’s same sex relationship with Princess Violette of House Frida. Singer Mariana Hygge has stated the band wanted to show their support to the Princess after the immediate backlash she got from the Norgsveltian right.” A small chorus of boos rings out, greeted by a look of utter exasperation from Nevi. “Oh come on. Really? It- do you think Emperor Otan and Prince Hendrik like this song? I bet they do. Here’s Norgsveldet, kissing a girl.”
(Norgsveldet: NorthStar—I Kissed A Girl)
••••••••••••••••••
“This song is about Chantelle who cheated with Jonathan from church.” Otan says, then stares for a moment at the notecard in his hand. Yes, he determines, that’s all it says. “In their first ever Urthvision entry, here is Roll Safe of Nawwquta with their song Chantelle.”
(Nawwquta: Roll Safe—Chantelle)
••••••••••••••••••
Nevi stares for a moment in the direction that Roll Safe just walked off stage, opens her mouth to say something, then closes it. “Uh.” She looks down at her notecard. “Oh, next is Rodoka!”
Louder than ever before, a roar of boos crashes over the audience. Entire sections of the stage stand up to jeer even more loudly, some raising their fists. In reaction, other sections of the crowd stand up as well, clapping their hands and trying to suppress the booing with cheers. Cries of ‘One Thousand, One Hundred, and Fifty Two!’ break out across the stadium, answered by roars of rage and, in a handful of places, chants in Rodokan. Swarms of soldiers stream down the aisles in several places where sections of the crowd have begun pushing at one another.
Nevi Tovrož Batandta is the most renowned broadcaster in Tavaris. For decades, she has unwaveringly delivered the news of the day, good and bad, always professionally, always in that same plain, clear, bold tone that has made hers the most recognized voice in Tavaris. In more than four decades on air, not once has her voice ever cracked. Not for the shooting of the Emperor, not for his mother’s death, not for Air Tavaris Flight 704, not for the Hotel Heartwood, not for space launch explosions, temple bombings, or war. But here, the stalwart dean of Tavari journalism finally breaks. “No! Please! No!”
The stadium falls silent. A single tear rolls down Nevi’s face.
“Please,” she begs. “I…” she stops. “I… I didn’t like Nawwquta’s entry very much either, but…” Tears streaming down her face and twinkling brighter than Otan’s diamonds, she offers an awkward smile and a single laugh.
There are, perhaps two, maybe three chuckles. Then, a couple laughs. A chortle, a guffaw. The laughter washes over the audience, louder and louder. Some of it, in oddly coordinated unison, turns out to be from the soldiers, using forced laughter rather than physical force to quell the rage. Eventually, people sit. Glowsticks return to the air. Silence falls on the crowd at Rivermouth Park Stadium. With a shocking pink handkerchief produced from Otan’s jacket pocket, Nevi dabs her face, takes a deep breath, and continues.
“The titans of the Rodokan rock music scene have taken over the Tavari Union airwaves and won the hearts of Rodoka in Rodoka Hääl, Rodoka’s first ever national song contest. With powerful vocals that reach the depths of the soul, This Is What You Asked For speaks to the angst of a young generation entering a complicated world.” She takes another, deeper voice and booms as loudly as she can. “Here today, the voice of Rodoka! Jürjo Square!”
(Rodoka: Jürjo Square—This Is What You Asked For)
••••••••••••••••••
“Helene Distad is a…” Otan sighs. “Controversial popular singer from Vakrestrender’s capital, ahem… Vakkerhavfruebukt, popularized by her grim song topics being performed in an upbeat, cheerful way. Her song, ‘Cut Above’, is about Doctor Nina Ingrundatur, also known as Dr. Lokidatur in Ymirland, who was a Norgsveltian doctor during the Akuan Atrocities in Ymirland famous for performing medical experiments on Akuanists in Lokesleir. The most infamous of her experiments were attempts to perform organ and limb transplants. The song quickly became a hit in Vakrestrender, with the translated Codexian version becoming the most mainstream version listened to worldwide.” Otan stares into the distance.
(Vakrestrender: Helene Distad—Cut Above)
••••••••••••••••••
“Throughout the different editions they’ve taken part in, Peragen hasn’t really ever stuck onto a genre. Their Urthvision XXI entry is no exception. With ‘Olvido’, los Conjuradores de Tingá—or “The Witchers of Tingá”, if we translate their name—bring us Peragian Metal. A well-known band in Peragen for many decades now, awarded with 5 Electrum Discs, they wish to expand their music beyond the borders of the Impelanzan Union, confident about their chances of success. They have stated that they have “nothing to lose, except for boredom”. ‘Olvido’ is definitely a catchy, fun song, with deep lyrics nonetheless, about the Curse of the Dark Olune, a myth by which Astyanax Vandelia of Tingá cast a spell on herself: she forsook any feelings of love in exchange for immortality. When Olune couldn’t grant her wish, she lived a life of frustrated love affairs. But enough with sadness!” Nevi stops. “It says here for me to say that. Enough with sadness. As the band themselves said in their last interview, ‘you will enjoy this song more if you just let yourself be carried by it.’ So let’s watch them! Here is Peragen, with Los Conjuradores de Tingá and ‘Olvido’.”
(Peragen: Los Conjuradores de Tingá—Olvido)
••••••••••••••••••
“Born in the Vandren Plains of South Hills—”Otan winces but the crowd seems unaffected. His relief is palpable. “Johan Raknss is a bona fide rustler-turned-singer from Ronald! His song What Have I Become? speaks of the suffering his people endured by the presidency of Theodore Swanson in the 1950’s during the period of economic hyper-development and the forced selling of his people’s land.”
(South Hills: Johan Raknss—What Have I Become?)
••••••••••••••••••
“Dominykas Kukoris only entered the music scene a few years ago, but has already skyrocketed in popularity. One of his recent releases ‘Daylight’ topped charts in its first week and stayed there for a year, the longest a single artist has been at #1. His song hits in the feelings of the Zemeprievadain people with a religious note. Oh boy, just the kind of note we need.”
(Zemeprievadai: Dominykas Kukoris—Daylight)
••••••••••••••••••
Otan’s smile is out in full force. “Finally! Our last entry! Uh, I mean… well…” He pauses briefly. “‘Man, I Feel Like a Woman!’ by Augustian-born Eilleen Regina ‘Shania’ Twain is a vibrant anthem that has become a defining moment in country-pop fusion. Twain, who rose to international stardom in the late 1990s, has roots in Augustia. However, her music career truly blossomed in Elissia, where she signed with Yuki Labels, Elissia’s most prominent music recording label. Known for her empowering lyrics and energetic performances, Twain’s hit single embodies the confidence and liberation of modern women. ‘Man, I Feel Like a Woman!’ was produced by Ethan and Edward Silver of Yuki Labels.
Augustia was initially set to withdraw from Urthvision XXI due to financial difficulties and their low final score last edition. However, with the support of the Unovian Music Foundation, Augustia was able to participate in the competition. The foundation, which provided financial backing, selected the artist and the song to represent Augustia. Twain’s timeless track was chosen, marking a powerful comeback for the nation in the contest.” Otan applauds vigorously, and even Nevi offers a clap.
(Augustia: Eilleen Regina Twain—Man, I Feel Like a Woman!)
••••••••••••••••••
“Elders and youngers. Beautiful people. We have reached the conclusion of our performances tonight. Thank you for…” Otan pauses long enough for it to be awkward. “Thank you for being here tonight. Our world is music… and our world is also other things. We have seen, heard, and felt a lot of feelings tonight. Urthvision is supposed to be a celebration, but the truth is, music is for all feelings, isn’t it? I think… I think we need music more than ever. I’m disappointed in Tavaris tonight, but I’m proud of it, too. We… well, we wear our hearts on our sleeves, don’t we? For… all the world to see. In a moment, we will open the polls for the world to make their voices heard. We will hear from all over our planet, juries of esteemed figures and the voices of the masses, and we will come together to decide which of these is the best song on Urth. It’s a beautiful thing.” He pauses and dares to smirk. “Since Nevi and I will almost certainly never be allowed back to host another Urthvision, I’ll dare to be a little impartial. My money’s on Chantelle from church.” He winks. “That’s it, then, Urth. Ball’s in your court. Our world is music, so tell us which song is your favorite.”
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Worldwide polls are NOW OPEN!
Competing countries may submit votes with entries scored at 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 points.
Those who have submitted multiple entries, note that you may not rank a country you own 8 points or higher.
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THE PEOPLE OF SOKALA HAS SPOKEN!
A bedazzled, bejeweled-coat-wearing presenter appears with a wide smile in front of an image of Sokala’s many rice terraces
Good morning folks! I’m Dan Yjell Padilla and I’ll be your host for today! This year’s Urthvision has been, as the kids say, FIRE in terms of both music and performances. While I’m biased to our own entry, I can’t say that our friends across the world didn’t wow me as well! We took a look over this year’s votes and - to no surprise - Jürjo Square of Rodoka has snatched the top spot in Sokala for this year. Congratulations to all the winners!
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Peragen
12 Alksearia
10 Nyerr
8 Elissia
7 Wed Shams
6 Reijia
5 Fallan
4 Tivot
3 Tawusian Cape
2 Norgsveldet
1 West Borean Federation
Wed Shams:
12 Tivot
10 Reijia
8 Nystatiszna
7 Asendavia
6 Peragen
5 Tawusian Cape
4 Alksearia
3 Nyerr
2 Sokala
1 Zemeprievadai
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Korcetta:
12: South Hills
10: Fallan
8: Tawusian Cape
7: Wed Shams
6: Reija
5: Elissia
4: Zemeprievadai
3: Rodoka
2: West Borean Federation
1: Augustia
Zemeprievadai:
12: Tawusian Cape
10: Rodoka
8: South Hills
7: Norgsveldet
6: Korcetta
5: Nystatiszna
4: Peragen
3: Sokala
2: Reija
1: Elissia
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An tall elven man wearing a expensive dark gray dress jacket and a white dress shirt stood in front of a green screen. With the green screen showing the night scenery of the Akuan District of Osfjord. Showing a more traditional and greener side of a city that was ever so known for its ultra modern architecture and neon lights. The elven man clearing his throat to get attention before finally speaking up, his voice being stoic and calm.
“Good evening, Urth. Thank you for this wonderful night, and thank you Tavaris for hosting it. It has certainly been night of excitement, in many ways then one. But as always, we glad our steadfast friends in Gondwana could ensure a memorable night."
There was a slight pain in his smile as he said that before clearing his throat.
"But without further delay, here goes Norgsveldet’s points:
1 point goes to… Peragen and the song ‘Olvido’, which I’m certain will be catching the eyes of the metal scene in Norgsveldet.
2 points goes to… Rodoka, with their song: ‘This Is What You Asked For’. May it gain deep popularity far beyond just the Tavari Union, and may we see more of Rodoka in Urthvision if they continue to bring out such great songs.
3 points goes to…"
The elf’s eyes narrowed towards his cards, before rubbing the bridge of his nose.
“Of course… Sorry about that. Our 3 points goes to Vakrestrender, and the song ‘Cut Above’. So, congratulation to Helene Distad.”
An heavy sigh could be heard from the elven speaker before a minor curse left his lips. “Who in the nine realms thought that was a good idea? Its entirely inappropriate.”
“Anyways! Our 4 points goes to… the Tawusian Cape, and their song: ‘Good Luck, Babe’. With the introduction of fire and swords one almost guranteed in getting votes from the Norgsveltian public! Though perhaps makes some us bit miffed about the no weapons policy.”
He gives a joking chuckle saying that but there was few distant boos in the distance at the mention of the weapon ban.
"Our 5 points goes to Nyer, and their song. Mi Captán. I think many of us can sympatise with the hardship of war, even if one not fully expirenced it oneself. Though music in my expirence has been often a great medium to cope with it.
Our 6 points goes to Asendavia, and their song ‘Pelumen Kalrudarin’. I likely mispronounced that name, but I am certain that I will be hearing this song enough in the future that I will be having easier time pronouncing Asendavian later.
Our 7 points goes to our dear friends and siblings in Eyjaria, with their song ‘Looking like you love me’. Even prior to hitting the big Urthvision screen this song been hitting the radios in Norgsveldet. I certainly couldn’t help but sway along to it, thinking about my wife when I heard it."
“Than, finally we have our last few points to give out.”
Giving a small dramatic pause before speaking up.
“Our 8 points… goes too… Fallan with the song ‘Hibikase’. While the holographic projectors are suprise to some, I think for many here in Norgsveldet we have already gotten used to it. May we see more of this Hatsune Miku.”
Small muttering could be heard in the background being said in Norgsveltian
“Ka? Hva mener du at jeg sa det feil?” (What? What do you mean that I said it wrong?)
The elf cleared his throat as he looked back to the camera with a smile, speaking once more in his accented Codexian.
"Our 10 points goes to Augustia, and their song: ‘Man, I feel like a woman’. With Twain’s amazing performance on stage, which certainly was bit unique, it clear it caught the attention of many Norgsveltians back home. My hope is that she might able to redeem the name Twain from its unfortunate Tieresh counterpart.
Now for our last points, to our big 12 goes to…."
He let a long long painfully long pause before he once more spoke up.
“Nystatiszna! While certainly a much more somber song, ‘Akua has left us’. Have caught the hearts of many here and it is easy to understand why. With amazing vocals from Ny’Braggan and wonderfully written song, I am certain their performance will be remembered for a long time.”
“We in Norgsveldet have to thank our Tavari friends once more for hosting, and we hope less controversial songs come up next time.”
He gives an apologetic look to the camera before it switches to somebody else.
2 Likes
The beloved Fallanian TV presenters Grant and Kek appear on stage in tuxedos.
GRANT: Good evening, Urth! We’re live to you from Hestam.
KEK: That’s right, Grant! We’re please to announce the people of Fallan have cast their votes.
GRANT: In keeping with the legally binding agreement that the Commonwealth signed when joining Urthvision, Kek will be presenting our results in each of Fallan’s national languages.
A flicker of pain flashes across Kek’s eyes.
KEK: First, twelve points. Deuddeg pwynt. Dhá dhéag phointe. Daa yeig poyntyn. Dà pongan dheug. Good Luck Babe by the Tawusian Cape!
A mighty cheer rises up from the crowd.
GRANT: Aye, she’s a lovely lass, that Rappell Choan. The boys must be all over her!
KEK (irritated): Yeah, don’t know about that one, Grant.
Kek checks his note cards.
KEK: Next, ten points. Deg pwynt. Deich phointe. Jeih poyntyn. Deich pongan. Romance and Death by Aduraszna!
GRANT: Lovely, lovely songs.
KEK: And finally, eight points. Wyth pwnt. Hoght… do I have to them all, Grant?
A red sniper dot appears on Kek’s forehead. He yelps.
KEK (panicking): Wyth pwynt. Hoght poyntyn. Ocht pointe. Ochd PUINGEAN PLEASE I BEG YOU—
The screen cuts to a graphic of a points table. The audio feed is abruptly cut as the anthem of the Fallanian Commonwealth warbles away.
12. Tawusian Cape - Good Luck Babe
10. Aduraszna - Romance & Death
8. Wed Shams - Is It Love?
7. Eyjaria - You Look Like You Love Me
6. South Hills - Hurt
5. Alksearia - Spillways of your Soul
4. Reijia - Firefighter
3. Norgsveldet - Katy Perry
2. Peragen - Los Conjuradores de Tingá
1. Nawwquta - Chantelle
4 Likes
“Hello Urth” screams Laura Les, leader of 100 Gecs. “Did you miss me?”
The crowd goes silent with one or two boos
“AHAHA! Anyway. What a lovely performance this evening. I really enjoyed the half-time sho-” - Laura goes quiet, almost as if someone is talking into her ear piece. “and so did the foreign office that is currently telling me to shut up!”
Laura then gives the screen a lead-paint stare. “Oh yeah. The points”.
“This one song, it really stood out to me. As a fellow killer whale hater, and attack surviver, I am happy to give Tawus-er- the Tawusian Cape’s 12 points to… Fallan!”
The crowd roars as Hatsoone’s hologram tries to bow but it just flickers, traumatising all the kids at home.
5 Likes
On the screen showed none other than Elisa Alexandradatur, the controversial contestant from last Urthvision, having a wide smile as she waved the Eyjarian flag. Wearing a white sweater and black leather jacket, matching the colours of the Eyjarian flag. An wide smile on her lips as she spoke up:
"Good evening, Urthvision!! It has been an wonderful and certainly eventful night! One filled with drama, and theatrics. A lot fire as well, which I certainly appreciated! Eitherway, not to delay this any further. Here is Eyjaria’s points!
Our 1 point goes to, Fallan and the song ‘Hibikase’. It is an unique form of music, for certainly, but nonetheless very good! Meekoo’s holographic model was very cute, hopefully we see more of her!
Our 2 points goes to, Wed Shams and the song: ‘Is it love!’. While it came as a suprise, it was certainly a pleasant suprise to see Lórien back on Urthvision! It almost wouldn’t be one without her! And I can say, on a personal note, I very much can sympathise with wanting to connect with ones Ancestral land."
She placed a hand over her left chest while giving an warm look into the camera before speaking up again.
"Our 3 points goes to Augustia, and the ‘I feel like a woman!’. Though my view of feminity that is more Hjørdist in origin, so I think there some cultural differences that I do not fully get. I will say it was catchy!
Our 4 points goes to West Borea and the song ‘Cats!’. It is nice that we can enjoy Urthvision together, I am in fact planning on doing Urthvision party in Boreyjr next time!
Our 5 points goes to our sisters in Norgsveldet and the song, ‘I kissed a girl!’. It is always wonderful to celebrate members of our Royal family, and I think we should do that more often! I mean I didn’t make Queen of Kings for nothing, right?"
She gave a wink towards the camera before continuing on further.
Our 6 points goes to South Hills and the song, ‘What have I become?’. Raknss’s voice is fantastic, I’ve already put it into my playlist.
Our 7 points goes to Asendavia, and their song ‘Pelumen Kalrudarin’. An fantastic folk song all along, reminds me of many old Lapérousian folk songs that my grandmother sang to me when I was a child. Though for some reason my parents was not fan of that."
She shrugged her shoulders before clapping her hands together.
“Now our last big points! Give a drum roll pleeease!”
She made quick drum motion with her fingers as she said that.
"For our 8 points goes to Nystatiszna! And the rather…. somber song of ‘Akua has left us’. Though it was a good song, perhaps very fitting to Nystatiszna’s history!
For our 10 points, well that goes to Metradan and the song, ‘E Corro Corro!’, I know I had a hard time not swaying to the song. I hope to see Luminosa perform in Sverdstrand soon enough!
Now for our last 12 points….
For much anticipation, and despite its controversy. It goes too, perhaps my personal faviorite, VAKRESTRENDER and the song, ‘Cut Above’! It might be one with much controversy, but what is Urthvision if not for some good ol’ controversy? I think Helene Distad made an fantastic performance, and I hope we could do a duette at some point!
Until than, I’ve been Alexandradatur and hopefully we will see you all in Sverdstrand next time!"
She blew a kiss and a wave to the camera before it switched to next person.
3 Likes
“Greetings Urthvision, hello to all free peoples of the world!” Beams a dark grey Cava who’s plumage blends seamlessly into their dark dresswear, the only colour being the striking half moons of their silvery eyes and a small red ‘TUSC’ political party pin
“I hope everyone loved getting a taste of Ñawwqutian youth culture thanks to our talented Roll Safe!” The silence is palpable. someone near the front chuckles.
“Speechless, I know. You know our first in line choice - the renown folk singer and country hero Nille Yensa - had to pull out from representing us during our very first Urthvision performance at the last minute as they’re currently recovering from cold water freediving related pneumonia, but we feel Roll Safe really rose to the challenge!” The microphone picks up someone yelling “Give us the votes!” whilst the Cava
“Wait, all political symbols?” They murmur, a single finger to their ear. as they discreetly slip the ‘TUSC’ pin into their pocket. “I’m sorry ah- yes I’ll get to it.”
The music swells, failing to cover the awkwardness but thankfully signalling that the end is near. “Alright, without further ado, here are the votes from Ñawwquta!”
12- South Hills
10- Nyerr
8- Tawusian Cape
7- Wed Shams
6- Eyjaria
5- Rodoka
4- Fallan
3- Asendavia
2- WBF
1- Alksearia