A Closer Look at the Making of Russian World Cup Mascots

The Russian mascot for the World Cup is a very important and iconic symbol of the tournament. The mascot is a character that represents the host country and embodies the spirit and culture of Russia. The mascot is chosen through a selection process and is usually a combination of a traditional Russian symbol or animal and a representation of the sport of football. For the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, the mascot was a wolf named Zabivaka, which means "the one who scores" in Russian. Zabivaka was unveiled to the public on October 21, 2016, and quickly became popular among football fans around the world. The wolf symbolizes both strength and wisdom, and is a well-known animal in Russian folklore.

Available Patron Themes: Insanity, Occult, Stars, Transformation; 2nd—lesser confusion, 8th—dreadscape, 10th—compelling rant.

You gain the tongues hex at 1st level, but you cannot help but feel the despair, pain, and other negative emotions in those around you, taking a 5 penalty on saving throws against emotion effects. This both serves to give the game more TGTF appeal TG is implied in a lot of it but we don t usually depict it because it s past-tense, with one very notable exception and possibly tease you for future monster types since the chapter 3 monsters may well be on the poll.

The wolf symbolizes both strength and wisdom, and is a well-known animal in Russian folklore. Zabivaka was designed to appeal to both children and adults, with a friendly and approachable appearance. The mascot was depicted wearing a football jersey with the number 18, representing the year of the tournament, and had bright blue eyes and a mischievous smile.

Witch Patrons

At 1st level, when a witch gains her familiar, she must also select a patron. This patron is a vague and mysterious force, granting the witch power for reasons that she might not entirely understand. While these forces need not be named, they typically hold influence over one of the following forces.

At 2nd level, and every two levels thereafter, a witch’s patron adds new spells to a witch’s list of spells known. These spells are also automatically added to the list of spells stored by the familiar. The spells gained depend upon the patron chosen. Each patron is listed by its theme. Its actual name is up to the GM and the witch to decide.

Special Patrons

The following patrons swap out the spells normally provided by a patron theme at specific levels, and grant a specific hex and drawback at 1st level.

Once a specific patron has been selected, a witch cannot change her patron or raise a hand against that entity without losing her spellcasting, hexes, and familiar. These categories are limited in the patron themes they can provide; their witches must select from one of the four listed for each entry. These patrons are extraordinary examples of their kind, often invested with unique or mythic powers and pursuing long-term agendas measured in centuries or eons.

Celestial Agenda

While good deities and empyreal lords have organized faiths to carry out their wills, powerfully ranked agathions, angels, and archons—and occasional intersectional councils of good outsiders—sometimes invest white witches with celestial might to defend the weak and heal the sick.

You gain the ward hex at 1st level, but your patron holds you to a higher standard: you must be of good alignment, and you take a –2 penalty on Bluff, Intimidate, Sleight of Hand, and other skill checks to deceive or threaten others.

Available Patron Themes: Endurance, Healing, Light, Portents; 4th—castigate, 10th—rebuke, 16th—greater planar ally (good outsiders only).

The Condition of All

Aeons are often patrons to witches, seeking out mortals who share their vested interest in some agenda that helps them promote the cosmic balance.

You gain the scar hex at 1st level, but such service requires unwavering commitment to their cause, and you lose your spellcasting and hexes (but not your familiar) if your alignment changes after taking your first witch level; you regain your spellcasting and hexes once you revert to your original alignment.

Available Patron Themes: Elements, Time, Transformation, Wisdom; 2nd—forbid action, 8th—dismissal, 12th—geas/quest.

Empath

Your patron is a manifestation of the collective living experience—mortal desire and purpose given direction by the beliefs of countless minds and hearts.

You gain the tongues hex at 1st level, but you cannot help but feel the despair, pain, and other negative emotions in those around you, taking a –5 penalty on saving throws against emotion effects.

Available Patron Themes: Ancestors, Mind, Spirits, Wisdom; 2nd—burst of insight, 6th—analyze aura, 10th—retrocognition.

Fey Gifts

A powerful fey or other entity has offered you magic. You serve as an anchor and scrying focus in the Material Plane for your patron, but you also provide frequent amusement.

You gain the charm hex at 1st level, but your fey patron delights in your failure and injury and frequently jinxes you; once each day, the Gamemaster can demand you reroll a single ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check and use the worse result.

Available Patron Themes: Agility, Enchantment, Trickery, Winter; 2nd—disguise self, 4th—hideous laughter, 16th—irresistible dance.

Green Whispers

Your witch powers are bestowed by a representative of natural forces, such as an ancient treant or nature spirit, who expects you to wield such gifts on its behalf.

You gain the feral speech hex at 1st level, but you cannot abide the touch of iron or steel; contact with either metal deals 1d3 points of damage each round, and wearing metal armor prevents you from casting spells until it is removed.

Available Patron Themes: Animals, Endurance, Moon, Transformation; 2nd—entangle, 6th—plant growth, 10th—tree stride.

Hag’s Calling

Hags of exceptional power—most often mute hags and dreamthief hags—sometimes invest mortal agents with the same well of ancient power they have mastered. Hags most often invest their changeling daughters with such power, either once they have proven loyal or else to tempt them into wickedness.

You gain the coven hex at 1st level, but you can neither use the aid another action nor receive benefits from others’ aid another actions.

Available Patron Themes: Moon, Plague, Shadow, Vengeance; 2nd—disguise self, 8th—sending, 10th—commune (hag/patron rather than deity).

Infernal Contract

Your power was brokered from a powerful daemon, demon, or devil to speed the corruption and moral decay of mortals. When you die, your soul goes to Abaddon, the Abyss, or Hell, and you can’t be raised or resurrected except by extraordinary means—though bold service may earn you a favored position in damnation.

You gain the misfortune hex at 1st level, but your magic requires sacrifice; each day when you prepare spells, you must deal 1d6 points of damage to yourself as part of your infernal ritual, feeding the lost blood to your familiar. At 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter, this damage increases by 1d6.

Available Patron Themes: Enchantment, Strength, Trickery, Vengeance; 8th—lesser planar ally, 12th—planar ally, 16th—greater planar ally (your bonus spells can be used to summon only the type of outsider your patron represents).

Touched by the Outer Gods

Your powers hail from an incomprehensible being from beyond the stars, whose motivations and needs erode your psyche.

You gain the unnerve beasts hex at 1st level, but you take a –2 penalty on saving throws against confusion and emotion effects and are affected by such effects for at least 1 round even on a successful saving throw.

Available Patron Themes: Insanity, Occult, Stars, Transformation; 2nd—lesser confusion, 8th—dreadscape, 10th—compelling rant.

Shadowbound

Deep exposure to entities from the Plane of Shadow—kytons, nightshades, owbs, and similar ethereal forces—has infused you with shadow.

You gain the disguise hex at 1st level, but you also gain light blindness.

Available Patron Themes: Death, Deception, Ethereal, Shadow; 8th—shadow conjuration, 12th—shadow walk, 16th—greater shadow evocation.

3rd Party Witch Patrons

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Ultimate Magic. © 2011, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Jason Bulmahn, Tim Hitchcock, Colin McComb, Rob McCreary, Jason Nelson, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Sean K Reynolds, Owen K.C. Stephens, and Russ Taylor.

Advanced Player’s Guide. Copyright 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.

Your patron is a manifestation of the collective living experience—mortal desire and purpose given direction by the beliefs of countless minds and hearts.

Zabivaka quickly became a favorite among fans and was seen at all the World Cup venues, entertaining and interacting with spectators. The role of the mascot goes beyond just being a symbol. Zabivaka played an important role in promoting the World Cup and engaging with fans. The mascot made appearances at various events and activities leading up to the tournament, including school visits, promotional campaigns, and public appearances. Zabivaka also had a presence on social media, with its own official accounts where fans could follow its adventures and interact with the character. The Russian mascot for the World Cup symbolizes the excitement and passion of the tournament. It helps to create a sense of unity and excitement among fans, both young and old. With its friendly and playful character, the mascot adds a touch of fun and creativity to the tournament, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved..

Reviews for "Iconic Russian World Cup Mascots: From Zabivaka to Zakumi"

1. John - ★★☆☆☆:

I was extremely disappointed with the Russian mascot world cup. The mascots were creepy and not at all cute or appealing. The designs were poorly executed and looked like cheap knock-offs. Additionally, the activities and events around the mascots were underwhelming. Overall, it was a letdown and not worth the hype.

2. Laura - ★☆☆☆☆:

I can't believe how much I disliked the Russian mascot world cup. The mascots were tacky and uninspired. Their costumes were clearly made with low-quality materials and the overall design lacked creativity. The events and activities were far from engaging or entertaining. It was a waste of time and money. I would not recommend it to anyone.

3. Alex - ★★☆☆☆:

I had high expectations for the Russian mascot world cup, but unfortunately, it fell short. The mascots were forgettable and lacked the charm and charisma of previous world cup mascots. The events and activities were subpar and did not offer anything unique or exciting. It was a missed opportunity to showcase the culture and creativity of Russia. Overall, it was a lackluster experience.

4. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆:

I was extremely let down by the Russian mascot world cup. The mascots were unappealing and felt like a desperate attempt to cash in on the world cup hype. The events and activities were poorly organized and lacked any wow factor. It was a disappointment from start to finish. I would advise others to save their time and money and skip this event altogether.

5. Mark - ★★☆☆☆:

I was not impressed with the Russian mascot world cup. The mascots lacked originality and were overshadowed by previous world cup mascots. The events and activities were average at best, offering nothing unique or memorable. Overall, it was a forgettable experience. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and enjoyable world cup experience.

Exploring the Global Appeal of Russian World Cup Mascots