Magus Cup Blender!

[Tainted Bushido]

This thread is devoted to the Magus Cup and the discussion of winners and losers ect. Place your predictions here or even just toot your own horn!

[Amaril Torrun]

Boogey woogie woogie.

[Relt PeltFelter]

Horn duly tooted, my liege.

Recall that I, as part of a duo, was declared champion of the last tournament I participated in. Years ago, when my skills were certainly less sharp than they currently are. Woe betide ye all!

But in all seriousness, this is going to be crazy fun and awesome and I wish everyone a great match.

[Dissinger]

Yeah, I got trumped my last tournament. Then again I was playing a non-combatant, so go figure...

This time though, I doubt anyone's gonna stop me.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I anticipate losing within two rounds and being satisfied that I did a tournament despite all my strong inclinations to the contrary.

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

I predict that Christoph will wage an attack on two fronts: One ICly and a second over AIM that will include a full barrage of stale jokes about his opponent's mother and shooting down any replies with his surface-to-air "that's what she said" missiles.

[Bear Man]

EDIT: Oh wait, never mind, I figured it out and that was a stupid question anyway. Best of luck to everyone!

[Shadar]

I predict that I will keep up my motivation until someone's total score exceeds my own.* Why, you may ask? I have sworn upon my anime/videogame figure collection that I will not buy BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger until I have finished as high as I can.

And since Relt started the bragging, I finished second in the last Gisela... to a goat.**

* At which point, I will cry like a baby.
** I cried like a baby.

[Bear Man]

I would brag about something, but I haven't done anything worth bragging about. :( I hope to at least put up a bit of a fight, though, eh?

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

In that case, Bear Man, you could always brag that nobody has seen what great literary work you are capable of, and that you eat Judges' Choice threads for breakfast.

Just say that you make Letho look like someone from Gaia, and you'll do fine.

[Bear Man]

Are you kidding? Gaia online? I make Letho look like someone fresh off of the Neopets Discussion boards. Someone who plays Webkinz in his free time, thinks that "my immortal" is the greatest fanfic ever, and who aspires to someday be as good as the dude who wrote The Eye of Argon.

Am i doin it rite?

This would mean more if I remembered who Letho was.

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

Letho was the one who wanted to turn you into a rug in your introductory thread.

[Bear Man]

Oh yes, him, I...crap.

Wish me luck in my new and exciting career as a doormat. D:

[Requiem of Insanity]

I dunno, a little red wine, a good book, and a comfy chair. The roaring fireplace burning so softly in the back ground as the gentle pitter patter of rain hits the glass. All this is brought together by you as a rug.

Think of that and what good became of it! Now people can enjoy books thanks to your...er...sitting there deadness. Who else could say they have done that?

[Tainted Bushido]

Mmm dragon never tasted so good... (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19586)

[Visla Eraclaire]

I'm truly stunned no one has mentioned that it's true. He was gay. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showpost.php?p=152738&postcount=7)

That may be the most hilarious intentional self-disqualification I've ever seen.

[Tainted Bushido]

Meh...I think it was rather poor taste. Especially since it was basically an attack on the other player rather than his character.

[Slayer of the Rot]

I'm truly stunned no one has mentioned that it's true. He was gay. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showpost.php?p=152738&postcount=7)

That may be the most hilarious intentional self-disqualification I've ever seen.

I thought it was the lulziest post I've seen on the forum in years. And it was entertaining, compared to the people who get disgusted, and either just quit posting, or take it to PM, or do something completely newfag and post "fuck this i'm don".

With that aside, I have not admittedly read more than a few of the MC battles. However, out of the posts I've read while lurking before this, and presently, the writing I've enjoyed the most is Wilhelm Bosche's.

[Godhand]

I'm truly stunned no one has mentioned that it's true. He was gay. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showpost.php?p=152738&postcount=7)

That may be the most hilarious intentional self-disqualification I've ever seen.

It was definitely the althanas equivalent of stopping in the middle of an exhaustively choregraphed ballet, kicking the other guy in the midsection and then hitting a Stone Cold Stunner on them.

Which is awesome.

[Zantetsuken]

Strangely...

I agree with godhand.

STUNNER, STUNNER, STUNNER

AS GOD AS MY WITNESS HE'S SMACK DAB BROKEN IN HALF!

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

^
^^
^^^
^^^^^

All of these.

[Arsène]

That is a new standard of Althanas lulz.

I'd go so far as to ignore both participants in that thread, and award the win to that post alone.

[Amaril Torrun]

Yeah, I've read that post a couple of times. I laugh just as hard every single time.

Oh, and Seth is a jerk.

[Tainted Bushido]

Yeah, I've read that post a couple of times. I laugh just as hard every single time.

Oh, and Seth is a jerk.

If you want, Seth can go to the afterlife and kick your butt again.

I can arrange this...its not that hard....

[Saxon]

I'm truly stunned no one has mentioned that it's true. He was gay.

That may be the most hilarious intentional self-disqualification I've ever seen.

Homunculus, I am now a huge fan of yours.

'Nuff said.

[Amaril Torrun]

If you want, Seth can go to the afterlife and kick your butt again.

I can arrange this...its not that hard....

Foreshadowing....

[Visla Eraclaire]

That is a new standard of Althanas lulz.

I'd go so far as to ignore both participants in that thread, and award the win to that post alone.

I would happily forfeit the tournament as a whole to that post. Homunculus doesn't win, just that post. It's awarded all the experience, becomes a character of its own, and gets a Judge's Choice.

Oh and thanks Slayer. I'm enjoying my thread much more than I had expected to.

[oblueknighto]

I'm pretty much shocked by the turn of events. Who would have thought that could happen, hopefully it wasn't that abrupt of an ending.

[Christoph]

Meh...I think it was rather poor taste. Especially since it was basically an attack on the other player rather than his character.

It was still funny, though. However, I understand why it is staff policy to frown on such behavior (having served a fair amount of time on staff, myself). Except this then leads me to wonder why Taskmeinster, an Administrator, responded to Homun's arguably immature antics with, not to put too fine a point on it, even more immature antics? Especially while also violating some common sense tournament guidelines in the process -- posting several times in a row, and delaying for a considerable length of time before posting at the last minute. That doesn't sound like the kind of behavior most would expect from an administrator.

[Tainted Bushido]

It was still funny, though. However, I understand why it is staff policy to frown on such behavior (having served a fair amount of time on staff, myself). Except this then leads me to wonder why Taskmeinster, an Administrator, responded to Homun's arguably immature antics with, not to put too fine a point on it, even more immature antics? Especially while also violating some common sense tournament guidelines in the process -- posting several times in a row, and delaying for a considerable length of time before posting at the last minute. That doesn't sound like the kind of behavior most would expect from an administrator.

Funny maybe, that's subjective, childish, definitely. As for what Task did, I don't necessarily condone it, but it most definitely is not on the same level as what Homun did.

[Visla Eraclaire]

It was still funny, though. However, I understand why it is staff policy to frown on such behavior (having served a fair amount of time on staff, myself). Except this then leads me to wonder why Taskmeinster, an Administrator, responded to Homun's arguably immature antics with, not to put too fine a point on it, even more immature antics? Especially while also violating some common sense tournament guidelines in the process -- posting several times in a row, and delaying for a considerable length of time before posting at the last minute. That doesn't sound like the kind of behavior most would expect from an administrator.

^ Obvious Pot Stirring / Staff Baiting ^

So, approximately half of all the threads ended by disqualification. At least it's less to judge

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

So, approximately half of all the threads ended by disqualification.

Can anyone really say that they didn't see this coming?

[Christoph]

Funny maybe, that's subjective, childish, definitely. As for what Task did, I don't necessarily condone it, but it most definitely is not on the same level as what Homun did.

One could call it childish; I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you on that. As for whether it's on the same level or not: that would depend on how you measure it. That doesn't really matter, anyway. I just found it rather silly and pointless, because if Task was attempting to save face, it didn't work. That's all; contrary to Visla's belief, I'm not out here trying to rouse the rabble. I like to think that I'd be more creative if I had that intention in mind. ;)

[Duffy]

Now now children, this isn't being productive - not when there's tea to be drunk and scones to be consumed!

Which brings me to ask, roughly how long does judging take, i,e - when can round 2 draws be expected, two days, a week, two weeks?

[Godhand]

Funny maybe, that's subjective, childish, definitely. As for what Task did, I don't necessarily condone it, but it most definitely is not on the same level as what Homun did.

Wha- No, you don't get to do that. You don't get to pick and choose when being belligerent is okay and when it isn't. Unless you're prepared to condemn both of them, fuck off with that shit. This "mods stick together" shit is going way too far.

[Mikeavelli]

Can anyone really say that they didn't see this coming?

I didn't.

Really, me and my silly optimism.


Wha- No, you don't get to do that. You don't get to pick and choose when being belligerent is okay and when it isn't. Unless you're prepared to condemn both of them, fuck off with that shit. This "mods stick together" shit is going way too far.

Make your points, have your opinions, but don't keep fanning the flames. You've been repeatedly warned about this.

[Taskmienster]

Except this then leads me to wonder why Taskmeinster, an Administrator, responded to Homun's arguably immature antics with, not to put too fine a point on it, even more immature antics? Especially while also violating some common sense tournament guidelines in the process -- posting several times in a row, and delaying for a considerable length of time before posting at the last minute. That doesn't sound like the kind of behavior most would expect from an administrator.

To bring to light what was the purpose of the posts... I wanted to get rewards still, since Homonculus obviously left at a point where no spoils were going to be rewarded. Hence why I continued posting, multiple posts back to back. I waited till the last minute because, honestly, a 40+ hour work week, 5 students I'm tutoring for their finals in math, and another 4 in general humanities courses was quite a bit to try and be active through. Friday was my only day off last week, and is looking to be my only day off for two weeks if next week is promising to be the way it is.

My final post, though immature (and I'll take whatever argument that says it wasn't right for an Admin to post that, because it's true but I don't care) was going to be the way I ended the thread anyway. If you have been a mod, then you've seen the PM that it was related to before, and would know the background.

Sure, it was childish and stupid. I accept that. But I also don't care. If there was a post that he did that wasn't powergaming or bunnying I'd love for you to show me. Otherwise, I'll stand by my decision and keep my post the way it is.

BTW: the ending that was in bold, what I said my character sent as a reply to Homon, was exactly what he sent me through a PM regarding a judgment of his. It was due to the fact that he didn't respect me as a judge, or a staff member, and in turn was his mature way of telling me that I was wrong about his powergaming in the thread I had judged. Was it immature of me? As I said yes, but it was also incharacter. So too bad.

[Serilliant]

There's nothing more about this issue that needs to be said in this thread. If you have more to add, feel free to send PMs to the relevant parties. Otherwise, we're starting fresh.


This thread is devoted to the Magus Cup and the discussion of winners and losers ect. Place your predictions here or even just toot your own horn!

[Amaril Torrun]

Despite some usual inactivity and a Battle-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, there are some pretty creative and well written threads in there. There's always room for improvement, but I predict some decent success when we look back on this Magus once it is finished.

[Duffy]

And here I am having to ask again, what's the rough turnaround between rounds?

Call me over eager :D

[Visla Eraclaire]

And here I am having to ask again, what's the rough turnaround between rounds?

Call me over eager :D

Given the judging situation, I wouldn't expect it in any less than a week, and possibly significantly longer.

[Duffy]

Pfftttt, there's only 90 odd posts to judge, t'aint that hard! :D

I'm expecting Wings to go through though, damned to her pointy ears!

EDIT:

Ugh, I'm starting to OOC like my IC...not a good sign.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Speaking of which, I've heard some things unofficially about who is judging this thing...

Officially, who is judging this thing?

[Christoph]

Illegal immigrants, obviously.

On topic, I actually enjoyed my battle far more than I've enjoyed any other tournament battle I've ever been in. From what I've seen, many of the other completed battles are pretty cool, though I've only given them a brief glance thus far.

[Duffy]

I'd assume Tainted would be one of the judges, maybe Lorenor?

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

Is there any official bracket, or will the Round 2 pairings be randomized?

[NightCast]

There's nothing more about this issue that needs to be said in this thread. If you have more to add, feel free to send PMs to the relevant parties. Otherwise, we're starting fresh.

Holy monkey butts Batman. Where'd the Duck come from?

In other news, I was actually eager to post, anddddd... my opponent bailed on me. =[

[Slayer of the Rot]

Holy monkey butts Batman. Where'd the Duck come from?

In other news, I was actually eager to post, anddddd... my opponent bailed on me. =[

He came from some drunk gay orgy populated by squealing boys with liprings, knowing him.

Unfortunately, that tends to happen a lot in tournaments. That is, unless you get a writer who's eager to plot out the battle, form a story around it, or something to that effect. Then you'll get the occasional case where a writer is paired with someone they think is worlds apart from their ability and they just...give up and never post.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Is there any official bracket, or will the Round 2 pairings be randomized?

I have to imagine that based on the irregular numbers, and the fact that there was one double disqualification, the pairings will simply be re-randomized.

[Amaril Torrun]

I'd assume one randomized bracket for the veterans and a second randomized bracket for the new peeps. Then there would be a special circumstance for the odd man out in the veteran bracket.

I'm just going by the Rules and Regulations thread though, so I could be wrong. :p

[Visla Eraclaire]

I know that I'm going to catch a lot of flak for this, but I'm going to say it anyway.

It's taken a week just to post the "official decision" on the Drama Llama thread between Task and Homun. What were the judges doing during that week? We make these rules about posting speed and activity during tournaments, and we chastise people who fail to post. I see no reason that whoever is judging this (I still don't know who that is) couldn't have been ready to begin doing so the day the threads closed. Frankly, if I were doing it, I would have had some of these threads pre-read.

I know judging is "hard work" and everyone has real life obligations. I'm not saying "boo hoo, this is taking too long" and I don't give two shits about my own judgment (I'm hoping to lose). What I am saying is, there should have been at least one thread judged per judge within a week. When judgment takes as long as the actual rounds, tournaments drag and it becomes very difficult to take the activity requirements seriously.

If you don't have enough people, ask for help. If the people you have aren't pulling their weight, they should be dropped just as an active participant would be. Judges are policing the speed with which participants post, and I think most participants are too meek to hold up a mirror and say tu quoque. So I'll do it.

I'm content with how slowly things get done around here for most matters. The pace of administrative decision making would easily be outrun by the rate of lunar recession. That's normally fine. Tournaments are time sensitive, though.

[Duffy]

Well said Visla, but I'd like to add that it should not take a whole week to Judge something - 2-3 hours average, of course real life obligations get in the way - but if somebody can't manage that time once a week they should inform someone so that the work can be redistributed!

That, and I'm REALLY impatient, lol.

I'm in 3 other threads as well as the tournament and it's still not enough posting activity :D

[Relt PeltFelter]

Okay, first


Drama Llama

I thought that I was the only person ever to use this phrase. Rad.

Second, yeah, I would like a judgin'. My summer break creeps ever closer to the end of its allotted time, and I'd like to be able to win this whole tournament before going back to school.

Yes, that's right: this is both a sentiment expressed concerning the speed of judgement, and a contentious (and probably unrealistically optimistic) boast. What of it?

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

Second, yeah, I would like a judgin'. My summer break creeps ever closer to the end of its allotted time, and I'd like to be able to win this whole tournament before going back to school.

Yes, that's right: this is both a sentiment expressed concerning the speed of judgement, and a contentious (and probably unrealistically optimistic) boast. What of it?

All of this.

And 99.9% of what Visla said.

My time's stretched pretty thin as it is; I'd like to get as far through this tourney as possible before I really have a packed schedule.

[Max Dirks]

It's taken a week just to post the "official decision" on the Drama Llama thread between Task and Homun. What were the judges doing during that week?Well Visla, the judges were busy determining how to handle the situation, establishing a new warning system for both judges and moderators, and deciding who won the remaining battles. Also, to help activity I practically forced every moderator to participate in the tournament as their main character or their alternative. Thus, to be fair to you and everyone else, the administration has had to step up to judge the threads. Tainted Bushido is only truly active judge. I've had shaky Internet connection and Taskmeinster is taking his time to make sure that all of his judgments are fair and accurate considering his situation. I know it's rough to wait, but I don't think anyone here would appreciate an inaccurate or rushed judgment.

If you have anymore questions feel free to IM me. Otherwise just be patient.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I'm sorry, Max, but that's just you restating the same facts that I presented, but instead of presenting them critically you present them as if they are acceptable.

It took this long for the judges to decide about that one thread? And all the judges needed to be involved in that? Really? It took their full concentration and effort to decide that? I find that completely preposterous. Moreover, I question whether all the judges were actually involved in that decision. Normal judges were deciding the consequences of an administrator's actions? That doesn't seem likely. If they were determining winners, why haven't they completed that process? Not being rushed is one thing, but none of the moderators have come to a conclusion about any of the other threads? Not even a single one? That suggests to me that if they were determining winners they were not doing so very seriously. As someone stated earlier, it takes at most a couple of hours to sit down, read a thread, and judge it. Battles can be even quicker. This isn't rocket science.

I'm not worried about the waiting. I'm worried about the tournament dragging on ad infinitem, and a tournament system which forces "rushed" posts by its participants while the people running the tournament take a leisurely time administering it.

Regardless, what you've just told me now is that Bushido is the only person judging any of these threads. You encouraged mods to participate. That's fine. I don't see why they can't be judging threads that aren't theirs. I also don't see why we have all these people with italicized names if none of them are judging. It seems like half the active site is "staff" but few if any seem to step up when we need things done. And yes I realize that not every staff member is a judge, but honestly, it's not as if they aren't qualified (or as qualified as anyone else the site would accept).

If Pat is the only person judging, I feel sorry for him. I don't blame him. I blame every other person who could be judging and is not. This isn't about patience, it's about the sort of "professionalism" that apparently has more to do with playing nice than doing your job. And I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but it's essentially Max's job to paint this in a positive light and deflect criticism. I respect that. I just think that someone needs to take the other side and be critical of how things are run. Mods and admins are essentially not allowed to be critical and most average members are too unaware, complacent, or non-confrontational to do so, even if they agree with what I say.

As I said earlier in the thread, and mentioned to Task several weeks ago, I know that you're having judge problems. If you need help, ask people. One of the advantages of a site where half the active membership is staff is that likely much of the other half is ex-staff. Hopefully some would be willing to help you get out of this dilemma on a temporary basis. Don't just pretend everything is fine while this tournament grinds to a halt.

If I'm wrong and everything is fine and all the judgments pop up at once in the next couple of days, fine. I would submit this post had some impact on that happening, if it does. I would also suggest that if those appear in a short time frame, they could have appeared earlier. Someone was simply waiting around not doing them. I think avoiding judgments is something any and every judge in this site is familiar with.

[Spooks]

Personally, I can see all this champing at the bit about judgments is justified.

What Althanas has right now is two weeks elapsed since its last judgment was done, and nearly that since the administration put out an advertisement for new judges. Doubtless there are several names that are being considered, tested, and trained. Doubtless as well that the site will be lucky if so much as one of those new hires actually steps up and does more than three judgments before vanishing off the face of the site.

I don't mean to sound negative or disrespectful to staff past, present, or under consideration, but I've been lurking a very long time, and this is just what I have seen over and over again. Old judges will burn out and stop judging. Backlog will pile up until the sheer number of threads is threatening to explode the site, if not in server capacity than in the frustrations of its members who appreciate the site for the ability to get criticism on their threads and become better writers for it (or just because they want the experience points and ability to level up that much sooner). When that point happens, as it's happening now, a batch of three to five new judges is selected and trained. A few threads are judged, and maybe one of the new judges, maybe, will turn into a dedicated judge. The others do one to five threads and then you never see them again. The dedicated judge, if one exists, will work. And work. And work. And they won't be able to keep their heads above the water on their own.

In the past, these dedicated judges have included the likes of Letho and Call me J/INDK. Of late, the dedicated judge is Taskmienster. He's been doing it all alone, and I believe it is taking its toll on him, based on observation.

Right now, nothing is being done. No threads have been judged; the tournament, which has seven short threads which need judged has sat stagnant for a week, and the site is beginning to bubble with turmoil.

Long story short, this site needs capable, qualified help, and it needs it last month. Even if that means bringing in temporary judges until the new ones are trained.


-=Spooks=-

[Taskmienster]

In the past, these dedicated judges have included the likes of Letho and Call me J/INDK. Of late, the dedicated judge is Taskmienster. He's been doing it all alone, and I believe it is taking its toll on him, based on observation.

Eh, to a degree. I just have been overworked due to the situation at my job. Currently I am the newest person hired on for the jewelry section at Kohl's, but have the most experience with the section due to previous jobs. My department "manager"... we call them specialists... is in the hospital recovering from who knows what. She passed out, was in a coma for two days, and has no memory of select short term things that have happened.

That leaves me doing her job, picking up her hours, and still only getting minimum wage. :p

Plus school starts for me next Tuesday, and it's my second to last semester, and any hope of me getting into an universities philosophy program rides on whether or not I can get my gpa up by at least .4 points.

However, my dedication to judging has not waned. On the contrary, I have been working just as hard, but have unfortunately taken on a rather massive thread. (Thanks Flames for your 9 page beast! :D)

That being said. I cannot judge the battles tonight, I go to work in a couple hours and won't get out till 9 hours later. However, I open tomorrow and have an 8 hour shift, so when I get out of that I will be able to get judgments up for the tournament. I should be able to get through 4 of the 8 that are left, and if it's necessary could do all of them... though not sure what's going on with other judgments.

Hope that helps.

[Duffy]

Sorry if we sounded judgemental Task, wasn't trying to pass the blame onto any individual in particular - I'm sure you're doing a resounding job, but this is the internet, and it's occupants need to moan :D

[Taskmienster]

Oh, I wasn't taking anything in this thread as sounding judgmental. By all means, I agree that it shouldn't take this long. I was simply explaining my personal circumstances and apologizing in a round about way.

Should have probably ended my post with: "I am sorry everyone for my personal delay. I will be amending that tomorrow after work when I finally have some freetime."

:p

[Flames of Hyperion]

I was going to say, Task... if you want to delay judgement on that in favour of the Magus Cup threads, then please feel free to do so. On the other hand, I'm also wondering if my thread's also responsible for delaying the next chapter of the FQ, so...

*Flees from the hounds*

[Amaril Torrun]

You should be ashamed and never write anything semi-decent ever again. Everything wrong in the world is all your fault.

[Taskmienster]

I was going to say, Task... if you want to delay judgement on that in favour of the Magus Cup threads, then please feel free to do so. On the other hand, I'm also wondering if my thread's also responsible for delaying the next chapter of the FQ, so...

*Flees from the hounds*

You haven't delayed the FQ. It's more of a confusing thing which is a mix of me not being on as much to get it moving and up, as well as Dirks' internet issues. I'm going to try and get all that resolved this week and get all the rewards and such worked on so that the next chapter can be opened.

As for the judgment, I'll delay it just long enough to get the tournament threads done. Currently, the backlogs is getting to be quite a beast, so I'm trying to work on as many threads as I can. As soon as I get past yours I'll be back up to speed for sure.

Amril: It's a better than semi-decent, haha. Plus it's like... novel length. :p

[Alydia Ettermire]

You should be ashamed and never write anything semi-decent ever again. Everything wrong in the world is all your fault.

Too bad his next thread with ME and we are making it be AWESOME!


Lotsandlotsoftimespenteditingandreworkingandstuffa ndIthinkthisthingshouldturnoutbetterthanawesomebec ausewearejustthatCOOL!

[Amaril Torrun]

Amaril: It's a better than semi-decent, haha. Plus it's like... novel length. :p

Well I read it and think it was just semi-decent, minus the semi, minus the decent, plus really really good.

But that doesn't change the fact that he's ruining everything. A bit selfish if you ask me...

[Tainted Bushido]

AH well, more time to devote to actually running the tournament, rather than trying to be in it...

Chalk another tally mark up for "Knocked out by first real opponent."

[Visla Eraclaire]

Unfortunately running the tournament and being in it occur at different times, as it were, so it won't be much help.

Maybe the newly italicized individuals will prove to be more than window dressings and we can get this show on the road.

[Amaril Torrun]

It was a great battle and very close. It was a pleasure writing with you and a shame someone had to get knocked out.

[Tainted Bushido]

Unfortunately running the tournament and being in it occur at different times, as it were, so it won't be much help.

Maybe the newly italicized individuals will prove to be more than window dressings and we can get this show on the road.

Just waiting on the last two now, then the job will be done and I can roll up the new pairings.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Just waiting on the last two now, then the job will be done and I can roll up the new pairings.

You may stand a chance of having the judging not take longer than the actual round, albeit barely. Kudos are still premature though, we'll see if it happens.

[Duffy]

Well with me and Amil about now, we can deal with non-tournament stuff so the pro-judges can keep up to date with the tournament. Things will get better, you can count on it!

(I might even give out virtual cookies!)

[Visla Eraclaire]

(I might even give out virtual cookies!)

Don't even fucking think about it.

[Duffy]

Well you're not getting one now :p

Well done to Wings, I didn't do too badly for my first finished post here though I thought, let's see how we go as I'll be ready for next time...maybe with a character that can actually fight...lol.

Good luck to everyone else!

[Amaril Torrun]

...maybe with a character that can actually fight...


Try going into the next round with a dead character that got eateded.

[Alydia Ettermire]

Try going into the next round with a dead character that got eateded.

I might have to read that fight, just to see what you do.

[Amaril Torrun]

I guess it'll depend on who I get paired with.

Stuff is going to happen.

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

You know what match I'd like to see happen in Round 2?

Christoph vs. Bloodrose.

Yeah.

Any chance of that one happening, TB?

[Christoph]

No, better yet, any chance of making sure I get paired against Elijah_Morendale so I can teach Andy not to be a little prick? ;)

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

"But time flows like a river... and history repeats." (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=6147&page=3)

Never forget that one of those two loses in your fancy little record there belongs to me, son.

[Christoph]

All the more reason to have our rematch, right? I mean, I'm not worried. Even if you start winning, you'll probably just go on hiatus anyway. That is what you do after all, right?

[Visla Eraclaire]

All the more reason to have our rematch, right? I mean, I'm not worried. Even if you start winning, you'll probably just go on hiatus anyway. That is what you do after all, right?

Cool it there, Tex. Althanas tournaments, despite their grizzled hardcore appearance, are not, in fact, serious business.

Speaking of which, have I lost my thread yet? C'mon guys... seriously

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

Cool it there, Tex. Exchanges of cheap talk between myself and Christoph, despite their grizzled near-troll appearance, are not, in fact, serious business.

[Taskmienster]

On the basis that it is spam or light flaming banter, whether it is just fun between you two or not, it's still just that. Visla was pointing that out, and whether or not you'd like to say it's not serious business, it is just a matter of saying that a person who is trolling is doing it just for fun between two people.

Take it to IM's or PM's if you want to troll. Keep it out of here.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I'm glad that post just happened. Now I can put the post I previously made back into my pocket. I'll save it for a more worthwhile time.

Hey Task, if I make your job easier by forfeitting my match, what do I get? A lovely fruit basket? A gratitude bouquet? A "Get Out of Troll Free" card?

[Christoph]

Yes, I'm sure that Visla was just selflessly pointing out trolling and spamming, and not trolling himself (though the deleted post was cute). Incidentally, if you call friendly banter between two participants in a tournament, taking place in the designated tournament discussion thread trolling and spamming, then You're Doing It Wrong. I mean, seriously now.

[Taskmienster]

And now you are trolling an admin. Please have respect and keep your tongue. That's your warning.

This thread was made for talk about the tournament, not a place for you and a friend to get on and have your banter back and forth. You may think it's ok, but it's really little more than fuel for trolling and flaming in the future.

[BlackAndBlueEyes]

wasd

[Taskmienster]

And that is not friendly banter. That's enough from you.

This is not going to be allowed, whether you think it's cool or not. Stop with the spam and trolling, or you will be receiving a temp ban for your trouble.

This is EVERYONE'S last warning. Period.

[Amaril Torrun]

Shadar vs. Bosche

The thread was less fighting, more treasure hunting at an auction, with some nice tension between the two over a pretty nifty item. It is a very creative, well written story.

Discuss.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Shadar vs. Bosche

The thread was less fighting, more treasure hunting at an auction, with some nice tension between the two over a pretty nifty item. It is a very creative, well written story.

Discuss.

I think the NPCs got overinvolved and I think Bosche's conclusion really sucked. F-, would not read again.

In truth, for a battle thread I think it went ok. I really don't understand Shadar's backstory and I'm sure he doesn't fully understand mine, so I'm pretty shocked we managed to make that much of a thread out of it.

The truncated action is my fault. When we finally got to a point of fighting that late in the thread, I asked if we could just keep it short. I didn't want to launch into some kind of epic battle at post #14. No judge wants to read that in round 1 of a tournament.

[Amaril Torrun]

As easy as it was for Bosche to get away after escaping, I doubt it would have been realistic if Shadar had found him hidden in some random dark room in some random dark building, possibly anywhere in Radasanth. It was a simple ending yes, but you have to admit, you guys wrote a pretty interesting conflict between the two up until that point.

EDIT TO REPLY TO YOUR EDIT :P :

I beg to differ. For every ten thousand battle threads that run straight into the thick of things by post 2, you two created an actual story that made absolute sense for the two to get into the fight. I'll take ten odd posts with no fighting at all any day of the week, if the writing is up to snuff. This particular read was up to snuff, by the way.

[Visla Eraclaire]

As easy as it was for Bosche to get away after escaping, I doubt it would have been realistic if Shadar had found him hidden in some random dark room in some random dark building, possibly anywhere in Radasanth. It was a simple ending yes, but you have to admit, you guys wrote a pretty interesting conflict between the two up until that point.

That's pretty much what I figured. I mean, there was no realistic way for him to find me, and posting me walking out of the house the next day would just be filler.

Your kind words are appreciated. I enjoyed the thread more than I'd like to admit. Though, in the end, I don't know how attached I am to the character. I have one thread going with Cory, and that's pretty much it...

Too much going on with Vis to focus much on Bosche.

[Shadar]

Saving the best for last, are they? (Yes, my precious ego. Feed. Feeeed!)

Compared to a standard battle, I agree that there was NPC overuse. But, given the nature of the thread, we were bound to step out of the usual protocol for the sake of story. I enjoyed it greatly.

Vis, I like the potential rivalry between Shadar and Bosche. If you want to flesh that out someday, I'm game.

[Amaril Torrun]

... if I make your job easier by forfeitting my match, what do I get? A lovely fruit basket? A gratitude bouquet? A "Get Out of Troll Free" card?

Too late for that now and congratulations.

[Tainted Bushido]

Well now, looks like we have some interesting match ups ahead of us.

And I swear to the gods above my dice hate you Christoph and Elijah.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Too late for that now and congratulations.

Shit.

The judgment was accurate in spirit, though I'd like to state two errors for the record. The comment about the Makarios vendor having served under Bosche is a slight misunderstanding, but an understandable one given the lack of thorough background information. Also, despite Dirks' comment, the psionic blast used by the Makarios was approved by agreement in one of my spoiler tagged OOC comments, just like Bridgette's abilities. This may have been a misunderstanding of where it originated.

I actually agree with Dirks that the thread could have been a lot better if it ended as well as it started, but I wanted it to have a conclusion rather than risk being cut off by the tournament's time limit. That's what you get when quality isn't the sole factor in your thread.

Someone might want to do xp on that battle, btw, unless the fairly minor spoils completely overshadowed it, in which case, I renounce them in favor of xp.

Also, I have a question about the Monday midnight thing.

See, to me Monday midnight means the midnight between Monday and Tuesday, but I noted at the beginning of this round that people interpreted it as the midnight before the morning of the day you mentioned, i.e. the midnight between Sunday and Monday.

Which is it?

[Amaril Torrun]

I believe it is going to be between Sunday and Monday, when the clock strikes 12:00 and the date changes over to Monday the 31st.




And I swear to the gods above my dice hate you Christoph and Elijah.

Why is that?

[Requiem of Insanity]

the monday of four sunday's ago.

though i assume he means sunday into monday, to be on topic.

[Christoph]

It’s prediction time!


Wilhelm Bosche vs. Amaril Torrun – I’m leaning in favor of Wilhelm, but I’m not entirely convinced, as Amaril Torrun seems to have developed this tendency for upset victories. =p

Christoph vs. Elijah Morendale – That emo bastard is going down! ;) I’m actually rather looking forward to this fight, but I’ll feed my ego and predict that I’ll win. XD

Bloodrose vs. Zerith – Assuming they both stay active, I definitely predict Bloodrose.

Taskmeinster vs. Sumner – I really don’t know about this fight. Both are fairly skilled writers and are probably about equal. Both have gone far in past tournaments.

New Blood Bracket

The International vs. Nightcast – I’m definitely favoring the International, assuming both sides stay active.

Inkfinger vs. Falling with Style – This should be a good fight, but I think Inkfinger has it.

Mikeavelli vs. Wings of Endymon – I’m definitely predicting victory for Wings.

[Max Dirks]

Visla, you might want to do a midlevel update if you continue to receive such spoils.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I don't think that a storage box will cause much of a problem between now and when Wilhelm is level 1. If I get something battle-related, I will make one though. I don't imagine I will before I level though.

[Elijah_Morendale]

Conceding victory to Christoph with an Official Tournament Resignation Post (TM).

I need to focus on my directorship duties at the college radio station instead of trying to hack out a good story in a scant two weeks.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Fantastic. All that puffery and you forfeit.

Since the round hasn't started yet, I say we need one of those "special battles" instead of him progressing unopposed.

[Duffy]

Or mebbeh let someone back in who lost by less than ten points?

Like...


Ermmm...


Me? :p

[Visla Eraclaire]

My initial thought was the highest scoring eliminated party would get the spot, but it occurs to me that there are a couple problems.

1) Scoring isn't perfectly consistent between judges (though I will bet the tournament staff is willing to ignore this fact, since it is a common conceit of the judging system)

2) The new blood bracket is going to be uneven after this round.


If you can solve the forfeiture problem and problem #2 with one solution, I'm impressed. Simply bringing one person back doesn't do that, since if it's a new person, if they progress they even out the newbie bracket but then the old bracket is imbalanced.

[Elijah_Morendale]

Death, taxes, and unnecessary sarcasm from Visla.

Moving on, I do have screencaps of pms sent to Task asking for the deletion of my accounts and my forfeiting of the tournament dated the 27th, before the new brackets were made; just in case someone gets the bright idea that this is some ruse to get Christoph as close to the finals as possible.

In hindsight I should've directed those towards TB, but I also assumed that Task would go ahead and give him a heads up.

[Duffy]

Well...I was only offerin' like...

Don't delete accounts Eli, you'll want to come back one day...won't you? :(

[Visla Eraclaire]

My response isn't sarcastic at all. It is fantastic that you are leaving. I mean it in the more literal sense of "not grounded in reality" rather than the adopted meaning of "good." But contrary to your defense here, I don't think it's some diabolical scheme between you and Christoph. I think it's just plain old vanilla inconsiderateness. Who cares though? Shock, someone's lazy and fails to live up to commitments in, of all places, THE INTERNET.

I think it's a bit dramatic and I don't believe people when they say they're leaving for good, especially when the solution of deleting everything seems out of balance with the problem, but I'm focused on solutions rather than one person's issues:


Proposed Solution: Highest scoring eliminated party in the old bracket fights Christoph, and the two highest scoring lower bracket individuals are resurrected to even back out the new blood bracket. If we don't have any battles that are a double forfeit that gives a square 8-4-2-1

As I view the scores, those people are Dissinger and Duffy/blueknight. Problematicly, the solution involves bringing back the tournament organizer from defeat. I don't think that this is improper, but it gives the appearance of impropriety, so perhaps one of the admins will make a decision on this or people could show some support for a reasonable solution that cleans things up for everyone.

[Duffy]

I don't think I'm entitled to really offer an opinion, given that bias is involved which could result in me being back in the runnings. It's an idea, for sure, that I support. I've had time to reflect and improve on my writing and flesh out to the rubric hence forth with, so I reckon I'd be ready for round 2!

It's not up to me however, if it's not done, we've a bigger issue down the line.

If I am let back in and subsequently win a prize, I'll forefeit gold and take half XP (but not half the XP earnt from the rubric.)

[Visla Eraclaire]

Your personal concession is appreciated. I think we needn't impose such conditions on those who are reinstated, but their willingness to take them on can only help with any appearance of unfairness.

Pat or his designee needs to make a decision about this post haste though.

[Tainted Bushido]

Your personal concession is appreciated. I think we needn't impose such conditions on those who are reinstated, but their willingness to take them on can only help with any appearance of unfairness.

Pat or his designee needs to make a decision about this post haste though.

We were already prepared to have something in store for the new blood bracket. Don't worry, we were expecting there to be an odd number eventually.

As for the Veteran Bracket, Christoph gets a bye. As disheartening as that is, I am loathe to do something such as "Top loser" getting back in. Even more so when such loser is me. I fought fair and square and lost fair and square, I hardly see the "fairness" in giving me a second chance because I scored higher than all the other losers in my bracket.

Especially for the reasons posted Visla.

I am however adjusting the Tournament schedule to open on this Friday, so you guys can be prepared, and I can actually get the threads made, since I couldn't over the weekend. I have a feeling a few of these people didn't even knwo their opponents, since the down time was a bit abrupt.

[Duffy]

Duffy no get a second chance to sing for 'is supper guvn'or?

[Visla Eraclaire]

I think the unfairness of Christoph having a bye is greater than the resurrection of someone from a previous round, just for the record. If it didn't knock the tournament out of a square for my bracket, I would forfeit so he would be forced to face my opponent to progress. Hell, make him face someone and eliminate him if he loses but don't let the other person win anything but the normal battle rewards.

If you're willing to tolerate non-square brackets, then if he loses, the Veteran Bracket simply isn't square. We've already had enough wins by forfeit. One this far in advance should be rectified.

Also, Friday? You gave less time than that between the posting of the pairings and the time that the threads were supposed to be posted in the first place. I understand perhaps a day for everyone to realize things are up and running again (or longer if you actually were going to solve the uneven bracket or bye issue), but this seems like needless delay of an already off-schedule event.

[Tainted Bushido]

I think the unfairness of Christoph having a bye is greater than the resurrection of someone from a previous round, just for the record. If it didn't knock the tournament out of a square for my bracket, I would forfeit so he would be forced to face my opponent to progress. Hell, make him face someone and eliminate him if he loses but don't let the other person win anything but the normal battle rewards.

If you're willing to tolerate non-square brackets, then if he loses, the Veteran Bracket simply isn't square. We've already had enough wins by forfeit. One this far in advance should be rectified.

Also, Friday? You gave less time than that between the posting of the pairings and the time that the threads were supposed to be posted in the first place. I understand perhaps a day for everyone to realize things are up and running again, but this seems like needless delay of an already off-schedule event.

I know for a fact some people stopped looking after day one or two. Even more so that it might take upwards of a week for people to return. I don't see four days as breaking the bank in hoping the more active ones return.

As for the bye problem you have. This is just another forfeiture like first round. You cannot stop them from happening Visla, its just a fact of tournaments that it occurs sometimes. If anything people could argue Christoph has it worse, having no opponent to keep his writing sharp against, and therefore is at the disadvantage of not honing his craft in that time, and the lack of feedback.

This is hardly the black and white you paint it to be.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I'm sorry but that explanation is completely preposterous. Don't address the bye, fine, but don't try to say that Christoph has a disadvantage. That's completely laughable.

Althanas may be built around the idea that people improve their writing, but I find it absurd that he would significantly improve his after all this time by a single two week forced writing interaction. Look at the commentary on the first round. Hardly something that would change the way anyone writes. He's in the VETERAN bracket for a reason.

It may not be back and white, but rather than grey you just pulled out hot pink and I don't think that anyone should buy it.

Forfeitures do happen and we cannot prevent them, but given that you're delaying the tournament for four days anyway, we can do something about this one. This isn't an "oops" in the middle of the round. Why not force him to compete against SOMEONE? You fight him, I fight him, someone fights him so that he has to earn it. Regular forfeitures are very unfortunate, but they cannot be helped. This can and should be helped.

[Tainted Bushido]

I'm sorry but that explanation is completely preposterous. Don't address the bye, fine, but don't try to say that Christoph has a disadvantage. That's completely laughable.

Althanas may be built around the idea that people improve their writing, but I find it absurd that he would significantly improve his after all this time by a single two week forced writing interaction. Look at the commentary on the first round. Hardly something that would change the way anyone writes. He's in the VETERAN bracket for a reason.

It may not be back and white, but rather than grey you just pulled out hot pink and I don't think that anyone should buy it.

I did, because Andy did not drop out prior to me putting up the brackets it was a forfeiture. Just like when Bearman had to forfeit or Ceidon did in the vet bracket. It'll end up as a bye, because unfortunately one of the players couldn't finish.

Just because I didn't address it in the manner you WISHED, doesn't mean the matter wasn't addressed. Just that you wish I had addressed it in another manner.

And as for your argument that since Christoph is a vet it shouldn't matter how long between rounds, I argue that point with veracity.

I have seen MANY so called veteran players (myself included) lose in the round following a round they received a bye or forfeiture. Writing is a practiced exercise and the fact that Christoph will not be practicing in a manner that will help his individual battling skills, can and would most likely hurt him in later rounds. The lack of further commentary and suggestions will also mean he's working on month old writing skills.

And I challenge you to say that writing skill in such areas doesn't decrease after a scant month.

[Visla Eraclaire]

If his writing skill has decreased, it's his own fault. The tournament isn't the only avenue for writing. I think that the idea that one of these little exercises makes a significant difference is laughable. Just saying "month old writing skills" makes me snicker. Being out of practice is a real thing, but it's entirely a personal problem and has nothing to do with a bye week.

Also, I forfeit. You can give two people a bye to stick with your position, and spite me. Or you can pair people off. I suspect you'll do the former, but this way I can stop caring.

Forfeitures happen and there's just nothing we can do about them. Best of luck.

[Tainted Bushido]

With Visla dropping out, I am going to pit Amaril Torrun against Christoph. Because, despite what he may have you think, I'm not an idiot. If he wants to drop out to prove a point, he'll be sadly mistaken.

I am not however going to resurrect losing characters into this tournament. We had plans that purposefully created an odd pairing in the Magus Cup for the Newbie Bracket, we'll be working on a similar fix if not something more ingenious for the Veterans. By the end of next round we should have an answer.

Stay tuned.

And with that I think Amaril and Christoph have some planning to do.

[Amaril Torrun]

Also, I forfeit. You can give two people a bye to stick with your position, and spite me. Or you can pair people off. I suspect you'll do the former, but this way I can stop caring.

Forfeitures happen and there's just nothing we can do about them. Best of luck.



But our idea was nifty...

[Visla Eraclaire]

But our idea was nifty...

Our idea was two solos. We're perfectly free to write those solos whenever.

Also, I don't think you're an idiot, Pat, I just think you're stubborn. Less stubborn than I thought, evidently, though. I really couldn't lose though. You'd either look like an idiot, or no one would get a bye, and either way I get out of the tournament, which I've desired since shortly after I signed up.

It all wraps up very nicely. And I have proven several points.: You're reasonable. I dislike imbalance in tournaments. I'm willing to give up my position to rectify imbalance in tournaments. You're not as concerned about imbalance, but more motivated to correct it than by spite.

I think these are all much better points than the lone point: Pat is an idiot, which I was not out to prove.

[Poison]

I did, because Andy did not drop out prior to me putting up the brackets...

Actually...


Moving on, I do have screencaps of pms sent to Task asking for the deletion of my accounts and my forfeiting of the tournament dated the 27th, before the new brackets were made

Not that it makes a difference now, but I'd just like to point out that Elijah did get in contact with a higher up about forfeiting before the pairings were made. Therefore, I have to agree with Visla's previous insistance that Christoph should be paired with someone else. Just because Task did not get the information to TB, should not mean that Christoph get a free ride.

I also agree with Visla that the prospect of not having an opponent for a 2-week tournament battle thread is not a disadvantage to Christoph. Especially not when there are so many other options on Althanas for Christoph to stay involved in to hone his skills. As Visla said, it's Christoph's job to keep his skills sharp, and if they dwindle over the course of one round of a tourny, then he has no one but himself to blame.

Now, on to the original purpose of the thread...

I've seen a few pairings that look interesting, both in the previous round and the next. I will find it interesting to see what Amaril does considering the OOC post about his death in his previous battle.

[Amaril Torrun]

I will find it interesting to see what Amaril does considering the OOC post about his death in his previous battle.

It won't be too amazing. I promise.

[Christoph]

Wow, I miss a lot when I'm gone for a day. To sum up my feelings: I'm sorry to see Andy drop out (and he can vouch for the fact that I pestered him to NOT drop out), but at this point I'm glad to have an opponent. I don't think sitting Round 2 out would have put me at any significant disadvantage, but I entered to battle and write, not to coast along. For that reason, I'm glad that Andy pressed the issue of his withdrawal now, instead of simply not posting once the battle started. In short, I'm satisfied with the final decision, though it's unfortunate that Visla had to withdraw as well in order for it to work out.

[Amaril Torrun]

It’s prediction time!


Wilhelm Bosche vs. Amaril Torrun – I’m leaning in favor of Wilhelm, but I’m not entirely convinced, as Amaril Torrun seems to have developed this tendency for upset victories. =p



The dark horse is headed your way now.

[Christoph]

Dun dun dun! I'm looking forward to it.

[Max Dirks]

Visla, let me make this very clear. If a player drops out after the tournament has been created, the typical rules regarding disqualification apply. If there is no "highest scoring loser" clause or other advancement rule then someone gets a bye. There is absolutely no changing of the rules mid tournament like that stupid Althanas Invitational because a bunch of players collectively bitch about the situation.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Visla, let me make this very clear. If a player drops out after the tournament has been created, the typical rules regarding disqualification apply. If there is no "highest scoring loser" clause or other advancement rule then someone gets a bye. There is absolutely no changing of the rules mid tournament like that stupid Althanas Invitational because a bunch of players collectively bitch about the situation.

Late to the game. Thanks for your commentary on how we don't change the rules except when we change the rules. I didn't appeal to a "clause" I suggested a solution to an existing problem. That solution was rejected. Everything's worked out fine.

I do not find the tournament rules to have any ultimate sanctity beyond the extent to which they preserve the interests of the tournament. If changing them can improve the situation, there is no reason they should remain the same.

That being said, the issue is completely resolved and there's no need to press it further.

[NightCast]

The International vs. Nightcast – I’m definitely favoring the International, assuming both sides stay active.

Way to go. Now I feel unappreciated. I might let my internet ego get the better of me and just drop in protest.

[/sarcasm]

[Sumnner]

Wasn't round two supposed to begin on the 31st? Oo Or am I just imagining things... again... oo;

[Bloodrose]

It was supposed to, and then the site went down for a couple of days. I believe it is now scheduled to start on Friday.

EDIT:


I am however adjusting the Tournament schedule to open on this Friday, so you guys can be prepared, and I can actually get the threads made, since I couldn't over the weekend. I have a feeling a few of these people didn't even knwo their opponents, since the down time was a bit abrupt.

[The International]

I am super pumped about this. Ya'll have no idea how bad I've wanted to return. (Listen to me. I sound like a veteran or some shit.)

NightCast, no punches below the waist please. I don't want to be castrated because you don't know how to clip your nails.

[NightCast]

That would be out of the ordinary for Morgoth. He prefers evisceration.

[Visla Eraclaire]

One thread long enough to require judgment... one.

[Christoph]

Yo Visla, I know ur naysayin' the tournament, and imma let you finish, but Christoph was one of the best tournament naysayers of all time. =p

At least all of my predictions came true.

Shenanigans aside, I can’t say that I’m entirely surprised by this, though a bit disappointed. This horse has been beaten to death (by me, mostly), but two weeks isn’t really enough, especially this time of year, when many members have classes. It’s far to easy for life to come up and cause a player to lose a handful of days. At that point, many players would just give up rather than waste time and effort trying in vain to finish a battle. Of course, there could be plenty of other reasons for why this round was such a flop. Maybe it was all my fault, since every single person that I predicted would lose ended up dropping out, and the one battle I couldn’t call actually reached ten posts. It’s all part of my vast right-wing conspiracy. >.>

On the bright side: hopefully this means that round three will start very soon.

[Visla Eraclaire]

imma let you finish

Thanks for letting me finish. If two weeks isn't long enough, tournaments are impossible. Making them any longer would mean there would be one Althanas tournament, the Althanas Annual. Damned thing would take a whole year.

The sequential-post battle format all but ensures a high percentage of drop outs and incomplete threads. After all the disqualifications, I think the tournament is more a measure of endurance and fortuity in having opponents drop than anything even approaching literary skill.

Finally, I propose a race between Task and whoever is judging Task's thread. Can Task close out the topics from round one before his thread from round two is judged? I'm not sure who to bet on in this one.

[Taskmienster]

Close out? Whatcha mean close out? Did I miss something? If you're talking bout exp and rewards in general, I'm going to be adding those today. Also, there are two threads being judged, I've got one and Duffy's got the other. So, those should be done by monday at the latest, I believe, by both of us.

:p

[Visla Eraclaire]

Are you counting Amaril's thread? It looks like he "withdrew" in his last post.

[Taskmienster]

Yeah, I'm counting it. I'm doing the condensed rubric and may or may not reward rewards depending on how well I thought it was written.

[Visla Eraclaire]

It's like the janitor making a spill just so he can clean it up. :P

[Taskmienster]

Or messing up a display of jewelry so you have something to do at work. I do both... :p

[Duffy]

Two weeks is more than enough, MORE than enough.

This coming from Mc Post Alot No Friends though...lol, I'm a student who works I just really like trolling this place :D

Like Task says I'm on his thread, but given the output of writing I've done in the last few days I want a night off to watch X Factor and get rat-arsed...

So on that not, back in a few hours :D

[Taskmienster]

Finally, I propose a race between Task and whoever is judging Task's thread. Can Task close out the topics from round one before his thread from round two is judged? I'm not sure who to bet on in this one.

I win. :p. Judged, and closed out round 1. Duffy's earned his rest, so my thread will be done whenever he gets the time, and that's fine, haha.

Sooo, on topic. Who would you like to see active and matched up for the next round? Anyone see something interesting coming?

[Duffy]

I have a funny feeling Sumnner is going to kick Cristoph's butt!

Lol, I'm joking, I've not ever started reading it yet.

It's a close call, hopefully some of you pluck some posting speed out of your ass and salvage this shambles.

How about a 500 word limit next time, to encourage speed and participation?

[Inkfinger]

How about a 500 word limit next time, to encourage speed and participation?

Boo. Boo! I dunno about some people, but word limits generally drive me batty. I write until it feels like the post is done - sometimes that's 300words, sometimes it's 2000plus, so, yeah. Noplz!

[Visla Eraclaire]

Word limits are absolutely, positively NOT the solution. It's a format problem not a word count problem.

[The International]

On the bright side: hopefully this means that round three will start very soon.

YES! Please! Let's get the next round going as soon as yesterday. You guys can't believe how badly I've wanted to get into this shiznit. I've been a shoe in for both rounds. If I get to the finals without a proper battle I'm going to be pissed off!

[Duffy]

In that case how about less of veterans vs veterans stuff and have a free for all, perhaps a negative xp penalty for not posting?

[Inkfinger]

[snip]
perhaps a negative xp penalty for not posting?

As in, take away xp that people already earned through other threads for not posting? Again, not a good idea. Real life happens, penalizing people for not being able to get online and write a reply is not the answer.

[Duffy]

I think I'm about to border into the 'school and work' shouldn't get into the way of making a post debate but it's been done to death and everyone has different ways of handling stress, life, the universe, and everything between.

When it boils down to it, if you don't think you can post daily or every other day without random epic fail stuff happening in the process, why commit to it to begin with? Illness, bereavement, that sort of thing is expected to happen to people and can't be helped, but I expect some if not a larger part of it boils down to apathy.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Duffy's xp penalty is a bad idea, but he's right about the reasons for non-completion.

If the rate of sudden illness and life altering cataclysm in Althanas tournaments is normal, the world is a far worse place than it appears to be from my daily experience. Posting is not a colossal obligation. There are sincere reasons to drop and then there are most non-completions, which I believe trace back to something less legitimate. If I was in a round doing a topic I didn't enjoy, I would be tempted to just not finish. Fortunately, I dropped ahead of the round so I wouldn't have to bother making up an excuse.

Why do people keep up with engagements in real life that there are no real consequences for ditching? Social pressure. You don't show up to that party when you're a little tired because your friend's going to snatch some cash out of your bank account if you don't. You do it because he's going to call you a bitch for crashing instead of coming out. You'll hear about it for the next week and that's just not worth it.

[Duffy]

My contention with it is this, (sod it, I will rattle on anyway, nothing else to do on a sunday, I've already made 3 thousand word posts and written up a new bio so why not go on a bit more!)

Even once term starts, and I've got essays, dissertation prep, presentations, quiz team outings, cinema days, society meetings and seminars, even if I'm out for all but an hour a day I'll STILL most more frequent than 80% of the board. This says one of two things, Duffy is a sad little loon obsessed with writing (and I rp on 2 other boards besides Althanas, so do the math) or that there is something wrong with the way Althanas works.

I will rp with anyone.

ANYONE.

I don't care who, what 'level' they are writing wise or what their character is. We'll find a way to make it work. What I don't like to rp with is people who take 4-5 weeks replying in a thread when all they have to do is 'No, sorry, let's go left instead.' It's epically bad, to the point where I'm considering stopping a thread. I'm impatient, I know, but that's beyond all limits.

The International has every right to be angry, in the future, there needs to be a safe guard in place to ensure that everyone has to do SOMETHING to get through a round. I personally volunteer to be one of say, 2-3 writers who arn't participating that throws a random scenario or opponent at people who don't have opponents to ensure they're kept on their toes.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I suspect... well, perhaps that's too strong. I hope our imperious leaders have learned from this tournament some lessons that will show a need for change in the future.

For now though, best just to get it over with without much further complaint.

[Christoph]

Not to offer ‘further complaint’ or anything, but what is Round Three still waiting on?

[Requiem of Insanity]

Could just make it so all EXP earned in a tournament isn't awarded until after the tournament. Kind of like an all in or all out.

That way round one moves on and advances, gets bored so doesn't post, loses all the exp for the tourny. If your eliminated it will just come when the tourny is done. It's not an EXP reduction, but it is severe to keep people in just long enough to finish.

My opinion of course.

[Visla Eraclaire]

This sounds familiar. I think it was either done or proposed before. In any event, it's a good idea for the future. I don't know that it will make enough of an impact, but who knows.

[Bloodrose]

I honestly believe that we could propose rules, format changes, and incentives to promote tournament activity until we are blue in the faces, and it still won't change anything. The simple and ugly truth of the matter is that Althanas does not have the active player base necessary to flesh out a decent sized tournament ladder.

Sure, lots of people sign up for tournaments because they are eager to compete, but some of these people are more lurker than player these days. The registration thread reads like a laundry list of players who go days (and in a tournament, a few days can be a long time), weeks, or even months at a time without posting ICly, and then we expect they're going to magically step up the pace for a tournament?

Now, I'm not saying the format and the delays don't take their own toll on the tournament, but in my opinion the root cause of tournament failure (past, present, and future) is the current and longstanding lack of depth in our player base.

EDIT: That last line should in fact read "active player base." Active of course being a subjective term, but you get the idea.

[oblueknighto]

I feel kind of sad because of the turn of events, I got eliminated in the first round then in the next round the person winning over me simply doesn't post... kind of sad for me.

[Requiem of Insanity]

As i stated in a previous thread, we should have it where everyone gets paired up, then the next round we shuffle the players and do round two. keep shuffling for X number of rounds until desired. After that take everyone's average score and the four highest go into single elimination for the cup. Or the two highest battle for the cup.

This in turn allows all those who WANT to be in the tournament fight to gain the EXP they need to grow in a tournament setting. This also allows those who lost only by a fraction of a point to redeem themselves, and lastly this weeds out all those who just don't bother to post after round one.

NOTHING is more frustrating than what blue Knight posted above. Countless eager writers are eliminated in tournies, only to see the one who defeated them not show up for round two. It's fucking mind numbing to watch someone rise in the ranks of a ladder because there opponent never showed up.

Now this would lead to the obvious question of: How would you move on in the rounds, determine who fights who? This can be answered by pitting the top with the bottom scores as best as possible, as those who are new can fight people with equal writing skills, this also in turn makes it so those that write at a higher level are continuously challenged.

Another question that rings up is: How did this solve the problem of people not posting? Would this not mean in round two somebody gets locked in a match with someone who post and get screwed for it? Three answers, take your pick: One, drop the score. It never happened, so it doesn't count. This won't help you, but it won't hurt you either.

Two: after four days with no posting taking place, contact a mod and have them place you with another writer in the same boat. You'll have less time for your battle, but as MANY of you althanians proved, new and old, you can bust out amazing works in a short time span.

Three: Solo it. After the four day mark you contact a mod, and this in turns opens up to a solo battle or puzzle or reflection or whatever self masturbating literature gets you off. Your score will count for the round.

Do these seem suitable to you? I think this could solve a lot of problems.

[oblueknighto]

Those systems would stop the problems with the people that have been in positions of problem from sudden activity when signing up then not following through. Even though this does happen a lot it's really up to the mods to set the stones in place. Another problem is how people miss signing up because someone else 'took' their position then never showed up after that. Heaps of people experience problems like this too.

The problem I brought up is one major problem but there are many other problems that require for the rules to be amended.

[Christoph]

Idea Number Two sounds good, but I'm not entirely convinced. Two weeks is already a bit short; ten days or less would be unrealistic in most cases unless both reassigned players have a lot of free time on their hands. And even if we assumed that the players could finish in nine or ten days, the solution would only work in cases defaulting player dropped right at the beginning (which I admit was half of Round Two). I think the idea could at least help in a few cases each round, but I would give them four extra days -- it would hardly hold things up since even with only one completed battle, it's already taken more than a week to move onto Round Three. It would just make sure that their newly assigned battle has just as much time as everyone else’s. Nothing would be more depressing than pairing off two players whose opponents dropped out, only to have their new battle end in default as well.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Not to offer ‘further complaint’ or anything, but what is Round Three still waiting on?

This question is starting to really demand an answer. Nine days since the judgment of the final thread, no pairings.

[Tainted Bushido]

I'm waiting on Dirks for some details, he's unfortunately been spotty, so said details have not been forthcoming.

[Visla Eraclaire]

I thought this was your show, Pat? Why are you waiting for a reply to your request for information form C-53 to be triple stamped and filed with the sub-committee on form stamping?

Ah well, them's the breaks. I imagine your participants are actually impatient. I'm just curious.

[Tainted Bushido]

Once you see next round, you'll understand why I had to wait.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Somewhat exciting! I look forward to it. Or maybe my future children can look forward to it. ;)

If it requires two admins to do it, I have to imagine it's worthwhile though...

[Flames of Hyperion]

Not to be obnoxious or anything, but are there to be judge's notes on my battle vs. Mikeavelli? Your ending post seems to suggest there will be, and we did have an equal number of posts to Amaril and Christoph, so...

*Ducks*

[Bloodrose]

So.... I have a question.

<strike>After Christoph and I duke it out for the crown of Veteran Bracket Champion, what then? By the looks of it you're going to have 3 players from the New Player bracket advancing (assuming Sumner and Wings aren't stupid enough to not post now that they've been given what amounts to a pass), so how is that going to work advancing into the final?

Am I - or in the spirit of being sporting, Christoph - going to have to sit around an extra round after this one while you sort out a New Player Bracket Champion, or am I going to have to fight all three of them?</strike>

EDIT:

It has been pointed out to me that Sumner is in fact in the Veteran's Bracket, and not the New Player bracket. So then this would mean Sumner goes on to face the winner of Christoph vs Myself, and Wings faces the winner of Inkfinger vs International?

Makes a little more sense now.

[Tainted Bushido]

Pretty much that. Sumner is known by a few names around these boards. So, by no stretch is he a new player.

[Sumnner]

Someone needs to poke Task into awarding me my exp.... -.-

Or at least, getting the ball rolling toward awarding me my exp....

And, on a lesser, not so important detail, the name is spelled with two n's. =P

[Sumnner]

FYI:

No one has posted in the special fight for the Magus Cup. At least, the two mysterious challengers haven't.

[Flames of Hyperion]

*Sniffles*

[Bloodrose]

Once you see next round, you'll understand why I had to wait.


If it requires two admins to do it, I have to imagine it's worthwhile though...


No one has posted in the special fight for the Magus Cup. At least, the two mysterious challengers haven't.

I really wish I could say I'm surprised.

[Visla Eraclaire]

It is the Old Guard. Perhaps their hearing aids went dead and they missed their alarms, and have been sleeping the entire time. Or maybe they found a breakfast buffet with very affordable prices and haven't left for days.

That being said, yeah... looks like the "special event" is going to turn into a bye. Oh well, the other fights are somewhat active at least.

[Christoph]

Yeah, and 66&#37; activity for a round is still the best so far.

[Bloodrose]

So another round comes and goes, and with only 2 battles out of the 3 really requiring any sort of judgment to determine who advances, hopefully we can keep the momentum going.

With TB stepping down from the Features Admin post, who's going to take over the tournament?

[Bloodrose]

Apologies for the double-post.

Since we're coming up on two weeks from the end of the last round, any chance we can get some information on when the next round is going to get underway?

[Sumnner]

We need a tourny coordinator first... =(

And I still need my EXP added from my one and only battle that was judged in this damn thing!! >=O