Tournament Contest - Create a Fantasy / Sci-Fi Tournament

[mr. CD]

Love your tweaks lostlatlimbo. Looking forward to the tournament! [/objectivity]

[DoomYoshi]

PREMIUM ONLY

QUICK PLAY RULES:

You need to post:
1Your home map (you can pick a different one for 8, 5 and 3 player games)
2A home shard

1. Bant: Flat Rate, Sunny, Unlimited
2. Esper: Flat Rate, Sunny, Chained
3. Grixis: No Spoils, Foggy, Chained
4. Jund: Nuclear, Foggy, Adjacent
5. Naya: Escalating, Sunny, Adjacent

3 A Home Nation (not absolutely necessary, just for flavor)
4 Settings for phase 2 and 3, read below for more information

All games are sequential, automatic and have a round limit of 50 Turns.

Now, for the meatier stuff:

Welcome to Alara

Alara is known as a split plane. Nobody is quite sure what happened, but there are some ideas...

Let us Explore the



GRIXIS

Grixis is an ancient word meaning traitor. The land of Grixis is a vast wasteland. As such, patience will not help growth (no spoils). There is some water, so things can move around (chained) but it is overall very dark (foggy).

The Tribes of Grixis:

• DEMONS
  
  For a long time you have ruled over Grixis with an iron fist. However, your power is starting to wane. Can you fight to uphold your position?
• HORRORS
  
  Nobody is quite sure what you are. Nobody is quite sure what you want. Nobody is quite sure how to fight you. Everybody is quite sure to stay as far away as possible.
• VAMPIRES
  
  While once you were human, now you only prey. Your power is limited only by a dwindling supply of fresh meat.
• OGRES
  
  Who says you have to be alive to take over the shard? Your power is so great that it has followed you into undeath, and now you are ready to take revenge on those who brought you to this state.
• THE HIVE
  
  In terms of sheer numbers, you are the largest faction anywhere in the shards. In terms of sheer intelligence...
• ZOMBIES
  
  You exist solely to mindlessly attack. For you, suicide isn't an option - it's mandatory. Your presence ensures that Grixis remains a living H---. I do not endorse suiciding in any game, especially not in this tournament.
• NECROMANCERS
  
  Usually, you create undead. Can you create a kingdom? Usually you control undead...
• ???
  
  You lurk in every shadow, in all the dark corners of every maniacal mind. You thrive on screaming and suffering. Is it your time?

BANT

Bant is a land of beauty, with fertile ground best suited for large nations and large scale warfare. Agriculture provides fairly predictable but still weather-dependent rewards (flat rate). Sight lines are good (sunny) and there is a large, well-maintained road system (unlimited).

The Tribes of Bant

• AKRASA
  
  Loyalty, Honour and Bravery - The three pillars that have upheld the 'Sea of Grass'. Will they be enough to last you into the upcoming battles?
• EOS
  
  Some claim the caste system on Bant is evil. You know that it is one of the strengths of your society, and enables you to become a powerful contender in the upcoming trials.
• TOPA
  
  Long ago, you realized that social mobility was the answer to a rich and powerful society. Unfortunately, the desert you live in doesn't lead to much prosperity. As your ascetics travel around Bant though, your message will spread. So too will your influence.
• JHESS
  
  As an island nation, you are constantly balancing the desire for security and the desire for trade. The desire for watchfulness and the desire for...
• VALERON
  
  The forests of your nation may seem unusual in Bant. However, they create a defensible position, and a source of wealth, mostly accepted by your 12 noble families.
• ANGELS
  
  Theoretically the angels have always been in charge. For some reason, the nations of the shard have decided to go to war without consulting you first. Is it time to get biblical?
• AVEN
  
  Although your numbers are small, the tactical advantage you provide has made the most sought-out mercenaries on Bant. Now is your time to stake a claim for yourself in the zeitgeist of the shard.
• RHOX
  
  Who says you can't be noble while also being badass? Get ready to party, boys!

NAYA

Naya is a land of endless forests, filled with creatures that also seem to be endless and the tribes that worship them. Rumour has it that somewhere in the forest is the Hydra-God Progenitus, Progenitor of All. Things get big in this forest - really big, so the spoils are escalating. Lots of sunshine is required to fuel this constant growth (so no fog), but that makes movement very slow (adjacent).

The Tribes of Naya

• DRUMHUNTERS
  
  You are suited to survival in the jungle through your hunting prowess. Using an advanced system of communication by drumming, you present a threat to most other tribes.
• EXUBERANTS
  
  You celebrate life to the fullest. While your hedonistic ways are perceived by some as irresponsible, you are still prepared for war. Through the use of aerial tactics, and defensible ziggurats, no tribe will have an easy time defeating you.
• CYLIAN
  
  The Cylians have long been the dominant tribe of Naya. With your combination of a large, complex society and powerful magic, you are the favourite to continue dominance over Naya.
• KEEPERS
  
  You are a subsect of the Cylians. For years, they have worshipped the anima. You worship Progenitus, for you know that soon it will return and lead you to the dominance of Naya that you deserve.
• WILD
  
  While your society has been considered chaotic, you certainly possess the greatest physical advantage in the forest. Your only trick will be to band together long enough to achieve victory.
• CLOUD
  
  Also known as the Qasali, you are the ancient society of Nacatl. Long ago you lived in absolute splendor with your now wild brethren. From your hideout in the mountains, you have not forgotten the glory days though, and will soon shine again.
• BEHEMOTHS
  
  While not so much of a society, you are clearly the dominant force. What the small creatures don`t understand is that when you are banded together, you are nigh unstoppable.
• MINOTAURS
  
  Ask the average Nayan citizen and they will deny that Minotaurs exist on the shard. You are there, though, and ready to join the fray and make sure you are never forgotten again.

ESPER

Esper is primarily an ocean covered shard. It is unique in that most of the inhabitants have modified themselves by crafting their own bodies with Etherium, a powerful alloy. Since physical strength is mostly crafted, mental capacity is truly where the competition is. Wizards of various types constantly compete against each other for control in this shard. Studying will reveal mostly predictable rewards (flat rate). The sight lines are great (sunny) and the wide ocean promotes lots of trade (chained).

The Tribes of Esper

• ETHERSWORN
  
  If you have your way, the entire shard will be converted to Etherium creatures and no organic beings will remain. Then, and only then, will you have the power to rule them all.
• SEEKERS
  
  The Seekers of Carmot possess the Codex Etherium, which will allow the creation of more etherium using Carmot and Sangrite. If your plans come to fruition, you will finally be able to destroy the ethersworn.
• FILIGREE
  
  You follow the codes of the Book of Filigree. Some call you a cult, others call you insane. What you most certainly are is a force for law and a force for truth.
• CLOUDHEATH
  
  The plains of Cloudheath are occupied by quite a few creatures. While historically nobody has united the plains, it seems that you are willing to, in order to challenge the world order.
• VECTIS
  
  Vectis is known as the dark shadow of Esper. Magic here is used sparsely, and traditional techniques of destruction are favoured. Techniques such as torture and assassination.
• SPHINX
  
  You were the race which discovered the Etherium alloy. Since then, you have devoted your time to study and left the other citizens of the shard to their own affairs. Until now.
• LEVIATHANS
  
  As the only organic race left on the shard, you certainly have an unusual advantage in the power struggle. Unfortunately, you are stuck in the water, at least, for 500 metres or so.
• PUPPETMASTERS
  
  You create homunculi to do chores. You create homunculi to attack. Most importantly, you create homunculi so others know that you are better than they are.

JUND

Jund is a land filled with volcanoes. As awesome as this may sound, life is actually pretty difficult on Jund. Since war is a constant though, the coming battles are nothing new, and everyone is used to it. What is different this time is the scale of the combat. Jund is known for it's destruction (nuclear). Also, sight lines and movement are both hampered by the mountains (adjacent and foggy).

The Tribes of Jund

• THUNDER
  
  You are the Viashino Thrash known for respecting power. The weakest members know they will be sacrificied at a moment's notice if the elder thinks it will give a strategic advantage.
• CARRION
  
  You have evolved to not only survive on carrion, but to thrive on it. This adaptation certainly gives you an edge over the other VIashino Thrashes.
• THORN
  
  You are the luckiest Viashino Thrash in that you are from the forest. This gives you a total resource advantage, over not only the other Viashino, but over all the other races.
• HUMANS
  
  While the other races are more suited to the harsh environment, you have proven to be resourceful. Also, of all the Jund tribes, you have the most stable government, although that isn't saying much.
• OOZE
  
  While not exactly sentient, your ability to feed is unmatched in all the shards. Will your exponential growth continue indefinitely or will it drop off sharply?
• ELEMENTALS
  
  You inhabit everywhere, and nowhere all at once. When you are manifested, it becomes truly scary. The greatest thing about the Elemental Alliance is that you always have home-court advantage.
• DRAGONS
  
  You are the most dominant force in this shard. 'Nuff said.
• GOBLINS
  
  Historically, you have been pressed into servitude for the other races and have served, alternately, as dragon food, dragon fodder, dragon worshipper etc... Now is it your time to shine?

Rules

Phase one:
The Shards of Alara

During this phase, one game is played on everyone's home setting in every shard. So there are 8 games played by everybody. The games will be handed out 2 at a time.

Phase Two:
Conflux

The Shards are coming closer and closer to each other, now they are almost touching, and the consequences are disastrous.

Now every player will play in 3 games. One in their home map against two players from neighbouring shards (the player list will be randomized when this phase starts). Also, they will play in 2 away maps in other players' home maps. For reference, the neighbouring shards are Bant - Esper - Grixis - Jund - Naya - Bant. (It's a loop). The settings can be changed to any setting from your shard or any setting from a neighbouring shard.

Phase Three:
Alara Reborn

The Shards are together now. Total war breaks out across the plane.

Once again player lists are randomized. Each player now plays in 5 5-player games, one on each person's home map who they have been randomly grouped with. The groups will include one player from each home shard. In this phase, settings can be from any shard. Games will be handed out in a group of 2, followed by a group of 3.

Whoever has the most wins is the winner of the tournament. In the case of a tie, tiebreaker games will take place. One game on each player's home map and settings, followed by a random map, random game setting.

Players and Maps

8-Player Map 5-Player Map (and settings) 3-Player Map (and settings)

Grixis

1. Demons
2. Horrors
3. Vampires
4. Ogres
5. The Hive
6. Zombies
7. Necromancers
8. ???

Bant

1. Akrasa
2. Eos
3. Topa
4. Jhess
5. Valeron
6. Angels
7. Aven
8. Rhox

Naya

1. Drumhunters
2. Exuberants
3. Cylian
4. Keepers
5. Wild
6. Cloud
7. Behemoths
8. Minotaurs

Esper

1. Ethersworn
2. Seekers
3. Filigree
4. Cloudheath
5. Vectis
6. Sphinx
7. Leviathans
8. Puppetmasters

Jund

1. Thunder
2. Carrion
3. Thorn
4. Humans
5. Ooze
6. Elementals
7. Dragons
8. Goblins

[Fuzzy316]

So... what kind of results were there here? It's been a few days now since the deadline passed.

[Teflon Kris]

Marking is underway - results should be out by the end of the weekend

[betiko]

basically we are finally 6 contestants and top 3 are rewarded right?...

[Fuzzy316]

I think they were hoping for a larger tournout for the entry. It could be people just didn't feel up to it, or it could be some people don't think they have the storytelling skills/capabilities, from what I can tell anyways

[Teflon Kris]

I think they were hoping for a larger tournout for the entry. It could be people just didn't feel up to it, or it could be some people don't think they have the storytelling skills/capabilities, from what I can tell anyways

Indeed, we were hoping for more entries.

However, most of those that have entered have put a great deal of effort into their ideas. It would be great to see them all running as active tournaments so the creativity doesn't go to waste/

[denominator]

However, most of those that have entered have put a great deal of effort into their ideas. It would be great to see them all running as active tournaments so the creativity doesn't go to waste/

That's actually the part that made me pass it up. I've never run a tournament before, so I didn't want to jump into the pool with some elaborate format that was over my head.

Given the level of the first couple that were posted, I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't win with a small, simple tournament, so there came to be no point in entering - I can still run my small tournament on my own if and when I choose.

If there had been a requirement that all tournaments be run, then the winner be selected, I probably would have taken the plunge and run a small one for this.

[Fuzzy316]

I think they were hoping for a larger tournout for the entry. It could be people just didn't feel up to it, or it could be some people don't think they have the storytelling skills/capabilities, from what I can tell anyways

Indeed, we were hoping for more entries.

However, most of those that have entered have put a great deal of effort into their ideas. It would be great to see them all running as active tournaments so the creativity doesn't go to waste/

Was just waiting on the final outcome before posting to the sign ups page.

[betiko]

I think they were hoping for a larger tournout for the entry. It could be people just didn't feel up to it, or it could be some people don't think they have the storytelling skills/capabilities, from what I can tell anyways

Indeed, we were hoping for more entries.

However, most of those that have entered have put a great deal of effort into their ideas. It would be great to see them all running as active tournaments so the creativity doesn't go to waste/

I think a few of us have already put them as active tournaments.. once it was done no point in just letting it sit there I believe..

[Teflon Kris]

One of the judges is perhaps playing the legal judge role and considering his scoring very carefully, perhaps with several tea breaks, meetings in chambers, working from home, long lunches, early finishes, fridays off, flexible working hours, .... .....

[Fuzzy316]

One of the judges is perhaps playing the legal judge role and considering his scoring very carefully, perhaps with several tea breaks, meetings in chambers, working from home, long lunches, early finishes, fridays off, flexible working hours, .... .....

you forgot biscuits to go with the tea!!

[Dukasaur]

However, most of those that have entered have put a great deal of effort into their ideas. It would be great to see them all running as active tournaments so the creativity doesn't go to waste/

That's actually the part that made me pass it up. I've never run a tournament before, so I didn't want to jump into the pool with some elaborate format that was over my head.

Given the level of the first couple that were posted, I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't win with a small, simple tournament, so there came to be no point in entering - I can still run my small tournament on my own if and when I choose.

If there had been a requirement that all tournaments be run, then the winner be selected, I probably would have taken the plunge and run a small one for this.

I think you should go for it. (Meaning making the small one, not joining a contest just yet.)

Making great tournaments is a craft that requires lots of practise, and even after doing it for a year, I'm still making mistakes. For instance, in one tournament that I just launched (and which I spent months planning, I just realized that although Phase One will probabably go really fast and be done in two or three weeks, Phase Two will probably last for three or four months, maybe even five, and by the time we reach Phase Three a lot of people who got won early in Phase Two will have forgotten about it. This kind of stupidity makes me want to beat myself in the head, but it's just the kind of thing that happens when you get too obsessed with the creative aspects and forget about the practical aspects.

So definitely, if you want to be involved in making good creative tourneys eventually, get started now, making some basic simple uncreative ones. You will definitely benefit from the experience when it comes time to make fancier stuff later.

[betiko]

However, most of those that have entered have put a great deal of effort into their ideas. It would be great to see them all running as active tournaments so the creativity doesn't go to waste/

That's actually the part that made me pass it up. I've never run a tournament before, so I didn't want to jump into the pool with some elaborate format that was over my head.

Given the level of the first couple that were posted, I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't win with a small, simple tournament, so there came to be no point in entering - I can still run my small tournament on my own if and when I choose.

If there had been a requirement that all tournaments be run, then the winner be selected, I probably would have taken the plunge and run a small one for this.

I think you should go for it. (Meaning making the small one, not joining a contest just yet.)

Making great tournaments is a craft that requires lots of practise, and even after doing it for a year, I'm still making mistakes. For instance, in one tournament that I just launched (and which I spent months planning, I just realized that although Phase One will probabably go really fast and be done in two or three weeks, Phase Two will probably last for three or four months, maybe even five, and by the time we reach Phase Three a lot of people who got won early in Phase Two will have forgotten about it. This kind of stupidity makes me want to beat myself in the head, but it's just the kind of thing that happens when you get too obsessed with the creative aspects and forget about the practical aspects.

So definitely, if you want to be involved in making good creative tourneys eventually, get started now, making some basic simple uncreative ones. You will definitely benefit from the experience when it comes time to make fancier stuff later.

yeah I don't know, I don't like tournaments that take several monthes, I tried to make one rather short. I do get bored with too long ones, and just wish they could finish fast.

Hey I was wondering, as my tourney is taking longer that I expected to fill in and I see that people are afraid by the number of participants (128) would it be ok if I reduce it to 64 and just give a double chance to participants on round 1?
I'm used to create smaller tourneys and they fill in very fast, also I've noticed people are afraid when they see 128 participants..

[Dukasaur]

Hey I was wondering, as my tourney is taking longer that I expected to fill in and I see that people are afraid by the number of participants (128) would it be ok if I reduce it to 64 and just give a double chance to participants on round 1?
I'm used to create smaller tourneys and they fill in very fast, also I've noticed people are afraid when they see 128 participants..

Please don't make ANY changes until the seventh judge has had a chance to vote.
With a bit of luck that will be within the next day or two. After that, yes, trimming some of these tournaments down to a more manageable size might be an option. (Even after that, I would send a PM to DJ Teflon before making changes, because if the tournament is drastically different from what was posted I would want to make sure that your medal is not in jeopardy. But it will probably be okay.)

[betiko]

Hey I was wondering, as my tourney is taking longer that I expected to fill in and I see that people are afraid by the number of participants (128) would it be ok if I reduce it to 64 and just give a double chance to participants on round 1?
I'm used to create smaller tourneys and they fill in very fast, also I've noticed people are afraid when they see 128 participants..

Please don't make ANY changes until the seventh judge has had a chance to vote.
With a bit of luck that will be within the next day or two. After that, yes, trimming some of these tournaments down to a more manageable size might be an option. (Even after that, I would send a PM to DJ Teflon before making changes, because if the tournament is drastically different from what was posted I would want to make sure that your medal is not in jeopardy. But it will probably be okay.)

thanks. well basically on my round 1, 1 out of 4 players go to round 2; I would just want to make it 1 out of 2 players to advance, so the number of entries would go from 128 to 64. I would need to do just some minor adjustments on round 1; all the other rounds would remain the same.
It really seems like the best solution because in 10 days I have 20 entries and people have told me that 128 seems like too much participants and are afraid it could be a long/difficult tourney.
Sorry but it's the kind of things you figure out only when your project goes "on the market". It doesn't change the storyline or anything, I just want to be certain it will be running (if the tourney is not filled up within a month it's abandonned right?)

thanks, will wait for djteflon's feedback

[Teflon Kris]

thanks. well basically on my round 1, 1 out of 4 players go to round 2; I would just want to make it 1 out of 2 players to advance, so the number of entries would go from 128 to 64. I would need to do just some minor adjustments on round 1; all the other rounds would remain the same.
It really seems like the best solution because in 10 days I have 20 entries and people have told me that 128 seems like too much participants and are afraid it could be a long/difficult tourney.
Sorry but it's the kind of things you figure out only when your project goes "on the market". It doesn't change the storyline or anything, I just want to be certain it will be running (if the tourney is not filled up within a month it's abandonned right?)

thanks, will wait for djteflon's feedback

This kind of minor practical adjustment would be fine.

[betiko]

thanks. well basically on my round 1, 1 out of 4 players go to round 2; I would just want to make it 1 out of 2 players to advance, so the number of entries would go from 128 to 64. I would need to do just some minor adjustments on round 1; all the other rounds would remain the same.
It really seems like the best solution because in 10 days I have 20 entries and people have told me that 128 seems like too much participants and are afraid it could be a long/difficult tourney.
Sorry but it's the kind of things you figure out only when your project goes "on the market". It doesn't change the storyline or anything, I just want to be certain it will be running (if the tourney is not filled up within a month it's abandonned right?)

thanks, will wait for djteflon's feedback

This kind of minor practical adjustment would be fine.

Ok thanks DJ, the modification has been made; it's now a 64 players tourney, and not a 128 players anymore; all remains the same except that you have now 50% of entries that go to round 2 instead of 25%.
thanks for your understanding!
(the link to the tournament is still in my signature)

[Fuzzy316]

Has this been decided as to who the actual winnners were yet?

[lostatlimbo]

I'm curious as well.

[chapcrap]

Has this been decided as to who the actual winnners were yet?

There is voting going on currently. Votes will be tallied soon and a winner announced as soon as it is possible. I wasn't one of the judges or voters, but there were some good things in there. I would say Fuzzy's was my favorite.

[Dukasaur]

I don't want to say too much, but basically one of the judges seems to be stuck somewhere with no Internet access for the holidays, and we are just going to have to wait for him to resurface.

The votes are extremely close: some good efforts there.

[Fuzzy316]

I don't want to say too much, but basically one of the judges seems to be stuck somewhere with no Internet access for the holidays, and we are just going to have to wait for him to resurface.

The votes are extremely close: some good efforts there.

Well, thanks for the update Duka. thought that the one they were waiting on was supposed to have been back, but is cool that we know now.

Has this been decided as to who the actual winnners were yet?

There is voting going on currently. Votes will be tallied soon and a winner announced as soon as it is possible. I wasn't one of the judges or voters, but there were some good things in there. I would say Fuzzy's was my favorite.

Thanks Chap, nice to hear.

[Teflon Kris]

Apologies to all for the delay.

The judges tallied scoring is as follows:


fairman - 73.5
SirSebstar - 14.5
Fuzzy316 - 100.5
eagleblade - 88.5
lostatlimbo - 102.5
betiko - 92.5
DoomYoshi - 97.5

Therefore, General Achievement Medals will be awarded to the following Tournament Organisers on completion of their tournaments:

• Fuzzy316
  lostatlimbo
  DoomYoshi

[chapcrap]

Apologies to all for the delay.

The judges tallied scoring is as follows:


fairman - 73.5
SirSebstar - 14.5
Fuzzy316 - 100.5
eagleblade - 88.5
lostatlimbo - 102.5
betiko - 92.5
DoomYoshi - 97.5

Therefore, General Achievement Medals will be awarded to the following Tournament Organisers on completion of their tournaments:

• Fuzzy316
  lostatlimbo
  DoomYoshi

Congrats guys!!

And my favorite finished second!