*UK Tournament* - Kensington, London - 2nd December 06

[Euryon]

As far as I know, there is yet to be a Tournament run in the UK. As I have the opportunity to host a medium/large HS event at Dragonmeet (http://www.dragonmeet.com) this year, I figured I'd test the waters to gauge interest.

I will only put real effort into this if I have 8 confirmed participants by Sunday November 12th. If there's no tournament, I'll still be running HS games at Dragonmeet, so still come along for fun.

Prizes: TBC depending on sponsorship, Event management discussion, and numbers of participants. An extra special *Sir Hawthorne* has been donated as a prize (quite probably 1st place).

Rules: See below.

Restrictions: You would need to bring your own army. No custom units (Though exact proxies allowed - repainted Swog for Nerak, etc). Players should be 16+ (or accompanied by an adult at registration).

Event Details: Check the Dragonmeet website for initial details. (http://www.dragonmeet.com)



Please express interest here, and if you know anyone who would be interested in joining the tourney but isnt a member of the forum, please post that here so I can bear them in mind (alternatively, get them to join the forum and register!).

The rules below are lifted from Gbobs tourney guide. Whilst not the complete list, it shows the important things players should be aware of. Im not decided if I'll be playing - I'd like to, but it depends on quality of other judges available.

We will have the ability to have 4 games going on at any one time. The first round will start, tentatively, at 11:00am. Pairings will be made randomly on the day, as will the pairings battlefield.

If there are more than 8 players to start with, the schedule will look like this:

Round 1a: 11am
Round 1b: 12:15pm
Quarter Finals: 1:30pm
Semi Finals: 2:45pm
Final: 4pm

In the event of 8 or less players, more time may be allowed between rounds, and the event will take considerably less time altogether.



• There will be at least one referee, the ultimate judge – whose decision will be final in the case of a rules dispute. The referee will be thoroughly familiar with both the Heroscape 2nd edition rules and the latest official FAQs on Heroscapers.com. This will be Euryon - or in the case of Euryon playing, a nominated second (TBC).

• There will be a copy of the 2nd edition rulebook at all tables.

• There will be one official Heroscape battlefield for every two players. Each battlefield will contain 2 glyphs (from a limited set).

• A timer will be visible to all players.

• Each player should bring one pre-drafted 400 point army. Only official Heroscape figures, markers and cards are eligible to be used. Each player will also be allowed a 100 point surplus force that may be exchanged for an equal amount of points prior to each game.


•The game will last a maximum of 1 hour from the time it starts. Keeping track of rounds is not necessary.

•When the time is called all play must finish the current order marker number. If the players have not finished the game when the one hour is over, victory goes to the player with the most points worth of figures left on the field. Full points are earned for squads even if only part of the squad survives.

•Players place their order markers simultaneously and may shield or hide them from view of the other player until placed if so desired.

•Roll for initiative as usual.

•Touching an opponent’s figure during your turn is not allowed. If a figure gets accidentally moved during play the player who controls that figure may ask a judge to assist in replacing the figure if so desired.

•All dice must be rolled on a flat surface near the playing area and in full view of all players. Dice towers are acceptable. Any dice that do not lay flush at the end of the roll will result in a re-roll of the dice in question. Any dice that roll off the table edge are not re-rolled and are not counted toward the final roll result.

[robaula]

Put myself down for a maybe - dependent on kids, work, etc etc

[Euryon]

*Update on prize info*

[RichardD]

I'm a definate maybe. Or maybe a definate. Depends on work not dumping grief on me at the last minute. Which happens quite a lot.

Probably 80% chance of my showing up - that prize sounds interesting :)

[RichardD]

Add another Dragonmeet attendee - David Underwood. The downside is that he wants to kill you for introducing him to Scape in the first place :)

[Euryon]

He wants to kill *me*? How did I introduce him? :o

[markwars]

This is the tourney I wish I could make. :)

[RichardD]

You had @Scape there at the last Dragonmeet, did you not? He saw it, thought "that looks cool", and hasn't stopped spending money on Scape since :)

[skullsgood]

I feel that kill is too strong a word, though it is true that your game at last year's 'Meet did provide the catalyst for mucho dinero heading House Mouse's way.

Still, that's my fault, not yours, and there's no denying that Scape has become one of my all-time favourite games.

Put me down as a definite, whether it be for a tourney or just a friendly game.

[Euryon]

Markwars, be great to have ya ;) Tell ya what, i'll pay your entry fee if you pay the flight :p

Rich & Skulls - Ah, didnt realise you meant someone who saw it playing last year.

You werent this guy were you?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Euryon/johnbum.jpg

[skullsgood]

Not guilty.

My friend and I had found the 'Meet to be a little disappointing and were on the way out the door when I noticed your display. The eclectic mix of units intrigued me, and so - when asked shortly thereafter what I'd like for Christmas - I requested a master set.

Financially, it all went downhill after that.

With regard to your proposed tourney: I'm currently canvasing members of my club as to interest and availability. Hopefully, they will respond aye or nay in the near future.

[skullsgood]

Further to the preceeding post, I can confirm that one other Scaper will make the trip down to the capital with me.

Sadly, another potential combatant has partner issues that day, and a third has yet to reply to my email.

[Euryon]

Wow, thats good news.
Out of interest, coming from Corby - what time would be reasonable to play your first battle?

[skullsgood]

I've attended Dragonmeet for the last two years and I've always managed to get there for the event's opening.

You might like to pose this question to Richard, as he has further to travel than myself should he be availble.

[Euryon]

Currently 2 players as maybe: RichD and Rob.
2 players as confirmed: allskulls & friend

Also: Euryon, Lorax, and up to 4 other HS players from my circle.

I've updated the first post - might be worth having a butchers.

Also: Whilst I have 3 MS's (I'll probably have to buy a 4th for the tourney), I cant find *any* rule books. If anyone has spare MS rulebooks, would you be able to bring them to the tourney?

For other prizes, I will get hold of (hopefully!) a couple of wave 1 commons (romans and Orcs, I reckon); with extra special Sir Hawthorne being 1st prize. In the event the winner already has a Sir H, he may trade it down. In the event I won, 2nd and 3rd could pick their prizes, with the spare going to the best sport or most imaginative army or somesuch.

Also - do we know ANY other UK players who might not frequent the boards? I'd like to reach out to as many people as possible as soon as possible; if we could get 16 players, that'd be awesome.

And Rich - what time you reckon you'll be able to make it on the day, if you come?

[skullsgood]

Thanks for posting the rules - seem reasonable.

Possibly some movement from a previous nay-sayer, thanks in no small part to his lady's indulgence. Will work on the other chap tonight, in addition to announcing your tournament at the club.

Though not a spare, I'm happy to bring my copy of the rule book for people to peruse.

[Euryon]

Cool news :)
And yeah, it would be a borrowing thing for the day only - thats what I meant at least. Just so we have a couple knocking around for clarification.

[Euryon]

Just to update:

Players
Euryon*
Lorax*
DM*
FL*
JS*
TS*
TR*
allskulls
allskulls friend
RichD (maybe)
rob (maybe)
allskulls other friend (maybe)

----
So, 9 confirmed, and 3 maybes. * denotes someone from my crew.
Im gonna try contacting all other scapers with UK listed as residence to garner up some more interest, if we can push it up to 16, that'd be grand (though 16 is really the upper limit).

[robaula]

Just to update:

Players
Euryon*
Lorax*
DM*
FL*
JS*
TS*
TR*
allskulls
allskulls friend
RichD (maybe)
rob (maybe)
allskulls other friend (maybe)

----
So, 9 confirmed, and 3 maybes. * denotes someone from my crew.
Im gonna try contacting all other scapers with UK listed as residence to garner up some more interest, if we can push it up to 16, that'd be grand (though 16 is really the upper limit).

Progressing well, Euryon. Just to let you know, NICKILLA13 and Shadow are my two sons - they are registered on this site as UK residents, so you wont need to contact them independently. Basically, if I go, they go too :-)

[Euryon]

Ahh ok. I did anyway (before I saw your message) - well Nickilla responded about 2 mins ago. Sorry 'bout that!

[robaula]

Ahh ok. I did anyway (before I saw your message) - well Nickilla responded about 2 mins ago. Sorry 'bout that!

No worries :-)

[skullsgood]

I am now happy to confirm that three of us will be travelling from Northamptonshire to compete.

Game on!

[Euryon]

Further update:

Players
Euryon*
Lorax*
DM*
FL*
JS*
TS*
TR*
allskulls
allskulls friend
allskulls other friend
Josephus (from BGG)
RichD (maybe)
rob (maybe)


----
11 confirmed, 2 maybes. * denotes someone from my crew.

Only 3 spaces definately left!

Rich and Rob, what % would you put on you coming at this point?

[skullsgood]

I can now confirm four warm bodies from this neck of the woods.

[LordEntropy]

I am Skullsgood's friend and I can confirm his confirmation that I will be coming.

CM

[robaula]

Rich and Rob, what % would you put on you coming at this point?

A rather stressful 50/50 at the moment, Euryon. Tomorrow, I go back to work after a two week absence (looking after my wife who had a CTR operation recently). I should know then whether the answer is a cast iron yay or nay...

[Euryon]

Great news Skulls, and hiya Entropy.
Rob - no worries dude. Don't need a confirmed answer till right close to the time, really, anyway. Hope your wife continues to recover speedily.

[Euryon]

Just giving a bump in case theres any brits out and about still interested.

Players
Euryon*
Lorax*
DM*
FL*
JS*
TS*
TR*
allskulls
allskulls friend
allskulls other friend
LordEntropy
Josephus (from BGG)
RichD (maybe)
rob (maybe)
timmytubby (maybe)

1 place definately left!
(3 maybes to confirm by Sunday November 12th)

[RichardD]

I'm as close to a definate as I can be - 90% likely to get there now :)

[Euryon]

Very cool :D

PS: If anyone wants to figure in an FB into an army, I *may* have them by then. I dont think I'll be using any; so let me know if you wish to borrow one.

Also, start thinking about your armies, it'll be 1 army for the whole day/tourney (with a 100point side deck).

[skullsgood]

Don't worry on that score - the little grey cells are getting a workout in that regard in this neck of the woods I can assure you.

[robaula]

A reluctant no from me now, unfortunately :cry: Work commitments rather than family ones (cant get the goddam time off)
I'm rather dissapointed that I cant even get the time to come across to watch. I hope there will be lots of photos and stuff, and plenty of fun had by all

[Euryon]

Ah shucks, nevermind Rob. Yeah, ill be sure to post lots of piccys :D

[dragonfall5]

Hi,

Can you put me down as a "very probable" for the tourney - I'll be there barring work or family-related emergencies.

It should be a nice easy game for my opponents - I've only played solo or the basic game against my daughter. This sounds like a great chance to get in some much-needed experience.

Thanks,
Vince

[Euryon]

Sure thing dragonfall5 :) If you can register at the top, using the maybe or definately (whichever you think its the more true), that'd be helpful. Anyone else able to hit one of those buttons, please do :)

Players
Euryon*
Lorax*
DM*
FL*
JS*
TS*
TR*
allskulls
allskulls friend
allskulls other friend
LordEntropy
Josephus (from BGG)
RichD (maybe)
timmytubby (maybe)
dragonfall5 (probably)

1 place definately left!
(2 maybes to confirm by Sunday November 12th)

[skullsgood]

Just to confirm that the two non Lord entropy friends of mine will still be attending, but neither are registered here, so cannot push the requisite buttons.

[Euryon]

No probs.

[willward]

i'm 16 but my mom might not let me so yes i will go if my mom lets me ok

[Euryon]

Ok Willward. If you can confirm 99% by Sunday 12th November - thats Sunday coming - and I'll figure you into the draw.

I'm considering spicing things up by asking all entrants to give 2 potential theme names for their army - a true and a bluff (ie, Soldiers of Fortune, Orc Storm, Black Suits and Black Ties, etc), but we'll see.

Expect more info over the coming days and weeks people :D

[skullsgood]

On the strength of Wednesday's performance - the four club members trotted out their experimental armies - I think that I'll be calling mine the Forlorn Hope!

Medic!

[RichardD]

OOOPS - I can DEFINATELY make it, and my other half DEFINATELY wants to play - will there be space for the both of us? Richard & Jan.

And are you OK for terrain etc? We're planning on coming down on the train, which would make lugging the whole HS collection a bit of a pain.

[Euryon]

Cool skullsgood ;)

And Rich - yep, theres 1 place left (assuming everyone turns up!) so your better half is welcome to it!

And all you need to bring is your figures (and if you can bring 2nd Ed rules books for reference id appreciate it!).

I will get to updating all the info I can ASAP!

[RichardD]

Thank-goodness for that. It was only this morning, when we were checking for rail tickets, that I suddenly thought "Ooops - I've forgotten to add my other half to the list". I would have been made to suffer if she couldn't play. Although I envy whoever gets her in the draw - she'll be a walkover :D

[skullsgood]

Now, now, Richard, that's not very supportive.

I seem to remember the lady in question faring all right at B & P this year. Plus, we all know how a run of bad luck with the dice can ruin the best laid plans of mice and men. Of course, I would expect to defeat any mice that were taking part...

[LordEntropy]

Skullsgood knows all about bad runs on the dice. I actually beat him last week in a pre-tourney match which I think is a first!

I will ensure I wear my lucky pink polo shirt on Dec 2nd to help me progress past the first round.

[Euryon]

skulls - can you give me some names/initials for your other friends?

Also

PLEASE EVERYONE PRIVATE MESSAGE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS YOU CAN BE CONTACTED BY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS

I am going to put us in pools, then make a draw (like the FA Cup) to see who faces who. Might even take bets on the day :p

So, I need email addresses for *all players* (Though those who share a house/PC can share an email as far as im concerned - just want to be able to hit you all at once with info, as I dont think everyone reads this thread)

Players and Army Names
Euryon* - MI5
Lorax*
DanM
FunL
JakeS
TimS
TomR
skullsgood - Forlorn Hope
Ken
Charles
LordEntropy
Josephus (from BGG)
RichD
Mrs RichD
timmytubby (maybe)
dragonfall5 (probably)

[skullsgood]

Certainly can: Ken and Charles.

[willward]

i can't go because i don't know how to play and it costs to much to get down to london

[Euryon]

Ok, no probs willward.

timmytubby is not the only person unconfirmed, so I imagine some lucky person will be getting a bye...

Im going to do the draw later today (hopefully) and email out further details.

This could all change if the stairwell wallpaper is frustratingly impossible to remove as the upstairs corridor, and I am therefore unable to get 3 solid PC hours in to play Medieval 2, which takes precedence over emails, meals and scratching.

[RichardD]

My ticket to London and back (including an Underground travel card, which was probably overkill as it added a fiver to the cost), cost me £25. That's a local train across Birmingham, train to Euston, tube to Kensington, tube back again, train from Euston, and a train across Birmingham.

Booked via www.thetrainline.com, it was MUCH cheaper to book two singles than a return (yeah, like that makes PERFECT sense - NOT).

The downside is that we need to be at the station shortly after 6.30am, and won't be home until after 9pm, so it's a long day. AND we are likely to be completely murdered in the games on account of not having played very much this year.

I should have asked - is it a "knockout" format, or a series of paired matchups to see who gets the best results overall? There are some very good systems about for ensuring that the latter results in the best players winning, whereas the knockout format can lead to swift disappointment for half of the entrants.

[Euryon]

At this point, it's a knockout.

This will be the first tourney ive run, so im utterly inexperienced. Im open to ideas...

What the limitations are:

4 Master sets (so 4 games at a time)
Time limit - 10 till 4 (or thereabouts)
15 or 16 players

I figured knockout allowed round 1 in 2 halves over 2.5 hours
Quarters over 1.5 hours
Then semis and final over the last 2 hours (conservative timings, allowing us an hour of last minute play, as it shuts at 5, I believe)

If theres a fairer/better way of doing it with these limitations, im all ears :)

[Euryon]

Actually, it seems to shut at 6... Allowing us a little more time.


And I recommend purchasing tickets online if you can. For adults (16+) its £7. Or £8.50 on the door.

[skullsgood]

My little quartet have already purchased their tickets.

The knockout formula certainly appears to be the easiest to run, but could be a little harsh on someone if they're lucky dice are slow starters. A round-robin scenario would keep more people interested, more of the time.

[Euryon]

Im in two minds....

I agree that a tourney could be very frustrating for those who are out due to misfortune as opposed to poor strategy (especially you guys travelling from afar).

The round robin scenario, though, allows us all to get 3 games each...

To determine a victor, im thinking:

100 points for a victory
And every player tot's up their points each battle (if they have any left) after 1 hour.

So, if skullsgood beats me, and he wins with 3 Kravs and 1 Gorilla on the field, he walks away with 230 points (100vic + 100krav + 30gorilla). If I were left with 1 omnicron sniper, I would leave with 30 points (100/3; always rounded down, even if its a 9).

After 3 games each, there ought to be a clear top bracket. And if we were all very efficient in our gaming, there might be time for a finale - top 2 fight it out for grand champion of the UK!

Yeah, that seems best, IMO. Everyone gets 3 games at least that way (im now assuming timmytubby isnt going to show up, so might be able to work in some practice/fun games)

[markwars]

I certainly wish you fellas the best for your UK tourney, and I want you to know that until there is a tourney in Fiji you guys are competing in the tourney I would most like to attend. :P

I've been to the UK three times, but not since my wife and I had children. Little wankers! :)

[InfinityMax]

Sunuvacrap! How did I miss this? I don't think I can get a dice tower out there before the 2nd - I wish one of the people in this thing had let me know a week earlier.

[Euryon]

We could get a dice tower for free as a prize? :o

If thats what you meant, you can send it, and I will pass it on to the winner post-tourney, if it arrives late. An Imax dice tower would be a great prize!

[RichardD]

An Imax tower AND a Sir H? Cor, someone could be going home very happy. Shame it won't be me ('cos I'm rubbish).

[skullsgood]

Never mind all that - let's hold the next tourney in Fiji (little wankers or no).

[Revdyer]

Man, it looks like you folks are going to rock and roll! Wish I could be there.

[InfinityMax]

You know, while it would be expensive, I just checked the USPS, and I could get you a tower in time for this thing. I usually ship standard air mail, but I could speed it up.

Euryon, I'll PM you for an address. I know you're not celebrating Thanksgiving, so answer today, so I can get it to the post office tomorrow.

[Revdyer]

That is really cool of you, IMax. Well done, indeed!

[Euryon]

Answered in the affirmative.

Whoever wins this sucker... One lucky sonofagun...

So the prizes are looking good:

1x really extra special Sir Hawthorne
1x Master Set
1x really extra special Phoenix Imax Dice Tower

Might try and pick up some wave 1 expansions too, so hopefully a few of us will walk away bearing gifts.

:D

[dragonfall5]

Just a quick heads-up to anyone else travelling to Dragonmeet from the south coast that there are engineering works between Brighton and Three Bridges at the weekend.

It's not a major problem, and certainly won't be stopping me making the trip, but does involve catching a bus for part of the journey.

Check with National Rail for more details.

[RichardD]

Okay, we've got more HS played in the last couple of nights than we have in the last 3 months, testing out armies for the tourney.

And my other half's army truly sucks. It doesn't help that she's pretty hopeless at the best of times, but what with her ineptitude and the army's glaring weaknesses, she is not going to win a single game. Lord knows, she hasn't won one in the last week, so I can't see how the weekend will be any different.

Meanwhile, I have three possibles still in mind (and no thoughts on the subject of "sideboards" yet.

Good news is that I think I may have rejected the "Tealady plus 6 minions"; turns out that at 180 points, she's not only expensive, but she dies like a duck too. +1 to attack every once in a while just doesn't seem to be worth the aggravation at 400 points.

[Euryon]

Ah, if she has fun, it'll be all ok ;)

As for denouncing Tealord in a 400pointer... Good call. If you absolutely had to have him use Snipers instead of minions, but even thats a bit of a no-no.

[RichardD]

I think that I'd rather take Minions than Snipers to a tournament - thinking is that there is probably more flexibility in the minions & Taelord combo than there is with the snipers & Taelord - and for just ten points more per card. That's not to say that I'd always choose minions over snipers - so much depends on points vaules, terrain, opponent's draft etc.

[Euryon]

Fair enough. Different strokes and all ;)

Anyway, the Dice Tower arrived today, so Imax is now, by order of the Queen, Knight of Lower Tiddlestoft.

It is a particularly awesome tower, which I selfishly hope I win :D

[skullsgood]

He must have paid a pretty penny for it to have arrived so quickly - kudos deserved.

Have to agree that Taelord is a bit of a gamble in a 400 point army, but if it works for you Richard, then so be it.

[RichardD]

Nope, there's no chance of me fielding an army with Taelady in it this weekend. I've still got 3 or 4 armmies to test and choose between, all the while playing just one opposing army (so leaving huge gaps in my knowledge regarding where the weaknesses may lie).

On the other hand, at least I'm doing *some* testing and practicing. Did I ever tell you of the time when I pretended to be an Italian to enter the European Team Boardgames Championship? Half of the games I'd never seen before, and the other half I ploughed badly. I made my excuses and left before the Italian team captain started to wonder who had pulled their average score down so badly.

There are SO many options to choose from at 400 points. Even with the self-inposed restriction, that I like to choose forces from just one general's faction, it's still open to many, many interesting builds. Do I choose something "cookie-cutter" and expected? Maybe, maybe not. Right now even the Zettians are in witha chance of making the trip, and we all know how badly they tend to suck.

[RichardD]

Oh, and a big thank-you to Imax for the tower, and our donor who put up the special Sir H. Luckily I already have one of each, so won't feel too devastated when I go home with a 0-3.

If people need to find me at the tournament, I'll be the one sitting next to an annoyingly loud dice tower. I'd like to make another one some day, perhaps with spinning wheels, spring-loaded flippers and the like, but for now the one I've got is about as loud as we can stand.

[skullsgood]

I wonder who did donate the Sir Hawthorne? I suspect that it's not a long list.

I'm with Richard, inasmuch as I'm not travelling to London in order to win a prize. I'm the proud owner of a Sir H, and a rather splendid dice tower,too, that appeared out of the blue one day.

No, I welcome the opportunity to meet new people and grind them into the dirt - no offense.

[Euryon]

gonna be fun.

id better mention - no-one from my half will be eligble to win the Sir H (I have one, and no-one else ever buys HS stuff, so they dont deserve it :p ), so I think our friend from BGG - or maybe some of skull's chums - are the only "eligible" candidates?

Id love to win the Tower - be a great addition. Dont need the Sir H, and I have 4 MS's which is enough for me, really. No space for anymore, and ill be selling them all when I emmigrate anyway.

[RichardD]

I wonder who did donate the Sir Hawthorne?

Officially? A very nice man from Hasbro. He just had a bit of help in sending it on once it arrived in the UK.

I'm getting worried that my testing sessions have been flawed. Jan's not managed to win a single game, so the armies I'm considering haven't faced any proper opposition yet. Instead everything has just rolled right over Jan's first three attempts at an army (so she's gone back to the drawing board). Hmmm.

Still not decided what to play. I'll give out just one clue, though - everything I've tested or am likely to test drws all the units from just one general's troops - so expect an all-Einar, or all-Utgar, or all-Vydar (etc) army on the day.

Like Euryon, I'm tempted to disqualify myself from the prizes - I love my own dice towers, and would only do something silly with another Sir H (what, like give it away as a prize? :P ). And with the Amazon situation, I've got another 2 MSs to add to the 4 I've already got (though a work colleague just might "liberate" one to give to his son as a Christmas present). It's not even an opportunity to crush people (I could stay at home at just murder Jan's army over and over - though I might get tiured of doing so *eventually).

I'm hoping that what I get out of it is three or four games of Heroscape, and a chance to see some more units in action (for all my talk, my actual play experience is not too great - and when I have managed to get games in the past, about half of them have involved MS figures only; there are a LOT of units that I've never seen fielded). I'll be interested to see just how weird and wacky people get. I'm GUESSING that we have a number of entrants who will be drawing armies from the figures owned by Skulls or Euryon - so not every army will have a Q9 and a pair of Minutemen, and people may well be forced by circumstance to field something "different".

[dragonfall5]

I'm hoping that what I get out of it is three or four games of Heroscape, and a chance to see some more units in action (for all my talk, my actual play experience is not too great - and when I have managed to get games in the past, about half of them have involved MS figures only; there are a LOT of units that I've never seen fielded).

I'm in a similar position and will be playing for the same reasons.

My only play experience are a couple of games against a mate with very little gaming experience and a Basic Rules game a few weeks ago against my eight-year-old daughter. I do have my friend coming back over tonight so I can try out the army I am planning on bringing with me.

I played solo last night (how sad am I?) mainly just to remind myself of the rules and was shocked at how badly my army faired against another I made up.

Fortunately I am coming on Saturday for the fun of it - not to compete too seriously. I'm really looking forward to it.

Vince

[RichardD]

My four year old has insisted on trying a couple of basic games against me (worrying thing is, she won one of them). She's decided that she likes the dragon; I've decided that she really needs to be taught to count the movement spaces in one continuous line, as at the moment she just skips a few hexes here and there when it's "convenient" for her!

I don't think that anyone needs to worry too much about being outmatched - I've found that the dice possess a truly scary amount of "cosmic karma" and often reward frankly insane drafts or take pity on really stupid moves :D

I've just noticed that Euryon asked MONTHS ago what sort of start would suit those of us who are travelling; well, it's WAY to late for me to answer, but we *should* be there by 9.30/9.45-ish (if public transport wills it), although to ensure that's going to happen we've got to be leaving the house at something like 6.30am. On a Saturday. Frankly I was surprised to hear that they have times that early on a Saturday. I'd always assumed that the day started around 9-ish, and then only for the really KEEN people.

[Euryon]

Well your missus is playing Ken at 10:15, but we can be lenient if necessary (swap some games around).

Ive still not had any confimation from timmytubby, so thats probably a series of "byes" alas... I randomized the draw, so sorry about that for anyone. A bye will = 100 points automatically.

Anyway, I, too, am really in it for the fun. Sure id like the dice tower, but this event was really organized so I could meet some other uk HS'rs and have a game at a geeky convention, probably discussing terry pratchett, real ale and the ashes, whilst a horde of orcs devour charlies angels.


Round 1

10:15
Dan Munday Vs Josephus
Skullsgood Vs Tim Storey
Jamie Miller Vs Dragonfall5
Ken Vs Mrs Rich D


Oh... Some hints from our end (seeing as we all know each others armies, only fair others have a wee bit of warning)

Im using an agent heavy army (kravs, nakitas, with raelin and 100 points of indecision), rich is using an Orc horde, tim is a soldiers army (romans, mass, AE, marcus), Jake has Q9, blasta's, glads and zettians. The others have some rag-tag forces including jotun, braxas and god knows what else.

[RichardD]

I've toyed with Q9 plus glads and blasts, but right now I'm leaning towards something with Minions or something with Wolves. Probably. Though as Skulls knows, it's a brave man who tries to part me from my Gorillas, and I've not completely ruled out a dragon or two.

The other half has finally been persuaded NOT to field snakes. Mostly because she never, ever remembered her frenzy rolls.

Either way, expect a one-trick pony with a glaring flaw from both of us.

[RichardD]

Tonight she tried 4th Mass and Marcus. Her verdict? They suck more than the snakes.

She's resolved to take one of *my* armies on Saturday, as mine all appear to be invincible.

Which they are not, of course.

We will now spend the rest of the week arguing about which of us gets what from the 4 armies I can't choose between!

[Euryon]

Ah, its just a bit of fun. Give the trouble a break ;)

The best thing to do is toss a coin, and if you dont like the result, you realise that the one you didnt "get" is the one you want, so you then fudge the result and pretend you said heads instead. It's how I beat the superego part of me when it tries to silence my Id.

[skullsgood]

Well, none of you fine people have anything to fear from me.

Tried my army last night and got whupped three out of three. Sadly, I'm too stuborn to set it aside, so it will be accompanying me to the tourney - glaring inadequacies and all.

Wooden spoon anyone?

[RichardD]

I'm aiming for that myself.

Tonight, Jan decided to try a couple of my armies on for size. Let's call them A and B. She tried A first, and I played B. A lasted two turns. B took almost no losses, and had over half of it's points sitting unused in the starting zone. Verdict? B is a beast. So she *had* to have that one.

We then set aside A (neither of us really wanted to play it) and tried B versus one of my other choices (let's call it C) - Jan in charge of B, of course.

Closest game we've had. I hung on by the fingernails, and only eked out a win because Jan had fluffed a couple of D20 rolls in the mid-game. Now that means that either B really is a monster, or C is flawed. We're going to HAVE to try out two more games tomorrow (I'm still sort of tempted by D - which was my first choice when we started all of this, but I suspect it's C that will make the final cut, flawed or not).

Opponents of Jan? Hope she blows the D20 rolls at the right time. And plays as poorly as she normally does. Because otherwise, her army is quite capable of tearing stuff into itty bitty pieces, even in her hands.

I only wish that we had more of certain figures, so I could take the same units!

[Revdyer]

Dear RichardD,

I've been reading, with great enjoyment, your saga of you and Jan playing. Now, although I am an ocean away, I would warn all the participants of the UK Tournament to beware of aforementioned Jan. She is learning. She is getting stronger. And, most important of all, she is saving up her good lucky rolls for the tournament.

Where's a bookie when I need one?

Dave (Revdyer)

[RichardD]

Now, although I am an ocean away, I would warn all the participants of the UK Tournament to beware of aforementioned Jan. She is learning. She is getting stronger. And, most important of all, she is saving up her good lucky rolls for the tournament.

Dave (Revdyer)

Hi, Dave. I'm not sure that I could agree with you on the "she is learning" line, but you are absolutely right on the dice rolls.

Her rolls tonight were truly awful. Amazingly bad. In the first game, I don't think I've seen such poor luck, and I was on a pretty good run of luck myself. In the second game (which I only narrowly won, remember) her luck was no better than average whereas mine remained good.

My luck simply cannot hold. Whereas the law of averages dictates that hers can only get better. Frankly I am a little bit glad that I've not been drawn against her. She *must* start to roll well soon, and when it happens I know I don't want to be on the receiving end of it. I've seen what the army can do with just a bit of good luck. Consistent good luck - even if only for just one game - is going to hand someone their backside.

[Revdyer]

I really do like that HeroScape is the kind of game that will allow an average player on a really lucky day to beat almost anyone. A poor player couldn't win, even with good luck; but an average player, like me, can, on occassion, pull of a coup of extraordinary proportions. <smiling at the memories>

Those good games wipe out a LOT of bad memories of not so good games. That's for sure.

[skullsgood]

There's little doubt that bad luck can bring the most powerful army to its knees.

[RichardD]

I really like the fact that although luck matters a lot, there's often a balance struck, dice rolls eventually even out, and skill turns in better results *in the long run*.

But if you are ronked by a run of poor luck, it's *hard* to take it seriously (or personally). Perhaps because we're playing with little plastic toys.

And now I feel the last testing session calling - wish me luck, chaps, because the Beast is waiting upstairs to grind my men to dust.

[wisinger]

Good luck to all for your tourney tomorrow.

[Revdyer]

Enjoy your Advent Eve festival....lucky pagans. <smile>

[RichardD]

OK, now it's FAR too late for anyone to do anything about it, we had our last testing session tonight. Three games on a map that I thought would not suit The Beast at all.

First game versus my "alternate" pick (2xGlads, 1xBlasts, and Q9). I took the high ground, and just chewed The Beast up very quickly.

Could I repeat the feat on the other side of the map, taking the low land?

Nope. Died like a duck. Even with a certain advantage (of a big chunk of Beast being unable to se their plague on my 'bots). It was just an unstoppable juggernaut once I was without a decent height advantage. Even with Q9 on an ideal firing platform, he just could not turn the tide.

Time to try out my "main" pick. Could it fare any better? A decent showing and it gets the trip to London; a mauling worse than the 'bots and the metal men have a day out in the big city instead.

Same map. I took the unfavourable low side. The Beast roared into action. "1 squad is down! Oh no, second squad is down!" Was this IT for my main army? To be mauled worse than the go-bots?

But they hung on. Just. Taking a win from The Beast by having two agents left when the last of The Beast died. Fantabulous. And I learned a couple of lessons about how to handle them (remember, most of the practicing has actually been done with OTHER armies, generally variations on the theme of The Beast).

I'm mighty glad that I'm not going to be facing The Beast tomorrow. I'm sure there are armies that can be built which will give it fits. I'm less sure that we'll see any of them tomorrow. Thankfully it's being handled by someone with all the skill of that bloke with the red chariot in Ben Hur. You know the one - swings wide on the corners, hangs around at the edge of the frame, makes jolly sure that he stays out of the way and out of contention while his betters are busy setting at each other with bladed wheels and whips?

So, my army has Agents. And I like Gorillas (even if their performance tonight was less than stellar). Can you guess what it is yet? (I believe the phrase - from my old MMORPG days - is "cookie cutter"; my excuse is I liked the Gorillas even before the Agents came along to make them socially acceptable. Ask Skulls - he'll back me up on this one. I am not just following the herd. I am not a sheep. baaa)

I'll keep my sideboard as a surprise. Given that I've never actually fielded this unit before, whatever it does will come as a surprise to ME, so I don't see why anyone else should be forewarned. Jan's in the same boat - she has a sideboard in case she meets dogs or go-bots, but she's never used it before, and will probably forget all about it until Saturday is over.

Bad news for everyone tomorrow, though - Jan's die rolls still sucked for the first two-thirds of tonight, but show a significant improving trend right now.

[LilNewbie]

Don't forget...we likes pictures. ;)

Newb.

[RichardD]

Camera is already packed. Last games event I went to, I carried it around all day and didn't get it out of the case once, mind you.

Right - early train in 7 hours time - I'm off to bed.

[Euryon]

Here we are.... Good luck, all!

[Euryon]

Ok, im gonna post the short info here now, as im bloody knackered, then ill give a more in-depth breakdown either tommorow, or next week.

First, thanks very much to all who attended. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed all my games, watching several games, meeting all you chaps (and chappess), and the general geek-spirit of the event.

Ok, for anyone reading who wasn't there:

Of 16 entrants, 15 turned up.
Everyone brought a 400 point army.
Everyone played 3 games (or 2 games with a bye).
Victory gave 100 points. Points were also added for each figure that remained.

The final standings:


1) Paul (Josephus from BGG) - 1160(!!) - WWW - Extra special Sir Hawthorne
2) Rich M (Lorax) - 880 - LWW - Phoenix Dice Tower
3) Vince (dragonfall5) - 585 - LWW - HS Master Set
4) Ken - 560 -
5) Jamie M (Euryon) - 515 - WLW
6) Rich D (RichardD) - 450 - WLW
7) Charles - 410 -
8) Conrad (LordEntropy) - 340 - WLW
9) Fun L - 310 - WWL
10) Jan D - 270 - LWL - St. George Sportsperson of the day award
11) Jake S - 260 - LWL
11) Tim S - 260
13) Tom R - 250 - WLW
14) David (Skullsgood) - 165 - WLL
15) Dan - 0 - LLL
16) Timmytubby - 0 - No Show

Before I post the rest of the pics and more stats, I have to say, Paul's army utterly ripped the sh*te out of me (and everyone, so it seems). It consisted of Krav Maga, AE, Alastair and MacDirks. Against me, he didnt even move Al and the Kilts, just obliterated me out and out.

Ok, heres the crew:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Euryon/HSUK06.jpg

Left to right
Euryon, Dragonfall5, Josephus, Jan D, Tom R, Jake S, Dan M, Fun L (just a hairline), Tim S, , LordEntropy, Skullsgood (obscured), RichardD, Charles, Ken, Lorax.

PS: Ken, Charles and Tim - dont have results for you, if you can get 'em to me, be appreciated. Ta.

[dragonfall5]

Just as quickie - as I'm also knackered - to say a huge thanks to Euryon and his gang for putting on a great tournament.

The whole thing had a relaxed informal atmosphere with everyone appearing to play for the love of the game, rather than going for a cut-throat win.

Here's to the next one!

[RichardD]

*You're* both knackered? Jan & I have just this minute got home (so this was the very first thing to do after stepping through the door, before trivial stuff like taking shoes and coats off, naturally).

Pictures, reports etc tomorrow, but right now thanks go to Euryon for organising it, and our prize donors.

And I'd just like to say that although I was deprived of the chance to grind poor TubbyTimmy into dust in that last round, Paul/Josephus was good enough to play me at the end of the afternoon with his victorious army so that I still got a full three games in.

And Paul didn't go home undefeated. Lord knows how he managed to so soundly thrash three other people with it - my Monkey Boys were able to hold out for a win (OK, a win delivered by one sole Krav at the end of the game, but hey - a win's a win, right?).

Jan burst into tears on winning that trophy, BTW.

[LordEntropy]

Had a great day even though Lorax tore me to shreds in the 2nd round. Is that why I get the smiley face next to my result Euryon??

Thoroughly enjoyed it and certainly it has given me lots of tips on what and what not to do in a Heroscape game.

Hope to see you all again for a re-match.

[LordEntropy]

Ok, im gonna post the short info here now, as im bloody knackered, then ill give a more in-depth breakdown either tommorow, or next week.

First, thanks very much to all who attended. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed all my games, watching several games, meeting all you chaps (and chappess), and the general geek-spirit of the event.

Ok, for anyone reading who wasn't there:

Of 16 entrants, 15 turned up.
Everyone brought a 400 point army.
Everyone played 3 games (or 2 games with a bye).
Victory gave 100 points. Points were also added for each figure that remained.


.

Not everyone remembered their army cards though did they Ken???

:D

[robaula]

Sounds like everyone had a good time! Awaiting some gaming pix!

[RichardD]

Someone else might need to provide names/stories to go with the pics.

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.abcaa67841.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?abcaa67841.jpg)

Jotun hunting down some pesky Krav:
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.5dd13eeca5.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?5dd13eeca5.jpg)

Skulls' Marro army. But where are the dogs?
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.c20fd39e42.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?c20fd39e42.jpg)

Ah - over on the other side of the board, plagueing soldiers!
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.3d6ef5cb94.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?3d6ef5cb94.jpg)

The Legion's last stand:
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.371cb3a2c1.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?371cb3a2c1.jpg)

My gorilla guerilla tactics used against the orcs (rush forward, seizing the high ground, then run away again before Krug kills everybody):
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.b2d9767220.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?b2d9767220.jpg)

The remnants of my army after Jake's soulborg had demolished it. The last remaining Krav took the destrcution of his squad rather personally, and spent the last turn of the game mercilessly hunting down Q9. With a monkey sitting on "range +4", the Krav got his dying wish.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.92be3bb598.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?92be3bb598.jpg)

Raelin versus Alistair, in a final figure dice-a-thon:
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.2a82c994dd.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?2a82c994dd.jpg)

Romans versus ... Romans. Must be a civil war.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.6fe59a3b32.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?6fe59a3b32.jpg)

Paul's winning army using their standard tactics to demolish Jan - paradrop the AE onto high ground, shoot the bejeesus out of everything, then send in the McDirks to mop up any survivors. Hard to beat when the AE dropped in the first three turns.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.8a9e379fcd.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?8a9e379fcd.jpg)

Imax's dice tower:
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.537b35f9d4.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?537b35f9d4.jpg)

Group photo:
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.acad711817.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?acad711817.jpg)

[Euryon]

Neat pics, Rich. I'll post links to my brothers when theyre uploaded...

Ok, some more info for anyone interested:

Lai Fun Lee - The Great Fun Squad
Alastair MacDirk
Highlanders x 2
Thorgrim
Tarn Viking Warriors

Victory Vs Charles
Victory Vs Timmytubby (bye)
Defeat Vs Rich Miller (Lorax)

Vince Bamford (dragonfall5) - Roman Around
Marcus
Roman Legionnaires x2
Marro Warriors
Me Burq Sa
Krav Maga
(Deadeye Dan and Guilty McCreech)

Defeat VS Jamie Miller (Euryon)
Victory VS Dan Munday
Victory VS Tim Storey

RichardD - Monkey Boys
Nakita Agents
Krav Maga
2x Gorillinators
(Major X17)

Victory VS Rich Miller (Lorax)
Defeat VS Jake Slisz
Victory VS Timytubby (bye)

Conrad (LordEntropy) - Losers
Krav Maga
Minions of Utgar x2
Raelin
(Syvarris)

Victory VS Jake Slisz
Defeat VS Rich Miller (Lorax)
Victory VS Charles

Tom Richardson - Knights of Zendar
Marro Warriors
Me Burq Sa
Guilty McCreech
Roman Legionnaires
Braxas

Victory VS Timmytubby (bye)
Defeat VS Charles
Victory VS Jake Slisz

Dan Munday - Twatters
Jotun
Aubrien Archers
Krav Maga

Defeat VS Paul (Josephus)
Defeat VS Vince (Dragonfall5)
Defeat VS Ken

David - Forlorn Hope
Marrden Hounds
Su Bak Na
Me Burq Sa
Marro Drones x2
(Ne Gok Sa)

Victory VS Tim Storey
Defeat VS Jan (Mrs RichD)
Defeat VS Jamie Miller (Euryon)

Jake Slisz - Visitor Q and the Venetian Squares
Major Q9
Zettian Guards
Gladiatrons x1
Blastatrons x1

Defeat VS Conrad (LordEntropy)
Victory VS RichardD
Defeat VS Tom Richardson

Jamie Miller (Euryon) - MI5
Krav Maga
Raelin
Nakita Agents
Kozuke Samurai
(Microcorp Agents)

Victory VS Vince (Dragonfall5)
Defeat VS Paul (Josephus)
Victory VS Dave (Skullsgood)

Jan Reid (Mrs RichD) - Dogs and Demons
Minions of Utgar x2
Marrden Hounds x2
(Ne Gok Sa)

Defeat VS Ken
Victory VS David (Skullsgood)
Defeat VS Paul (Josephus)

Rich Miller (Lorax) - Shmirk Ulag MacDirck and the Greenskins
Krug
Grimnak
Blade Gruts x2
Arrow Gruts x2
(Swog Rider x2, Nerak)

Defeat VS RichD
Victory VS Conrad (LordEntropy)
Victory VS Lai Fun Lee

Paul (Josephus) - No Army Name
Krav Maga
Airborne Elite
Alastair MacDirk
Highlanders

Victory VS Dan Munday
Victory VS Jamie Miller (Euryon)
Victory VS Jan Reid (Mrs RichD)

Ken - No Army Name
Deathstalkers
Tornak
Blade Gruts x2
Grimnak

Victory VS Jan Reid (Mrs RichD)
Defeat VS Tim Storey
Victory VS Dan Munday


Charles - No Army Name
Vipers
Venoc Warlord
Romans x2
Raelin
Me Burq Sa
(I think this was his army)

Defeat VS Lai Fun Lee
Victory VS Tom Richardson
Defeat VS Conrad (LordEntropy)

Tim Story - Teh Soldiers of Pr0n
Romans x2
Marcus
Airborne Elite
4th Massachucets

Defeat VS David (Skullsgood)
Victory VS Ken
Defeat VS Vince (Dragonfall5)

[Euryon]

Ok, ive uploaded a selection of pics to my own flickr here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cavalry/sets/72157594403590665/).

A couple of them:

http://static.flickr.com/122/313021993_f872ed2ae3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cavalry/313021993)

http://static.flickr.com/101/313022446_c106b48601_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cavalry/313022446)

[skullsgood]

A nice collection of images, though I'm a little disconcerted that I seem to have sprouted a pair of fingers out of my forehead. The perils of playing Scape revealed!