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memphisto
Warrior
213 Posts
    
 | | 05/29/2006 12:45 PM |
| First I’ll briefly describe my warband choice and how it evolved. I’ve been primarily playing two builds since War Drums was released:
Marut/Couatl/Bodyguard/Aramil/CoO/Mialee/TWolf/Jozan
And
Shuluth/3xDuergar Champs/Chraal/7pts filler
I originally filled Shuluth build with 2x Kobold miners, and selected Broken Demongate as map. This worked well for some time, but I ultimately tired of Kobold miners getting squished by HGB and going to 5 activations in round 2, so I switched to 2 Warrior Skeletons. This band was strong until it ran into 3x HH/Rak bands. At this point, I switched to the Marut/Couatl build, somewhat disheartened with Shuluth, because of it’s poor matchup against HH’s.
More recently, I became confident that HH’s wouldn’t make a strong showing at the CO qual, and I dusted off Shuluth one more time. I was, however, quite concerned with Death Slaads, and so I chose the suboptimal Magma Keep, as it allows protection against 1st round chaos hammer, and also can keep dual HGB from whacking on my band, 2 abreast. The build has always been strong but it lacked something. I liked the early tile point capacity of KM’s but losing them quickly sucked. Warrior Skele’s are a solid choice, but I’m a big believer in scoring assault points early, and speed 6 won’t cut it. I had room for 7 points, but I didn’t own a Dire Rat, which has speed 8. Last Monday I traded for 4 dire rats for my extra Hezrou. A steep trade, but one I wouldn’t regret.
As it turned out, I was half right in my meta-assumptions: no Deathslaads showed, but HH’s didn’t either. Even the morning of the qualifier, I agonized about whether to play Shuluth or MCB. Although I felt Shuluth was very strong, I was worried about playing other Maruts on Kings Road. In the end, I went with the idea of “Play what you’re most comfortable and confident with,” and went with:
Shuluth
3x Duergar Champs
Chraal
Warrior Skeleton
Dire Rat
200pts/7acts; Magma Keep
The dire rat can garner assault points on round 1 if I win the right side of the map (side B)
The morning of the qual, we were fortunate enough to Have Dwayne Stupak, his son Darien, and Sven Myrin come out to play, fresh off the plane from the AZ qual. These guys are hard core. I bet they have matching DDM tattoos on their arms. [:p][)] Drakkengi and his brother, Brandon made it out from Utah as well. All the visitors were very nice, and fun to play with.
For those who I played against, please fogive me in advance for things misremembered - feel free to add.
Round One: Dan Horn (Eliminator53)
Dan fielded: Marut/Couatl/Mephling/Standard Bearer/2MaA/Mialee
I won map init, but not my side. This was the closest win I had all day, and my bacon was saved by the dire rat. Dan played solidly, and really could have had the game if it weren’t for some missed saves on his part, and IMO, if he had saved both his fireballs for my warband. He used one effectively, but used the other for fly. Probably not a good idea when you’re facing a lot of hitters and a Chraal, but it was a small mistake, and I made some as well. In the end, Dan failed several saves, and the board had only one wounded DC, my rat, and his Marut with 15hp. He won init, routed my DC, who couldn’t make it off the board, and at the round’s end I had 80assault points and won.
1-0
Round Two: Dwayne Stupak (Tried)
Dwayne Fielded: 3 Dragonne/Cleric of Corellian Lath/2 Greycloaks with Wolves/Devis/Rikka
We played on Dragon Shrine, and he won side init and took Cold, for my Chraal. Dwayne had me on positionining early on, and set all 3 Dragonnes up for charges on my Chrall and two of my Duergars. We slugged it out, with my coming out on top in the middle of the game, although it was very tight. Because of his early positioning, we were fighting in the open, and Shuluth was vulnerable. At the game’s end, I was up, but Rikka forced moral on Shuluth and I rolled a 1. Even then, I made a mistake of not trying to rally Shuluth right away (he was basing Dwayne’s Cleric), and on his turn, Dwayne moved the Cleric to safety and finished Shuluth with a Greycloak. The Dragonnes might not be tier one like flameskulls, but they’re pretty good. [)]
1-1
Round Three: Brandon (?)
Brandon Fielded: 2 x Kord/Couatl/CoO/Human Commoner.
Played on my map, but I lost side init. We came together for combat in the unusual location of the bottom of the map on Side A’s victory area. I critted his Kords like three times, and then proceded to roll three 1’s. Brandon missed conceal a couple times, then critted. It was a whacky game, but I was able to kill off one Kord at a time, due to where combat ensued, and this got me the victory. It was close for a while though and it weren’t for some missed conceals, I would have been in trouble.
2-1
Round Four: Keith Tatroe (Sienar)
Keith Fielded: 2xHGB/Drow Srg/3xOW/Orc Wardrummer
I won map and side, but none of this mattered. Keith failed five DC16 saves (at plus 12!) and missed with his HGB a couple times. Even with that, he splatted one DC and temporarily routed another. I killed one HGB and sucked its brains, and the other HGB routed. This was a classic example of getting beaten by dice. He really couldn’t roll above a 6 most of the game. Everyone’s had games like this, but I felt bad for Keith, cause it really sucks when it happens in a tournament like this one.
3-1
Round Four: Mark Reeves (Rhane)
Mark fielded: 4xGith/YM/TWolf/Lantern Bearer/MaA
Mark is one of the nicest players I’ve met. I really enjoyed playing against him, and his band choice and skill were both impeccable. Man, I didn’t want to face this band, especially on Kings Forest. Tough luck, because we played on Kings Forest and he won his side. Ugh. This was another win I got by the skin of my teeth.
I had to play aggressively and take early risks. The map was small and I knew he could get to Shuluth on round 2 or three and I didn’t wand to hole up early and lose the Chraal (and the cone) or one of my hitters. I set up with Shuluth close to start side A and all 3 DC’s in a diagonal above him, so that he could get to Shuluth on the start of Round 2, but would have to take AoO’s and I could force a bloody, close quarters battle. I positioned the Chraal to cone at least two of his Giths and block his Lantern Bearer from advancing.
I don’t remember much more except that neither of us missed much during the match and it almost came to time before both our bands were demolished (he killed Shuluth on round 2! But not before I got off the Cold Cone – which saved me). If I hadn’t softened his Giths considerably before he auto hit and destroyed Shuluth and the Chraal, I would have lost. This was not a good match up for my band, but with a little luck and some big risks, I came away with the win. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to face Mark again in the finals, or I am pretty sure he would have beat me if he won his map.
4-1
Semis Round One: Don Adkins (donninator)
Don brought a sweet band: Kord/Warchanter/Wand Expert/GreyCloak/Wolf/Crow Shaman/Rikka. Just sweet, sweet, tech. Big props to Don for qualifying with a CG band that had only two hitters and a soft but tekulicious commander.
I won map, but he won side. Don made two mistakes and had one particularly bad roll which made this match short. The first mistake was he overcommitted Kord 7 spaces away from the warchanter (who provides +4 save). Once I saw Kord out there, I coned him with the Chraal, then cast Halt Mind with Shuluth, which he failed (bad roll). This allowed my DC to come behind Kord, and the other two flaked him. This was the end of round two. Begin round 3 and Don’s other mistake was he forgot to waylay Rikka. Who hasn’t done this? Anyway, Don also missed five conceals, and my DC’s quickly dismantled his Kord, and Shuluth was sucking brains. Don was upset by the loss, but it’s really easy to make mistakes after a long tournament. I did as well, but was simply lucky that mine didn’t cost me games.
Finals: Jake Lujin (Felagund)
Jake Fielded: Marut/Couatl/Ballista/CoO/Mialee/2MaA
I won map and side, and this was huge. Jake kept insisting that he thought my band was a bad match up, but I didn’t (and still don’t) agree. The night before the qual, I played four matches against Jake’s exact band with Shuluth and lost all four. This experience alone almost kept me from running Shuluth. That ballista is an unholy nightmare when screened by a marut.
Jake and I play all the time and we routinely take wins and losses from each other. We’re very closely matched and our games our tense (same with many of the CO crowd, but Jake and I have been matched up a lot lately). We advanced cautiously, but Jake made a pretty big error, IMO, by leaving an opening at the end of round 3 for one of my DC’s to base his Ballista. I later made a big mistake by not activating my Chraal (who later based the ballista) and finishing it off. This mistake almost cost me the game.
It came down to his ballista with 10HP and his injured couatl against shuluth and one injured DC. It was his turn and he shoots Shuluth, and hits, which would win the game. However, we forget to do Shuluth’s disorienting presence, which he rolls immediately and fails. He can’t shoot now because he has to move. Shuluth advances and finishes the ballista, and that’s pretty much game. This was a tough loss for Jake, but it was a close, close game, and we both played very good games, considering how intense of a day it was.
I feel very fortunate and humbled to have won a qual against such a tough field, and I look forward to competing at GenCon in August.
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Completed trades: arbados
Completed 23 trades on Hordelings www.hordelings.com - http://www.hordelings.com/directory/profile.php?user_id=429 | |
| 
Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/29/2006 1:50 PM |
| | Congratz again man. We did have a great game. I cast that fly on the Marut so I could hunt down Shuluth later but it turns out he came to me first is all. I am happy that Shuluth did win though, It makes my secondary warband choice look hot (same as yours, except the Chraal I had a Zakya and two Kobold miners for fodder). I do expect to see ya at Gencon and am happy that CO is going to make a nice showing (5 player qualified, Sienar w/ top 25, and maybe two more @ the Grinder). | |
Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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Kilroy
Sneak
74 Posts
| | 05/29/2006 2:15 PM |
| This makes me feel great!
Your warband is exactly my current Shuluth build and my favorite warband. Great job! Excellent! | |
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'." -John 8:12 | |
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Tried
Sergeant
501 Posts
| | 05/29/2006 6:22 PM |
| Congratulations, sir.
I had a great time in CO, you are all gentleman and quality competitors. My draw had me play Memphisto, Felagund, Donninator and Rhane, as well as Darien (Boo!).
While I think it would have been fun to play AM again, I have really been wanting to play the Rikka/Dragonnes band. I'm not certain whether I will play it in the next qualifier, but it has a good mix of manueverability and hitting power, and I was generally pleased with its performance. It really only has a bad matchup vs Monkes (Rhane). (I played all the top 4 players, and had fun against each. Some times the dice are with you and sometimes...well, sometimes you only make 4 of 5 conceal checks on 20 damage hits. That's just how it goes. I also made some mistakes - some because of the sleep and some because I'm sometimes very dense, but the trip was worth it and I had a lot of fun. And I think Dragonnes will be back, at least until WOTDQ is released and I need to reassess..
I just also wanted to say that I really liked your Shuluth build. It is (clearly) one of the most solid LE quads around, and it was clearly well piloted.
Congratulations to you and to the other top 4 players. I didn't see the last game, but I saw enough of the semis to know what the outcomes were. I feel for Rhane(Mark) - these things (brainlock) happen sometimes - I think you can just move on and learn. Jake piloted the band well - very deliberate in that match. And I was pleased to see the Donninator pilot a warchanter into the final 4....
Funny. Good times.
See you all at Indy!
Tried
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Let it be. | |
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memphisto
Warrior
213 Posts
| | 05/29/2006 8:45 PM |
| The tournament certainly wouldn't have been the same without you guys coming out; it was both a surprise and enjoyable. Good luck with the Cali qual - can't wait to read the reports on that one.
I liked the triple Dragonne/Rikka build. It's a little scary with three large bases and no reach, especially if you have to fight in tight spaces, but when piloted well and the charges are set up in the open, this becomes less of an issue. I know in our game you got two of three charges off with pounce. Very tough band to pilot well, but that you did.
Looking forward to Indy. | |
Completed trades: arbados
Completed 23 trades on Hordelings www.hordelings.com - http://www.hordelings.com/directory/profile.php?user_id=429 | |
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Vrecknidj
Warlord
10446 Posts
United States
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 11:18 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Vrecknidj
Congratulations. Nice to see another band added to the victors list.
And, kudos to Eliminator53 for running a Mephling!
Dave
I was running the same band as your son's for a while, but switched out Aramil for a Standard Bearer and Man@Arms because I anticipated Couatls. I was right about it, I just never played any of them [:(!]. | |
Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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Sharn Inquisitor
Underboss
1623 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 12:31 PM |
| | Interesting that Kings Forest was allowed in the tourney, unless I missed an update, it's still not in the floor rules as a legal map??? | | | |
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 2:58 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Sharn Inquisitor
Interesting that Kings Forest was allowed in the tourney, unless I missed an update, it's still not in the floor rules as a legal map???
I thought it was legal. I don't have my rules in front of me right now though. If not, that changes a lot of things. | |
Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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memphisto
Warrior
213 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 3:16 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Sharn Inquisitor
Interesting that Kings Forest was allowed in the tourney, unless I missed an update, it's still not in the floor rules as a legal map???
Checking the DCI floor rules (PDF version) there's a statement: "All DDM maps from WotC are legal as soon as the maps go on general sale." | |
Completed trades: arbados
Completed 23 trades on Hordelings www.hordelings.com - http://www.hordelings.com/directory/profile.php?user_id=429 | |
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rhane
Underboss
1412 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 3:35 PM |
| Let me once again extend my congrats to memphisto! Michael is a great player and he was fun to hang out with as well. You're welcome to Colo Springs any time you can make it.
His win was very well deserved. | |
Rhane
"The focus is sharp in the city..."
Have/Want List
Reference thread
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ktatroe
Sergeant
572 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 3:39 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by memphisto
Checking the DCI floor rules (PDF version) there's a statement: "All DDM maps from WotC are legal as soon as the maps go on general sale."
Memphisto beat me to it. [:)]
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H/W: http://www.hordelings.com/frontend/profiles/profile.php?user=ktatroe | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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ktatroe
Sergeant
572 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 4:56 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by ChristopherGroves
That is why he won the qualifier ...
Enh. If I'd played instead of judged, I could've taken him. I beat him all the time. With one hand tied behind my back. [)]
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H/W: http://www.hordelings.com/frontend/profiles/profile.php?user=ktatroe | |
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 7:15 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by rhane
Let me once again extend my congrats to memphisto! Michael is a great player and he was fun to hang out with as well. You're welcome to Colo Springs any time you can make it.
His win was very well deserved.
I second that, come down and visit sometime
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Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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memphisto
Warrior
213 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 7:33 PM |
| Thanks for kind words. Same back to you SoCo'ers; I really enjoyed the tourney and meeting you all.
Actually a bit off topic, but Sienar mentioned the possibility of having a tourney in Denver sometime in the future. This way, we can all meet and play from time to time... | |
Completed trades: arbados
Completed 23 trades on Hordelings www.hordelings.com - http://www.hordelings.com/directory/profile.php?user_id=429 | |
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 7:47 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by memphisto
Thanks for kind words. Same back to you SoCo'ers; I really enjoyed the tourney and meeting you all.
Actually a bit off topic, but Sienar mentioned the possibility of having a tourney in Denver sometime in the future. This way, we can all meet and play from time to time...
That would be awesome, not as far to drive. And I know where I am going then. Maybe we should try to make that a regular once a month thing. | |
Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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sienar
Sergeant
640 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 8:13 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Eliminator53
quote:
Originally posted by memphisto
Thanks for kind words. Same back to you SoCo'ers; I really enjoyed the tourney and meeting you all.
Actually a bit off topic, but Sienar mentioned the possibility of having a tourney in Denver sometime in the future. This way, we can all meet and play from time to time...
That would be awesome, not as far to drive. And I know where I am going then. Maybe we should try to make that a regular once a month thing.
I'll be looking into it. Probably north Denver metro, but very close to an I-25 exit. | |
[http://www.hordelings.com/frontend/profiles/profile.php?user_id=22] | |
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Tried
Sergeant
501 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 8:40 PM |
| Denver is better for me, too.
But I'm gonna need a fair bit of warning. | |
Let it be. | |
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 8:43 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Tried
Denver is better for me, too.
But I'm gonna need a fair bit of warning.
Again? Jez man, travel much?
I'm not complaining, it would be awesome for you to come up and visit us again. | |
Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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memphisto
Warrior
213 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 9:28 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Tried
Denver is better for me, too.
But I'm gonna need a fair bit of warning.
LOL! You Studpaks are welcome anytime. [:p]
Just bring beer. | |
Completed trades: arbados
Completed 23 trades on Hordelings www.hordelings.com - http://www.hordelings.com/directory/profile.php?user_id=429 | |
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ktatroe
Sergeant
572 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 10:12 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by memphisto
Just bring beer.
No way. We don't want California beer, we have Colorado micro-brews. We'll give them beer next time they come out. [:)]
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H/W: http://www.hordelings.com/frontend/profiles/profile.php?user=ktatroe | |
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Eliminator53
Sergeant
628 Posts
| | 05/30/2006 11:21 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by ktatroe
quote:
Originally posted by memphisto
Just bring beer.
No way. We don't want California beer, we have Colorado micro-brews. We'll give them beer next time they come out. [:)]
Careful w/ the wording there. We'll assist them in buying good beer. [)] | |
Champion of Tavern Stripper
Knight of Knights
Squire of Death Giants
Somethin-or-another of Big Arse Swords | |
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