QuoteDuring the ETC warm up tournament an on site team of reporters will be working to give you only the best of news, information and tidbits - fresh from the frontlines. This thread is solely for use by the ETC reporters, and we request that all comments and replies go into the designated thread.
Time: 15:33
Situation: Just arrived – tables being set up
Cry havoc!As I stepped off of the train and onto the station platform in Brande, two thoughts struck me. The first one was the city-boy in me shuddering at the thought of just how far into the rural parts of Denmark this is – and the other was "are they throwing a party because of us?"
Brande, it would seem, has some kind of town-event going on, meaning that every man going through the city towards the tournament area will be greeted by music, flags and people riding the merry-go-rounds. Since I cannot perceive a more important event to happen here and now, the logical conclusion has to be, that the town is throwing a welcoming party to all the foreigners gracing Brande for the next foreseeable future. ETC Warm-up is indeed warming up.
In the large well-lit area, that will host an international battle-zone this weekend, sweating (and in one case shirtless) people are lugging around the green soon-to-be-battlefields, and hills and towers are sprouting up all over the place. Last minute details are being discussed, and the tournament mood is settling over the place.
I, myself, have claimed the same corner as last year, and look forward to watching people go through the entire spectrum of emotion as the gods of dice and gaming prove just how fickle and unreliable they can be.
So, cry havoc and all that jazz... this tournament is about to get rolling
/T
P.S.
I just heard someone mention the word "cake". I am now officially a happy tournament blogger.
We want pictures!
Time: 17:37
Situation: Interviewing the leader of the British team
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_01Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_01Big.jpg)
Team Bold Blokes of Blighty promises to teabag their opposition – bringing a whole new level of psychological warfare to tabletop-gaming.
Bobo - Captain of Team Bold Blokes of Blighty
I met up with the artist known exclusively as "Bobo" as he was delivering gaming cards to the judge (cards with the names of his team-mates, and, reportedly, the "ugliest pictures he could find on Facebook"). Pinning him against the wall, I shrewdly lashed at him with a series of hard and daring questions:
What is your team's strongest asset?
Bobo smiles. "That we fear no one... openly"
What are your expectations for this weekend?
A short pause "To have a good fun weekend, and gain some new experiences outside the UK. To open our eyes..."
Who will win?
"Honestly I can't see past Team Denmark. I spent most of last year running around as their mascot (at the ETC tournament. ed.), shouting 'you can do it', and they pulled that one off, so ."
What do you look most forward to?
"Tough games. Challenging games. Not in the sense that I don't get challenged at home, but we just don't take it that seriously there as they do here. I look forward to playing some good and "real" hammer."
Which team do you expect to pose the greatest challenge?
Bobo chuckles. "Ourselves? Normally you have team leaders going down through the lines going "fight for a win!" or "I know we're matched up bad, just do your best". We've devised a plan that simply goes for the win – obviously we're aware of the flaws in that plan and aim to remedy them, but it will be a challenge."
There you have it. Fearing nothing, but expecting the worst, the British lads nevertheless wants to bring the pain. In tea-form (apparently). Cheers mates!
/T
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_03Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_03Big.jpg)
Time: 18:41
Situation: Sipping the first cup of coffee and watching arrivals trickling in
No Peeing Inside
So, I just noticed the rules and regulations taped to the walls at various places throughout the tournament area:
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_09Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_09Big.jpg)
The first point is what stuck out to me. They're obviously used to playing the game a bit differently here in Brande...
/T
P.S.
I feel sorry, by the way, for the bloke who has to remove the bottles after consumption. That sounds like an extremely painful process. I imagine thats what you get for consuming alcohol bottles in the first place, though. Silly idea.
Time: 19:51
Situation: Interviewing the leader of the Dutch team-mates
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_13Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_13Big.jpg)
Alone, the orange Dutchman is no big threat - but place eight of these guys next to each other, and youy brain *will* start to melt.
Alex – Captain of Team Netherlands
The guys in orange where unpacking their figures, when I hit up their leader and dragged him aside.
"But I want to set everything up" he pleaded, as he glanced at his watch.
"It'll only take five minutes" I replied with my best imitation of a Colgate smile.
"Best five minutes of your life" one of Alex team-mates butted in with a grin, as he looked on in the background. I lamely tried a that's what she said-comeback but found myself beaten into submission by the sheer orange-ness of the Dutch shirts – obviously, where the British went for dark humour and verbal threats, Team Netherlands is aiming to win by intensity:
What is your team's strongest asset?
"Our dice... no, we came to have fun, and that's all there is to it."
What are your expectations for this weekend?
"Six fun games, but also games against the tougher players in the ETC. This is training for us."
Who will win?
"I suspect Team Denmark comes prepared, but anything might happen here. Seeing that the first three places from last years ETC is present, I think it will be one of them. Team Denmark seems a safe bet, but the Germans might be a strong contender."
What do you look most forward to?
"Fun, really. But also to learn from the experience."
Which team do you expect to pose the greatest challenge?
"The Russians. I mean, there's no real challenge in Team Denmark fighting us, so I think the Russians will be our challenging experience."
Dazzled as I was by a group of brightly coloured Dutchmen, I simply nodded, happily saturated at that point, and left Alex to suckle on the experienced brains of the top tier of last years ETC. Orange and out!
/T
Time: 21:15
Situation: Watching pandemonium unfolding in front of my very eyes
Game on!
And so, after a welcome from the organizers that I am told was very moving (I, being the perfect journalist, was on the toilet at the time), the tournament is launched. And in a relatively small amount of time the hall was transformed from a place of relative peace and quiet, to a raging maelstrom of dice-rolls, mad cackles and figure-pushing (in the motional sense of the word, not drug-dealing).
While the rest of the teams where still discussing and matching armies, Team Netherlands and Team Bold Blokes of Blighty where already knee deep in blood and figureparts. As usual, I am always astounded by the amount of figures that are brought to bear on the tabletops at such tournaments.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_24Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_24Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_35Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_35Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_38Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_38Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_23Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_23Big.jpg)
Some of these armies cover more of the table, than they leave bare
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_34Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_34Big.jpg)
Clearly size *does* matter
/T
Time: 22:11
Situation: Waiting. Patiently.
Of Yuppies and Champions
After an hour and fifteen minutes, the (in)famous Danish ETC Team is finally about ready to start playing against the posh yuppies from Team My dad's got a Porsche! My theory is, that the toughened veterans have spent this much time planning for every eventuality, thus ensuring instant victory when the dice actually start to fly.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_25Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_25Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_42Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_42Big.jpg)
Also, I discovered this notice:
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_30Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_30Big.jpg)
Honestly, they might as well have written something along the lines of "do not push the button!" - Now I'm dying to see what's inside...
/T
Time: 22:30
Situation: Witnessing the full horror of a flanking charge
Tiiiimber...
I went by the Teabagging vs Oranje mosh-pitt, just to get a little feel of what was going on, only to watch an epic struggle unfold, as Bobo's treemen (yes, in plural) got overrun by a unit of black knights.
The following photo-series gives a short but effective explanation:
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_43Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_43Big.jpg)
Two treemen standing. One fighting a nasty vampire, the other receiving a flanking charge
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_44Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_44Big.jpg)
Iacta alea est
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_45Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_45Big.jpg)
One treeman standing - knights have overrun into its flank
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_46Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_46Big.jpg)
No treemen standing. Trampled to the ground
With a bit of above avarage rolls from the Dutch side, and abysmal rolls from the British, the solid oaken core of the British captains army was splintered, leaving little but kindle behind. The Dutch player was said to have expressed that things now - quote - "went very well".
/T
Time: 23:30
Situation: Fifth cup of coffee
Short Musings
I just came back inside after a short break for fresh air. For some reason I never think Eau de Tabletop Gamer is going to be a popular perfume. Some would claim that it smells like *man* in here - I, in turn, am checking the corners for the animal carcass I'm sure is hidden somewhere. The dragon's lair, perhaps?
/T
Time: 00:42
Situation: Watching. Always watching.
And now the Crows gather
The first battle is more or less ended by now. Results will be forthcoming from your friendly neighbourhood organizer, and a sense of relief and post-battle syndrome is settling in. A few people have cracked open a can of <insert beverage here>, and the amount of dice-rolls and cries of despair that can be heard is nearing a minimum.
With a few pictures of the different scenes and units I shall leave you for the night, only to return twice as strong tomorrow.
/T
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_53Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_53Big.jpg)
A lance formation seeks the weak spot in the enemy's line of defense and strikes home
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_54Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_54Big.jpg)
Facing the slavering hordes of daemons, the White Lions never waver in their duty
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_56Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_56Big.jpg)
"Men of Bretonnia... Stand and shoot!"
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_57Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_57Big.jpg)
"Say, Hans, did that rock just smile to us?..."
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_59Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_59Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_61Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_61Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_62Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_62Big.jpg)
Time: 07:40
Situation: Watching bleary eyed gamers stumble into the light
A New Day Dawns
As the first people appear in the doorways to the classrooms that has been their designated sleeping areas for the night, the salivating smell of frying bacon fills the tournament halls. Laughter drifts out from the kitchen and I sit, nursing my first cup of coffee, wondering how I am going to survive this day – and I do not even have four games to play.
Todays schedule starts with breakfast for the happy gamers, followed by the first of four games.
13:00 the second match of the day is begun.
18:30 marks the start of today's third game (fourth matchup of the tournament) – and possibly the last sane battle as well.
Because at 23:00 the fourth and final game of the day begins... a game that is scheduled to end at 03:00 in the morning.
Following breakfast (never have I seen that much bacon disappear that fast), and after a talk with Team Denmark about what Phoenix's eat and how their last round went (with 82 BP, Team Denmark is in fourth place after last round - to which I was told that they are "lulling people into a false sense of security" only to strike when its least expected), the murmur of pre-battle arrangement have taken hold once again, and the teams are now spreading out to decide who will meet who.
Ding-ding! Round 2!
/T
Time: 09:20
Situation: Still not completely awake
Don't go into the light!
When Martin Skummelkrat, one of the players from Team Usual Rejects, decided who he'd like to be matched up against, it would appear he made, what professionals call a big effin' tactical error.
Thinking the German High Elves easy prey, he threw his lot in against them, and sent his Daemons forward, intent on slaughter. Only to find not one, nor two, but three light mages facing him – something he apparently overlooked in the initial planning.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_69Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_69Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_68Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_68Big.jpg)
For those who can't remember, the speciality of the Lore of Light is the Exorcism attribute, which "will cause an extra D6 hits (e.g. 2D6 hits would become 3D6 hits) if the target is Undead or Daemon."
With three mages on the table, this means the Banishment-spell will also strike with 3d6 strength 7 hits with successful ward-saves needing to be re-rolled. Any bets on how that will go for Martin? His own predictions is that he'll be – quote: "Whipped like a redheaded baby".
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_67Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_67Big.jpg)
A clearly desperat Martin Skummelkrat opts to laugh at the situation, rather than cry
/T
Update: Martin's fiends got hit with the game's first banishment. There was seven... now there's three. As a response, the beleaguered Daemon-player has reportedly begun to sing "killing me softly with light lore".
We fear for his sanity.
Time: 09:50
Situation: Chuckling at others misfortune
Celebrate good times, come on!
It's ten minutes to ten, and the first bottle of wine has just been opened. This alone warrants a post here.
A few of the games already look like they are favouring one side or the other. Like the battle where a Greater Unclean One just perished to an irresistible spell. I asked its owner if I could get a frowny-face for the camera, to which I was told that there was nothing funny about the situation. Clearly this tournament is already playing with peoples feelings.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_74Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_74Big.jpg)
Sometimes you just need that shoulder to cry out on
/T
P.S.
In other news, apparently the British team have a way to punish their previous rounds worst player. The Bra of Shame.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_77Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_77Big.jpg)
You have to admit - few men could wear a bra like that, and still retain so much dignity.
Time: 11:15
Situation: First time interviewing
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_78Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_78Big.jpg)
Thomas Kragh – Member of Team Denmark
Are your team doing well?
"Well our team flopped last night getting a tight victory of 82 to 78. But today we are going strong hoping to win with the 100 points that is possible."
Are you doing well in the Tournament?
"Yesterday I lost 14 – 6 against Vampire counts which was bad. But today I won 20-0 against Warriors of Chaos which I also should have, since it was a good matchup for me. "
Who do you think will win?
"Team Germany and Team Denmark are voted favorites but "Usual Rejects" is also a good team."
"So you are raising the banner for the Danes?"
With a smile "Well yes I am Dane after all"
What has been the best / worst Game-moment for you so far?
"Well the worst is my Blood Thirster dying in first round of combat against a unit of black guards with van helsing.
But the best is that my match against warriors of chaos today mostly everything went well. Just other than my siren song where I rolled 1's"
Update on my match agains Jan from Germany and his three light mages.
The bloodthirster killed 20 spearmen and 27 white lions before he ran towards the light and died horribly.
Plaguebearers kept the morale high in the daemon army as they resisted a charge by 20 spearmen in the flank and approximately 20 white lions in the front.
Jan: Where's your nurgle herald?
Me: I don't have one.
Jan: You don't like regeneration?
Both: [laugh]
My ward saves:
(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x34/Skummelkrat/32d6ffde.jpg)
After that the white lions were beaten to a pulp as the plaguebearers combat reformed and in the next round placed 23 attacks with poison and re-roll to wound on them.
It was a really good game, and I got very lucky in the end to pull a minor defeat agains an army designed (really well) to counter my army.
By the way - Team Germany deservingly beat my team, The Usual Rejects, by one point to claim victory. In the proces they had to endure a slann blowing himself up, a greater daemon of nurgle falling in a pit on the first turn and a vampire lord with regeneration getting killed by a harpy on turn 2.
Martin Skummelkrat
Time: 13:05
Situation: Next game-round starting
From Russia With Love
At the start of the third battle, Team Russia has taken the lead in the tournament with 189 Battle Points, with Team Denmark following closely behind with 182. This puts some pressure on the Russians, as the Danish favourites are literally breathing down their neck as they rush to close the gap and place themselves in the lead.
With the Russians now facing off against the Usual Rejects (unofficially dubbed Team Denmark 2), things could go both ways, but it seems the foreigners from the east are bringing their A-game to the table.
I'll be paying close attention to them, this round.
/T
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_29Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_29Big.jpg)
Team Russia is so far presenting a unified front in this tournament
Time: 14:01
Situation: Second interview, getting the hang of it.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_88Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_88Big.jpg)
Jan Heymann – Member of Team Germany
Are your team doing well?
"We are doing ok, we lost our first round against the russians 71 to 81. But we won against Usual Rejects 81 to 79, so now we are more even."
Are you doing well in the Tournament?
"Not as good as expected actually, I had some good matchups, and my High elf army is made to take out daemons and undead. But I lost the first round and won my second with some rotten luck"
Who do you think will win?
"I think The Danish ETC team since they have played so many battles together and know each other's strength and weakness."
What has been the best / worst Game-moment for you so far?
"The worst was my White Lions Frontal charge, together with my spearmen, against some Plague Bearers. I made 9 wounds but he saved them all so, my spearmen ended up fleeing and then my White Lions were next."
I would guess your best moment might be when you used banishment on the Bloodthirster
Smiling while rubbing his hands. "Yes! That was good."
Time: 15:40
Situation: Interviewing the leader of another Danish team
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_21Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_21Big.jpg)
Team My father has a Porsche! Showed up with posh yuppi-outfits, clearly unimpressed by the petty clothes and lower class-look that many of the other tournament contestants had
Nikolaj – Captain of Team My father has a Porsche!
I found a jovial Nikolaj going over his teams latest points. We positioned ourselves in the nearest couch (at which point he haughtily asked the common men around him to quiet down, so the adults could talk), to do our interview.
What's your teams strongest asset?
"Our team spirit. When we showed up in our uniforms and with wine and brandy, we definitely set a standard and showed the rest how its done."
What are your expectations for this weekend?
"Fun. That, and to give Team Denmark a good challenge – which we did!"
Who will win?
"Us? Us or Ze Germans – spell that with a z!"
What do you look most forward to?
"To see if our armies work, I think. We've spent a lot of time thinking and planning, and its interesting to see, if they are going to work, or if we're in for a can of whoop-ass."
Which team do you expect to pose the greatest challenge? [/i]
"That would be Team Denmark. I would have said Germany, because they seem to have the strongest armylists, but we're not set to play against them to this tournament."
With the attitude in place. The outfits trim and shining, and a desire to simply enjoy their stay, the yuppies who brag about their male parents ownership of strong-branded Italian auto-mobiles are here to make a lasting impression. So lift your glass in a toast, but please avoid soiling the leather interior.
/T
Can we hear who gave a big ZERO to Asger, and when was the last time he tried that.
Thx
Polle
Quote from: mcpolle on 18 June, 2011, 17:23:06
Can we hear who gave a big ZERO to Asger, and when was the last time he tried that.
Thx
Polle
Hi Polle,
I'll attempt to get a hold of Asger and ask - in the meantime I can tell you it was Tobias/Azrael and his Dark Elves that did the honours. The score was 2600 VP against 1030 VP, resulting in a 20-0 victory.
/T
Time: 18:43
Situation: Getting my second wind
I can actually hear myself in here now
After a little nap and a shower, I now find myself somewhat invigorated. An amusing thing of holding the tournament where we do, is that if you need to shower, you need to ask one of the kitchen-crew to escort you to the baths. Flanked by a fellow with a key on a string, and with a towel tucked neatly under your arm, you can't help but feel like a prisoner in a cheap tv-series.
In any case, the next tournament round has begun, and teams have split into the groups to discuss tactics and find out who fights who. Perhaps its just me, who have gotten use to the soundlevel by now, but I get the distinct feeling that there is less animated talking and gesturing at this point, than there was yesterday. Things seem calmer, somehow. More at ease. Maybe its because some of the teams have now already begun to "face their end with shoulders held high" (as the Captain of Team Captain Morgan amply put it). Maybe results are starting to show in favour of one team?
Team Denmark is in the lead, by the way, and has put a bit of distance between themselves, and the Russians who are in second place. Those same two teams are playing each other this round, so it might spawn some interesting fights.
I'll head over there with a camera, once battle is joined.
/T
P.S.
How anyone will survive the next battle is beyond me. Anything ending at 03:00 AM, and which involves the need for rational thought, is going to go wrooong. I look forward to that.
Time: 19:50
Situation: Interviewing the leader of yet another Danish team
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_89Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_89Big.jpg)
Despite having yet to gain any points above the 60 that is normally given to all teams as a minimum, Team Captain Morgan intends fight proudly to the end
Jens Ole - Captain of Team Captain Morgan
It was with a slight air of defeatism that Jens Ole plumped down on a hammock in front of my computer.
"Do you have time for an interview?" I questioned him, since I hadn't gotten around to him yet.
"Sure" he said, in the same tone one might use, when realizing that the last rum is gone (Jack Sparrow reference for you right there). And the rum is definitly going for Team Captain Morgan.
What's your teams strongest asset?
"Our German player. He's made the most points, with the most beardy empire army"
What are your expectations for this weekend?
"That we get above Netherlands"
Who will win?
"Usual Rejects, but only because my brother is part of the team."
What do you look most forward to?
"Hosekræmmeren (a local pub, ed.)"
Which team do you expect to pose the greatest challenge?
"I don't know." (At this time, the tournament organizer butted in. "You should change that question to, which team do you expect to actually score any points against...")
Maybe it was this little barb from the overlord of the event that got Jens Ole to grit his teeth and decide to go back into the fight. Whatever the case, he stopped me when I was taking his picture, and told me to write, that the team intended to go down with their shoulders and head held high - and fight with beak and claws for the 7th place in the tournament. Well good on ya, Captain Morgan. Fight the good fight!
/T
Time: 20:30
Situation: Interviewing the leader of the Russian team
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y118Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y118Big.jpg)
Nickolay – Captain of Team Russia
The leader of the Russian team has this little smile on his face, like he knows some great secrets the rest of us aren't aware of, and just do not want to tell. He wanted to get playing, but I cornered him long enough to answer the Captain's Questionaire:
What's your teams strongest asset?
"Our team spirit. I can see the team is working together, acting as a team, and that is good."
What are your expectations for this weekend?
"I will be very happy, if we get to second place."
Who will win?
"Denmark." (The team, not the country, ed.)
What do you look most forward to?
"I have been looking forward to play against Asger. I'd like to fight him."
Which team do you expect to pose the greatest challenge?
"That would be Denmark again."
The vodka-drinking guys (and girls - yes, they brought a female Bretonnia-player) from Russia seem intent on gaining as much experience as they can from the Danes. This goal is so important for them, that for the second time, they're willing to travel all the way to a town in the middle of nowhere in a little country - to warm up, and face, the tough Danes and their tough armies.
/T
Time: 22:50
Situation: Third interview, with a tired German
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y120Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y120Big.jpg)
He preferred to not get a picture taken. so here is one of his beautiful models.
Guido – Captain of Team Germany
His answers were short and to the point.
Teams strongest asset?
"Can I ask my secretary? Well our Team is pretty even balanced so if someone gets a bad matchup, the others usually pull through"
What were your expectations for this weekend?
"Playing fun and exciting games, learn new tricks and see people we don't see so often."
Who do you think will win?
"The Danish ETC team, they are really though opponents."
What did you look most forward to this weekend?
"Actually playing some good games, fun and meeting some friends."
Who do you think posed the greatest challenge?
The Danish ETC team."
Time: 23:14
Situation: Fourth interview, and starting to get tired.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y121Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y121Big.jpg)
Jan D'Souza – Captain of Team Usual Rejects
His answers were short, but with a big smile
Teams strongest asset?
"We have eight all-in armies, and it will of course make someone happy about it."
What were your expectations for this weekend?
"Well Realistically I do think we have a good team with some good players.
But we are not good enough to beat The Danish ETC team. But that would of course be the Dream "
Who do you think will win?
"The Danish ETC team."
What did you look most forward to this weekend?
"Meeting with the friends. And having a good time."
Who do you think posed the greatest challenge?
The Danish ETC team."
Time: 08:28
Situation: Sipping lukewarm coffee and surveying everything
Close Race
As I look out across an almost empty hall, that carries with it all the signs of heavy use and abuse by a throng of tabletop gamers, it is time to take stock of the situation:
The main point of today, is of course the top tier of the Warm Up teams. With only 25 points separating the leading team from the runner up, you can be assured that we'll see some fierce battles. I spoke with Stefan Nielsen, one of the organizers of the event, to hear just what we can expect from this last round..
"It is actually possible for the Germans to win now" he told me, explaining that since the German and Danish ETC Team are set to meet each other in this final round, they only have to pull off a 95/65 victory to leave the tournament victorious.
"I expect we'll see a lot of defensive play from the Danish team now," Stefan said. "But its definitely interesting, that the Danes actually have to put up a fight to retain their first place, instead of having an "easy" last game."
As they are matched against each other, even losing a game with only 12/8 will mean a difference in 4 points between the two teams, so the boys in red and white have to hang in tight, to avoid the Germans, who are now breathing down their neck.
Talking to Danish captain Troels Cederholm, he confirmed to us, that the Danes would likely go for the so called "limp dick" strategy – hugging the table edges and doing their best in denying points to the opposition.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y106Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y106Big.jpg)
The blokes from Germany are gunning for the Danes in this last and final round
/T
Time: 12:00
Situation: Touring the battlefields
The Final Countdown
To show you what the ETC guys mean by a "limp dick", take a look at a couple of pictures from the start of their last game.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y125Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y125Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y124Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y124Big.jpg)
Asger's Dark Elves are playing the popular game; "protect the corner"
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y135Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y135Big.jpg)
I call this one "Sophie's choice" - Facing a Vampire Count, Kent decided to split his army in two halves, and place them as far from each other as possible. This way his enemy's troops (who needs to stick close to the Vampire) can only get half of his points.
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y132Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y132Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y133Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y133Big.jpg)
"The mad meat shield" (those a flagellants deployed at the front)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y126Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y126Big.jpg)
(http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y127Small.jpg) (http://www.nifcon.dk/ETC/pix/ETC_Y127Big.jpg)
"The attack on Bunker hill" - I think the general plan is to avoid the horsies for as long as possible here.
/T
Time: 14:00
Situation: Writing my last post.
Endgame
So, it has come to this. After spending close to three days in the name of gaming, a victor is now found:
With a total of 554 BP, the winner of this years ETC Warm up is Team Denmark, with Germany coming in second with 535 BP.
The Danish ETC Team, who where by many considered the favourites, pulled of a successful endgame strategy, and managed to stave of the advances from the Germans by denying them the points needed.
Results from the final games are up in the Results-thread, found here (http://www.powerfist.dk/forum/index.php?topic=48535.0)
All that is left now, is for the happy gamers to return their armies to their respective cases, and then begin the (for some) long way home. Thanks to the participants for a exciting tournament, and to the readers and commenters for following this live reporting effort.
From Brande, Denmark, this is Thorsten Weitling signing out.
/T